Chapter 1: The Great Actress, Konohana Hinako

“Class A’s first choice will be a play!! If there are any objections, please raise your hand!!”

Hearing Asahi-san’s loud voice, no one in the class raised their hand. After confirming the unanimous vote, Asahi-san trotted over to my desk.

“And with that, Tomonari-kun, I’m leaving the rest to you!!”

“Understood. What about the second and third choices?”

“Hmm… Maybe a café or something?”

“You’re not taking this seriously, are you…”

I gave a wry smile at Asahi-san’s obviously half-hearted response.

For the cultural festival, each class prepares up to three proposals for their event and submits them to the student council. If multiple classes request the same event, the student council holds a fair lottery to decide. This is to avoid a situation where every single class ends up doing a café, for example.

Our first choice is a play, but I need them to settle on the other two. As I was thinking that, I remembered the recent student council meeting. Just as Tennouji-san had predicted, Class A’s first choice was instantly decided to be a play.

“Well, I get how Asahi feels, though.”

As I was talking with Asahi-san, Taishou came over.

“The play is always super competitive, but I bet the other classes will give it to us this year.”

“What makes you say that?”

Taishou explained it to my questioning self.

“Kiou Academy’s cultural festival has three main events that are always the highlights: the play, the chorus, and the formal dance. The competition for these three is intense, and pretty much every class puts them down as their first choice.”

Taishou explained, holding up three fingers.

Then, Asahi-san, standing next to him, chimed in.

“But our class has Konohana-san, who was a total superstar in last year’s play! Everyone’s gonna wanna see her act again this year, so they’ll probably just let us have the play. That’s the idea, anyway!”

So that’s how it is…

I had heard from Tennouji-san that Hinako was a huge success in the play. Since the play uses the auditorium stage instead of a classroom, the slots are already limited… but if that’s the case, there’s a very high chance that Class A will get to do the play.

No wonder it was a unanimous decision. It seems everyone really wants to see Hinako’s play. In fact, there’s even a palpable sense of mission in Class A—that because they have Hinako, they have to do a play.

“Um, speaking of which, is Konohana-san okay with this?”

I called out to Hinako, who was sitting in front of me.

Hinako turned around and gave a sweet smile.

“Of course. I’ll do my best again this year to live up to everyone’s expectations.”

…That smile is so incredibly forced.

Right… knowing Hinako, if she had time to participate in an event, she’d much rather be sleeping at home.

However, contrary to Hinako’s true feelings, her words sent a jolt of excitement through our classmates.

“K-Konohana-san…!!”

“We have to make sure we don’t drag her down!!”

“I’m going to start taking acting lessons!!”

“Then I’ll get voice training…!!”

The whole class was fired up. Bathed in their intense enthusiasm, Hinako wilted like a dehydrated plant.

I should get her some ice cream when we get home. No, it’s getting cold, so maybe a warm drink would be better…

“Man~~!! I’m so hyped for the cultural festival!!”

Taishou exclaimed, looking at our motivated classmates.

“What’s with you, Taishou-kun? You sound unusually serious.”

“Well, we’ve had a lot of competitive events lately, haven’t we? The Management Game, the student council election, and all that. Both were satisfying and fun, but sometimes you just wanna enjoy something without thinking so hard…”

“But Taishou-kun, you never think hard about anything.”

“I knew you were gonna say that!!”

I thought I made a pretty good point, though~~!! Asahi-san cackled at Taishou, who was looking up at the heavens in despair.

But Taishou’s words actually resonated with me.

Come to think of it, he might be right. This might be my first event at Kiou Academy that isn’t about winning or losing.

“Ah, but for you, Tomonari, the cultural festival is probably still a ton of work, huh?”

“Not at all.”

I replied, recalling the hectic pace of the past few days.

“It’s a lot of work, but that’s not all there is to it. We’re having fun, too.”

“You sure about that? You seem like the type to push yourself too hard sometimes, Tomonari…”

He’s sharp… In fact, several people have already lectured me on the importance of taking breaks.

“But student council members can’t be in the class events, right?”

“That’s right. We might be able to if we have the time, but…”

Considering our workload, it seems unlikely. The student council has to patrol the grounds on the day of the festival.

However, it’s not like we’re tied up with work the entire time. The patrols are done in shifts, so there’s plenty of time for us officers to enjoy ourselves.

“Tomonari-kun, you really can’t overdo it, okay? Unlike before, it’s hard for us to help you with student council stuff.”

“Thank you. But I’m really okay.”

So, they… don’t trust me, huh?

Well, given how reckless I’ve been in the past, I guess I can’t blame them for thinking that…

However, while I appreciated their concern, this time I wasn’t just putting on a brave face.

I was sincere about wanting to enjoy the cultural festival.

It’s my first time on the management side of an event like this, and it’s surprisingly interesting. I think it’s because most of the students share Taishou’s mindset.

Because it’s a school full of children from wealthy families, faction-based rivalries tend to pop up, but the cultural festival is an event meant for enjoyment, not competition. The fact that the students can so easily switch gears to having fun proves that they’re not driven by deep-seated animosity, but rather by a spirit of friendly competition.

Seeing everyone so excited makes us want to create an event that’s just as exciting for them.

Let’s have fun. And let’s help everyone else have fun.

That was the moment my guiding principle for the cultural festival was set.

◆

After school, I finished my student council duties just like the day before. I stepped into the Konohana family’s car, while rolling my stiff shoulders,

“Good work today, Izuki-san.”

“You too, Shizune-san.”

Giving a nod to Shizune-san in the passenger seat, I settled into the back.

The car started moving at once.

“Sorry for making you wait again today.”

“It’s student council work, so there’s no need to apologize. Both Ojou-sama and Kagen-sama are aware that you will be returning at this time.”

“Though Hinako seemed less than thrilled about it…”

Student council work is generally done after school.

It’s not every day, but I have fewer days to walk home with Hinako now. Both Hinako and I realized this only after we became officers, and we just looked at each other with a mutual “We messed up!” expression.

“However, Ojou-sama was also quite pleased.”

Shizune-san’s smiling face was reflected in the rearview mirror.

“Now, no one would think twice about seeing you standing beside Ojou-sama. …You are becoming her ideal caretaker.”

“…Thank you.”

As her caretaker, I’ve made it a rule not to do anything that Hinako genuinely dislikes. When I decided to run for the council, Hinako supported me wholeheartedly. That’s why I took that step forward.

To stand beside the perfect Ojou-sama, I suppose I have to become closer to my perfect self.

It’s a long road ahead, but I’m definitely making progress.

“By the way, has your class decided on an event?”

Shizune-san’s question reminded me of today’s student council meeting.

At Kiou Academy’s cultural festival, like at other schools, several events are held on stage in addition to the classroom-based ones. After considering each class’s requests, we decided to have a play, a musical performance, and a chorus on stage this year. Each is scheduled for two performances, one in the morning and one in the afternoon.

We allocated two slots for each event, meaning a total of six classes could perform on stage. To be honest, it requires some seriously tight scheduling, but we, the student council officers, discussed it and were determined to make it happen.

Two classes will be performing plays. One of them, as a result of the lottery, went to a first-year class.

And the other class is—

“—Yes. We’re doing a play.”

As everyone expected, despite the play being a popular event, very few classes applied for it as their first choice. Only three, in fact. Besides ours, the other two were first-year classes. Tennouji-san and the others speculated it was because the first-years hadn’t seen last year’s play, but I find it astonishing that only three classes applied even then. The rumor about how amazing Hinako’s performance was must have spread among the first-years as well.

And so, Class A got to do the play, just as we’d hoped.

Upon hearing this, Shizune-san let out a quiet sigh.

“So it has come to that, after all.”

Her reaction had a certain weight to it that I found strange.

Shizune-san silently took out her smartphone.

Is she messaging someone? The timing suggests it’s related to what we were just talking about…

The car arrived at the mansion. With a slight sense of unease, I got out.

“Ojou-sama is already lazing about in your room, Izuki-san.”

I had a feeling that might be the case, so I headed straight for my room. Shizune-san followed me in silence. She might have some business with Hinako.

Six in the evening. Returning later than usual, I opened the door to my room.

“Hinako, I’m ho—”

“Izuki…!”

The moment I opened the door, Hinako, who had apparently been lounging on the bed, shot up.

She rushed over to me with a rare, nimble movement that was quite unlike the usual Hinako.

“Th-the cultural festival… Our event…!?”

As Hinako brought her frantic face close to mine, I answered honestly.

“It’s been decided. Class A is doing a play.”

“Nooooooooooooooooooooooooo…!!”

Hinako clutched her head and crumpled to the floor.

Is… she really that against it…?

“…She seems more devastated than I’ve ever seen her.”

“Indeed. She wasn’t this distressed last year…”

Maybe she had a really difficult time last year.

Hinako, still crouched on the floor, looked up at me.

“Izuki…”

“What is it?”

“Can’t you use your student council powers… to change our class event…?”

She made a completely outrageous suggestion.

Hinako was moaning at my feet like a zombie, so I actually considered it for a moment. The other student council members would probably hear me out without me having to resort to any strange schemes. If I were to say that Hinako, the lead actress, wasn’t feeling well, Tennouji-san would likely be willing to make some adjustments.

However…

“…I might be able to, but I don’t want to use the position I worked so hard to get for my own personal benefit.”

“Ugh… Right in the… heart…”

As if stricken by a guilty conscience, Hinako clutched her chest as she crouched on the floor.

It might not be for my own benefit since it’s for Hinako, but… it’s still an underhanded use of the student council’s authority, which makes me hesitant.

However, seeing her so vehemently opposed to it makes me a little curious.

Just what kind of play did Hinako perform in last year?

“…Um, Shizune-san.”

“Yes?”

“Was the play Hinako performed in last year really that incredible?”

In response to my question, Shizune-san took out her smartphone before answering. It seemed she had received a message.

After tapping at the screen for a moment, Shizune-san eventually looked up at me.

“Regarding that, Kagen-sama wishes to speak with you.”

“He does?”

What I thought was a casual question suddenly took on a very serious tone.

“Please follow me.”

Shizune-san exited my room.

For the time being, I helped Hinako onto the bed, then went after Shizune-san.

◆

Shizune-san knocked on the office door.

“I have brought Izuki-san.”

“Thank you.”

After hearing Kagen-san’s voice, Shizune-san opened the door.

“Excuse me.”

The office, which I hadn’t entered in some time, was still filled with a palpable tension.

This was where I first met Kagen-san. It was here that I learned about the problems Hinako was facing and decided to accept the job as her caretaker.

Everything feels nostalgic. That’s probably because I’m a different person now than I was back then.

Kagen-san, sitting behind the desk, had a noticeably softer expression than before. I’m surely not the only one who has changed since then.

“It has been a while since we’ve spoken like this.”

“Yes, it has.”

We’ve passed each other in the hallway a few times, but it’s been a while since we’ve spoken face-to-face.

The last time we truly talked was probably after the Management Game.

“Do you remember the promise we made?”

I couldn’t answer Kagen-san’s question right away.

“I told you that I would allow you to delve into the Konohana family’s affairs if you joined the student council.”

—There’s no way I could ever forget that promise.

I can’t even count how many times I thought of that promise to keep myself going during the election…

“I-I remember! That’s why I joined the student council—”

“Then I shall keep my promise.”

Kagen-san’s gaze was sharp and serious.

“From this point forward, I will involve you in the affairs of the Konohana family.”

My entire body went rigid with tension.

It’s finally happening… That was my first thought. I’ve spent a long time in this mansion, and with each passing day, my questions about the Konohana family have only multiplied.

Isn’t this mansion far too large for a second home?

Why has Hinako always lived here in the villa?

When did Hinako’s mother pass away?

What does Takuma-san intend to do with the Konohana family?

Why did Kagen-san become so strict with Hinako?

I have finally earned the right to confront these questions.

I pressed my lips together and waited for Kagen-san’s next words.

“I apologize for bringing this up while you’re so tense, but I have no intention of explaining everything at once. This time, I will only explain matters related to the cultural festival.”

“The cultural festival…?”

“This particular matter is quite simple, so I’d like you to relax and listen. There’s nothing special I need you to do; this is more a matter of your approach, if you will.”

If he’s going that far, I suppose I can allow my shoulders to relax for now.

Still, I can’t begin to imagine what connection the cultural festival could have to the Konohana family.

“The cultural festival … it seems Class A has chosen the play as their event.”

He must have heard from Shizune-san. I thought she was messaging someone, and it seems she was relaying the news to Kagen-san.

I nodded. “Yes.”

“Many influential figures from various industries attend the Kiou Academy cultural festival. In other words, the festival is the perfect opportunity to promote Hinako as an individual to them.”

That… I understand, of course.

But if that’s the case, then everything up to this point should have been the same. The sports festival and the Management Game were no different.

So what does Kagen-san find so special about the cultural festival?

“I sent Hinako off with the same sentiment last year. As a result, she played the lead role in the play and earned high praise.”

“So I’ve heard. Everyone at the academy says it was a great play.”

“The response was greater than we ever expected. That’s why I told Hinako she didn’t need to aim for a position in the student council.”

Huh? How does that connect?

As I tilted my head in confusion, Kagen-san explained.

“If you become a student council officer, you can’t participate in the cultural festival events, can you? The two students who have a presence on par with Hinako… Tennouji Mirei and Miyakojima Narika, will have no choice but to work behind the scenes for this cultural festival. Therefore, the festival will become Hinako’s solo stage.”

…He was thinking that far ahead from the very beginning?

It’s a sobering thought, but it makes more sense that way. Kagen-san has always been relentless when it comes to improving Hinako’s image. It would be a lie to say I wasn’t curious why he was so uncharacteristically reserved during the election.

Whether taking the lead role in a once-a-year event like the cultural festival is truly equivalent to becoming a student council officer is debatable, but… if you consider it a safe bet based on last year’s success, it’s a logical decision. Besides, if Hinako were to become a student council officer, it’s highly likely that her already-limited stamina would completely give out.

He’s really thought this through, I realized.

…But of course he has. He’s her father.

He understands Hinako on a deep level.

“Well, so far, things have gone as expected… but the other day, I received some unexpected news, for better or for worse.”

Kagen-san said with a grave expression.

“The current head of the Konohana family heard the rumors and has expressed his desire to see Hinako’s play this year. That’s why, Izuki-kun, I need you to lead the play… and the cultural festival to success, no matter what.”

Kagen-san finally got to the heart of the matter.

“Do you understand? This year’s cultural festival must be more glamorous, more extravagant, and more refined than ever before. As a student council officer, you have the authority to make that happen, do you not, Izuki-kun?”

“Well, I’ll certainly do my best, but…”

I see, all the pieces are falling into place.

So that’s why he said it was a matter of my approach.

Indeed, this doesn’t assign me any new, specific tasks. I was already planning on making the cultural festival exciting as a student council officer, so in that sense, nothing has changed.

However, I’m not so detached that I can treat this as someone else’s problem.

I just have one more reason to make the cultural festival a success. That’s how I should think about it.

That aside, though… there’s something that’s bothering me.

“Um, I thought you were the head of the Konohana family, Kagen-san?”

“I believe I told you when we first met. I am the chairman of the Konohana Group.”

What’s the difference between a chairman and a family head?

As if reading my mind, Kagen-san quickly added.

“I am the chief executive of the Konohana Group, but I am not the head of the Konohana family. I run the business, but my father-in-law… that is, Hinako’s grandfather, is in charge of the family.”

I tried to process Kagen-san’s words.

In short, the family is split into two divisions: the family proper and the business. The family division is the Konohana family, and the business division is the Konohana Group.

…I had no idea.

As promised, Kagen-san is teaching me about the inner workings of the Konohana family.

“The family head detests mixing public and private matters. This villa where you and Hinako live was originally built for work. It’s a rule that all family matters are to be concluded within the main residence.”

“…Wait a moment.”

There’s something about what he just said that I can’t just let go.

“If family matters are handled at the main residence and work at the villa, then the reason Hinako is in this mansion is…”

“…You’ve guessed correctly.”

Something inside me began to seethe.

Hinako lives not in the main residence, which is for family, but in the villa, which is for work. Have I been living in such a cold, detached reality all this time?

I feel as though I’ve taken a step forward, only to find an even deeper abyss yawning before me.

What is this?

What is this family?

“I’m glad.”

Kagen-san offered a faint smile.

“That you’re the kind of person who can make a face like that.”

I have no idea what kind of expression I’m making right now.

But I’d rather not see it.

Probably because it’s hideous.

“I don’t want you to forget that I am also one of the people in this mansion.”

His words brought me back to my senses. It’s true that I often see Kagen-san here in the villa. I know he spends time at the main residence, but he also comes and goes from this villa frequently.

“I described it as a villa to avoid mixing public and private affairs, but in reality, it’s closer to a hierarchy. Only those who have produced results may gather at the main residence. That is the way of the Konohana family… I am in a position to come and go from the main residence as I please, but honestly, I can’t say that I’m exactly welcomed there.”

Kagen-san said with a soft sigh.

His attitude seemed so detached, as if he were talking about someone else, and I felt a faint flicker of irritation.

Is this really a problem you can afford to be so nonchalant about?

“Compose yourself.”

Kagen-san’s sharp gaze silenced me.

“I told you this not only to keep my promise. I did so because I believe that you, as you are now, can withstand the pressure of the Konohana family.”

Kagen-san, who had seen right through me, continued.

“As I have said repeatedly, this matter is not complicated. As a member of the student council, you need only focus on making the cultural festival a success.”

“That’s true, but…”

“Juggling other responsibilities while dealing with unresolved issues is a part of adult life. I believe you are capable of that. That is why I chose this moment to explain the situation to you in detail.”

Don’t make me regret that judgment, he implicitly warned, and I swallowed the emotions that had risen to my throat.

Kagen-san has high expectations of me. I understand that.

“…What is it? You’re praising me an awful lot today.”

“Do you think just anyone can get into the student council of Kiou Academy?”

Kagen-san replied with a deadpan expression.

“At this point, it would be more difficult not to praise you. …If you doubt my sincerity, then I shall say it plainly.”

Taking a breath, Kagen-san looked me straight in the eye.

“I’m glad that I hired you.”

I felt a jolt run through me, right to my very core.

I think I’ve been living my life with an unconscious list of “people I want to be acknowledged by.” I’m sure many people are on that list—Hinako, Tennouji-san, Narika, Takuma-san, Shizune-san… but I just now realized that the very first person on that list was Kagen-san.

That’s right. I’ve always wanted this man’s approval.

I thought that in order to support Hinako, I had to earn his acknowledgment, and I’ve been working like a madman ever since.

Earning his approval was the very first goal I set for myself.

“…Thank you.”

I squeezed my eyes shut, desperately trying to keep the tears that had welled up from falling.

Lately, everyone has been praising my efforts so much that I think I’ve become a bit of a crybaby.

I scrubbed at my eyes with the back of my hand and let out a long breath, releasing the jumble of emotions with it. After slowly exhaling completely, I looked at Kagen-san with a sense of renewed clarity.

“—I’m focused now!!”

“Good. That’s a much better expression.”

This man acknowledges me. That simple fact was enough to restore my composure, which probably means I’m still just a kid, after all.

I’m well aware of how naive that sounds, but it still makes me happy.

To be acknowledged by an adult I respect.

“If you require anything, do not hesitate to consult me through Shizune… I, too, have an obligation to entertain the family head. We are in the same boat this time.”

Being told we’re in the same boat by Kagen-san makes me feel my nerves fraying all over again.

Calm down… as Kagen-san said many times, the bar for what I need to do hasn’t been raised.

My mission is to make the cultural festival a success as a student council officer.

And—

(I’ll have to be even more supportive of Hinako than usual.)

It would probably just add to her stress, so I won’t tell her this, but the success of the play rests squarely on her shoulders.

Hinako is probably vaguely aware of this, which is why she had such a strong negative reaction. It’s my job as her caretaker to support her through that. Before I’m a student council officer, I am Hinako’s caretaker.

But… there was one thing I wanted to know.

“It’s a bit late to ask, but what was so amazing about the play Hinako performed in last year?”

“I shall show you.”

Kagen-san snapped his fingers, and Shizune-san, who had been waiting patiently, operated a remote she was holding and projected an image onto the wall of the room.

This situation… feels nostalgic.

The first time I visited this room, I was shown a video in the exact same way.

That time, it was footage of Hinako’s daily life, but this time…

“Whoa…”

The projection shows the Kiou Academy auditorium. On the stage stood an entire class of students. In the center stood a particularly beautiful and radiant girl—Hinako.

“The play is an hour long. I will be working in another room, so you may watch for as long as you like.”

Kagen-san exited the room.

I sat on the sofa and began to watch the play that Hinako had performed in last year.

◆

The curtain fell on the stage, bringing the play to a close.

Before I knew it, I was shedding buckets of tears.

“Uoohh……………… Uoohh……………………!!”

What in the world.

All the tears I’d been holding back in front of Kagen-san came pouring out.

“Oaahh……………………!!”

I couldn’t stop the tears from overflowing.

It was just too beautiful of a play. A series of emotions that were difficult to put into words. Hinako’s performance in the video had struck a chord deep within me.

Just as my tears dried up, the door to the room opened and Shizune-san entered.

“Izuki-san, how was it? Ojou-sama’s play.”

“It was amazing. It was like, well… everything was amazing.”

“I see your vocabulary has taken a hit.”

Perhaps when people encounter a magnificent work of art, they feel it’s unrefined to express it in words. I didn’t want to verbalize this feeling and convey it to someone else. If I put it into words, it would be interpreted by someone. If that interpretation differed from another’s, it would lead to a debate. I hated that idea more than anything. I wanted to keep this feeling as a treasure within me, untainted by anyone. I was so sure that this feeling was absolutely right that there was no need to bring it out and align it with someone else’s.

“Please rest assured. Pretty much everyone becomes like that after watching that play.”

“……Did you too, Shizune-san?”

“……………………To an extent that it didn’t interfere with my work.”

So she did……

But I didn’t find it surprising. Hinako’s acting transcended personality and shook one’s very instincts.

Hinako’s performance was overwhelming. Even through the screen, her joy, anger, sorrow, and pleasure were clearly conveyed. When Hinako looked happy, I was happy too, and when she looked sad, I was sad too. It was a performance that truly captured the heart.

Until now, I had never given much thought to what makes acting good or bad. But today, for the first time, I understood. This is what it means to be a good actor. The actor’s emotions come flooding into your heart and become your own. Just a moment ago, my soul had been completely swallowed by the stage.

……Is she this good because she’s always acting?

I didn’t think of this as some talent that had come out of nowhere.

Hinako has been continuously playing the part of a perfect ojou-sama. She has probably dedicated more time to acting than professional actors.

And what’s more, no one has seen through her act. For Hinako, Kiou Academy is the stage itself. Hinako is constantly acting while being mindful of the audience’s eyes.

It makes sense she’s good. Or rather, there’s no way she could be bad.

Her tremendous acting ability, cultivated through habit. To think that applying it to art could move so many people… Kagen-san probably hadn’t expected it either.

……I’m a little happy.

That I was able to discover a new charm in the girl known as Konohana Hinako.

“Was it helpful?”

“Yes. I was able to get an image of what the cultural festival at Kiou Academy is like.”

I switched my mindset from that of an audience member to a student council member and looked at Shizune-san.

“The set was even more extravagant than I had expected.”

“Many important people are invited as guests to the Kiou Academy cultural festival. A huge budget must be poured into entertaining them.”

Indeed, that was true.

On the day of the cultural festival, wealthy parents don’t just come to tour the academy. They come as guests with the sole intention of enjoying the festival. To entertain them, who have discerning eyes and palates, it is necessary to provide a first-class environment.

……No wonder the budget is so large.

As a member of the student council, I could roughly calculate how much was being poured into the cultural festival. Abeno-san, the treasurer, would probably know the details… but I didn’t really want to ask.

It’s probably enough to charter a luxury liner for a few days……

“Well then, I shall be returning to my duties.”

“Understood. ……Ah, where is Hinako now?”

“I believe she is in her room, working on the assignments given to her by Kagen-sama… Is there something you need?”

“Yes, there’s something I absolutely have to tell her.”

This feeling, I have to let her know.

Leaving the office, I hurried towards Hinako’s room.

In my haste, I opened the door at the same time I knocked.

“──Hinako!!”

“Ngyah……!?”

Hinako, who had been lazing around on her bed, jumped up in surprise at my sudden appearance.

She’s not studying at all……, I thought for a moment, but that didn’t matter right now.

“Wh-wh-wh-what is it, Izuki……!?”

“Hinako……!! There’s something I absolutely have to tell you……!!”

“Nnnguuueeeehh……!?”

I got on the bed and grabbed Hinako by both shoulders.

I think I might have hugged her a little in the heat of the moment, but that didn’t matter either.

“My-my hands……!! I-I-I’m-I’m being, being hugged……!?”

“Hinako……!! I, I……!!”

“W-wait, I’m not mentally prepared yet……!! B-but I want you to say it…… Yeah, say it……!! Say it right now……!!”

Hinako’s expression changed rapidly, and she looked at me with her cheeks flushed bright red.

So it’s okay to say it……!!

Alright, I’m gonna say it……!!

“Hinako……!!”

“Yeah……!! Yeah……!!”

“Last year’s play── It was the best!!”

“I love you too──────── eh?”

Hinako was staring blankly, but that was secondary to me right now.

Almost unconsciously, I started to share my thoughts on the play. The words overflowed from my lips as if a dam had broken. I was afraid that verbalizing my feelings would cause them to fade, but at the same time, there were a mountain of things I wanted to tell her personally. I wasn’t conveying my thoughts to Hinako; I was conveying my emotions.

In that instant, I noticed someone approaching from behind.

“Your eyes were bloodshot, so I decided to secretly follow you… What are you doing?”

“Ow!?”

Shizune-san’s hand-chop landed on the top of my head.

I could tell from my self-defense lessons…… That was pretty serious.

“Ojou-sama, are you all right?”

Shizune-san approached Hinako with a worried look.

But Hinako replied with a somewhat ecstatic expression.

“I-I didn’t get to hear the words I wanted to hear, but…………I-I’m happy…………”

Hinako said something strange while caressing the shoulders I had been holding.

Shizune-san’s cold eyes turned towards me.

“……Izuki-san, I will have you take full responsibility for Ojou-sama acting strangely.”

No way……

All I wanted to do was share this feeling.

◆

The next day after school, I was working in the student council room as usual.

I’d gotten used to the scenery of the student council room… or rather, the honest truth is I haven’t had time to get used to it. The preparations for the cultural festival began right after the election, so there’s no time to catch my breath.

What drives us is the atmosphere that currently envelops the academy.

Kiou Academy is now united in its desire to make the cultural festival a success. Their pure attitude was more than enough to make us want to work our fingers to the bone to support them.

“I had some time this morning, so I was looking around the first-year building and…”

Abeno-san said while typing on her keyboard.

“A class with the heir to a major forestry company was considering building a log house on the grounds. They seem to have connections with a famous architect and want to hold an exhibition on the theme of the next-generation school……”

Is this a world expo?

I couldn’t believe my ears.

However, Tennouji-san, who received the report, thought about it without any particular surprise.

“The use of the grounds is conditional on not spoiling the scenery. We will need to see the design.”

“Understood, I’ll contact them.”

As Abeno-san focused on her work again, this time Yodogawa spoke to Tennouji-san.

“I also had a consultation from a junior yesterday! They said they want to bring in their family’s marine engineering technology to build an aquarium! They’d like permission for real fish if possible, but if that’s difficult, they can substitute with robot fish or holograms!”

Is this a pavilion?

I feel like an aquarium is already pretty strange, but it seems like they’re considering an attraction that a major corporation would pour its budget into.

However, Tennouji-san also handled this calmly.

“The same applies to the botanical garden and zoo that other classes have requested, but we want to avoid anything with a strong smell. If they can take measures against that, real fish are fine.”

“Got it!”

Come to think of it, there were classes that wanted a botanical garden or a zoo……

When deciding on each class’s event, the student council confirmed the submitted requests, but I was in charge of other duties, so I wasn’t familiar with the details. Abeno-san and Yodogawa were in charge of this task.

Somehow, the atmosphere became one where it was okay to consult with Tennouji-san.

Following Yodogawa, it was Narika’s turn to consult Tennouji-san.

“There’s a class that wants to hold a debate on the space industry, and they had a question about inviting an active astronaut as a guest. She has the connections, but should I allow it?”

“I see… If she has the connections, it’s fine, but I would like for the student council to meet with the guest once as well.”

“Then I will meet them. This type of thing is the duty of general affairs.”

Narika was full of motivation.

In some schools, a position called external affairs officer handles that kind of work, but at Kiou Academy, the general affairs does it. Narika wanted to be involved in this external affairs work from the beginning and switched from being a candidate for president to general affairs. She must be especially motivated when it comes to dealing with outsiders.

“If you need someone to keep a record, I can join too!”

“Really? That would be a great help!”

Yodogawa’s proactive attitude often boosted the student council’s morale.

Since Narika’s discussion seemed to be over, I decided to consult as well. Though the person I wanted to consult wasn’t Tennouji-san.

“Narika, do you have a minute?”

I told Narika, who turned to look at me, what I needed.

“There’s a class that’s going to perform traditional Japanese arts. They want to include an introduction to martial arts, and they’re looking for someone to supervise it. We could look for an expert, but… would it be difficult for you to do it, Narika?”

“Leave it to me! I’m pretty confident in most traditional arts!”

Narika immediately agreed.

I think the old Narika would have hesitated… but she’s become so reliable.

“You’re pretty confident for someone like you, Narika.”

“Mmph, don’t tease me. Lately, I’ve been praised for being full of confidence.”

Is that so……?

I didn’t know that.

“Where do you get praised?”

“At our suppliers. I’ve visited them directly several times to order materials, and everyone is very kind. They say I’m a well-behaved child, and they give me lots of souvenirs on my way home.”

Narika said smugly, puffing out her chest.

……Somehow, doesn’t it feel like you’re being treated like a grandchild?

Being well-versed in Bushido and knowledgeable about traditional Japanese arts, Narika might be a hit with the elderly.

“……What do you think, Izuki?”

Narika stared at me.

“How have I been lately? Am I doing a good job?”

I sensed a hint of anxiety in the depths of Narika’s eyes.

During the election, Narika changed her preference from student council president to general affairs. This involved many people. In particular, it must have had a major impact on the life of Nishi-san, who originally wanted to be in general affairs. Because of the special circumstances she carries, Narika may be anxious on the inside.

“Don’t worry. You’ve always been doing a great job, Narika.”

“I-I see… Mhmm, I see, I see……”

A grin spread across Narika’s face.

She had always been doing a great job, which is why Nishi-san gave up her position in general affairs. A highly motivated first-year student aiming for general affairs wouldn’t give up their goal to some slacker.

She’s really grown…… As I thought this while looking at the grinning Narika, I noticed Tennouji-san glaring at me.

As if to speak her mind, Abeno-san opened her mouth.

“Stop flirting and get back to work.”

“I──”

We’re not!! ……Hey, this has happened before.

Narika fell silent, her cheeks flushed. ……That’s why, when you react like that, it makes things even more awkward……!!

“──Ahem!!”

Tennouji-san’s deliberate cough echoed through the student council room.

……Was that really a cough, or did she just say “ahem” out loud?

“W-well, since the administrative work has reached a good stopping point, I think we should all go back to our respective classes and check on them!”

Tennouji-san continued.

“Since every class is preparing a large-scale event, I’m concerned about things being missed in the confirmation items. It would be better for us to go to them.”

Tennouji-san’s behavior was a little strange, but her opinion was sound.

Even after the events have been decided, there are likely many classes with questions. It would be better for us to take the initiative and check on them before they proceed with their own judgment.

I guess I’ll go check on my class too.

I am a member of the student council, but at the same time, I’m also a student of Class A.

I’m already a little sad that I can’t participate in the play, so I want to show my face as much as possible when I have the chance.

◆

The student council members dispersed, and I returned to Class A.

As I walked down the hallway, I could hear lively voices coming from every classroom. Kiou Academy has no club activities, so it’s always quiet after school, but during the cultural festival preparations, every place was filled with cheerful voices. My steps naturally became lighter, and I started to feel excited.

Even though I should have been exhausted from my student council work, the reason I still had energy was probably because this was the first cultural festival I could genuinely enjoy.

At my previous high school, I was so busy with my part-time job that I could hardly participate in the cultural festival. Since I couldn’t help with the preparations properly, I feel like I held back from enjoying it because I felt out of place. For me back then, the cultural festival was someone else’s business. It was uncomfortable to be involved in someone else’s event, so I felt sorry for everyone but just wanted it to be over quickly.

But now… I’m far from being someone else’s business, I’m part of managing it.

I learned that an event can be this much fun as long as you have a sense of ownership.

I once again thought that I was glad I joined the student council.

“Ah, Tomonari-kun!”

The first person to notice me as I entered the classroom was Asahi-san.

“Is your student council work done?”

“Yes, so I came to see how things are going. Are the preparations going well?”

“Yeah! It’s going smoothly!”

Asahi-san said with a beaming smile.

The students of Class A were gathered in front of the teacher’s desk, discussing something. A few of them noticed me and gave me a light nod, so I smiled and bowed my head in return.

“It turns out one of our classmates is related to a famous scriptwriter. Thanks to them, it looks like we’ll be able to get a good script!”

“Wow……”

So they had that kind of connection.

It’s a bit late to realize, but the students at this academy are well-connected in high society, so it’s probably easy for them to find collaborators for events like this. Since it’s also an opportunity to show off the connections they’ve worked hard to gain, the students are proactive about bringing in their own connections.

The more involvement with outsiders, the more work for the student council. I can now understand the principle that council members cannot participate in class events. With this amount of work, it would be impossible to balance it with a class event.

During the election, there were many times when I was strongly reminded that the student council’s first job is the cultural festival. The trigger was usually the questionnaires we had the students fill out, but they must have also understood the student council’s position in this cultural festival. If we in the student council don’t do our job properly, we won’t be able to make the most of the extraordinary abilities of the Kiou Academy students.

Managing the cultural festival is more challenging than I thought, and it’s truly rewarding.

“Last year, in the play Konohana-san was in, they did Romeo and Juliet, right?”

“Oh, as expected of you, Tomonari-kun. You did your research.”

“When it’s that popular, you get curious”

Actually, I didn’t have to look it up, Kagen-san showed me the video.

“I don’t know much about plays, but last year’s Romeo and Juliet was a bit of an arranged version, right?”

“That’s right. I think it was arranged to focus the story on Juliet, played by Konohana-san…… Just a little while ago, we were discussing what to do this year with the scriptwriter on a video call, and it looks like it’ll be a similar situation this year.”

So that’s why there’s a laptop on the teacher’s desk.

“What are you doing this year?”

“Hamlet!”

Asahi-san said confidently.

“Since last year was Romeo and Juliet, we decided to look for a work connected to Shakespeare to capitalize on its reputation. With Hamlet, the story is a revenge drama and easy to understand, and depending on the acting, we can challenge complex themes, so we thought it would be suitable for Kiou Academy. It wasn’t just the scriptwriter; we all decided on it together!”

While I nodded along with a “Heh,” I didn’t know the details of Hamlet, so I needed to look up the story and themes on my own later. After talking with Kagen-san, I had immediately researched famous plays from around the world, so I at least knew the name… but judging from Asahi-san’s tone, it was probably a play that everyone at Kiou Academy knows about.

I felt the difference in our upbringing and was a little dejected. I thought I was trying my best with my studies, but I still feel the difference in our upbringings at unexpected times.

“Was the scriptwriter convinced with Konohana-san as the lead?”

“Super-convinced! Ahem… ‘Wh-what a lovely girl!! The marriage of her picturesque beauty and her hidden humanity is as tasteful as the lakeside of Hallstatt!! Please let me write a script for this girl!’ Is what they said.”

Asahi-san acted out the scriptwriter’s part. ……She’s pretty good.

However, while I’ll have to look up the lakeside of Hallstatt later… doesn’t that scriptwriter somehow realize Hinako’s true nature?

That scriptwriter is terrifying…… I’ll report this to Shizune-san later.

“So they’re writing a script specifically for Konohana-san.”

“Yeah, it’s what you call an ‘ategaki.’ I think this year’s play will be based on Hamlet, but centered around Konohana-san.”

Hamlet plus an “ategaki” for Hinako, that seems to be the plan.

From the sound of it, using this “ategaki” method would allow them to create a script that maximizes the actor’s charm. In other words, it’s the perfect method for this play.

“By the way, you’re a good actor too, Asahi-san.”

“Ehehe~ maybe I have a talent for it too.”

Asahi-san laughed happily, but I got the feeling my compliment was taken as a joke.

“I really think you have talent. It wouldn’t feel out of place if you were the lead, Asahi-san.”

“H-hey, hey! There are other people you should be praising, Tomonari-kun!?”

Other people…… Who could she mean?

At least, there’s no one else in front of me right now but Asahi-san.

“B-besides, if someone like me played the lead, it would just kill the mood~!”

“You think so? It seems like a perfect fit to me……”

Even if Asahi-san were standing in the spotlight, it wouldn’t feel out of place at all.

As I was honestly thinking this, Asahi-san’s face turned bright red and she started lightly tapping my chest.

“Geez!! Tomonari-kun!! Geez!!”

“Wh-what is it!? Asahi-san!?”

She was holding back, so it didn’t hurt at all, but…….

“Wh-which role is Konohana-san playing?”

When I asked, Asahi-san came back to her senses.

“Ophelia, of course!!”

With my flimsy knowledge, the name of the role didn’t ring a bell. However, she was supposed to be an important character in Hamlet.

“We want to make Konohana-san the star, so we’re planning to make Ophelia the protagonist of Hamlet this time! But that means we have to completely change the scene where Ophelia drowns, which is a major event in the original work……”

“……I see. If you follow the original work, Ophelia leaves the stage midway through.”

“Exactly! It would be a waste to have Konohana-san leave midway, right? That’s why we’re all discussing what kind of arrangement to make instead of drowning.”

Asahi-san added, “Ultimately, we have to consult with the scriptwriter though~”.

I had finally heard the whole story and understood what everyone was doing now. It seemed they were all brainstorming a plan to make the most of the actress known as Hinako.

Curious about how far the discussion had progressed, I listened in on the heated debate among my classmates.

“An arrangement where she doesn’t leave midway means Ophelia is alive, so…”

“Wouldn’t that diminish the tragic nature that is the core of the story……?”

“But it’s more about Konohana-san’s world than Shakespeare’s world, right……”

“That’s true……”

Amazing, Hinako is truly being treated like a star actress.

The atmosphere surrounding Hinako was fresh and different from before. However, the person herself, while smiling on the outside, must be sighing endlessly on the inside. To Hinako, her current classmates must look like torturers discussing what kind of punishment to inflict on her.

“If Ophelia were alive, wouldn’t it be anticlimactic if she reunited with Hamlet right away?”

“To keep them from meeting, Ophelia doesn’t have to drown, but she could be injured, or shut herself away out of heartbreak, or……”

Ignoring Hinako, the discussion continued.

“What if we made it so that she received a shock so great that her personality completely flips……”

Someone voiced that opinion.

One of the male students participating in the discussion called out to Hinako.

“U-um, Konohana-san.”

“What is it?”

“Um, I know this is a very difficult thing to ask, but I have a suggestion……”

The male student said hesitantly.

“Can you act out a lazy personality, the complete opposite of the usual Konohana-san?”

A lazy personality……

………………Isn’t that just regular Hinako?

Even Hinako seemed bewildered by the unexpected proposal.

“……I’ll give it a try.”

Under the watchful eyes of her classmates, Hinako quietly closed her eyes.

Her eyelids opened, and the eyes that lay beyond were──the listless ones I knew so well.

“Sooo sleeeepyyy…………”

A stir of confusion ran through the classroom.

No one could have imagined that the perfect ojou-sama, Konohana Hinako, would show such a side of herself. ……However, everyone quickly remembered. This was an act.

“I wanna skip class…… I wanna go hooome~~~~……”

“Wh-what a masterful performance!!”

“It’s as if she’s always like that!!”

That’s because she is always like that.

If anything, I think every word she just said was her true feelings.

Perhaps because the performance was so lifelike, the class momentarily forgot that Hinako was acting. Realizing this, a cold sweat ran down my entire body.

This is bad for my heart……

My role as her caretaker is to hide the real Hinako. I had thought that the scene before me was something I would only see when I made the worst possible mistake.

However, my classmates were getting very excited watching Hinako’s acting.

“Alright, let’s go with this plan!”

“Ophelia’s personality flips from the shock, and she becomes lazy!”

“It’s because Konohana-san is usually so perfect that this performance will be so impactful!”

I never expected things to turn out like this…

Playing a lazy shut-in is a piece of cake for Hinako. After all, that’s her true personality. She doesn’t even have to act.

Still… I should probably check with her just in case.

Once the roles are decided, practice for the main performance will begin. If we’re going to change anything, now’s the time.

Hinako, who has to pretend to be a perfect ojou-sama in front of others, can’t just cut through the enthusiastic atmosphere enveloping the classroom. It looked like she was about to be steamrolled by the mood, so I approached her and whispered in her ear. Luckily, our classmates were so excited about her acting that they didn’t seem to notice our conversation.

“Hinako, are you really okay with that role?”

“Nn… It might be better than playing a character I’m not familiar with…”

She seemed to be telling the truth, as her annoyed expression softened somewhat.

…Maybe this won’t be so bad for her, since all she has to do is act like her usual self?

Hinako always says that acting is tiring, but this time, what’s required on stage is for her to show her true self. In that case, maybe it won’t be so taxing for her.

“But… I want Izuki to be Hamlet.” Hinako said, fidgeting.

I couldn’t help but tilt my head.

“I have student council work, so I can’t participate in the play, but why me?”

“…Izuki, do you know… about Ophelia and Hamlet’s relationship…?”

“No, I don’t. Sorry.”

To my shame, while I’d looked up the names Hamlet and Ophelia, I wasn’t familiar with the actual story of the play.

As I tried to ask why, Hinako began to explain, with a faint blush.

“Ophelia and Hamlet are… um, lovers…”

“…Is that so?”

…………

……………………Is that so.

“Um, so, you know…”

“…Yeah.”

“S-So, if possible… I’d want Izuki to…”

Hinako’s cheeks, as she averted her gaze, turned as red as an apple.

But my face was probably the same color.

Hinako said it. Ophelia and Hamlet are lovers, and that’s why she wants me to play Hamlet. The meaning behind those words is…

“Hinako, does that mean—”

“—!!”

Before I could say anything else, Hinako spoke up.

“B-Because I think it would be difficult to act out that kind of relationship with someone I don’t know…!!”

Hinako, her face beaded with sweat, suddenly started talking quickly.

Hearing her words, I regained my composure.

“You’re right, it’d be difficult if you don’t know the other person well.”

It didn’t seem easy to play lovers with a complete stranger you have no connection with. I’m not an expert on acting, but I could imagine that much.

…Phew.

That surprised me.

For a second there, I thought she was indirectly confessing to me.

“What’s wrong, you two?”

“Taishou- kun…”

Taishou called out to us, and I turned around.

In that instant, Hinako straightened her back and returned to being the perfect ojou-sama.

Seeing Taishou’s puzzled face, an idea struck me.

“How about you play Hamlet, Taishou-kun?”

“Huh!? Me!?”

Taishou exclaimed in surprise.

“Why me!?”

“I just thought you’d be a good fit for the role.”

“Heh heh, if you put it that way, I guess I can’t refuse.”

At least pretend to think about it for a second…

He seems pretty into it. I would’ve felt bad if I was pushing it on him, but seeing how eager he is, I don’t need to feel the slightest bit of guilt.

I know Taishou’s character. It’s easy to get the wrong impression of him, but he’s actually very observant of people. During the election, he was the first to notice that Asahi-san was dealing with something.

With Taishou, I knew he would never do anything Hinako would dislike.

However, there was another reason I nominated Taishou, so I explained it in a low voice so others couldn’t hear.

“Seriously, I don’t think there are many students who wouldn’t feel nervous around Konohana-san…”

“Ah… well, you’re right. I guess someone like me, who has tea with her all the time, is the best fit.”

Glad we’re on the same page.

Last year’s play… If I had to point out one thing that bothered me, it was the stiffness of the male student playing Romeo. I could tell he was nervous acting opposite Hinako even through the video, so I want to try and improve on that this year.

“Alright, I’m gonna go volunteer. Just watch me work my magic.”

With that, Taishou headed towards the group of classmates.

“Hey! If it’s alright, could you let me play Hamlet?”

…Being able to do something like this, Taishou really is a guy you have to respect.

How many people are there who can immediately take action the moment they know it’s the right thing to do? That’s a quality I’d do well to emulate.

The details for Ophelia, played by Hinako, were decided. It also looked like Taishou was going to be cast as Hamlet.

Class A would probably continue preparing for the play smoothly.

…Alright, time to check on the other classes.

Sensing there was nothing to worry about in my own class, I left the classroom.

I walked down the hall and peeked into Class B.

“Hm? …Izuki!”

I was just casually peeking through the hallway window, but Narika spotted me in an instant.

Combined with the way she approached me with a grin, I’m reminded of a puppy. I hear there was a time when she was a terrifying wolf to everyone else, though…

“What’s up, Izuki?”

“This class seems to be doing fine, so I’m checking on the others. …Your class is doing a choir, right?”

“Yeah. I was just teaching them the basics of voice projection.”

How to project their voices? As I tilted my head, Narika added with a slight blush.

“Um, apparently my voice was loud during the election. They asked me to teach them how to project their voices… I am confident in my vocal volume. Proper vocalization is fundamental to martial arts, after all.”

I wonder if it’s an application of things like breathing techniques and lung capacity.

Thinking back, Narika’s speeches really did carry well. Her voice was loud even back when she wasn’t used to speaking in public.

As we were talking, a female student from Class B called out to Narika from behind.

“Big si— I mean, Miyakojima-san. Do you have a moment?”

“What is it?”

What was she about to call her just now?

Seeing Narika turn around and the female student beyond her, I wondered… Since Narika didn’t seem to mind, there was probably no need to dig deeper. Better to let sleeping dogs lie.

“How does your voice change when you use diaphragmatic breathing?”

“Let’s demonstrate.”

Narika perked up at the student’s question, as if to say, “Good question.”

However, after watching silently for a while, Narika looked at me shyly.

“Aren’t you going to demonstrate?”

“Well… with you watching, Izuki, I get nervous.”

“If you can’t project your voice in front of people, you can’t teach them, can you?”

“That’s not it…”

How was she teaching them to project their voices then? I wondered, but Narika told me with an awkward look on her face.

“I-It’s just… raising my voice in front of you, Izuki… is… kind of embarrassing…”

“…I-I see.”

With Narika so clearly holding special feelings just for me, I couldn’t say anything more…

It makes sense why she’s acting like that.

“W-Well, I’ll leave then…”

“Ah, wait!”

As I tried to leave the classroom, Narika hastily called me back.

“Remember how you asked me about supervising the traditional arts performance? I just talked with that class a little while ago, and I ended up agreeing not just to supervise, but to help with the performance myself. It won’t take much time, and I’ve already gotten permission from Tennouji-san.”

I see, I nodded, and Narika continued.

“So… um, if possible, I’d feel more confident if you were with me, Izuki.”

“Of course. I know you’re busy, Narika, so I’ll help out too.”

“That’s a great help…!!”

Though, I’m not sure what I can do…

As I was thinking that, Narika gave me a gentle smile.

“Remember what Nishi-san said? That when I’m with you, Izuki, I’m even more direct and cool than usual.”

“Yeah.”

She did say that…

“I think she was right. That’s why… I want you to be by my side as much as possible.”

Narika blushed again.

Being hit with such direct trust makes me a little flustered too… but more than that, I felt a surge of happiness.

If this had been the old Narika, she might have interpreted Nishi-san’s words as a sign that she needed to become more independent and stop relying on me. But the recent Narika, through continuous effort, has learned to distinguish between what she can do herself and what’s better to ask of others.

Narika has always been positive about relying on others. In the past, I sometimes felt a self-deprecating nuance from her, as if she wanted me to support her immature self. But now, it comes across that she’s relying on others to achieve a better result.

That’s why everyone is happy to be relied upon by Narika.

I can genuinely feel that she wants me here.

“Alright. I’ll be there for you on the day of the festival.”

“Izuki…”

Narika’s eyes, staring at me, were slightly moist.

…But she wasn’t the only one looking at me.

“Umm… Am I interrupting something?”

“N-N-Not at all!!”

Narika flusteredly began to give advice to the female student who had asked about diaphragmatic breathing. Watching them from the side, I went to peek into the other classrooms.

(Class C is Tennouji-san’s class… they’re doing ballroom dancing, right?)

It would be inconvenient to practice dancing in a classroom. The students of Class C might not even be in their room. That’s what I thought, but as I got closer, I heard lively voices.

“Woah…”

Peeking inside the classroom, an impressed gasp escaped my lips.

In the center of the classroom, with the chairs and desks pushed to the side, a boy and a girl were waltzing. I didn’t know the male student, but the female student was Tennouji-san. Her eye-catching blonde ringlets swayed gently.

The music ended, and the two dancers stopped moving.

Just as they seemed to be about to take a break, Tennouji-san’s eyes caught sight of me in the hallway.

“Oh, Tomonari-san.”

Tennouji-san approached, fanning her glistening skin with a hand fan.

“Is your class doing okay, Tomonari-san?”

“Yes. So I’m making my rounds.”

“Your diligence is a wonderful thing. …Although, I have never once doubted that part of you.”

Tennouji-san smiled elegantly.

“You’re practicing ballroom dancing in the classroom. I figured you’d be practicing in the auditorium or somewhere.”

“We plan to do so later. We need to learn how to use the hall as well. But for now, we’re focusing on one-on-one instruction to hone everyone’s individual skills.”

Hearing “one-on-one” brings back memories of when Tennouji-san first taught me how to study.

Even back then, Tennouji-san’s teaching was easy to understand. …Come to think of it, that was the start of my friendship with her, wasn’t it?

“Ah, um!”

A female student from Class C called out to us.

“If you don’t mind, would it be possible for you two to show us an example dance!?”

“Eh?”

Why me? …I thought, but when I looked around, the students of Class C were all nodding in agreement. It seemed everyone wanted to see us dance.

Eh… why?

“Very well. Seeing as we have the opportunity, Tomonari-san and I shall demonstrate for everyone.”

An example!?

“Um, that feels like a lot of pressure…”

“Is that so?”

Tennouji-san’s innocent eyes reflected me.

“You’re capable of dancing a full routine, are you not?”

Well, yes… Thanks to you…

“Then, please join me.”

Tennouji-san took my arm and led me into the Class C classroom.

Surrounded by the Class C students, their expectant gazes were fixed on me. I started to get nervous, but strangely, the moment I faced Tennouji-san, my body relaxed.

Touching Tennouji-san’s shoulder, my tension eased even more.

I understood the reason why my heart was calming down.

Every fiber of my being knew it. With her as my partner, everything would go perfectly.

The music started, and we danced the waltz. The movements ingrained in my body responded to my trust. I started to perform an elegant dance without even thinking.

As we danced, my eyes met Tennouji-san’s.

“I’m afraid I’ve dragged you into this.”

“It seems you have…”

I gave a wry smile.

“You don’t dislike it, do you?”

“Of course not.”

There’s no way I’d dislike it.

“Dancing with you is an honor, Tennouji-san.”

When I conveyed my true feelings while looking into her eyes, Tennouji-san smiled gently.

“You’re as smooth with your words as ever.”

Reaching the corner of the classroom, we executed a reverse turn with minimal rotation to change direction. The timing was perfect. We were in perfect sync, without even needing eye contact.

I looked at the expressions of the students around us.

They were all watching us with sparkling eyes.

(…Is this a lingering effect from the election?)

Kiou Academy’s cultural festival has three main attractions: a play, a chorus, and ballroom dancing… and by some coincidence, second-year classes A through C ended up performing these three.

However, as someone who tallied the votes for each class, I can’t help but feel that for Class A and Class C, there was some unspoken consideration from the other classes. For Class A, it was of course the desire to see Hinako’s play. And for Class C, it was the desire to see Tennouji-san’s dance.

During the election campaign, Tennouji-san and I had danced a ballroom dance in front of the students as part of our strategy. I feel like the influence of that time still remains. In fact, among the preference survey forms submitted by each class, some even had notes written on them like, “I want to see Tennouji-san dance.”

“The catalyst may have been the dance during the election,” Tennouji-san said, looking into my eyes.

“But the fact that they asked for an encore is undoubtedly a testament to our skill.”

That’s true.

If we were clumsy, they’d never ask to see us dance again.

“I know.”

“Oh?”

Tennouji-san looked surprised.

“I don’t intend to be the humble one forever, you know.”

Yes, being just humble isn’t enough. I realized that during the election when I was caught in one of the Joutou camp’s schemes. It was a realization that came too late.

How can I avoid repeating the same mistake? —I actually have something in mind, but I haven’t put it into action yet.

It was something that required a little courage.

The dance was about to end. We performed the standard steps. The turning lock, the left whisk, the contra check… We finished with a pose where Tennouji-san arched her back.

When we bowed, we were met with applause from the students.

Amidst the applause, my eyes met Tennouji-san’s.

“It seems your skills haven’t dulled.”

“You’re too kind.”

In ballroom dancing, a man and a woman’s bodies are in close contact, their gazes meet at a distance where their breaths mingle, and together they create a single work of art. Perhaps because of that, right after a dance, your sense of personal space becomes a little skewed. Even looking straight at Tennouji-san like this, I don’t feel embarrassed at all. It’s because I feel like we were connected on a much deeper level just moments before.

“Tomonari-san, if you’d like, how about one dance at the cultural festival as well?”

Tennouji-san suggested with a smile.

“I was originally planning to help with just one song. That much won’t interfere with my student council work… and as such, I would like to nominate you as my partner, Tomonari-san.”

There was no reason to refuse.

If my partner is Tennouji-san, it’s an honor no matter how many times I’m invited.

“If I’m a worthy partner, then I would be honored.”

“…Fufu, you’re still so humble.”

Tennouji-san chuckled.

“There is no one else I would ask.”

…Oops, she got me there.

I fanned my sweaty body with my hand.

For some reason, my cheeks felt flushed.

◆

By the time I finished checking on Class D, my sweaty body had cooled down just right.

It’s already mid-November. The wind blowing through the corridors is chilly, and if you sweat even a little, you’ll end up feeling cold.

When I peeked into Class E, there was a crowd of students.

Seeing the one male student in the center of it, I couldn’t help but hold my breath.

Joutou Ren. …The man who was our final obstacle in the student council election.

His hair is still slicked back. In the first half of the election, he had his hair down, covering his eyes, but I somehow sensed that he would never go back to that look. This must be his natural look. Thinking about it again, his current hairstyle suits him better.

Honestly, I felt our victory in the election was by the skin of our teeth. If even one of our moves had failed, we surely would’ve lost.

Thinking about it now, I believe the reason most of our strategies succeeded was thanks to the rapport Tennouji-san and Narika had built up over time. Conversely, if Joutou had that same accumulation of trust, wouldn’t it have been quite dangerous for us?

The election is over. And yet, the moment I saw Joutou, I found myself tensing up. That’s how much of a formidable opponent he was to me.

(…This lingering apprehension isn’t good.)

It’s not good to keep dragging this along. If possible, I want to dispel it while I can. With that thought, I decided to approach Joutou myself.

“Joutou-kun.”

When I called his name, Joutou immediately turned and came over.

“Tomonari-kun, what’s up?”

“As part of the student council, I’m making my rounds. …Looks like things are going smoothly.”

“Well, yeah. There are two students in our class whose families run tourism businesses, so they’re taking the lead on a project to promote tourist spots connected to Kiou Academy.”

Glancing around the classroom, I saw several posters that seemed to be in production. They summarized information about the production area of the tea leaves for Kiou Academy’s official tea, and the sewing factory for the school uniforms.

It’s surprisingly interesting. The first-class products used at this academy seem to have unique sources as well; for example, part of the school uniform is apparently manufactured overseas. Apparently, that was the designer’s request.

As expected of a tourism theme, beautiful photos are used in abundance, but…

“It looked to me like you were leading, Joutou-kun.”

“…You were watching?”

From what I saw just before, Joutou was the center of this class. In fact, right now, students who seem to want his instructions are looking this way.

“Even though I lost the election, there are still many people who look up to me. …And for that, I am grateful. It makes me wish all the more that I had won.”

I felt the distinct heat of a smoldering ember that had been on the verge of dying out, and I swallowed hard.

I have to stand tall in front of Joutou. That is the courtesy a winner must show.

“I’ll work hard so you won’t have a reason to tell me to ‘step down’ later.”

“Always creating conditions to corner yourself… That’s so like you, Tomonari-kun.”

Ugh…!

Just when I thought I’d wrapped up the conversation nicely, his sharp, knife-like words caught me off guard, and I couldn’t help but grimace.

Now that he mentions it, I might tend to think this way…

“Forgive my meddling, but isn’t deliberately emphasizing the weight of your responsibility just a sign that you lack the confidence to fulfill it?”

“Ughh…”

“It might be good for your personal growth, but now that you’re the vice president, that lack of confidence could negatively affect those around you.”

“Ggggrrrrrrhhhhhh~~~~…”

P-Please, stop…

This is painful… he sees right through to my very core…

Even though it was a short period, we were rivals who acknowledged each other. Just as I observed Joutou, he must have observed me too. It’s a strange thing to say, but Joutou knows me as a person far better than my classmates with whom I don’t interact much.

However, after stating his opinion, Joutou looked apologetic.

“…Sorry, I went a little too far.”

Joutou showed a remorseful expression.

“It seems I’m still immature. …I thought I’d come to terms with it, but I guess I’m still bitter about the loss.”

I felt that Joutou’s words were justified, but from his perspective, it seems it was an unnecessary remark.

We are both immature. That’s why we had weaknesses to exploit, and why we fought such a close battle.

If one of us had been perfect… like Hinako when she wears her perfect ojou-sama mask, the match would have been decided in an instant.

And that, perhaps, would have been a rather lonely outcome.

“Just one last thing.”

Joutou said, looking me in the eye.

“Are you going to keep up that formal tone?”

“…”

At the very end, he’d touched upon the one thing I was most reluctant to address.

No… I could never make up my mind on my own, so in a way, I’m glad someone brought it up.

The first step to moving beyond mere humility. For me, that meant changing the way I speak.

I don’t think it’s just a matter of wording. Especially at Kiou Academy, where etiquette is highly valued, one’s speech carries dignity. The fear of losing that is not small.

To put it simply, things that were previously overlooked thanks to my polite speech might not be so easily forgiven anymore.

The anxiety of whether I can withstand such a change in my environment. That was the reason I couldn’t take that first step.

“You were much cooler when you spoke your mind to me, Tomonari-kun.”

With that, Joutou returned to the center of the classroom.

Perhaps because he was someone I had acknowledged as an enemy until just recently, his acknowledgment gave me a surge of confidence.

…Let’s do it.

It’s better to do these things sooner rather than later. If I think, “I’ll do it after the cultural festival…” I’ll fall into the habit of procrastinating.

Strike while the iron is hot. He who hesitates is lost. There’s no time like the present.

Arming myself with these words of encouragement, I headed for the student council room.

◆

When I returned to the student council room, Abeno-san and Yodogawa had already come back. It seemed there were no issues with their respective classes. Both of them were silently engrossed in their work.

As I was also handling my work, Tennouji-san and Narika returned together.

After each of them briefly reported the results of their patrols, we all focused on our work again.

In the comfortable silence, I solidified my resolve.

(…I’ve already gotten permission from Shizune-san, too.)

I had also already consulted with Hinako. There was no longer any valid reason to postpone it.

As I was steeling my resolve, Abeno-san handed me several sheets of paper.

“Tomonari-san, I tried adjusting the budget to entertain the minister’s entourage, and it looks like we can upgrade the VIP seats to these chairs…”

…A perfect opportunity had just presented itself.

After checking the documents for the budget and chairs, I looked at Abeno-san and answered.

“Yeah, I think that’s fine.”

I answered in my natural tone, feigning composure.

At that moment, every member in the student council room turned to look at me in unison.

“Huh?”

Tennouji-san’s eyes widened.

“Ah.”

Narika panicked. …She probably thought I had made a mistake with my tone.

“-ssu?”

Yodogawa looked dumbfounded. As if to say, Did I hear that right?

Finally, Abeno-san looked at me with a stiff expression.

“…Um, did I do something rude, by any chance?”

“No, no, no!! That’s not it at all!! Ah, no, I mean, it’s not that!!”

Right.

Just changing my way of speaking out of the blue would only cause confusion, not acceptance.

Yeah, never mind. I suppressed the urge to say that and brush it off, and explained the situation.

“Actually, I’ve had some things on my mind, and I wanted to change my way of speaking…”

Things on your mind? they seemed to ask, tilting their heads.

It seemed a half-hearted explanation wouldn’t cut it.

I’ll be in a relationship of mutual support with the student council members for a long time. I should explain everything properly from the beginning.

“…A few of you already know, but this is my real way of speaking. When I transferred to Kiou Academy, I changed a lot of things to keep up with everyone, but lately, I’ve developed a habit of being too deferential. Because of that, things almost got dangerous during the election.”

Because I respected everyone indiscriminately, I couldn’t see through Minato-senpai’s malice. Even when I saw people getting better results than me, I’d feel a sense of acceptance instead of defeat.

“So… I thought I’d try to be a little more confident.”

I want to break free from this habit of being deferential. I conveyed that intention to everyone.

“…I don’t think that’s a bad idea.”

Perhaps wanting to take responsibility for initially misunderstanding my intentions, Abeno-san was the first to react.

“It’s not like your sincere personality will disappear, and I actually feel that a more casual tone suits you better, Tomonari-san.”

That expression “suits you” probably contained a hint of consideration.

I’m aware that many people think I’m sincere, so for now, I’ll consider myself as such. However, I recently realized that adding politeness on top of that crosses the line from humility to servility.

There’s a compatibility for everything. When I first transferred, this humble attitude saved me, but now, for me to speak politely to everyone is probably entering the realm of overkill.

Just as Abeno-san said, I have no intention of changing my desire to be sincere just by changing my tone. However, right now, one of the two is enough for me. In that case, I’ll choose to keep my sincere mindset and adjust my tone for what’s necessary next.

The next thing I need is the self-awareness of standing above others.

Joutou’s face flashes through my mind.

I don’t want him to be disappointed in me.

“Besides, you’ve been speaking to Miyakojima-san in that tone for a while now, right? I think everyone had a vague idea that was your real way of talking.”

“I was just surprised because it was so sudden…” Abeno-san continued.

Come to think of it, that’s right. I’ve always spoken to Narika naturally.

Was I being a little too defensive?

“I’m all for you being yourself, -ssu yo! You seem more dignified that way, -ssu!”

Yodogawa agrees.

“Of course, I have nothing to say against it.”

“I agree as well.”

Narika and Tennouji-san also gave their approval.

As I was feeling relieved, Tennouji-san looked straight at me.

“Tomonari-san. …Congratulations.”

Tennouji-san suddenly offered words of congratulations.

Next, Narika also smiled and offered her congratulations.

“Yeah… Izuki, congratulations.”

I immediately understood the meaning behind their congratulations.

They both know. That my true identity is not that of an heir, but a mere commoner. And that I had to change everything, from my speech to my attitude, to hide it.

This was a graduation for me.

A graduation from the me who could only be humble to everyone.

Tennouji-san and Narika were paying respect to the effort I had put in until now.

“Somehow, it feels like there’s a topic we’re not privy to.”

“Yeah, -ssu ne. Kinda lonely, -ssu!”

Abeno-san and Yodogawa said, exchanging glances.

It wasn’t my intention to exclude them… but in reality, Tennouji-san, Narika, and I are close enough to often see each other at tea parties, so we share a lot of things.

“Tennouji-san and Narika knew me when I had just transferred to Kiou Academy. Back then, including my speech, I was desperately trying my best to fit in with everyone…”

That’s why they were commending me.

When I explained it simply, Abeno-san and the others looked surprised.

“…You were trying that hard, huh. I only know the current you, Tomonari-san, so I never got the impression that you were immature or anything…”

“Same here, -ssu! If anything, I had a strong impression of you being super active in the Management Games and stuff, so I thought you were a genius from the start, -ssu!”

To think the day would come when I’d be thought of as a genius.

It was really tough getting to this point… I miss the days when Tennouji-san would correct my posture. Though she still points it out occasionally even now.

“So you were a man of hard work, Tomonari-san! I seriously respect you, -ssu!”

“Thanks.”

Yodogawa gazed at me with sparkling eyes.

“…I’ve been wondering for a while, but your way of speaking is pretty unique, Yodogawa, isn’t it?”

Could it be that he went through a similar series of twists and turns as me?

I asked with that feeling in mind, but…

“Oh, I’ve got a super-familiar personality, so my parents are forcing me to use honorifics, -ssu yo! But with honorifics, I can’t fully express myself and it’s hard to get close to people, so I’ve arranged it to a degree that it’s not bothersome, -ssu! It’s a secret from my parents, so I’d appreciate it if you all kept quiet about it, -ssu!”

It was for a super-worldly reason.

As I smiled wryly, Abeno-san this time asked Yodogawa a question.

“But Yodogawa-san, I only realized when you created the invitations, but your handwriting is beautiful, isn’t it? Did you learn calligraphy, like Miyakojima-san?”

“-ssu!”

Yodogawa nodded.

“I’ve always been restless, so my parents forced me to do calligraphy too, -ssu! Well, in the end, I just became a noisy guy with good handwriting, though, -ssu yo!”

As Yodogawa laughed, “Hahaha!”, all we could do was give a wry smile.

This guy is too positive…

However, I could sympathize with the dilemma of not being able to fully express oneself and the difficulty of getting close to others with formal language. Depending on the person, it might not be a problem, but in the end, I feel like my true way of speaking came out when I was talking honestly with people. I’m sure I reverted to my natural tone when talking about important things with Hinako, Tennouji-san, and Narika.

“Fufu.”

Tennouji-san smiled faintly.

“Come to think of it, preparations for the cultural festival began right after the student council elections ended… Perhaps we haven’t been able to deepen our friendship enough.”

It’s hard to say we know each other inside and out yet. Tennouji-san seemed to be grateful for the opportunity to realize that.

“If it’s alright to speak my mind, there’s one thing I’d like to ask…”

Abeno-san looked at me.

“In the end, are you a playboy, Tomonari-san?”

“…”

Why would you ask something like that…?

“…Abeno-san, where did you hear that rumor?”

“The first-years were talking about it. I’ve also been asked about the truth of it by acquaintances many times, and I’ve been replying that it’s a groundless rumor… but I’d feel awful if I were spreading a lie, so I wanted to check.”

In other words, Abeno-san is suspecting that I might be a playboy.

I guess it can’t be helped if she starts feeling that way after being asked so many times… but I’d prefer if she denied it to the end.

I let out a sigh and answered.

“It’s a groundless rumor. It’s a part of smear campaign that was spread against me during the campaign.”

“…Come to think of it, there were a lot of rumors going around, weren’t there.”

Abeno-san seemed convinced for a moment, but…

“Then you have no particular relationship with the president or Miyakojima-senpai, Tomonari-san?”

“…”

No particular relationship… It’s not like I can say there’s absolutely nothing going on…

Finding my silence suspicious, Abeno-san looked towards Tennouji-san and Narika.

“It’s the same for you, President and Miyakojima-senpai, right? Am I correct in understanding that neither of you has any particular feelings for Tomonari-senpai?”

“…”

“…”

Tennouji-san and Narika fell silent, just like me.

Both of their faces are red. …Narika’s is especially red. But I understand how she feels. Because in Narika’s case, it’s hard to say there’s nothing between us.

After all, Narika has confessed to me.

Seeing our reactions, Abeno-san thought for a while.

“……………………Is the rumor true?”

“It’s not!! Anyway, um, it’s not!!”

I’m not a playboy!!

I’m not……………… a playboy!!

◆

After the student council work was over, I returned to the mansion and entered my room.

“I’m home.”

“Ngh… welcome back~…”

As if it were the most natural thing in the world, Hinako was lying on my bed.

Pushing her upper body up to sit on the bed, Hinako watched me as I put down my bag and took a breath.

“Izuki, are you tired…?”

“Yeah, kinda. I tried speaking in my natural tone with the student council…”

I had told Hinako that I wanted to revert my way of speaking, but I hadn’t told her it would be today, so she was surprised. Even though I made the decision right after the election, I’d been putting it off, so she probably thought I would do it after the cultural festival was over and things had calmed down. In fact, a part of me had intended to do just that.

“How did… everyone react?”

“They accepted it more easily than I thought. …As expected, I’m drained.”

It was so anticlimactic that it still doesn’t feel real.

Hinako smiled gently at me.

“You’ve worked hard until now.”

“…Thanks.”

Hinako, just like Tennouji-san and Narika, offered me words of congratulations.

In this world, there are people who have been watching my efforts from up close all this time. I have to be grateful for that fact.

“You look tired too, Hinako.”

“Nmuu… rehersals are harder than I thought.”

Hinako looked more tired than I did. Usually, the feeling of “I want to laze around” is at the forefront, but now, “I want to rest” is written all over her face. The nuance is slightly different.

“I can help if you want? If there’s anything I can do, that is.”

“…Then, could you be Hamlet for a little bit?”

“Of course.”

Hinako picked up the script she had placed at the side of the bed and handed it to me.

The fact that the script is here means Hinako had been practicing the play for a while even after coming back to the mansion. She’s being unusually diligent for Hinako.

“I should read this part, right?”

“Mhm. …Izuki, do you know Hamlet?”

“Yeah, I studied it just in case.”

I looked it up in the car on the way home from school.

Hamlet is said to have been first performed in the early 17th century and is one of Shakespeare’s four great tragedies. The other three are “Othello,” “Macbeth,” and “King Lear,” and the famous “Romeo and Juliet” is actually not included among them. It is said that this is because Romeo and Juliet has many comedic parts.

In fact, Hamlet is a work with a consistently serious development, themed around the murky aspects of royal succession. …Hamlet, the prince of Denmark, was grieving the death of his father, the king. But one day, he learns that his father was murdered. The culprit is his uncle, the current king. He killed his father and stole the throne and the queen. Hamlet, upon learning the truth, vows to avenge his father, but his revenge involves many people and makes them unhappy.

There are many people who get caught up in Hamlet’s revenge, but the most representative of them is a girl named Ophelia. She was Hamlet’s lover. But Ophelia cannot keep up with the madness of Hamlet, who is driven by revenge, and becomes heartbroken. Eventually, Hamlet mistakenly kills Ophelia’s father, and the despairing Ophelia herself loses her sanity and dies by falling into a river. …It is a hopeless tragedy.

Hinako was cast to play this girl, Ophelia. The more I looked into it, the more I understood that it is a very important role. It could be said that she is the very existence that makes the work Hamlet a tragedy.

I read the script Hinako handed me and imagined the scene we were about to act out in my head.

“This is a famous scene, huh.”

“Mhm… That’s why I have to put a little more effort into it.”

For Hinako, who wants to slack off whenever she gets the chance, to say that, this scene must be particularly important and will likely determine the quality of the play.

It’s the scene where Hamlet, having sworn revenge, has a falling out with Ophelia. Hamlet feigns madness to avenge his father. Ophelia is confused by his madness and grieves.

Honestly, I’m not confident I can act this part out of the blue. …Taishou is probably holding his head in his hands right about now. Playing Hamlet seems to be more difficult than I expected.

“Okay, I’m gonna read.”

I’ll try to act well enough to be a practice partner.

I faced Hinako while holding the script. Then I realized the obvious. If I was holding the script, Hinako wouldn’t be able to read it.

“Do you have your lines memorized?”

“Ngh… I memorized them all.”

“…Not just for this scene?”

“I’ve memorized all of Ophelia’s lines… It’s the initial draft, so it’ll probably be changed, though.”

As always, her abilities alone are genius-level.

In that case, I’ll be the one using the script.

From now on, I am Hamlet. My father is dead, and at the height of my grief, I realize it was murder, and I am consumed by a desire for revenge. I feel bad for my lover, Ophelia, but lust will not take precedence over a tribute to my late father. I am swayed by a madness that is a hair’s breadth from pride.

“‘Farewell, Ophelia. Get thee to a nunnery. We will have no more marriages. We are arrant knaves all.’”

Having bid farewell to Ophelia, I walk away from her. …To at least replicate the atmosphere of that direction, I walked to the wall, away from Hinako.

Hinako, having been bid farewell by Hamlet, lamented with an expression full of sorrow.

“‘O, help him, you sweet heavens! Restore him!’”

It was a beautiful performance that captivated the eyes.

“‘That noble mind has been thrown into disarray. The man who had the courtier’s tongue, the soldier’s sword, and the scholar’s insight has fallen. He has been consumed by madness!’”

That realistic performance gripped my heart.

I felt it was too much of a waste for me to be the only one to witness this. The performance I just saw should be on a much bigger stage, and it should draw a much larger crowd. It was so powerful that I had the illusion that it was my mission to make that happen, starting now.

Hinako let out a breath and returned to her usual languid state. Seeing that, I finally regained my senses. I had only heard a single moment, just a few lines of dialogue, yet my whole body was breaking out in a sweat. If I opened my mouth, the flames of excitement seemed ready to burst out from within me.

“…You’re really, amazing.”

I desperately suppressed the flames and conveyed my thoughts.

“Is the reason you’re so good at acting because you do it all the time?”

“I think so. I’m used to being conscious of people’s eyes…”

So it is, huh.

“But, Ophelia isn’t perfect yet…”

I understood what the two words “perfect” that Hinako just uttered referred to.

Compared to her usual acting, Ophelia was probably still insufficient for Hinako.

“To satisfy Grandpa, I have to be more elaborate with my acting…”

I heard Hinako’s mutter and was a little surprised.

“You know the family head is coming, huh.”

“Mhm, Dad told me. …I didn’t want to hear it.”

“Ugh…” Hinako sighed with a weary look on her face.

“Grandpa has a very discerning eye… I don’t think this will satisfy him.”

“That’s harsh…”

So even that performance wasn’t good enough…

As for me, I felt that it would have been perfectly fine as the final version.

“But, I’ve found a point for improvement, so I think this scene is okay now. …Thanks for helping. Even though you’re busy too, Izuki.”

“I’m not that busy, though.”

Today, all I did was try speaking in my natural tone with the student council members. But—

“I’m nervous thinking about tomorrow. Next, I have to explain about my way of speaking to everyone in class.”

“I’m rooting for you. Do your best~…”

…What a half-hearted cheer.

It’s soothing, though.

“You’re finally freed from your fake way of speaking, huh…”

“Yeah.”

It might not be right to describe mere formal language as a fake way of speaking, but in reality, I’m not polite enough to use honorifics with my classmates. Even if you can’t call it a fake way of speaking, it’s a fact that I was interacting with everyone with a fake attitude.

Thinking about tomorrow, a sense of tension akin to elation and a touch of loneliness welled up in me.

Why do I feel lonely? I wondered, and then I quickly understood.

“I’ve been saved many times by my polite attitude up until now. In that sense, even though it was a fake way of speaking, it was probably precious to me…”

I think so, with deep emotion.

The habit of being humble, which has now become a shackle, once supported me like a partner. It’s only natural to feel a sense of farewell.

Hearing my words, Hinako—

“…………Eh?”

For some reason, Hinako’s eyes widened in astonishment.

Why is she so surprised?

“What’s wrong, Hinako?”

“…………N-no, it’s nothing.”

Hinako shook her head and averted her gaze.

It seemed like something was up… but in the end, Hinako didn’t tell me what it was, and after that, she returned to her room, remaining mostly silent.

◇

Hinako, upon returning to her room, immediately sank into her bed.

She slipped under the covers, enveloped in warm darkness. Her tired body and mind rejoiced. For Hinako, falling asleep like this was happiness.

But, she couldn’t sleep now.

For a while now, Izuki’s words have been replaying in her mind.

(A fake way of speaking, was precious…?)

Izuki said it. That his way of speaking until now had value to him.

Hinako couldn’t understand that.

(…………Even though it’s an act?)

Come to think of it, just as Hinako had been playing the part of a perfect ojou-sama at the academy, Izuki had also been acting out a humble personality different from his true self. She had never really thought about it, but Izuki had been doing something similar to her all this time.

That’s why she commended him. You’ve worked hard until now. You’re finally free… she thought.

An act that was nothing but constricting, forced upon them by their positions and titles. She believed that she, more than anyone, could empathize with the joy of being freed from it.

And yet, Izuki’s reaction was different from what Hinako had expected.

Izuki didn’t feel that his acting up until now was a bad thing.

(I never thought that I would be saved by my own acting…)

Maybe… it’s the same for me?

She thought, resting her cheek on the fluffy pillow.

For Hinako, acting was nothing but a pain, but perhaps through this act, she had gained a place for herself.

A perfect ojou-sama.

Another me…

(I always thought acting was something I hated…)

She remembered the past. The trigger that made her have to start acting.

Her childhood, when she was hailed as a child prodigy. Back then, everyone was kind. But even when everyone fawned over her, she didn’t get carried away. She preferred quiet moments over the time spent being praised as a genius.

A lot happened after her self-indulgent true nature was discovered. First, her fiancé at the time was disappointed in her, and their engagement was called off. Furthermore, her mother died around the same time.

Her mother’s death was sad. But there was someone who was sadder than Hinako.

Konohana Kagen… Hinako’s father, with a strong determination in his tear-swollen eyes, ordered Hinako…

To act.

(…I know.)

She sighed in her futon.

The warmth of her exhaled breath bouncing back at her was unpleasant.

(What everyone wants is… the me that’s acting…)

She knew it vaguely.

This world wants the version of her that is acting.

She wasn’t so pessimistic as to think that no one wanted her true self… but she was aware that those who did were in the minority.

Then, just like Izuki, she must be gaining her place through her daily acting.

Even if it’s not what she wants…

(…It’s fine. As long as Izuki sees the real me, that’s enough.)

Izuki is one of the few people who wants her for who she is.

That time, when Izuki was about to be fired from his caretaker role, he told her. ‘I want to be the person you don’t have to force yourself around.’ …How much that statement had supported her. It gave her the courage to be herself when she was by Izuki’s side.

But then, a thought occurred to her.

Izuki is a considerate person. The reason he wants her to be herself might be out of sympathy for her circumstances of being forced to act.

Izuki never said it.

He never once said that he likes the real Hinako more.

(…………Which one does Izuki like?)

She poked her head out of the futon and thought while hugging her pillow.

The current her, and the her that is a perfect ojou-sama.

Which one does Izuki like?