The view at Kikou Academy was the same as ever that day.
It was one of Japan’s premier prestigious schools, attended by the children of the upper class—the sons and daughters of major corporate presidents and powerful politicians. Backed by immense wealth, the Academy boasted vast grounds and state-of-the-art facilities that the students were free to enjoy.
By now, I was growing accustomed to the environment, but for the first time in a long while, I felt a tension similar to the day I first arrived.
Before morning homeroom began, I approached a male student sitting at his desk.
"You're Kita-kun, right?"
The boy turned around, his eyes wide with surprise as if he hadn't expected me to speak to him.
"Ah, yes. Is something...?"
"My name is Tomonari."
He might have already known who I was, but I figured it was best to introduce myself properly. Careful not to let my nerves show, I cautiously moved to the main topic.
"Actually, there's something I’d like to consult with you about..."
As I recited the lines I had prepared, I thought back to the night before.
◆
"Just to confirm, Tomonari-san, you wish to reach a point where you no longer stand out in a negative way when you accompany the Young Lady at the Academy?"
After I had shown my resolve to finally engage with the social hierarchy of Kikou Academy, Ms. Shizune questioned me once more.
"Yes. I have no intention of ruining Hinako's image, but I want to at least become someone who doesn't look out of place by her side as a fellow student."
Naturally, the level of intimacy Hinako and I shared at the manor had to remain a secret from the public. For instance, I intended to keep our secret lunches going. No one could ever see me feeding Hinako her lunch or letting her use my lap as a pillow.
"And... I want to solve Narika's problem as well."
"Miyakojima-sama's?" Ms. Shizune tilted her head.
I realized I hadn't shared Narika's situation with her yet. I explained that Hinako and I were helping Narika make friends.
(If I'm going to help Narika make friends, I have to be able to make them myself first...)
Helping Narika had, ironically, become a perfect opportunity to reflect on my own standing. I might as well solve both problems at once. Both Narika and I were going to prove that we could blend into Kikou Academy better than ever before.
"Then, let us make your first goal, Itsuki-san, to find a new friend," Ms. Shizune suggested.
Not Hinako, not Tennoji-san, not Narika, not Asahi-san, and not Taisho. I needed to make a new friend and find a place in a new community. By doing so, I would gain a clearer understanding of the overall social landscape of the Academy... and Class 2-A. I nodded.
"Do you still have the class register I gave you previously?"
"Ah, yes. It should be around here..."
I pulled a stack of papers from my desk. This was one of the documents Ms. Shizune had handed me when I first started at Kikou Academy. I remembered being so busy back then that I’d skimmed through it while in the bathtub.
"Let's look through this register and find someone who seems easy for you to talk to, Itsuki-san."
That felt... incredibly cautious. It was a good thing, of course, but Ms. Shizune was proposing a strategy even more deliberate and steady than I had expected.
"It is easy to forget once you become accustomed to it, but the students of Kikou Academy are all children of the elite. We are not the only ones who are careful about social interactions; they are likely the same. You might think we are being overly formal, Itsuki-san, but I am certain many others are doing the exact same thing."
I see...
Of course, I hadn't forgotten that my peers were upper class, but the reality of it had started to fade recently. Because my daily circle of friends had become fixed, I had grown complacent. Since I knew my usual companions well, I could afford to relax. I hadn't even realized how much I’d let my guard down.
However, when it came to building new connections, my casual behavior wouldn't cut it. I needed to re-recognize the fact that I was dealing with students of Kikou Academy.
"Depending on the family, it seems some even hire private investigators just to screen a potential friend."
"They go that far...?"
"Well, that is an extreme case of overprotection, but the point is that being this cautious isn't considered strange here."
Listening to Ms. Shizune made me reflect on my own shortcomings. Kikou Academy wasn't a normal school. Therefore, the standard techniques for making friends might not apply.
The male student who had been cold to Narika was a perfect example. He was wary because her family was so influential. That was a value system that simply hadn't existed at my old high school. I had to understand those values properly.
"For example, how about this person?" Ms. Shizune pointed to a name in the register.
The name was...
"...Yusuke Kita."
"The successor to a mid-sized IT company. Since your cover story is that you are also the successor to an IT firm, Itsuki-san, I expect the conversation will flow easily between two people in similar circumstances."
"But I don't actually know much about IT. Won't the conversation just stall...?"
"You'll just have to make up for that through study."
"Fair point," I agreed with a nod.
"I recall you were studying IT-related subjects when we first decided on this cover story, were you not?"
"Yes. But that was truly the bare minimum. I don't think I've learned nearly enough yet."
"I agree."
I had only done enough to keep from slipping up, but now I had a higher goal: to become a student truly worthy of the Academy. That would require long-term effort. A wave of anxiety crossed my mind, wondering if I could actually pull it off.
"...Actually, would you like to truly work for an IT company in the future?"
"Eh?"
"You have been working quite well as a caretaker, Itsuki-san. So, if you are troubled about your future career path, I believe the Konohana family can make arrangements for you. I'm sure we could at least provide a letter of recommendation for an IT firm."
"I-Is that so...?"
"Yes. Provided that you don't mess up from here on out, of course."
Since that possibility wasn't zero, I felt a bit conflicted. To keep being Hinako's caretaker, I had trespassed into the manor, and I’d eventually decided I couldn't keep lying to Tennoji-san and revealed my identity... I had already crossed several dangerous bridges.
"Putting aside your future for now... if you at least have that intention, it will make for better conversation and give you more motivation to study."
"...Yes."
If I were to actually work at an IT company in the future... thinking that way did boost my motivation. No matter how much I studied, it would undoubtedly be useful for a future career. But more than anything, being able to speak to a guy like Kita on the same level was a major advantage. Unlike a fraud like me, he was truly on the path to becoming a company president.
"Please thin your perception that you are merely 'acting,'" Ms. Shizune said with a solemn expression. "To solve the problems you currently face, Itsuki-san, you must become a student of Kikou Academy in the true sense of the word."
"Yes."
Become a student of the Academy in the true sense. Ms. Shizune emphasized those words once more.
"Human relationships are an area where it is difficult to deceive others with lies and bluffs. But look at it from the other side—that means there is no need to act."
In other words, from here on out, I had to face things as my true self.
"Please act while respecting your own will. I may not always be able to lead you to the right answer, but I will support you as much as possible. Let us overcome this together."
Her words were steeped in kindness. While I was touched, I couldn't help but stare intently at Ms. Shizune's face.
"Is something the matter?"
"No... it's just, you seemed very enthusiastic about this."
Ms. Shizune looked at me blankly. It seemed she hadn't been aware of it.
"...It's because you've become truly irreplaceable now," she said, as if carefully scooping up her own feelings. "Even if we were to hire another caretaker after you, Itsuki-san, I wonder if anyone would ever appear who would work as devotedly for the Young Lady as you do..."
I could tell she believed such a person likely wouldn't exist. However, I felt a slight catch in my heart at her statement. I wasn't racking my brains this seriously just to fulfill a job description.
"...I barely feel like I'm 'working' anymore, though. I'm doing this because I want to."
Maybe I didn't need to say it, but I didn't want this to be dismissed as just another task. Ms. Shizune slowly nodded.
"I know. That is why I, too, wish to assist you not as your superior, but as a friend."
Ms. Shizune smiled gently.
"Is there anything you need? I will prepare whatever I can."
"Umm, well, for starters, I'd like to focus on studying IT..."
"I have a set of study materials ready."
Ms. Shizune stepped outside the room for a moment and returned pushing a cart filled with textbooks. Apparently, she had already anticipated the request.
"Also, if possible, could you prepare a PC for me? It feels like there's a limit to just reading textbooks..."
"I will arrange it," Ms. Shizune nodded immediately. "Please consult me if you encounter any other difficulties. From now on, I shall support you even more than before."
Those were incredibly reassuring words. The Ms. Shizune was saying she would have my back. Right now, I felt like I could accomplish almost anything.
"Ms. Shizune..."
"Yes?"
"Shizuemon..."
"If you call me by that name again, I'll snip it off."
I hadn't heard those words in a while. It seemed I’d gotten a bit too carried away. I silently nodded.
(Until now, I'd looked at Kikou Academy as if it were someone else's business.)
I’d seen it as a school I was attending just to do my job as a caretaker—a place where someone like me didn't really belong. I couldn't deny that I had lacked a sense of personal involvement.
But that was over.
(From now on... I'll show that I can understand Kikou Academy and its people much better.)
I would hold firmly to the awareness that I, too, was a student here.
"Well then, let's do our best starting tomorrow."
"Yes."
I immediately began studying with the materials I’d received.
◆
"So, what did you want to consult with me about?" Kita asked, looking at me.
I opened a page in the textbook I had received from Ms. Shizune.
"I heard you're very knowledgeable about IT, Kita-kun... do you know how to solve this problem?"
By the way, I wasn't asking this just as a conversation starter. It was a problem I seriously couldn't figure out even after studying hard the night before. Ms. Shizune was also a layperson when it came to technical IT matters, and she had uncharacteristically failed to find the answer. Even so, she had mastered the basics, so she was definitely more capable than I was...
"Oh, this? This is—"
Kita explained the answer in a logical, orderly fashion. It was a very clear explanation, and his tone was full of confidence. A problem of this level was likely something Kita had mastered long ago.
"I see... thank you very much."
I truly felt the meaning of the saying 'leave it to the experts' in that moment.
"This is a question from the Fundamental Information Technology Engineer exam, right? Are you planning to take it, Tomonari-kun?"
"Yes, my family runs that kind of company."
This was part of the plan I’d made with Ms. Shizune. As an immediate milestone, I’d decided to obtain a national IT certification.
"Have you already taken it, Kita-kun?"
"Yeah. I'm planning to take the Applied Information Technology Engineer exam next time."
That was the certification one level above the one I was struggling with. Generally, it was a qualification obtained after entering the workforce, but judging by his clear explanation just now, I felt certain Kita could pass it.
"Are there many others in a similar situation to us?"
"I don't think there are any in Class A. There are some in the class next door, though."
"Huh," I hummed, taking it in.
It seemed Kita had a network of people in similar circumstances to himself. This was exactly what I’d been overlooking. Hinako, Tennoji-san, and Narika weren't enough. I had to face the majority of Kikou Academy as well.
"But I was a bit surprised. I didn't think you'd ever speak to me, Tomonari-kun," Kita said with a wry laugh.
Was it okay to dig deeper? No, I had to. I’d made this resolution specifically to overturn that impression.
"I wanted to ask about that... frankly, was I standing out in a bad way?"
When I summoned the courage to ask, Kita looked awkward.
"Umm... well, I mean, I can't really deny it..."
"...I figured." I hung my head. "I didn't intend for that to be the case... how did I look to everyone?"
"Hmm... how should I put it? When you first transferred in, you were always with Konohana-san, and after that, you were having tea parties with Tennoji-san and the others... so I think some people thought you weren't interested in ordinary people like us."
"That's not the case at all..."
Actually, to me, you aren't ordinary either...
The students of Kikou Academy were mostly people of good character. So, even if social circles were a bit exclusive, things rarely escalated into bullying. But on the flip side, that made it hard to discover how others actually perceived you.
The Class B boy who had been harsh to Narika was probably an unusually emotional type for this school. Without his outburst, I might never have noticed the truth.
(That was close... if I’d kept coasting along like this, I would have become a target of envy.)
It made sense. If you only associate with the elite of the elite, it’s natural for everyone else to find it irritating. That was why I had to branch out. I wanted Kita to be that first step.
I spoke with a hint of nervousness.
"If it's alright with you... could you tell me more about it after school today?"
"Eh?"
Kita was visibly flustered. Darn, did I close the distance too quickly? Even though I’d pointed that exact mistake out to Narika, here I was doing the same thing. I wasn't in any position to talk.
However, in response to my internal whirlwind of anxiety, Kita gave a positive reply.
"...Sure. If you're okay with me, then I'd be happy to."
"Umm... are you sure?"
"Yeah. I was a bit surprised, but..." Kita chose his words carefully. "I often see you with Taisho-kun, Tomonari-kun."
"With Taisho-kun?"
"Yeah. I was in his class last year, too, so we still talk occasionally... and he said you were a pretty interesting guy."
Hearing that, it clicked. Kita trusted me because he’d seen me with Taisho. I’d just been saved by Taisho's popularity.
(Thanks, Taisho...)
Though I suspected the "interesting" things Taisho mentioned were probably the three-second rule, borrowed-and-never-returned items, or splitting the bill that I’d explained at that first tea party. I felt a bit conflicted about that.
Then, a thought occurred to me. Could it be that Taisho and Asahi-san knew exactly how I was being perceived by everyone else? Those two had massive social circles; I was sure a rumor or two about me had reached them.
(I'm glad those two were the first ones I became friends with...)
I was truly grateful they had associated with me without being swayed by the surrounding gossip. Taisho's family ran the major moving company, 'Taisho Moving,' and Asahi-san's family ran the electronics giant, 'Jays Holdings.' Both were B2C companies that served the general public. Whether it was due to their lineage or not, I deeply respected the consideration those two showed toward others.
"Then, I look forward to meeting after school."
Kita nodded with a simple "Yeah."
◆
After school.
As students were heading home, I made sure the coast was clear before approaching Hinako.
"Hinako."
No one was around to hear us. In the hallway, I used my natural voice to keep it brief.
"Sorry. Go home without me today."
"...If it's about Miyakojima-san, I'd be happy to help...?"
"No, today isn't about Narika. It's more of a personal matter..."
Explaining the whole situation would take too long. While I was wondering how to phrase it, Hinako gave a small nod.
"...I understand."
Even without an explanation, she gave her permission.
"I mostly trust you, Itsuki..."
"Mostly...?"
"Except for the parts where you have no self-restraint..."
I had no idea what she meant by that. As I stood there bewildered, Hinako stared at my face.
"...Is there really nothing I can do?" she asked, tilting her head.
I hadn't expected those words from her, and I inadvertently stiffened.
"I... want to be of help to you too, Itsuki."
She said such a wonderful thing. I somehow managed to suppress the urge to break into a creepy grin.
"Thanks. If I need anything, I'll definitely consult with you."
"Mm... leave it to me."
Hinako turned on her heel, but she looked back one last time.
"Come home... early, okay?"
She said it with a lonely expression. I saw her off to the school gate. Once I confirmed she’d boarded the Konohana family car, I caught Ms. Shizune's eye in the passenger seat. I had already told her over the phone that I would be staying at the Academy for a while. I gave Ms. Shizune a small bow and returned to the classroom.
"Sorry to keep you waiting."
I spoke to Kita, who was setting up in the classroom. I immediately spread out my own materials.
"Well then, Tomonari-kun, shall we pick up where we left off this morning?"
"Please."
Since I was the one asking for help, I bowed my head. Kita laughed lightly at my overly formal behavior, and the distance between us seemed to close a little. From then on, Kita taught me a wealth of knowledge.
(Studying information technology might be more fun than I thought...)
He explained everything clearly, from binary numbers to logical operations. Since I’d grown up poor, I’d always been somewhat ignorant of modern technology, which only made it more fascinating.
"And that's the basic idea. To be honest, I think you can get through the morning problems by just memorizing past questions, but you'll need to learn the foundations properly for the afternoon section."
"Understood."
He was being very polite, but it was clear I still lacked a lot of knowledge. I shouldn't look for quick results; I needed to be persistent. Even so, Kita was remarkably knowledgeable. Was every student at Kikou Academy this smart? I felt a fresh chill of realization.
"Kita-kun, what kind of president do you want to become in the future?"
"I haven't thought that far ahead yet. But I want to be someone with actual technical skills, not just a manager. I don't want people to think I'm just riding on my parents' coattails."
He had a solid vision for his future. Just then, Kita glanced at the classroom clock.
"Sorry, Tomonari-kun. My house has a curfew, so I have to head home soon."
"Thank you for teaching me so much."
Kita took his bag and left. I was the only student left in the room.
(My focus is starting to slip... should I head home too?)
The lessons at the Academy were advanced as it was, and my brain was exhausted. But for a former commoner like me to keep up with these students, half-hearted effort wouldn't be enough.
(...Let's push a little more.)
Fortunately, I was actually finding this interesting. I tried to solve the problems Kita had taught me on my own.
"...Tomonari-kun."
Suddenly, someone called out from behind me. I turned to find Kita standing there.
"Oh, I thought you’d left?"
"I stopped by the restroom first....Besides, I think I'll stay a bit longer after all."
"Eh, are you sure?"
"Yeah." Kita sat back down in the front seat. "Seeing you work so hard, Tomonari-kun, made me feel like I need to step up too."
He spread his materials out on the desk. If Kita worked even harder, I felt like I'd never catch up... but regardless, I was happy for the company. We both dived back into our studies.
"By the way, Tomonari-kun. The Athletic Festival is starting soon..." After an hour of silence, Kita spoke while stretching his back. "...Frankly, how are you feeling? Are you confident?"
He asked with an anxious face.
"Not at all."
"I figured..." We shared a dry laugh. "I'm a total indoor type. I'm fine with studies and PCs, but I'm terrible at sports."
"I'm not exactly bad at sports... but since everyone here is so serious about it, I'm worried I won't be able to keep up."
"Now that you mention it, you seem like the type who'd be good at PE, Tomonari-kun. If even you aren't confident, I don't stand a chance..."
"Being just a little bit athletic doesn't mean much in this school."
According to Ms. Shizune, there were students who practiced with professional corporate teams. I could only hope I wouldn't run into them during the festival.
"Mm... Itsuki? Is that you, Itsuki!"
A familiar voice echoed from the hallway. I turned to see Narika standing there with a beaming smile.
"Narika?"
"M-Miyakojima-san...?" Kita was startled by her sudden appearance.
However, because of the classroom wall, Narika didn't notice Kita at first as she approached.
"Itsuki, were you still in the classroom? Are you not with Konohana-san today?"
"Yeah, I was studying for a bit. What about you?"
"My family asked me to inspect the equipment being used for the PE classes..." As she spoke, she finally noticed Kita sitting next to me. "Ah."
For a moment, Narika's face flushed. Then, as if to hide her bashfulness, her expression stiffened into its usual intimidating look.
"N-Nice to meet you. I am... Narika Miyakojima."
"I-I'm Yusuke Kita..."
Both were clearly very nervous. But this was a great chance for Narika to make a new friend. Recalling our earlier conversation, I spoke up.
"Narika. What do you think is the best way to get good results in the Athletic Festival?"
"Mm, w-well, I think there is nothing to do but practice hard... but personally, I do not think one needs to worry about results."
She was slightly flustered, but she gradually regained her composure. It was an unexpected answer.
"In the first place, there is no need to achieve results in sports. In the future, only a tiny handful will find those results useful. However, I think there is no harm in training the body so that one can enjoy them."
As Narika spoke, both Kita and I found ourselves listening intently.
"There are many kinds of sports. Tennis, soccer, baseball, swimming... these are like game software. And your own body is the hardware—the game console. The more you train your body—the higher the performance of the console—the more software you can enjoy freely."
She continued with a joyful expression.
"Just by training your body, you become able to enjoy all kinds of play. There is nothing more advantageous in life....Especially if you will have a desk job in the future, I think sports are a great change of pace."
It was a very valuable and persuasive perspective.
"Ah!? S-Sorry, I still have work to finish. I shall take my leave now."
Narika suddenly hurried away. Kita and I watched her go.
"...That was cool," Kita muttered in a small voice.
"Kita-kun?"
"Ah, no, it's nothing!" Kita hurriedly shook his head. "B-By the way, Tomonari-kun, you were calling Miyakojima-san by her first name just now..."
"Actually, we're relatives."
"Eh, really!?"
Well, it is surprising... I remember being shocked when I found out as a kid.
"...Miyakojima-san might be an easier person to talk to than I thought."
I blinked in surprise at his words. Kita gave a strained laugh.
"I like games. I even make them myself sometimes. That analogy was very easy to understand."
Until now, most people were just intimidated by Narika. But Kita was the first person I knew who had taken a genuine interest in her. This was the time to press the advantage.
"Narika's family is a major sports equipment manufacturer, and they run a dojo too. They get a lot of people who are bad at exercise there, so I think her advice comes from seeing them struggle and improve over the years."
"Is that so..." Kita gave an interested nod. "...Maybe I'll try my best in the festival after all."
I did a mental fist pump. I hadn't officially made a friend for her yet, but another person had just come to acknowledge Narika's character.
Why did it go well this time? Until now, everything had been a failure.
(...Wait, is it because of me?)
Just as I had been accepted thanks to Taisho, did he accept Narika because I was there to bridge the gap?
(I see... if I'm accepted as someone by Narika's side, then Narika will be accepted too.)
She had great qualities; the problem was that they weren't being communicated. In that case, I just had to act as the medium. By becoming someone everyone trusted, I could clear up the misunderstandings about her.
Narika's 'Operation Escape Loneliness'... I could finally see a path forward.
◆
A few days had passed since I became acquainted with Kita.
"Ah, Tomonari-kun."
During the break after the third period, I passed Kita in the hallway. He was with an unfamiliar boy.
"This is the person I mentioned the other day—he's in Class B and in a similar situation to us."
"Nice to meet you." The boy, who wore glasses, gave a friendly greeting.
"Nice to meet you too," I replied with a bow.
"Hmm? Tomonari... are you the one rumored to be close to that Miyakojima-san?"
"I'm probably that Tomonari," I replied with a wry smile.
Judging by his tone, he didn't have a great image of Narika. However, Kita interjected.
"Miyakojima-san isn't as scary as the rumors say."
"Eh? No way."
"It's true. Tomonari-kun told me, but she apparently likes sweets just like anyone else."
"...Miyakojima-san eats sweets?"
"Yeah. And she has a reliable side too... once you get to know her, her appearance isn't scary; if anything, she's cool and wonderful..."
Kita spoke with a somewhat entranced expression.
(Narika's image is definitely improving.)
I felt like Kita was getting a bit too passionate about it, but it was better than her being feared. My own social circle was expanding as well.
"Tomonari, you're aiming for the Fundamental Information Technology Engineer certification right now, right?"
"Yes. I haven't decided on a test date yet, but that's the plan."
"I see. I'm planning to start my own business in the future, so if you ever want to talk shop, just let me know." The boy gave a personable smile.
Starting a business... it was a big goal, but for a student here, it was probably realistic. He seemed like a different type from Kita, though his family also ran an IT firm.
After parting with them and entering the classroom, I looked toward Hinako. She was surrounded by several students, responding to their conversation with a refined smile. The people around her were all beautiful, possessing an aura that set them apart from the others. Even from a distance, it was clear they were the elite within the elite.
(It's time... to try and talk to that group too.)
I swallowed hard, my nerves jumping. It felt like walking into a boss battle. But I couldn't back down. I wasn't here just to spend my time peacefully. To stand by Hinako's side, I had to be acknowledged by the people who currently stood there.
What I had to remember was that Kikou Academy was no ordinary school. At my old high school, the top of the social ladder was occupied by the good-looking, the athletic, or the class clowns. But here, the hierarchy was determined by lineage and personal gravitas.
I couldn't do anything about my lineage, and gravitas wasn't something you could fake overnight. On the other hand, that meant I didn't have to do anything eccentric. I just had to focus on making my presence known.
"Konohana-san."
"Nnh."
When I called out to her, a strange sound escaped her throat.
(For just a split second, her real self slipped out...)
The classmates around her looked puzzled, as if wondering if they had misheard. Before anything else could happen, I got to the point.
"The tea you recommended the other day was delicious. Thank you very much."
Hinako immediately responded in her Young Lady mode.
"I am glad to hear that. I shall let you know if I have any other recommendations." She gave a smile full of elegance that would fascinate anyone who saw it.
As we spoke, the eyes of the surrounding classmates widened.
"You're Tomonari-kun, right? Are you an acquaintance of Konohana-san's?" one of them asked.
—It had begun.
This was the moment of contact with the Academy's top tier. I didn't want to miss this chance.
"Yes. Well..."
I hesitated for a moment. The desire not to fail was so strong it was making me stiffen up.