Chapter 2: The Tiny Bomb of Summer Classes

I’ve never once forgotten the image of the girl standing before me.

Her silky dark brown hair reaches down to her shoulder blades. Her height… well, it’s short. Among her peers, she’s on the shorter side, always at the front when lining up by height in elementary or middle school.

I remember everything about her.

We’ve spent nearly a decade together—through elementary, middle, and high school. My childhood friend, tied to me by years of memories.

So why, I wondered, was she here at this hotel?

“W-Well, I’m working a part-time job here…”

“Yup. I did a resort job back in our first year of high school too, remember?”

With her hands on her hips, the girl spoke confidently.

I see. That explains the server’s uniform.

She wore a long-sleeved white shirt, sleeves rolled up for the summer heat, paired with a black skirt and a subdued crimson garcon apron draped over it.

The outfit was classic yet carried a faint touch of elegance, though the girl I knew always preferred something more practical and easy to move in. It made sense for a work uniform.

“Still, I’m surprised you managed to land a job at a place like this.”

“Last year, someone at the hotel I worked at recognized my hard work and recommended me for an even better gig. That’s how I ended up at this fancy place.”

“Huh, so that’s how it happened…”

“This place is amazing, isn’t it? So spacious, so refined… Hey, Izuki, did you know? That three-star suite at the top floor—it’s exclusive, members-only, for super-rich celebs. Like, a whole different world from us. Makes you kinda jealous, right?”

“Y-Yeah, sure…”

Cold sweat wouldn’t stop trickling down my back.

Despite it being summer, my whole body felt chilled. Was this the cooling magic of Karuizawa, the summer retreat?

“So, Izuki?”

A sharp gaze shot up at me from below, angled and piercing.

“What about you? Why are you here, hmm?”

Tilting her head, the girl closed in on me.

“Uh, well, actually, um…”

“You’re not working a job like me, and knowing your family situation, this isn’t exactly a vacation spot for you, is it?”

“Er, well…”

“Hmmmmm?”

Her intensity felt like a fist might come flying at me any second.

“Izuki-sama.”

Just then, a voice called from behind.

Turning, I saw Shizune-san in her maid outfit and Hinako in full Ojou-sama mode.

“You were taking a while, so we came to check on you. And this person is…?”

The girl, now under Shizune-san’s scrutinizing gaze, flashed a bright, approachable smile.

“Nice to meet you! I’m Hirano Yuri.”

With a small bow, the girl—Yuri—introduced herself.

When she lifted her head, her face was plastered with a radiant, beaming grin.

“I’m Izuki’s childhood friend!”

“…Childhood friend, you say?”

“Yup!”

Yuri answered with boundless energy.

Shizune-san must have sensed something ominous. Her eyes flicked toward me.

It pained me, but I gave a deep nod.

“Yuri… she knows everything about my past.”

In other words, she was someone I couldn’t easily hide my true identity from.

Shizune-san, grasping the situation, let out a subtle sigh and nodded.

“It seems we’ll need to adjust today’s schedule.”

◆

We canceled the planned walk and decided to explain the situation to Yuri.

The setting: the two-star room I was staying in.

Hinako, unexpectedly visiting my room, briefly glared at the bed with a sharp intensity before quickly looking away. Deep down, she probably wanted to dive onto it, but she was in Ojou-sama mode now. She’d have to hold back. Besides, didn’t she sleep the whole time in the car?

“…Alright, I’ll explain everything.”

Sitting across from Yuri, I began to lay out my circumstances.

Earlier, as we entered the room, Shizune-san had whispered to me, “Follow Tennouji-san’s pattern.” In other words, I should give Yuri the same explanation I gave Tennouji-san—everything, except for Hinako’s true nature.

“…And that’s the gist of it.”

“Hmmm? I seeeee? Reaaaally?”

Yuri’s face was completely blank, her responses limited to noncommittal hums.

Her eyes were terrifying.

“So, let me get this straight. Your parents ditched you in the middle of the night, and when you were at your wit’s end, you were taken in by the Ojou-sama of the Konohana Group. Now you’re working under Konohana Hinako, serving as her… what, caretaker? And attending the ultra-prestigious Kiou Academy at the same time?”

That was correct. I nodded.

“What? How much of this is a joke?”

“…It’s all true.”

“No way! Come on, that sounds like the plot of some manga. You can’t expect me to believe that.”

Yeah, I figured she’d say that.

But it was the undeniable truth. I had no choice but to convince her.

More than that, I was distracted by Shizune-san, who had been on her phone with someone the entire time I was explaining things to Yuri.

Who could she be talking to for so long, and about what? A faint tension gripped me when Shizune-san finally lowered her phone.

“It’s confirmed.”

“Huh?”

Yuri tilted her head, puzzled, as Shizune-san pocketed her phone and continued.

“Hirano Yuri, sixteen years old. A second-year at Ryuuguu High School, where Izuki-san previously attended. Your father’s name is Heizou, your mother’s is Minae. Your family runs a diner passed down from your grandfather, called Hiramaru. It’s a popular spot, bustling with locals day and night.”

“W-Wait, how do you know all that…?”

“Your family’s business has used our group’s companies for construction, insurance, banking, and more. Your information was in our customer database.”

Yuri’s mouth hung open in shock.

It was the exact same tactic used to dig up my personal info. In this country, it’s rare to have no connection to the Konohana Group. Seeing Yuri’s stunned expression, I was reminded once again of the sheer scale of the Konohana Group’s influence.

“Everything Izuki-san explained is true. Do you believe us now?”

“Y-Yeah, I believe you. I mean… I’d be scared not to.”

Yuri was visibly shaken.

I get it. I totally get it.

I’ve grown used to dealing with Shizune-san, but I felt the same way at first.

“Sorry, Yuri. Didn’t mean to worry you.”

“I-I’m not worried about you or anything!”

Yuri averted her gaze.

“…But, you know, there are some weird rumors about you at school.”

“What?”

“The teachers said you just transferred, but everyone kinda knew about your family situation. Now people are whispering all sorts of things—like you’re working in the red-light district, or on a tuna fishing boat, or even sold at a slave auction.”

That last one’s a bit much.

“Anyway, I get the situation now. I’ll cover for you and throw people off at school.”

“Thanks… I owe you one.”

“Hmph, don’t mention it.”

When I offered a light thanks, Yuri puffed out her chest with a smug grin.

I had a bad feeling about this.

Here it comes.

“After all, I’m Izuki’s Onee-san!”

“We’re the same age.”

We’d had this exchange countless times before.

I couldn’t help but sigh.

“Onee… san?”

Hinako tilted her head, curious.

She and Shizune-san knew I had no siblings.

“Uh, well, she was born half a year before me. Because of that, she’s always acting like my older sister. But we’re the same age, so you don’t need to take it seriously.”

“Hmph! You’re gonna say it like that? Even when I took care of you when you were busy with your part-time jobs?”

“Well, yeah, that’s true, but…”

She had me there.

Still, that smug look of hers made me reluctant to admit it.

“Izuki, you should show me more respect!”

“…For a shorty.”

“Wha—?! It’s about age, not height!”

“I said, we’re the same age!”

If anything, people usually mistake me for the older one.

Some things never change, no matter how many years pass.

I suddenly noticed Shizune-san staring at us, her eyes wide.

“Uh, something wrong?”

“No… It’s just rare to see you speak so casually, Izuki-san.”

Casual? Oh, she must mean calling Yuri a shorty.

Yeah, I probably wouldn’t say that to anyone else.

“Anyway, what’s with you? Your hair, your clothes—all neat and polished.”

“My environment’s a bit… unique now. I’ve had to step up.”

“Hmph. Getting all high and mighty for an Izuki. Take that!”

“Hey, don’t touch me!”

Yuri stretched up to ruffle my hair.

I was about to complain, but when I looked at her face, she was smiling softly.

“You’ve always got your shoulders all tense. You should loosen up a bit. It’s summer break for you too, right?”

“…Easier said than done.”

I thought she was teasing me, but she was actually looking out for me. This is why I can never stay mad at Yuri—and why I’m always grateful, no matter how much we bicker.

“You two seem… awfully close.”

In that instant, it felt like a blizzard had swept through the room.

A terrifying pressure froze the air around us.

Hinako, who had been silently observing until now, was glaring at us intently.

“W-Well, yeah. We’ve known each other for, like, ten years.”

“Ten years…?”

Hinako’s eyes narrowed sharply.

Yuri, sensing the shift, leaned in to whisper to me.

(Hey, Izuki! What’s up? I feel like Konohana-san’s glaring at me!)

(Yeah, she’s definitely glaring…)

For some reason, Yuri seemed to have gotten on Hinako’s bad side.

Making an enemy of the Konohana Group’s Ojou-sama… Was this the end of our nearly decade-long friendship?

I was half-joking to myself, but then I noticed Hinako’s glare seemed to include me too.

This atmosphere was getting too dangerous to let linger.

“Hey, Yuri, shouldn’t you get back to work? It’s probably still your shift, right?”

“Oh, crap! Totally forgot!”

Yuri hurriedly dashed toward the main building.

Halfway there, she turned back once.

“I work at the cafeteria here! Come say hi if you see me!”

With that, Yuri quickly ran off.

“She’s quite the energetic one, isn’t she?”

“…Yuri’s been helping out at her family’s diner since forever, dealing with all kinds of people—older, younger. She’s got guts.”

I should know, having been dragged along by that boldness more times than I can count.

Just then, Hinako tugged lightly at my sleeve.

“Izuki… let’s go for a walk.”

“Oh, right. Yeah, let’s do that.”

I was mentally exhausted, so a short stroll around the area would do. Luckily, just wandering the hotel grounds would be enough to pass the time.

“Anywhere you want to go?”

To my question, Hinako answered in a small voice.

“…Anywhere but the cafeteria.”

◆

The next morning, after a leisurely walk with Hinako.

At the main building’s cafeteria, as we ate breakfast, Yuri approached our table and gave a small bow.

“Nice to meet you! I’m Hirano Yuri.”

Tennouji-san and Narika, eating with us at the same table, glanced at Yuri.

I’d mentioned earlier, when we decided to eat together, that a friend might stop by to say hi, so they weren’t surprised. Hinako, having already met Yuri, wore her Ojou-sama mode’s signature refined smile.

“I’m working part-time at this restaurant. Oh, and my main gig is being Izuki’s childhood friend!”

“Don’t make it sound like a job.”

Setting down my glass of orange juice, I threw in a quip.

It was a buffet, so our plates were a mix of different dishes. Tennouji-san had a salad and an omelet. Narika had soup and bread. Hinako’s plate was a balanced assortment, but that was just her act. The real Hinako would never touch vegetables.

My own plate of fresh greens and sashimi salad was refined and rich in flavor—worthy of a Konohana family breakfast.

“Tomonari-san’s childhood friend, you say?”

“Izuki’s… childhood friend…”

Tennouji-san and Narika looked intrigued.

“Aren’t you on shift? Is this okay?”

“Just popping by for a quick hello. The head chef said I can do what I want as long as it doesn’t mess with work. …Unless I’m bothering you guys?”

“Nah, I don’t mind at all…”

Just to be safe, I glanced at the others’ expressions.

“Not a bother in the slightest.”

Tennouji-san set down her teacup and spoke.

“It’s a rare connection for us, and there’s no reason to turn you away. I hope we can get along.”

“W-Wow… So this is how an Ojou-sama handles things…”

The gracious words flowing from Tennouji-san’s lips, paired with her poised and elegant demeanor, seemed to captivate Yuri.

Her reaction reminded me of myself back in the day.

I was just as awestruck by an Ojou-sama’s every move at first. With Tennouji-san, her bold blonde vertical rolls only amplified the impact.

“I-I feel the same. I’d love to get along.”

Narika spoke up, looking at Yuri.

But perhaps nervous around a new face, her expression was stiffer than usual—slipping into the intimidating look that made her feared at the academy.

This could lead to a misunderstanding. I leaned in to whisper to Yuri.

(Yuri, Narika’s just a bit awkward, but…)

(It’s fine, I get it. We’ve got regulars like her at the diner.)

Yuri wasn’t fazed at all.

With a confident smile, she faced Narika.

“You’re Miyakojima-san, right? The one Izuki said he met when he was a kid…”

“Y-Yeah, that’s probably right. I looked after Izuki a bit when we were young.”

I’d told Yuri about staying at Narika’s house as a kid. She’d always been curious about it, so her attention was fixed on Narika.

“Hmm… So Izuki was taken care of by someone, huh?”

Yuri shot me a knowing look.

“…What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Oh, nothing~ Just that it’s kinda refreshing to think of you, who I’m always looking after, being taken care of by someone else.”

At Yuri’s words, the two Ojou-samas reacted.

“Taken care of…?”

“Looking after… Izuki…?”

Hinako and Narika tilt their heads in unison.

Both of them were reacting to a peculiar keyword.

“By the way, since all three of you are Ojou-sama, aren’t you staying in three-star rooms? I heard meals are delivered to those rooms, so there’s really no need to use the dining hall…”

It was Hinako who answered Yuri’s question.

“Since we’re here, I thought it would be nice to eat together with everyone.”

“I get it. It does feel more like a trip this way, and it’s fun, right?”

Yuri nods, satisfied with the response.

In truth, Hinako’s real reason was “I want to eat with Izuki.”

Tennouji-san and Narika had said they wanted to “enjoy meals together since we’re here,” but knowing how kind they both are, it’s possible they were just accommodating me.

If that’s the case, pointing it out would be tactless. I’ll just gratefully accept their kindness.

“…Well, it looks like break time’s almost over, so I’ll be heading out.”

Glancing at the clock on the wall, Yuri starts to leave.

“Hey, Yuri, hold on a sec.”

I approach her as she stops and whisper quietly.

“As I mentioned yesterday, I’m hiding my true status at Kiou Academy. The three girls we just met know the situation, so it’s fine with them, but please don’t tell anyone else.”

“Got it. I’ll be careful.”

Yuri meets my eyes firmly and nods.

“But seriously, are you always hanging out with such… intense people?”

“Well, yeah, pretty much.”

“…Is blonde hair with vertical curls, like, a standard thing among Ojou-sama?”

“Nah, that’s just Tennouji-san being unique.”

Even at Kiou Academy, there’s only one person with blonde vertical curls, as expected.

“Hmm… By the way, all your acquaintances seem to be girls, don’t they, Izuki?”

Her voice carries a slight edge, like a tiny thorn pricking me.

Yuri glances at Hinako and the others, her expression a little sulky.

“And they’re all super cute. Are all the girls at Kiou Academy that gorgeous?”

“N-No, those three are just… exceptional, that’s all…”

“Why do all these exceptional girls keep ending up around you?”

“It’s really just… a coincidence, I swear…”

“Hmmm?”

She glares at me with narrowed eyes, clearly not buying it.

I haven’t thought about it too deeply before, but now that I do… why is that?

“By the way, Izuki.”

“Yeah?”

“You don’t think I was completely okay with everything from yesterday, do you?”

I fall silent.

“I was really hurt when you ignored my messages, you know.”

“Ugh…”

“When I saw you at the arcade, I wanted to ask you so many things, but I held back to read the room.”

“Guh…”

So she did remember…

Regarding the messages I got right after becoming Hinako’s caretaker, I did reply eventually, but I can’t deny I ignored them for a while. To be precise, Hinako had taken my phone, so I couldn’t reply.

In any case, with how hectic my caretaker duties were, I admit I was a bit careless in how I handled things. I genuinely feel bad about it.

“Come to my place tonight. I’m free from the evening.”

“…Yes, ma’am.”

I couldn’t possibly refuse that order.

◆

After parting ways with Yuri for now, we head to the venue for the summer seminar.

The seminar starts today. Entering the cottage-style venue, we open the classroom door. Nearly twenty students are already gathered inside.

“Hey, aren’t those… Kiou Academy people?”

“A real Ojou-sama…”

“They’re all so beautiful.”

“But there’s one guy who seems like we could get along with…”

The last comment is probably about me.

Before the competition began, while helping Narika with her worries, I also became aware of how others see me. I decided to carry myself in a way that wouldn’t seem out of place next to Hinako and the others.

Recalling that resolve, I straighten my posture.

Unlike Hinako and the others, I’m not used to being the center of attention, so I’m nervous inside, but at least for now, no one’s looking at me like I don’t belong.

The old me might’ve been different. I could’ve been the target of a snide remark or two.

“Hm, looks like the seats are assigned.”

At the front row of long desks, papers with each student’s name and seat are taped down.

They seem to have assigned seats based on the order of check-in. Next to Hinako is Narika, and I’m—

“My, it seems we’re seated next to each other.”

Tennouji-san approaches and says this.

My neighbor is Tennouji-san. I take out my stationery from my bag and sit down.

Soon, a man who appears to be the instructor stands at the podium.

“Good morning, everyone. Let’s begin the first period.”

Textbooks specifically for this summer seminar are passed out from the front. With only a week, the page count is slim, but the content is incredibly dense, making me a bit apprehensive.

Still, I’ve been keeping up with Kiou Academy’s classes daily.

Desperately working my brain, I manage to follow the lesson.

(Finally, the morning’s over…)

The summer seminar runs from ten in the morning to six in the evening.

It’s a tough schedule, but thankfully, lunch is provided. As expected of an event hosted by Kiou Academy, the bento boxes are luxurious, and students from regular schools have their eyes sparkling.

After the lunch break, afternoon classes begin.

An older male instructor enters the classroom.

“We’ll now start the class on microeconomics.”

“…Micro… economics?”

I tilt my head at the unfamiliar term.

As I sit there stunned, Tennouji-san whispers an explanation.

“Didn’t you check the pamphlet? This summer seminar invites professors from prestigious universities nationwide to give special lectures on modern business and services. Specifically, you can study commerce, business administration, law, and engineering.”

“I… see…”

I nod for now, though it doesn’t fully click.

Perhaps seeing through my confusion, Tennouji-san smiles softly.

“In simple terms, it’s the study of leadership.”

Leadership studies actually exist…?

I knew the summer seminar was designed to teach things not covered in regular classes, but I never imagined it’d include leadership studies. That’s way beyond my expectations.

Flipping through the textbook, I see we’ll study macroeconomics after microeconomics. Both are completely new to me.

Eventually, the economics class ends.

I’m utterly exhausted.

“Tomonari-san, are you alright?”

“I’m… not alright…”

“We couldn’t pre-study since the textbooks were just handed out, so it’s understandable.”

Tennouji-san’s comfort is warm and kind.

Looking around the classroom, I notice a few other students clutching their heads. That class was definitely tough.

As Tennouji-san said, pre-studying might’ve made a difference. She, however, seems unfazed. Does she study this field regularly?

I’ve gotten used to life at Kiou Academy lately, but that’s exactly why I’m increasingly aware of how amazing these girls are. Hinako, the heiress of the Konohana Group; Tennouji-san, the heiress of the Tennouji Group; Narika, the heiress of Japan’s largest sporting goods manufacturer. The world they live in is so refined and challenging. Standing shoulder-to-shoulder with them is no easy feat.

Letting out a slow breath, I release the mental fatigue like I’m exhaling stale air.

Then, I hear voices from the seat next to me.

“Konohana-san? You look a bit worried. Is something wrong?”

“No, I’m fine as always.”

Hinako’s voice sounds slightly heavier than usual, so I glance at her. Our eyes meet—she was looking at me too.

Is she worried about me?

I’m okay, I’ll manage. Conveying that with a wave, Hinako gives a relieved smile and turns forward.

The break ends, and a woman in a suit enters the classroom.

“We’ll now begin the class on multimedia fundamentals. In this course, you’ll learn about the basic technologies behind the media we use daily, like audio and video.”

Apparently, the person at the podium is a professor from an engineering department.

As I listen, a sense of familiarity creeps in.

(…Oh, I know this stuff.)

Before summer break at Kiou Academy, I studied hard with my classmate Kita to earn an IT-related national certification. The topics and scope we covered seem to overlap with this class.

“Now, let’s try this problem…”

The instructor scans the room to pick someone to answer.

Except for Hinako and Tennouji-san, most students avert their gazes.

I… don’t look away.

“Tomonari-san, please.”

The instructor checks the seating chart and calls on me.

“Uh… quantization.”

“Correct. Well done.”

The instructor smiles, impressed.

“In PCM for converting analog data to digital, quantization follows sampling. Remember that encoding then converts the values to binary.”

The other students let out an impressed “Ooh.”

Luckily, it was a topic I’d studied. It’s definitely fortunate, but the praise from those around me makes me feel like I truly belong at Kiou Academy, and it’s genuinely uplifting.

“Konohana-san, you seem in a great mood.”

“Do I? I’m just my usual self, hehe.”

Hearing their voices, I glance at Hinako, who’s puffing out her chest proudly for some reason.

“Tomonari-san, you really understood that problem well.”

Tennouji-san whispers her praise.

“It was just a topic I’d been studying. I got lucky.”

“Are you planning to go into IT in the future?”

“It’s not set in stone, but that’s the plan for now.”

Initially, it was to maintain my cover. At Kiou Academy, I’m supposed to be the heir of a mid-tier IT company. I started studying IT to make that backstory convincing, but thanks to Shizune-san’s arrangements, I was introduced to IT companies as potential employers, and interacting with someone like Kita, a real heir to a mid-tier IT firm, boosted my motivation.

“In that case, how about I introduce you to some of the Tennouji Group’s companies?”

“Uh, no, I mean… is that okay?”

“We’ll thoroughly evaluate your skills, but an introduction is no issue.”

As expected of Tennouji-san, who always strives to uphold the Tennouji Group’s reputation, she has no intention of offering backdoor hires. Well, the same goes for the Konohana Group.

“But personally, I’d love for you to join one of our core companies, like our non-ferrous metals manufacturer or our comprehensive chemical manufacturer.”

“Why’s that?”

“Well, it’s because, um…”

Suddenly, Tennouji-san looks away, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.

“Depending on your promotions, you could take on key roles in the group… And, well, that would mean we could work together, or something like that…”

Oh, I see what she means.

“That sounds great. I think I’ve said something similar before, but working with you seems like it’d be fun.”

“H-Hya…! Y-Yes, exactly! I think so too!”

Tennouji-san beams, clearly thrilled.

“You two over there, please focus on the class.”

The instructor glares at us.

So much for the earlier praise. I might’ve let my guard down a bit.

Tennouji-san and I quickly bow our heads and shut up.

“K-Konohana-san, you seem a bit upset…!?”

“Do I? I’m just my usual self, hehe.”

I hear Hinako’s voice again.

Glancing at her, I catch her staring at me with a look like she’s glaring at trash.

◆

“That concludes today’s classes. Good work, everyone. There’ll be an exam in a week, so don’t neglect your prep and review.”

The final class ends, and the instructor leaves the room.

“That was a bit tiring, wasn’t it?”

We leave the classroom and head back to the hotel.

“What are you doing after this, Tomonari-san?”

“Well, I…”

I was about to say I had no plans since my meeting with Yuri is tonight, but then I feel a light tug on my clothes from behind.

Hinako’s looking at me from a spot where the others can’t see, her expression suggesting she wants to say something.

Guessing her intent, I swallow the words I was about to say and pivot.

“…I’m pretty tired today, and I want to prep for tomorrow, so I’ll take it easy.”

“I’ll do the same.”

Hinako immediately agrees.

“Well, Karuizawa’s close enough to visit anytime. I’ll take it easy too.”

I can’t quite relate to that mindset, but Tennouji-san seems to be staying in as well.

“What about you, Narika?”

“…My brain’s at its limit.”

Narika looks even more exhausted than I am.

“Well then, see you all tomorrow.”

I head to my two-star room while the Ojou-sama naturally make their way to their three-star rooms.

Back in my room, I wait for some time to pass.

(Alright… time to meet up with Hinako.)

That tug on my clothes probably meant something like this. I’d heard her health has been improving lately, but since she’s a bit tired, she likely wants to spend time like we do at the mansion.

I don’t want Tennouji-san or Narika to see me visiting Hinako’s room. After waiting long enough, I figure it’s safe and reach for the door.

Just then, my phone buzzes with an incoming call.

It’s Shizune-san.

“Izuki-san, you’re probably about to head over here, right?”

“Yeah, I was just leaving my room.”

“About that… Ojou-sama has fallen asleep.”

“Huh?”

“I’ll watch over her, so you’re free to do as you please.”

“I see.”

Unexpectedly, I’ve got some free time.

I glance at the clock on the desk by the bed.

(…It’s a bit early, but I’ll head to Yuri’s.)

She did say she’s free from the evening, so it should be fine.

“Actually, I’m meeting Yuri later, so I’ll head over there.”

“Understood.”

“Let me know if anything comes up.”

As I say this, I can sense Shizune-san smiling through the phone.

“Izuki-san, you’ve been working almost nonstop. While you’re in Karuizawa, take some time to rest and spread your wings.”

“…Thank you.”

Feeling like my usual efforts are being recognized, a wave of happiness wells up.

“Well, with all this studying, you probably don’t have time for that.”

“You’re not wrong…”

With such specialized classes, prepping and reviewing are non-negotiable.

But since she went out of her way to say that, maybe I should let loose a bit while I’m in Karuizawa. Can’t slack off on studies, though.

After hanging up, I sent a message to Yuri.

Izuki: Heading over now.

Yuri: Come to Room 204 in the main building. Also, keep your stomach empty.

Yuri replied almost instantly.

Apparently, Yuri’s staying in a one-star room. But I’m pretty sure she once told me that resort staff usually bunk in employee quarters…

“Keep your stomach empty…?”

Maybe it’s an invitation to dinner.

Just to be safe, I sent Shizune a quick message: “Might grab dinner first.”

“…This is it, huh?”

Standing in front of the door, I pressed the intercom.

The peephole darkened for a split second, and the next moment, the door swung open.

“You’re here.”

I stepped into Yuri’s room.

The room wasn’t much different in size from the two-star one I’m staying in. The price difference probably shows in the view. Compared to the two-star rooms up the slope or the three-star ones on the hill, the one-star rooms are in shorter buildings, so you can’t see Karuizawa’s sprawling nature. Instead, they overlook the hotel grounds. Since the hotel itself is lavish and vast, it’s a pretty interesting view in its own right.

“Yuri, you’re staying in this room?”

“Yup. I got them to give me a room in exchange for half my pay. I’m here to hone my cooking skills anyway, so I don’t need much money. Plus, why not enjoy the guest experience while I’m at it?”

“…Still dead serious about cooking, huh?”

“Of course. I’m the one taking over the family business.”

Yuri pointed to a chair as she spoke. I plopped down onto it.

Taking over the family business. Her words made me think of Hinako and the other Ojou-sama for a moment.

They live in different worlds, but Yuri’s way of life might not be so far from theirs. She’s someone who’s decided to carry the weight of a family legacy—a restaurant’s signboard—on her shoulders.

“Well, putting that aside… I’m a teensy bit mad at you right now, Izuki.”

Yuri said it calmly, her eyes locked on mine.

“…Really just a teensy bit?”

“Say that again, and I’ll get more mad.”

“Never mind, forget I said anything.”

I instantly regretted opening my mouth.

Even though Yuri had gestured for me to sit, she herself stayed standing.

She might not realize it, but it’s an old habit of hers. Yuri’s always been self-conscious about her height, so when it’s time for serious talks, she avoids sitting down. Doesn’t want to look small.

“So. Why do you think I’m a teensy bit mad?”

Yuri asked.

The first thing that came to mind was how I brushed off her initial message.

“…Because I took too long to reply?”

“Honestly, I’m not that mad about that. You seemed pretty busy.”

Yuri shook her head.

The next thing I thought of was when I went to the arcade with Tennouji-san in disguise. I didn’t think much of it at the time, but from Yuri’s perspective, that scene might’ve—

“…Or because I vanished out of nowhere and was having a blast at the arcade?”

“I’m mad about that, but that’s a different kind of mad.”

So she is mad about it…

But I couldn’t think of anything else.

As I racked my brain, Yuri let out a small sigh.

“Izuki. Your parents ran off in the middle of the night, and you had nowhere to go, right?”

“…Yeah.”

“Then…”

Yuri bit her lip, as if holding back a surge of emotion, before she spoke.

“Then… you should’ve come to me first.”

My eyes widened slightly.

Yuri had been thinking something like that?

A mix of warmth and guilt swirled in my chest.

To me, Yuri, my childhood friend, is someone I can talk to about anything, a friend closer than most. That’s how I usually see her.

But sometimes I’m reminded that a childhood friend isn’t such a simple relationship. Besides my parents, Yuri’s the only person I’ve known for nearly a decade.

To me, Yuri is a precious neighbor.

And I’m sure, to Yuri, I’m the same.

“Sorry… But it all happened so fast. Right after I found out about my parents’ disappearance, I got dragged into Konohana-san’s kidnapping.”

Yuri gave a small nod as I continued.

“If I hadn’t met Konohana-san… I’m pretty sure I would’ve gone straight to you for advice.”

“…Got it.”

Yuri nodded again, softly.

A brief silence followed. But it was a necessary silence, like a ritual. The cracks that had formed between us, unnoticed, were slowly filled with the trust we’d rediscovered.

Eventually, Yuri let out a quiet “Phew.”

“Izuki. You haven’t eaten dinner yet, right?”

“Nope. You told me to keep my stomach empty, after all.”

“I’ll whip something up. This place has a kitchen.”

Yuri deftly slipped on an apron from the kitchen counter. It wasn’t the classic garçon apron she’d worn at work this morning but the familiar one from her family’s diner.

As she tied the waist strings tightly, she looked sharper than usual, her youthful face taking on a mature air.

“What’s your order?”

“Hmm, I’ll take the hamburger set.”

“Got it. The usual, then.”

Yuri opened a small fridge. It must’ve been stocked with ingredients from the diner she’s working at—meat, vegetables, and the like.

She started cooking with practiced ease.

The sound of a knife slicing through ingredients, her small back turned to me—it was a scene so familiar it made me forget we were in Karuizawa.

“Been a while since I’ve had your cooking, Yuri.”

I called out to her back.

“You used to come by all the time after my shifts.”

“Yeah, got roped into your taste-test parties.”

Like I said earlier, Yuri’s dead serious about cooking. This resort job is probably another step in that passion.

Unlike me back in the day, Yuri’s not strapped for cash. Ever since high school, she’s been signing up for resort jobs during long breaks, working as kitchen staff at fairly well-known hotels. All to sharpen her culinary skills.

“Still chasing that dream, huh?”

“Obviously.”

Yuri’s future is set: she’ll take over her family’s diner.

But beyond that, she has a bigger ambition.

“I’m gonna turn Hiramaru into a nationwide chain!”

Yuri clenched her fist and declared it with fire.

That’s her dream. A wild ambition she’s been shouting about since we were kids.

“I’m rooting for you.”

“If you mean that, don’t go disappearing on me. You’re my official taste-tester, you know.”

“Sorry about that…”

Lately, my assistant duties have been more flexible. Maybe I’ll ask for a bit of time off to swing by Yuri’s place soon.

“While you were busy with classes, I did some digging myself,” Yuri said, chopping fresh vegetables.

“Those three Ojou-sama we met this morning… aren’t they, like, top-tier even at Kiou Academy?”

“Well… their family backgrounds are probably among the best.”

“Thought so. Like I said this morning, how the heck did you get so chummy with people that incredible?”

This morning, I was just as puzzled when she asked.

But thinking about it, it’s pretty simple.

“Probably because I met Konohana-san first.”

It all boils down to Hinako. I met her, started hanging out with her, and that’s how I ended up crossing paths with Tennouji-san and Narika.

“Meeting Konohana-san was like a miracle for me.”

Honestly, it might’ve used up my entire life’s worth of luck.

As I thought back to a few months ago… I noticed Yuri staring at me.

“Hmm.”

“What’s with that look?”

“Nothing. Just… felt kinda annoyed for a second.”

I tilted my head, confused, as the hamburger set I ordered was set in front of me.

“Here you go.”

Yuri sat across from me, her own hamburger set in hand.

A fresh vegetable salad, white rice, and a hamburger patty. The same menu I used to eat all the time at Yuri’s place. She probably prepped the patty mix in advance, but still, whipping up two portions this fast is proof of how comfortable she is in the kitchen.

“Let’s eat.”

“Let’s eat.”

We clapped our hands together and dug in.

I took a bite of the hamburger right away.

“How is it?”

“Delicious!”

Yuri’s face lit up with satisfaction.

“You’ve always loved this, huh?”

“Yeah. …What’s that secret ingredient again? There’s a little something extra in here.”

“Shiso leaves. I chop them up fine and mix them in.”

Right, right, I nodded, shoveling more hamburger into my mouth.

“Man, this takes me back… I haven’t had food like this in a while, so it tastes even better.”

“That’s why I made it for you. You were craving some down-to-earth cooking, weren’t you?”

After all these years, she can read me like an open book.

There’s no Ojou-sama here right now. No prying eyes. And the food in front of me isn’t some fancy course meal—it’s a comforting, familiar diner dish.

I don’t need to stress about manners.

Feeling like going all out, I cut a bigger chunk of hamburger and popped it into my mouth in one go. Got a bit of sauce around my lips.

“Nice.”

I looked up to see Yuri resting her chin on both hands, watching me.

“You haven’t changed one bit, Izuki.”

“Neither have you.”

No matter how long we’re apart, we’re still the kind of childhood friends who can hang out without missing a beat.

Wrapped in a calm, easy vibe, I savored every bite of Yuri’s cooking.

◆

After parting ways with Yuri, I walked the now-dark streets back to my room.

Figured I should let Shizune know I’m done here… I pulled out my phone and called her.

“Hey, Shizune-san. I can head over now if you’re free. What’s the plan?”

“Let’s see… Could you come by? Ojou-sama seems eager to talk with you.”

“Got it.”

Looks like Hinako’s awake.

“Please hold on a moment. Ojou-sama has something to tell you, so I’ll pass the phone.”

The line rustled with some noise.

After a few seconds, I heard faint breathing from the other end.

“Hinako?”

“Mmm… I want potato chips.”

I nearly tripped over my own feet.

Pretty sure Shizune’s feeling the same way on the other end.

“Did Shizune-san say that’s okay?”

“Mmm… She said it’s fine.”

“Alright, I’ll grab some. Hang tight.”

In a way, her usual antics are kind of reassuring.

The hotel we’re staying at is high-end, but regular guests can use it if they pay. Behind the main building’s front desk is a small shop stocked with plenty of everyday items.

I found the potato chips Hinako was craving and bought a bag.

After leaving the shop, I checked my phone and saw Shizune had sent me the room number. Bag of chips in hand, I headed to Hinako’s room.

Hinako’s “room” was more like a house.

(Better keep an eye out, just in case…)

Someone might know this is Hinako’s room. If word got out that I visited her at night, it could spark some unwanted misunderstandings. Best to keep it under wraps.

After making sure no one was watching, I knocked on the door.

A moment later, it opened, and Shizune greeted me.

“Pardon the intrusion.”

“No one saw you, right?”

“All clear.”

I double-checked, but just to be safe, I slipped inside quickly.

“The Ojou-sama is upstairs.”

The three-star room was on a whole other level compared to the two-star one I’m in.

I’d guessed as much from the outside, but this wasn’t a room—it was a house. The first floor had a spacious living room with a massive sofa, and the furniture and decor looked a notch above what’s in the two-star rooms. There’s even a bathroom with a killer view.

“So this is a three-star room… It’s huge.”

“It’s a villa-type, and a suite, no less.”

“Villa…?”

“It means the rooms are standalone, like individual houses. A suite, by the way, refers to a room with separate living and bedroom areas.”

I nodded, getting it. I’d always thought a suite was just a super fancy room, but apparently, it has a specific meaning.

“Come to think of it, isn’t this a members-only room?”

“It’s members-only, but the price isn’t that steep. In Tokyo, some luxury hotels charge over a million yen per night.”

“A million—!?”

My voice cracked like Tennouji-san’s in class.

That’s a whole different league.

“But honestly, city hotels probably feel less exciting.”

“Why’s that?”

“Because the places we usually live in are even more luxurious. Karuizawa’s hotels, on the other hand, make great use of their location, so they still feel fresh to us.”

Shizune seemed to pick up on my inability to fully geek out over this hotel. Maybe she’s had a similar experience…

Upstairs, there was an impressively spacious bedroom.

“Welcome baack…”

Hinako, sprawled out on the nearest bed, glanced over and gave a lazy wave.

“Here, got your chips.”

“Yay…!”

Her eyes sparkled with joy when she saw the bag.

I figured she’d get up to grab them, but…

“Feed meee…”

“…Fine, fine.”

Still lounging on the bed, Hinako opened her mouth like a baby bird.

Shizune gave a nod that seemed to say, “It’s fine for today,” so I picked up a chip and brought it to Hinako’s mouth.

“Hehe… Chips are so good…”

Hinako munched away, the crunch echoing.

This was peak modern-day laziness.

Hard to believe this was the same girl who, just hours ago, was being whispered about as “beautiful” and “the perfect Ojou-sama” during summer classes.

“You can have some too, Izuki…”

“Sure.”

I munch on some potato chips too.

Ever since I became her caretaker, I haven’t eaten much of the homely, everyday dishes you’d find in a diner, but potato chips might be the one thing I’ve been eating more of.

I feed Hinako a chip, then take one for myself.

As we take turns eating the chips, I suddenly feel something off.

(Huh? These feel kinda… damp?)

I figure a little dampness isn’t worth fussing over and keep eating.

But then, I notice Hina staring at me, her face beet red.

“…”

“Uh, wait… was that one you already bit into, Hinako?”

“…Nnh, mm.”

“Crap, my bad! I didn’t notice!”

I’ve already eaten it completely.

Hinako, her ears burning red, shyly averts her gaze.

An awkward silence hangs between us.

“Ahem.”

A soft cough from Shizune-san, watching us from a distance, snaps us back to reality.

Coming to my senses, I notice the study materials distributed today on the table. An open notebook is filled with meticulous study notes.

“Hinako, you’ve been studying?”

“Yeah, just a bit.”

Hinako answers while sprawled out on the bed.

“That’s impressive… you’ve solved almost everything perfectly.”

“…You can praise me, y’know.”

Hinako turns her head toward me and says.

Is this her way of asking for a pat?

“Well done.”

“Mmm…”

Like an affectionate cat, Hinako narrows her eyes contentedly.

“Hinako, mind if I study too? I want to prep for tomorrow.”

“Sure. I’ll just watch you from back here.”

“It’s not exactly fun to watch.”

When I say that, Hinako shakes her head.

“It’s the usual scenery… it’s calming.”

She gives me that soft, unguarded smile so unique to her.

Me studying at the desk. Hinako lounging on the bed. Yeah, this is definitely the usual scene in my room.

Feeling Hinako’s gaze on me, I start prepping for tomorrow.

From the sofa nearby, I sense someone yawning.

“Shizune-san, you seem sleepy.”

“…Yes, I suppose so. Work has been piling up lately.”

Half-asleep, her reply comes a bit late.

It’s ten in the evening. Still early to sleep, but Shizune-san always seems swamped even back at the mansion. Maybe her usual exhaustion is catching up.

“I’ll look after Hinako, so it’s okay if you rest, Shizune-san.”

“No, I couldn’t…”

“Didn’t you tell me yourself, Shizune-san? You work nonstop normally, so you should take it easy while we’re in Karuizawa. …I think the same applies to you.”

She probably never expected her own words to be turned back on her. Her eyes widen, and I press on.

“Take a break once in a while.”

“…Understood. I’ll take you up on that and excuse myself.”

Nodding in surrender, Shizune-san offers a gentle smile.

Shizune-san heads to the first-floor bathroom to change into her nightwear. She’ll likely use this bedroom afterward, so I exchange a glance with Hinako, and we head down to the first-floor living room together.

“Izuki… thanks.”

As I spread out the textbook and notebook I borrowed from Hinako, she thanks me for some reason.

“For what?”

“Shizune was happy.”

Hinako says, lounging on the sofa.

“You don’t see Shizune’s face like that often.”

“…Is that so? Glad I said something, then.”

I’d worried it might’ve been meddling, but it seems it was worth it.

“Nnh… yawn.”

Hinako yawns.

“You seem sleepy too, Hinako.”

“Mmm… so do you, Izuki.”

Busted.

I thought I was focused on studying, but sleepiness was creeping in. She must’ve caught me dozing off a few times.

(I want to prep a bit more. I don’t really want people seeing me coming and going from this room… but if I head back while it’s still dark, it should be fine, right?)

If I leave by midnight at the latest, I should be okay.

Letting my guard down like that was my mistake—.

A chilly temperature stirs me, and I open my eyes.

Soft sunlight streams through a gap in the closed curtains.

“Huh… morning…?”

I don’t even remember when I fell asleep.

I quickly notice something’s wrong. I’m still in my regular clothes, not pajamas. My body’s sunk into the sofa, not a bed. And Hinako’s sleeping soundly right beside me.

The clock shows seven in the morning.

“…Crap.”

I fell asleep.

◆

“Give me back yesterday’s warm fuzzies.”

“I’m really sorry.”

I’m practically groveling on the sofa before Shizune-san, who’s just woken up.

It’s now seven-thirty. Thirty minutes have passed, but I still haven’t left the room.

It’s still early. I thought I could slip out without being seen, but every time I checked outside, a pair of guests were lingering in conversation. This area has benches and gardens, perfect for relaxing and enjoying the scenery. Compared to the main building, there’s less foot traffic, but the people who do come stay longer.

“Izuki-san, have you taken a bath?”

“No… not yet.”

“There’s less than three hours until the summer course starts. Considering breakfast and a bath, we can’t afford to dawdle.”

Hinako probably hasn’t bathed either.

“Nnh… Izuki? Morning…”

Hinako, who’d been fast asleep on the sofa next to me, stirs awake.

“Izuki, you haven’t bathed yet…?”

Rubbing her eyes with the back of her hand, Hinako asks.

She must’ve overheard the conversation.

“Uh, yeah.”

“Then… let’s bathe together…”

“No, now’s not the time for that…”

I gently brush her off, and Hinako puffs out her cheeks, looking miffed. I feel bad, but I’m too on edge right now.

As I rack my brain for a solution, I spot the balcony beyond the large window. Approaching it, I take in the balcony and the scenery beyond.

There’s a step, but the ground below the railing is sandy.

“…I could probably get out this way.”

“Possible or impossible, it’s possible, but isn’t it a bit risky?”

“No, this mess is my fault for being careless… I’ll clean up my own mistake!”

I grab my shoes from the entrance and put them on at the balcony.

Luckily, no one’s around this side. But that could change, so there’s no time to hesitate. I climb over the railing and land carefully.

“…Got it.”

All that self-defense training, dance lessons, and tennis since becoming a caretaker paid off.

I gesture to Shizune-san on the balcony that I’m okay.

One hurdle cleared. Breathing a sigh of relief, I head leisurely toward my room.

That’s when—.

“I-Izuki…?”

Someone calls my name from behind.

Turning around, I see a short girl standing there.

“Y-Yuri? Morning… w-what’re you doing here?”

“…My shift doesn’t start till noon, so I was just taking a walk. But…”

Yuri’s face twitches as she speaks.

“I-I saw someone jump off the balcony of Konohana-san’s room just now. That was… you, right, Izuki?”

“W-W-What’re you talking about? No clue…”

She saw me.

I look away, trying to play it off, but Yuri’s stare pierces right through me.

“W-Wait, how do you even know where Konohana-san’s room is…?”

“I help out at the front desk, so I’ve seen the guest registry. …Don’t change the subject.”

Tch… no good.

I tried to subtly shift the topic, but she saw through it.

“I-It’s a butler, a butler! The Konohana family has tons of butlers, so you probably mistook one for me.”

“O-Oh, right. That makes sense…”

I thought it was a brilliant excuse.

Yuri seems convinced for a moment, but—.

“—No way I’d mistake you for someone else.”

She says it dead serious.

Looks like I got caught by the worst possible person.

Cold sweat trickles down. I can’t think of any more excuses.

No choice. Time for the last resort.

“I-I’m in a hurry!”

“H-Hey!? Izuki, wait!”

I bolt.

◆

I hurry back to my room, take a quick bath, change, grab breakfast in the dining hall, and head to the summer course classroom.

Yuri’s shift starts at noon, so I don’t run into her at breakfast. But she’ll probably grill me again soon. I need to come up with a plan.

Lunch break.

After packing my textbook and notebook into my bag, I grab a fancy bento from the cart and return to my seat.

“Gotta think of an excuse…”

“Izuki, something wrong?”

My muttering gets overheard by Narika, sitting across from me.

I just say, “It’s nothing.”

Since our seats are close, the four of us eat together. It reminds me of the tea party a few months ago, which feels nostalgic, but I’m too stressed to enjoy the vibe.

“Tomonari-san, you came prepared this time, didn’t you?”

“Well, yesterday was a disaster for most subjects, so…”

Tennouji-san, who took classes with me, noticed the difference in my focus between yesterday and today. Prepping in Hinako’s room helped me keep up today.

“Come to think of it, Hirano-san wasn’t around this morning.”

Narika muses while eating some sweet Chikuzen-ni.

“She’s working starting this afternoon.”

“Oh, got it.”

When I relay what Yuri told me, Narika nods.

“It’d be nice to have more chances to talk with her since we’re here…”

“I think Yuri would appreciate that. But it seems like the only time we can all meet is at night.”

I give a wry smile at Tennouji-san’s disappointed comment.

We’re all busy, so mornings and afternoons are tough to coordinate.

“H-Hey, I’ve got an idea…!”

Narika, mustering her courage, announces to the group.

◆

Narika’s idea? A pajama party, plain and simple.

The Ojou-samas, bound by family rules and decorum, return to their rooms at bedtime, so it’s not a full sleepover. Still, gathering at night—a time they don’t usually spend together—in pajamas, which they don’t normally see each other in, promises a fun, out-of-the-ordinary vibe.

Everyone agrees to Narika’s suggestion, and I quickly call Yuri to confirm.

“Sounds good.”

Yuri’s reply is prompt.

She’s always been good with people. I figured she wouldn’t shy away from the Kiou Academy Ojou-samas, and as expected, she’s on board—.

“I’ve got something to ask you too, y’know.”

Her final, ominous comment leaves me uneasy.

The party’s set for Yuri’s room. Hinako, Tennouji-san, and Narika are staying in fancy three-star rooms, but they’ve got staff with them. We decide a space with just the five of us would be better.

Honestly, Hinako’s room only has Shizune-san, and I don’t think she’d be an issue. But then I remember bringing potato chips to Hinako’s room yesterday. Moments like that could accidentally reveal Hinako’s true self, so to avoid any slip-ups, I agree to Yuri’s room.

“Narika, you’ve really grown.”

As we head to Yuri’s room, I glance at Narika beside me and mutter.

“W-What’s that supposed to mean…?”

“Just didn’t expect you to plan an event that ropes everyone in.”

“Hmph, I can handle something like this now. Even if I got rejected, I’d just sleep it off for a day and bounce back.”

“That’s a lot of damage.”

Glad we didn’t turn her down…

“But how’d you even know about pajama parties?”

“Oh, uh, when I went to the candy store the other day, some elementary kids nearby were excitedly talking about having a pajama party. I got kinda jealous hearing that.”

Makes sense. I thought it wasn’t a very Ojou-sama-like idea, but it came from a casual conversation among regular kids. That tracks.

We arrive at Yuri’s room, and I ring the intercom.

“Come on in!”

The door opens, and Yuri, in her pajamas, greets us.

“Hirano-san, thank you for having us.”

“Yeah, same here! I’ve been looking forward to this since Izuki called.”

Yuri’s genuinely pumped, not just being polite.

“I pushed the sofa and bed together, so sit wherever.”

“I’m fine with a chair.”

“Nope. Pajama parties are for beds or the floor.”

Is that how it works…?

I don’t actually know much about pajama parties. Maybe it’s a stereotype, but I always thought they were a girl thing.

Sitting on the bed feels a bit awkward, so I settle on the sofa.

“This is my first time doing something like this.”

“Y-Yeah… I suggested it, but I’m getting nervous.”

“It’s going to be a delightful time.”

On the bed, the three Ojou-samas are chatting warmly.

Watching them, I… start to feel a bit out of place.

“Tomonari-san, is something wrong?”

“Well, it’s kinda…”

Noticing my odd behavior, Tennouji-san tilted her head.

I averted my gaze, trying to brush it off, but… Yuri flashed a wicked grin.

“To a guy, it might be quite the spectacular view, huh~?”

“…Yeah, I guess. Though Yuri, you’re used to it.”

“Don’t get used to it!”

Yuri landed a chop on my head.

Everyone’s pajama looks were different from usual—fresh and cute, with a mysterious charm that stirred a guy like me in ways I couldn’t quite explain.

That said, since we had to walk outside to get to Yuri’s room, everyone’s pajamas were decent enough to be seen in public. The hotel provided pajamas as amenities, but we decided to wear our own for the occasion. I was in my usual plain pajamas.

Hinako’s pajamas were a pale pink, collared set. They carried a faint air of formality, befitting an Ojou-sama. Normally, Hinako leans toward more casual styles, but I’d seen her wear this set a few times at the mansion—probably a favorite.

Tennouji-san’s pajamas were a light blue one-piece dress type, adorned with a ribbon, giving off an elegant vibe. Maybe because Hinako, her rival, was here, she kept her hair in vertical rolls, unlike when I stayed at her place. The hairstyle, combined with her refined demeanor, made her look like a noble lady in a ballgown at a dance.

Narika’s pajamas were pure white, with cute frills and shorter-than-usual bottoms, much like her casual clothes. When I think of Narika, I picture her focused and dignified on the sports field, so I expected something practical. But this pajama look flipped that image, showing a softer, more typical teenage girl side of her that felt like a fresh discovery.

“But I get why Izuki’s so captivated. Real Ojou-sama just look stylish even in pajamas, don’t they?”

Yuri gazed at the three of them with a hint of envy.

By the way, Yuri’s pajamas consisted of a camisole, a hoodie, and shorts, all in matching gray. The hoodie made it feel more like loungewear than pajamas, but that wasn’t the issue. I’d been internally panicking for a while now.

Her camisole didn’t quite fit right, and her chest kept looking… precarious. Every time she shifted her posture, I had to avert my eyes.

“…Honestly, you’re the most dangerous one here.”

“Huh? …H-Hey, don’t look at weird places!”

Unable to hold back, I let her know.

Yuri turned her back to me, pulling her hoodie shut. Even if she’s used to me, I’m still a guy. She needs to be more careful.

“Putting the pervert aside, let’s get this pajama party started!”

I couldn’t exactly deny I’d seen a bit, so I let her jab slide this time.

“So? What’re we talking about? Since it’s a pajama party, maybe… love stories?”

“Th-That’s, um, a bit too soon for that…!”

“Huh? Really?”

Narika, blushing and shaking her head, got a puzzled look from Yuri.

Ojou-sama typically have little experience with romance, so their immunity to such topics is lower than most.

“Since we’re here, I’d love to hear about you two.”

“I’d also like to hear about your past.”

Hinako nodded in agreement with Tennouji-san’s suggestion.

Yuri and I exchanged a glance.

“Me and Izuki’s past, huh? It’s mostly stories of me cleaning up his messes.”

“No way. It’s more like me getting dragged around by you.”

“How rude! I didn’t drag you that much, did I?”

“Yuri… don’t tell me you’ve… lost your memory!?”

“As if! I’m saying this with full memory intact!”

Her outrageous claim made me briefly suspect she’d lost her memory.

Who was it that called me out last night, huh?

“Now that you mention it, Hirano-san said yesterday she was taking care of Tomonari-kun, didn’t she?”

Hinako pointed out.

True, she’d said something like that out of nowhere yesterday morning.

“Exactly! It’s not an exaggeration to say I was looking after Izuki.”

“That’s definitely an exaggeration.”

I quickly corrected her.

But—

“It’s an exaggeration, sure… but there were plenty of times I’d have been in trouble without you.”

Hinako and the others looked at me.

I continued, recalling the past.

“Once I started high school, I was swamped with part-time jobs every day, so I couldn’t join class gatherings much. Deep down, I worried people might not think well of me because of it… but surprisingly, I blended in just fine.”

I still remember that strange feeling from back then.

To cover rent, food, and tuition, I’d been working nonstop since the start of high school. I couldn’t even attend class bonding events and braced myself for a year of isolation.

Yet, somehow, my classmates welcomed me warmly.

Almost as if they understood my situation…

“I was curious and asked a classmate about it. Apparently, Yuri had subtly shared my circumstances with everyone. …I was accepted because of her.”

Back in our first year of high school, Yuri and I were in the same class.

Later, I learned that during the bonding event I missed, Yuri explained things about me. She vaguely mentioned that I had to work a lot due to family issues and that it limited my social life. But when asked about specifics, like my parents, she kept quiet, respecting my privacy while still advocating for me.

When I heard this, I was genuinely moved. I might’ve teared up a bit.

Yuri had supported me in ways I didn’t even know.

“Well, I just did what anyone would.”

Yuri said it with a smug, delighted grin.

“After all, I’m Izuki’s Onee-san!”

“We’re the same age.”

I tossed in my usual retort as she puffed out her chest proudly.

“Oh, by the way, I had something I wanted to ask Tennouji-san.”

“Oh? What’s that?”

Yuri blatantly changed the subject.

“About two months ago… you were at the arcade with Izuki, right? You looked so different back then that I didn’t recognize you at first…”

“Yes, that’s right. It was indeed me.”

“Wow… So, are you two, like, kinda close or something…?”

“Wha—!? N-N-N-No, Tomonari-san and I aren’t like that…!”

Tennouji-san’s face turned bright red.

An awkward silence fell, broken only by the ticking of the clock.

Then Hinako spoke up.

“By the way, I also went to the same arcade with Tomonari-kun.”

“Huh?”

Tennouji-san froze, stunned by Hinako’s soft smile.

“Uh, just so you know, I went there too.”

“Huh?”

Narika chimed in nervously, and now Hinako looked stunned.

A tense silence followed.

I couldn’t quite put my finger on it, but it felt like sparks were flying between the three Ojou-sama.

“Izuki… don’t tell me you turned into a scumbag behind my back.”

“A scumbag!?”

“You perverted scumbag!”

That was harsh.

Tennouji-san aside, I only went with Hinako and Narika because they asked me to…

Just then, Narika’s eyes started darting around.

“Um… hasn’t there been a nice smell for a while now?”

“Oh, I was practicing some cooking earlier.”

“Cooking?”

Narika tilted her head.

“Yuri’s family runs a diner, and she’s aiming to become a chef.”

Realizing only Hinako and I knew about Yuri’s background, I added some context.

Now that she mentioned it, there was a tangy, savory aroma in the air.

“If we’re having a pajama party, I should’ve at least made some snacks.”

“You make snacks too…?”

“Yeah, though we don’t serve them much at the diner. It’s more of a hobby.”

Yuri downplayed it, but I remembered her snack-making skills being top-notch.

She’d made some for me back in the day.

“Oh, that mixer is one of our products.”

“Really?”

Tennouji-san pointed toward the kitchen, and Yuri’s eyes widened in surprise.

“That mixer’s compact, easy to disassemble, and a breeze to clean, so it’s super handy.”

“I’ll pass that on to the developers. They worked hard on its design, so they’ll be thrilled.”

Tennouji-san nodded happily, as if it were her own achievement.

She probably felt that way. Knowing the effort behind a single product like a mixer showed her deep sense of ownership.

The Tennouji Group’s joys were her joys too.

“Still, it’s funny how things connect like that.”

“The Tennouji Group is involved in everything, so this kind of thing isn’t that rare. That fridge over there is ours too.”

“R-Really…?”

Yuri, thinking the mixer was a one-off, was now beyond surprised—she was outright flustered.

“In a hotel like this, you’ll spot plenty of familiar items. …Though I suppose Konohana Hinako would say the same.”

Tennouji-san shot Hinako a competitive glance.

Hinako nodded with a wry smile.

“For example, the beds used in this hotel are from the Konohana Group.”

“B-Beds…? Now that you mention it, they were crazy comfortable…”

The bed in my room was ridiculously cozy too. Probably a premium brand not sold to the public.

“By the way, Miyakojima-san, do you have anything like that…?”

“My family just runs a sports equipment store, so we don’t make much related to cooking or hotels. …But those white sneakers by the entrance. Are those yours, Hirano-san?”

“Oh, yeah, they are…”

“Those are ours. We originally developed shoes for athletes, but lately, we’ve been making sneakers for everyday use too.”

“W-Wow, really…?”

Yuri, at a loss for words, just kept blinking.

“Fashion’s diversification is being embraced across industries.”

“Yeah. Hiking bags have become trendy, or fishing gear brands have entered fashion by revamping their logos. That kind of thing’s been happening a lot lately.”

“According to a fabless apparel manufacturer in the Tennouji Group, recently—”

The conversation had veered into some high-level territory.

Seeing Yuri frozen with her mouth agape, I nodded deeply.

“I get it, Yuri. I reacted the same way at first.”

“…You’ve got it rough, huh?”

Yeah… it’s been really rough…

It took so much effort to act naturally at Kiou Academy.

“Oh, my apologies. We got sidetracked.”

Tennouji-san apologized.

Well, Yuri got a taste of the kind of conversations that happen at Kiou Academy, so it was probably a fresh experience for her.

“Uh… by the way, I had something I wanted to ask Konohana-san too…”

Yuri turned to Hinako.

“This morning, I saw Izuki leaving your room… What was that about?”

“—!”

Her sudden jab left me speechless.

Tennouji-san and Narika’s eyes widened too.

That Yuri… asking Hinako instead of me!

I thought she’d grill me privately after the party, so I was completely caught off guard. I stayed silent, trying to suppress my panic.

But Hinako smiled, as if she had nothing to hide.

“Oh, I completely forgot about that.”

She stood up and rummaged through her bag.

Come to think of it, Hinako had brought a bag for some reason.

“Tomonari-kun, here, I’m returning this.”

What she pulled out was the notebook I’d borrowed in her room last night. Technically, it was more like a stack of loose-leaf paper, with the edges cut.

“I woke up a bit early today and went for a walk. I happened to run into Tomonari-kun. He seemed troubled about his studies, so I helped him out.”

“…Yeah, that’s definitely Izuki’s handwriting.”

Yuri peeked at the paper scraps I took from Hinako.

You… you even recognize my handwriting?

“W-Well, Tomonari-san works at Konohana Hinako’s mansion, so that kind of thing probably happens.”

“Y-Yeah, they might hang out for work reasons…”

Tennouji-san and Narika said, sounding flustered.

They almost seemed to be convincing themselves.

“…Really? Something feels off… Hmm…”

Yuri was the only one who didn’t look convinced.

If she kept digging, I’d slip up. Deciding it was best to escape, I stood up.

“Uh… I’m kinda thirsty, right? I’ll go grab some drinks.”

Without waiting for a reply, I bolted from Yuri’s room.

◇

(…He totally bailed.)

Yuri glared at the door Izuki had fled through.

Running away meant he had something to hide. She could sense there was more to uncover if she pressed him.

“What kind of person was Tomonari-kun at his old school?”

Hinako asked, sitting on the bed.

She didn’t show it much, but every time Yuri saw her, she felt overwhelmed by the gap in… feminine charm? Human charisma? With her refined features and graceful manners, Hinako embodied Yuri’s image of Kiou Academy.

Hiding her complicated feelings, Yuri said, “Let’s see,” and thought back.

“Izuki wasn’t exactly the center of the class or anything. …But he was well-liked.”

The Ojou-sama leaned in, intrigued.

“You could see how hard he was working. Weekdays, weekends—he was always busting his butt at jobs, and he still put in decent effort with school. His social life took a hit, but no one disliked him. …Honestly, even without my meddling, I think people would’ve come around to him eventually.”

Recalling those days, Yuri spoke with a nostalgic warmth.

“He’s so earnest that people trusted him. And since he’s such a softie, he often ended up helping others with their problems.”

“He is a softie, isn’t he?”

“Quite the softie, yes.”

“Yeah, total softie.”

The agreement on his softie status was overwhelming.

Seems like he’s been kind to all sorts of people at Kiou Academy too.

“…But being that much of a softie comes with its own problems.”

At that, the Ojou-sama widened their eyes.

They clearly had no idea what she meant.

(…These three seem trustworthy. Maybe it’s okay to tell them.)

It was a bit of a heavy topic, but Yuri decided it was fine to share. Helping out at her family’s diner for years had given her confidence in reading people.

She could tell all three genuinely cared about Izuki.

None of them would intentionally hurt him.

“So, back in our first year, a girl in our class confessed to Izuki.”

““What!?””

“He turned her down, though.”

Mirei and Narika let out sighs of relief.

Their reactions struck Yuri as odd. But Hinako’s expression didn’t change—she kept her usual friendly smile. Pushing the odd feeling to the back of her mind, Yuri continued.

“The thing is, the way he turned her down became kind of a big deal. …About a month before the confession, Izuki’s dad got sick and couldn’t work for a while. That made Izuki way busier than usual.”

Hinako and the others listened intently, their faces serious.

Yuri thought, Yeah, these Ojou-sama really care about Izuki. That’s exactly why she wanted them to hear this.

“Since Izuki’s such a softie, he worked himself to the bone to make sure his parents had food on the table. But there’s only so much time and energy a person has. …For Izuki, that limit ends up hitting him the hardest.”

“Hitting himself…?”

Hinako wore a puzzled expression.

“Around the same time Izuki got super busy, that girl from our class I mentioned earlier fell for him. …She was the type whose feelings were painfully obvious in her behavior, so it was crystal clear to everyone that she was head over heels for Izuki. Honestly, she didn’t seem to be trying to hide it either—probably because she wanted Izuki to notice her.”

She kept trying to lock eyes with Izuki, or find ways to be alone with him. Yuri had no idea how much of it was calculated and how much was just her natural charm. But one thing was certain: that girl wasn’t a bad person by any stretch. That’s why the whole class made an unspoken pact not to interfere. They believed this crush was wholesome and wouldn’t bring Izuki any misery.

“But here’s the thing. When she finally confessed to Izuki… it was like he hadn’t noticed her feelings at all.”

Everyone else had seen it coming. Even students from the next class over had picked up on it. Yet Izuki, the one closest to her affection, was completely oblivious.

“Izuki’s the kind of guy who’ll pour his heart into helping someone else. But at the same time, he’s got this habit of neglecting himself. …Probably something to do with his home life, you know? Ever since he was little, Izuki’s had to endure all sorts of things, so it’s hard for him to picture a future where he’s happy. That’s why he never thinks about indulging himself or just lazing around. And when it comes to romance, he’s hopelessly dense. Like, the idea of having a normal, youthful love story? It’s almost unthinkable for him.”

Chances are, Izuki doesn’t even realize this about himself. Or even if he does, it’s not something he can easily fix. After all, throwing himself into helping others isn’t exactly wrong. Knowing Izuki’s personality, even if he became aware of it, he’d probably keep doing the same thing anyway.

“So, that’s why I had no choice but to look after him! Like his Onee-san, you know!”

Yuri, being his childhood friend, had always seen this tendency in Izuki. That’s why she’d been quietly pulling strings with their classmates behind his back.

Since Izuki was bound to neglect himself, someone had to step up and watch out for him. Yuri had volunteered for the job.

Having said her piece, Yuri glanced at the young ladies to gauge their reactions.

The young ladies… were silent, their faces heavy with somber expressions.

“Uh… whoops? Did I make things gloomy or something?”

She’d only meant to subtly point out Izuki’s flaws—or rather, that he wasn’t some perfect human being. But the three young ladies seemed to have taken the story far more seriously than she’d expected.

Did they care about Izuki that much?

Or… was it more than just caring? Maybe they harbored feelings so special that “caring” didn’t even begin to cover it.

(…Come to think of it, Tennouji-san and Miyakojima-san’s reactions earlier were kind of odd, weren’t they?)

When Yuri mentioned Izuki getting confessed to, those two had visibly flinched. And later, when she clarified that he’d turned the confession down, they’d both looked unmistakably relieved.

As Yuri pondered their feelings, the room’s intercom buzzed.

Opening the door, she found Izuki standing there, holding a convenience store bag.

“I’m back… Whoa, what’s with this vibe? Were you guys talking about something?”

“We were just talking about that time you got confessed to back in your first year of high school.”

“Hey!”

Izuki put on a mock scowl, as if to say, Why’d you bring that up?

But Yuri knew he wasn’t actually upset—not even a little. For Izuki, that chapter was closed, and his fake anger was just him feeling a bit embarrassed that his past was being put under the spotlight.

“So, how’d you end up turning her down, anyway?”

“…I told her things were tough at home, and I didn’t want to drag her into it.”

“Gotcha. …This is kinda random, but was she your type at all?”

“Hmm, I don’t know. I’d already decided to turn her down, so it felt kinda dishonest to even think about that stuff…”

That was such an Izuki way of thinking.

“Speaking of, what is your type, Izuki—”

Yuri cut herself off mid-sentence, stealing a quick glance at the three young ladies.

Mirei and Narika were visibly tense, clearly hanging on for the rest of the conversation.

Hinako’s expression, as usual, hadn’t changed a bit. Was she genuinely uninterested, or… was she pretending to be uninterested?

(Hmm…)

Yuri quietly weighed the young ladies’ true feelings.

“…As your Onee-san, I think I need to do a little digging here.”

“Huh? What’s that supposed to mean?”

Izuki tilted his head, looking utterly confused.