Airi Miyama had called me Ryouta. It was a reflex, but the damage was done.
The atmosphere in the room froze instantly.
If it had been a simple slip of the tongue, we might have been able to laugh it off or gloss over it. But unfortunately, the girl standing there was the brilliant Rui Kuroki.
"—Hey, Airi? Why did you say that?"
Rui had been gifted with every possible talent by the heavens—aside from her lack of a massive chest and thick thighs—and she wasn't about to let a mistake like that slide.
Besides, she already knew from a member of the Track and Field Club that Miyama and I had shared a meal in the school cafeteria.
She’s definitely going to suspect something now...
Rui’s eyes were narrowed with even more suspicion than usual. They were dark, stagnant, and clouded, like the overcast sky outside.
"Ah! I always call guys by their first names! It’s just... a habit from when I call my boyfriend, I guess!"
Miyama improvised an excuse on the spot.
Nice save, Miyama!
That was surprisingly quick-witted for her. With that, we might actually—
"Hmm. Then what do you call your boyfriend, Airi?"
"Eh? Um..."
Miyama’s sharp momentum vanished instantly, and she began to falter.
"Y-Youta... yeah!"
Hey! Why did you have to pick a name that sounds so much like mine?!
"Ryouta and Youta... they sound rather similar, don't they?"
Rui’s gaze shifted toward me.
No! It’s not me! Don’t start getting ideas!
I shook my head frantically, trying to communicate my innocence.
Yuria Ichinose, who had been watching the scene in silence, was now glaring at me as well.
Even Ichinose...
"I didn't think you'd actually tell us your boyfriend's name, Airi," Ichinose said.
"Well, I just figured you weren't interested in that kind of stuff, Yuria."
"...Whatever. Look, Airi, get to your seat. The homeroom teacher’s gonna chew you out if you're not sitting down soon."
"U-Uh-huh!"
Thanks to Ichinose, the interrogation finally ended.
Phew... Ichinose really was the social glue that held this trio of beauties together.
Between the overly intelligent and observant Rui and the scatterbrained, reckless Miyama, a heated argument could break out at any moment. Ichinose’s presence was absolutely vital.
I let out a breath of relief and sat down.
Miyama had been occupying my chair until a moment ago, and her sweet perfume still lingered in the air. The seat was still warm.
Is it because of her massive hips and butt? This chair is practically toasted...
"........."
While I was lost in my impure thoughts, a sharp gaze pierced me from my right. It was Rui.
Crap! Did she realize I was thinking about how big Miyama’s butt is?!
Panicked, I felt another gaze from my left.
"...Honestly, you’re getting way too ahead of yourself. I have no idea why you're so close with Airi, too."
Ichinose whispered with a heavy sigh.
Even her? No, I guess I brought this on myself this time.
I was beginning to realize the sheer weight of carrying the individual secrets of these three girls.
—After school.
Though I felt those piercing gazes from both sides all day, the hours passed without further incident.
Today was Friday.
Since I had a movie date (at least, I’d decided it was a date) with Ichinose on Sunday, I planned to buy some new clothes on the way home.
I can't exactly show up in my usual uncool hoodie and baggy jeans.
No matter how much of a loner I was, I had to look presentable if I was going to walk beside the school's top gal. I figured I’d stop by the department store near the station...
"—Oh! Ryouta, finally!"
The moment I reached the school gate, Miyama popped out from behind it. Her explosive chest gave a heavy bounce as she moved.
"M-Miyama? What are you doing here?"
"I was waiting for you! I want to try the new Frappe at Snow Tops!"
"The new Frappuccino?"
"Hey, remember? You promised! You said we'd go on a Snoto date after school! And it’s your treat, obviously! ♡"
Now that she mentioned it, I think she had badgered me into another meal recently.
She’s definitely developed a taste for my wallet. All because of that Katsu Curry.
But then again, cute is justice, and a massive chest is justice.
Knowing Miyama's situation... if me buying her food helps her grow even more, isn't that basically my ultimate goal?
Besides, I had plenty of cash in my wallet since I was planning to buy clothes anyway.
Alright! I'll pay for everything and help those things get even bigger!!
"Ryouta? Why are you just standing there? Do you hate the idea of going to Snoto with me?"
"I would be honored to serve as your escort!"
"Pfft... Ahaha! Why are you acting like a servant all of a sudden?"
Miyama clutched her stomach and laughed.
"Man, I knew it. You're so easy to get along with, Ryouta. You're funny."
"Y-Yeah?"
To think a loner like me was being called funny.
"I know I said 'treat me,' but you already bought me that Katsu Curry. Maybe Airi should pay for today?"
"No, I’m definitely paying! I’m the one who’s going to grow them!"
"G-Grow...? Grow what?"
Crap. My true desire to see her explosive chest become "super explosive" had slipped out.
"U-Um... well, if you're that insistent, I'll let you pay... Thanks."
Miyama gave a slightly awkward smile and started walking ahead of me.
If we were going to Snow Tops, it would be the one near the school.
Students from our school always hang out there. People are going to start talking again...
"Oh, by the way! Today isn't just about the Frappe!"
"What? Is there something else you want to eat?"
"No! I mean, I'm definitely ordering food too, but that’s not it!"
"?"
"It's about that 'good thing' I thought of when we had lunch in the empty classroom!"
The good thing... Oh, right.
I had assumed her "good thing" was setting up the situation where Rui and I would share an umbrella, but that had turned out to be a trap Rui set herself.
Which meant the "good thing" Miyama had in mind was something else entirely.
Just what could it be...?