"…I suppose so."
Setting the house itself aside, I found myself wishing the academy had a place like this.
Every time we went out, I ended up feeling tense in those refined cafes and restaurants. As a caretaker, I shouldn't indulge in such soft sentiments, but I secretly longed for a spot with a bit more clutter and a relaxed vibe. If Kikou Academy had a place like that, I’d probably end up treating it as a sanctuary.
As I was lost in thought, I realized Hinako was staring at me.
"Konohana-san, is something the matter?"
"No, well…"
It was rare for Hinako to be at a loss for words, especially when she had her perfect Young Lady mode switched on.
However, the hesitation lasted only a fleeting moment. Since I was the one who usually watched over her as her caretaker, I doubted anyone else had even noticed.
"…I was simply a little curious about what you were studying, Tomonari-kun," Hinako stated.
Unfortunately, I couldn't tell if that was her honest feeling or just a spur-of-the-moment excuse.
"I’m reviewing the material from the Summer Seminar."
"D-despite being one of the top academic performers, you’re still such a hard worker, Itsuki."
"Narika, maybe you should try working a bit harder yourself," I teased.
"Ugh, I walked right into that one…!" Narika groaned, averting her eyes.
Since there was something I was curious about as well, I glanced at the reference book in Yuri’s hands. I’d assumed she was studying a standard subject like Japanese or math, but the book was filled with unfamiliar diagrams and graphs.
"Yuri, what are you studying?"
"The classroom portion for my culinary license. I’m planning to work at the shop after graduating high school and get my license that way instead of going to culinary school."
I felt like I’d heard her mention that before. Yuri had it tough in her own way, but she seemed fulfilled. I could tell her motivation was high just by looking at how her notebook was packed with dense notes.
"On a different note, I noticed a company within the Konohana Group dismissed an employee for workplace harassment the other day," Tennoji-san remarked while her pen continued to move.
I fell silent, unsure how to react to the topic. I knew the story, but I wondered if it was really appropriate to bring it up so casually.
Seeing the awkwardness between Yuri and me, Tennoji-san paused her writing.
"There is no need to be so stiff. When a family reaches the scale of ours, these kinds of scandals are bound to happen.…Not that it makes it any less regrettable, of course."
"Indeed. I, too, find it disappointing," Hinako added with a nod.
"I wonder if that was even on the news?" Yuri asked.
"It hasn't been made public to the general population, but those in the industry have plenty of ways to find out. I keep constant tabs on Tomoji—… my rival's information," Tennoji-san answered.
She had clearly caught herself and corrected her wording, but I decided to let it slide. Her cheeks were faintly flushed.
"Still, a dismissal is rare," Narika noted.
"What do you mean?" I asked.
"A dismissal is a fairly heavy disciplinary action. Especially when it comes to disciplinary dismissal, there are usually fewer than fifty cases a year. If they were fired for harassment, the behavior must have been incredibly malicious and habitual."
The dismissals usually featured on the news involved embezzlement or fraud—things that were crimes regardless of company policy. In that sense, there were likely several steps involved before harassment reached the point of outright dismissal.
"By the way, Tennoji-san, I heard that the number of disciplinary actions for harassment within your company is remarkably low for a group of its size—rare even on a global scale."
"Heh…"
Somehow, that didn't surprise me. When she was at the academy, Tennoji-san placed great value on her connections with and consideration for others. The Tennoji Group was likely an organization that truly cherished its people.
"You’re quite well-informed, Miyakojima-san. Even regarding my family's affairs."
"W-well, yeah!"
Perhaps because she was struggling with the assignment in front of her, Narika puffed out her chest as if this were her moment to shine.
"The second semester at Kikou Academy is about to start. Considering that program is beginning, we should be studying management while we have the chance."
"Oh? In that case, we might end up being rivals."
"T-t-t-t-t-t-t-that’s not what I meant…"
"You are far too flustered."
Tennoji-san gave a wry smile as she looked at Narika, whose face had gone pale.
That program…?
I wondered what they were talking about.
While harboring that doubt, I picked up the teapot. It was lighter than I expected; it was nearly empty.
"We’re running low on drinks, so I’ll go buy some more at the convenience store."
We had received more snacks than I’d anticipated, so we were going through the tea quickly. I could have served tap water, but I felt too guilty to offer that to these young ladies.
As I stood up, I looked toward Tennoji-san.
"Actually, Tennoji-san, you mentioned you were interested in convenience stores. Would you like to come with me?"
"Eh?…O-oh! Yes, I would be delighted to accompany you!"
Tennoji-san stood up, looking slightly bewildered.
Once we stepped out of the house together, I let out a long sigh of relief.
"Right, now we can talk normally."
When we’d discussed the plans for the study session, I had promised to talk with her alone. I was glad I managed to make it happen.
For some reason, Tennoji-san was looking at me with narrow, suspicious eyes.
"…You’re quite practiced at this, aren't you?"
"Eh?"
"So this is how you go about charming people."
"That’s a terrible way to put it…"
And here I thought it was a brilliant move.
"Anyone would want to do this after hearing such a disappointed voice over the phone."
"I-I didn't sound that disappointed… well, maybe I did, a little."
Her confidence seemed to waver as her voice trailed off.
"I’m not the type to feel a sense of distance just because of how someone speaks, so I don't usually make proposals like this. But if you need it, Tennoji-san, just tell me."
"…I don't particularly feel a sense of distance either," Tennoji-san said, as if it were obvious.
I was used to hierarchical relationships from my part-time jobs, so I didn't have any resistance to using polite speech. But thinking about it, Tennoji-san was probably even more accustomed to it. She was the daughter of the Tennoji Group, which stood on equal footing with the Konohana Group. She must have attended countless formal occasions where honorifics were the only way to communicate.
"However, you are in a position where you hide your true status on a daily basis, Itsuki-san."
"Ugh."
"The Itsuki-san who uses polite speech is undoubtedly you as well… but I feel like you’re showing your true nature more when you speak casually."
"My true nature…"
It wasn't like I was putting on a different personality or anything.
"Is there really that much of a difference between how I am now and how I usually am?"
"…When you switch to your casual way of speaking, you tease me every once in a while."
"Wait, do I?"
"You do! During the Summer Seminar, when I was struggling because I couldn't open a can of juice, you laughed your head off! And when we were at the arcade, you laughed just because I didn't know the rules!"
"No, I mean, that was just because you were so funny, Tennoji-san. I couldn't help it…"
"See! Even now! See!"
Tennoji-san pointed a finger at me while huffing in adorable indignation.
I see. Now that she mentioned it, I did feel like my real thoughts came out more easily when I wasn't being formal.…Even though I usually thought the exact same things in my head, I just didn't say them aloud.
"Ah, the store is just past that turn.…By the way, Tennoji-san, you do know what a convenience store is, right?"
"Of course I do! Please do not treat me like a fool!"
It seemed she at least knew the concept.
However, after we walked into the store, Tennoji-san stared at the hot snacks in the display case next to the register and whispered with a puzzled expression.
"…………These food samples are remarkably realistic, aren't they?"
"Pfft."
When I bought one for her at the checkout, Tennoji-san looked as if she’d just witnessed a miracle.