When the Introverted Me Got Surrounded by S-Tier Beauties After a Seat Change, a Secret Relationship Began V2 Chapter 1

Chapter 1: The After-Party and a Study Session for Two

"This year’s student council election… If I win, I want you to be my vice president, Ryouta-kun."

The offer was completely out of the blue.

After the culture festival, Kuroki and I were having a heart-to-heart in an empty classroom. We were talking about how she first learned about me, and about the time I'd apparently helped her out, when she suddenly dropped the offer to be her vice president.

"Wh-Whoa, hold on a sec! Vice president? That's way too much responsibility for me! C'mon, the student council's gotta have people way more qualified than I am."

"No. More than anyone else, I need you, Ryouta-kun."

Kuroki's tone was flat, yet unshakably calm. Even as I tried to back out, her resolve didn't waver one bit. It felt like no matter how much I protested, she wasn't going to budge.

Still, a gloomy loner like me on the student council? Representing the entire student body? Yeah, right. Not happening.Sure, I didn't turn down the role of Snow White when it was forced on me, but that wasn't because I'm some kind of yes-man. I just couldn't say no because I was trying to save my own skin.

Just when I'd decided I never wanted to be in the spotlight again, I get this offer. Talk about bad timing.

"Uh, look, Kuroki. I really don't think I can—"

'Piro~pirorin~'Just as I was about to make her see reason, a smartphone rang at the absolute worst possible time. It wasn't my ringtone, so it had to be hers.

"Looks like a call from Airi. Sorry, Ryouta-kun."

"Oh, uh, sure."

As I waited for Kuroki to finish her call with Miyama, I scrambled to figure out how to get the conversation back on track.

First off, even if I did become vice president, what could I possibly do to help her? I've helped her out a few times, sure, but thinking that makes me qualified for vice president is just way too simplistic. Besides, supporting someone as hell-bent on perfection as Kuroki… that's just not in my wheelhouse.

"Sorry about that, Ryouta-kun. Airi's being a real pest, telling me to hurry up and get to the rooftop."

"R-Right… Anyway, about the offer—"

"Ryouta-kun, the election isn't until the fall, so we still have time. Why don't you think about the vice president thing, okay? You can give me your answer after summer break is over."

"Huh? Uh… okay."

In the end, I couldn't turn her down on the spot and my decision was postponed. I can't shake the feeling that she expertly maneuvered me into a corner.

"Oh, and one more thing… until you give me your answer about the vice presidency, I'll be taking a little break from sending you selfies, m'kay?"

"A b-break!?"

"Mhm. Unless… there wouldn't be a problem with that, would there?"

Kuroki asked with a smile, but it didn't look the least bit genuine to me. What I saw was her true nature—what I call 'True Black Kuroki'—peeking through. 'As if I'd send selfies to some guy who's trying to turn down my offer.'S-So, her selfies are on hold, huh? Until I make a decision, I won't get any new pictures from her. Th-That's… Ugh.Lately, checking the selfies Kuroki sent every day had become part of my routine. The glimpses of Kuroki Rui's navel, that weird sense of superiority I got from being the one to receive them… my entire lifeline was being cut off. This was just too cruel.

And if I don't see any selfies until fall, that means I'll miss out on her summer tan selfies, won't I…? I-I wanna see them… Kuroki's tan lines in her track uniform! Not being able to see those navel shots… this is a matter of life and death!"Well, Yuria and Airi are waiting, so let's get a move on—"

"Wait, Kuroki. I'll… I'll give the vice president thing some serious thought. So please, don't stop sending the selfies?"

When I begged her, swallowing my pride, a cold smile played on her lips.

"Hehe… You know, Ryouta-kun,"

"Wh-What?"

"You say that you don't even like me, and yet you're always staring at me so pervertedly, aren't you?"

"Wha—?! N-No way!"

As I tried to deny it, Kuroki leaned in close to my ear again.

"You're the worst, Ryouta-kun."

She whispered thosewords before flashing a bewitching smile and trottingoff.

She just insulted me, right in my ear… A live ASMR session of verbal abuse… Incredible."Hehe, but I'm really not sending any more selfies until you decide about being the vice president ♡"

"What?"

And just like that, my supply was cut clean off.

☆☆

When Kuroki and I got to the rooftop, it was already packed with students buzzing with excitement. A lot of them were crowded by the chain-link fence, looking down at the schoolyard, probably waiting to watch the campfire from above.

"Hey, Ryouta, Rui-chan, over here!"

We were looking around for our friends when Miyama called out to us from the back of the roof. 

We quickly made our way over.

"Sorry we're late, Airi, Yuria."

"No worries! You two were grabbing food for us, right? I'm totally starving!"

"Ah… sorry! We actually forgot to get anything."

"Ehh?! Jeez, Rui-chan, you're such a scatterbrain!"

Come to think of it, Kuroki had told them to go on ahead because she and I were going to grab some food from the festival stalls. The original objective had completely slipped my mind… but did Kuroki forget, too? Nah, there's no way someone like her would get so flustered just talking to me that she'd forget something like that…Probably.

"Sorry, Airi. I'll treat you to anything to make it up to you, so let's go buy something now, okay? Please?" Kuroki cooed, like she was calming down a whining kid. Miyama's mood instantly flipped.

"A treat?! Well, if you insist!"

"Okay, Airi and I will go grab some stuff. You two want anything specific?"

"I'm good with whatever. You, Ryouta?"

"Y-Yeah, I’m fine with anything."

"Got it. We'll just pick some stuff out, then."

With that, Kuroki and Miyama headed off.

Left by ourselves, Yuria and I didn't really have anything to do, so we just sat and watched the schoolyard. There was a bit of an awkward vibe between us, thanks to that stunt I pulled during the play—pushing Kuroki onto the bed to cover her mistake. Yuria had even told me, "We're talking about this later."

Guess it's time to talk about the play."So," Yuria started, breaking the silence.

"……!"

"What were you and Rui doin' alone all this time?"

"Huh? Wh-what's with the interrogation all of a sudden?"

"Don't have to hide it. I mean, you said you were getting food and sent us ahead, but you showed up empty-handed. Kinda weird, don'tcha think?"

She had a point… it would be weirder not to be suspicious.

"Was it 'cause you pushed Rui down during the play?"

"W-Well… it's not not related, I guess."

So we're back to that… This awkwardness with Yuria is killing me. I need to clear this up, for real.

"Actually, uh… Kuroki was thanking me."

"Thanking you?"

"Y-Yeah! You know how the stage lights went out 'cause of that equipment issue? Well, when they suddenly came back on, Kuroki got startled and kinda lost her balance. So, I smoothly pushed her down and made it look like I was going in for a kiss. You know, to save her!" I explained, hamming it up like I was some kind of hero to make sure she didn't think for a second that Kuroki had messed up.

"I… see."

"Finally get it?"

"Sorry, Ryouta. My bad, I totally misunderstood." Yuria apologized with a small smile.

M-Misunderstood?"I mean, it's you, so I just figured your perv-brain went into overdrive and you used the play as an excuse to jump her."

"Th-That's a hell of an assumption! What do you take me for, the walking embodiment of lust?!"

"I mean, you are, right? Don't think I haven't noticed you checkin' out my thighs."

"That's… well, I guess I can't really deny that."

"Ew, at least pretend to deny it!"

Hey, thighs are thighs. Of course I'm gonna look. It's only natural."Anyway, if that's all it was, I'm kinda relieved. After that scene on stage, I thought you two might've run off for a little secret rendezvous or somethin'."

"As if! And how could I, anyway? We're talking about the Kuroki Rui here."

"True that. You should probably aim for a girl who's a little more in your league, Ryouta."

"In my league? You mean Tanaka?"

"Ugh… I'd pass on that one. Tanaka seems kinda like a psycho."

You hear that, Tanaka? You've been warned.After that, Yuria and I just watched the campfire preparations in the schoolyard while we waited for the other two to get back.

"By the way, Yuria, shouldn't you be down there helping? You're on the committee, right?"

"Nah, the campfire's being handled by the male teachers and the guys on the committee, so us girls get free time. We get stuck with the boring stuff, like checking equipment and handlingthe accounts after the festival."

"Oh, really?"

Taking a closer look, I saw she was right. It was only guys on the field.

"So why'd you even join the committee, Yuria? Doesn't really seem like your thing."

"What's that supposed to mean? I get stuff done when I have to, y'know."

"Huh… Is that some kind of dirty joke?"

"As if! Don't lump me in with a perv like you, Ryouta!" Yuria shot back, clearly annoyed.

Lump her in with me… there she goes again, talking like my very existence is a dirty joke."I joined 'cause… Rui was about to get stuck with it."

"Kuroki was?"

"Everyone in our class is always like, 'Rui, Rui this, Rui that,' tryin' to push all the work onto her, right? Sure, she can do anything, and she's perfect at it, but… no matter how awesome you are, you still get tired. I knew it'd be too much for her. So I figured if I volunteered, it might lighten her load a little."

For Kuroki's sake… huh.Come to think of it, she said she volunteered to bethe prince to help Kuroki out, too. Though, in the end, they just ended up double-casting it…

"Hey, Ryouta, what're you smirking at?"

"Oh, nothing. Just… you're a really good friend, Yuria."

"Wh-What's that… You actually complimenting me?"

"Totally. I've never really had friends, so I don't think I could ever go that far for someone…"

If I were in her shoes, I don't know if I could be that selfless. That's why I honestly respect her so much.

"Okay, but what if, like, Tanaka was about to get stuck with it?"

"I'd let Tanaka do it."

"So mean!"

"She could stand to be a little more social."

"Can't argue with that."

"Hey, you two! Sorry for the wait!"

Just as we were roasting Tanaka, Kuroki and Miyama came back through the rooftop entrance… hold on.

"H-Hey, what's with all that food?"

They had returned with both hands loaded down with plastic bags, filled to the brim with who-knows-what.

"We bought out everything that was on sale for half-price! It's for the SGDs, or… whatever it's called!"

"You mean the SDGs. But still… that's a mountain of food."

Maybe it is for the SDGs, but if Miyama's boobs get any bigger from eating all this, my tissue consumption is gonna skyrocket. It all balances out, right…?"Let's eat up before the campfire starts!"

…Well, if her giant boobs get even bigger, I guess it's fine by me. As long as I get to see them, I'm happy. I decided to stop thinking.

☆☆

As evening rolled in, a crowd started to form around the campfire, everyone eagerly waiting for it to be lit. The announcement marking the end of the culture festival echoed through the school, and the reality that the hectic day was finally over began to sink in.

We'd planned to eat the food Miyama and Kuroki had bought, but while I was just nibbling on a frankfurter, Miyama had already inhaled yakisoba, another frankfurter, and three five-piece packs of takoyaki. Even Kuroki was putting it away, finishing three packs of yakisoba while snacking on takoyaki.

Whoa, what's with these girls' stomachs? Miyama I can maybe understand, but I never figured Kuroki for a big eater.Yuria, on the other hand, had only eaten two or three takoyaki, like she was on some kind of cleanse. What's up with her? Is she not feeling well or something?

"Yuri—I mean, Ichinose, aren't you gonna eat more like them? There's still fried chicken and tamasen left over."

"Oh, Ryouta-kun, honestly. You're as tactless as a nosy uncle. Yuria's been on a die—"

"Hey, Rui! Don't say it! You're the one being tactless now!" Yuria cried, frantically shoving a tamasen into Kuroki's mouth to shut her up.

"Mmmph, this tamasen is delicious," Kuroki mumbled.

"Hey, Rui-chan, no fair! I want tamasen too! Ryouta, can you get me one?"

The bag with the tamasen was right in front of me, so I was about to hand it to her… but then.

"Ryouta, feed it to me~"

"H-Huh?!"

The second I picked up the tamasen, Miyama turned to me, her little mouth wide open. She was totally waiting to be fed… but that's not the point!

"There's no way I'm doing something that embarrassing!"

"It's not embarrassing! Yuria just did it for Rui-chan, didn't she?"

That was to shut her up, though."Seriously, Airi, don't. Making Ryouta feed you… sounds all kinds of wrong."

"That's a pretty flimsy reason to object."

"Airi? Ryouta-kun's hands are probably filthy from touching who-knows-what, so let's not do that, okay?"

"Ouch. Did you have to say it like you're talking to a little kid?"

As the other two girls shot me icy glares, I was faced with an impossible choice.

"C'mon, Ryouta, hurry up!"

Ugh… This might be my only chance to stuff something (a tamasen) into Miyama's mouth…

"F-Fine…"

I pulled a paper-wrapped tamasen from the plastic bag. It was still warm, a fried egg sandwiched between two folded shrimp crackers. The savory smell of the soy-and-mirin-flavored crackers and the fragrant egg made my mouth water.

I brought it toward Miyama's mouth. Her eyes had been closed, but she must have smelled it coming, because she suddenly snapped her jaws around it.

"…Mmmph~! So good~!"

What is she, a dog?"Thanks, Ryouta! Maybe it tasted even better 'cause you fed it to me."

"Huh? R-Really?"

As I blushed and grinned like an idiot, I could feel Kuroki and Yuria boringholes into me with their stares. It kept me on edge until the campfire finally started.

☆☆

As the sun disappeared completely, the final event of the culture festival, the campfire, began. A swarm of nauseatingly lovey-dovey couples gathered around the flames, enjoying the folk dance time reserved exclusively for normies.

Meanwhile, up on this rooftop, a congregation of non-normies and anti-normies, a stream of curses and insults flew toward the campfire below. This must be what they call heaven and hell.

And yet, the beautiful trio of Kuroki, Yuria, and Miyama were different. Unbothered by jealousy, they simply watched the roaring flames in silence.

"And just like that, this year's culture festival is over. We only have one more left, huh…" Kuroki murmured wistfully.

She was right. We only had one more culture festival to go. Before, I would've been counting down the seconds until it was over, but I actually had a decent time this year. Hearing there was only one left made me feel a little sad.

"You know… I think doing a play instead of a café this year was totally the right call! The prep and memorizing lines was super hard, but acting was surprisingly fun! Plus, I got to see Yuria and Rui-chan as princes, and Ryouta's cross-dressing was sooooo cute, so I'm one happy camper!"

As Miyama reminisced, Kuroki and Yuria both gave small nods.

Hold on. That last part about my cross-dressing was definitely not necessary.

"Yeah, I feel the same as Airi. It's all thanks to Rui for suggesting the play."

"Me? I had track practice, so I couldn't really help with preparations, and I made things hard for Yuria with the double-casting… I don't deserve any thanks. I should be thanking you and Airi for working so hard. And you too, Ryouta-kun."

"Rui…"

"Rui-chan…"

The three of them naturally took each other's hands, continuing to exchange shy words of gratitude. Seeing such a pure, drama-free display of friendship between girls was actually kind of heartwarming, even for an outsider like me. They really are close… almost like sisters.

But maybe it's because they're so close that they have to keep secrets from each other. Miyama's reason for working a part-time job, Yuria's desperately hidden otaku life, Kuroki's dark, perfectionist streak… it's all to protect this relationship they have.

"Whoa, are there, like, way more couples at the campfire this year?"

"Aww, I want a boyfriend, too~"

"You have one, don't you, Airi?"

"Ah! I-I meant, like, one at our school! So we could be all cute and stuff at the festival like them!"

Miyama scrambled to keep up the "I have a boyfriend" act. It's just a cover so she has an excuse for her part-time job, but how has she not been caught yet? …Unless Kuroki already knows?

I snuck a glance at Kuroki, but for some reason, she was already staring right at me. Our eyes met.

"Wh-What is it?"

"…Hehe, it's nothing."

With that, Kuroki moved closer to the fence and gazed down at the fire.

"Next year… I wonder if one of us will be down there with someone."

"Ooh, Rui-chan, you have a crush?"

"Hehe, who knows? How about you, Yuria? Got your eye on anyone?"

"Me? I told you, I'm not really into talking to guys."

"Ehh? But you talk to Ryouta all the time!"

"Huh?! Th-That's different! I only talk to Ryouta 'cause you and Rui do! It's not like I have a choice!"

Yeah, right. And later, when we're alone, you'll be like, "I was totally lying." This gyaru is the best. Her thighs, too."What are you smirking at, Ryouta? You're being gross."

"Nothing… Just thinking how wonderful this all is."

"What is?! Seriously, stop. You're creeping me out."

A bright red Yuria refused to speak to me for the rest of the campfire.

☆☆

As the campfire died down, so did the culture festival. Maybe it was because the normies' passion had been extinguished too, but the loud, festive air around the school had been replaced by a quiet, exhausted calm.

We headed back to our classroom for homeroom. Everyone was so wiped that they decided to leave cleaning up the play props for tomorrow, heading straight home afterward.

"Well, I've got a committee meeting."

"And I have a track club meeting, so I'll head out first, 'kay?"

Yuria and Kuroki left the classroom first for their respective duties. The track club has meetings even on a day like this, with a tournament coming up? Man, sports clubs are the worst.

Alright, guess I'll head home… huh?

As I grabbed my bag and stood up, Miyama, who sat in front of me, spun around in her seat.

"Ryouta, Ryouta! Let's walk home together!"

"Huh? Uh, sure. I don't mind."

It was probably because Kuroki and Yuria weren't around. Miyama invited me, and we ended up leaving the school building together.

The moon was already hanging in the night sky. It was past seven… it's been a while since I've headed home this late.

"The culture festival was so fun!"

"For you, Miyama, I think 'delicious' is more accurate than 'fun'."

"What's that supposed to mean?! You make it sound like all I did was eat!"

I mean, you kinda did…"But the festival food was so cheap and yummy! I wish every day was the culture festival."

"The people organizingit would probably hate that."

"You know, for next year, I kinda wanna do a food stall!"

You just want to eat, don't you? …Still, it's better than another play.

"Oh, but maybe I wanna do a play again!"

"I'm never doing a play again. Ever."

"Ehh?! Let's do it! It was fun!"

"Because if this one was a success, they'll just want to do another gender-swap play, right? And then I'll get stuck playing the princess again, for sure."

Normies live for that kind of running gag. Since I did a decent job as the princess this year, it's inevitable they'll think, 'it'd be hilarious if he was the lead again next year.' That's why another play is out of the question.

"No way… I wanted to be the princess this time…"

"You did? In that case, if you can convince everyone to drop the gender-swap thing and let you be the princess, I'll back you up."

"Really?!"

Without Kuroki's gender-swap idea, I won't be forced to be the heroine, and Miyama gets to be the princess. It's a win-win. Then I can just slack off as a stagehand… way easier than running a food stall.

"Okay! Then I'll be the princess, and you can be the prince, Ryouta!"

"Yeah, you got it—wait, the prince? Me?!"

"Yup! If you'll be the prince, Ryouta, I'll convince everyone!"

"Whoa, whoa, how did we get here?!"

"I don't wanna do it if you're not the lead, Ryouta! If some other guy is the prince, then I'm out!"

"Wh-What's that supposed to mean?"

I don't really get it, but it seems like Miyama is dead set on getting me on stage. I guess she feels more comfortable with me since we talk a lot… but have a heart, Miyama!

"I mean, we don't even know if we'll be in the same class next year… but fine, I'll think about it."

"Really? Yay!"

"I just said I'd think about it."

First, Kuroki's offer to be vice president, and now this… another problem I've just kicked down the road. Sigh."With… Ryouta… hehe."

It was too dark to see clearly, but Miyama's cheeks seemed unusually red.

"Oh, right, Ryouta! About tomorrow after school…"

"Hmm?"

"Can I come over to your house?"

"Huh…? My house? Why all of a sudden?"

"Is that… a no?"

It's not a 'no,' exactly, but… Miyama wants to come to my house? And this time… alone.

"I-If you're okay with a dump like my place…"

"Yay! Then let's walk home together after school tomorrow, okay?"

I can't believe it. Miyama wants to come over… Combined with that almost-boob-touch before the play today, could she be… hitting on me?!

My hopes soaring, after Miyama and I parted ways, I went and bought two boxes of… supplies.

☆☆

And so, after school ended the next day.

"Comin' in~!"

The second Miyama stepped into my room, she dragged the low table from the corner to the center of the room, pulled something out of her bag, and plopped down on a floor cushion.

"Alright, let's get started… with our study session!"

"Yeah, I'm all set on my end—wait, a study session?"

"Yup! The exams are only two weeks away, remember? If I fail another subject, I'll be banned from my part-time job. We promised we'd study together!"

So that's what this was about… just a study session. And here I was hoping for a practical lesson in health and P.E. Just a study session… seriously?"The AC in your room is so nice and cool, Ryouta~ The one at my place is ancient, so the electricity bill is insane, and it konks out sometimes."

Miyama propped her massive chest on the table and fanned herself with her hand. Just looking at her is ridiculously erotic… To think I, who tied with Kuroki for first in the grade on the health and P.E. exam, could have demonstrated my vast (sexual) knowledge, and for what? A study session. Sigh.To be fair, the finalswere only two weeks away. Our school is one of the top public prep schools in the prefecture, so it's tradition for the mood to shift from festival fun to hardcore study mode right after the culture festival.

"A study session is fine and all, but how many subjects did you fail last time, Miyama?"

"Pretty much all of them!"

"Ah. Then you're screwed."

"Hey! Don't give up on me! I haven't given up yet!" Miyama huffed, her chest jiggling. (Because I was expecting… other things, my eyes were even more glued to her chest than usual.) "I'm definitely not gonna fail! I have to balance studying and my job!"

Well… she hasn’t given up yet so that’s a relief, I guess.

"Please, Ryouta! I have to start picking up shifts again next week! I really need to cram as much as possible today!"

"Alright, alright. We made a promise. I'm not gonna bail on you now."

"Really?! Thank you, Ryouta!"

Miyama beamed, flashing a brilliant white smile, and happily cracked open a textbook. If she's this motivated, I wish she'd just study normally, but she's busy with her job and everything else… She did say it's just her and her mom, so she probably has a lot of chores to do, too. It'd be mean to be too hard on her. 

"Ryouta~, I don't get this part."

"Hmm? Where?"

"This whole page~"

"…"

On second thought, I'm going in hard.☆☆

We reviewed the material for math, modern Japanese, and classical Japanese, and I quizzed her every now and then.

"…Alright, this one's right, too. See? You can do it if you try, Miyama."

"Hehe! I'm a pro at all-nighters, so my memory's actually pretty good!"

Is being a pro at all-nighters really something to brag about…?"So you crammed for the high school entrance exams, too?"

"Yup! Passed 'em with a week's worth of all-nighters!"

A week's worth of all-nighters?! That's not an all-nighter anymore, that's just called studying!

"…Wait a sec. You're telling me you got into our school with just one week of actual studying?"

"Yup! It was surprisingly doable."

No, no, for a normal person, that should be impossible!"You wanted to get into our school that badly?"

"Mmm, it wasn't so much about this school in particular. I just really didn't want to go to a private school. Like I told you before, my family can't really afford the tuition."

It was true. Private schools nickel-and-dime you for everything from textbooks to facility fees. For Miyama, who lived alone with her mom, her choices were probably limited by her desire not to be a burden. On top of that, she's working her butt off at her job now… Miyama's pretty amazing.

"Plus, when you factor in transportation costs, a school nearby was better. So my only two real options were the local public school full of delinquents, or this place, which is within walking distance."

"Talk about being stuck between a rock and a hard place."

"Ahaha, right? But I totally hate delinquents, and I figured if I was gonna go to high school, I might as well go somewhere I could find a new me. So I picked the school with the high college admission rate. Pretty good choice, if I do say so myself."

She says she 'picked' it… She talks like she had a choice, but she was the one being evaluated. I had to go to cram school for a whole year and study my ass off to get in…

Could it be? Is Miyama one of those geniuses who just needs to apply herself…?

"Well, getting in was one thing, but it's been a struggle ever since. My test scores are always a disaster."

"But you got it as soon as I explained it! You really are a genius, Miyama!"

"Huh? Y-You think so?!"

"Yeah! You've improved so much just from this one study session. It's incredible!"

I was strict with her earlier, so now it's time for the 'carrot'. I laid the praise on thick.

"Ehehe~ I guess you're right, huh~? I am a genius, after all~"

She immediately got a swelled head. Crap. Maybe I overdid it.

"Oh, then, then! As a reward for all my hard work, can I get… head-pats?"

"Huh? Head…?"

Miyama took my hand and placed it on top of her head. She wants me to pat her head?

I know it's a classic trope in light novels, but I've heard that real girls absolutely hate having their heads touched…

"Hurry up and pat~"

"O-Okay."

Miyama's always acting spoiled around everyone else, so maybe she's into this kind of thing…?

I did as she asked and started patting her head. Her hair was so silky, and the more I patted, the sweeter the scent that wafted up… This is bad. I could eat a bowl of rice with this scent alone.

"Mmmph… Who you get head-pats from really matters, you know~"

"What's that supposed to mean? You're not happy with me?"

"Hmm, I wonder~"

That was an unusually evasive answer for her. Is she really not satisfied with me?

"By the way, boys have such big hands. You're my only guy friend, Ryouta, so I don't really know how big other guys' hands are, but yours are big… and they feel really safe."

Miyama closed her eyes, completely lost in the sensation of my head-pats.

"Speaking of guys… has anyone found out about your 'fake boyfriend' yet?"

"Huh? I don't think so? Probably."

"But you slipped up at the campfire, saying you 'want a boyfriend.' It's only a matter of time before they figure it out… Don't you think it'd be better to just say you 'broke up' before they find out you were lying?"

"Ehh! But then I'd lose my excuse for when I'm busy with my job…"

She really wants to keep her part-time job a secret. Given how close those three are, I'm sure they'd be understanding about her family situation… No, she probably knows that. But maybe it's because they'd understand that she doesn't want them to worry or treat her any differently. A straightforward, kind girl like Miyama is lying to protect this secret. I have to protect it, no matter what.

"…But you know,"

"Hmm?"

"If I got a real boyfriend… then it wouldn't be a lie anymore, and I wouldn't have to feel guilty, maybe…?"

"A real boyfriend?"

"…N-Never mind! Come on, let's get back to studying, Ryouta!"

Miyama snatched her mechanical pencil so fast it almost went flying, and she dove back into her work.

Well, of course a girl like Miyama would have a guy she likes… Sigh. I'm so jealous.

"I'm rooting for you, Miyama. I hope you get a boyfriend."

"…………Hmph."

"Wh-What's with the glare?"

"…Idiot."

"Huh?"

"We're done talking about that! This part, this part, and this part! Hurry up and teach me!"

"Ehh…"

For some reason, Miyama was mad at me.

☆☆

Our study session lasted all the way until seven o'clock. Surprisingly, Miyama stayed serious the whole time and didn't goof off once.

"Haa… my brain is totally fried~"

Looking completely spent, Miyama stretched her legs out under the table and flopped backward, stretching her arms out on the floor. Th-Those massive things… even when she's lying down, they're like mountains… Unbelievable. I need to capture this moment.

I stole glances at Miyama's personal Mt. Everest as I packed up my study materials.

"You're a really good teacher, Ryouta! Whenever I was stuck, you'd come up with a really easy-to-understand example. Even a dummy like me got it!"

"You think so?"

"Yeah! I think you'd be a great teacher!"

"M-Me? A teacher?"

Her suggestion was so out of left field that I couldn't help but sound exasperated. Me, a gloomy loner, standing in front of a classroom? Impossible. I'd just get flustered, and even as an adult, my creepy stare would probably get me labeled 'the weird teacher' by all the female students. A fitting end, really.

"There's no way I'm becoming a teacher."

"Ehh, you think so? I really think you'd be good at it."

"No way, no way."

"Hmm, well then! What do you want to be in the future, Ryouta?"

I'd never seriously considered my future. In my middle school yearbook, I wrote 'Home Security Guard' as a joke, but I was such a loner that nobody even called me out on it. That was its own special kind of hell.

"My future, huh… I guess get into a decent college, find a decent job at a decent company…"

"And after you get a job?"

"…Well, that's it."

"Huh, that's it?! What do you mean?!"

"What do you mean, 'what do you mean'? Get a job, work there 'til I retire, and then just… live out the rest of my days." I'm an introvert, so I'm not about to go job-hopping or anything that would shake up my environment.

"Ehh! That's so boring! You should aim for something more interesting!"

"Interesting? That's pretty vague."

"Look, you like anime, right? So you could be an animator! Or one of those artists who draws the cute girls on those wall scrolls! There's tons of stuff!" she said, pointing at the tapestry of a white-haired loli in a micro-bikini hanging on my wall.

E-Even if she says that, I don't have the artistic talent of an animator or an illustrator… I'm an otaku, sure, but turning it into a job would be tough. That's why the only future I can see for myself is getting a normal job and becoming another corporate drone… Miyama makes it sound so simple.

Well, that's the reality for a guy like me whose only skill is studying. I'll join a company, become another cog in the machine, make a decent salary, and do the same tasks over and over again until I die. That's how the world works, so of course that's how my life will be.

"Oh, I know!"

"Jeez, what now?"

"You know that light novel you bought from my job, Ryouta? How about becoming a light novel author?!"

"A-A light novel author?"

"You're always reading those in class, Ryouta, and you're smart! I bet you could do it!"

"N-No… reading them is just a hobby."

"Ehh?"

It's not that easy to become a light novel author. And even if you manage it after years of trying, it's not a world where hard work guarantees success. For an average guy like me to make it in a world like that is… impossible.

"But you know… I'd really like to read a novel written by a kind boy like you, Ryouta. Just once."

"…M-Miyama."

"What kind of story would you want to write, Ryouta?"

The story I'd want to write… huh.When she said that, I felt a tiny flame ignite in my chest.

"W-Will you promise not to laugh?"

"Of course!"

"The story I want to write is… well…"

"Uh-huh, uh-huh."

"It's a harem isekai about a main character who gets the power to do whatever he wants with all the boobs in the world."

"…………"

The moment I answered honestly, the air in the room froze solid.

"Miyama? Hello~?"

"…F-First, I'm reporting you to Yuria."

"Hey! Please, don't tell Ichinose!"

"Then I'll tell Rui-chan."

"That's even worse, stop!"

I had to physically stop Miyama from pulling out her phone and snitching on me.

"Jeez! You're such a pervert, Ryouta!"

"What?! You said you wouldn't laugh! I swallowed my pride and told you, and this is how you react? That's low, Miyama."

"You're a pervert, Ryouta!"

"W-Well, all creation stems from eros, so what's the big deal?!"

"You're a pervert, Ryouta."

"Stop the 'Ryouta is a pervert' bot!"

The heat from our argument filled the room. Even with the AC blasting, I was sweating buckets.

"Ryouta, do you… look at my boobs that way, too?"

"…N-No, of course not."

It was a terrible lie, the kind a werewolf tells right before getting voted out on the first turn.

"I'd definitely hate it if it was any other guy, but… w-when it's you, Ryouta…"

"Huh?"

Miyama covered her slightly sweaty chest with her arms and looked up at me.

"You're my only male friend, Ryouta, and I want us to get even closer… so, you know… I guess I don't mind if you look. Because you're… special, Ryouta."

Her face was bright red as she slowly pieced the words together.

Huh? Wait a second. Is this… official permission to stare at her boobs? I'm now allowed to get a good, long look at Miyama's massive rack every single day?!

"R-Really, Miyama?!"

"But in exchange! There's one condition!"

"A-A condition?! Is it… money?!"

"Not money! It's, um… me…"

"You, Miyama?"

"From now on, instead of Miyama… could you call me Airi?"

The price for the right to stare at her boobs was… calling her by her first name.

Not only do I get to call her by her first name, but I also get a free pass to check out her chest… This deal is ridiculously skewed in my favor!

Besides, she's been dropping all these hints, calling me 'special' and her 'only male friend'… Could it be that those two boxes I bought weren't a mistake after all?! Is what I think is about to happen… actually about to happen?!

"If you don't want to, Ryouta, you can just keep calling me Miyama… but we're good enough friends to have study sessions and stuff, so I figured it wouldn't be weird to use our first names."

"G-Good friends…"

Right. Miyama might have an incredibly erotic body, but inside, she's a completely pure and innocent girl. She's just looking for the same kind of closeness she has with Yuria and Kuroki. In other words, the development I'm hoping for is definitely not going to happen.

I let my lust get the better of me and bought two boxes of… those. Seriously, I'm the worst. Thinking I had a chance just because we were alone in my room… How pathetic can I get?

Miyama sees me as a friend. That's why she'd let me stare at her chest, and that's why she wants me to use her first name. That has to be it.

"I-I get it… A-Airi."

"……!"

"Is this okay? Airi?"

"Y-Yup! Perfect, Ryouta!"

I had no idea what was so 'perfect' about it, but if she was happy, then I guess it was fine.

"If we call each other by our first names, I feel like we can get even closer, Ryouta!"

"R-Really?"

Airi was practically glowing, she was in such a good mood.

"You can call me Airi in public too, okay?"

"Ehh?!"

I'm still careful to call Yuria by her last name in front of everyone… If I call Miyama "Airi" in front of those two, they'll definitely get the wrong idea about our relationship. Especially Kuroki… she'd be super suspicious.

"H-Hey, Airi, maybe in front of everyone—"

"From now on, everyone, including you, Ryouta, is going to call me Airi. I'm so happy~"

Ugh… When she puts it like that, it's hard to say no…

"Do you think everyone will be surprised tomorrow when you suddenly call me by my first name, Ryouta? Ehehe."

Ah… I can't fight that smile. Screw it. Whatever happens, happens.

I braced myself, fully prepared for the chaos that was sure to erupt at school tomorrow.

☆☆

The next morning—I was sleeping in my room, which was so hot I was sweating even with the AC on. Tormented by the heat, I was having a strange dream.

I was on a bullet train, dream-hazy, just staring out the window at Mt. Fuji… But then, Mt. Fuji started to slowly morph into skin, and as I watched, it became a giant Airi.

…Huh? A giant Airi?!I pressed my face against the window, staring. The giant Airi was stark naked, but thankfully, clouds were covering all the important bits. She was just sprawled out over the massive tea fields of Shizuoka.

Then, she noticed me in the moving train and shouted, 'Found you, Ryouta~' before scrambling to her feet and charging toward me.

H-Hey, hey, this is bad! Her super-massive boobs are bouncing all over the place! The local ecosystem and my lower half are in serious danger, whoaaaaa!

The giant Airi started running, smashing buildings and fields, her colossal chest jiggling as she came right for me—

"ta-kun…"

Hmm? W-Wait a minute. I'm in the middle of a super-erotic dream about Airi, but I'm hearing another, very familiar voice.

"Ryouta-kun, it's morning~"

Th-That crystal-clear, beautiful voice…!?

"!!?"

I shot up in bed, blinking. There, in my room, was a beautiful girl in a summer uniform, with long, straight black hair… huh? That lush black hair and that impossibly perfect face… Kuroki Rui?!

"Wh-Why is Kuroki in my room…? Is this still a dream? A dream within a dream? Am I in an Akagawa Jirou novel?"

"Sorry to burst your bubble while you're panicking, but this isn't a dream."

"Not a… dream?"

"Nope. I came to pick you up a little early today. Your sister said that it was hot outside, solet me into your room."

As she explained, my brain slowly started to reboot, and I could finally process the situation. So, Kuroki woke me up… wait, that's still weird!

"Why my room!? And just because it's hot outside?!"

"Your sister was the one who—"

"That idiot of a sister… A-Anyway, I need to get changed, so can you please get out?"

"It's fine. I'll face the wall. Don't mind me."

"Of course I mind!"

B-But no matter how much I argue, Kuroki isn't the type to back down…

"Fine. Just face the wall, and don't you dare turn around, got it? I, uh, change my underwear in the morning, so I'm gonna be completely naked for a second."

"You change your underwear… hehe."

"Hey! What's so funny?! Got a problem?!"

"Nope, nothing. You're a very clean person, Ryouta-kun."

"…J-Just face the wall."

Like a scene out of an action movie, I made Kuroki face the wall and quickly started changing.

"Hey, Ryouta-kun."

"Argh, what now?"

"When I woke you up, you thought you were still dreaming… Does that mean… I was in your dream?"

"Th-That's…"

If I told her the truth—"I was dreaming about a giant, naked Airi running at me with her massive boobs bouncing everywhere"—I'd be finished in more ways than one.

"Hehe… So you even think about me in your dreams, Ryouta-kun?"

"…"

I'll be exercising my right to remain silent. But why does she look so happy about it?

Come to think of it… she said her fated person was me, right? I always just assumed she was teasing me, but… could it be that Kuroki actually… likes me?

"…Nah, no way. If she liked me, she'd be way more direct about it. This is Kuroki we're talking about."

"Ryouta-kun? Can I turn around now?"

"N-No! Don't! My… uh… thing is out right now!"

"Hmm…"

Jeez, what is with this atmosphere?!

☆☆

After being woken up by Kuroki's personal wake-upcall, I changed into my uniform, got ready, and we walked to school together.

At the door, my mom said, 'Ryouta's future is secure now.' …She's definitely got the wrong idea.

"Hehe, that was the first time I've met your mom, Ryouta-kun. She's so young."

"Yeah. My parents were childhood sweethearts. They got married right after high school, so they always look young compared to everyone else's parents."

"Wow… that's so nice. It's the kind of thing you dream about."

As she said that, she stared at me, her eyes never leaving my face. Why is she looking at me like that…?! Does she really… like me? But this is Kuroki. It's just as likely she's messing with me and I'm totally misreading the situation…

And besides, how do I feel about Kuroki Rui?

Until recently, I felt close to her because of the selfies, but that's not the real her. She's graceful, elegant, with a perfectly sculpted face and a devastatingly cute smile. On top of that, she's a total prodigy—academics, sports, popularity, she's top-class in everything.

Sure, the seating change shook things up between us, but the only new things I learned about her were that her perfectionism sometimes makes her a little cruel, and that her navel is incredibly erotic. Even knowing her secrets and her dark side, the fact remains that she's a perfect, beautiful superhuman.

I'm painfully aware that I'm not in her league. Us walking to school together like this is something that should never be happening. So the idea that she'd like a guy like me, with absolutely nothing to offer… even if I did save her thrice, it's just… not realistic.

"Ryouta-kun? You look troubled. What's wrong?"

"Ah, sorry, I zoned out. I was just, uh, thinking about you, Kuroki."

"Eh…"

Well, no use overthinking it. She's probably just messing with me anyway. I thought, but then I noticed that Kuroki, who had been walking beside me, had stopped dead in her tracks a few paces back.

"What's wrong, Kuroki?"

"…It's nothing. But wow, it's really hot today, isn't it? My face is starting to feel flushed."

Her face was beet red as she took out a handkerchief to dab at her forehead.

"Hey, you okay? Your face is so red. You're not good with heat?"

"I'm fine! I'm fine… so, for now… could you walk a little ahead of me, please?"

"Huh? O-Okay."

I did as she said and walked on ahead, with Kuroki trailing a little ways behind me. The conversation died, and we walked the rest of the way to school in an awkward silence.

What was that all of a sudden? She wants me to walk in front? What does that even mean?

Could it be… I smell? They say you can't smell your own body odor… Was she trying to be subtle and give me a hint? It is summer, so I should be careful about that… but this is so sudden. She seemed fine just a minute ago.

Oh well. I'll ask Yuria to help me pick out some cologne later.

"Ah! Ryouta, morning!"

On the way, we ran into Airi and Yuria, who were walking to school together.

"Oh, morning, you two."

"Mornin', Ryouta. You're with Rui today?" Yuria said, looking past me at Kuroki.

"Yup! I just happened to run into Ryouta-kun, so we decided to walk together."

Such a barefaced lie… Who was it that came all the way to my house to wake me up, I wonder?

"Oh yeah? Hey, Rui, your face is kinda red today."

"Huh?"

"It's true! Are you okay, Rui-chan?"

"I-I'm fine, I'm fine!" Kuroki stammered, flustered by their concern. This was a rare sight.

"M-More importantly, Airi, Yuria! The final exams are in two weeks. Are you two ready? Did you study yesterday?"

"Ugh, don't sound like my mom, Rui. As if."

"Hehe! I did! Right, Ryouta?"

"Huh? Ryouta? Why are you asking Ryouta?"

"Uh, um…"

Airi had suddenly dragged me into the conversation, and now Yuria was demanding an explanation. I had no idea how to react. Wait, wasn't our study session supposed to be a secret? Kuroki and Yuria had plans after school yesterday, so Airi hadn't told them about it. I figured we were keeping it on the down-low… 

Why'd you have to go and say that, Airi?!Guess I have to give them the short version.

"Actually, yesterday, Miyama and I—"

"Ryouta! My name, my name!"

Crap, right… But saying it in front of Yuria and Kuroki is… just too weird… Sigh.I remembered how happy Airi was yesterday when I called her by her first name. And it was part of our deal for the boob-peeking rights… I have no choice.

I put on a pained expression and continued.

"A-Actually, yesterday… Airi and I had a study session."

"Ehehe~ Much better."

""…Huh?""

Kuroki and Yuria said in unison, completely stunned. Kuroki's blush instantly vanished, her face returning to its usual pale complexion.

"Hold on a second. Hey, Ryouta-kun, why are you calling Airi by her first name?"

Yep, here we go. Her face was smiling, but the pressure rolling off her was enough to crush me flat.

"Tell me, what's going on here? Did something… happen between you two?"

"N-No! Of course not!"

I was trapped. I had to tell them something.

"M-Miyama really wanted me to call her Airi, so… we made a deal, and calling her by her first name was part of the conditions."

If I told them what the other part of the deal was, I'd probably get punched, so I had to keep my mouth shut about that, even if it killed me. It was a lame excuse, but it wasn't technically a lie.

"Hmm. Is that true, Airi?"

"Yup! Just like Ryouta said!"

Why does she have to ask her for confirmation? She really doesn't trust me at all.

"Well, I suppose that makes sense. Airi has a boyfriend, so I didn't think she'd get into some kind of shady relationship with you, Ryouta-kun."

"I thought you two got into a weird relationship at first, too… but Airi has a boyfriend, right? In that case, Ryouta, you should call us by our first names, too."

"Huh?!"

"I agree. Excellent idea, Yuria."

"Right?"

Damn you, Yuria, smoothly jumping on the bandwagon… But for me, it might actually be helpful. I was always on the verge of calling her by the wrong name anyway.

"Got it, Ryouta? I'm Yuria, and you call Rui, Rui."

"Huh? O-Okay… got it, Yuria. And… Rui."

'Yuria' felt natural, since I was used to it, but calling Kuroki 'Rui'… felt kinda… itchy.

As I was blushing, Airi tugged on my sleeve.

"Ryouta!"

"Wh-What is it, Airi?"

"Hmph… Never mind."

For some reason, Airi was pouting the rest of the way to school. I called her by her name, so why is she mad? M-Man, girls are impossible to understand.

For the time being, I just walked to school with the three of them, my eyes glued to Airi's chest—the very same one from my dream.

☆☆

With exams only two weeks away, the classroom atmosphere had turned deadly serious. Even when I walked in with the beauty trio, no one even glanced up from their vocabulary books and review packets. It was just the culture festival a little while ago, but the way everyone could just flip a switch like that was impressive.

Following their lead, I sat down and opened a textbook instead of my usual light novel.

"Hey, Ryouta, Ryouta."

"Hmm? What's up, Yuria?"

"…I need to talk to you alone for a sec. I'm going up to the rooftop, so meet me there." Yuria whispered, then slipped out of the classroom.

A-Alone…? Please don't let this be another lecture about the name thing…

Getting bossed around by beautiful girls all morning was already exhausting, but Yuria had summoned me, so I reluctantly headed for the roof.

The rooftop on a midsummer morning was already scorching. Even Tanaka, who usually holed up in the rooftop stairwell until homeroom, was nowhere to be seen.

"Ugh, so hot. Oh, Ryouta, you're here."

"S-Sorry to keep you waiting, Yuria."

When I got there, Yuria was leaning against the chain-link fence, her hands on her hips. Her long hair, backlit by the sun, seemed lighter than usual.

Normally, being alone with a gyaru on the rooftop would be a dream-come-true, pervy-fantasy-level event, but today, things were different.

"So, what's up? It's about this morning, isn't it?"

Right. The 'calling Airi by her first name' incident. Kuroki—I mean, Rui—had grilled me on the spot, but Yuria hadn't really said much.

"Well, yeah… but first things first, you and Airi aren't in some kinda weird relationship, right?"

"O-Of course not! A gloomy otaku loner like me dating a gorgeous girl with a rack like hers? That's pure fantasy!"

"You know, your self-esteem is, like, seriously in the gutter."

Yuria was defending me, but only because we were fellow otaku.

"It's not just that I'm an otaku. Airi has a boyfriend, remember? So nothing like that would ever happen."

"…"

"Y-Yuria?"

Yuria was frowning, a troubled look on her face.

"That's the thing. I've had this sinkingfeeling for a while now… I mean, Airi's so naive and pure. Does she really have a boyfriend?"

"…!"

Oh no, Airi… you're totally about to get busted.Of course, after spending a whole year with Miyama Airi and getting to know her, anyone would realize she wasn't the type to mess around and get a boyfriend from another school.

"I didn't want to mess up our friendship, so I never pushed it, but lately, Airi's been acting super close with you, Ryouta… and it just makes me wonder if she evenhas a boyfriend."

In other words, she was a little suspicious before but let it slide, but now that Airi and I are closer, that suspicion has grown stronger. In reality, she doesn't have a boyfriend. Airi is just naturally cuddly and flirty with everyone. It's not surprising she's giving off the wrong impression.

"What do you think, Ryouta? Or maybe… Ryouta—"

I swallowed hard.

"Do you know something?"

Yuria narrowed her eyes at me. A bead of sweat—I couldn't tell if it was from the heat or my nerves—trickled down my cheek and splattered on the scorching concrete.

Th-This is bad. For the past month, I'd been doing a surprisingly good job of keeping secrets, and I'd gotten careless. I never thought I'd be the one under suspicion. I wasn't prepared for this at all. I frantically tried to think of what to say.

"Th-There's no way I'd know anything! I mean, sure, Airi is pure and naive around us, but maybe she's different with her boyfriend, you know?"

"Different with her boyfriend?"

"Yeah. So it's too simplistic to just assume she couldn't have a boyfriend based on how she usually acts."

I was skillfully covering my bases, emphasizing that I knew nothing about Airi's private life while simultaneously backing up the idea that she had a boyfriend. Pretty smooth, if I do say so myself. If this could just make Yuria back off a little…

"…I see. Well, it's true I've never had a boyfriend, so I don't really get how people can act totally different around them… Yeah. Maybe you're right, Ryouta. Maybe Airi's just doing her best for him."

"Yuria…"

"And when I think about it, I don't think Airi is clever enough to pull off a lie like that. Maybe I was just overthinking it."

It seemed to have worked. For now. I'd have to talk to Airi later about how her cover was starting to slip, though.

"But, if that's the case, then maybe I could…"

"Hmm?"

"If I got a boyfriend, I wonder if I could become a little different, too?"

"…Do you want to be different, Yuria?"

"I dunno. But right now…" Yuria stared at me and gently poked the tip of my nose with her light-blue-nails. "I have an otaku guy named Ryouta who accepts both the gyaru me and the otaku me, so I don't really need a boyfriend, I guess."

She said it with a dazzling, white-toothed smile.

She doesn't need a boyfriend… because of me?Isn't it the other way around? If your only guy friend is an otaku like me, wouldn't you be bored? Wouldn't you want to hang out with more handsome guys?

"Besides, if I got a boyfriend, you'd probably feel too awkward to stare at my thighs, right, Ryouta? That'd be too sad. So until you get sick of my thighs, I'll hold off on getting a boyfriend for you."

"H-Hey, I don't think I'll ever get sick of them. You sure about that?"

"F-Forever…? Jeez. You really are a massive pervert, Ryouta!"

"Don't say it with a smile. Say it like you're totally disgusted."

And while you're at it, insult me some more."Well, that's the part of you that's just so—"

"Hmm?"

"…Never mind. We should probably head back to class."

"Yeah, you're right."

Morning homeroom was about to start, so Yuria and I jogged back to the classroom.

Yuria's smile when she called me a "massive pervert" was unbelievably cute. It was a different kind of thrill from the simple pleasure of being insulted.

"…Hey, Yuria, from now on, can you keep insulting me with a smile?"

"Huh? Gross. You're creeping me out."

This time, she was just plain creeped out.

This is it. This is what I was looking for.☆☆

The suspicion that I was dating Airi was completely gone, and the tense exam season began.

Classes turned into intensive review sessions, and even the students' idle chatter shifted from frivolous gossip to purely academic topics.

…Except for two problem children.

"Hey, hey, for summer break, let's go bug catching, and to a festival, and the pool!"

"Sounds good, Airi. I was just thinking about getting a new swimsuit this year."

Every break, Airi and Yuria would gather at my desk to talk about summer vacation. Normally, Rui, the responsible one of the group, would tell them to study, but she was constantly swarmed by other students with questions, so she couldn't join in.

Taking full advantage of her absence, Airi and Yuria were endlessly planning their post-exam summer fun. Airi would be banned from her job if she failed, and based on Yuria's behavior in class, her grades weren't looking too hot either… Should I step in and play the mom-friend in Rui's place?

"Hey, you two, I get that you're excited for summer, but what about your studies?"

""…………""

The second I brought it up, both of their faces fell, like it was the end of the world.

"H-Hey, what's with the dead-inside look?"

"Oh, I'm sorry, are we bothering you, Mr. Top-of-the-Class?"

The 'top-of-the-class' were the top 50 students whose scores were posted on the bulletin board for all to see.

"You could never understand the pain of us on the bottom-of-the-class list," Airi added.

The bottom-of-the-class list was for students who failed and got their names posted on the same board as a summons. The two of them, who were regulars on that list, had gone from sparkling smiles to glaring at me with dark, scornful eyes.

"N-No, I wasn't trying to call you out or anything."

"It must be nice being so smart, Ryouta. If you feel so bad for us, why don't you give us some of your brain cells?"

"You wouldn't study even if I did, Yuria."

"You hear that, Airi? He's saying we're stupid because we don't study."

"That's so mean, Ryouta!"

"You're twisting my words!"

How did these two even get into this school when they hate studying so much…? I know Airi did it for her family, but what's Yuria's story?

"Oh! I've got it! If we all pass our final exams, then you, Ryouta, have to do whatever we want during summer vacation! How about that?"

"Huh? What?!"

"Ooh, I love that! In that case, I'll make you my personal ice cream gofer."

"What are you even talking about, Yuria? That's not a plan, that's just an errand."

"Then, I think I'll have him carry my shopping bags for me."

As we were talking, Rui had somehow appeared at my desk at some point. 

Why does she always show up the second the conversation turns to something like this… this girl!"Well, if that's the deal, then we'd better get studying. Let's do it, Airi."

"Roger that~"

Whatever their motivation, the two of them were finally fired up. They went back to their desks and opened their textbooks.

"Looks like you're in luck, Ryouta-kun."

"…W-Well, I'm not gonna complain about being invited to hang out with a bunch of beautiful girls all summer, but studying for a reason like that is kinda pointless, don't you think?"

"Hehe… You're so serious all the time." Rui smiled, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

"Let's have lots of fun together this summer, okay?"

Spending the summer with these three beautiful girls… What is my life even becoming?

A turbulent summer vacation was just around the corner.

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