Chapter 4: The Ojou-sama Who’s Like Candy

The academy’s atmosphere was steadily being dyed in the colors of the cultural festival.

On the grounds and in the school building, stages for each class’s events were being prepared one after another. The rapid construction was too much for the students alone, so much of it was outsourced which mainly handled by us in the student council.

When I thought of a cultural festival, I had the image of students livening up the event with their own power, but in the case of Kiou Academy, financial power and connections are also recognized as the students’ power, so this is how it turns out.

Seeing an aquarium and a planetarium being built makes me feel like I’ve come to a theme park, which is pretty exciting. It’s completely different from the cultural festivals I know, but this is good in its own way. If Joutou had become the student council president, the kind of cultural festival I’m more familiar with might have been held.

“Ugh~… I’m so sleepy~…”

Bathed in the morning sun, Hinako already looked like she wanted to go home.

Her play practice seems to be reaching its climax, so Hinako had to come to school today as well. I’m still worried, but I’m calmer compared to the first time.

As we were walking towards the school building, I made eye contact with Tennouji-san.

Tennouji-san was beckoning only to me with a slight gesture.

Does she need something?

“Tennouji-san is calling for you.”

“Ngh… My eyes haven’t adjusted yet, so later would be better…”

Are you thinking of Tennouji-san as the sun or something?

…Not that I don’t get it, though.

I had no choice, so I had Hinako wait here and went over to Tennouji-san.

“Good morning, Tennouji-san.”

“Ah, y-yes… Good morning.”

“? What’s wrong?”

“Well, I’m still not used to your tone… I almost accidentally called you Izuki-san.”

She said the last part in a whisper that only I could hear.

Ah… aah, that’s right. Until now, Tennouji-san calling me “Izuki-san” was the signal for me to speak in this tone. …I understand how she feels. I also feel like I’m about to call the current Hinako “Hinako” instead of “Konohana-san”.

“By the way, why isn’t Konohana Hinako coming over?”

“Uhm… It seems the sun is too bright for her…”

“Which means she’s practicing for the play, I presume.”

The sun just accepted that on its own.

“Well then, I’d like you to tell Konohana Hinako later, but… would you like to have a tea party during lunch break today?”

“A tea party? That’s fine, but…”

It’s so sudden, I can’t help but wonder if there’s a reason for it.

“There’s no significant reason. If I had to say, it’s because I wanted to chat with that group of members again after so long.”

“…Come to think of it, we haven’t had a single tea party since the election ended.”

“Indeed. It’s a disgrace to the name of the Noble Tea Party.”

Tennouji-san said jokingly.

Though it’s a group name we were given without our consent…

“Well, personally, I’m not fond of this name.”

“Really? I thought you’d like it, Tennouji-san…”

“I don’t like the nuance that it seems to look down on others relatively.”

I see.

It seems Tennouji-san wants to say that the other students are supposed to be noble as well.

“…You have the makings of a student council president.”

“Did you only just realize that now?”

Hmph, Tennouji-san made a proud face.

“However, since everyone is busy right now, I thought it would be best to hold it during lunch.”

“That’s a good idea. We have student council work, and the others have preparations for the cultural festival.”

The current Hinako would probably fall asleep even if she attended the tea party, but I wonder if she’ll come.

…If possible, I’d like Tennouji-san and Narika to get a good look at the current Hinako.

Why did Hinako become like this?

Is it really okay for her to stay like this?

I feel like those two might give me a hint about these worries I have.

After accepting the invitation to the tea party, I parted with Tennouji-san and was about to return to Hinako. But then I noticed. Hinako, who was there just a moment ago, was gone.

“Izukiii, where are youuu…?”

Before I knew it, Hinako had walked to the end of the hallway.

I raised my voice in the bustling corridor.

“Hinako—I mean, Konohana-san!! O-Over here!! This way!!”

Damn it, if I leave the current Hinako alone, she’ll get lost.

Play practice. I wonder how long that excuse will hold up…

◆

During lunch break. As planned, we gathered at the café for our tea party.

You can have lunch at the café, and it’s also fine to bring your own food. Tennouji-san, Asahi-san, and Taishou, who usually go to the cafeteria, ordered food, while the three of us—me, Hinako, and Narika—spread our bentos on the table. For times like this, the contents of my bento and Hinako’s are completely different. It shouldn’t be obvious that they were made in the same kitchen.

Although it’s also serving as lunch, it doesn’t feel much like a tea party with just this, so everyone ordered drinks and some baked sweets.

Just as everyone’s food arrived, Tennouji-san gave us all a quick look.

“Thank you all for gathering despite the short notice! We don’t have much time, but let’s chat leisurely like we always do–”

“Gonna sleep…”

Hinako, sitting next to me, rested her head on the table.

A few seconds later, I could hear her quiet breathing.

“Sh-she really fell asleep?”

“So it would, seem…”

Tennouji-san and Narika were observing Hinako intently.

Then, Hinako sluggishly lifted her head.

“Ah, she’s awake.”

Asahi-san muttered.

Hinako picked up one of the nearby baked sweets and munch-munched on it.

“Nmuu… potato chips are tastier…”

After only complaining, Hinako went back to sleep.

“She ate a cookie and went back to sleep…”

Taishou stated what had just happened as it was.

…Is she a panda?

She’s moving purely on instinct. More like an animal than a human. But ironically, that overlaps with the image of Ophelia, the character she’s playing in the cultural festival play. Taishou and Asahi-san, who know the play’s content, of course, but Tennouji-san and Narika have probably heard a rough outline as well. No one found it strange.

Hinako had her cheek on the table, sleeping soundly.

Drool was trickling from her small lips, which were facing my way.

“Good grief…”

Thinking, can’t be helped, I wiped Hinako’s mouth with a handkerchief.

Just as I carefully folded the handkerchief… I realized everyone was staring at me all at once.

“T-Tomonari-san?”

“What did you just do…?”

For some reason, Tennouji-san and Narika looked very surprised.

What do you mean…?

I just wiped her drool, but…?

“Ah.”

What am I doing?

No matter how much Hinako is in the middle of acting practice, you don’t just go and wipe someone’s drool without permission.

I did it out of habit…

“I-Is that also part of the acting practice…?”

“That looked incredibly natural just now. Almost as if you do it all the time.”

Asahi-san and Taishou are also confused.

“And what’s with that handkerchief? The Izuki I know doesn’t have such tastes.”

Narika said, looking at the pink handkerchief I was holding.

Yeesh… such a sharp observation out of nowhere…!

“Th-this is, well…”

This is a handkerchief exclusively for wiping Hinako’s drool.

At first, I used my own handkerchief, but since I also use it when I wash my hands in the bathroom, I decided to keep them separate. By the way, Hinako probably doesn’t know this handkerchief exists. I mostly use it while she’s sleeping…

“L-long ago, I had a dog! I remembered that and just wiped it without thinking.”

“Hoh, that’s the first I’m hearing of it.”

“W-well, I never had a chance to mention it. I used to let it sleep on my bed, wash it in the bath, and so on. Hahaha, hahaha…”

I’m sorry, Hinako.

Please let me pretend you’re a dog just for now…!!

“The handkerchief, well, it was just a coincidence…”

“………Hmph.”

Narika looked at me with a skeptical gaze.

This is bad… I’m the one who hasn’t adapted to Hinako’s change.

After that, the tea party regained its usual atmosphere, but I was sweating bullets until the very end.

◆

“Oh my, it’s already this late.”

With Tennouji-san minding the time as a trigger, today’s tea party came to an end.

“Konohana-san, she was sleeping the entire time.”

“Amazing, isn’t it… This year’s play is going to be something incredible.”

Asahi-san and Taishou were staring at the sleeping Hinako.

However, if I let her sleep forever, she’ll be late for class, so I gently shook Hinako’s body to wake her up.

“Konohana-san, class is about to start.”

“Ngh… five more minutes…”

It was a line I heard every morning.

I’m used to waking Hinako up from this point, but I have to maintain a certain distance so I don’t arouse suspicion like before…

I continued to shake Hinako’s body with a faint, wry smile.

“Nghh… hold me…”

“It’s just an act, you know!! This is just an act!!”

I managed to wake Hinako up while explaining to everyone around us just in case.

“It was fun talking after so long. Let’s call it a day here.”

Tennouji-san said the closing words, and we disbanded.

I was about to head back to the classroom, but… I stopped and whispered in Hinako’s ear.

“Hinako, could you wait here for a bit?”

“Yes, I don’t mind.”

Eh.

Why did the perfect ojou-sama suddenly appear… ah, I see. Since her true self and her perfect self are swapped, when we’re talking in secret at the academy, she becomes this one—the perfect ojou-sama.

…How confusing!!

My head is starting to get muddled.

“…Don’t go wandering off on your own like this morning.”

“It’ll be fine. You’re such a worrywart, Tomonari-kun.”

Was that the same mouth that said “hold me” just a moment ago…?

I’m sorry, but I can’t trust you, so I moved while keeping Hinako in my line of sight.

“Tennouji-san, Narika!!”

After moving away from Hinako, I called out to the two of them.

I asked the two who turned around.

“So… what did you think of Konohana-san today?”

“What did I think, you ask? As expected, I had various thoughts, but…”

“Anything is fine. Can you give me your honest impressions?”

Seeing my serious attitude, Tennouji-san and Narika also began to think seriously.

Taishou and Asahi-san are in the same class, so I’ve already heard their impressions of the current Hinako. I thought it would be good if I could hear something from Tennouji-san and Narika as well.

Because it might be a hint as to why Hinako has become like this.

“…A while ago, you taught me about the three-second rule, didn’t you, Tomonari-san?”

I nodded at Tennouji-san’s words.

It was during a tea party a long time ago.

“At that time, Konohana Hinako picked up a baked sweet that had fallen on the table and demonstrated the three-second rule. I still think that was behavior uncharacteristic of Konohana Hinako, but…”

Tennouji-san spoke as she thought.

“…The current Konohana Hinako is a little similar to the Konohana Hinako from back then.”

“–!”

I held my breath at her overly sharp observation.

“But if that’s the case, it would mean that Konohana Hinako back then was also practicing her acting… Oh? I’m not sure what I’m saying anymore…”

She’s so close… but it’s the other way around.

The correct answer is that she wasn’t acting then or now; both then and now were her true self.

But Tennouji-san noticed that her state then and now are the same. The slovenly Hinako that comes out on a whim, and the current Hinako who is pretending it’s acting practice. If she realizes these two are the same, she will eventually arrive at Hinako’s true nature. …She might think that, separate from acting, Konohana Hinako might have this side to her.

(…This is bad.)

I can’t afford to stay quiet.

At this rate, she’ll definitely find out.

And in the not-so-distant future, too…

“I kind of get what you’re trying to say, Tennouji-san.”

Narika spoke with a finger on her chin.

“But, I thought that I quite liked the current Konohana-san, for what it’s worth.”

“…Eh?”

I was surprised to hear such an unexpected opinion.

However, Tennouji-san was nodding deeply.

“I understand what Miyakojima-san is saying. …No matter how perfect a person is said to be, if you’re with them all the time, you’re bound to see one or two flaws. But Konohana Hinako doesn’t have that. …Honestly, it doesn’t feel very natural.”

In other words, Tennouji-san is thinking that the Hinako up until now might have been a fabrication.

It was a situation where I should be panicking. And yet, my heart was calm.

I kind of liked her like that, too. …What Narika said echoed strongly in my mind.

“Sorry, my next class is in a different building, so I have to get going soon.”

“…Ah, sorry for keeping you.”

Narika was about to leave, but before she did, she looked me in the eye.

“Izuki, I don’t know what you’re worried about, but I’ll help you in any way I can.”

After saying that, Narika left.

“Of course, I am of the same opinion.”

“…Thank you.”

The reliability of the two brought a smile of relief to my face.

I’m blessed with good friends…

…I guess I’ll take them up on their offer and ask a slightly more probing question.

“Tennouji-san.”

“What is it? You can rely on me for anything, you know?”

Then I won’t hold back.

“Tennouji-san, you dye your hair, and you changed your way of speaking to that weird style, right?”

“N-Ngya!?”

Tennouji-san let out a scream and clutched her chest.

“Wh-wh-why must you suddenly come and stab me like that!?”

“S-sorry. But this is a serious conversation.”

Maybe my phrasing was a little bad.

“That kind of thing, in short, it’s about trying to create a new version of yourself, right? When you were doing that, did your old self ever come out, or did they mix together?”

I wanted to ask if they ever switched places, but if I used such a direct expression, she might figure out Hinako’s condition.

“I don’t understand the intent of your question… but it’s true that such things did happen.”

She’s probably remembering her childhood days.

Tennouji-san, reminiscing about her past trials and tribulations, continued with a gentle look in her eyes.

“But I think that’s an eternal challenge.”

“An eternal challenge?”

“The self you want to be and your true self. The gap that forms between the two will always exist as long as you have a goal called ‘the self you want to be’.”

As long as you’re looking up, the gap between now and then can’t be filled. Therefore, you can’t escape the suffering and confusion caused by that gap.

In Hinako’s case, she wasn’t looking up by choice.

But the gap that forms between the two also exists within Hinako. It sometimes eats away at Hinako’s mind and body in the form of a fever.

…It might be an extension of that.

Hinako’s current change might be essentially the same as the fever caused by her acting.

“…How did you recover from that, Tennouji-san?”

“It is not a matter of recovery, but of defiance, you see!!”

Tennouji-san declared it refreshingly.

“As the daughter of the Tennouji family, I will always continue to aim higher!! Therefore, this suffering will continue infinitely!! In that case, there’s no point in being sad about it every single time!!”

Tennouji-san chose the path of continuing to aim higher rather than being freed from suffering.

That’s so cool…

There’s not that many people who can come to terms with it like that.

“I’d still like to offer my counsel, but perhaps we should be heading back now.”

Tennouji-san said as she glanced around the area. We were the only students left in the café. The school building was quiet, perhaps because the students had finished preparing for their classes.

“By the way, I haven’t given you this yet.”

Saying so, Tennouji-san took a small stack of paper from her pocket and handed it to me.

“These are the invitations for the cultural festival that Yodogawa-san created. We’re planning to distribute two to every student, but we student council officers have unlimited invitations. Please let me know anytime if you run out.”

“Got it, thanks.”

Even if it’s unlimited, I have to stay within the bounds of common sense. …Well, I don’t have that many people I can invite in the first place.

There’s at least one person I definitely want to invite, so I decided to meet with that person soon.

I want to consult with them, too…

◆

The next day, Saturday, I visited Yuri’s house alone.

“Yo.”

“Welcome.”

It had been a while since I’d seen Yuri in this town.

The time was 3 p.m. I had shifted the lunchtime, but there were still several customers in Hiramaru, the public diner that Yuri’s family runs.

I made eye contact with Yuri’s father, who was brandishing a frying pan. I didn’t want to get in the way of his work, so I just gave a light bow and entered Yuri’s room.

“I can’t believe you became the student council vice president of Kiou Academy~”

“I worked hard for it.”

When I gave a short reply, Yuri looked a little surprised.

“Heeh, you’ve gained a bit of dignity. Before, you used to give pointless humble remarks like ‘Oh, no, someone like me…’”

“…I wasn’t that meek, was I?”

The words “pointless humble remarks” pierced my chest.

I have to change the way I have confidence. I remember what Tennouji-san’s father… Masatsugu-san, told me before. Confidence is one’s own achievements. Masatsugu-san said that what supports you in a time of need are your own achievements.

I already have plenty of achievements.

I won an award in the Management Game. I was elected as vice president in the student council election.

If I keep up the mentality of “it’s still not enough,” people won’t follow me. From now on, as vice president, I have to lead various people, so I must hold my head high in the truest sense.

The mentality of “I’ll continue to do my best!” is no longer enough.

I did my best! …I will become a person who can say that.

“I brought the invitations for the cultural festival.”

I handed the stack of papers from my bag to Yuri, who was sitting on a large cushion.

When I sat on another cushion in front of Yuri, my body sank in and it fit perfectly. What was it called again, this ridiculously large and comfortable bead cushion? I feel like it was popular a long time ago.

“You could have just given them to me at Konohana-san’s house, you know. I’m going there tomorrow, am I not?”

“Well, yeah, but I thought it would be better if I gave them to you myself.”

“Hmph. …Thanks.”

Yuri was pretending to be indifferent, but her expression softened as if she was a little happy. As for me, having her come to the cultural festival, and also having her come to pick up the invitation… felt a bit like a customer-like distance and lonely, so this was just right. I didn’t want to attract customers; I wanted to use the invitation to invite a friend.

Also, I really wanted to consult with Yuri about Hinako’s change.

I considered consulting with her at the mansion, but while I’m there, Hinako is usually by my side. It’s hard to consult in front of the person herself, so I wanted to change locations.

I also wanted to be by Hinako’s side as much as possible… but the current Hinako is very quiet when she’s at the mansion. I judged with Shizune-san that she would probably be fine, and just in case, I had Shizune-san stay by her side until I got back, then came to see Yuri.

“I’ll give you five invitations for now, but will that be enough?”

“Hmm… is it okay to invite people from our old school?”

People from our old school.

In other words, people who know my true identity as a commoner.

Given my current position, inviting them is a risk. But I had predicted that Yuri would suggest it, so…

“I thought you’d say that, so I consulted with Shizune-san. It seems there’s no problem as long as it’s just a few people you can really trust.”

“Roger. Then I’ll decide who to give them to today and let you know, just in case.”

That would be a great help.

…I’m nervous, but I’m looking forward to it.

At my old school, I was busy with my part-time job and had almost no time to make friends. Thanks to Yuri acting as an intermediary, I wasn’t isolated, but our relationships were so shallow that Yuri is the only one I keep in touch with.

I don’t go so far as to wish I could redo those days… but I can think of a few people who I might have been able to become friends with.

I’m looking forward to reuniting with those people at the cultural festival.

“My parents want to go too, is that okay?”

 

“Absolutely.”

I can trust Yuri’s parents.

After all, they’re Yuri’s parents.

“Konohana-san is going to be in the play, right? I’m looking forward to it.”

“Yeah. I’ve been peeking in on the rehersals from time to time, but I haven’t seen the whole thing through, so I’m looking forward to it.”

“Ah… the student council can’t participate in the attractions, right?”

That’s right…

The student council work is rewarding, but there are times when I feel a little lonely.

“While we’re at it, why don’t we watch it together? You’re going to watch it anyway, right?”

“Sounds good, let’s do that.”

Watching the play with someone else sounds fun. We could share our thoughts on it. …But when I watched last year’s play in Kagen-san’s office, I was so moved that I didn’t want to talk at all. Well, I think I’d be satisfied with that either way, so it’s fine.

“…Just in case, I’ll ask, but do you have enough time?”

“Eh?”

“You haven’t made promises with other people, have you?”

I haven’t really made that many promises, so I think I’ll be fine, but…

Accompanying Narika to help with her traditional skills attraction.

Dancing one song with Tennouji-san.

And, of course, there’s student council work.

As her caretaker, I also have to be by Hinako’s side…

(…Oh?)

Somehow, I’m starting to feel like I won’t have any time to rest.

“…This might be bad.”

“Hah, what did I tell you?”

Yuri let out a sigh.

“Let me know if it gets too tough. I can go around with other people, you know.”

“No, but I want to go around with you, Yuri…”

“………………………Then make time for it.”

Yuri said, turning away.

For us who are striving towards our goals, opportunities to take a break are precious. I want to spend times like these together.

“By the way, Yuri.”

“What?”

“I have something I want to discuss.”

“You really come to me for advice every single time.”

Well… because you’re reliable…

Also, the fact that you’re not at Kiou Academy makes it easier to consult with you, in a way. There are surprisingly few people around me now who can give me their opinion from the same commoner’s perspective as me.

“…Yuri, do you think you’re the type to have a dual personality?”

“I don’t think so.”

I knew it…

What should I do? It’s hard to find a way to consult her without showing her the real thing.

“It’s like, I want to talk about acting…”

“Acting… does it have to do with the play?”

“Well, something like that.”

“Hmph. …Well, Konohana-san is working hard for the play, isn’t she? Just the other day, she asked if she could borrow some acting-related manga for reference.”

Is that so…

But that reason is probably a lie. Hinako isn’t having that much trouble with her acting for the play. I’ve helped her practice a few times, and she seemed to get the hang of it right away.

So, Hinako has been worried since back then.

About her true self, and the perfect ojou-sama.

“When are we talkin’ about?”

“Uhm… Last Wednesday, y’know.”

The day I started talking to everyone in class in my natural tone.

For a moment, Narika’s prediction crossed my mind. The theory that she was jealous because I started talking to everyone in my natural tone. …But if that were the cause, wouldn’t the change be more like her sticking to me like glue or something? It’s really weird for me to say it myself, though.

“What kind of manga did you lend her?”

“Just a typical one, y’know? The kind where the main character joins the drama club.”

…Well, it might be typical, but…

Hinako never really liked acting. That’s a given, considering it was enough to make her suffer from a high fever. However, if such a Hinako were to read a manga that positively portrays acting, what would happen? It might just shake her values to the core.

Something she thought was worthless, had value.

I, too, felt that just recently.

A single phrase Narika said. —I like the current Konohana-san for who she is. Those words have been stuck in my head, but only now do I understand why.

It was the first time.

The first time the value of the real Hinako, not the perfect ojou-sama, was acknowledged by everyone.

Recently, under the pretext of practicing for the play, Hinako’s lazy side has been accepted, but that was only acknowledged for its value in making the play a success. But Tennouji-san and Narika’s reactions were different. Those two evaluated the lazy Hinako as an individual characteristic.

I found that strange… and I also felt happy.

Isn’t that exactly what Hinako wanted to know?

…Maybe.

Maybe Hinako wondered, what would happen if I showed my true self? Seeing me show my true self might have made her want to see what would happen in her own case.

She wanted to ascertain the respective values of her true self and her act as a perfect ojou-sama.

…I have a feeling I’m right.

But, if that’s the case… how long does she plan to keep this up?

In the end, what does Hinako have to do to be satisfied and go back to normal?

…What if she doesn’t intend to go back to normal anymore?

I hadn’t thought it was such a sudden change of heart, but I realized anew that there’s no guarantee Hinako will ever go back to how she was before.

Judging from her behavior at the tea party, her true nature will definitely be exposed if things continue as they are. If that happens, even Kagen-san shouldn’t be able to stay silent.

It’s been half a year since I became her caretaker. I’ve always felt the heavy responsibility the Konohana family bears through the figures of Hinako and Kagen-san. If Hinako doesn’t go back to normal, the foundation of the Konohana family will be shaken. When that happens, what will become of me and those around Hinako… I can’t even imagine.

However, that being said…

Then telling her to go back isn’t the job of a caretaker.

There are already more than enough people who would say that.

If we’re thinking about the good of the Konohana family, it’s better for Hinako to go back to normal. I get that. But, wouldn’t that be denying the real Hinako?

…I want to talk it over with Hinako, once.

But how?

Hinako seems to think her current state is natural.

“Hmm…”

“You’re really thinkin’ about it, huh~”

As I pondered in silence, Yuri watched over me without interrupting.

I appreciate this kind of consideration.

“…To be specific, I want to talk about acting in human relationships, not in a play.” I said, I looking at Yuri’s face.

“Yuri, you probably don’t act much in front of people, do you?”

“Of course not. I can’t be bothered with somethin’ so annoying.”

“…Isn’t it just that you’re not skilled enough to act?”

“What did you say?”

“Sorry, sorry, that’s why, stop with the iron claw, ow-ow-ow-ow-ow-ow-ow!!”

Being a cook, her nails seemed to be kept short, but also being a cook, her finger strength was apparently well-trained, and my face was squeezed with great force.

Those hands are for cooking, they’re not supposed to be for hurting people…!!

“…Even I put on a bit of a front in front of people other than you, y’know.”

Yuri said, sounding embarrassed.

“I mean, you also change your stance a bit depending on the person, right? For example, your attitude when you’re with me is different from when you’re with Konohana-san, isn’t it?”

“…Now that you mention it, yeah. In my case, I feel like I can be my most natural self when I’m with you, Yuri.”

I learned about this at the company I visited for the Management Game.

We switch our attitudes as a matter of course. We have bright conversations with cheerful people, and calm conversations with quiet people. We should be doing this all the time, but when we get nervous, we tend to forget and try to force our own way.

This level of switching attitudes might not be called acting. In fact, I’m undoubtedly my most natural self when talking to Yuri, but that doesn’t mean I feel tired from conversations with other people.

But it might be different for Hinako.

For Hinako, it might be such a demanding act that she has to create something like another personality.

As I was thinking about such things, Yuri flashed a smug grin.

“What’s with that face?”

“Oh, nothin’. Just thinkin’ about how I’m the one you show your true self to the most”

Damn it… I shouldn’t have said that.

Since the words just naturally slipped out of my mouth, it’s hard to deny them.

“…You’re the same with me, anyway, Yuri.”

“W-Whaaat!? I-I-I-I haven’t said a single word of the sort!!”

“So I’m wrong?”

“Ugh.”

Yuri was at a loss for words.

“…………W-Well, that’s… you, but…”

“See?”

“Shut up!! Don’t look at me!!”

Oh? Your face seems to be quite red?

I wanted to savor the feeling of turning the tables a little longer, but I remembered I wanted to have a serious consultation.

“For example, you know,”

As if sensing the serious atmosphere from my side, Yuri looked at me with her face still red.

“If you, Yuri, were to change in the opposite way… putting on an act for me, but showing your true self to everyone else, what do you think the reason would be?”

“…So, you’re asking what the reason would be if I were to put on an act for you?”

“Yeah.”

I’m aware I asked a difficult question.

I waited in silence for Yuri, who was thinking for a while.

“Hmm… Well, the first thing that comes to mind is that we’ve had a falling out and grown distant, or something?”

“…Me and you, Yuri?”

“Doesn’t seem likely.”

“Not a chance.”

We might have occasional arguments, but I can’t see a future where our relationship becomes that strained.

And the same can be said for Hinako.

If my relationship with Hinako were to be severed, it would likely be due to the difference in our social status. But I’m working hard every day to overcome that, and recently, I’ve been steadily getting results. At the very least, I don’t think our family backgrounds have anything to do with Hinako’s recent change.

“Anything else?”

“Uhm… This is also a bit hard to imagine, but…”

Yuri answered, looking a little hesitant to say it.

“…………Because you might like me more if I put on an act, or something?”

Yuri said in a smaller voice than usual, looking a little embarrassed.

“Like me…”

“L-L-Like as in a person, okay!? A-as a human being, alright!? Don’t misunderstand me!?”

“I get that, but…”

“…………Maybe I should just spill everything.”

Yuri’s expression suddenly turned serious.

I was lost in thought, so I don’t really remember what I said. Did I say something weird…?

“But, isn’t that tough? Being liked by someone because you’re putting on an act…”

I knew very well how hard it is to be liked by people while wearing a mask, from watching Hinako.

But Yuri didn’t sympathize, and instead,

“I don’t think so, really?” Yuri said, with a warm smile.

“For the person you like, putting on a little act isn’t a big deal at all. …Especially for girls, y’know.”

◆

I returned to the mansion, just before dinner. Since it was getting late, Yuri suggested I eat at Hiramaru, but I was also concerned about Hinako, so I came back.

When I opened the door, my eyes met with Shizune-san, who was giving instructions to the maids.

“I’m back.”

“Izuki-san, welcome home.”

“How is Hinako doing?”

At my question, Shizune-san paused for a moment.

As if to say something unbelievable was happening.

“Ojou-sama is helping Kagen-sama with his work.”

For a moment, my mind went blank.

She’s been studying on her own after returning to the mansion. True, with the current Hinako, it wouldn’t be unnatural for her to do something like that… but I see, she’s gone that far.

It seems they are both in the office, so I decide to at least go see their faces. If I’m in the way, I can just leave immediately.

“Excuse me.”

I knock on the office door.

I heard Kagen-san’s “Yes,” so I opened the door.

“Oh, Tomonari-kun. Welcome back.”

“…I’m home.”

From beside Kagen-san’s desk, Hinako smiled and looked at me.

She’s really helping with work…

When I looked towards Kagen-san, our eyes met. He seems a little troubled. Even the great Kagen-san seemed to be at a loss with this version of Hinako.

“Father, since he’s here, shall we have Tomonari-kun help with work as well?”

Hinako casually made such a suggestion, and I was startled.

“No, but aren’t there trade secrets and stuff…”

“…It doesn’t matter. You’re not the type to spread rumors, are you?”

I feel like it’s not a matter of spreading rumors or anything…

…Is it too late for that now?

I’m the one who has participated in a shareholders’ meeting while hiding my identity. If I’m being guided into a gray area with trust and expectations placed upon me, I’ll just have to respond to it and, if possible, think only of turning it to my advantage.

Kagen-san tapped the laptop on his desk with his finger, so I went to get it. Then Hinako tapped her own desk with her finger.

“Tomonari-kun, please come here.”

“…Yeah.”

I go to Hinako’s side, holding the laptop.

…To think that I’d be working on the Konohana Group’s business with Hinako, side by side.

I placed the laptop on the desk that a servant had probably brought for Hinako. There was a spare chair leaning against the wall, so I used that.

…Why is there a spare chair?

Could it be that Hinako intended for me to help with the work from the beginning?

So that I could learn about the Konohana Group?

…Am I overthinking it?

I opened the laptop and prepare for work. In the meantime, Hinako and the others were proceeding with their work.

“Father, regarding the matter of improving the shared services, there were several opinions from investors, so I have summarized them here.”

“Ignore the BPO proposal. The top priority is to extinguish the fires on the fledgling governance structure. Explain the aspects that ensure its uniqueness.”

Wow…

Crap… I can barely understand what they’re saying.

I can tell they’re talking about the management of the subsidiary companies. Shared services… I think that’s consolidating miscellaneous tasks like accounting and general affairs, which are dispersed among subsidiary companies, into a single department.

BPO is outsourcing that. And governance is about corporate management… So, in short, the investors are proposing to outsource miscellaneous tasks, but Kagen-san wants to strengthen the internal departments.

Okay, okay… I think I can keep up if I take my time.

It’s a good thing I seriously studied the management of group companies during the Management Game when Hinako’s company’s recall cover-up was discovered.

When I opened the laptop, there was a file currently being worked on. I should probably help with this.

A simulation of the transfer of each operation for the improvement of shared services… feels like a real manager’s job.

It seems they want to calculate how much of a benefit can be obtained by centralizing the management of miscellaneous tasks dispersed among the group companies. If this is completed, it should be easy to gain the approval of not only the employees of the group companies but also the investors.

“Izuki-kun, is there anything you don’t understand?”

“I’m fine. I’ll try to complete it for now.”

The shared services will target four companies. All of which have recently joined the group.

Hmm… I see. I thought it was strange that even the great Konohana Group didn’t have a solid management strategy as a group, but it turns out that the number of subsidiaries has increased due to repeated spin-offs and M&As, making management difficult.

It’s like periodic maintenance in management. In that case, this work has probably been repeated many times, so there should be something like a SOP. I’ll try looking for it… Oh, there it is. For now, I’ll try to proceed while reading this, and if it seems difficult, I’ll ask Kagen-san.

With that, I focused on my work, and a long silence fell over the office.

However, my concentration didn’t last long.

…Hinako.

Is Hinako able to concentrate?

Thinking so, I glanced next to me, and Hinako, who noticed my gaze, turned around and our eyes met. Hinako gave a gentle smile, then turned back to her monitor and focused on her work.

That figure is surely the ideal for those who bear the future of the Konohana family.

But what does Hinako herself think?

Slender fingers, a straight back, a somewhat frail atmosphere. This hard-worker, the Hinako who always tries too hard, is this really her ideal? Is it just my ego to think so?

…It might be my ego.

I remember what Yuri told me.

The possibility that all my anxieties are unfounded has emerged.

“Hinako, take these documents to Shizune.”

“Understood.”

Hinako, who was handed the documents by Kagen-san, bowed respectfully at the door before leaving the room.

“…Phew.”

Immediately after we were alone, Kagen-san let out a deep sigh.

I stopped my work and looked at Kagen-san. Kagen-san had also interrupted his work and was leaning back in his chair, looking up at the ceiling.

Seeing that, I understood.

Kagen-san had sent Hinako out of the room to talk to me alone.

“It’s a strange thing. I used to think of this Hinako as the ideal…”

Kagen-san said, as if confessing.

That’s right. When I first met him, Kagen-san wanted Hinako to be a perfect ojou-sama above all else. But now, it seems his values are wavering.

Everyone has been changing since then. Me, Hinako, Shizune-san, and Kagen-san.

“…Regarding Hinako at the academy, her true personality is beginning to be noticed by a few people. In order of how close they are to her, I think it’s a matter of time before she’s found out.”

“I see. …In any case, once the cultural festival is over, the excuse of practicing for the play will no longer be usable. She has to go back to normal by then, but…”

Saying that much, Kagen-san gazed at the door Hinako had left through.

“…Irrespective of that, I find myself surprised that I think this can’t go on.”

Kagen-san rubbed the wrinkles between his eyebrows.

As her caretaker, I was happy to hear Kagen-san’s current remark. He was saying that even without considering the Konohana family, leaving the current Hinako as she is would be problematic. It seems Kagen-san is starting to share my feelings.

“…Perhaps, the current Hinako overlapped with my wife.”

As Kagen-san murmured quietly, his face looked lonely.

“Pardon my impertinence, but Hinako’s mother is already…”

“She passed away. When that child was five.”

“…My condolences.”

Kagen-san said it calmly, but it was clearer than day that he had complex feelings about it. The ring on his ring finger told the story.

However, when Hinako was five years old…

That, I’ve heard somewhere before.

I believe…

“…That’s the same time that Takuma-san started living in a different mansion from this one, isn’t it?”

“…You know a lot.”

When Hinako collapsed with a fever in front of me for the first time, Shizune-san told me.

That Takuma-san left the house when Hinako was five and started living in a separate mansion from this one.

“Was Takuma-san’s separation a result of her mother’s death?”

“…Yes.”

The death of her mother and Takuma-san’s separation. Perhaps because the connection between the two in my mind was unexpected, Kagen-san began to speak with a resigned look.

“This is more of a private matter than a Konohana family one, so I will have you keep it to yourself for now, but… the cause of my wife’s death was overwork.”

Looking down, Kagen-san continued.

“She was a person who kept telling me, who was suffering from the pressure of my position as the heir, ‘It’s okay to be yourself.’ …But that kindness of hers was taken advantage of.”

Kagen-san clasped his fingers.

For just a moment, I didn’t miss him gently touching the ring.

“My wife’s death was a turning point for our family. I decided to become a cog in the Konohana Group, while Takuma, on the contrary, began to question the Konohana family system. And Hinako, who was young at the time, began to play the role of the perfect ojou-sama under my orders.”

It seems that the death of Kagen-san’s wife has changed the daily lives of the rest of the family.

Of course. It’s not like Hinako had been acting since she was born. There must have been a trigger somewhere that made her have to do so.

“…Excuse me, may I ask an extremely rude question?”

“You’re always rude.”

Eh…?

…I knew I was far from perfect, but I didn’t expect to be thought of as rude.

As I was a little shocked, Kagen-san sighed.

“But, sometimes, if you don’t step in knowing that, people can’t understand each other. …You are always careful about the timing of when you step in, and I am aware of that. Don’t worry about unnecessary things.”

…Is this him being dere?

I don’t need to ask that kind of question anymore… Kagen-san had said so.

Then, I’ll take him at his word and step in.

“Your wife died from overwork, yet you force Hinako to put on such a demanding act?”

So much so that she gets a fever and collapses…

I can tell just by looking that Kagen-san still loves his late wife. In that case, I thought it was unnatural to impose such a heavy burden on Hinako.

But, at my question, Kagen-san laughed lightly, “Haha.”

“Real overwork is nothing like that. …That is the best way to prevent that from happening.”

I saw a deep darkness in Kagen-san’s eyes.

Real overwork. It might be a condition that is a world apart from just getting a fever or being bedridden.

…Of course.

Because people die from it.

“You don’t think I’m forcing Hinako to act because I like it, do you?”

“…Of course not.”

At the high society party right after I was reinstated as her caretaker, I asked Kagen-san a question.

Does it have to be Hinako?

To that, Kagen-san had certainly replied.

If there were a replacement, I would jump at the chance myself.

“I see you have a talent similar to Takuma’s.”

Kagen-san beckoned me over.

As I approached, Kagen-san moved his laptop monitor to show me.

“These are reports submitted from the group companies. The contents vary, from new businesses, capital investments, to accounting audits, but just take a look.”

I didn’t understand his intention, but since I was personally interested, I read through the reports without any particular questions.

There were various reports from various group companies.

The industry, format, and content were all different… but there was one thing that was common to all of them.

“…Huh?”

What is this?

What is this abominable desire?

The talent for seeing behind the data, which was acknowledged by Takuma-san, is reacting.

The faces of the managers lurking behind these reports.

Their cries—

—I want to profit.

I can hear the voices stained with greed.

Deceive. Boast. Dominate. Intimidate. Rule. Violate. Stand on top. Despise. Plunder. Laugh. Take it easy. Play.

A storm of hideous selfishness.

The managers lurking behind this are only thinking of pursuing pleasure.

Infinitely… filthy.

“Ugh.”

Feeling such a raw desire, I feel nauseous.

It’s an unpleasant feeling, as if my face was shoved into a ditch. I feel like I’m going to vomit.

“…You reacted in the same way Takuma used to.”

Seeing me covering my mouth, Kagen-san gave me a sympathetic look.

I understand precisely because I’ve experienced the Management Game.

This can’t be called sound management. Frankly, it’s bizarre.

The Konohana Group is strange.

“When it reaches this level, even I can feel something. The upper echelons of the Konohana Group are full of these kinds of sly old dogs.”

Kagen-san closed the laptop and said.

“To fight with monsters, you have no choice but to work dispassionately and continue to produce results. That’s what I meant when I resolved to become a cog, and…”

Kagen-san said, with a complicated expression.

“…Because I am not strong enough on my own, Hinako is being dragged into this.”

At his quiet words, I fell silent.

That was probably the truth.

Telling me that was Kagen-san’s own form of sincerity.

“Bring Hinako back to normal. It’s better to have her lazing around here than showing her true self outside.”

Kagen-san bowed his head.

It wasn’t just to me. That head now seemed to be bowed by the pressure of his own lack of strength.

Just a moment ago, Kagen-san was worried about the current Hinako in a way unrelated to the Konohana family. But his position doesn’t allow him to act on his emotions. So he set his emotions aside and asked me.

He asked me to help, saying that the Konohana family would be in trouble if this continued… all while swallowing the words, “I’m worried as a father.”

I owe Kagen-san a great debt.

Being taken in by the Konohana family, everything in my life changed. Through precious encounters and experiences, I think I’ve grown a great deal as a person.

So, if I can, I want to make up for Kagen-san’s lack of strength.

That’s what I’m thinking, but still…

“I’m sorry, I can’t make that promise.”

Kagen-san looked up. He must have thought that this time, our goals were aligned.

In fact, until a little while ago, I had the same anxieties as Kagen-san.

Isn’t this bad as it is?

At this rate, isn’t Hinako going to break?

But after talking to Yuri, I’ve come to see a different possibility.

Perhaps, what I should be feeling… isn’t anxiety.

“Instead, I can promise you something else.”

What I should do is much simpler.

“No matter what happens, I alone will continue to stay by Hinako’s side.”

I’ll stay by Hinako’s side, even for the part that Kagen-san is enduring due to the constraints of his position. I should be able to make up for his lack of strength in that way, even as I am now.

Come to think of it, I didn’t have to think about such difficult things.

I am Hinako’s caretaker.

That’s all I need to remember.

◆

I left the room and walked down the hallway, asking the servants I passed if they had seen Hinako, and then I found Hinako walking towards me from the other end of the corridor.

“Hinako.”

“Tomonari-kun? Are you done helping Father already?”

“Ah… well, yeah.”

I can’t really say I left because it got awkward.

Well, I did get to a good stopping point, so I don’t think it’s a problem.

“This is perfect. Tomonari-kun, do you have any plans for tomorrow?”

“Tomorrow? It’s Sunday, so not really…”

“In that case, would you like to go see a play with me?”

A play? As I tilted my head, Hinako explained the reason.

“A classmate gave me the tickets, saying it might be a good reference. They said it’s fine if I go alone if I want, but they’re good seats, and it’d be a waste, so I was thinking I’d like to see it with you, Tomonari-kun.”

I understood the situation.

However, I was surprised that Hinako herself wanted to go out on a holiday.

I see… the usual Hinako would refuse to go out on a holiday, even if she had to cling on for dear life, but for the perfect ojou-sama, it’s not strange to think that going out on a holiday is a more meaningful way to spend it.

“Sure. But are you sure you want me? If you want it to be a reference for the play, wouldn’t a classmate who’s in the play be better than me…”

“If studying was the only purpose, then perhaps so, but…”

Hinako said, looking a little embarrassed.

“It’s a holiday, so I’ll prioritize having fun.”

“…I see.”

It’s nice, or an honor, or a little embarrassing…

…This is just right.

Actually, I was also thinking of doing something with Hinako tomorrow. I was thinking of something we could do at the mansion, but it’s more convenient for me if she’s willing to go outside.

“Then, let’s go see the play together tomorrow.”

“Yes, I’m looking forward to it.”

I stared silently at Hinako’s brightly smiling face.

I had a lot of anxieties about Hinako becoming like this. I consulted with Shizune-san, consulted with Tennouji-san, consulted with Narika, consulted with Yuri, and even talked with Kagen-san.

And finally, I’ve reached a conclusion within myself.

Why didn’t I just do this from the beginning?

I decided to enjoy, without reservation, the days I spend with the precious girl before me.

◆

The next day, we took a car provided by the Konohana family to the theater.

After getting out of the car, Hinako and I headed toward our destination.

“So this is the theater…”

The theater seemed to fit perfectly, like a piece of a puzzle, into the elegant cityscape of offices and commercial buildings. As one of the country’s most historic theaters, it was shaped like a simple, flat building, but the black pillars and calm brown tones gave it a sense of luxury. Most of the customers flowing into the building were well-dressed madams.

“Have you been here before, Hinako?”

“A few times. But I’m not exactly used to it.”

She might have been saying that out of consideration for me, but she didn’t seem accustomed to it either. Hinako, in her natural state, was always relaxed, and aside from social obligations, she rarely went out.

Right, let’s head in… But before that…

I checked the time.

“…We still have some time before the performance.”

We had planned to arrive early just in case, and coupled with the assumption that we’d probably wander around and sightsee, we ended up arriving two hours early. I guess we were a bit too early.

As I was wondering how to kill time, Hinako pointed to a tall building nearby.

“How about we kill some time at that department store over there?”

“Let’s do that.”

As we started walking, I felt like several adults around us moved with us. The Konohana family’s SPs must be watching over us discreetly.

This area was a luxury brand district, so the scenery was well-maintained, but with the heavy foot traffic, I couldn’t say it was entirely safe. There were quite a few foreigners, and taxis carrying them were constantly coming and going.

…I should probably walk on the side closer to the road, just in case.

Pretending to be interested in a shop across the street, I discreetly switched places with Hinako.

Then Hinako gave a soft smile and said,

“Thank you very much.”

She saw right through me…

Man, that’s embarrassing. I wish I could learn to escort her naturally like this.

The crosswalk signal turned red, so we stopped. While waiting, I instinctively glanced at Hinako, and our eyes met.

“Is something wrong, Tomonari-kun?”

“No, it’s just…”

Come to think of it, I hadn’t said it yet, so I decided to tell her right then and there.

“That dress looks really good on you.”

Her usual self, Hinako, prefers casual, easy-to-move-in clothes, but today was a departure from her norm. She was wearing a one-piece dress with fine frills. The chocolate-brown color and checkered pattern gave her an elegant and girly air.

“Thank you. It was worth the effort.”

Hinako smiled shyly, looking pleased.

Though we didn’t say it out loud, today’s outing was undoubtedly a date, and seeing Hinako put in so much effort for it stirred my heart intensely.

She might have just been doing it out of courtesy, but I couldn’t help but imagine something more. Not just her clothes, but her lightly applied makeup and her silky, well-brushed hair were clearly the result of time and effort.

To hide my turmoil, I looked away from Hinako and headed toward the department store.

Entering the department store, which seemed as historic as the theater, I couldn’t help but stop at the solemn atmosphere.

“Come to think of it, this is my first time in a department store.”

“Is that so?”

Hinako looked at me as if she had seen something rare.

I feel like it’s rarer for a high school student to be used to department stores… but then again, I wonder? Maybe someone like Yuri is a regular here.

Even before I became her caretaker, my life was far from ordinary, so I sometimes lose track of what’s considered normal.

“Does the Konohana Group own any department stores?”

“Not within the group, no. But we do have a company that develops commercial facilities of a similar scale.”

“That would be Konohana Real Estate, right? One of the bigger companies in the group.”

“My, you’ve studied up, haven’t you?”

Of course, I have.

Having earned Kagen-san’s trust, I’ve been studying the Konohana Group recently.

The calm atmosphere of the department store was unique. …The products on display, like jewelry and watches, were all from top-tier brands, so if I were to bump into something and knock it over, I’d probably have a heart attack. That’s why I hardly saw any unruly children, and it felt like the elegant people who weren’t fazed by luxury brands were the ones creating this calm atmosphere. This vibe… it’s a bit like Kiou Academy.

And I’m on the side that feels intimidated.

Looking at the clothes in an apparel shop, I let out a small sigh.

(They’re all so expensive…)

But Hinako’s dress is probably even more expensive…

As I was thinking that, Hinako peered into my face.

“Are you looking for clothes?”

“No, not really… it’s just the prices.”

My gaze was fixed on the price tags, not the products.

Seeing that, Hinako tilted her head in confusion.

“But Tomonari-kun, you’re earning money, aren’t you? I never thought to ask before… but what do you usually spend it on?”

“…”

So it’s finally come, that question.

As Hinako said, I’m actually earning a decent amount. My salary as a caretaker is twenty thousand yen a day. Since I don’t have days off, I make at least 600,000 yen a month, and on top of that, it’s a live-in position, so my rent and food expenses are covered. It’s such a good deal that a new graduate would probably want to kill me if they heard about it.

Normally, my savings should be piling up… they’re supposed to be.

“…Well, I buy suits to wear to high-society gatherings, shoes, and watches.”

“? But your work attire is supposed to be provided.”

“That’s true, but I can’t relax in the provided clothes. The prices are so high that I’m always worried about what I’d do if I stained them… So recently, I’ve just been getting the designs approved by Shizune-san and paying for them myself.”

So, the truth is, I don’t really have a lot of financial leeway.

“I don’t mind if that’s what makes you happy, but… the money you earn from working is meant to be spent on yourself, you know?”

“Ugh.”

That felt like a lecture, and it was incredibly embarrassing.

I had a feeling she’d say something like that, which is why I wanted to keep it a secret.

But the suits provided by the Konohana family cost around two hundred or three hundred thousand yen, so when I go to a standing-room-only high-society party, I’m so focused on not getting my clothes dirty that I can’t even enjoy the food… I can’t be distracted and neglect my manners, so I had no choice but to start buying my own, but it’s true that this can hardly be called shopping for my own satisfaction.

(Now that I think about it… I haven’t really bought much for myself.)

When I was a struggling student, I was literally working part-time jobs just to survive.

“It seems I’ll have to be the one to teach you.”

Hinako’s eyes suddenly lit up with determination.

“Let’s buy one thing at this department store before the play starts. Today is the day I accompany you on your shopping.”

A strange objective has been added…

But this might be a good opportunity.

Standing next to me now is Hinako, the perfect ojou-sama. I’m usually the one taking care of her, and I’m happy with that… but maybe I’ll let her take care of me for a change.

◆

“First off, it has to be clothes.”

“Clothes, huh…”

First store. The first place we looked at was the apparel shop in front of us.

It would be a lie to say I wasn’t interested. Having become a caretaker, I’ve had the chance to wear clothes from various brands, for better or worse.

However, that’s limited to formal social gatherings, which is a bit different from the fashion or trends that ordinary high school students are into. My interest lies strictly in suits and leather shoes, not denim, blousons, or sneakers.

A big reason is that Hinako is an indoor person, so there was never a need for me to buy new casual clothes to go out.

This is a good opportunity, so I might as well buy one outfit.

(…When we stand side-by-side, I look so plain.)

I looked at our reflection in the mirror.

Compared to Hinako’s girly outfit, I was in a simple shirt and slacks.

“Why don’t you try on anything that catches your eye?”

“Since we’re here, why don’t you try something on too, Hinako? You’ll be bored just waiting, right?”

“No, I’ll have fun seeing you in different outfits.”

I see…

In that case, without reservation—I’ll try on a bunch of stuff!!

I grabbed the clothes that caught my eye and headed straight for the fitting room.

First, a safe combination of a jacket and jeans!

“My, that looks very nice on you.”

Next, a relaxed look with an oversized shirt!

“I think it’s stylishly unique.”

A slightly rebellious look with a hoodie and nylon pants!

“Fufu… that one’s a little… fufufu.”

A sexy look with a tank top and a see-through shirt!

“I think you should pass on that one.”

Maybe I was a bit too random with my choices.

For now, I’d tried on all the clothes I had on hand, so I closed the fitting room curtain and picked up the clothes I was originally wearing.

“Tomonari-kun, could you please try on the first outfit again?”

“? Sure, but…”

I dropped my familiar slacks back onto the floor and put on the jacket and jeans again.

When I opened the curtain, I heard a click from Hinako’s smartphone.

“Personally, I think this one suited you the best, so let’s have Shizune take a look too, just in case.”

I see, that’s a good plan.

Hinako operated her smartphone and sent a message to Shizune-san.

“Ah, she replied.”

Isn’t that too fast?

Shizune-san… are you even working?

Hinako showed me the screen, and we read Shizune-san’s reply together.

‘Ojou-sama’s sense is correct, but considering Izuki-san’s build, I think he could go one size down for both the top and bottom. Recent trends show a sharp divide between formal and casual, so it’s safest to aim for something in between, but if a high school student dabbles too much in casual wear, it can give a childish impression, and since Izuki-san has a rather boyish face, I recommend sticking to a cleaner look and using accessories to offset any plainness—’

“Whoa.”

I actually said “whoa” out loud.

While I was taken aback, Hinako was reading it with a happy expression.

“This is the first time I’ve seen such a long message from Shizune.”

“Did you not have these kinds of exchanges before I became your caretaker?”

“No. …Ever since you came, Tomonari-kun, Shizune seems much more at ease.”

Well, she did cosplay and ask me to take her picture…

“Shall we buy something based on Shizune’s advice?”

“That’s a good idea, but… if I’m going to buy clothes, maybe I should study up on it more first. I don’t know anything about trends.”

“You’re right. There’s no need to rush, so let’s put clothes aside for now.”

Through Shizune-san’s enthusiasm, I felt like I had caught a glimpse of the depth of the fashion world. As a beginner, I thought it would be better to do some proper research before buying. Making a mistake with clothes is hard to take back.

“For the next store… how about something like this?”

After we got off the escalator, the second store Hinako guided me to was…

“…Furniture, huh.”

Sofas, beds, tables—as far as the eye could see, there was all sorts of furniture. It seemed like half of this floor was dedicated to furniture.

This might be a good idea.

Ever since I became a caretaker, I’ve been living in a servant’s room, and it might be about time to add some new interior decorations. I know that some of the other servants have paintings or houseplants in their rooms.

I found a table I liked, so I walked over and looked at the price tag.

(Soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo expensive!!)

I instinctively looked up at the ceiling.

Thinking about it calmly, furniture is an expensive purchase to begin with. Plus, since it’s in a department store, the quality is top-notch. It was a world where a single table costing two or three hundred thousand yen was the norm.

…But the furniture in the mansion is probably even more expensive than this.

In fact, the desk that was already in my room when I arrived probably costs about that much.

“They have a rich variety of Ortega patterns…”

Hinako was looking at the rugs with great interest.

Seeing her like that, I couldn’t help but call out to her.

“Do you like this kind of stuff, Hinako?”

“I do. Patterns like these are often handmade…”

“No, I don’t mean the patterns.”

As Hinako turned around, I continued.

“It’s not just the play later, but you looked like you were having fun looking at clothes and furniture, so I was wondering if you like artistic things like that.”

It was Hinako who suggested going to the play. The fact that she prioritized enjoyment over using it as a reference must mean she’s interested in plays.

“I think… I do like them.”

To my question, the perfect ojou-sama answered after a moment of thought.

“…Yes, I do. Paintings enrich the heart, and music moves the soul. I like art that leaves something in your heart.”

Hinako carefully picked up her own feelings and put them into words.

But were those words truly from the heart?

It took Hinako a brief moment to declare that she liked art. …Could it be that she was wondering whether ‘art’ was a suitable interest for a perfect ojou-sama?

(…Oops, I shouldn’t.)

I decided to think about all that after this was over.

For now, I’ll focus on the Hinako in front of me.

“Did you find anything you liked?”

“Hmm… Sorry, I don’t think my heart can take jumping into this price range so suddenly.”

“I think it’s fine for everyone to have their own sense of money.”

She’s comforting me…

Even if the furniture I use at the mansion is of higher quality, I don’t think I’m ready to buy furniture from this store with my own money just yet.

“Tomonari-kun, shall we go here next?”

Hinako suggested, pointing at the directory in front of the escalator.

Third store. The place we headed to was…

“…Tableware, huh.”

As expected of department store quality, there were many brands that are often used at the mansion. It looked more glamorous than the other stores, but a closer look revealed a wide range of prices, and the antique corner had many inexpensive items.

“Wedgwood, Meissen, Noritake… they have all the classic brands.”

“It’s the same at the academy, but rich people are really particular about their tea sets and vases, huh?”

“They do have artistic value, but it’s more for the purpose of entertaining guests. Our family is supposed to prioritize spending on things like that.”

From my perspective, everything in the mansion looks so high-class that there’s no such thing as priority, but… thinking of it in terms of entertaining guests, things like tea sets and vases might serve a similar role to the paintings and ornaments decorating the hallways.

I think I understand the reason for spending money on them.

“It’s the same with the interior of a company. The floors where customers visit are stylishly designed by designers. On the other hand, the floors that customers don’t visit often have their costs cut, resulting in a plain appearance.”

“Huh~”

“Sometimes that causes complaints from the employees. ‘Why is that floor stylish, but this one is so plain!’… something like that. The reason is simply the difference between whether customers visit or not, but it’s necessary to make an effort to help the employees understand.”

I nodded at Hinako’s detailed explanation.

Come to think of it, I have an image of factories and offices owned by manufacturers having different interiors. Factories make me think of employees in work clothes and rugged floors and walls, while offices make me think of salespeople in suits working at clean desks.

Things like this… it must be tough to get employees to understand.

It would be nice if it could be adjusted with things like salary and benefits.

“That’s very educational.”

“I thought you might like this kind of topic, so I tried bringing it up.”

I had a feeling that might be the case. As someone who wants to become a consultant in the future, what she just said was very interesting to me.

(She’s really… perfect.)

Before I knew it, my heart, which had been fluttering around the unusual Hinako, had calmed down. That’s because she chose a topic that I’m interested in.

“If you’d like, would you want to tour one of the group’s companies next time? I’m sure Father would allow it for you, Tomonari-kun.”

“I appreciate the sentiment, but I’m a bit hesitant to use special privileges. I don’t want to get in the way of the employees either…”

“But I think it would be a good learning experience to see where you’ll be working in the future, don’t you?”

“Working in the future…?”

I tilted my head at Hinako’s casual remark.

Hinako’s face turned red, and she looked down.

“…………I’m sorry, I got ahead of myself.”

Seeing her reaction, I realized my own face was turning red.

It seems that in Hinako’s mind, it was already a done deal that I would be working for the Konohana Group in the future.

How should I describe this feeling… it’s making me squirm.

“Tomonari-kun, you’re more of a coffee person, right?”

“Yeah.”

I like tea too, but I drink coffee more often since I can use it to wake myself up.

I’m drawn more to its function than its taste, so I can’t really call myself a coffee lover…

“In that case, I recommend earthenware or stoneware.”

“…Are you talking about the material?”

“Yes. These tea sets come in earthenware made of clay, porcelain made of stone, and stoneware, which is in between. Like this…”

Hinako picked up two cups from the display.

“The thick one is earthenware, and the thin one is porcelain. You can use either, but I think the thick ones are better for coffee. They also have better heat retention.”

“I see. …The class that did a cafe for the cultural festival used two types of cups, and I was wondering why, but that was the reason.”

The cups used for coffee and tea are different. I knew that vaguely, but I had never thought about the criteria for using them differently.

Their colors are also different. The thin cups used for tea… porcelain, are often decorated with glamorous patterns of flowers and birds. On the other hand, the thick earthenware is basically dyed in a single color, but it seems that variations are created by the way it’s dyed.

(…Having a particular taste for things like this is kind of cool.)

It makes you seem composed, like you have your life together.

Why is Hinako called the perfect ojou-sama? Maybe it’s because she can enjoy conversations like this. Just having good grades shouldn’t be enough to be called perfect. Hinako isn’t just intelligent; her range of conversation is also incredibly rich.

At Kiou Academy, the people who are well-liked give the impression of being rich in character rather than just being nice. Rich in life experience, rich in knowledge, rich in sensitivity, or rich in imagination. The fun that such people exude is compatible with elegance. This might be a clear difference from a normal high school.

Come to think of it, Tennouji-san was like that too. A noble position comparable to Hinako’s, and a life experience to match. Her deep understanding of art and her passion for things like dance and manners set her apart from other students. That’s why she’s so well-liked.

Narika is the same. Her extensive knowledge and talent for sports, her experience in martial arts, and her ability to handle her studies and social life flawlessly—a way of life that combines the warrior and the lady. Her personality was a problem for a long time, but now she’s as popular as Hinako and Tennouji-san.

A rich life… This might be something worth aiming for.

It’s a perfect goal for my current self, whose way of spending money is boring.

“What would you like to do? We still have time before the play starts, so we can check out other stores…”

“No, I’ll buy something here.”

Unlike clothes or furniture, tea sets are more affordable.

And also…

“I’ve only enjoyed tea and coffee in social settings until now, but if I have a favorite cup, I feel like I could get into them myself.”

I might even pick up a new hobby.

I wanted to cherish that feeling.

“Then I’ll buy a cup for myself too.”

It seems Hinako decided to buy a tea set too.

My cup… I like the sound of that.

The time spent with a cup that I chose for myself, a cup just for me, will surely be wonderful.

“Which one will you choose, Tomonari-kun?”

“I like this color. And I’ve been drinking a lot of hot drinks lately, so maybe one with a handle would be better…”

“In that case, how about this one, or this one?”

“Let’s see…”

The ones Hinako recommended are nice, but I want to look for something a little better.

Now that I’ve decided to make it a hobby, I’ve suddenly become particular about it. It might take some time to choose, but that’s what makes it fun. Maybe as I develop this particular taste, I’ll start looking into things myself, and my knowledge will grow.

“Why don’t you decide on your cup first, Hinako? I can use it as a reference.”

I want to see how Hinako chooses a cup.

But Hinako said,

“Hmm… I’ll decide after you, Tomonari-kun.”

“Eh, why?”

When I asked, Hinako fidgeted.

“Um………… I want to buy a matching one with you, Tomonari-kun…”

Apparently, Hinako wanted to buy a pair of matching cups.

I never thought she had such cute intentions…

“O-Oh.”

A strange sound escaped my lips.

After that, I bought a pair of matching cups with Hinako.

They’re from a British brand called Denby, from their Imperial Blue series. They have a soft, rounded silhouette, and I chose them thinking that even I, who tends to be on edge, could feel a sense of calm just by looking at them.

It was an expensive purchase for me, but it might feel cheap to Hinako. Even so, Hinako was very happy that we bought matching cups.

The price isn’t what’s important.

It’s a perfect way of thinking, not swayed by materialism, I thought.

◆

We walked out of the theater in silence, then looked at each other at almost the exact same time.

“Hinako.”

“Tomonari-kun.”

As our eyes met, we both began to gush about the emotions swelling inside us.

“That was… really something, wasn’t it?”

“It was… incredibly good, wasn’t it?”

The musical we had just seen was Les Misérables. Apparently, it was originally a French historical novel, and the title means “The Miserable Ones.”

To put it simply, it’s the story of a protagonist named Jean, who, after living a life of hardship and distrust, is saved by the kindness of a certain individual and strives to become a righteous person himself. However, to become a righteous person, he must fight against malice and his own past, and the more he tries to be pure, the more his heart suffers.

“At first, I was rooting for Jean, but in the second half, I just wanted him to stop and rest… It was a tough watch, but I couldn’t take my eyes off it.”

“The way it portrayed being honest as a virtue on one hand, while also depicting it as a weakness on the other, was really profound. Righteous weakness, mistaken strength… I felt that Jean’s way of life, torn between the two, yet always choosing the former in the end, was truly noble.”

As expected of Hinako, she’s enjoying the play from a deeper perspective than I am.

That’s what’s fun about appreciating art. Depending on the viewer’s sensibilities, they focus on different things and when you share those perspectives, it leads to new discoveries.

“Did you find anything useful for the cultural festival?”

“Plenty. Especially the balance of expressions shown to the audience… The view from the front row is different from the back row, you know? So, I learned that I should prepare expressions for the front row and expressions for the back row, and then switch between them.”

I feel like she’s talking about something incredibly advanced.

I can keep up with her thoughts on the play, but I don’t think I can follow this.

I lightly stretched my neck and looked up at the sky. The sun was about to set.

“I was so engrossed I lost track of time, but I’m a little tired.”

“Yes, we were in the same position for a long time. Shall we take a short walk?”

“Let’s do that.”

The runtime of Les Misérables is just under three hours. Even with an intermission, that’s quite long. I didn’t notice it while watching, but my body was a little stiff.

I walked through the city with Hinako. The streets were less crowded than during the day.

(…I should talk to her before we go home.)

We’re supposed to be back by dinner. The Konohana family car should be waiting for us at the designated spot.

Lately, Kagen-san has been showing his face at the mansion more often. It’s probably because he’s worried about the current Hinako. I respect his feelings, but he’ll likely make a direct request for Hinako to “go back to how she was” the next time they meet. …All because I couldn’t accept Kagen-san’s request.

That’s why I want to talk to Hinako now.

Before she talks to Kagen-san or Shizune-san… I want to talk to her.

About the Hinako from now on.

“The actors looked like they were having fun performing.”

We spoke as we passed through a small park lined with flowers and benches.

“They did. You could tell just by watching them that it was their calling.”

“It wasn’t just their lines, all of their movements looked so natural. If you master it to that level, maybe acting becomes as natural as breathing.”

“…Yes.”

There was a slight pause in Hinako’s reply.

The perfect ojou-sama fumbled her words. I should have been more alarmed by this fact.

…I know.

I don’t need to say anything more.

You feel the same way, don’t you, Hinako?

Stopping in the center of the park, I turned to face Hinako.

“Since when?”

I voiced the conviction in my heart to Hinako.

“Since when were you able to keep acting all the time without getting a fever?”

Hinako’s eyes widened slightly.

I watched her for a moment, and then she let out a small sigh.

“…How did you figure it out?”

“I spend more time with you at the mansion than at the academy. If you were acting the entire time you were at the mansion, with your stamina up until now, there’s no way you would’ve held up.”

I’ve been watching her up close this whole time. I’d like to think I have a decent grasp of Hinako’s stamina.

The current Hinako sleeps whenever she gets the chance at the academy, but… considering how she’s been, she’s overwhelmingly lacking rest. It’s not like she sleeps through every class, and she even has rehersals after school. The Hinako from before would have definitely collapsed.

And yet, the Hinako at the mansion showed no signs of fatigue at all.

She’s not tired… I realized.

“I consulted a few people about you… and I started to think that maybe, within you, the value of acting has started to shift. You used to dislike acting, but maybe the play was a trigger that made you feel more positive about it.”

Hinako was listening to me intently.

So I continued speaking.

“If you could master the act of being a perfect ojou-sama, maybe you wouldn’t get tired like you used to? …When that question came to mind, I considered that maybe you were intentionally creating this current situation.”

I voiced the conclusion I had reached once more.

“This is an act too, isn’t it? You’re just acting like you’ve switched.”

Because Hinako is a genius at acting, she was able to make it seem like a genuine personality switch.

Both Shizune-san and I had it wrong from the start. There was never any need to take her to a doctor. Because this was all something Hinako did of her own will.

“…There’s a flaw in that line of thinking.”

Hinako pointed out calmly.

“As you were saying it, didn’t you think it was contradictory? If the cultural festival play made me feel more positive, it should be about my true personality, not the act.”

That’s right.

In the process of playing the role of Ophelia, Hinako’s true personality was affirmed by her classmates. If things had progressed normally, her sense of affirmation for her true self should have increased, and she should have been plagued by the anxiety that the perfect ojou-sama was no longer needed.

But…

“I think that’s just a matter of sequence. …If you started thinking it might be better to show your true self at the academy, isn’t it natural to arrive at the opposite idea, that maybe it’s better to play the perfect ojou-sama at the mansion?”

If the value of her true self was shaken, then the value of her acting self, its polar opposite, should have been shaken too.

“If you only became positive about your true self, you could just be your true self all the time, right? There’s no need to continue the act of the perfect ojou-sama like you are now… Hinako, you’ve come to be able to affirm not just your true self, but your acting self as well.”

For Hinako, the act of being a perfect ojou-sama was exhausting. If that were the case, she could have just lazed around all the time, both at the mansion and at the academy.

But Hinako didn’t do that.

Perhaps for Hinako, having her true self accepted by everyone at the academy was a bigger deal than I could ever imagine. …And so, she thought about various things. Maybe being the perfect ojou-sama wasn’t so bad after all.

Isn’t the opposite better?

Isn’t there a much easier way to live than before?

I’m sure that’s what Hinako thought.

Hearing my speculation, Hinako smiled sweetly.

“Excellent deduction, Detective-san.”

“Cut it out, it’s not like I’ve solved anything.”

“But it suits you, you know? Why don’t you join the play after all?”

“Hey, don’t tease me.”

Don’t try to brush it off.

“I’m not a detective, and I’m not a doctor. But I am Hinako’s caretaker.”

Who’s been by Hinako’s side the most these past six months?

Without a doubt, it’s me.

“So, even if I can’t make deductions… when it comes to you, Hinako, I can just sort of tell.”

Even if her father doesn’t notice, even if the head maid doesn’t notice, even if her classmates don’t notice.

I will.

Because I am Konohana Hinako’s caretaker.

“…It makes me happy that you understand me so well.”

Hearing my words, Hinako gave a bashful smile.

“But, you get an eighty out of a hundred.”

The impish smile on Hinako’s face was incredibly cute.

…Hinako still hasn’t dropped the perfect ojou-sama act.

That means we’re not done talking yet.

“…What’s the reason for the minus twenty points?”

It’s not that I hadn’t thought about it.

Before having this conversation with Hinako, I had thought about it until I couldn’t think anymore. I didn’t think I could wring any better answer out of my own head.

“Just as you say, Tomonari-kun, I’m able to affirm this act now. But it’s not just because my true self was acknowledged at the academy. There’s another, proper reason why I started playing the perfect ojou-sama at the mansion.”

…I had a feeling that might be the case.

The reason she was able to affirm her true personality at the academy was because everyone accepted that side of her through the role of Ophelia. That part is simple and clear.

I had only made a paradoxical guess that “if she could affirm her true personality, couldn’t she also affirm the perfect ojou-sama?”, but I hadn’t reached the core of it.

So there was a proper reason after all…

I thought about it again, but nothing came to mind, and time just passed by.

“Time’s up.”

“…Can’t you give me another five minutes?”

“Nope. Please don’t say things I used to say.”

Hinako giggled.

“No matter how much time you took, I don’t think you would ever figure it out, Tomonari-kun.”

I wouldn’t figure it out?

What does she mean by that?

“The reason I started playing the perfect ojou-sama at the mansion is…”

Hinako’s eyes reflected my face.

“…Because I thought that you, Tomonari-kun, might like this version of me more.”

After saying that, Hinako closed her mouth.

There were no words that followed, and it took me a few seconds to understand that what she wanted to convey was complete with that one sentence.

“………………Me?”

“You look surprised. That’s why you get minus twenty points.”

Hinako puffed out her cheeks, a cute display of her dissatisfaction.

“I’ll say it as many times as it takes. The reason I was able to affirm the act is because I thought you, Tomonari-kun, might like this version of me better.”

Eh…

Really…?

Really, is that all it is…?

“Y-You were able to overcome the exhaustion of acting… for a reason like that…?”

“I’d rather you not say, ‘a reason like that.’”

Hinako made another pouting face.

“It’s a very important matter, you know? …Because, well, I’m a girl.”

Hinako said, her cheeks faintly blushing.

“I actually wanted to take more time to be sure, but… now that it’s come to this, I’ll have you give me the answer directly.”

Saying so, Hinako’s moist eyes reflected me.

“Tomonari-kun, which me do you like better?”

Hinako’s true self, and Hinako’s acting self.

Hinako asked me straightforwardly which one I liked.

…She doesn’t seem to be teasing me.

Could it be, she’s really…

(…To think it was about my feelings.)

It’s not that I have a particularly low self-esteem.

Even so, to think that I held such a significant place in Hinako’s mind… I’m filled with a mix of happiness, honor, and embarrassment.

But, I have to calm down.

Because Hinako… is mistaken.

“Hinako.”

Hinako, who was expecting one or the other to be chosen, looked tense.

But I’m going to release that tension without any argument.

“That’s… something I can’t choose.”

“…Eh?”

Hinako’s eyes went wide.

After taking a moment to compose herself, Hinako slowly opened her mouth.

“…No, you can’t. This is a serious conversation, so please don’t try to run away—”

“I’m not running away.”

I shook my head.

“Even if you ask me which one I like better, I only see Hinako.”

Because, before me stood only one girl.

“You’re misunderstanding, Hinako. In this world, there’s no perfect ojou-sama Hinako, and there’s no lazy Hinako.”

“…Then, what am I?”

She probably expects me to answer with ‘the perfect ojou-sama.’

Wrong. The person in front of me is—

“The perfect and lazy Hinako. …For me, from the very beginning, there’s only ever been that one Hinako.”

Thank goodness.

I didn’t know the reason why Hinako had come to like her perfect ojou-sama act, but… the rest of it was just as I had predicted.

So she really was worried about that.

That’s why I wanted to talk to her.

“The Hinako I know is always both perfect and lazy. There’s no 100% perfect Hinako, and there’s no 100% lazy Hinako.”

That’s why it’s troubling to be asked which one I like better.

“Everyone changes their attitude depending on the time and place. For example, the me at the mansion and the me at the academy are different, right? …Everyone lives their lives acting, just like you, Hinako.”

Tennouji-san, Narika, Asahi-san, Taishou… everyone has more than one side to them. Everyone is unconsciously acting as they live.

“But, your acting was just too good, Hinako. That’s why you ended up thinking that way.”

We may act to a greater or lesser extent, but we can’t behave in a way that’s too far removed from our true selves. We just don’t have the ability to control ourselves to that degree.

But Hinako was different. She could play a version of herself that was the complete opposite.

For us, acting is an adjustment to smooth over human relationships, but for Hinako, acting is a switch to hide her true self.

That’s why the idea that one is better than the other came up.

“There’s only one Konohana Hinako. …You don’t have to think about which one is more liked.”

For the sake of the people around her, Hinako had two different sets of values fighting within her.

Is my true self better? Is the perfect ojou-sama better?

I told her that she doesn’t need to worry about that.

“…Then, what should I do?”

Hinako said, as if clinging to me.

“Now that I’ve overcome the fatigue from acting, if I wanted to, I could continue being the perfect ojou-sama forever. My question of whether that would be better won’t just go away.”

Before, she would get exhausted from acting, so the idea of continuing to be the perfect ojou-sama forever didn’t even exist. It’s precisely because she’s overcome that fatigue that she’s now facing this worry.

I could easily guess Hinako’s feelings.

Many people want the perfect ojou-sama Hinako, not the real Hinako.

Even if I was the cause for her overcoming her fatigue, the ones who reinforced the idea that it might be better to continue acting were the people around her. Kagen-san, her classmates at the academy, and above all, the people of the Konohana household. Their pressure is cornering Hinako.

That’s precisely why I want my voice, the voice of someone who isn’t cornering Hinako, to reach her properly—

“You get flustered a lot when you’re with this me too, don’t you, Tomonari-kun?”

“Ugh.”

Sh-She noticed…?

Having it pointed out by the person herself is extremely embarrassing.

Hinako stared at my face, a long, hard stare. See? I knew it, you like this me better after all, don’t you, Tomonari-kun? …Her gaze seemed to suggest.

That is a complete misunderstanding.

It’s a misunderstanding, but… to convey that to Hinako, I have to say what I’m thinking without holding anything back…

(…………I guess I have no choice.)

The misunderstanding that I like the perfect ojou-sama Hinako more than the real Hinako is something I absolutely have to clear up.

“You know, Hinako. If you’re going to say that, then I…”

Steeling my resolve, I opened my mouth.

“I get flustered around the usual Hinako, too.”

“………………Eh?”

Hinako was visibly shaken.

“Wh-What… no, that’s… a lie. Because, when you’re with the perfect ojou-sama me, you make a different face than when you’re with the usual me.”

“My face might be different, but I’m always flustered.”

I see…

Seeing my unusual reactions, Hinako thought that this must be the right answer. She might have even thought that by acting, she could make me happier.

…………That’s not it at all. Not one bit.

The reason I was showing such unusual reactions to the current Hinako was simply because I was being completely thrown around by her and couldn’t maintain my composure. It was an unfamiliar situation, so my emotions were just more on the surface, but to be blunt, my heart is always like this.

I have to tell Hinako… how I always feel.

I looked around.

Right now, it’s just the two of us here. There’s no one we know in sight.

…Then, it’s fine, right?

It’s okay if I just… let it all out, right?

“You got that? First of all, the real Hinako is cute.”

“…H-Heh?”

Hinako made a strange sound.

It seemed my statement was far more unexpected than she’d imagined.

But I continued. Everything I had been bottling up for the past six months—

“The way you sulk is cute, the way you fall asleep right away like a baby is cute. The way you cling to your pillow when you’ve just woken up is cute, and when you have crumbs on your mouth, that’s cute too.”

“W-Wait…!? Um…!?”

“The disgusted look you have when you eat vegetables is cute, and conversely, the way you munch on potato chips like a squirrel is also cute. The way you walk all hunched over is cute, and the times you look troubled because you can’t get out of bed are also—”

“P-Please stop!! That’s enough!! I said that’s enough!!”

Hinako, her face beet red, tried to stop me.

But I shook my head.

“It’s not enough. We’re only halfway there.”

This would be incomplete.

“You listening? Believe it or not, Hinako—you’re cute when you’re the perfect ojou-sama, too.”

“Nyo!?”

Hinako, whose ears had turned as red as a boiled octopus, let out a strange yelp.

“The diligent look in your eyes when you’re studying is cute, your smile when you’re talking to someone is cute, the way you puff out your cheeks is cute, and the way you always bow your head when entering or leaving a room is cute. The way you occasionally tell a fib is cute, and the surprisingly competitive side of you is also—”

“P-P-P-Please, that’s enough!! Anymore, really, please just stop…!!”

Her face must have been incredibly hot, as Hinako was faintly tearing up.

“U-Uuuu… Wh-Why are you saying such embarrassing things now…?! I-I was trying to have a serious conversation…!!”

I’m having a serious conversation too, though?

Besides—

“You were the one saying embarrassing things, Hinako. During lunch the other day, in front of everyone, you said ‘Say ahhh’ and everything.”

“Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!?”

Hinako’s loud scream drowned out my words.

I didn’t know Hinako could yell that loud…

“You were in your right mind then too, weren’t you? What were you thinking when you said that?”

“Uuu, uuuuuuuuu…!!”

 

Hinako was acting like she had switched.

In other words, everything she’s said at the academy was deliberate.

Getting lost in the hallway, eating only the baked sweets at the tea party before immediately falling asleep, it was all Hinako’s own will. When I think about it that way, my own words are a trivial matter.

“Basically, what I’m saying is,”

If I confuse her any more, we’ll never get this sorted out, so I’ll try to wrap it up.

“I’m always flustered. When you’re showing your true self, and when you’re acting as the perfect ojou-sama, I’ve always thought you were a charming person.”

“Ch…arm!?”

Hinako was still in a state of constant agitation.

…Why am I so composed right now?

It’s probably because, really, I’ve thought this way for a long, long time.

Right after I thought it, I’d get flustered or embarrassed, but as time passed, those feelings became the past, and became fact. Since I’m just stating facts, I don’t feel embarrassed.

It is a fact that the perfect and lazy Konohana Hinako is a charming person.

It is a truth to have no shame in.

“But if you still say you want to choose one or the other… your true self or your acting self… I think the one who should choose is you, not me.”

I’m not trying to force the choice on her.

“Because, no matter what choice you make, I’ll be by your side.”

I said to Hinako, the redness in her cheeks gradually fading.

“There’s only one thing I can say to you… When you’re with me, don’t push yourself.”

“…Ah.”

A small voice escaped Hinako’s lips.

“I said the same thing a long time ago. Do you remember?”

“…There’s no way I could forget.”

It was right after I was fired from being her caretaker, when I forced my way into the mansion.

I’ve always wanted to be the one person Hinako doesn’t have to push herself for.

That’s why I don’t mind whatever choice Hinako makes. …As long as she isn’t pushing herself, I can continue to be by her side as her caretaker.

I feel bad for Kagen-san, but I want to prioritize Hinako not pushing herself over her returning to normal.

Because I’m her caretaker.

For Hinako’s sake, I’ll make everything else secondary.

“…At first, I also thought that we couldn’t go on like this. I was scared that you were pushing yourself… But if that’s not the case, then it’s a different story.”

Somewhere along the way, I realized that Hinako had overcome the fatigue caused by her acting.

Well then—from that point on, I just have to respect Hinako’s will.

I arrived at that simple conclusion.

“I want you to live freely, Hinako. If the shape of freedom has changed for you, then I think it’s okay to move forward with that… No matter where you’re headed, I’ll follow you.”

Before, I thought that being her true self was freedom for Hinako.

But now, if that has changed, then I’ll affirm that change as well.

No matter what kind of freedom Hinako seeks, all I have to do is follow her without question.

“…………Then, if.”

Hinako said, her gaze cast downward.

“If I wanted to continue being the perfect ojou-sama (my current self), would you follow me, Tomonari-kun?”

“Yeah.”

“Conversely… if I wanted to live as my true self all the time, would you still follow me, Tomonari-kun?”

“Of course.”

Kagen-san would never allow it, but that doesn’t matter.

“I’ll follow you either way. …But, it would probably be best to think about it. Whether you can truly be happy living that way.”

It’s an important choice that shouldn’t be made carelessly.

I’ll follow her no matter which she chooses. But, she needs to think. About whether that choice truly is the right one.

“…You’re not playing fair.”

Yeah, I guess so…

I’m aware that I’m putting it in an unfair way.

Right now, if she were to try and live as her true self all the time, she would probably face a lot of difficulties and conflicts. I intend to support her with all my might, but a future where we make an enemy of Kagen-san and the Konohana family is likely unavoidable. Honestly, it’s a situation I’d rather not think about.

“A future you can’t choose now, you might be able to choose someday. I think waiting and believing in that is one option.”

I’ll wait with you.

I’ll help you reel in that future.

You don’t have to choose now.  As long as we’re here, it’s always possible.

“Honestly… if you’re that resolved, I can’t back down either.”

Hinako let out a sigh, “Fuu,” and smiled gently.

“Are you sure? If you wish for it, Tomonari-kun, I can stay like this forever, you know?”

Hinako was confirming my intentions.

“I’m called the perfect ojou-sama, you know? I’m the most popular girl at the academy, and I think I’m pretty cute. I’m good at studying, good at sports, the talented girl on a pedestal, you know?”

That’s right. Konohana Hinako is a perfect ojou-sama.

At Kiou Academy, where the children of wealthy families gather, she is the embodiment of the ideal who always reigns at the top. The possessor of abilities befitting the Konohana name. Yet, she is a person of character who doesn’t boast about it.

She’s amazing, respectable, cute… the perfect ojou-sama that everyone longs for.

“And you can… be with that me forever, you know?”

With moist eyes, Hinako gazed at me.

“It’s true that the current Hinako is wonderful, but…”

Even so, I can’t help but think.

If Hinako wishes for it, it’s fine for her to stay as she is. But still, the current Hinako is an act.

I just—I just don’t want to be the one to deny the real Hinako.

“I like taking care of the lazy Hinako, too, you know?”

When I said that…

The perfect ojou-sama gave a happy, yet embarrassed, bashful smile.

“………………Jeez.”

◇

A little while ago, Konohana Hinako had a thought.

What if Izuki likes the perfect ojou-sama me more than the usual me…?

When that possibility occurred to her, what was born in Hinako’s chest was a slight anxiety. She felt just a little bit disappointed, but it was far from despair. Honestly, she even felt that it wasn’t a problem.

At that moment, Hinako realized.

For Izuki’s sake, I can be the perfect ojou-sama forever…

So she decided to find out. Which version of herself did Izuki like? She decided to show her true nature at the academy as well, to confirm the value of her true self and her acting self.

And then, if Izuki wanted that version of her… the perfect ojou-sama, she had intended to stay that way forever.

But…

“That’s… something I can’t choose.”

What Izuki was looking at wasn’t the real Hinako, nor the perfect ojou-sama Hinako.

He was looking at the true Konohana Hinako, who possessed both.

(…What a generous answer.)

When perfection is right here.

When the perfect ojou-sama that Father and everyone at the academy loves is right in front of him. When the refined, polite, probably-the-type-guys-like me is right here…

Even so, Izuki put Hinako first.

Hinako loved that about Izuki.

“But, it would probably be best to think about it. Whether you can truly be happy living that way.”

It was probably a warning to keep Hinako from acting recklessly.

Hearing Izuki’s words, which took the future into account, Hinako thought to herself.

(…I can be.)

Even living that way, I can be happy.

(As long as Tomonari-kun loves me… I’m happy enough.)

In truth, that’s all she needs.

Izuki is probably thinking about many things. His relationship with her father, his relationship with the Konohana family. After considering all sorts of risks, he’s making a cautious assertion.

But in truth, as long as Izuki is there, that’s all that matters.

Whether she spends her days as her true self, or as the perfect ojou-sama, as long as Izuki is by her side, it’s fine. Risks are secondary.

For Konohana Hinako, Tomonari Izuki is a treasure for whom she would make everything else secondary.

(…I love him.)

Maintaining the perfect ojou-sama act, Hinako thought.

I love Tomonari-kun.

I love the Tomonari-kun who is always trying his best, who gets back up no matter how many times he falls.

I love the kind-hearted Tomonari-kun who can’t abandon someone in trouble, even when he’s busy himself.

I love the Tomonari-kun who thinks of me before the Konohana family.

I love the Tomonari-kun who always studies late into the night to stand beside me.

I love the Tomonari-kun who immediately notices when I’m not feeling well.

I love the Tomonari-kun who immediately guesses what I want.

I love the Tomonari-kun who negotiates with my father for my sake.

(…I wish he would confess to me, right here, right now.)

Then I would say yes in a heartbeat.

I want to be confessed to this badly… but he probably won’t notice, will he?

One day, I’ll say it clearly to Izuki, who is always thinking about others.

I love Tomonari-kun.

I love you. I’m in love with you. More than anyone else in the world.

I looooooooooove Tomonari-kun!!