Chapter 3: Learning the ABCs of Love with Commoners
The next morning.
As usual, I was quietly studying away.
It was my third day in this house. We were finally starting to settle in. We’d already been to the shopping street and school, and I couldn’t think of any other places to show around. Besides, after days of going out, Hinako seemed to want to take it easy indoors today.
(Guess I’ll review the summer course material too.)
I’d finished going over table manners with Shizune-san and reviewing the academy’s lessons. While I was at it, I decided to revisit what I’d learned in the summer course. The subjects were all specialized, but I was sure they’d come in handy someday.
Glancing at my smartphone, I noticed a new message.
“…Tennouji-san?”
Seeing the sender’s name, I immediately checked the contents.
Tennouji-san: This is sudden, but how about a study session?!
Just reading the text, I could practically hear Tennouji-san’s voice ringing in my ears.
The message continued.
Tennouji-san: Shall we all get focused and prepare for the academy’s reopening?
It was exactly what I’d been thinking about lately.
I had no reason to refuse. The first study session at the academy had been productive, and with the Kiou Academy crew, we’d surely maintain a serious atmosphere until the end.
Izuki: I’d love to join!
As soon as I replied, it was marked as read. But Tennouji-san didn’t respond right away.
After about a minute, a new message came through.
Tennouji-san: Is it okay if I call you now?
Since we’d both read the messages instantly, she probably figured a call would be faster.
When I replied, “Sure, no problem,” my phone buzzed almost immediately.
“H-Hello, this is me!”
She even adds desu wa to hello…
“It’s been a while.”
“Indeed! Since the summer course!”
Tennouji-san’s cheerful voice came through.
She was as energetic as ever. Hearing her voice somehow boosted my own energy.
“I knew you’d be interested!”
“Well, I’m in a position where I have to work harder than most to keep up.”
“As if you aren’t already working twice as hard. Such a diligent student, as always.”
I could almost see Tennouji-san smiling on the other end of the line.
“Ahem. Back to business… When are you free, Izuki-san?”
Her voice seemed to rise just a tad when she said my name.
I knew what she was getting at. I knew, but… I chose to ignore it for a reason.
“…I’m free anytime.”
“…Anytime, you say?”
“…Yeah.”
Nope, no way I’m dodging this.
Her calling me like that was clearly her way of saying she wanted me to drop the formalities and talk casually.
I got it. I totally got it, but…
Right now, Hinako and Shizune-san were both nearby…
“Sorry, the situation’s a bit… I can only talk like this right now.”
“…There’s someone with you, isn’t there?”
“You nailed it.”
Thank goodness she’s quick on the uptake.
My voice might leak through the call, and besides, if I’m joining the study session, I’ll have to tell Hinako and the others about it. That includes mentioning Tennouji-san as the organizer. If I weren’t using polite speech now, they’d figure out I was chatting with her casually.
Tennouji-san let out a disappointed sigh.
“I thought a phone call would let us talk naturally…”
“Sorry…”
“It’s been so long, I thought we could…”
She sounded more bummed than I expected.
Since Tennouji-san’s usually so upbeat, making her feel down like this gave me a pang of guilt.
“W-Well, how about at the study session?”
“At the study session…?”
“Yeah. Let’s find a moment to talk, just the two of us.”
I had no idea how we’d manage to be alone, but…
I’d figure something out.
“It’s a promise, then!”
“Yup.”
“…Fine, I’ll let it slide.”
Tennouji-san’s mood seemed to lift, thankfully.
“So, about the study session—have you decided on the members yet?”
“Not yet, nothing’s set. I’m hoping we can gather a group similar to last time, though…”
“Taishou and Asahi are off enjoying their trips, right?”
“Indeed. They’ve contacted me as well.”
Those two had tagged along on a company trip for the first half of summer break, and now, in the second half, they were each off on family vacations. They asked what souvenirs I wanted, so I just said, “Something simple’s fine.” Expensive stuff would give me a heart attack, so anything cheap works.
“Then I’ll check with Konohana-san first.”
“Please do. I’ll reach out to Miyakojima-san.”
“We should ask about their schedules too.”
“Quite right.”
I wasn’t sure about Narika, but Hinako would probably be fine.
Lately, Hinako’s been joining these kinds of gatherings more often.
“Also, if it’s alright, I think we should invite Hirano-san.”
“Good idea. Yuri’s pretty serious about studying, so I’ll give her a heads-up.”
It’s reassuring when my friends get along with each other.
After the summer course, Tennouji-san seems to see Yuri as a proper friend now.
“Anything else we need to figure out…”
“The location, of course.”
Tennouji-san was spot-on.
“My house is fine, but since it’s the last event of summer break, I’d love to hold it somewhere different from the usual.”
The homes of upper-class girls are generally elegant and luxurious, much like Kiou Academy. A unique environment that the academy doesn’t have… maybe Narika’s house? Her place is also refined and grand, but that traditional Japanese vibe is something you wouldn’t find elsewhere.
But then it hit me.
The most unique environment I could suggest right now was—
“Sorry, could you hold on a sec?”
With Tennouji-san’s okay, I set my phone down on the table for a moment.
Then I turned to Shizune-san, who was doing paperwork in the living room.
“Shizune-san, I’m talking with Tennouji-san right now, and—”
“It’s fine.”
Shizune-san replied instantly.
“I’ve got the gist of it. You want to hold the study session here, right?”
“Uh, yeah. I was about to suggest it, but…”
“No problem at all.”
Shizune-san answered without hesitation.
I was grateful, but there was one concern.
“Um, considering the current situation with the Konohana Group, wouldn’t it be better to keep Hinako’s whereabouts under wraps?”
Hinako was allowed to leave the mansion to stay out of the mess. But if her hideout became public, some unsavory types might show up.
Hearing my concern, Shizune-san’s eyes widened for a split second.
But then she smiled gently and responded.
“No need to worry. That issue has largely been resolved.”
“Wait, really?”
“We sent Ojou-sama away to avoid escalating tensions, but we’ve now found a way to settle things peacefully, so it’s no longer a problem.”
A ton of people must’ve been working behind the scenes while I was clueless.
If that’s the case, we could use this place without any worries.
I picked up my phone from the table.
“Hello, Tennouji-san? I’ve got a suggestion for the study session location…”
I was a bit nervous about whether everyone could focus in a place like this, but when I pitched the idea, Tennouji-san was super enthusiastic. It’s a study session, sure, but it’s also the last event of summer break. We wanted it to be productive and fun.
“…Takuma-sama might’ve been right.”
Watching me talk with Tennouji-san, Shizune-san muttered.
“We should’ve told you everything from the start.”
With that, Shizune-san returned to her paperwork.
◆
The next day, around noon.
Three girls showed up at the house.
“Th-This is Izuki’s house…?”
Narika looked nervous as she took in the exterior.
“Technically, my former house.”
I’m only borrowing it for about ten days now, so it’s not really mine anymore. The furniture’s mostly rented through Shizune-san’s connections.
“Ohohoho! It’s practically a doghouse, isn’t it!”
Tennouji-san remarked, eyeing the house.
“…Yeah, I guess.”
“J-Just kidding! I recently read this shoujo manga called The Plum of Versailles, and there was a similar exchange, so I couldn’t help myself!”
I knew she was joking, but I wasn’t sure how to respond, so I just nodded along.
“Tennouji-san, you read shoujo manga?”
“W-Well, a classmate lent it to me the other day…”
When Yuri asked, Tennouji-san answered, a bit embarrassed.
“Hirano-san, have you been to Izuki’s house before?”
“Nope. Somehow, this is my first time too…”
Narika’s question made Yuri glance at the house as she replied.
I’d rather not get into the reasons. Honestly, my family wasn’t exactly the type I could proudly introduce to friends.
“Well then, come on in. …It’s a bit cramped.”
I opened the front door and ushered the three inside.
Hinako, sitting primly at the table, gave a small bow.
“Hello, everyone.”
“Oh? Konohana-san?”
Narika looked surprised.
“I arrived early, so I’ve been waiting inside.”
That’s the story we’re going with.
They know I’m staying at the Konohana mansion, but telling them I’m living in this tiny house with Hinako feels like it’d spark some awkward reactions. So, we’ve stashed Hinako’s and Shizune-san’s shoes, bedding, and clothes deep in the closet.
By the way, Shizune-san stepped out. She figured if she, the maid, stuck around, it’d feel too much like the academy’s café vibe.
“Huh, I was expecting something like a four-and-a-half tatami room, but it’s not that small.”
“Well, it was home for a family of three.”
I told Yuri as she scanned the place.
“This is where Tomonari-san grew up…”
“The house where Izuki was raised…”
Tennouji-san and Narika were fidgeting as they took in the surroundings.
Being stared at like that made me a little embarrassed.
“No bed, I see?”
“I sleep on a futon on the floor.”
“Izuki! What’s this string hanging from the ceiling?! Can I pull it?!”
“It’s for the light switch. Go ahead.”
The room went dark for a second before lighting up again.
Narika’s house is a traditional Japanese mansion, so the interior vibe felt somewhat similar. But thinking back, I don’t recall seeing pull-cord lights at her place. They probably have bedside lamps, but her house blends that classic aesthetic with modern renovations.
When I glanced at Hinako, she was watching the excited pair with calm eyes. She seemed like the only one keeping her cool… but she was just as curious on her first day here.
One table was too small, so we’d pushed two together in the center. Five cushions were set around it.
Everyone took a seat.
“So, today’s a commoner-style study session. I can’t guarantee comfort, but I hope you’ll feel at home.”
Tennouji-san and Narika were still fidgety, but it wasn’t discomfort—more like kids at a theme park.
“I brought these, just in case…”
Yuri pulled some snacks out of her bag.
Being considerate, she’d chosen slightly fancy cookies.
“I brought something too.”
“M-Me too!”
Tennouji-san and Narika had also brought treats—Tennouji-san with scones, Narika with castella. Both were wrapped in fancy packaging.
(Crap. This is bad for Hinako.)
Hinako didn’t bring anything. Obviously—she was already here.
…No choice.
I stood up and grabbed something I’d hidden in the kitchen cabinet.
“Actually, Konohana-san gave me these.”
What I set on the table was—
“Potato chips?”
Yuri’s voice carried a hint of confusion.
“Yeah. Since we’re holding the study session in a different environment, she matched the vibe.”
“Huh, maybe I should’ve gone that route too.”
Since the theme was a commoner-style study session, bringing potato chips as a snack earned some approving nods. Tennouji-san let out a frustrated “Grr!”
Truth is, Shizune-san and I had stashed these as an emergency tactic to cheer Hinako up.
“I don’t usually eat these, so I’m looking forward to it.”
Hinako’s eyes had been glued to the chips from the moment they appeared.
Her gaze was like a hunting dog’s.
(…Will she actually focus on studying?)
Things were off to a nerve-racking start.
But once we spread out our textbooks, everyone went silent and focused. True to Kiou Academy’s diligent students, they switched gears instantly. When I glanced up, Yuri looked briefly surprised but quickly dove into her work. I totally got why she’d be shocked by this level of focus.
It wasn’t stiff or overly serious, though—
“These are delicious.”
We’d occasionally munch on snacks and chat.
Tennouji-san was eating the potato chips with curiosity.
“Sliced potatoes, fried, right? They’re a bit salty for my taste.”
I wanted to believe Tennouji-san’s reaction was the quintessential Ojou-sama response. …Hinako, please stop glaring every time someone else reaches for the chips.
“Narika, you’ve probably had these before, right?”
“Yeah, they sell ’em at the candy store. Sometimes I’d buy three bags at once—huh?! K-Konohana-san?! Why’re you glaring at me?!”
“Must be your imagination.”
Hinako played dumb.
She was clearly jealous.
“…This is a nice atmosphere.”
Tennouji-san said, glancing around.
“Spending time with someone in a relaxed place like this is a rare experience. I almost wish Kiou Academy had a spot with just a floor and a table like this.”
“Even you think so, Tennouji-san?”
“I do have the sensibility to find a cozy, eclectic vibe pleasant, you know.”
I’d assumed someone like Tennouji-san would have no use for a place like this beyond satisfying her curiosity, but apparently not.
“If I may say, Izuki-san seems more at ease today than usual. It must be because this house is the most familiar place for you.”
“…That’s true.”
Setting the house aside, I also think it’d be nice if there was a place like this at the Academy.
I get nervous every time we’re at some refined café or restaurant. As a caretaker, I know I shouldn’t be whining about such soft things, but deep down, I’d love a spot that’s a bit more chaotic and relaxed. If the Academy had a place like that, I’d probably want to escape there regularly.
While I was thinking about this, I suddenly noticed Hinako staring at me.
“Konohana-san, what’s wrong?”
“Oh, well…”
For Hinako, who’s usually in perfect Ojou-sama mode, it was rare to see her struggle for words.
But it was only for a moment. No one but me, who’s been by her side as her caretaker, would’ve noticed.
“…I was just a little curious about what Tomonari-kun is studying.”
Hinako said quickly.
Whether that was her true feelings or a spur-of-the-moment excuse, I unfortunately couldn’t tell.
“I’m reviewing what I studied during the summer course.”
“Tch, even though you were chosen as an honor student, Izuki, you’re such a hard worker.”
“Narika, you should try a bit harder yourself.”
“Ugh, did I just poke the hornet’s nest…?”
Narika averted her gaze.
There was something I was curious about too, so I glanced at the textbook in Yuri’s hand.
I assumed she’d be studying something normal like Japanese or math, but the textbook had unfamiliar diagrams and graphs.
“Yuri, what are you studying?”
“The theory part for a chef’s license. I’m planning to work at a restaurant after high school and get my license without going to culinary school.”
I vaguely recall hearing her mention that a few times before.
Yuri’s got her own challenges, but she must be fulfilled. Her notebook, packed with neatly written notes, showed how motivated she was.
“On another note, I heard a company under the Konohana Group recently fired an employee for workplace harassment.”
Tennouji-san said while moving her pen.
I didn’t know how to respond to that topic and fell silent. I knew about it, but was it okay to bring it up so casually?
Seeing Yuri and me at a loss, Tennouji-san stopped her pen.
“There’s no need to get stiff about it. For a family of our scale, scandals like this are bound to happen. …That doesn’t mean it doesn’t hurt, though.”
“You’re right. I feel disappointed too.”
Hinako nodded.
“Was that on the news or something?”
“It wasn’t made public, but industry insiders have plenty of ways to find out. I make it a point to stay updated on my frie—rivals’ information.”
Tennouji-san answered Yuri’s question.
She clearly corrected herself mid-sentence, but I decided not to point it out.
Tennouji-san’s cheeks were slightly flushed.
“Still, firing someone is pretty rare.”
Narika said.
“What do you mean?”
“Firing is a pretty serious disciplinary action. Especially a disciplinary dismissal—there are probably fewer than fifty cases a year. If someone was fired for harassment, they must’ve been a repeat offender and particularly nasty.”
You often hear about firings due to embezzlement or fraud in the news. Those are outright crimes, not just company policy violations. Harassment, though, might have several steps before it leads to dismissal.
“By the way, Tennouji-san’s company has one of the lowest rates of disciplinary actions for harassment globally, considering the group’s size.”
“Wow…”
That sounded plausible.
At the Academy, Tennouji-san values connections with others and shows consideration for them. The Tennouji Group must be an organization that prioritizes its people.
“Miyakojima-san, you sure know a lot. Even about my family.”
“W-Well, yeah!”
Maybe because her studies weren’t going well, Narika puffed out her chest proudly.
“The second semester at Kiou Academy is starting soon. Considering that program is coming up, we should probably study business management now.”
“Oh? Then we might end up as rivals.”
“N-N-N-N-N-No, that’s not what I meant…”
“You’re way too flustered.”
Tennouji-san gave a wry smile as Narika turned pale.
That program…?
What could that be about?
Feeling curious, I picked up the teapot. It felt lighter than expected, probably because we were running low on tea.
“We’re almost out of drinks, so I’ll go buy some at the convenience store.”
We got more snacks than I expected, which made us go through the tea faster. I could use tap water, but serving that to these Ojou-sama would feel a bit too cheap.
Standing up, I looked at Tennouji-san.
“By the way, Tennouji-san, you said you were interested in convenience stores, right? Want to come with me?”
“Huh? …Y-Yes! I’d be delighted to join you!”
Tennouji-san stood up, looking slightly confused.
As we left the house together, I let out a relieved sigh.
“Alright, now we can talk normally.”
During our study session planning, we’d promised to talk one-on-one, so I was relieved to finally make good on it.
For some reason, Tennouji-san was giving me a slightly damp, reproachful look.
“…You seem awfully practiced at this.”
“Huh?”
“This is how you’ve been charming all sorts of people, isn’t it?”
“That’s not fair…”
I thought it was a brilliant idea…
“When I heard that disappointed voice over the phone, anyone would want to do something like this.”
“I-I didn’t sound that disappointed… well, maybe a little.”
Her voice trailed off, lacking confidence.
“I’m not the type to feel distant because of someone’s tone, so I don’t usually make these kinds of suggestions. But if you need me to, Tennouji-san, just say the word.”
“…I don’t exactly feel distant either.”
Tennouji-san said it like it was obvious.
I’m used to hierarchical relationships from my part-time jobs, so I don’t mind formal speech. But come to think of it, Tennouji-san must be even more used to it. She’s the daughter of the Tennouji Group, a rival to the Konohana Group. She’s probably attended countless formal events where polite speech is the norm.
“But since you, Izuki-san, usually hide your status…”
“Ouch.”
“The Izuki-san who uses formal speech is still you, of course… but when you speak casually, it feels like you’re showing your true self.”
“True self, huh…”
It’s not like I’m switching personalities or anything…
“Is the me now and the usual me really that different…?”
“…When you speak casually, you sometimes tease me.”
“Wait, do I?”
“Yes, you do! During the summer course, you laughed your head off when I struggled to open a can of juice! And at the arcade, you laughed just because I didn’t know the rules!”
“Well, yeah, but that’s because you were so funny, Tennouji-san…”
“See! Right now! See!”
Tennouji-san pointed at me, puffing up adorably in anger.
Now that she mentioned it, I guess I do let my casual side slip out more than when I’m being formal. …Not that I say it out loud, but I’m probably thinking the same things either way.
“Oh, it’s just around that corner. …By the way, Tennouji-san, do you know what a convenience store is?”
“Of course I do! Don’t treat me like an idiot!”
As expected, she knew about convenience stores.
But when we got there, Tennouji-san stared at the hot snacks by the register, muttering with a puzzled look.
“…These food samples are so well-made.”
“Pfft.”
When I bought one for her at checkout, she was utterly shocked.
◆
Five in the afternoon. The study session ended, and we decided to call it a day.
Two black cars were parked in front of the house—one for Tennouji-san and one for Narika.
“The next time we meet will be at the Academy.”
“Yeah.”
There’s one week left until the second semester at Kiou Academy. I’m not too busy, but Tennouji-san and Narika have packed schedules, so we’ll probably meet again on the first day of school. I’ll see Yuri when she comes to work at the Konohana house.
“Hirano-san, this way.”
“Got it. Thanks, Tennouji-san.”
Yuri had walked here, but it seemed Tennouji-san’s car would give her a ride partway.
Once inside, Yuri sat down and, maybe because the seats were plusher than expected, silently kneaded the backrest.
“Hm? Konohana-san, you’re not heading back yet?”
Noticing there wasn’t a car for Hinako, Narika asked her.
“No, it seems my ride is running a bit late.”
“W-Well, then, I could give you a lift in my car…”
“Thank you, but it should be here in a few minutes, so please don’t worry.”
“O-Okay. Well, I’ll, uh, head out then…”
Hinako couldn’t accept the offer, but Narika had mustered up the courage to suggest it. Considering how shy she’s been, that’s real progress. I almost teared up.
Honestly, having multiple fancy black cars parked in front of a small house like this stands out. It’s better to wrap things up before weird rumors start.
“Ah!? W-Wait, Konohana-san!”
Yuri, already in Tennouji-san’s car, suddenly called out in a panicked voice.
She rummaged through her bag and handed Hinako a paper shopping bag.
“I totally forgot… Here, I’m lending this to you. Make sure to read it.”
“What’s this…?”
“You came to me for advice before, right? I think reading this might help you find the answer.”
“…Thank you so much.”
Hinako bowed deeply.
Was it some kind of important gift?
“Yuri, what did you lend her?”
“It’s a secret!”
I asked out of curiosity, but Yuri wouldn’t tell me.
She probably didn’t notice, but the Konohana family’s security was watching from all over. …From the neighbor’s window, a dim alley, and countless passersby, eyes were locked on that paper bag.
Eventually, the girls got into their cars and left.
When the cars turned the corner and disappeared, I let out a relieved breath.
“…They’re gone.”
“They are.”
“Whoa!?”
A voice from behind made me jump.
“Sh-Shizune-san, when did you…?”
“It’s a secret.”
First Yuri, now Shizune-san keeping secrets…
I had no idea where she came from, but she was probably discreetly watching the area from somewhere we didn’t notice.
Maybe there’s an underground tunnel or something…
“Phew…”
Hinako let her shoulders slump.
Of course, there was no car coming for her. She’d be heading back to the house with me.
“Ojou-sama, just to be safe, I’ll check the contents of the bag you received.”
“Mmm… Go ahead.”
Hinako handed the paper bag from Yuri to Shizune-san.
Shizune-san peeked inside, her eyes widening slightly before she nodded.
“No issues.”
She returned the bag to Hinako.
“Shizune-san, what was inside?”
“Since Hirano-sama kept it a secret, I can’t say either. Protecting a guest’s privacy is part of a maid’s duty.”
A fair and upright maid who never mixed personal and professional matters.
With that said, I had no choice but to back off…
“…That’s not your usual maid outfit.”
“Sometimes, standing out can be seen as a lack of consideration.”
In other words, she was avoiding drawing attention.
I could’ve sworn Shizune-san was in her maid outfit when we left the house earlier, but now she was in casual clothes.
A white shirt and a black pleated skirt down to her ankles… Knowing Shizune-san, the monochromatic palette somehow reminded me of her maid outfit. It was clean and gave a calm impression.
Then I remembered something from the summer course.
When Hinako, Yuri, and the others showed off their swimsuits, Yuri had said to me, “Don’t you have something to say?” Those words echoed in my mind again.
“It, uh, really suits you.”
“That sounded painfully obligatory. Point deducted.”
What points was she deducting…?
I paled, but Shizune-san gave a soft chuckle. She didn’t seem upset.
We went back inside. The table was neatly cleaned up, and the trash can nearby had an empty potato chip bag. Hinako had sneakily started taking two chips at a time, so they disappeared at an alarming rate, but Yuri’s casual comment, “Potato chip bags always have less inside than you expect, huh?” smoothed things over.
All in all, the study session went off without a hitch, which was a relief.
Everyone seemed focused, and it felt like a great memory to cap off the summer break.
“Izuki-san.”
As I was putting the tables back in place, Shizune-san called out to me.
“Do you have time after this?”
“I’m free. I’ve finished my daily tasks.”
“Then, would you mind accompanying me to buy ingredients for dinner?”
I hesitated for a moment.
It was rare for Shizune-san to ask for help. But that just made me all the more eager.
“Got it. If I’m good enough, I’ll help as much as you need.”
After my reply, Shizune-san glanced at Hinako.
“What about you, Ojou-sama?”
“I’m done… Gonna sleep…”
Hinako was rolling around on the floor.
She must’ve been exhausted from focusing so hard on studying.
“Then shall we go, just the two of us? …Ojou-sama, please stay here. I’ve stationed security nearby, so feel free to call them if you need anything.”
“Mmkay.”
◇
After Izuki and the others left the house.
Hinako thought about using a cushion as a pillow to nap, but as she lay down, the paper bag from Yuri caught the corner of her eye.
(Before I sleep… just a quick peek.)
She was on the verge of passing out from exhaustion, but she figured she’d at least check what Yuri gave her.
She pulled out the contents of the paper bag.
It was—
“…Books?”
A stack of books.
Looking at the covers and bands, Hinako tilted her head further.
“Shoujo… manga?”
The band on one of the manga boasted, “The best-selling shoujo manga right now!” So these were shoujo manga, apparently.
“Dango Over Flowers… To You, I Deliver… nyanya…”
She read the titles of the shoujo manga aloud. There were others too.
None of them sounded familiar, but she flipped through a few pages to see.
“This is…”
Hinako quickly becomes engrossed.
The settings are mainly schools. They range from ordinary schools like the one Izuki attended to prestigious academies like Kiou Academy, where the children of the wealthy enroll.
The protagonist is typically an average high school girl.
The opening of each story is more or less the same. The high school girl protagonist, by some twist of fate, meets someone of the opposite sex, grows close, and gradually bridges the distance between them.
Before she knows it, the protagonist starts becoming aware of this person…
“Th-this…!”
Hinako is stunned.
(It’s exactly like me…!)
The feelings of the protagonist depicted in the manga mirror the ones Hinako herself is grappling with.
Her heart races just from being near him. The growing flutter in her chest day by day is so overwhelming that even she feels bewildered. At times, it’s almost suffocating, yet she never wants to pull away—a strange, inexplicable sensation.
The manga’s protagonist is equally tossed about by these emotions.
(If I keep reading, maybe I’ll understand what this feeling really is…!)
That must be why Yuri lent her this manga.
Hinako, now wide awake, dives into the manga with feverish excitement.
—Why is it that sometimes my mind is completely filled with thoughts of him?
The manga’s protagonist finds herself thinking about the boy she’s aware of at random moments—during class, while eating, or even when she’s lying in bed trying to sleep.
(I get it…)
Hinako is the same. When they’re riding to the academy together, during lessons, when they’re bathing together, or when she’s lounging in Izuki’s room… she finds herself thinking about him out of nowhere.
Like, He’s been working really hard lately, hasn’t he?
Or, He’s gotten better at his manners than before.
Or, Studying must be tough for him.
Or, He really treasures me, doesn’t he?
Hinako has been thinking about these things constantly.
She turns the page.
—Why is it that just seeing him talk to another girl makes me feel so uneasy?
The manga’s protagonist feels breathless watching the boy she’s aware of talk to another girl. Her expression hardens, but she presses a hand to her chest subtly, careful not to let him notice.
(I totally get it…)
Hinako feels the same.
When Izuki talks to other girls at the academy, she can’t help but feel on edge. A fleeting worry crosses her mind that he might just disappear with them somewhere.
But in the end, those fears usually prove unfounded.
When she stares at him anxiously, it’s as if he senses it—he turns to her. And then, with a gentle smile, he reassures her.
Each time, she realizes that Izuki is, indeed, watching out for her.
A warmth and a restless frustration coexist in her heart, impossible to untangle.
What are these feelings, really?
She turns the page.
—Oh, this is love, isn’t it?
The manga’s protagonist finally realizes her own emotions.
“—!?”
Shocked, Hinako pulls her face away from the manga.
The stunning development makes her glance around nervously, but there’s no trusty maid or caretaker to rely on right now.
Steeling herself, Hinako dives back into the manga.
(Love? …Love!? What’s love…? What am I supposed to do…?)
The manga’s protagonist blushes the moment she acknowledges her love.
Hinako, her own face burning red, keeps reading.
(W-why are they suddenly so lovey-dovey…? B-but, they look so happy…)
The manga’s protagonist is now actively flirting with the boy she’s aware of.
When they walk through town, they hold hands—fingers intertwined, no less.
She boldly declares she wants time alone with him, unashamed.
But the boy feels the same way.
In this thrilling, nerve-wracking dance of emotions, the two gradually grow closer—
(W-what…? W-w-why are they pressing their mouths together…?)
A beat later, she realizes it’s an act called a kiss.
Konohana Hinako, sixteen years old. Thanks to her father’s wishes, she’s been drilled with specialized knowledge since childhood, but when it comes to romance, she’s completely uneducated.
Still, as the heiress of the Konohana Group and a student at Kiou Academy, she’s picked up the bare minimum through interactions with others. But her lack of experience means her knowledge and reality don’t quite connect.
So, for Hinako, this is a first.
For the first time in her life, she faces romance not as a bystander but as someone directly involved.
—I want you.
—I want you, too.
Before long, the man and woman in the story have grown far closer than ever before.
They share a kiss on a balcony.
Reading that scene, Hinako… imagines herself and Izuki in their place.
—Hinako.
Izuki stands before her, gazing at her with unwavering eyes.
—I want you.
Saying that, Izuki leans in, his lips drawing closer—
“…!!”
Hinako shakes her head vigorously.
(What am I thinking…!?)
She desperately tries to banish the fantasy from her mind.
But no matter how much she tries, she can’t erase the fact that she indulged in such a daydream.
The manga’s protagonist is doing the same thing.
(Is this what it means to like someone…?)
She’s felt this way for a long time. It was pointed out during the summer course, but the feeling itself started much earlier.
Around a month after Izuki became her caretaker.
When Izuki was stripped of his role as her caretaker, he still came back to the mansion for her sake.
And when she jumped from the window, Izuki caught her, holding her tightly with all his strength.
Now that she thinks about it, that was the moment.
From that instant—she’s been carrying these feelings in her heart all along.
(Do I… want to do those things with Izuki…?)
Since that moment, has she been wanting to do these things with Izuki?
All this time, deep down, has she been longing for this?
“Hawa…”
It feels… incredibly embarrassing to think about.
At the very least, it seems Yuri saw right through her…
“Hawawawawawa…!”
The extraordinarily high-performance brain of Hinako, heir to the Konohana family, short-circuits for the first time in her life.
◆
Having finished shopping at the supermarket, Shizune-san and I are packing ingredients into plastic bags.
“Thank you for helping, Izuki-san.”
“No problem, it’s a small thing.”
We bought enough food for a few days. Since we have drinks and condiments at home, we didn’t get anything too heavy, but it’s still a bit much for one person to carry.
“But I was surprised. Even you get stumped when shopping, Shizune-san?”
“What do you take me for? …It’s just that I haven’t used a regular supermarket in a while, so I wasn’t sure which ingredients would suit Ojou-sama’s palate.”
True, Shizune-san took her time choosing ingredients. Even with something as simple as a carrot, she carefully considered which one would best please Hinako’s taste.
“How do you usually handle ingredients?”
“Everything is ordered in. I considered having ingredients delivered while we’re staying at your house, but it seemed too costly, so I gave up on the idea.”
“You’re frugal where it counts, huh?”
“It’s part of a maid’s duty to minimize expenses while maintaining Ojou-sama’s public image. Walking home like this is part of that effort.”
If Hinako were here, she’d probably have a car arranged.
Surely, if she wanted, Shizune-san could wield the authority to summon a car easily, but she chooses not to.
“Sorry, I need to use the restroom real quick.”
“Understood. I’ll wait outside.”
I hand the bags to Shizune-san and head to the restroom near the supermarket’s entrance.
Feeling a twinge of guilt for leaving a woman to carry all the bags, I hurry as much as I can. Shizune-san probably doesn’t mind, but I do.
(Huh? Where’s Shizune-san…?)
When I step outside, I don’t see her anywhere.
I start walking toward the house. Then, at the entrance to the shopping street, I spot her.
Shizune-san is silently staring at a clothing store’s display window. The mannequin is dressed in cute, frilly clothes that a teenage girl might love—slightly childish and out of place, typical of a shopping street store. It’s still far from a trendy shop for young people.
For some reason, Shizune-san is gazing at the outfit with a serious expression. It might suit Hinako, but I can’t picture Shizune-san wearing it.
Still, she seems genuinely intrigued…
“…Um, want to try it on?”
“!?”
When I call out, Shizune-san turns around, looking unusually flustered.
“N-no, that’s not it. I don’t want to wear it myself.”
“Hey, it’s fine. I can keep it a secret if you need…”
“I said that’s not it.”
“Oh, uh, sorry.”
She glares at me with an intensity that’s no joke.
I thought she was trying to brush it off, but it seems she genuinely means it.
“Well… my family was in the clothing business, so I was just curious.”
She explains as we walk toward the house.
From the way she says it, it sounds less like her family members worked in fashion and more like her family ran a clothing-related company. I’ve always caught glimpses of Shizune-san’s refined upbringing in her every move, so this makes sense.
…Why did Shizune-san become a maid for the Konohana family?
Lately, maybe because we’re spending time in a different environment, I’ve been curious about Shizune-san’s past and her values.
“This is a good opportunity, so let me share a bit about my background.”
As if reading my thoughts, Shizune-san begins to speak.
“You know that Kiou Academy is one of the top three prestigious schools in Japan, right?”
“Uh, yeah.”
“That means there are two others at the same level.”
She holds up her middle and index fingers.
“I attended one of those academies.”
“Whoa.”
I didn’t know that. Shizune-san’s academic credentials are impressive.
“…So, you really were a refined young lady, weren’t you?”
“Outwardly, at least.”
Shizune-san says with a suggestive tone.
“My family ran a clothing company that dated back to the Meiji era. It was listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange and, for a time, enjoyed great prosperity… but the bubble burst, and they failed to keep up with the times, leading to financial struggles and, ultimately, bankruptcy.”
She means the company went under.
At Kiou Academy, we study history intertwined with business, so I can vaguely picture the situation back then. In the apparel industry, post-bubble meant the rise of fast fashion. As the bubble collapsed and people tightened their purse strings, department stores selling luxury brands slumped, while fast fashion swept in, reshaping the industry.
Shizune-san’s family couldn’t ride that wave.
“There were two reasons I could attend that academy. One was that they gave consideration to my family’s past prestige. The other was that my parents wanted to use me to keep up appearances. …But in reality, we were already a fallen household. As I mentioned before, our standard of living was barely different from an average family’s.”
At that point, Shizune-san glances at me, as if noticing something.
“In a way, you and I might have been in similar positions. I kept my family’s situation a secret as much as possible while spending time with my classmates.”
“…Now that you mention it, yeah.”
Come to think of it, Shizune-san has shown me a lot of consideration, sympathizing with my circumstances.
Her own experiences back then might have driven her to do so.
“While I felt stifled by the gap between appearances and reality, I took my studies seriously. Before I knew it, I was among the top one or two in my academy.”
Okay, we’re not that similar.
Shizune-san and I are different—mostly in how our brains work.
“That’s when I met him. The eldest son of the Konohana family… Takuma-sama.”
Finally, her connection to the Konohana family comes up, but the first name she mentions isn’t Hinako’s but Takuma’s.
“Takuma-sama attended the same academy, but he was so busy that he rarely showed up. One day—I don’t know how he heard about me—but having learned of my grades and situation, Takuma-sama came to my house and said, ‘If you don’t have plans after graduation, why not join us?’ I was considering further studies, so I declined at the time, but… after some twists and turns, I accepted his offer a year later.”
“Twists and turns, huh?”
“In short, university classes were boring.”
That’s way too short.
“If you’re thinking about higher education, choose your university carefully, Izuki-san. If you’re used to Kiou Academy and end up at an average university, you’ll be thrown off in more ways than one.”
“I’ll keep that in mind,” I nod.
“And, though it’s a bit embarrassing, I did respect Takuma-sama somewhat back then. …It was youthful arrogance, but when I was at the academy, I looked down on those around me. My family may have fallen, but I believed my abilities were unmatched. The wealthy heirs around me seemed like carefree people raised in a greenhouse.”
As if ashamed of her past mistakes, Shizune-san lowers her gaze as she speaks.
“Takuma-sama was the one who knocked me down a peg. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t surpass him in academics or experience… I was awestruck, thinking, This is the real deal.”
She’s said it before.
Takuma-sama possesses abilities befitting the Konohana bloodline.
Was Takuma-sama scouting promising talent back then? If so, Shizune-san was a steal. Top grades at the academy, yet no family business to inherit after graduation. Reaching out to her was a smart move.
“So, you’re grateful to Takuma-sama, right?”
“Not at all.”
Huh?
Wasn’t that the direction this was going?
“Once I started working under Takuma-sama, any gratitude I had was wiped out. …That man is truly, truly selfish. Every day, I felt like I was getting an ulcer.”
“If we’re talking selfish, Hinako feels kind of similar…”
“Hah.”
Shizune-san lets out a dry laugh.
“Compared to Takuma-sama, Ojou-sama is adorable. …That man would be off in Antarctica the moment you take your eyes off him.”
Her eyes grow distant as she speaks.
Their selfishness is on a different level. Hinako’s the type who avoids physical exertion, so she’s relatively tame, but Takuma-sama seems like the high-energy type who drags everyone around him into his whirlwind.
“Fed up with Takuma-sama’s recklessness, I was considering returning to university when, thanks to Kagen-sama’s arrangements, I began serving Ojou-sama. …And that brings us to now.”
With that, Shizune-san wraps up her story.
It sounds like Shizune-san went through a lot to reach her current position.
My questions about why she became a maid and how she came to serve Hinako have been answered.
But at the same time, I’m growing curious about Takuma-sama.
“Um, Shizune-san.”
“Yes?”
“Actually, the last time I met Takuma-sama, he whispered something to me at the end. He said, ‘The way you are now, you can’t be Hinako’s place.’ …What do you think he meant by that?”
“…Hmm. What do you think, Izuki-san?”
She answers my question with a question, probably because this is something I need to figure out for myself.
Still, I’ve been mulling it over since then, which is why I’m asking.
“I thought maybe I need to refine my academics or behavior more.”
“I see. That’s a reasonable thought… but I think it’s probably not that.”
My guess seems to be off.
“I suspect Takuma-sama is pointing to something more fundamental. Not grades or manners, but…”
“…Do you know what Takuma-sama meant, Shizune-san?”
“It’s just a guess. …But honestly, expecting that from you right now feels a bit harsh.”
Shizune-san presses her lips together, looking conflicted. She’s probably debating whether to give me clear advice or hold back for now. Takuma-sama’s true meaning might be more delicate for me than I realize.
Soon, we reach the house.
When I open the front door, Hinako jumps, startled.
She frantically shoves something she was holding into a paper bag.
“Hinako, what’s wrong?”
“N-nya-nothing…!”
Was she doing something just now?
Her face is bright red.
“Ah, right.”
Before I forgot, I pulled something out of the shopping bag that I wanted to show Hinako.
“Shizune-san found it for me, and I ended up buying it—a brush to use in the bath. Apparently, if you brush before shampooing, it helps remove dirt more easily. So, let’s try it starting today.”
Supposedly, just taking your time and washing carefully is enough, but that’s in a spacious bath. The one we’re using now is small and not very well-ventilated, so Hinako always wants to get out quickly. I bought the brush to shorten the time we spend in there.
I thought she might show a little interest, but—
“To…!”
“To?”
“To-today, I-I’ll take my bath… on my own…!”
Hinako stammered as she said it.
Her completely unexpected reaction left me stunned for a while.
“…Did I do something wrong?”
“No, you’re fine,” Shizune-san replied.
While I stood there feeling uneasy, Shizune-san glanced at the paper bag lying on the floor.
Nodding as if she understood the situation,
“It simply means that Ojou-sama is growing up.”
“…Huh?”
I had absolutely no idea what she meant.
I figured she’d go back to normal after a while… so I decided not to worry about it for now.
However, that prediction turned out to be wrong.
From that day on, Hinako started acting strange.
