A week had passed since then.
By becoming friends with Akagami and Aoki, Sara had secured a certain standing in the class social hierarchy. She was in the process of gradually getting closer to other classmates as well, but it could be said that she had acclimated to the class to some extent. Her communication skills in Witch Mode were also improving bit by bit.
“Let’s move to the next stage.”
“The next stage?”
“…Right.”
After school, in the usual empty classroom, I made the declaration to the two of them.
“Let me confirm once more. What is your goal, Sara?”
“…‘To spend a youth like something out of a story.’”
“To achieve that, you’ll need to join a friend group.”
As things stood, Sara was no longer treated like a social leper as she had been before. A large part of that was due to the fact that she had started talking to the “top-tier” members. Even so, Sara was still floating on the periphery. This was because she didn’t belong to a group.
“Sara. What do you want to do?”
“What do you mean?”
“This is your story. Who do you want to spend your youth with?”
Sara’s gaze wandered.
“But, someone like me… choosing who to be with…”
“Don’t compromise. You want a youth like a story, right?”
I cautioned her as she looked anxious.
“Dealing with the impossible is my job.”
“…Thank you, Haku-chan.”
With a single nod, Sara looked at Oukura.
“I… I want to spend my youth with Oukura-san and the others.”
Sara’s response was exactly as predicted.
Through their interactions over the past week, Sara had been drawn to the personalities of Akagami and Aoki. Additionally, Oukura was part of that same group. It was only natural that she would want to join them.
“I’d be more than happy to have you!”
Oukura beamed upon hearing Sara’s words.
“The groundwork for joining the group is there. Oukura, a core member, is on our side.”
“Ugh…”
However, there was one clear problem.
“Touyama doesn’t have a good impression of Sara.”
“…That’s true. I don’t think she hates her that much now, but Yuzuki-chan loves the current group, so she might oppose letting a new person in.”
Hearing Oukura’s opinion, Sara looked down, appearing crestfallen.
Recently, even when Oukura was around, Sara had begun to show more emotion. It was proof that Oukura’s existence was shifting from that of a “stranger” to a “friend.”
“In that case, the problem is indeed Touyama. Sara, what do you think of Touyama?”
“She’s strong-willed… and a little scary.”
Oukura gave a wry smile at Sara’s honest impression.
“But… looking at her, I feel like she’s a kind person who cares deeply for her friends.”
“That’s true. She’s incredibly soft-hearted toward her own circle.”
“…Yeah. I hope we can get along.”
Now, the general policy was decided. I would get Sara into the top-tier group. To do that—
“First, we’ll have Oukura mediate and create an opportunity.”
“I’m fine with that, but specifically how?”
“I have the perfect pretext. Sara, your birthday is coming up soon, right?”
“…You remember that well.”
Sara blinked in surprise.
“It just happened to come to mind.”
That was a lie. I had never forgotten.
Sara’s birthday was July 15th. The day after tomorrow. I would use this pretext to create an event to bring her closer to Touyama.
“That was a smooth way of putting it, wasn’t it?” Oukura whispered.
“What do you mean?”
“In truth, you just want everyone to celebrate Sara-chan’s birthday on a grand scale, don’t you?”
“…I’m going to work out the specific arrangements.”
I couldn’t deny that there was a bit of my own ego in this plan.
“Good morning.”
“Morning, Ginjou-san~”
When Sara greeted her classmates, they returned the greeting. I had stopped feeling a sense of incongruity at this sight. It was proof that she was blending into the class.
After exchanging greetings with the classmates around her seat, Sara took out a book and began to read. This was a strategy to conserve Sara’s mental stamina—her MP. If she talked to too many people, her MP would be depleted, so she needed to secure time for herself. In other words, reading was a measure against MP consumption, but as a result, Sara had gained a reputation for ‘basically preferring to be alone.’ Thanks to her stunning looks, she was being treated as an ‘unreachable flower,’ which was exactly what I intended. In short, she had acquired a position like a high-caste unaffiliated member.
“Everyone~, got a second?”
I shifted my gaze toward the center of the classroom.
Oukura was chatting with Touyama, Aoki, Akagami, and Shidou.
“Is something wrong?”
While pretending to look at my smartphone at my desk, I listened intently.
“I just heard… that Ginjou-san’s birthday is tomorrow!”
“Eh, really?”
The gazes of Akagami and the others turned toward Sara, who was reading a book in the very last seat. Sara herself was oblivious, focused on her book. Please, recover as much MP as you can.
“So, I want us to celebrate her birthday~”
“That sounds great! I’m in!”
Aoki, who was on good terms with Sara, immediately showed her support.
“…Well, I guess it’s fine.”
Touyama seemed to hesitate for a moment, but eventually nodded.
“Sounds fun. I’m down,” Shidou affirmed in a light tone.
“Yay! Now, where should we go…?”
“Maybe Saizeriya? It’s tomorrow after school, right?”
Oukura and Akagami began discussing the specific arrangements.
“Ah, but I have club activities tomorrow after school, so I can’t go!”
Aoki suddenly looked crestfallen.
“Why not just skip?”
“Geez, don’t lump me in with the soccer club!”
The only ones in the top-tier group who were in clubs were Aoki and Shidou. While the girls’ volleyball club Aoki belonged to worked hard, the soccer club Shidou belonged to had a lax atmosphere, and Shidou often skipped. For that reason, when the top-tier group hung out after school, it was common for Aoki to be the only one missing. But this time, I wanted Aoki—who was close to Sara—to be there.
“Let’s go to karaoke for the after-party~. Yuka-chan, why don’t you come for that part?”
Since I had coordinated with Oukura in advance, the proposal went smoothly.
“Is that okay? Ah, but… Ginjou-san might not stick around that long.”
Aoki expressed concern, but there was no need for that. Sara had already given her consent.
“Well, if that happens, it can’t be helped. We’ll just play among ourselves.”
Touyama shrugged.
“…Eh?”
The reason she was so nonchalant was likely because she wasn’t particularly invested in Sara. ‘If everyone else is celebrating, I don’t mind joining in.’ That was the vibe of Touyama’s mood.
“Then, I’ll go invite Ginjou-san right now~”
Oukura smiled happily and rushed over to Sara in the back seat.
“Hey, is it okay if we celebrate your birthday tomorrow~?”
Sara, who had been focused on her book, was startled by the sudden address. Why? This was exactly according to plan.
“…U-um. Thank you.”
Having managed to regain her composure, Sara nodded with a ‘smile.’
The following day after school.
Sara seemed somewhat more restless than usual.
“Alright, let’s go!”
Akagami declared excitedly. His voice was unnecessarily loud, echoing throughout the entire classroom.
“Are you guys going somewhere?”
Kurosawa, looking interested, spoke to Akagami.
“Today is Ginjou-san’s birthday celebration.”
“Eh, really? Wait, it’s your birthday? Happy birthday~!”
Though surprised, Kurosawa congratulated Sara, who was standing next to Akagami.
“…Thank you.”
“Does that mean we can’t tag along?”
“Um…”
Kurosawa likely asked because she wanted to hang out with Akagami and the others. She probably had no real desire to celebrate Sara’s birthday.
Sara looked at Akagami, appearing troubled. Since Sara wasn’t the host of this gathering, it was only natural that she was hesitant to make a decision.
“Sorry, but I think it’s just us this time,” Akagami replied with a wry smile, brushing off Kurosawa’s suggestion.
“Tsch~, how boring.”
Rather than anything to do with Kurosawa, it was likely a matter of numbers. If there were too many people at a family restaurant, it would be a nuisance to the establishment.
“Alright, everyone. See you tomorrow.”
Akagami and the others filed out of the classroom. In that circle were Oukura, Touyama, Shidou… and Sara. Aoki was at her club.
“Ginjou-san’s birthday party?”
“Sounds fun. I wish I could hang out with Oukura and the others too~”
The classmates remaining in the room chatted among themselves.
“I envy Akagami and Shidou. They get to take all the cute girls with them.”
Through this event, the classmates would come to perceive Sara as a member of the top-tier group—or more accurately, I would manipulate the rumors so that they formed that impression.
“Ginjou-san is really close with Akagami-kun and the others, huh.”
“Yeah. I wondered how it would turn out right after she transferred, but it seems she’s settled in.”
Hearing my words, which served to reinforce the current status quo, the classmate nodded.
“Happy Birthday, Ginjou-san!”
Gathered at Saizeriya, Sara and the others seemed to be having a great time.
First, Oukura handed Sara a present that everyone had chipped in to buy.
“…Thank you. I’m so happy.”
The contents were some slightly high-end chocolates. Oukura had chosen something that was just the right balance for a high schooler’s birthday gift.
The voices were echoing from my smartphone because Oukura had put me on the call.
I had considered going there in person to listen to the conversation up close, but family restaurants often don’t let you choose your own seats. This time, I decided to stick with eavesdropping.
“Anyway, what are we eating?”
“Milano-style doria, obviously!”
“Yuzuki always goes for that. I’m feeling pasta.”
It sounded like Shidou and Touyama were chatting while browsing the menu.
“What about you?”
Surprisingly, Touyama spoke to Sara.
“…Then, I’ll have the same as Touyama-san.”
“Are you sure about that?”
“…Because it looks delicious.”
“You’ve actually got a decent eye.”
“Ready, set, go!”
Touyama looked bewildered for a moment, but muttered with a hint of happiness.
Listening to that conversation through my earphones, I made my way through the school grounds after class. I looked down from the second floor of the gymnasium to the first. The girls’ volleyball team was in the middle of practice.
Aoki leaped and spiked the ball, driving it straight into the opposing court. What an incredible serve. Aoki’s physical abilities are as outstanding as ever. Perhaps because her chest bounced with every jump, most of the boys’ basketball team practicing on the adjacent court were captivated by her. Hey, get back to practice!
The five of them continued to chat for a while even after finishing dinner. They lingered over the drink bar, blossoming into trivial conversations about daily life.
Sara didn’t speak much, but her voice sounded slightly more upbeat.
“Shall we head to karaoke soon?”
The atmosphere of Sara’s birthday celebration was shifting toward changing venues.
Meanwhile, the girls’ volleyball team’s practice was just coming to an end. It seemed their time management was working out well.
“I’m heading home first! I have something to take care of!”
After excusing herself to her teammates, Aoki hurried out of the gymnasium. She was heading toward the club building. She was likely going to change back into her uniform.
“Alright, let’s settle the bill.”
On the other hand, at Shidou’s word, the Saizeriya group began preparing to leave. At this timing, Aoki should be able to join them at karaoke just in time. Everything is proceeding smoothly so far. Just as I thought that, a voice reached me.
“Usuto-kun, can you hear me?”
“What is it?”
It was Ruka. There was no sign of anyone around me.
“I told them I was going to the restroom and stepped out for a bit.”
“Did something happen?”
“Let’s see.”
“No, nothing special. The first party is going reasonably well. But it’s still a bit awkward–I wouldn’t say they’ve become close yet. If Yuka-chan were here, the atmosphere might be more relaxed… especially since there’s still a wall between her and Masato-kun or Yuzuki-chan~”
I organized the relationship values between Sara and the top-tier group. Ruka, needless to say, was my accomplice and Sara’s ally.
Aoki could be called her closest friend in this school. Even now, she had rushed to change into her uniform and bolted from the club building. If that wasn’t a friend, what was? Akagami gave the impression that he cared for Sara quite a bit. I think it started because the teacher ordered him to look after her, but I get the feeling he actually enjoys talking with the eccentric Sara.
The problem was, first, Shidou. He seems to find Sara amusing, but… since he naturally takes a step back and plays the role of the group’s guardian, the impression remains that there is still a wall.
And then there’s Touyama. He has a strong sense of camaraderie, but once he labels someone an enemy, it’s hard to overturn. Although his attitude has softened gradually, I still feel his treatment of Sara is somewhat harsh.
“Actually, there’s a reason why I made the second party karaoke.”
This event is meant to earn favor with the top-tier members.
“As expected of Usuto-kun! Do you have some kind of strategy?”
“When do you think people find someone charming?”
“Hmm… like, ‘they’re kinder than I thought’ or ‘they’re cooler than I expected’?”
“Exactly. In other words, when they feel a gap in a positive way.”
“I get what you’re saying, but how does that connect to karaoke?”
“For now, just create a flow where Sara is made to sing.”
It will likely be more amusing than expected.
“Ahaha hahahahaha!”
“…Eh?”
Laughter from Touyama and the others echoed inside the karaoke room. I could also hear Sara’s bewildered voice.
I was still connected to the call via Ruka’s smartphone. I had also come to the karaoke place where Sara and the others were. In a different room, of course.
“T-This is…”
“Do you seriously not realize it?”
Akagami and Touyama were having this conversation while laughing joyfully.
“…Am I bad?”
Sara muttered, sounding devastated.
“You didn’t notice?!”
Aoki, who had just joined them, chimed in with a surprised shout.
Yes—Sara is hopelessly tone-deaf. Surely, there is no one in the world who doesn’t realize she is tone-deaf.
Since the plan was to go to karaoke for the second party, Sara had invited me to practice. Because I had no particular reason to refuse, I accompanied her to karaoke after school that day. That was where I found out. I discovered the sheer extent of Sara’s tone-deafness.
I had two choices. One was to scrap the karaoke plan for the second party. Since Ruka hadn’t proposed it to everyone yet, I could have stopped it in time.
The other was to push through with the karaoke plan. However, if I told her she was tone-deaf, Sara would lose her confidence. Therefore, I had no choice but to praise her.
Sara had some awareness that she wasn’t great. However, she probably didn’t think I would lie. She trusts my judgment more than her own. As a result, a ‘funny girl’ was born—one who sings with a straight face, completely unaware of her own tone-deafness.
Furthermore, combined with the lack of emotion in her Witch Mode, it resulted in terrible, monotone delivery. A combo of tone-deafness, monotone delivery, and a straight face. It was incredibly funny to watch from the sidelines.
“I… I’m gonna die…”
Shidou seemed to be the one most affected.
Ruka sent me a video along with a chat saying, “He’s cracking up.”
Shidou was slumped over the table, his body shaking violently.
“Oi, oi, this is too funny, Ginjou-san…”
“…I-I don’t want to be a funny person.”
While making excuses, Sara spammed angry stamps in her chat with me. Sorry about that.
“No, no, I like funny people,” Shidou said to Sara, having managed to suppress his laughter.
“Want to sing together?”
“…If it’s okay that I’m bad.”
“It’s fine. Let’s just have fun.”
Shidou seemed to have taken a liking to Sara and began picking a song for them to sing together.
A chat flew in from Ruka.
“Amazing, raising favorability in a way like this.”
Shidou’s value system is basically ‘anything goes as long as it’s funny.’ Is he a Shounen Jump character or something? While the strategy was primarily aimed at Shidou, I didn’t expect it to hit this hard.
Although a ‘director’ is required to have the ability to keep reality under control, reality is interesting precisely because it is unpredictable. And yet, it still meets expectations.
“Ah, Masa-chan, that’s not fair! I want to sing with Ginjou-san too!”
Furthermore, thanks to Aoki—who is close with Sara—joining them, the slightly awkward atmosphere that had lingered during the first party was resolved. It really was the right move to have Aoki join.
“Then, let’s put in a song that everyone can sing together,” Akagami suggested, as if it had just occurred to him.
“Sounds good~”
“What should we sing?”
Shidou agreed enthusiastically, and Ruka asked the question.
“Why don’t you decide, Ginjou-san?”
Touyama deferred to Sara.
“Eh…”
Sara’s voice was as cold as ever, but she was probably startled.
However, for times like this, I had previously created a ‘Singable Song List.’ She just needs to glance at her phone and select one from that list.
“…I want this song.”
I couldn’t see the exact situation, but the remote control was likely in Sara’s hand. She seemed to be showing the title of the song she chose to the others.
“Nice choice~”
Once Ruka agreed, the song Sara had selected began to play.
It was a famous anime song that had been popular when they were children. The memory of watching that anime with Sara was brought back.
Sara and the others began to sing the song together. Her singing voice was still hopelessly off, but her tone was more upbeat than usual.
After they finished, a chat came from Sara.
“It was fun singing with everyone.”
It seemed the memory of spamming angry stamps until a moment ago had vanished.
For Sara, this moment was surely the very essence of the youth she had desired.
“I’m glad,” I replied succinctly.
For now, today’s birthday celebration event could be called a success.
While I was resting and listening to Shidou’s needlessly good singing, the door to the room suddenly opened.
Only two people knew about this room.
Because I had shared the room number in the group chat,
“I’m here.”
Ruka trotted over to my side.
She sat pressed close against me, wrapping her arm around mine.
“Hey, don’t cling to me.”
“A reward like this should be allowed, right?”
When put that way, it was hard to argue. It was a fact that I relied heavily on Ruka. This operation wouldn’t have come together without Ruka.
“Now then, it’s reward time~”
Squeeze.
My arm is pinned against Ruka’s curves. She rubs her cheek against my upper arm. All the while, Sara’s singing continues to stream from the smartphone.
“Ruka, you’re right here, so why can I still hear her voice?”
“Because I left my phone with Sara-chan.”
“In the first place, how did you sneak away?”
“Oh, I didn’t say anything. Everyone just thinks I’m in the restroom.”
“Then you should probably get back quickly.”
“I know. That’s why I’m going to make the most of this short time.”
Ruka, hugging my arm tight, looked truly happy. I don’t understand her at all, but I suppose I’ll let her do as she pleases for a while.
“Ah, I’m… going to go grab some drinks.”
Meanwhile, Sara’s voice comes through the phone. The sounds from the device indicate she has left the karaoke room. She is likely heading toward the drink bar with Ruka’s phone still in her pocket.
“Ginjou-san, wait a second.”
Akagami’s voice rings out. Sara seems to have stopped walking.
“…Akagami-kun.”
“Want to come with me?”
The two of them start walking together.
“Thanks for today.”
“…Why are you thanking me, Akagami-kun?”
“Because I’ve dragged you into our inside jokes.”
So Akagami stepped out to support Sara.
“You’re not fond of karaoke, but you summoned the courage to come, right?”
“…Y-yeah.”
In truth, she had been brimming with confidence because of me, but Sara didn’t deny it. It was more convenient to let things play out exactly as Akagami assumed.
“…But it’s okay. I’m having fun.”
“I see. Glad I invited you then.”
Having finished their conversation, the two seem to have reached the drink bar. I can hear the sound of liquid pouring into cups.
“Can I call you Sara?”
“Eh?”
“I mean, we’re friends now, right?”
I hear Sara catch her breath.
“…Of course.”
“Looking forward to getting to know you, Sara.”
“…Yeah.”
After that exchange, Sara and Akagami return to the room.
Ruka, who had been listening silently beside me, whispers, “That worked out well.”
“If the leader, Kouichi-kun, likes her that much, there’s nothing left to worry about. Masato-kun was laughing his head off, and Yuzuki-chan’s attitude is gradually softening.”
Ruka is optimistic, but I have my concerns.
“I feel like Akagami-san is paying a bit too much attention to Sara.”
“…? That’s just because he likes her. Kouichi-kun is more of a caretaker than he looks.”
“It might be unfounded worry, but if this continues, it could create a different set of problems.”
At that, Ruka seemed to catch onto my concern.
“Ah~, I see. What are you going to do?”
“For now, I’ll just watch. There are problems that need immediate handling, and those that don’t.”
This falls into the latter category.
Because it looks like the story is about to get interesting.
The reason I’ve been operating in the shadows to handle things until now was to prevent boring developments. However, this particular issue has the potential to become a climax in the story.
In that case, instead of preemptively fixing it, I should focus on directing it toward a more dramatic development. After all, Sara herself desires a youth that feels like a story.
“You have a wicked look on your face, Usuhito-kun.”
“What? I’m simply ensuring she fulfills her duty as the protagonist of the story.”
I’m not just operating behind the scenes for Sara’s sake. I’m making the story where Sara is the lead an interesting one.
That is the true pleasure of being the ‘director.’
From the following day onward, Sara spent more time with Akagami and the others. Of course, Akagami and the group accepted her presence. Her conversations were still awkward, but she was loved even for that clumsiness. In short, it would be fair to say she had become a member of the top-tier group. The classmates were surprised, but they accepted the situation. More accurately, I made them accept it. I find the development where Sara is bad-mouthed due to the jealousy of other classmates to be unpleasant.
While eating my lunch in the classroom during the break, a chat message arrives from Ruka. Ruka herself is eating lunch while chatting with the top-tier group, including Sara.
“Kurosawa-san is being very quiet. Did you do something?”
“I threatened her.”
“Scary.”
Kurosawa is the ringleader of the second-tier girls’ group who harbor dissatisfaction toward Sara. Because she has strong influence over the other girls, leaving her alone would lead to troublesome situations for Sara. Being a member of the top-tier group while being hated by the rest of the class—if Sara fell into a situation like that, it would be far from the ideal youth she envisions.
So, I took measures early.
“How did you do it?”
Kurosawa had a past where she cheated with the boyfriend of Kusano, who belongs to the same group, and I possess the photographic evidence. Getting Kurosawa to obey is simple. I only need to slip the evidence and a letter into her desk anonymously, stating my demands.
“I told her that if she didn’t want the photos leaked, she should stop any bad-mouthing of Ginjou.”
When I explained this to Ruka, she replied with a disgusted chat—“How vivid~”
“That’s why she’s become quiet.”
The secret I hold threatens Kurosawa’s current status. Therefore, whenever Sara comes up in conversation within the group, Kurosawa stops them, saying, “Stop it.”
“What’s up? Did you actually become friends with Ginjou?”
An oblivious Kusano asks Kurosawa with a puzzled look.
“…Something like that. She’s actually pretty interesting. So, no bad-mouthing.”
“Ahaha, a dictatorship! That’s hilarious! Well, I don’t mind though~”
Kurosawa is glancing around excessively, likely searching for the person who threatened her. However, from her perspective, the only people who would protect Sara are the members of the top-tier group. Since she wants to avoid making enemies of them, Kurosawa is unable to move.
“Why do you even have photos like that?”
“Simply for the sake of recording the story. I didn’t think they’d be useful.”
As expected, information is indispensable for operating in the shadows.
To direct Sara’s story, it seems I need to further strengthen my information gathering.
“Sara, would you mind helping me with my studies?”
After school, Akagami calls out to Sara. The surrounding students buzz at the mention of her name, but Sara responds without noticing.
“…Is someone like me okay?”
“You were ranked first in your grade at your school in Tokyo, right?”
“…I only got that once, during the midterms before I transferred.”
“That’s still amazing! Please!”
Sara gives a small nod to Akagami, who bows his head with his hands pressed together.
Starting today is the period where club activities are suspended before the final exams. In other words, there is one week left. Akagami, whose grades are not very good, suddenly begins to panic as exams approach.
If you rank the top-tier group by grades, it goes: Touyama, Ruka, Shidou, Aoki, and then Akagami. Akagami is quite low in the overall grade ranking, barely avoiding failing marks. It is a constant battle against remedial classes.
On the other hand—though it may be surprising—Touyama is ranked first in the grade. In the last midterms, she left the second-place student far behind.
Ruka was ninth, Shidou twenty-first, Aoki one hundred seventy-fourth, and Akagami was two hundred twenty-second, if I recall. I have a general grasp of my classmates’ rankings. Since there are two hundred forty students in the grade, it’s clear how low Akagami’s rank is.
“…Where should we study?”
“Then, would you accompany me to the library?”
“…Alright.”
Hearing their conversation, the classroom buzzes even more.
“A study session for just the two of them in the library… isn’t that basically a date?”
Aoki, sitting in the next seat, whispers with an excited expression.
“Maybe so.”
I give a noncommittal response while thinking.
Sara is likely floating on cloud nine from the interaction with the first friends she’s made in a long time, and isn’t conscious of the fact that Akagami is a member of the opposite sex. That’s why she doesn’t notice why everyone is buzzing.
As for Akagami, he is incredibly dense in these situations. Without seeming to mind, he and Sara leave the classroom together.
“But seriously, Yuzu-chi is totally in trouble here…”
Aoki looks toward Touyama with a hesitant air.
“Haaah!!”
Touyama stared at the classroom entrance where Akagami and Sara had exited, her expression one of sheer shock.
I understand the feeling. Touyama was the one who looked after Akagami’s studies during the midterms. In fact, part of the reason Touyama’s grades are so good is likely because she spends time tutoring him.
“I-Is something wrong~? Yuzuki-chan?”
Sensing something was off, Ruka speaks to Touyama.
“What do you mean ‘is something wrong’?! What was that?! What about me?! I’m the one who’s been helping Kouichi study since forever! Why is Ginjou taking that role?!”
Touyama is clearly angry.
“I wonder why~?”
Ruka is smiling, but she looks a bit troubled.
The reason the role was taken is simple. Akagami feels guilty about being tutored by Touyama every time there’s an exam. The fact that the tsundere Touyama tends to say things like “I guess I have no choice” or “Just this once” is also a major factor. Akagami has developed the mindset that he is “stealing Touyama’s precious time.”
That’s why he decided to rely on Sara this time. I mean, in the end, he’s still relying on someone. I feel like telling him to try doing it himself, but Akagami’s academic ability is fatally low. He probably tried doing it himself and realized he understood absolutely nothing.
“Besides, haven’t those two been way too close lately?” Touyama says discontentedly.
“They certainly talk a lot~”
“Before I knew it, they were calling each other by their first names… what is this?”
“Yuzuki-chan must be so anxious-~”
“…S-Shut up! It’s not like that!”
It is an open secret that Touyama is in love with Akagami, but she refuses to admit it.
“What do you think Kouichi is planning?”
“If you’re curious, I guess you’ll just have to ask him directly.”
“…That would make it look like I’m jealous of Ginjou-san.”
It doesn’t just look like it—that’s exactly what it is.
Somehow, even Ruka’s smile seems to be twitching.
Touyama is usually so assertive, yet she becomes suddenly timid when it comes to romance. That part of her is cute, but I can’t shake the impression that she’s a ‘losing heroine.’
Now then, I’ll leave the monitoring of Touyama to Ruka and go follow Sara and the others.
Nijisora, dropping in.
A location is sent to the group chat.
It seems Sara and Akagami are studying in the study room of the Maebashi City Library.
It’s a library frequently used by students in the area. From Nijisora, it’s probably about a ten-minute bike ride.
I reach the library and head up to the study room on the third floor. The large number of students is likely because the nearby schools have entered their exam periods. In the silence, the only sounds echoing are the flipping of textbook pages and the scratching of mechanical pencils on notebooks. I find Sara and Akagami at the far edge of the room.
I circle around into their blind spot and take a seat behind them.
“…So first, you factor this part, and the intermediate steps are…”
Sara is explaining in a low voice.
The two of them are sitting unusually close, likely out of consideration for their surroundings. Talking isn’t strictly forbidden in this study room, but there’s a time and place for everything.
“Ah, I see. That’s how it works.”
Having heard Sara’s explanation, Akagami nods as if a lightbulb has gone off. Then, he begins to write the answer to the problem in his notebook.
“So, it’s like this, right?”
“…Mm. You’re a fast learner.”
“No, it’s just that your teaching is so easy to understand, Sara. You’re a lifesaver, seriously.”
Akagami flashes his white teeth, offering his thanks in a whisper.
“…I—Is that so?”
Sara averted her eyes.
Too close!
She looks shy, but she’s actually terrified. Even if the situation makes it unavoidable, she’s a little too close to Akagami for comfort.
A chat message flies in, sounding like a cry for help.
Apparently, she’s certain I’m nearby. She’s right, of course.
“You okay?”
“For now… but it’s a little scary.”
“Sara, change your mindset. You are currently at a study session with the most handsome guy in school.”
“That’s a bit too vivid.”
“Isn’t this the ‘youth’ you wanted?”
“I think it’s too early for that. I’m starting to get weirdly nervous.”
“That nervousness is also the flavor of youth. Just enjoy it to the fullest.”
“That’s not helping at all!”
Sara spams stamps that look like she’s pleading, but there’s nothing for me to do in this situation. I’m just going to enjoy Sara and Akagami’s youthful rom-com to the fullest. This is the best seat in the house.
“Is something wrong?”
Akagami suddenly stops studying and asks. He must have noticed Sara constantly looking at her phone.
“…It’s nothing.”
Sara answers and returns to her studies. She’s probably panicking inside, but since she’s in Witch Mode, it doesn’t show on the surface. Her face is composed, but her hands aren’t moving at all.
“Hey, about this problem—”
While this is going on, Akagami throws out another question. It seems they are basically studying individually and helping each other with problems they don’t understand.
Akagami’s academic level is disastrous, but he’s not naturally dim-witted. He understands the parts Sara points out quite easily. Simply put, he lacks the basics, so he can’t apply them. He’s the classic case of someone who barely passed their high school entrance exams through last-minute cramming, only to find themselves unable to keep up after enrollment.
Even so,
“You can teach any subject, can’t you?”
“In middle school, I didn’t have anything to do but study.”
When I praise Sara in the chat, a sad bit of self-deprecation comes back.
Eventually, Akagami stops studying and lets out a long breath.
“I’m a bit tired. Want to take a break? I’ll buy you a drink.”
Saying that, he stands up, leaving his things at the table.
“…No, I’m fine.”
“Let me do at least this much. You’re helping me with my studies, after all.”
“…Thank you.”
Watching their backs as they walk away, I follow after them.
Leaving the library entrance, Sara and the others buy drinks at a vending machine.
“What do you want?”
“…Coffee.”
The two of them then sit on a bench near the vending machine to take their break. I take a wide detour and hide behind a pillar of the library, listening to their conversation from their blind spot.
“Low sugar? Or black?”
“…Low sugar. Black is… too bitter.”
“I get that. Same here. Though I drink black in the mornings.”
“Why?”
“It wakes me up.”
It’s a hollow conversation, but the two of them seem to be talking enjoyably. More accurately, because Akagami speaks with such a good rhythm, it sounds enjoyable.
“…Akagami-kun.”
Sara says, opening the stay-on tab of her canned coffee.
“Yeah, what is it?”
“Why… are you bothering with someone like me?”
Faced with that question, Akagami blinks several times.
“Isn’t it you who’s bothering to help me with my studies, Sara?”
“…I’m not asking as a joke.”
Their eyes meet. A breeze blows. Sara’s long hair flutters.
“…That’s,”
Akagami looked up at the sky. A clear blue sky stretches out today as well.
“…You won’t laugh?”
Sara gives a small nod.
“…Mm.”
Well, in Sara’s case, she couldn’t laugh even if she wanted to.
“I, well, it’s a bit weird to say this myself… but I’m pretty popular.”
Akagami is the most handsome guy in school. He’s tall, personable, and good at sports. Even if his grades are low, the fact that he got into this school means he’s at a certain level. There’s no way he wouldn’t be popular.
“So, even though I just want to be normal friends, sometimes people start having romantic feelings for me… I’m not a big fan of that. Because, if you turn down a girl’s confession, you don’t just go back to being friends–usually, you just stop talking altogether, right? Even though I wanted to stay friends.”
His problem is being too popular with girls. It’s a luxury problem unique to the top of the social caste.
“But you’re cold to me, Sara, aren’t you? So, I was actually kind of happy about that.”
“…Akagami-kun, are you a masochist?”
She scoots away from Akagami while still sitting.
“Wait, what?! Don’t move away so blatantly! It’s not like that—I just thought, you’re an interesting girl.”
He denies it in a panic, rubbing under his nose as if embarrassed.
“…I see.”
So men who actually say ‘What an interesting woman’ really do exist in reality.
Akagami finishes his canned coffee and stands up.
“I’ll stop by the restroom before heading back.”
With that, he heads back inside the library.
Meanwhile, Sara was gazes at Akagami’s back.
Man, that was a treat. This is exactly what I wanted!
“Sara, you’re living the peak of youth, aren’t you!”
“…Haku-chan.”
When I called out to her, Sara looked startled.
“How did it feel, hearing Akagami’s true feelings?”
“…I just thought that popular people have it hard.”
“If I recall, you said you wanted a handsome boyfriend, right?”
Sara looked blank for a moment, but then her face flushed bright red in an instant.
“T-That kind of talk is enough for now!”
With that, Sara hurried back into the library.
Hmm, youth, pure youth.
From that day on, Sara and Akagami studied together almost every day.
As a result, rumors began to spread through the class that the two of them were in a relationship.
“I don’t mind helping him study like I used to, you know?”
“I’m fine. Sara is helping me out this time.”
The fact that Akagami turned down Yuzuki Touyama’s indirect invitation only added fuel to the fire.
For some reason or another, Touyama had been seen as the frontrunner for Akagami’s potential girlfriend. Ruka had been the main competition, but as expected, the bond of childhood friends is strong. However, the sudden appearance of the beautiful transfer student, Sara, had stirred things up. This was a very interesting development—exactly according to my script.
While all this was happening, final exams came to an end.
The following Monday, the rankings were posted on the hallway bulletin board. At Nijisora, the top fifty students of the periodic exams are listed on the ranking sheet.
“Hey, look at that…”
The students gathered in front of the board were buzzing.
The reason was clear. The name at the very top was different from the mid-term exams.
1st Place: Sara Ginjou
2nd Place: Yuzuki Touyama
Sara gave the board a glance with her usual expressionless face and returned to the classroom.
“Amazing, Ginjou-san…”
“She looks like she thinks that rank is only natural.”
Wrong. Sara is just expressionless–she’s actually quite happy. However, there was one person staring at Sara with a look of utter shock. Needless to say, it was Touyama. Beside her stood Ruka, looking awkward.
Ruka’s gaze was asking me, “What do we do?”
I hesitated for a moment, then shook my head. Because Sara’s academic ability was higher than anticipated, things had taken an unexpected turn.
…Now, how will Touyama move?
The atmosphere in the classroom during lunch break was ominous. The reason was obvious—Touyama was in a foul mood.
Since the rankings had just been released, her classmates could easily guess why. Touyama, who had been silently fiddling with her smartphone, suddenly stood up. She marched straight toward Sara, who was chatting with Aoki.
“…?”
“W-What’s wrong, Yuzucchi?”
“Ginjou. Come with me for a second.”
“Y-Yuzucchi? Is it okay if I come too?”
“No, Yuka. I have something to discuss with Ginjou.”
Touyama’s firm, cold tone drew everyone’s attention, and the classroom buzzed.
“This way. Follow me.”
Touyama led Sara out of the classroom.
“Whoa, is she starting a duel or something?”
Shidou made a lighthearted joke with an amused expression.
“W-Will she be okay?” Aoki muttered worriedly.
“Did something happen between them?”
Akagami tilted his head in confusion while shoveling down his lunch. He has the look of someone who hasn’t considered for a single millisecond that he might be the cause.
I left the classroom without anyone noticing. For some reason, I heard the sound of footsteps trotting behind me.
“…Why are you coming?”
“Because I’m curious,” Ruka replied without a hint of apology.
Since there were eyes in the hallway, I kept a distance between myself and Ruka as we walked. In the distance, I could see the backs of Sara and Touyama.
Eventually, Touyama climbed the stairs and went out onto the roof. The roof was deserted. It was too hot, after all. Ruka and I peeked at them through a gap in the rooftop door.
“Why the roof?”
“I didn’t want anyone to overhear. It’s safe here, right?”
Unfortunately, there are two people here. Listening to everything.
“…The final exams, you win.”
“Um… thank you?”
After struggling for words, Sara offered her thanks.
“While you were taking care of Kouichi, I studied alone. Even so, I couldn’t beat you, so it’s a total defeat. You are smarter than I am.”
Touyama spoke to Sara, casting her eyes down in frustration.
“It’s only been once, though.”
“Still, be proud! You’re amazing! But!”
Touyama declared emphatically.
“I may have lost in academics, but I won’t lose in love!”
Whoa, she actually said it!
Touyama was pointing her index finger sharply at Sara. This is such a classic scene. I almost wanted to take a photo.
“In love…?”
“…?”
Sara, on the other hand, looked completely bewildered.
“I’ll ask you straight, Ginjou. What do you think of Kouichi?”
A question mark practically appeared over Sara’s head.
“I mean, basically… whether you like him or not!”
Touyama explained, her cheeks flushing. Sara finally seemed to understand, her face lighting up with realization.
“You mean… whether I like Akagami-kun or not?”
“Yes. Well? How is it?”
“…I don’t know.”
Seeing Sara look down, Touyama’s eyes narrowed. “Huh?”
“What do you mean, you don’t know? Give me a straight answer!”
“I don’t know what kind of feeling constitutes ‘love.’”
Sara was likely speaking her mind honestly.
“Because I… have never fallen in love before.”
“…Hmph, I see.”
Touyama let out a heavy sigh.
Her expression was one of half-belief regarding Sara’s words.
“Then, I won’t lose to someone who can’t even judge her own feelings.”
Touyama glared at Sara with clear hostility.
“That’s all.”
Touyama strode toward the door. Since Sara was also in Witch Mode, she took the brunt of the approach head-on. Ruka began to panic.
“Wait, this is bad! Yuzuki-chan is coming this way!”
As Ruka performed the clever feat of screaming in a whisper, I pointed toward the lockers. Beside the rooftop door, there was an empty locker that had likely served as a cleaning supply closet.
“I’m hiding in here. It shouldn’t be a problem if you’re spotted,” I said.
But as I tried to duck inside, Ruka squeezed herself in after me.
“Wait, no matter how you look at it, this is for one person!”
“We can make it work if we squeeze! Look, she’s almost here!”
Rattling the door, we hurriedly slammed it shut.
What on earth is this girl doing…!
“Hm? I thought I heard something… maybe it was just my imagination?”
Muttering to herself, Touyama opened the rooftop door and headed back down the stairs.
Meanwhile, I remained frozen, pressed tight against Ruka.
Our upper bodies were completely locked in an embrace, and our lower bodies were positioned such that Ruka was straddling my lap. In other words, I was sandwiched between Ruka’s thighs.
“…Alright, Touyama’s gone.”
That was close. This situation easily ranked among the most frantic moments of my life.
Actually, it wouldn’t have been a problem if I’d been caught. I could have just explained that I followed her because I was curious, or that I came to the roof for a change of pace. Since Ruka is in the same group, her presence wouldn’t have seemed out of place. However, because Ruka forced her way into the same locker, it had suddenly become a situation where I absolutely could not be discovered. It was beyond nonsensical–if Touyama had seen us, she would have realized what was going on between Ruka and me. That was truly dangerous. Give me a break.
“Hehe, isn’t this the essence of youth?”
“That’s why I keep telling you I don’t want to be swept up in ‘youth’…!”
Despite my explanation, Ruka just kept smiling.
“I have a mountain of things I want to say to you, but first, let’s get out of here.”
As I moved, I couldn’t help but feel the contours of Ruka’s body against mine. When I pulled back my legs from beneath her, a small “Nnh…” escaped her lips. It was an awkward sensation. Even Ruka seemed embarrassed–her ears were bright red. She cleared her throat, trying to cover it up. I’m not the one at fault here. It’s your fault for forcing your way into such a tiny locker.
Between the heat and the scrambling inside the locker, we were both drenched in sweat.
“…What are you two doing?”
When we finally managed to exit the locker, Sara was watching us with a look of sheer exasperation.
Once we stepped out onto the rooftop, the breeze made it feel a bit cooler. We sat side-by-side in the shade of the stairwell penthouse. Sara sat with her knees pulled to her chest, looking crestfallen.
“Why did things suddenly turn out like this?”
She likely didn’t fully grasp the situation. Touyama hadn’t been very forthcoming with her words. As it stood, their relationship had become more like rivals than friends. Regardless of Sara’s perception, that was certainly how Touyama saw it.
“Are you okay with leaving things as they are?”
She shook her head.
“…I won’t give up. I want to be friends with Touyama-san.”
Sara spoke with a look of determination. In that expression, I could see the growth of a story’s protagonist.
“In that case, let’s do it. Let’s have a ‘friendship and youth’ event!”
Sara expressed her resolve as the protagonist.
If that was the case, then it was our job to show her the way.
When I looked at Ruka, she gave me two peace signs and said, “Sure thing~!”
If Sara could build a good relationship with Touyama here, she would be able to establish herself in the top-tier group in both name and reality. Now, it was time to direct the climax of the story.
