I laid out the situation for Tennoji-san.
"……I see. So that is what you have been doing."
Tennoji-san grasped the situation immediately.
"So, getting to the heart of the matter—I feel like I need to do something more dramatic to truly overturn her public image……"
"Hmm, hmm," she murmured, nodding her head. "In other words, you need something that catches the eye."
"Exactly."
Beside me, Narika wore an anxious expression. "Uu…… I’m not very good at standing out."
"……You already stand out plenty," I pointed out.
Mostly in a bad way……
"What about PE class?" Tennoji-san asked. "I have heard that Miyakojima-san is always quite active during those lessons."
"I might be active, but……" Narika trailed off, her confidence wavering.
I knew exactly what she meant without her having to say it. Since Narika’s Class B and my Class A took PE together, I had seen it for myself. While Narika was certainly a star athlete in class, the reality was that it hadn't changed her reputation at all.
Watching someone throw themselves with such terrifying intensity into a sport could, at times, look intimidating. Since Narika already had a dark reputation ingrained in everyone’s minds, her prowess only served to reinforce it.
"In that case, how about this instead?" Tennoji-san suggested, sharing her idea with Narika.
Narika looked a bit surprised at first, but she eventually nodded with a look of resolve.
◆
In PE class that day, we played badminton. Rackets were distributed to all students, and everyone began to rally in pairs.
"Tomonari, let’s go."
"Right."
Answering Taisho’s invitation, we began hitting the shuttlecock back and forth. With a crisp thwack, the shuttlecock traced a high arc as it flew toward Taisho.
"Oh, you're pretty good."
"I've been practicing tennis lately, so maybe I've developed a knack for racket sports."
Compared to a tennis ball, a badminton shuttlecock has a high initial speed but slows down rapidly. For a simple rally just to keep it going, it was actually easier than tennis.
"By the way, we haven't talked much lately," Taisho said while returning a shot.
I flinched for a split second. This was something I had been worrying about. When you try to build new friendships, the time you can spend with your existing ones inevitably decreases. By trying to associate with those higher up in the school caste, I feared I was creating a distance between myself and those who weren't.
I was plagued by the anxiety that if I tried to have it both ways, I would end up being shunned by everyone. To Taisho, I probably looked like a social climber trying to please everyone.
However——.
"Did something happen?"
What came out of Taisho’s mouth wasn't a word of blame, but one of genuine concern. The fact that his worry for me outweighed any suspicion spoke volumes of his cheerful, open personality.
For me, it was a refreshing attitude that blew away the dark clouds of doubt I had been harboring.
I hit the shuttlecock back. Taisho had always been kind to me, so I decided to be honest with him.
"Actually, I've been trying to expand my circle of acquaintances. Since I went through the trouble of transferring to Kikou Academy, I want to experience interacting with all sorts of people."
"I see. So that’s why you’ve been talking to Kita." Taisho nodded, seemingly satisfied.
The shuttlecock flew back toward me.
"You're surprisingly stoic about it, Tomonari."
"You think so?"
I returned the shot. I caught a glimpse of Taisho giving me a wry smile.
"Well, anyway, if that’s the case, I’m rooting for you. There are a few other guys I think you'd get along with, so if you're ever in a bind, just let me know."
"Thank you."
What a genuinely good guy.
In truth, I had already relied on Taisho’s influence to get close to Kita. I’d have to find a way to pay him back someday.
Just then, I noticed Narika talking to someone in the distance.
(Wait…… is that Kita?)
Indeed, Narika was speaking with Kita.
"Don't hit it directly above your head. Hit it from slightly behind. That way, the face of the racket points up, and the shuttlecock will fly in a proper arc."
"Y-Yes……! Thank you very much!"
It looked like Narika was teaching Kita how to hit the shuttlecock properly. Seeing their interaction, several other students nearby approached her.
"U-Um, if it’s okay, would you mind teaching me too……?"
"!? O-Oh! Of course!"
Narika was visibly startled at being addressed, but she gave a swift, enthusiastic nod.
(It looks like it’s working……)
This was the plan Tennoji-san had devised. Rather than showing off her own skills, she was to enable those around her to succeed.
Tennoji-san had figured that if Narika had the talent to be a star in PE, she certainly had the ability to instruct others. Given that Hinako and I had both been learning tennis from Narika, she was absolutely right. As I had noticed before, Narika was a naturally gifted teacher.
The plan was a resounding success, and a small group of students soon gathered around her. According to Tennoji-san, the name for this was "Operation Noblesse Oblige." I suppose she wanted to emphasize that those with talent have a duty to give back.
A whistle echoed through the gym, signaling a five-minute break.
"Narika."
"Itsuki!"
When I called out to Narika while she was mopping her brow with a towel, she turned around with a bright smile.
"Looks like things are going well."
"Yeah.……I feel like the tension inside me is finally starting to ease up, too."
That was the best news I could have hoped for. By changing the way others saw her, Narika was starting to change for the better herself.
"You haven't done things like this before?"
"No, I thought about it, but…… in the past, everyone just ran away."
Narika looked down, her expression momentarily falling.
(I guess dispelling the bad rumors finally gave her the chance to reach out……)
The old Narika likely wouldn't have been able to teach anyone. But lately, she was slowly being accepted. The new, gentler atmosphere we’d cultivated allowed her actions today to succeed.
(I hope the rumors that she isn't scary will start to spread through the whole Academy……)
I felt like that new image had taken root in Class A and Class B. However, it would likely take more time to reach the other classes.
"……There's not much time left until the Athletic Festival. I don't know how much we can change before then, but let's keep working hard until the end."
"Yeah!"
Narika nodded, her face full of determination.
◆
After school, before meeting up with Narika, I went to find Tennoji-san.
"Tennoji-san."
"Oh, Tomonari-san."
Tennoji-san turned around at my call. Even that simple movement seemed incredibly graceful. While Kikou Academy was a space of unparalleled luxury and elegance, the air around Tennoji-san felt even more refined.
"Thank you for earlier. Things went very well with Narika."
"I am delighted to hear that."
I wanted to report to her and thank her as soon as school ended, lest she get sulky again. Tennoji-san wore a dignified smile.
"Itsuki-san, are you heading home now?"
"No, I’m planning to meet up with Narika after this to discuss what's next."
"I wish I could offer further assistance, but…… I have family obligations today, so it will be difficult."
"I appreciate the sentiment alone."
I knew Tennoji-san lived a busy life. After we left the classroom, she started walking down the hallway—and for some reason, she headed in the complete opposite direction of the shoe lockers.
Puzzled, I followed her, thinking it might be rude to just walk away after a brief report. When we reached a staircase landing, Tennoji-san peered around restlessly.
"K-Khem.……By the way, Itsuki-san."
"Yes?"
She gave an affected cough, her cheeks faintly flushed. "We are alone now."
"Ah…… I suppose we are."
Right, I remembered now. When we were alone, we were supposed to speak naturally. That was the promise I’d made to her. But…… did she really walk all this way in the wrong direction just to get some privacy?
Feeling a bit restless myself, I scanned our surroundings to make sure no one was eavesdropping.
"You are acting quite suspiciously."
"N-No, it's just…… inside the Academy, I'm always on guard."
"But do you not speak naturally with Miyakojima-san?"
"Narika is a childhood friend, so I don't really feel that kind of hesitation……"
At the mention of Narika’s name, Tennoji-san fell into a brief silence.
"……Perhaps I should have you call me Mirei after all. That might reduce your hesitation."
I couldn't quite bring myself to agree.
"Hmm……"
"W-What is with that reaction? If…… if you dislike it, then very well……"
Tennoji-san looked far more dejected than I had expected, so I hurriedly shook my head.
"No, it's not that I dislike it! It's just that, to me, you're the person who best embodies the ideal of a Young Lady. You're always elegant and noble, facing your responsibilities head-on…… It’s because I respect that about you that I want to keep calling you as I have. It's my way of showing that respect."
To some, calling her "Young Lady-like" might sound like a stereotype. If I said that to Hinako, she'd probably say she wanted to quit being one.
But for Tennoji-san, it was the ultimate compliment. She truly wanted to be a Young Lady worthy of the Tennoji name. In the past, she had neglected her own happiness for it, but now she was different. She had chosen to pursue her own happiness while remaining a noble Young Lady.
I supported her wholeheartedly in that. So, calling her Tennoji-san was my way of affirming her identity.
"W-Well, if you insist that much, I suppose it cannot be helped!"
She looked away, trying to maintain her composure, but the corners of her mouth were twitching into a smile.
"If you truly respect me that much, I shall not be ungracious.……I shall allow you to continue using that name." She took a breath and added softly, "……Besides, I do love the family name Tennoji."
There was a profound weight in those words. Being able to say that with genuine pride, rather than out of obligation, was a beautiful thing.
After parting with her, I met up with Narika.
"Sorry to keep you waiting, Narika."
Hinako was already there with her. It had become a regular gathering, but this wasn't a tea party for fun. We needed results.
"Tennoji-san’s plan was a success. I want to keep this momentum going."
"Yeah! I feel like I can take on anything right now!"
Narika was raring to go. With the Athletic Festival fast approaching, we had to do everything we could. We decided to keep struggling toward a solution until the very end.
However…… the next day, the unexpected happened.
Narika was absent from school.
◆
"Wait, she's absent?"
During the break the following day, I noticed Narika was missing and peeked into the Class B room. When I couldn't find her, I asked a nearby student, who confirmed she hadn't come in today.
(Did I push her too hard……?)
Over the last few days, I had been pushing Narika out of her comfort zone. Had she been masking her stress all this time? My anxiety began to spiral. Had I done the right thing?
I returned to my classroom as the next period started, but I couldn't focus at all. When lunch finally rolled around, I headed to the Old Student Council Building with Hinako and immediately called Ms. Shizune.
"Itsuki-san, what is the matter?"
"Actually——"
I put the call on speaker so Hinako could hear. I explained that Narika was absent and asked for a favor.
"So, I’d like to go and visit her……"
"I understand," Ms. Shizune replied instantly, granting her permission.
"I want to go too……" Hinako murmured.
"If the Young Lady goes, the Miyakojima family will be on high alert."
"Mu……"
Hinako fell silent at Ms. Shizune’s calm logic. Being a person of such high status had its disadvantages in moments like these. Hinako understood Narika’s situation better than anyone; if Narika was suffering from mental fatigue, Hinako knew that pain all too well.
"Then, Itsuki-san. Please arrange an appointment with the Miyakojimas."
"Right.……Wait." I realized a critical oversight. "……Actually, I don't have Narika’s contact info."
I had completely forgotten.
"Then we shall contact the household directly……"
"Um, about that, there was some past friction between my parents and her family……"
I had forgotten that as well. If I were to contact Narika, I had to do it directly through her, because my relationship with the Miyakojima family was…… complicated.
My mother had a gambling problem and had blown through our savings, leading us to stay at the Miyakojima manor for a while since they were relatives. That was when I first met Narika. My mother had been arrogant even as a houseguest, which hadn't sat well with the family. If that grudge still lingered, I likely wouldn't be welcome.
"I’m sorry. I brought this up, but I might just get turned away at the gate."
"……I shall attempt to contact them for now. Please wait a moment."
Ms. Shizune hung up. She was likely making the call now.
I ate my lunch nervously. Hinako opened her mouth with a soft "Nhn," so I fed her a bit of rice. Watching her chew happily helped ease my tension. Eventually, my phone buzzed with a call from Ms. Shizune. It was faster than I’d expected.
"Ms. Shizune, how was it?"
"There seems to be no problem. I shall drive you there after school."
The answer was surprisingly anticlimactic.
◆
After school, I arrived at the Miyakojima residence.
"……It’s been a long time."
I gave a short bow to Ms. Shizune in the passenger seat and approached the grand estate. It had a different atmosphere from the Konohana manor or Tennoji-san’s house—it looked like a sprawling, traditional samurai residence.
Just as I reached for the buzzer at the gate, it opened on its own.
"You are Tomonari-san, I presume? We have been expecting you."
"Ah, yes." I bowed, surprised by the sudden appearance of a maid in a traditional kimono. I followed her nervously, but she didn't lead me toward the main house.
"The Young Lady is currently in the garden over there." She bowed and stepped aside.
"……Thank you."
It seemed Narika wasn't bedridden. At least it wasn't the same kind of fatigue Hinako suffered from. In the direction she pointed lay a sprawling Japanese garden with stone paths laid over fine sand. The traditional scenery felt fresh compared to the Western style of the Academy.
(Ah…… I remember this place.)
I had been here before. Narika and I used to play in this garden when we were children. Some things had changed, but there was no doubt.
(If I recall, there used to be a secret path here……)
The walls surrounding the manor were tall and imposing, but behind a certain hedge, there had been a small indentation in the wall. If you hooked your foot in just right, you could climb over it. It was how we used to sneak out. It was a tiny hole only a child’s foot could use, which was likely why it had gone unnoticed for so long.
But when I looked at the wall now, there was no sign of it. It had been repaired.
"Mu?"
As I turned to go back, I heard a girl’s voice. I turned and found Narika standing there in a hakama.
"I-Itsuki!? What are you doing here——!?"
"I came to see you."
Her eyes went wide.
(Did she not know I was coming?)
Ms. Shizune was supposed to have made an appointment, but Narika seemed genuinely shocked.
"V-Visit…… but I only jammed my finger."
"Jammed your finger……?"
Narika lifted her right arm, showing an index finger wrapped in a bandage. There were no other injuries. She really had just jammed it. I felt a wave of relief that it wasn't mental exhaustion.
"……Will you be okay for the Athletic Festival?"
"Yeah. A minor thing like this won't be a problem," Narika said, looking at her finger. "I didn't actually want to skip school today, but my father was being overprotective. He forced me to go to the hospital."
"……I see."
Since I only remembered him being strict, that was a surprising bit of information. At any rate, I was glad she was okay.
"But, I see. Itsuki was worried about me and came all the way to my house." Narika gave a strange, teasing grin.
"Of course I was worried. How much do you think I've been thinking about you lately?"
"Nnh…… It's unfair for you to say things like that after being so casual all the time……" Narika looked away, her ears turning red.
"Also, Hinako—I mean, Konohana-san—sent a message. She said that for any ailment, quiet rest is the best medicine."
"……That sounds like it comes from a place of deep personal experience."
Sharp as ever. Hinako had indeed given me that message based on her own frequent collapses.
"Unfortunately for her, my injury is quite minor. I've had plenty of sleep…… and since I haven't been able to move around today, I'm actually quite restless." Narika shifted uncomfortably, her surplus energy apparent.
"Do you always exercise that much?"
"Yeah. I wake up early every morning to swing my shinai in the dojo. But since I had to go to the hospital today, I missed it. I have energy to burn."
I see. That explained why she was pacing the garden. Most students didn't have that level of dedication.
"Well, since I’m here, if there's anything I can do, just say the word."
"Well, now that you mention it………… Ah!!" Narika suddenly shouted. "T-That’s right! Itsuki! Do you remember when I won the tennis match against Konohana-san!?"
"Uh, yeah. I remember……"
"I’m going to use my prize r-r-r-right now……!"
Narika stared at me, her face bright red.
"W-Won't you go out with m-meeee-fhh!!" She bit her tongue hard while bowing her head.
◆
To fulfill Narika’s request to "go out," we left the manor.
"Did you get your parents' permission?"
"Yeah. Generally speaking, I’m not restricted in my movements."
As we walked down a long slope, Narika explained that she lived a much freer life than either Hinako or Tennoji-san.
"I think I’ve said this before, but my family is martial-minded. The Head of the Miyakojima family is required to master all forms of martial arts. Their children are allowed freedom as long as they can prove their strength to the Head.……I defeated my father in judo and kendo, so I’m allowed to do pretty much whatever I want."
"……What an unusual family precept." I gave a wry smile.
It wasn't that her parents simply trusted her; she had persuaded them with her fists. I suspected the term "martial-minded" had been twisted into something sinister at the Academy, giving Narika her "scary" reputation. The students there had no immunity to such an intense, martial atmosphere.
"So, Narika, where are we heading?"
"The destination is, of course…… here!"
She pointed to a small shop up ahead.
"A dagashi shop."
"Yeah! This place is packed with our memories!"
I had a feeling that’s where we were going. It was the same candy shop we’d frequented as kids. The place had changed more than I expected; the walls were cleaner, and there were modern movie posters on display. I stood there for a moment, feeling the weight of the passing years.
"Do you still come here often?"
"Almost every day."
I hadn't known that. It seemed Narika truly loved her cheap snacks.
"Since you're here, let me give you some recommendations. First, for a classic choice, you can't go wrong with Corn Potage flavored Unmai-bo. Next, if you want something substantial, I recommend Kabayaki-san or Don't Be So Gloomy. If you want to take it slow, ramune is the way to go—especially the can-shaped kind, since it comes in so many flavors."
"I-I see……"
I could only nod at her passionate lecture. She knew far more about this than I did. Choosing her snacks, she pulled out a small coin purse she’d clearly prepared for this very purpose and paid the elderly woman at the counter.
Compared to Hinako or Tennoji-san, Narika was much more in touch with the lifestyle of the average person. That was likely why she’d been able to connect with Kita over sports; she understood the simple things most people enjoyed.
I bought a few snacks as well, and we headed to a nearby park.
"It’s been a long time since we sat on this bench together."
"……Yeah, it really has."
We sat and enjoyed our snacks in the quiet park.
"Itsuki…… what is that?" Narika asked, staring at my hand.
"This? Just an Unmai-bo."
"N-No, but I’ve never seen that flavor! It must be a new release!!"
To a dagashi connoisseur like Narika, this was a major event. It was Matsumaezuke flavor—definitely something I hadn't seen before. Since even she didn't know about it, it must have just hit the shelves today.
Narika watched me with wide, sparkling eyes.
"……You want some?"
"I-Is that okay!?"
"I’m not that picky about flavors." I started to hand her the opened package, but she stopped me.
"W-Wait. Since we're here, well……" Narika’s face turned deep red as she opened her mouth. "A-Ahn……"
She looked away, waiting. I knew what she wanted, but……
"……Aren't you embarrassed?"
"I'm not em-bah-wassed."
She clearly was.
"L-Look, you used to feed me back then. I just want to remember that feeling……!"
"……Fine, fine."
The only reason I could stay calm was because I was used to Hinako doing the same thing. The difference was that Narika was clearly mortified. As I brought the snack toward her mouth, a sudden mischievous urge took hold. I flicked the snack to the right.
"Mu?" Narika’s head followed it.
I flicked it to the left.
"Mu, mu?" She turned her head again.
I started swaying it back and forth. Every time I moved it, Narika’s head followed with mechanical precision. After teasing her for a few moments, she looked at me with a pouty, upturned gaze.
"A-Are you going to give it to me or not……?"
She looked so genuinely anxious that I finally held it steady. "Okay, go ahead."
She bit into it with a satisfying crunch.
(She really is like a puppy……)
That lack of impulse control combined with her total obedience to my lead made her incredibly easy to tease.
"Mmm! This is unmai too!"
Narika looked genuinely happy.
(……Hinako might be right.)
She had said that the distance between Narika and me felt "natural." She was right. When I was alone with Hinako or Tennoji-san, I often got nervous and struggled to find the right words. But with Narika, I could just be myself. I almost wished this peaceful moment could last forever.
"Fufu…… This has to be my special privilege," Narika whispered, looking off into the distance.
"What is?"
"You're always around those Young Ladies at school, but you hardly ever get to go out with just the two of you like this, right? Konohana-san said you had…… but that must have been a bluff. And Tennoji-san’s family is so strict, there's no way."
Her family is strict too, I thought, but I set that aside. "Actually, I’ve hung out with both of them at least once."
"Eh!?"
Technically, Ms. Shizune was usually nearby when I was with Hinako, but the feeling was the same.
"W-W-When…… where……!?"
"I don't remember the exact dates, but Tennoji-san was about a month ago, and Konohana-san was a bit after that. We went to the game center."
"A G-G-Game center!? Th-That kind of flashy place!?"
Even for someone as grounded as Narika, a game center was apparently a den of iniquity. "…………Unfair."
"What?"
Narika stood up. "Unfair! I want to go too!"
◆
After a quick call to Ms. Shizune, I found myself at a game center with Narika. We stepped out of the Miyakojima family car and entered the neon-lit building.
(Third time’s a charm.)
First Mirei, then Hinako, and now Narika. I never expected to lead three of the Academy’s most prestigious Young Ladies to the same arcade. I kept my guard up, scanning the crowd.
"What's wrong, Itsuki? Why are you looking around so much?"
"Just checking to see if I recognize anyone……"
When I’d come here with Tennoji-san, we’d run into a childhood friend of mine. I wanted to avoid any more awkward encounters if possible.
"But, Itsuki…… did Konohana-san and Tennoji-san really come to a place like this?"
"Yeah."
"A-Amazing. It’s my first time, but…… I can't imagine those two here at all."
I agreed with her there.
"Well, let's try a few things out."
I led her through the same rotation as the others. Unlike them, Narika was a natural at games. By her second lap in the racing game, she had the basics down. In rhythm games that required physical movement, she was already scoring above average on her first try. Narika seemed to thrive here.
"Itsuki, what is this!?"
"That’s air hockey."
Every Young Lady I’d brought here had been drawn to this game. Mirei had mistaken the puck for a flying disc, and Hinako thought it was a coaster, but……
"I see. You hit this white disc back and forth." Narika understood the rules instantly. She had incredible instincts for anything physical. "Itsuki! I want to try!"
"You're on."
I fed a hundred-yen coin into the machine and took my position. We lost ourselves in the game for a while, but eventually, I was left speechless.
"…………No way."
Thirty minutes had passed, and the results were devastating.
"That makes three wins in a row for me!"
The third set had just ended. I’d managed to put up a fight for the first half of the first set, but once Narika found her rhythm, it was a slaughter.
(Is it even possible to be this dominant at air hockey……?)
I hadn't scored a single point in the final set. It wasn't a match; it was a massacre.
"C-Can we do one more?"
"Of course. I accept your challenge."
I was too frustrated to quit. I tried the feint I’d seen Hinako use—pretending to strike, then aiming for the corner when the opponent flinched—but Narika countered it effortlessly.
"……Since it relies on reflexes, I thought it would be like squash, but it’s a completely different animal. Even with a child’s strength, the speed of the puck can easily exceed the limits of human reaction time. While there’s little room for tactical depth, it’s a very intuitive and well-designed game."
Narika, true to her family business, gave a professional analysis of the machine. I wouldn't be surprised if her family started manufacturing these soon.
"Phew…… I’m satisfied!" Narika said, looking refreshed. "This is a lot of fun!"
"……I’m glad," I replied, feeling thoroughly beaten. I wondered if this was how Tennoji-san felt after losing to me.
"……And with this, I've caught up to Konohana-san and the others," Narika whispered. I realized she was talking about the "lead" they had on her by coming here first.
"It's not a competition."
"……It is to me," she said softly. "Because…… I was the one who met you first, Itsuki."
She looked down, her voice small. "I’ve known you longer than anyone else at the Academy. And yet, before I knew it, you were surrounded by all these other people who admire you……"
She looked like a sulky child, her lip trembling slightly. It wasn't just competitiveness.
"……Are you jealous?"
"Wh-!?" Narika’s face turned bright red. "J-Jealous? I-I didn't mean……!"
"Right. Sorry, that was a weird thing to say." I’d let my guard down. I’d just said the first thing that came to mind. But when I bowed my head to apologize, she looked even more conflicted.
"……………………No." Her voice was shaking. "I am jealous."
"Eh?"
As if she didn't want me to brush the feeling aside, she looked me straight in the eye. "I said…… I am jealous……!"
"Th-That's……"
I didn't know what to say. I’d thought I could be natural with Narika, unlike the others, but I realized I was wrong. Her eyes were shimmering, and her cheeks were flushed. Staring into her upturned gaze, I couldn't act natural at all. In that moment, I genuinely thought she was beautiful————.
"Narika-sama."
A voice called out from the side. A maid from the Miyakojima family, dressed in an elegant kimono, stood beside us. "It is getting late. I have come to escort you home."
"Ah, yeah. I understand."
The sight of a woman in a formal kimono in a game center was drawing a lot of attention. We hurried outside.
"Also, Tomonari-sama," the maid added as we reached the car. "The Head of the House…… Musashi-sama, requests your presence."
"……Eh?"
◆
Upon returning to the manor, I parted ways with Narika and was led to Musashi-san. I walked down a long hallway and entered a traditional Japanese room where a man with a fierce, intimidating presence sat.
"I-It’s been a long time."
"……Yeah."
This was Musashi Miyakojima—Narika’s father and the president of the country’s leading sports equipment manufacturer. I had always been terrified of him. As a child, he’d scolded me severely for taking Narika out of the manor. It was my fault, but the memory was so vivid that I still felt my legs shaking just being in the same room.
The maid bowed and left, leaving us alone. We sat in silence for a long time.
(……Why isn't he saying anything?)
I wondered if there had been some mistake, but he didn't look confused. Eventually, he spoke in a voice that felt like a drum beating against my chest—not loud, but heavy with authority.
"I hear you have been involving yourself in my daughter’s social life lately."
"Yes. I’ve been trying to help her."
"Helping, you say……" He gave a noncommittal grunt. He didn't seem angry yet, which gave me the courage to ask a question.
"Um…… do you know what Narika’s reputation is like at the Academy?"
"I have some idea," he replied without a change in expression. "Narika does not need to be protected as much as you seem to think."
The sheer pressure in the room was overwhelming. I wanted to apologize and run away, but his answer bothered me. He said "some idea"—did he really know how much she was struggling?
"……I’m not trying to be condescending or act like her protector. But the fact is, she’s been suffering."
It wasn't just about being kind anymore. I had seen her strengths, and I wanted the world to see them too. It was my own selfish wish.
"Suffering, is she?" Musashi-san muttered. "That is your fault."
"……Eh?"
My fault? What did he mean?
"That will be all." He stood up and headed for the door at the back.
"Wait! What did you mean by that!?"
"Get out.……I am busy." He didn't even look back as he left.
The maid reappeared to guide me out. As we walked, I heard a loud rhythmic thumping from nearby.
(……The dojo.)
It was the place where Narika and I had first met.
"……Um, could I see Narika one more time?"
"That is fine."
I followed the maid to the dojo, where I found Narika mid-practice. Her sweat glistened in the setting sun as she swung her shinai with solemn, focused intensity.
"……Itsuki?" She turned around, sensing my presence. I realized I’d been staring.
"Practicing for the festival?"
"Yeah. It’s coming up soon." She lowered her weapon. "Did my father say anything to you?"
I hesitated. I didn't want to tell her he’d blamed me for her suffering. "……No, nothing much."
"I see. Well, he always liked you, so I doubt he’d be too hard on you."
"Wait, he liked me?"
"Yeah, that’s what he said." Narika looked pleased.
I was baffled. (Was he just telling her that to be nice……?) I couldn't imagine his true intentions, and I certainly didn't have the guts to ask him.
"……Narika. Is there another shinai?" I asked.
"Hm? I can get one, but……"
"Let me practice with you for a bit. I want to pay you back for all the tennis lessons."
"That would be great! Hold on!" She ran to the storage room and brought me a practice sword. We didn't put on armor; it was just a casual session as the sun went down.
"Oh, one thing, Itsuki. I should warn you…… I don't like holding back."
The tips of our shinai touched. The next instant, Narika closed the distance with terrifying speed. Her feet barely seemed to leave the ground, making it impossible to gauge her range. Caught off guard, I tried to retreat, but her blade was already descending. I ended up flat on my back.
"O-Oh……"
"Don't worry, I’ll stop short of actually hitting you. You can come at me however you like." She reached out a hand to help me up.
(I thought I’d learned some kendo from Ms. Shizune, but……!) It was part of my self-defense training, but kendo was a specialized discipline. It didn't translate perfectly to practical defense. I was a novice at best. And Narika was a monster.
"Again!"
We went at it again and again. I felt an incredible pressure from her—the same terrifying aura I’d felt from her father.
(So this is the Narika everyone else sees……!!)
It was frightening. She wasn't trying to be intimidating, but it felt like standing in front of a drawn blade. I couldn't do a thing against her.
"A-Are you okay, Itsuki!?" Narika rushed over after I stumbled yet again. "I-I’m sorry! I get so focused…… please don't hate me……!"
She was on the verge of tears, terrified she’d overdone it. The gap was almost comical—one second she was a demon of the blade, the next she was a trembling, anxious girl. It reminded me of Hinako.
"……You're amazing," I said, once I’d caught my breath. "I had no idea you were this strong."
"I’m not good at most things. So I wanted to be proud of at least one thing.……I practiced until I couldn't swing anymore."
"The strength that knows weakness, huh?" She had polished this one skill because she knew she lacked in others. It was a conviction born from self-awareness.
But Narika just pouted. "……You really have forgotten."
"What?"
"Those were your words, Itsuki." She sighed. "When we were kids, I told you that you were strong, and that’s what you said to me."
A memory flickered in my mind.
Itsuki is…… stronger than me.
I couldn't remember if it was when I’d chased a bug out of her room or when I’d calmed her down after her father scolded her, but I remembered my reply.
"……I’m not strong," I’d said. "I just know how weak I am…… so I have no choice but to be desperate."
Narika gave me a soft smile. "Exactly. Those words have been carved into my heart ever since."
She placed a hand over her chest. I saw the connection between the boy I’d been and the person I was now. Because we were poor, I’d struggled my whole life. I’d worked myself to the bone to balance part-time jobs and school. Even now, I was desperately trying to adapt to the Academy and my job as a caretaker. I did it because I wanted to, but it was a constant struggle.
I was desperate then, and I’m desperate now. I didn't have the luxury to be "cool." I had to rely on others and look unsightly just to get by. But that unsightliness was exactly what had allowed me to survive every hardship I’d faced.
"That’s why I don't want to hold back at the Athletic Festival. This is…… the one thing I can be desperate about, thanks to you."
She spoke with a mix of embarrassment and pride. She was giving it her all. And I felt that such effort deserved to be rewarded.
The festival was nearly here. Her reputation hadn't been fully restored yet, but I wondered if there was anything else I could do for her.
◆
Athletic Festival Day.
The grounds were packed with people.
"It’s an incredible turnout."
The Academy’s massive grounds were filled with students and guests, yet the atmosphere remained elegant and orderly, thanks to the prestige of the visitors.
"……I think half of them are servants," Hinako remarked from beside me.
"Not their families?"
"Nhn.……Most parents here are far too busy."
That sounded about right.
"So Kagon-san isn't coming?"
"I have come in his stead."
A voice from behind made me nearly jump out of my skin.
"M-Ms. Shizune!? When did you……"
"Just now. Kagon-sama has ordered me to record the Young Lady’s performance today."
"Nnh…… it’s embarrassing. Don't."
Hinako looked displeased, but the exchange felt like something from a normal family.
(I guess they do some 'normal' family things after all……) I hoped Kagon-sama was watching her as a father, not just a judge.
"Tomonari! The Dance Division is about to start! Get down here!" Taisho shouted from the distance.
Ms. Shizune bowed and headed for the guest seats. Hinako and I joined Taisho.
"It’s Konohana-san……"
"Make way! Move!"
The crowd parted automatically for Hinako. Usually, I would have felt out of place, but……
"Tomonari-kun." Kita gave me a small wave. Further back, Suminoe-san, one of the top students in our class, gave me a polite nod.
I was okay now. I could stand by Hinako’s side with a little more confidence.
"Over here, you two," Tennoji-san called out. We finally reached the group just as the performance began.
"Asahi is right at the front," Taisho noted.
Asahi-san was indeed the centerpiece. She and the others were dressed as cheerleaders, performing a routine that looked incredibly professional—apparently, it had been choreographed by pros. The crowd went wild.
"……You know, looking at her like that, Asahi-san is actually pretty cute."
"She is. The outfit suits her perfectly……"
I’d spoken without thinking, and I immediately felt a chill from three different directions. Hinako went "Hmph," Tennoji-san went "Heh," and Narika went "Mu."
I had definitely said the wrong thing.
The performance ended to thunderous applause. Asahi-san looked radiant with a sense of accomplishment.
"Alright, I’ve got skiing next, so I’m off!" Taisho yelled.
"I must head to the polo grounds as well," Tennoji-san added. They both hurried off to their respective venues.
"Narika, you okay?" I asked.
The moment of truth had arrived. How was she feeling after last year’s trauma?
"……I’m fine," she said, clutching her chest. "My classmates spoke to me this morning. They said they’re rooting for me. They probably don't know about last year, but…… it’s giving me strength. It’s all thanks to you, Itsuki. I’m not scared anymore."
"……Good."
It seemed she was finally ready. So far, we’d only managed to change her image within our own classes. I wanted the rest of the school to see the real her too, but I kept that to myself.
"Let’s both do our best."
"Yeah! Good luck in the fray!"
We parted ways, and I headed to the Tennis Division venue with Hinako.
"The changing rooms are over there."
The matches were split by gender, so we’d be meeting up after the first round.
"See you later, Hinako."
"Nhn.……I’ll win easily." She spoke with the casual confidence of a reigning champion.
I changed and headed to the court. I’d brought the high-end gear Ms. Shizune had provided. Thanks to all the practice I’d done at the manor, my control had improved significantly.
My first opponent was a boy I didn't recognize. We spun for service, and I won the toss.
"One-set match, play!"
I hit a basic serve, and it became clear that my opponent wasn't very athletic. As Kita had shown me, not everyone at Kikou Academy was a star athlete. Even so, I didn't let my guard down.
(Keep the ball moving. Make him run……!)
Using the basics Narika had drilled into me, I focused on ball placement. By the end, my opponent was too exhausted to move.
"Game set!"
I’d won my first match.
"——Yes!!" I pumped my fist. Without Narika’s help, I would have lost for sure.
I hurried to the meeting spot and found Hinako sitting on a shaded bench.
"You're already done?"
"Nhn.……Victory." She flashed me a peace sign.
"What now? We have time until the second round. Want to look around?"
She nodded and stood up. "By the way…… Itsuki." She looked at me expectantly. "……How do I look?"
She did a slow pirouette. I struggled to figure out what she wanted me to notice, but eventually, a thought struck me.
"Oh, right. You definitely look thinner. You must have successfully dieted."
"Nnh-eah……!?"
Too late, I realized my mistake. Hinako marched over and kicked me square in the shin.
"You…… zero…… delicacy……!!"
"S-Sorry! You seemed to want a compliment, so I thought that was it……"
Hinako hid her stomach and arms, looking mortified. I realized she’d wanted me to compliment her outfit. It was a white tennis dress, far more elegant than her practice gear.
"I already told you it looked good before, so I didn't want to repeat myself."
Hinako blushed faintly. "……You can tell me as many times as you want."
She looked like a child trying to hide her joy. There was still so much I didn't know about her.
◆
Hinako and I wandered through the various competitions. Baseball, basketball, and soccer—it was all very high-level.
"I wish we could see Tennoji-san or Taisho in action."
"……Over there." Hinako pointed to the operations tent, where a bank of large monitors displayed live feeds of every event.
We saw Taisho skiing down a summer slope at terrifying speeds.
"Taisho Moving, don't underestimate me!!" he roared over the speakers.
"Order from Shibainu Yamato!!"
"Go, Sayama Express!!"
The commentary from the surrounding parents was equally intense, with business deals apparently being decided by the outcome of the race. It was a bizarre, high-stakes environment.
On another monitor, we saw a blonde girl with ringlets galloping across a field. Tennoji-san was absolutely dominating her polo match.
"……She looks like she’s having the time of her life."
"……She’s radiant." Hinako nodded.
Everyone was enjoying themselves.
"Let’s check on Narika," I suggested. We headed to the gymnasium for the kendo tournament.
"Kote! Point!"
We couldn't see Narika on the floor yet, but the tournament bracket showed she was winning decisively. I hadn't doubted her skill; I was more concerned about how people were reacting to her. But at this early stage, there wasn't much gossip.
"Still have some time before our next matches."
I didn't want to walk all the way back to the bench.
"……We can rest in the classroom," Hinako suggested.
The school building was quiet, a refuge for those who wanted a break from the noise. As we walked down the hall, a girl stepped out of a room and called out to Hinako. She looked nervous, clearly an admirer.
"Should I step away?" I whispered.
"……No, it’s fine." Hinako shook her head. "Miyakojima-san is…… also doing her best."
She went over to speak with the girl. I didn't want to intrude, so I slipped away to the floor above.
"Itsuki?"
I turned to see Narika standing there in her hakama.
"Narika? Taking a break too?"
"Yeah. Just catching my breath between matches."
"You're doing great so far.……Finger holding up?"
"Perfectly. I think I can win it all today."
"Don't get cocky."
"I’m not. I just feel like I’m in top form."
I smiled. "It’s easier to talk when it’s just the two of us, isn't it?"
Narika looked away awkwardly. "B-But I’ve made progress! Last year, I couldn't even walk the halls like this."
"What were you doing last year?"
"……Hiding in a bathroom stall."
I felt a pang of sadness. "If you have time, do you want to walk with us? Hinako is here too."
"I wish I could, but kendo matches move fast. I have to get back."
"Fair enough. We're just killing time anyway."
"Itsuki…… thank you. If I hadn't talked to you, I’d probably still be hiding."
I shook my head. "It wasn't me, Narika. It was all you."
She blinked in surprise.
"Hinako sees it, and I see it. Everyone sees how hard you’ve been working lately. You should be proud————"
I stopped. Was it only "lately"?
"……No, I’m wrong," I corrected myself. "You've always been working hard, haven't you?"
Narika’s eyes went wide.
I realized I should have said this long ago. My affirmation shouldn't have been limited to the present. She had been struggling in silence long before I came back into her life.
"You didn't just start now. You’ve been fighting this battle since before I even knew you. You're just finally seeing the results."
She could have given up. She could have closed her heart and lived in isolation. But she hadn't. That wasn't weakness—it was the ultimate proof of her strength.
"You've done so well.……Even when everyone misunderstood you, you never gave up."
I reached out and gently stroked her hair.
"U, uuu……"
A sob escaped her lips.
"……Narika?"