◆
"You're afraid of the Athletic Festival?"
I echoed Narika's words back to her in the form of a question.
It was a strange thing to hear.
In terms of raw athletic ability, she didn't lose even to Hinako... No, Narika was undoubtedly the top athlete in all of Kikou Academy. For someone like her to say she was afraid of the Athletic Festival was baffling.
"I was under the impression that you were quite good at sports, Miyakojima-san," Hinako said, voicing the same doubt I had.
Narika nodded, her expression tense. "A-Ah, no, I-I-I am, but...!"
"You've been joining us for tea parties and study sessions lately," I said. "You don't need to be so nervous around her."
"T-This is the one thing I'm sure I'm right about! Normally, when someone is facing Konohana-san, this level of nervousness is the standard!"
Well, she might have had a point there. Because I knew Hinako's true self, it was hard for me to feel intimidated by her.
"...Getting back to the subject," Narika said, giving a deliberate, theatrical cough. "Last year, I participated in the Kendo Division for the Athletic Festival."
Kendo, huh? If that were the case, then surely—
"You won, right? You've always been a natural at martial arts, Narika."
"...Yeah. I did win."
It should have been something she could boast about with pride, but for some reason, Narika's reply was hesitant.
Because her family was a major sports equipment manufacturer, Narika had been immersed in sports since she was a child. She possessed a particular, innate talent for martial arts. Her family also ran a dojo, and she’d had various disciplines drilled into her from a young age. At the very least, she wasn't the type to lose to anyone her own age.
"I won, but... a problem arose." Narika lowered her eyes. "Maybe it's because I won a little too spectacularly, but everyone ended up being afraid of me... Looking back, I feel like that was what triggered me becoming a loner."
So that was it... No wonder she had such a gloomy face despite having achieved such brilliant results.
"Well, I suspect the actual trigger was probably something else. You've been a loner since the old days, Narika."
"T-T-T-That's not true! Even I might have had a friend or two in the past... p-probably...!"
She sounded exactly like someone who had never had any.
"A-Anyway, it’s a trauma for me! That's why I'm afraid of the Athletic Festival... I just wanted to have fun with everyone, so why did it turn out like this...!"
Narika clutched her head. She seemed to be in quite a bind.
But even if she asks me for help... I wondered what I could actually do.
"For now, why don't you just enter something other than kendo this year?"
"...No, I ended up in kendo again. It was decided by a unanimous vote during this morning's homeroom... well, more accurately, it was a unanimous vote by everyone except me."
It sounded like she had folded under the pressure of her classmates.
In the end, that was exactly what Narika's problem boiled down to. Hearing that she had been steamrolled by the group confirmed it: Narika had very few people around her who truly understood her. That was why these situations kept happening.
If we were in the same class, I might have been able to back her up... but that wouldn't mean much on its own. Considering her future, it would be better for her to build a network of people beyond just us.
"...Alright."
I already knew that Narika was struggling. It had been three months since I started working as Hinako's caretaker. I had a bit of breathing room now, and I wanted to be of help to her.
"Narika, let's find you some friends before the Athletic Festival starts. I'll help you."
"R-Really!?"
As Narika's eyes widened, I gave her a firm nod. "Yeah. In exchange, could you act as a tennis coach for me and Konohana-san?"
Narika looked blank at my proposal.
◆
After school, I immediately told Ms. Shizune about the idea of having Narika serve as our coach.
"I see. That is a fine idea."
Ms. Shizune accepted it easily. It seemed she also acknowledged Narika's athletic prowess. Narika's sporting achievements were famous enough within Kikou Academy that her reputation had likely reached circles outside the school as well.
"Do you think Kagon will permit it?"
"I believe there should be no issue. Though I imagine his feelings on the matter may be a bit... complicated."
"Complicated...?"
"In the field of sports, Narika Miyakojima surpasses the Young Lady. When constructing the persona of a perfect lady, she could prove to be a formidable enemy standing in her way."
"...I see."
In other words, she was a rival to Hinako. In terms of status and academic ability, Tennoji-san was the competition, but when it came to sports, Narika’s record was genuinely peerless.
So Narika is seen as a threat by Kagon... She'd probably faint if she heard that.
If anything, it was something to be proud of, but in Narika's case, it would likely just cause her confusion.
Regardless, Narika was officially set as our coach. That said, Hinako had won the Tennis Division last year, so she hadn't originally intended to spend much time practicing. Having a coach was mostly just to help her shake off any rust.
Therefore, we decided to tackle Narika's problem first.
The next day, during homeroom after school, Hinako and I informed the teacher which events we would be participating in.
"Tomonari-kun and Konohana-san for tennis, then. I have received your forms."
Fukushima checked the documents we submitted. The Tennis Division had both singles and doubles, but they were divided by gender. That meant Hinako and I couldn't form a team.
As a result, we both chose singles. I didn't have anyone to pair up with, and in Hinako's case, she likely found it less exhausting to face a match alone rather than having to coordinate with someone else.
"Oh, you're doing tennis, Tomonari?"
I was suddenly called out to from behind. Taisho and Asahi-san were standing there.
"And Konohana-san was in tennis last year too, right?" Asahi-san added.
Hinako gave an elegant nod. "Yes."
"What did you two choose?" I asked.
"I'm doing skiing," Taisho said.
"I'm in the Dance Division!" Asahi-san chimed in.
They showed us their submission forms. Indeed, the boxes were marked for skiing and dance.
"Looks like I'm the only one whose venue is different," Taisho said somewhat regretfully.
Tennis and dance were held on the Academy grounds, but skiing was scheduled to take place at a mountain resort some distance away.
"Wait, is it even possible to ski at this time of year?"
"It's what they call a 'summer slope.' They lay down these special mats for gliding and you ski on top of them. It hurts like hell if you fall, though, so you can't really pick up too much speed."
I didn't know such a thing existed.
"I'll be performing a dance on the main field when the Athletic Festival kicks off, so please come watch if you can!" Asahi-san said.
"I look forward to it."
The Dance Division performed right as the Athletic Festival opened. According to the booklet I’d received, they livened up the event every year with spectacular routines. Beyond the opening, they also split into teams to compete over choreography and execution. It was a fairly rigorous division.
Once Taisho and Asahi-san went to submit their forms, we stepped out of the classroom.
"Well then, shall we head over to Narika's place?"
Normally I would head straight home, but for a while, I’d be spending my afternoons with Narika. She was likely still in her classroom in Class B.
As I started toward the neighboring room, I looked at Hinako. "What about you, Hinako? Do you want to head back first?"
"...I'm coming too. I don't want things to end up like they did with Tennoji-san..."
I wondered what she meant by that, but Hinako didn't offer any further explanation.
"Especially... Miyakojima-san. She's one to watch out for."
"Why? I don't think Narika has done anything to trouble you."
"...Itsuki, you change a little when you're around her."
"I change?"
Hinako nodded with a complicated expression. "Mm. It's like... you're more natural."
"I'm not really conscious of it... but we did spend a lot of time together when we were kids."
Objectively speaking, our childhood bond wasn't necessarily "casual," but that was my own mindset. Back then, I didn't realize how high-profile Narika's family was, nor did I fully understand the precarious situation my own family was in. Looking back, it made my blood run cold. In a sense, I’d had nerves of steel as a child.
"..................No fair," Hinako whispered in a tiny voice.
As she pouted, I tilted my head, even more confused.
"Oh, Tomonari-san and Konohana-san."
A girl with blonde ringlets called out to us from further down the hallway.
"Hello, Tennoji-san."
"Yes, hello."
When I greeted her, Tennoji-san smiled softly. It might have been my imagination, but her expression seemed a bit warmer than before. While she remained as confident as ever, there was a more friendly intent behind her words.
"Have you two already decided which events you will be participating in?" she asked.
The entire school was currently abuzz with talk of the Athletic Festival.
"We decided on tennis. What about you?"
"I am in the Polo Division!" Tennoji-san declared grandly.
"Polo... that's the one played on horseback, right?"
"Yes! To explain it simply, it is like playing hockey while riding a horse!"
It was a very clear explanation. The booklet mentioned that polo was the origin of the polo shirt; players used mallets to drive a ball into the opponent’s goal while mounted.
"Polo is a very stimulating sport. Because one gallops across a wide field, both rider and horse become exhausted. There is even a rule that one must change horses at set intervals so as not to overwork the animal."
"That sounds intense."
"Yes. And that is exactly why it is so rewarding." Tennoji-san's eyes burned with passion. As always, she lived for competition. "Why don't you two join me? Since we have this rare opportunity, why not switch to the Polo Division? I believe you can still change your registration."
"...I'll have to pass. I've never even ridden a horse before."
It was exactly the type of sport where Ms. Shizune warned my lack of refinement would be exposed.
When I gently refused, Tennoji-san spoke with a hint of bashfulness, her cheeks tingeing pink. "In that case... I-I could certainly teach you, you know!"
She continued, "With your earnest personality, you can master anything. Something like riding a horse... I will teach you... e-every little thing, personally!"
It would surely be just like when she taught me to dance or practiced etiquette with me. She really would be a thorough and dedicated teacher.
In its own way... that sounded like a very fulfilling way to spend my days. For a split second, I forgot my objectives and imagined what those days with Tennoji-san would be like.
And then—
"We humbly decline," Hinako said, politely shutting the offer down on my behalf.
Tennoji-san's eyes went wide for a moment, but she quickly recovered. "Is that so? Then, Tomonari-san, you at least must—"
"We humbly decline," Hinako repeated sharply, cutting her off.
She wasn't just declining for herself; she was speaking for me as well. A vein throbbed on Tennoji-san's forehead.
"Konohana-san. I am asking Tomonari-san..."
"Tomonari-san is participating in tennis with me," Hinako said elegantly, maintaining a gentle smile.
Tennoji-san's face twitched. "With you?"
"Yes. Together. We decided on it together, just the two of us."
Throughout the exchange, Hinako maintained her perfect, refined smile. Her acting was truly first-class; not a single muscle in her face wavered. But for some reason, to me, she looked like she was staking a claim.
"Heh... hehehe... It seems the number of scores we must settle has increased by one...!!" Tennoji-san said through gritted teeth. However, she managed to master her emotions with logic. "...I shall let it slide for now. I have a mission to lead my team to victory in the Polo Division."
She sounded genuinely regretful. It felt like I was surrounded by people who were all pathologically obsessed with winning championships.
"By the way, where are you two headed?"
"Uh, well, I'm just giving Narika some advice..." I decided not to get into the details since it was a personal matter.
"If there is any sort of problem, you should rely on me." Tennoji-san placed a hand on her chest and struck a graceful pose.
"I'd love to, but... Tennoji-san, you're probably not suited for this one."
"Not suited?" Her eyebrow twitched. "There is nothing I am not suited for!"
"...Well, for example, if there was someone who was lonely and wanted to make friends, what kind of advice would you give them?"
"That is simple! They should just ask the person to be their friend!"
"Uhh... please excuse us."
"Tomonari-san!?"
Tennoji-san stared in shock as I walked away. Her communication skills were extraordinary, which was a great strength, but it meant she’d never be able to empathize with Narika's specific brand of social anxiety.
Once again, I entered the Class B classroom with Hinako.
"I-It's Konohana-san...!"
"What is she doing in our class...?"
The room went into an uproar. Since Hinako didn't usually visit other classrooms, the students were stunned. We couldn't afford to stay long, or we'd be swarmed.
I spotted Narika packing her books in a corner and beckoned her over silently.
"Itsuki!" Narika's eyes sparkled as she hurried toward us.
"M-Miyakojima-san is... talking to someone!?"
"Who's 'Itsuki'?"
The agitation in the room increased. Was she really at the point where people were shocked just to see her having a conversation?
Regardless, we made a quick exit. Between the name-dropping and Hinako’s presence, I felt countless gazes piercing into my back. When Hinako gave a light bow before leaving, the students remained frozen like stone statues, completely enchanted.
"Alright, shall we get started?"
We gathered at a table in a quiet corner of the garden where there was little foot traffic. It was now July. Early summer was fading, and the days were growing steadily warmer.
I hadn't intended for this to be a long meeting, so I hadn't prepared any refreshments, but the heat made me wish I had something to quench my thirst. Just as the thought crossed my mind, drinks were placed on the table.
I looked up to see a staff member from the campus cafe. "Um, we didn't order anything..."
"It is on the house."
It was like being at a luxury resort. Before I knew it, a full service had been set out, including a plate of cookies arranged with practiced hands. We thanked the waiter as they departed. Kikou Academy never ceased to surprise me.
After a sip of cold tea, I took a breath and settled in.
"Well then, officially—" I looked at the two girls across from me. "We are beginning Narika's 'Operation: Escape Loneliness.'"
"O-Ohhh!" Narika pumped her fist, brimming with motivation.
Beside her, Hinako smiled softly. "Ohhh, indeed. Hehe."
With a hint of bashfulness, Hinako mimicked the gesture, making a tiny fist with her hand. The gap was staggering. The sheer cuteness of Hinako acting out of character left both Narika and me momentarily stunned.
"Guh...! Is this the power of the Academy's most popular girl...?" Seeing the charisma of the girl who reigned at the top, Narika looked like she was about to lose heart already.
To be honest, even I was shaken. When Hinako played the perfect lady, she was the picture of elegance, but she could also be casual and relaxed to match the mood. She wasn't stuck-up, which was exactly why she was so universally loved.
"First, let's confirm the current situation. Narika, give it to us straight."
"A-Ah, right. Well, since I've already told Itsuki everything... frankly, I don't think there's much more to say..." Narika paused for a beat. "First, excluding Itsuki... and the rest of you, I have zero friends."
It was a grim start. The reason she had hesitated was likely because she wasn't sure if she could count Hinako as a friend yet, but had decided that excluding her while she was sitting right there would be rude.
"Next, whenever I try to talk to someone, they keep their distance. In fact, they’re afraid of me even when I’m not doing anything. Just the other day, I was just walking normally, but the moment people saw me, the path opened up like the parting of the Red Sea..."
"That's enough, Narika... that's more than enough..."
"Uwa... uwaaaaaaah." Narika looked like she was on the verge of tears.
"Why does that happen? You're not being bullied, are you?"
"I-I don't think so... it's more like I'm being massively misunderstood by everyone."
If Narika herself didn't think it was bullying, I would trust her judgment for now. Having heard her subjective experience, I turned to Hinako.
"From your perspective, Konohana-san, what is your impression of Narika?"
Since we were in Narika's presence, I made sure to remain polite.