The next morning.
I was studying in silence, just as I did every day.
It was our third day at this house, and we were finally starting to settle in. We had already visited the shopping district and my old school; I couldn't think of any other local landmarks worth showing them. Besides, after being out and about for several days, Hinako seemed to want nothing more than to spend the day relaxing indoors.
(…I should probably go over the material from the summer seminar, too.)
I had finished reviewing the table etiquette Ms. Shizune had taught me, as well as my regular lessons for Kikou Academy. I figured I might as well revisit what I’d learned during the seminar. While those subjects were highly specialized, I was certain they would be useful someday.
Suddenly, my smartphone buzzed with a message.
"…Tennoji-san?"
Seeing the sender’s name, I checked the content immediately.
Tennoji-san: It is sudden, but I am inviting you to a study session!!
I could practically hear her voice through the screen. The messages continued to pop up.
Tennoji-san: Shall we all steel our resolve for the reopening of the Academy?
That was exactly what I had been focusing on lately.
I had no reason to refuse. During our first study session at the Academy, I’d been able to concentrate quite well. If it was the usual group from Kikou Academy, I knew everyone would take the work seriously until the very end.
Itsuki: I would love to participate.
The message was marked as "read" the moment I sent it. However, a reply didn't come immediately. After a minute of silence, another message arrived.
Tennoji-san: May I call you now?
Since we were both active, she must have decided that talking would be faster. When I replied that it was fine, my phone vibrated instantly.
"H-Hello! It is I!"
She sounded as formal as ever, even over the phone.
"It’s been a while, Tennoji-san."
"Indeed! Not since the summer seminar!"
Tennoji-san’s voice was bright and cheerful. As always, she was a bundle of energy; just listening to her made me feel more spirited.
"I knew you would be interested in this proposal."
"Well, I’m in a position where I have to work twice as hard as everyone else just to keep up."
"You are already working twice as hard. You remain as diligent as ever."
I could almost see her smiling on the other end of the line.
"Ahem. Returning to the matter at hand… Itsuki-san, what days are you available?"
Her voice seemed to go up an octave when she said my name. I knew what she was doing, but given my current surroundings, I had to ignore the prompt.
"…I’m free whenever you are."
"…Itsuki-san, you are free at any time?"
"…Yes."
It was no use. I wasn't going to be able to dodge this. By using that specific tone and calling me by my name, she was signaling that she wanted me to drop the polite honorifics and speak naturally with her. I understood that. I really did.
The problem was that both Hinako and Ms. Shizune were right behind me.
"My apologies. Given the current… situation, I can only really speak this way."
"…Ah. There is someone nearby, I take it?"
"Exactly as you suspect."
I was thankful she was so quick-witted. The sound from the call might have been leaking, and regardless, if I was going to participate in a study session, I’d eventually have to tell Hinako and Ms. Shizune about it. I’d have to mention Tennoji-san was the organizer. If I wasn't using polite speech now, it would be obvious that we normally spoke to each other casually.
Tennoji-san let out a disappointed sigh. "And here I thought we could speak naturally over the phone…"
"I'm sorry."
"I was looking forward to it for the first time in a while…"
She sounded more dejected than I’d expected. Because she was usually so energetic, the way her voice trailed off made me feel incredibly guilty.
"Then… let’s do it during the study session."
"During the study session?"
"Yes. Let's find a way to talk, just the two of us, for a little bit."
I hadn't thought at all about how I would manage to get us alone, but I’d find a way.
"Is that a promise?"
"Yes."
"…Very well. I shall forgive you."
Her mood seemed to recover safely.
"So, about the study session—have you decided on the members yet?"
"No, nothing is set in stone. I was hoping to gather a group similar to the last one, but…"
"Taisho and Asahi-san seem to be enjoying their vacation."
"Indeed. I received a message from them as well."
Those two had gone on a company trip during the first half of the summer break, and now they were on vacation with their respective families. When they had asked me what I wanted for a souvenir, I had just told them that anything simple was fine. Expensive gifts were bad for my heart, so anything cheap would do.
"In that case, I’ll start by checking with Konohana-san."
"Yes, please. I shall reach out to Ms. Miyajima."
"We should probably coordinate our schedules then, too."
"Quite right."
I wasn't sure about Narika, but I was fairly certain Hinako would be on board. Lately, she had been much more willing to join these sorts of gatherings.
"Also, if you do not mind, I believe we should invite Hirano-san."
"That’s a good idea. Yuri is a hard worker when it comes to her studies, so I’ll give her a call."
It was a relief to see my friends getting along. After the summer seminar, it seemed Tennoji-san had come to view Yuri as a genuine friend.
"The only other thing to consider is…"
"The location."
Tennoji-san was right on the money.
"My home would be fine, of course, but since this is the final event of our summer vacation, I would prefer an environment that feels a bit more… unique."
The homes of the upper class were almost all elegant and luxurious, much like Kikou Academy itself. If we wanted a unique environment that the Academy didn't offer… well, Narika’s home was Japanese-style and grand, but it was still an estate.
Then, a thought struck me. If I wanted to propose the most "unique" environment possible for this group…
"Sorry, could you wait a moment?"
After getting Tennoji-san’s permission, I set the phone on the table. I turned to Ms. Shizune, who was working on paperwork in the living room.
"Ms. Shizune, I’m talking to Tennoji-san right now, and—"
"I don't mind."
Ms. Shizune replied instantly.
"I have a general idea of the conversation. You wish to host the study session here, don't you?"
"Uh, yes. I was just about to suggest it…"
"It is not a problem."
Her immediate approval was helpful, but I had one lingering worry.
"Um, considering the current state of the Konohana Group, shouldn't we keep Hinako’s location a secret? If word gets out where she’s staying…"
Hinako had been allowed to leave the manor specifically to avoid the center of the conflict. If her refuge became public knowledge, some unpleasant people might try to approach her.
At my words, Ms. Shizune’s eyes widened for a fraction of a second. Then, she smiled gently.
"There is no need for concern. That matter has been largely resolved."
"Oh, really?"
"She was sent away from the manor to avoid any potential turbulence, but since we now have a clear path to a peaceful resolution, it is no longer an issue."
People must have been working hard behind the scenes in ways I couldn't imagine. But if the coast was clear, I could offer up this place without reservation.
I picked the phone back up. "Hello, Tennoji-san? I have a suggestion for the location…"
I was worried that nobody would be able to focus in a place like this, but Tennoji-san was incredibly enthusiastic about the idea. Even though it was a study session, it was the final event of the summer. I wanted it to be a gathering that was as enjoyable as it was productive.
"…It seems Takuma-sama was right about you," Ms. Shizune murmured, watching me finish the call. "I should have explained the situation to you from the start."
With that, she turned back to her work.
Around noon the next day.
Three girls arrived at the front door.
"S-So this is Itsuki's house…" Narika said, staring at the building with a nervous expression.
"Technically, it's my old house."
Right now, I was only renting it for ten days; it wasn't truly mine anymore. Even the furniture was all stuff Ms. Shizune had sourced through her connections.
"O-ho-ho-ho! It is practically a doghouse!" Tennoji-san declared as she took in the exterior.
"…I suppose you’re right."
"I-I am joking! I recently saw a similar exchange in a shoujo manga called The Plum of Versailles, and I simply couldn't help myself!"
I knew she was joking, but I wasn't quite sure how to respond, so I just gave a noncommittal nod.
"You read shoujo manga, Tennoji-san?" Yuri asked.
"Y-Yes. I borrowed it from a classmate recently…" Tennoji-san replied, looking a bit bashful.
"Hirano-san, have you been to Itsuki's house before?" Narika asked.
"No. Somehow, this is my first time, too…" Yuri replied, her eyes sweeping over the building.
I hoped they could guess the reason for that. To be honest, my family wasn't the kind of people I could ever proudly introduce to my friends.
"Well, come in. It’s… a bit cramped."
I opened the door and led the three of them inside. There, sitting primly at the table, Hinako gave a small nod.
"Hello, everyone."
"Wait, Konohana-san?" Narika blinked in surprise.
"Since I arrived early, I was allowed to wait inside."
Or so we were claiming. They knew I lived at the Konohana manor, but I was terrified of how they would react if they found out we were all living together in this tiny apartment. Consequently, all of Hinako’s and Ms. Shizune’s shoes, bedding, and clothes were currently shoved into the very back of the closet.
Ms. Shizune had also stepped out. She felt that if a maid were present, the atmosphere would end up being too similar to the Academy’s cafe.
"I was imagining a room the size of a closet, but it's not actually that small," Yuri remarked, glancing around.
"Well, it was meant for a family of three," I said.
"So this is where Itsuki-san lived…"
"The house where Itsuki grew up…"
Tennoji-san and Narika were looking around restlessly, observing every detail. It was a bit embarrassing to have my old life under such scrutiny.
"There is no bed?"
"We sleep on futons spread on the floor."
"Itsuki! What is this string hanging from the ceiling?! May I pull it?!"
"That’s for the light. Go ahead."
The room plunged into darkness for a second before clicking back into brightness. Narika’s home was a Japanese estate, so I thought the interior might feel familiar, but then I remembered I’d never seen a pull-string light in her house. They likely had modern, recessed lighting that fit the traditional aesthetic.
I looked over at Hinako, who was watching the other two with a calm, steady gaze. She looked like the only one who was composed, but she’d been exactly like them on her first day.
Since one table was too small, I’d pushed two together in the center of the room and arranged five cushions around them. Everyone took their seats.
"Anyway, today is a commoner-style study session. I can't promise it'll be luxurious, but I hope you can make yourselves at home."
Tennoji-san and Narika were still fidgeting, but they didn't look uncomfortable; they looked like children who had just stepped into a theme park.
"I brought this, just in case…" Yuri said, pulling some snacks from her bag.
Being mindful of the company, she’d brought some fairly high-end cookies.
"I have brought something as well."
"I-I brought something too!"
Tennoji-san and Narika had each brought something to go with the tea. Tennoji-san had scones, and Narika had castella cake. Both were wrapped in paper that practically screamed "expensive."
(Crap. If this keeps up, Hinako’s going to look out of place.)
Hinako hadn't brought anything—naturally, since she was already here. I had to fix this. I stood up and grabbed a bag I’d hidden in the kitchen cupboard.
"Actually, I received something from Konohana-san, too."
I placed the item on the table.
"Potato chips?" Yuri asked, her voice skeptical.
"Yeah. Since we were doing a study session in a different environment, she thought she’d match the theme."
"Huh. Maybe I should have gone with that, too."
Since the concept was a commoner-style session, the potato chips were met with a wave of approval. Tennoji-san even let out a small "gununu" of frustration. In truth, these were just emergency rations Ms. Shizune and I kept on hand to manage Hinako’s moods.
"I don't usually get to eat these, so I am looking forward to it," Hinako declared.
Her eyes had been glued to the bag from the moment it appeared. Her focus was that of a hunting dog on the scent.
(…I hope she can actually concentrate on the studying.)
The start was a bit nerve-wracking, but once the textbooks came out, everyone fell into a silent, intense focus. They were Kikou Academy students through and through; their ability to switch into "study mode" was impressive. Yuri looked a bit surprised by the sudden shift in atmosphere, but she quickly followed suit.
But just because we were working hard didn't mean it was stiff.
"These are quite delicious."
Occasionally, we’d chat while reaching for the snacks. Tennoji-san was treating the potato chips like a rare delicacy.
"They are simply fried slices of potato. The saltiness is a bit intense, though."
I wanted to believe Tennoji-san’s reaction was the "normal" one for a Young Lady. I really did.
"Hinako, please stop glaring at everyone whenever they reach for the bag."
"I have no idea what you are talking about," Hinako replied, playing dumb. She was clearly feeling possessive over the chips.
"Narika, you've had these before, right?"
"Oh, yes. They sell them at the candy stores. Sometimes I'd buy three bags at once and—Hie?! K-Konohana-san?! Why are you looking at me like that?!"
"It is merely your imagination."
She was definitely jealous.
"This is a lovely atmosphere," Tennoji-san said suddenly, looking around the room. "Spending time with friends in such a relaxed setting is a new experience for me. I think the Academy should have a room like this—just the floor and a table."
"You really think so?"
"I am perfectly capable of appreciating a humble atmosphere, Itsuki-san."
I had assumed someone like her would only find this interesting as a curiosity, but she seemed to genuinely enjoy it.
"You seem much more at ease today than usual, Itsuki-san. I suppose it is only natural, given this is where you are most at home."