Five days remained until the Athletic Festival.
Life had been so intense lately that my memories of the past few days were a blur. I was performing my duties as a caretaker just as I always had, while simultaneously pouring effort into tennis practice and mending my social standing. As a result, I often collapsed into a deep, heavy sleep the moment my head hit the pillow.
It was a grueling schedule, yet seeing tangible results kept my spirits high.
That was why I headed to the Academy today with a positive mindset.
"By the way, Hinako."
I spoke to Hinako, who sat beside me looking rather drowsy.
"Suminoe-san seemed to want to invite you to a tea party."
"Mmn... I’m exhausted from practicing for the festival, so I’d rather pass if I can..."
"Understood. I’ll let her know subtly. You declined an invitation the other day too, so it might be awkward if you turn her down twice in a row, right?"
"Mm... That helps."
Having confirmed Hinako’s wishes, I jotted the details down in my notebook. Since I had so much on my mind lately, I’d taken to carrying one everywhere.
"...It’s almost like a president and their secretary."
I thought I heard Ms. Shizune’s quiet voice drifting from the passenger seat.
"Did you say something?"
"No, I was merely contemplating the future of the Konohana Group."
It seemed that once one became a Head Maid, they took the future of the conglomerate quite seriously. Even though we worked in the same environment, Ms. Shizune bore many times more responsibility than I did. I wondered if the day would ever come when I could repay my debt to her.
Just then, I noticed a tiny speck of dust in Hinako’s hair.
"Hinako. You have a bit of dust..."
As I reached out and lightly brushed her hair—
"N-ih...!?"
Hinako gave a start, her shoulders jumping with far more surprise than usual.
"H-Hnh..."
"Hnh?"
"Surprise attacks... are problematic..."
She lowered her head slightly. Apparently, now that it wasn't a "surprise attack," it was okay for me to touch her.
As I removed the dust, Hinako’s ears turned a brilliant shade of crimson. Dozens of metaphorical question marks seemed to float above her head; she looked as though she couldn't even comprehend her own emotions.
I tilted my head, puzzled by her behavior. What was this atmosphere? This strange, restless feeling...
"...It’s a real ordeal when both parties are so oblivious," Ms. Shizune murmured with a sigh.
"Did you say something?"
"No, I was merely contemplating a potential scandal for the Konohana Group."
"Wait, what?"
Was the group actually in some kind of danger...?
"By the way, Itsuki-san," Ms. Shizune said, catching my eye in the rearview mirror. "Regarding my previous proposal about you working for an IT company in the future... it has been officially approved."
"It... actually went through?"
"I shall provide you with a business card."
Ms. Shizune turned around and handed me a card. It bore the name of an employee in a human resources department.
"The company is willing to hire you after you graduate from the Academy, provided you are interested. They mentioned that the lack of a university degree would not be an issue."
"W-Wow..."
So the talk from the other day had become a reality.
"I thought that was just a hypothetical example..."
"Having it become a reality should increase your motivation, Itsuki-san."
She was right about that, but I never expected her to go this far for me.
"This is... a company I’ve seen in commercials."
"They primarily develop security software for office use. They have been consistently profitable for the past several years, and their employee turnover rate is quite low."
It sounded like a dream workplace—a "white company" in every sense of the word.
"Though personally, I believe you should keep that path as a backup."
"Eh? Why?"
"In the unlikely event—the one-in-a-billion chance—that Itsuki-san polishes his skills further, I may be able to secure a post with even better treatment than that company."
That possibility hadn't even crossed my mind. The current offer was already more than I deserved; I couldn't even imagine anything better.
"...It feels like I’m actually job hunting."
"In a sense, you are. I believe it is fine to work with that mindset from now on. For instance, if you become capable of handling work that requires public appearances, you would be a perfect fit as an aide to cover for the Young Lady’s weaknesses..."
"? For Hinako...?"
"...Pardon me, that was a slip of the tongue."
Ms. Shizune lightly pressed her palm against her lips.
The car continued its quiet journey toward the Academy.
(If the old me saw me now, he’d probably faint from shock...)
After all, before I became a caretaker, I was a struggling student who had to scrape by just to stay in school. I’d wanted to go to university if possible, but knowing how difficult that would be, I’d assumed I would just find a job immediately after high school.
That was exactly why I understood just how precious the business card in my hand was. And now, depending on my efforts, I could aim even higher.
Is this really okay? To be this blessed?
As I felt myself becoming overwhelmed by the weight of it all, Ms. Shizune spoke as if reading my mind.
"It simply means that much is expected of you."
"...Thank you very much."
I etched her words into my heart.
After the second period ended.
During the break, I was walking down the hallway to stretch my legs when I overheard some students talking.
"Miyajima-san’s impression has changed a bit lately, hasn't it?" a Class B student whispered.
"She’s kinder than I thought... or something."
"Yeah. Unlike how she looks, she might not be that scary after all..."
Having accidentally eavesdropped, I quickly hurried away. If I listened to any more, I was afraid I’d break into a weird, sappy grin.
"Itsuki!"
A bright, energetic voice called my name from behind. I turned to see a black-haired girl standing there.
"Narika... You’re in high spirits."
"Yeah! Actually, another classmate talked to me today!"
Narika approached me with a radiant smile. She looked like a happy puppy wagging its tail, though I kept that observation to myself.
"Hehehe... Having felt the warmth of others, I am now invincible!" she declared boastfully.
She was clearly getting a little ahead of herself. Things were certainly going well, but in truth, she had only been accepted by a small circle of students in Class B.
"Then why don't you try initiating a conversation next time, Narika?"
"Eh? N-No, me calling out to someone is still a bit..."
She was flustered in an instant. I wasn't trying to be mean; I genuinely wanted her to test the waters.
"Your reputation is gradually improving. I think it might go well now."
"...Y-You’re right. Okay, I’ll gib it a try-h!!"
She already sounded doomed. With her usual nervous expression—which resulted in a stiff, terrifying glare—Narika called out to a passerby.
"H-Hey, you there!"
"Eek!"
The male student she addressed jumped in fright and bolted.
"Why...?"
Narika slumped against the wall, thumping her forehead against the masonry.
"Narika, was that person a classmate?"
"...No, I don't think so."
He wasn't in my class either. That meant he was from outside Class A or Class B. It seemed the correction of Narika’s image hadn't reached the entire grade yet.
(An entrenched reputation isn't something that can be dispelled so easily.)
The people who would be hardest to change were those who only knew her through rumors. The students in Class B could judge Narika based on the person standing right in front of them, but those who didn't know her could only judge her by what they heard. For them, that image was a fixed reality. Without the chance to see the real Narika and update their impressions, the rumors only grew more solid with time.
It was only natural. It was nearly impossible to undo a year’s worth of solidified prejudice in just a few days.
"We might need... some kind of dramatic catalyst."
Only five days remained until the Athletic Festival. I had a feeling that just accumulating small successes wouldn't be enough to make it in time.
As I was wondering if there was a better move to make, I spotted a pair of swaying, golden vertical ringlets.
"Tennoji-san."
The young lady of the Tennoji Group—a family that rivaled Hinako’s own—was standing right there.
"Oh, Tomonari-sa—"
Tennoji-san noticed us immediately, but then...
"Hmph!"
Her face turned sour as if she’d suddenly remembered a grievance, and she pointedly looked away.
"...Um, did something happen?"
"You have been excluding me lately, Tomonari-san. Therefore... hmph!"
It was the first time I’d ever heard someone actually say the word "hmph" out loud. She had a surprisingly childish side to her.
(In this situation... relying on Tennoji-san might be the right move.)
We had moved past the stage where people were too afraid to even speak to Narika. Now, we needed something to clear her name on a much larger scale. If it were someone like Tennoji-san, who was always elegant and constantly in the spotlight, she might have a brilliant idea.
"Tennoji-san. Actually, there's something I’d like to consult you about..."
"Hmph."
She wouldn't even listen. I hadn't expected her to pout this much.
"...A tea party," Tennoji-san muttered under her breath. "If you were to hold a tea party for me sometime, my mood might improve."
"...Understood. If you’ll have me, then anytime."
At my answer, a delighted smile broke across her face.
"I suppose I have no choice, then. Very well—speak your mind!"
Despite her words, she looked genuinely happy. She was clearly the type who enjoyed being relied upon.
I glanced at Narika, and she gave me a nod. Since this concerned Narika’s private worries, I’d hesitated to speak for her, but it seemed I had her permission.