“It seems everyone is making excellent progress.”
Tennoji-san spoke first as soon as the Tea Party began.
“Especially you, Tomonari-san. I hear you’ve been quite active lately?”
“Yes. I’m currently building various partnerships to expand our product lineup. Ever since that whole incident, I’ve had quite a few companies reaching out to me...”
It was truly a blessing.
Thanks to our alliance with Wedding Needs Co., Ltd., our selection of ceremonial and funeral-related gifts had flourished, and Tomonari Gift Co., Ltd.’s sales were climbing steadily as a result.
“Actually, I’ve noticed more guys in class coming up to Tomonari lately too.”
“Totally. A friend of mine mentioned she went to him for advice just the other day,” Asahi-san added.
Is that so?
I hadn’t realized it at the time, but it seemed one of Asahi-san’s friends had sought me out as well.
“Hehe...”
“...And why do you look so smug?” Tennoji-san pointed out.
Hinako was wearing a look of immense pride, as if she were the one being praised. Well, Hinako had been sharing data and resources with me, so it wasn't an exaggeration to say I was where I was today because of her.
However, since I’d been receiving so much praise lately, I’d come to realize one thing.
Apparently, I had a knack for sniffing out excellent business partners.
Perhaps it was more accurate to say I was good at observing the human element behind the corporate data. To be honest, I didn't really understand the logic behind it, and relying on something that felt like mere intuition was a bit terrifying, so I planned to keep studying management. Still, considering there were people in the world like Takuma-san who navigated society with frighteningly sharp eyes, I felt I should make the most of this weapon.
I was further behind in my studies than anyone else at Kikou Academy.
If that was the case, I had to use every card in my hand, no matter how small. I didn't have the luxury of being picky.
Raising my teacup, I considered what I needed to do next.
“Lately, more people have been saying Tomonari-kun is pretty cool, too~”
“Wait, what?”
Startled, I set my cup down before I could take a sip. I felt like I had just heard something shocking.
“I mean, you started from a place that wasn’t very well-known and then made this massive climb—that kind of success story looks cool, doesn’t it?...Ah, when I say ‘not well-known,’ I don’t mean it in a bad way!”
“I understand what you mean, but... a success story, huh.”
Asahi-san likely meant that rising up from an unexpected industry was more impressive than just rising from obscurity.
But a success story...
I didn’t feel like I’d walked such a simple path.
In reality, it had been a series of tightrope walks. It was fortunate that Wedding Needs had agreed to the alliance; if they had refused, my company might have been swallowed up by Suminoe-san’s SIS by now. No matter how many times I looked back, the thought that there might have been a better way always crossed my mind.
“Man, as your friend, I’m beaming with pride too. Don’t you agree, Konohana-san?”
“Yes. It is a matter of pride when a friend is praised.”
Then why had she been kicking my shin for the last few seconds?
Ow, ow, ow... My Kikou Academy uniform cost hundreds of thousands of yen; she was going to get it dirty.
“Well, it’s not as if Tomonari-san’s lack of restraint is anything new,” Tennoji-san remarked.
“Um, Tennoji-san? I’d appreciate it if you didn’t glare at me like that...”
Tennoji-san was directing a gaze at me that was colder than any I’d ever received. She didn't trust me at all. Why...?
Was she still holding a grudge about that time? When we were dancing and she asked me to choose between Hinako’s company and hers, and I couldn't choose either.
“H-Hey, Asahi. What about me? Are there any rumors about me?”
“I haven’t heard a siiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiingle rumor about you, Taisho!”
“You didn’t have to emphasize it that much...”
Taisho looked like he was about to cry. Asahi-san, please go easy on him...
“By the way, is there anyone here currently struggling with a particular challenge?”
At Tennoji-san’s question, we all looked at each other, but no one spoke up.
“A challenge, huh...” Narika muttered in a tiny voice.
“Miyakojima-san. Is something bothering you?” Hinako asked.
“Ah, no!? It’s nothing like that... right?”
Why the questioning tone? As Hinako watched her with concern, Narika shook her head in a frantic, flustered manner.
“Well then, shall we disband for today? The Management Game enters its second half starting today. Let’s stay focused and do our best.”
At Tennoji-san’s words, we each nodded. It seemed everyone in the Tea Party Alliance was producing steady results.
◆
After the Tea Party disbanded, we each headed our separate ways.
Tennoji-san apparently had a meeting with some classmates and went back into the school building. Taisho and Asahi-san’s cars had already arrived, so they hurried toward the gate.
“I’m sorry. I have to go give some advice to a classmate now, so please excuse me.”
I never expected to hear Narika say such a thing. I was so surprised I nearly dropped my bag.
“Advice? You, Narika?”
“I-Is that a problem!?”
“No, it’s fine. It’s actually great.”
I was just startled; I didn’t think it was a bad thing for a second.
“Narika... you’ve really grown.”
“H-Hmph! That’s right, I’m growing too!...So, um, stop looking at me like a grandfather watching his grandchild.”
With a complicated expression on her face, Narika headed toward the school building. That left Hinako and me alone.
Immediately, Hinako let her ramrod-straight posture slump.
“Phew... I’m exhausted...”
“Hey now, it’s too early to let your guard down.”
“Mmph... I want to get in the car already...”
There didn’t seem to be any other students around, but if someone saw her like this, Hinako’s facade as the perfect young lady would crumble.
Just a little further. Hinako began walking toward the school gate with a weary look.
“Ah, Konohana-san! I’m sorry, but could I consult with you for a moment?”
Just then, a student I didn’t recognize called out to her from behind. Hinako’s expression withered. She was so close to being able to drop the act.
“...Should I turn them down for you?” I whispered.
“No... even if I turn them down here, they’ll just send me a message in the game....I’ll go.”
“Alright. Let me know when you’re done.”
Hinako’s eyes were dead. She had experienced many situations where declining a consultation at the academy resulted in being bombarded with messages later, so her decision was quick.
Being popular was hard work. I’d been getting a lot of requests lately, but nothing compared to Hinako.
“Good luck. I’ll go buy some potato chips for you later as a secret treat.”
“...Mm!”
Whether those words worked or not, Hinako regained some energy and headed toward the student who had called out to her. Ms. Shizune had told me "Please don't feed her like a pet," but I hadn't done it much lately, so once in a while should be fine.
However, this left me with nothing to do. The student who approached Hinako seemed quite formal about it, so it looked like it would take a while. I decided to wander around the academy for a bit to kill time.
Kikou Academy was vast. But having spent a whole semester here, I’d eventually set foot in most places. The cafe, the fields, the tennis courts, the library, the gymnasium. Since I’d been lacking exercise lately, I walked around various spots to make up for it.
Finally, as I was passing in front of the school building, I spotted Narika.
“Narika? Is the consultation over already?”
“Yeah. It finished sooner than I thought, so I was waiting for my ride here.”
She must have told them her pickup would be a little later. However, rather than looking bored, Narika seemed a bit downcast.
“Well, it’s not so much that it finished early as it is that I couldn’t give proper advice...”
“...Is that so?”
“They asked me to teach them about managing a large corporation. But I do so much of it by feel that I couldn't explain it well....I feel bad for the other person.”
At this stage, the scale of the companies in the game was growing, and more students were becoming bewildered by the changes. The student who consulted Narika was likely one of them. I had received similar consultations several times myself.
“You don’t need to let it get to you. I end up like that a lot too.”
“D-Do you?”
“They probably didn’t expect you to have all the answers anyway....More importantly, when did you start being relied upon by your classmates like this? Just a little while ago, you said you still hadn't fit in with the class.”
“Ah, yeah. Since the game started, people have been reaching out to me for various things. Since my company is doing well, they often ask me for tips.”
The Management Game encouraged active interaction between students. This environment might actually be a great opportunity for Narika to make new friends.
As I was thinking that, Narika broke into a strange, smug grin.
“What’s with that face?”
“Nothing... I just thought, Itsuki, you really do watch over me closely.”
“Well, you did come crying to me enough times.”
“Ugh... T-That’s true.”
The happy Narika slumped over.
...Actually, that wasn’t the only reason. It was true that I was concerned because she’d come crying to me so much, but there was another reason why I kept an eye on her.
It was the day of the Athletic Festival—
“I... only have Itsuki!”
That day, Narika had said to me:
“To me, you’re the only one who’s special! Forever and ever, it’s only Itsuki!”
Those words still rang in my ears. I had told her that I hoped she could make more friends she could talk to as freely as she did with me—that I hoped she would find more “special” people from now on. But Narika, on the verge of tears, had shaken her head. No, she’d said. I was the only special one.
...Since then, I couldn’t help but be conscious of it.
Whenever I was alone with Narika, those words would occasionally drift through the back of my mind. What exactly did “special” mean? What was Narika trying to convey in the end?
For now, I tried not to read more into the words than necessary, as letting my imagination run wild would only make things awkward....Well, knowing Narika, there might not be a very deep meaning to it. She was trying to make friends now, but since I was her best friend, she probably just wanted to say I was different from ordinary friends.
Surely, there wasn’t any romantic meaning behind it. Right...? No, I mean, it’s Narika, so...
(...At least for now, I shouldn't think about it.)
The time to face that probably wasn't now. If I overthink things on my own and our relationship becomes awkward, it would only trouble Narika. Now that the Management Game has entered the second half and we need to focus, I shouldn't add more problems.
Besides... Narika still relied on me a lot. If things became awkward between us now, she might find herself with no one to turn to, and she’d be the one suffering for it.
When I thought about it that way... I couldn't bring myself to push further.
“Hm?”
Oblivious to my inner turmoil, Narika found something and approached it.
“Itsuki! Look, a soccer ball!”
“...Someone must have forgotten to put it away.”
Having found the ball, Narika looked over at me, looking delighted. If only she could show this innocent side of her in front of everyone...
“Pass!”
The ball rolled to my feet. Narika’s pass was gentle and easy to trap. She wasn't trying to show off her skill; she was adjusting her power out of consideration for me.
As usual, she was quite dexterous when it came to sports. It was rare for someone’s strengths and weaknesses to be so clearly divided.
This time, I passed the ball back to Narika.
“It’s been a while since I kicked a ball.”
“Kikou Academy has soccer in the first year, but you only joined this year, Itsuki.”
Does that mean I won't have the chance to play soccer in class anymore? Well, even if I don't do it in class, I can do it anytime as long as I have a ball like this.
“Here, Itsuki!”
“Whoops.”
Narika intentionally sent the ball into the air, so I trapped it with my chest. I might have gotten my uniform dirty again. Ms. Shizune would probably scold me later... but Narika’s joy was infectious, and I found myself returning to a childlike state of mind.
...Yeah, it was probably best to maintain this kind of easygoing relationship with Narika. At least, that’s what I thought for now.
“Earlier at the Tea Party, Tennoji-san asked if anyone had any challenges, right?”
As we continued passing the ball back and forth, Narika began to speak.
“At that moment, I hesitated for a split second about asking everyone for advice... but how does everyone manage to speak so confidently to people they’ve just met?”
“...What do you mean?”
I wasn't quite sure of the intent behind the question, so I looked at Narika as I kicked the ball back.
“Since the Management Game started, I’ve had many opportunities to speak with people for the first time. Thanks to you, the number of people I’m on good terms with has gradually increased... but I’m still often feared by people I meet for the first time. Because of that, there have been several times when meetings didn't progress well.”
The Management Game was giving Narika more chances to talk to new people. Consequently, she seemed to be facing new anxieties. Perhaps today’s meeting had failed in a similar way.
Real-world interactions were vital in the Management Game. In fact, the reason Tomonari Gift and Wedding Needs were able to form an alliance was because of the real-world negotiations between Ikuno and me.
“If I could be more confident, I’m sure the misunderstandings would clear up naturally. But when I’m in front of someone who is afraid of me, even I become unable to speak properly. When I see those frightened eyes, my mind suddenly goes blank.”
Narika had said before that being feared by everyone at last year’s Athletic Festival was traumatic for her. Hearing this now, I was certain: Narika likely hadn't overcome that trauma yet.
It was only natural. After all, Narika had spent almost an entire year being feared by her classmates. She showed a bright attitude in front of us, but the negative self-image from sitting on a bed of needles for so long wouldn't vanish so easily.
(The Athletic Festival was a turning point, and her reputation has cleared up to some extent... but Narika herself might need to change more.)
She was definitely changing for the better, but it seemed it wasn't enough yet. At the very least, she wasn't satisfied with herself.
However, when it came to this...
“...Don’t you just have to keep gaining experience?”
Since my answer was a bit too brief, I added more.
“I think that’s what the Management Game is for. So you don't make mistakes like this in reality in the future, you gain as much management experience as possible now. That’s the whole point of this game.”
“...I see. So in a sense, it’s natural for things not to go well.”
“Yeah. So I feel like it’s okay to fail right now.”
Even as I said that, I was trying to think if I could offer more specific advice. But honestly, feeling awkward when talking to someone for the first time seemed pretty normal.
Narika was destined to carry the burden of a large corporation in the future. I knew being “normal” wasn't enough, but unfortunately, I hadn't reached that level myself, so there wasn't much I could say.
“Narika, what are you aiming for?” I asked. “Not just in the game—what kind of person do you ultimately want to become?”
“Hm... T-That’s a rather difficult question.”
I felt like I’d be troubled for quite a while if someone asked me that, too. So even if Narika struggled for an answer, I had no intention of rushing her.
“Let’s see... I’m aware it’s an overambitious goal...” Narika spoke hesitantly, as if holding back. “Ultimately, I want to stand on equal footing with people like Konohana-san and Tennoji-san...”
Despite being fundamentally pessimistic, Narika’s refusal to compromise was one of her best traits. And that goal was exactly the same as mine.
“Let’s both do our best.”
The starting points for Narika and me were worlds apart, but I was somehow happy to have someone close to me who shared the same goal. That’s right... I wanted to stand alongside them, those two.
We spent so much time near them. Surely Asahi-san and Taisho must feel the same way deep down.
Just as I felt a surge of motivation welling up inside me, my smartphone vibrated. A message from Hinako arrived: “It’s over~”
“Well, I should probably be heading back soon.”
“I see. Thank you, Itsuki, for listening to my concerns.”
“I don't feel like I was much help, though.”
“N-No, that’s not true! The Miyakojima family precept is ‘Do not fear meetings.’ Thanks to you, I was able to remember that....I’ll try talking to people without fear too!”
I didn't know they had a family precept like that.
I headed toward the school gate....But before I did, I turned back once.
“Narika, I wasn't sure if I should say this, but...”
As Narika tilted her head in confusion, I felt a wave of awkwardness. But I should say it, so she wouldn't be embarrassed later.
“Um... I don't think you should lift your legs so high when you're wearing a skirt.”
“Eh... Ah!?”
Narika’s face turned bright red as she clamped her hands over her skirt. I hoped she would notice a bit sooner next time.