Monday, lunch break.
I pulled the documents from my bag and stepped out of the classroom. Usually, I would head for the roof of the Old Student Council Building, but today, I had somewhere else to go first.
I arrived at the Student Council Room and knocked.
"Enter."
Hearing President Minato's voice, I stepped inside.
"Excuse me. I’m here to submit my report."
"Ah, thank you for coming all this way."
I handed the papers to the President, who was seated at his desk.
In hindsight, I realized I could have simply given it to the Vice President. However, perhaps because I had requested she not investigate my lunch break activities, she always seemed to vanish from the hallways the moment the break began. She was likely being considerate... I probably should have just handed it to her during a regular passing period.
"...Yes, this looks fine. I’ll review the details later," the President said after a quick scan. "Now, I have one final question."
He shifted his gaze from the report to me.
"What do you think of Tennoji-san and Miyakojima-san?"
He didn't explain his intent. But asking now meant it was almost certainly related to the upcoming Student Council Election.
Whether those two were fit to be the next President... there was no need to even hesitate.
"To me, Tennoji-san is someone I admire more than anyone else. She is noble, righteous, and always holds herself to the highest ideals... I feel proud just following in her footsteps. If she becomes the President, I believe this academy will become a place where no one ever loses their way."
Mirei Tennoji would be the ideal model for Kikou Academy. If she took the lead, the students would use her example as a guidepost, living more nobly and earnestly. I was certain of it.
"Narika is someone whose future I look forward to more than anyone else. The answers she comes up with are always unexpected, full of surprises... If she becomes President, I believe a fresh wind will blow through this academy."
She was the person whose growth I most wanted to witness, and therefore, the one I wanted to support most of all. That was Narika to me. Compared to Tennoji-san, the things she could achieve alone might be small. But what of it? In this world, it was far rarer to accomplish anything entirely by oneself.
If Narika became the President, the academy’s future would surely head in an unexpected, exciting direction. She would build an academy that surprised everyone while keeping them moving upward.
"...I see. I’ll take those opinions into account."
President Minato nodded deeply.
"By the way, this isn't related to the election, but what do you think of Konohana-san?"
"Konohana-san is..."
The question felt like an afterthought, so I didn't think I needed to overthink it. Yet, I found myself momentarily at a loss for words.
What did I think of Hinako?
—The person I want to protect more than anyone else.
That answer flashed through my mind instantly, but I couldn't say it to President Minato. Outwardly, Hinako was the perfect Young Lady, a girl who stood in need of no protection.
"...A perfect person, I suppose."
"...I see."
In the end, I gave a safe answer. President Minato seemed to ponder it for a moment before nodding.
"I have duly received your report. You haven't had lunch yet, have you? You should head back."
"Yes....Excuse me."
I gave a final bow and left the room. Hinako would be waiting on the roof of the Old Student Council Building. I needed to hurry.
◇
About ten minutes after Itsuki left.
"Excuse me."
A knock came at the door, and the Vice President entered.
"Ah, Vice President. Tomonari-kun just submitted his report."
"Really? Please, let me see."
As she showed interest, Maki handed over the papers. As he did, the Vice President noticed a jelly drink sitting on his desk.
"...President, you’ve settled for a jelly drink for lunch again, haven't you?"
"Haha, sorry. I'm just busy at the moment."
"You're about the only one in this academy who drinks those."
"Overturning common sense to change the world—that is the philosophy of my family, the Rakuo Group Co., Ltd."
Maki struck a pose as he spoke, prompting a heavy sigh from the Vice President. She then began reading Itsuki's report in silence.
"...He is a very humble person."
"Yes. And diligent. At a glance, it’s a plain schedule, but judging by the tone, he clearly feels a sense of fulfillment."
Cleaning, studying, exercising. He was a boy who carried out an incredibly earnest routine, yet he showed no signs of boredom. Rather, the report conveyed a deep sense of satisfaction.
"I particularly like the final sentence."
The Vice President's gaze moved to the bottom of the page. Itsuki's report concluded with this:
'His sincere attitude has a positive influence on those around him. Looking at his hard work gives one the opportunity to reflect upon themselves.'
The Vice President stared at the sentence for a long time.
"...He didn't write this himself, did he?"
"Likely not. It refers to him as 'he.'...But don't you think that's exactly what makes it charming? He has the kind of character that makes others feel this way about him."
Maki suspected the person who added this sentence wanted the Council to fully appreciate Itsuki's hard work. Surely, they couldn't stand to see him undervalued. There was a sense of affection there that transcended mere friendship.
"I also read the weekday interview report you shared on Friday. It seems Itsuki-kun has settled into the academy so well it’s hard to believe he's a transfer student."
"Indeed. I heard there were many clumsy moments when he first arrived, but now he keeps up with classes perfectly. I've even seen his classmates relying on him during PE."
The Vice President clearly held a favorable impression of Itsuki Tomonari.
"Did you finish the other interviews?"
"Yes. I actually came here to submit those."
She handed a stack of papers to Maki.
"I asked four classmates who seem close to him to describe his character. The results are right there."
They had asked his peers about Itsuki Tomonari.
First, Kita Yusuke's response:
'Um, I have the image of him being a single-minded, fine young man.'
Next, Karen Asahi:
'Hmm... He's a hard worker with a lot of initiative, surprisingly knowledgeable, and he’s just fun to be around!'
Then, Katsuya Taisho:
'I think he's a guy who's hard on himself. Reliable and persistent.'
And finally, Chika Suminoe:
'He makes himself appear soft-spoken, but I think he has a hidden competitive streak....However, he often stands up for others, and I feel his self-esteem is quite low.'
Chika Suminoe had subtly pointed out a flaw Itsuki carried. Whether the observation was accurate or not, it was clear his actions made his close acquaintances see him that way.
(...I've come up with a few things I want to ask him.)
Maki murmured quietly and looked back at the Vice President.
"Thank you. I’ll take these into account." He set the interview sheets aside. "That covers Tomonari-kun. Have you seen the reports for the other two?"
"Ah, yes. I heard they were submitted this morning, so I stopped by the Student Council Room during break to look them over."
Maki had made sure the reports were in an easy-to-find spot so the staff could read them at their convenience. The Vice President had gone out of her way during a short break to do exactly that.
"Tennoji-san and Miyakojima-san have glowing reputations as well."
"Yes. Tennoji-san has always been well-regarded, and I heard Miyakojima-san has been adored by her classmates since the Athletic Festival. I was a bit... anxious before then."
"Miyakojima-san is the type to be misunderstood based on her appearance. But now, she has Tennoji-san and Konohana-san by her side. Those two wouldn't associate with someone of ill character. Even if they were inclined to, their families wouldn't stand for it."
Maki's family was the Rakuo Group Co., Ltd. His status was among the highest even in this elite academy. He knew the drill: the friends of heirs to such powerful houses were almost always vetted in secret. It was intolerable for a successor to fall in with a bad crowd.
The Konohana and Tennoji families must have investigated Narika. The fact that their daughters were still close meant both houses had cleared her. Maki trusted that judgment. If she had passed their scrutiny, her character was beyond reproach.
"Personally, I was more worried about Tennoji-san."
"Tennoji-san...?" The Vice President tilted her head.
Mirei Tennoji’s academic record was a frequent topic of praise even within the Student Council. She couldn't fathom what part of such a girl could cause concern.
But in truth, Maki had been most anxious about Mirei.
"She seemed to have a fierce rivalry with Konohana-san. Those rumors reached me across the grade levels. I feared that in the near future, the academy might be split into the Konohana Faction and the Tennoji Faction, and they would spend their years at each other's throats."
Both Hinako Konohana and Mirei Tennoji were magnetic personalities. If their followers split and began a proxy war, the situation would have become uncontrollable.
"...That is certainly a chilling thought."
"Yes. I'm glad it turned out to be a groundless fear."
If it had become reality, Kikou Academy would have turned into a literal hell. If the feud had extended to their families, it would have been a bloodbath—a fierce money game between the Konohana Group and the Tennoji Group for control over the academy itself.
"It seems Tennoji-san has learned to handle her feelings for Konohana-san."
"It seems so. According to the report, Tennoji-san herself is aware of a shift in her perspective....Wait? I think something similar was written in Miyakojima-san's report as well..."
Maki smiled. A good catch. He had noticed the exact same thing.
"I realized that this morning. I met with Tennoji-san and Miyakojima-san during a break and asked them about that change. They both gave me remarkably similar answers."
Why had they changed?
Mirei Tennoji had replied:
'Itsuki-san changed me. I used to live carrying the wrong burdens... but he set me on the right path.'
Narika Miyakojima had said:
'Um, Itsuki changed me. Thanks to him, I think I've finally learned to trust others....I’ve even become able to talk to people like you like this.'
When Maki shared these responses, the Vice President’s eyes widened.
"...Does that mean both of them changed because of Tomonari-san?"
"If we take them at their word, yes."
There was likely no hidden motive; they meant exactly what they said. Neither Tennoji-san nor Miyakojima-san were the type to be two-faced.
And just a moment ago, Maki had asked Itsuki what he thought of the two girls. He had wanted to see how the man responsible for their transformation viewed them.
(Tomonari-kun understands them deeply. The catalyst for their change was likely no accident.)
Looking at the sentence added to the end of the report, he felt even more certain. Itsuki Tomonari possessed a natural talent for encouraging change in those around him. At the very least, within the ecosystem of Kikou Academy, he was capable of fulfilling that unique role.
(...Though, one small question remains.)
A tiny doubt lingered. What did he think of Hinako Konohana? Maki had asked that as an afterthought... but Itsuki’s answer had been strangely shallow compared to his thoughts on the others.
'A perfect person.'
Maki felt a sense of dissonance. Anyone at Kikou Academy could have said that. It felt unnatural for the sincere, earnest Itsuki to offer such a generic answer regarding Hinako, the classmate he was seen with more than anyone else.
"It's good that they're close, but..." The Vice President spoke with a leading tone.
"I know what you're thinking. If they can only function as a pair, that’s a problem. Well, I suppose the election period will bring the truth to light."
For example—if Itsuki Tomonari lost the election while one of the girls won. It would be a disaster if the new President lost her stride simply because Itsuki wasn't there. Friendship was a virtue, but dependency was a weakness.
"By the way, President. On a separate note, I’ve finished investigating that male student who wanted to be Treasurer."
The Vice President moved on to another matter. As Maki had told Mirei before, there were other candidates for the council. This specific student likely had no connection to Itsuki's circle.
"As you suspected, he was using bribes."
"I figured. His popularity had grown far too quickly. What a shame... trying to buy a reputation with money."
Maki pulled a single sheet from his desk—the list of candidates. He took a pen and drew a horizontal line through one of the names.
"If only everyone had the integrity of Tomonari-kun and his group. I suppose the members of 'The Noble Tea Party' really are cut from a different cloth. I’m grateful Tennoji-san and Miyakojima-san are so beyond reproach."
"Indeed. It made the investigation much easier."
"Now, now, don't call it an investigation. It was an 'interview.'"
"Ah... my apologies."
Maki gently corrected her. The Student Council was interviewing the candidates, but those sessions had a hidden purpose they hadn't disclosed: a conduct review. The 'Daily Life Peek' segment Maki had devised was real and would be published, but it also served as a way to map out relationships and flag any suspicious behavior for deeper investigation.
"Vice President. Sorry, but could you call Tomonari-kun here after school today?"
"I can, but..." She asked with her eyes what the business was.
"Just a quick chat. It might get a bit personal, so I'd like it to be just the two of us."
"Understood."
◆
After school.
Guided by the Vice President, I visited the Student Council Room.
"I heard you wanted to speak with me..."
"Yeah. Have a seat."
I sat on the sofa as prompted. Only President Minato was in the room. The Vice President gave a polite bow and stepped out. Since neither Tennoji-san nor Narika had been called, it seemed the President wanted to speak with me privately.
"I've read your report and looked over the Vice President's interview notes. You're a fine young man—diligent in class and admirable at home."
"...Thank you."
Holding the documents in one hand, President Minato offered praise. However, he clearly hadn't called me here just for that.
"There are two things I want to ask," he said, holding up two fingers. "First: Did something happen between you and Miyakojima-san?"
My heart gave a tiny skip. To think he’d catch on here, too...
My acquaintance with President Minato was still brief. If he could see through us, Narika and I must be more obvious than I realized. I thought I was being careful, but...
"I'm sorry. I can't answer that, but I will ensure it doesn't affect the election."
"Hmm. Is it not something you can consult me about?"
"No, sir."
It really wasn't the kind of thing you discussed with the Student Council President.
"...Understood. Then, the second question. This is the main point." He continued with a solemn expression. "Do you have anyone you can rely on?"
I didn't understand the intent. It took me a moment to find my voice.
"...What do you mean by that?"
"According to the interviews, it seems you are relied upon by many people. I was curious who you rely on in turn." President Minato set the documents on the desk. "The work of the Student Council is more emotional than you might think."
"Emotional...?"
"Yes. We get a lot of consultations—worries about relationships, family pressure, things like that."
That was unexpected. This wasn't a normal school; this was Kikou Academy. I had expected the Council’s work to be high-level—finances, diplomacy, academy administration. But apparently not.
"The students here have been groomed since birth. They rarely need help with practical tasks. Therefore, the Council’s role is to support the emotional realm. Once you join, you’ll be facing delicate problems constantly." He explained it thoroughly. "Judging by the feedback, you might be particularly good at unraveling relationship issues. Several students claim they’ve changed because of you. In that respect, I think you're perfectly suited for the Council."
To hear such an evaluation was an honor.
"However, if you join, the number of people you have to watch over will explode. I'm worried about whether your own heart will hold out. You seem like the type to bottle things up. You wouldn't even consult me about my first question, after all."
"That's..."
I just thought it would be weird to tell him. What happened between me and Narika wasn't something to be shared lightly. But... then who was I supposed to tell? That was the President's point. And he was right—I had no intention of telling anyone.
"Given your success in the Management Game, you're clearly good at finding business partners. But perhaps you don't have anyone to talk to about what's inside."
"...That might be true."
I couldn't argue. I rarely consulted others. I hadn't thought that was a bad thing, but 'not needing to' and 'being unable to' are very different. Which was I?
"Many students here bottle things up. You know that, don't you?"
I did. Hinako, Tennoji-san, Narika—they were all carrying massive burdens.
"People suffering under parents' expectations, marriage troubles, academic complexes... the problems here are heavy. Do you know what happens when you take on too many of those at once?"
I tried to imagine it, but I couldn't get a clear picture. I shook my head.
"Eventually," President Minato said with a sigh, "it starts to wear you down. Your thoughts get tangled. You want to help everyone, but the problems happen all at once. Because they're delicate, you can't say anything careless, but being too cautious takes time you don't have..." He paused. "And then, eventually, you snap. You say: 'Don't you have a problem yourself?'"
"Ah..."
The sound escaped me. Those were words that must never be uttered. Even if a problem was caused by a person's own negligence, to say that was to push them away because listening had become a chore.
If I had said that to Hinako, what would have happened? To Tennoji-san, or Narika? I didn't even want to think about it.
"I'm telling you this as a warning. Council work can be mentally exhausting. If possible, you should find someone you can talk to about anything."
He gave me a soft smile. I had unconsciously assumed that aiming for a position of responsibility meant I would always be the one being consulted. I hadn't considered that I might need the same support.
"That's all. Sorry for calling you in like this." He straightened his back. "Any questions?"
"...Just one. Was that story... a real example?"
A faint smile touched his lips. "No comment."
◆
After leaving the Student Council Room, I found myself walking aimlessly through the halls.
(A confidant...)
His point had hit a sore spot. He hadn't meant it as a fatal flaw—just a friendly warning—but I couldn't just ignore it.
The career I wanted—a consultant—is essentially a professional confidant. I had worked hard to master that role. I had helped Narika, Asahi-san, and Taisho solve their problems. But maybe I had focused so hard on being the one with the answers that I’d never considered having someone to ask. Especially in my private life.
I was heading toward the classroom where Hinako was waiting when—
"I-Itsuki!"
Narika's voice rang out from down the hall. She must have been looking for me. She hurried toward me, her usual awkwardness forgotten in her rush.
"Narika? Is something wrong?"
"Y-Yeah. There's something I need to talk to you about." She looked hesitant.
Had I ever approached someone like this? I felt a sudden pang of envy for her honesty.
"It’s... it’s complicated. Please, don't tell anyone."
"I promise."
Since she seemed truly distressed, I nodded. She took a deep breath, her face set with resolve.
"I... I was confessed to! I don't know what to do!"
President Minato’s advice was instantly erased from my mind. A confession? To Narika? Someone had confessed to her, and she was coming to me for advice?
"Y-You..." My face was twitching so hard it was almost painful. "Of all people... you're asking me?"
"B-But Itsuki is the only one I can talk to about this!"
Even Narika seemed to realize how awkward this was. A sudden love triangle had just slammed into us. Someone liked Narika, but Narika had just declared her feelings for me. I hadn't even given her an answer yet, and now she was asking me how to turn someone else down.
"Oh... ah... ugh..."
"A-Are you okay, Itsuki? You're making weird noises!"
"I'm fine... just... I think my brain is melting."
"Are you really okay!?"
The cognitive load was too high. Even the hardest exams at Kikou Academy didn't require this much brainpower.
Calm down. It was a headache-inducing situation, but I needed to organize the facts.
"...The person who confessed. Do I know them?"
I needed to see the full scope of this triangle. But Narika shook her head.
"I... I can't say. It wouldn't be fair to them."
That was reasonable. But one name immediately popped into my mind.
(Could it be Kita?)
If someone I knew was going to confess to Narika, it was probably Kita. He’d been showing interest since the Athletic Festival. I’d pretended not to notice, but maybe the success of the Management Game had given him the courage to go for it.
"Did they say it clearly? That they like you?"
"...Yes." She nodded. No chance of a misunderstanding.
If the third point of the triangle was Kita, this consultation suddenly felt very real. A confession is never easy, especially here. The students of Kikou Academy have their futures mapped out; romance isn't free. You have to face parents, the company, the social fallout.
Narika was facing all of that. And against that resolve, could I—who still hadn't given her an answer—honestly give her advice?
"Sorry. I don't think I can help you with this." I apologized, feeling pathetic. "I need to give you my answer first. Until I do, it wouldn't be right for me to advise you on this."
"Uugh... you're right." She nodded, sensing my conflict. "B-But then I have to carry this alone..."
"No, I mean, I'm carrying it too..."
"A-Ah, right... Itsuki is also stressed because of me..."
"Stop! It's just getting more complicated!"
Why did a love triangle have to start during such a busy time? Though, being a part of it myself, I didn't have much right to complain.
"Ugh... romance is so hard. I wish we could just decide everything with a kendo match or something."
"Are you from some warrior tribe? You'd just wipe the floor with everyone."
"True." She calmed down slightly. "Ugh... my stomach hurts. It’s been hurting a lot lately."
"Mine too."
We both stood there, rubbing our stomachs. Was romance always supposed to be this nauseating?
◆
A black car pulled up in front of the Konohana manor.
"Welcome home."
As Hinako, Ms. Shizune, and I stepped out, the gatekeepers bowed deeply. Among them was the man I’d sparred with the other day—the one who beat me in the first match. I hadn't seen my opponents from the second and third matches at all. Had they gone back to the mountains to train?
"Phew... I'm beat."
Beside me, Hinako relaxed. Watching her, I thought about President Minato's warning and Narika's consultation. What did I really think of Narika?
"...Itsuki? Something wrong?" I realized Hinako was peering up at me. "You look like you're thinking about something difficult."
"It's nothing. Just lost in thought."
For a second, I considered asking her. But I stopped myself. Hinako was reliable, but I didn't want to add to her stress. I wanted her to be at peace, especially when I was around.
I wouldn't tell her. I was her caretaker, after all. I didn't want to break that balance.
"By the way," Ms. Shizune said as we walked into the manor. "In three days, the Konohana Group will be hosting a social gathering. The Young Lady is attending, and you will be as well, Itsuki-san."
"Understood. Is it just for the group?"
"The Konohana Group and its associates. Master Kegon is the host. We are on the hosting side, so please review your etiquette to ensure everything is perfect."
I nodded. Judging by the guest list, it would be business-heavy. I wouldn't see any of my school friends there. My suit was clean, and my build hadn't changed, so it should fit, but I’d double-check it later.
"Head Maid."
A maid approached Ms. Shizune with a serious expression. They whispered for a moment before the maid bowed and left.
"Ms. Shizune? Did something happen?"
"The chef scheduled for the gathering has fallen ill. We need a replacement immediately." She tapped her chin, deep in thought. "Itsuki-san, would Yuri be back from school by now?"
"Eh? Yes, she should be home." I checked the time on my phone. Wait, if she was asking that, then—
"We shall ask her," Ms. Shizune said calmly.
◆
"Um... I'll be in your care for the next three days."
A few hours later, Yuri arrived at the manor with a backpack, looking more nervous than I’d ever seen her.
"As I explained on the phone," Ms. Shizune began, "you will join the cooking staff for the gathering. The menu and ingredients are set. Your task is to master the specific skills required over the next three days and support the team on the day of the event."
Yuri nodded. Ms. Shizune had clearly judged that Yuri’s existing talent was high enough that three days of intense training would be enough to make her a viable part of the professional team.
"Any questions?"
"...No."
Yuri shook her head, but I had one.
"Three days? Yuri, what about school?"
"I'm taking a leave of absence," she said, as if it were obvious. "This is a major corporate event. The guests will have incredibly refined palates. You can't serve them anything less than perfect. If I’ve been called to a stage like this, I’ll skip as much school as I have to."
Her resolve was palpable. To her, this was a milestone—a chance to prove herself in the world she wanted to belong to.
"School is not an issue," Ms. Shizune added. "I have already contacted her teacher. This will be recorded as an authorized absence."
"Eh... thank you. I can't believe you did that for me."
"It was a sudden request. It is the least we could do."
Ms. Shizune was as efficient as ever.
"...Sorry, can I ask one thing?" Yuri said hesitantly. "Why me? Why did you pick me as the substitute?"
"Because I have judged you to be reliable," Ms. Shizune replied. "I have watched your work in our kitchen over the weekends. Your attitude is exemplary, and you learn quickly. The other chefs tell me you are already capable of everything from prep to plating. I have tasted your seasoning myself, and it is excellent."
Hinako and I could testify to that. She’d even been working on dessert prototypes.
"Beyond your skill, I wanted you to experience a stage of this magnitude. I expect great growth from you."
Ms. Shizune’s voice was professional, but I could tell it was an act of kindness. She wanted Yuri to know she hadn't been picked out of pity, but because she’d earned it.
Yuri bit her lip, her hands trembling slightly. "Thank you. I... I'll do my best!"
"The kitchen and ingredients are yours to use. Practice as much as you need."
"Good luck, Yuri," I said. "I'm happy to help with taste-testing."
"You said it." Yuri gave me a predatory grin. "I'll have you eating until your stomach bursts."
"...Please be gentle."
Luckily, I hadn't eaten dinner yet. And honestly, with my head so full of confusing thoughts, focusing on food seemed like a good way to clear my mind.
"Can I count on you too, Konohana-san?"
Yuri looked at Hinako.
"Of course! I’m a light eater, so I’m not sure how much I can help, but..."
You definitely ate potato chips earlier, I thought.
◆
Late that night.
"Ugh... I ate too much."
I lay on my bed, rubbing my stomach. Usually, I’d be with Hinako, but she’d reached her limit early and retreated to her room looking like she was about to explode.
I wasn't much better. Yuri was still down in the kitchen, practicing.
(She was really nervous...)
I’d never seen her like that. But it made sense—this was a huge responsibility. I closed my eyes, and all the thoughts I’d been avoiding came rushing back.
(Narika...)
I touched my cheek. The kiss had shocked me, but I’d accepted it surprisingly easily. Maybe I had known how she felt all along.
When did it start? How long had she liked me? It had to be long before the Management Game. Maybe even before I came to this academy.
If that was true, a lot of things made sense. Her scream of "Unfair!" when she found out I lived with Hinako. Her intensity during the tennis match. Her behavior when I stayed at her house.
(Am I just being vain?)
Maybe I was over-self-conscious. But even if I’d sensed she liked me, I hadn't known it was deep enough for a confession. For someone as socially anxious as Narika, that had to have taken incredible courage.
(I have to answer her.)
But what did I want? What kind of relationship...
"...ki."
A voice.
"...Itsuki."
I drifted in the space between sleep and wakefulness before slowly opening my eyes.
"Itsuki, wake up."
"Eh..."
Yuri’s face was right in front of mine.
"H-Huh? Yuri...?"
I sat up, my brain still foggy. I’d fallen asleep without even brushing my teeth. I checked the clock: 2:00 AM.
"What are you doing here at this hour?"
Yuri’s cheeks flushed a soft red. "You said... I could come whenever I wanted, didn't you?"
I had said that. I’d told her my room could be her sanctuary whenever she needed a break. But why now? And why was she practically pinning me to the bed?
She looked intense, as if she were determined not to let me escape. She was slightly flushed, her breathing shallow. I felt my own tension rising.
Is this... a 'night visit'—
"Please, Itsuki. Help me!"
She pressed her hands together and bowed her head, still hovering over me.
"At this rate, I won't be ready in time!"
Looking at her desperate face, the heat in my head vanished instantly. She wasn't here for romance; she was here for a different kind of survival.