Ever since I confessed, she has been acting strange. - CHAPTER 3: THE LADY WHO COMMUNICATES AND THE SONG ARC

Episode 12: Alliance

“That over there is the cafeteria. It might be difficult right now, but please feel free to use it once things settle down. The students have given it great reviews for its taste as well.”

“…I’ll keep that in mind. When the time comes, will Eito come with me too?”

“That’s right. Having lunch together as a group of three might not be a bad idea.”

“…It doesn’t have to be just the three of us.”

“I see. In that case, let’s invite Kazami too and make it four.”

I had been guiding them around the academy for a while now, and all the while, countless words had been exchanged between Ojou and Otoha-san. Strangely, to my eyes, it felt as if the two of them were crossing blades, locked in a silent duel. Perhaps it was just my exhaustion playing tricks on me.

(This might be the first time I’ve seen Ojou having such an extended conversation with another girl at the academy… And even Otoha-san seems to be speaking far more than she did on that day off.)

Both Ojou and Otoha-san were smiling, and it seemed like they were getting along well. If the right opportunity arose, they might even become good friends.

his is the courtyard. As you can see, it’s quite spacious, so during lunch breaks, many students gather here—some basking in the sun on the grass, others enjoying various activities. The beautiful flowers blooming over there are the result of the dedicated efforts of the gardening club. …What do you think? Shall we take a break on that bench while admiring the flowers?”

“…You’re right. There’s no point in staying on edge the whole time.”

“…That’s true. Taking a break here might be a good idea.”

Just as the timing felt right, our tour of the academy had led us to the courtyard. I guided the two of them to a bench.
…It’s not like I expected them to sit close together or anything, but I also didn’t think they’d sit at opposite ends.

Seeing this, it didn’t really seem like they were getting along… No, wait. Could it be that the two of them――

(――Are they embarrassed?)

I see. Maybe with me, a third party, present, Ojou and Otoha-san feel too self-conscious to act comfortably around each other. In that sense, perhaps they actually do get along quite well.

(…Alright.)

I had always been somewhat concerned about the fact that Ojou didn’t have any close friends at the academy.
If it’s Otoha-san, perhaps she could become a good friend who truly gets along with her.
It might be presumptuous of me, but just this once, I’ll give them a little push.

“Ojou, Otoha-san. You must be thirsty, right? I’ll go buy something to drink, so you two can rest here for a while.”

Without giving them a chance to respond, I quickly left the scene.
I really was going to buy drinks—just not from the school’s store or vending machines, but from a coffee shop nearby.

(If they can grow a little closer in the meantime, that would be nice.)

☆

…Before I could even call out to him, he was already gone.
Honestly, Eito… What exactly is he thinking?

“……”

Habataki Otoha also seemed slightly flustered at suddenly being left alone with me. …That said, to be honest, I was feeling the same way.
Just a moment ago, I had the momentum of keeping a watchful eye on this thieving cat, but now that Eito was gone, that energy had completely faded.
Still, staying silent like this would only make things more awkward.

“…Hey.”

“…What?”

“………Have you been able to sing again?”

“…Yeah. Little by little, I’ve been able to sing again since that day. Right now, I’m taking it slow, going through rehab and lessons. Since I have the chance, I plan to enjoy school life too. Experiencing student life might help expand my range of expression… and I want to put my father at ease.”

“I see. That’s good to hear.”

“…Were you worried about me?”

“I-It’s not like that. I just… When it comes to your singing voice… as frustrating as it is, even I have to admit how remarkable it is. Losing something like that would just be a waste, that’s all.”

“…Isn’t that what you call being worried?”

“I’m telling you; that’s not it!”

Ah, geez. Is this girl a little dense or something?
I should probably change the subject.

“More importantly… Why did you transfer to this school?”

“…I’ve been interested in it for a while. My mother went here, after all. I didn’t know Eito was here too, so that was a happy coincidence.”

“Your mother, huh… I’ve listened to a few of her songs before. They were beautiful—songs that touched people’s hearts and painted them with emotion. Even I have to admit, without hesitation, how wonderful they were.”

…Of course. She’s my mother, after all.”

“I’ve been thinking this since that day off, but… you can make expressions like that too, huh? You always seemed cooler and more composed on TV.”

“…It’s thanks to Eito.”

I see. Honestly… Eito, really. The moment I take my eyes off him, he goes and does things like this.
I know this feeling all too well—after all, I was once someone he saved too. That’s why I understand exactly how she feels.

“…I want to be with him. I want to stay by his side. I don’t want to give him to anyone else.
I’ve never felt this way before. Eito is my first.”

“…I see.”

The afternoon breeze swept through the courtyard, gently brushing against our cheeks.

“Yeah. I understand that feeling too.”

Because we were both saved by the same person—
And we both ended up falling for him.

“…The esteemed daughter of the Tendou Group. I’ve only ever seen you briefly at a party, but you’re actually much more…”

“Did I surprise you by being cuter than you expected?”

“…I found you to be an interesting and amusing person.”

“Is that supposed to be a compliment?”

“…That was my intention.”

I’m not quite sure whether I should be happy about that or not.

“…You’re beautiful, cute, smart, athletic, and Eito’s mistress. A formidable rival.”

“…Oh my? You’re quite the beauty yourself, with a fairy-like elegance straight out of a picture book. As for your singing… as frustrating as it is, even I have to acknowledge your talent. Compared to the other thieving cats, you’re quite a troublesome one.”

I had never had such a bold conversation with another girl at school before.
That’s why this felt a little… strange.

“…But I won’t lose.”

“That’s my line.”

No matter how formidable the opponent, I’m not going to let go of Eito.

“Ojou, Otoha-san.”

At last, Eito returned. Seeing the paper bag from the coffee shop in his hand, it was clear—he had stepped away on purpose.

“Sorry to keep you waiting. …I apologize for the delay. I was stopped by an acquaintance on the way back.”

“It’s fine. We were enjoying ourselves here, anyway.”

“…Yeah. It was a meaningful time.”

“I’m glad to hear that.”

I took the coffee from Eito. The logo on the cup belonged to a shop under the Tendou Group. …As expected of Eito. He knows my taste perfectly.

Oh, right. I had given some advice during the development of this espresso, helping to improve it. Thanks to those adjustments, its sales had increased compared to before…

“Wait a minute.”

“Ojou?”

My instincts were telling me something.
Something in Eito’s words just now didn’t sit right with me…

“Eito. You said you were called over by an acquaintance, right?”

“Yes. Is there something wrong?”

“Who called you, and for what reason?”

“A girl from Class C on the basketball team. She said she had a request she really wanted me to hear.”

“Ohhh—… I see. A request, huh…?”

If I remember correctly, there’s only one girl from Class C on the basketball team. And she’s not just any player—she competed in the national tournament back in middle school. A promising talent with a bright future, even featured in magazines.

“By the way, what’s your relationship with her?”

“She was struggling with some basketball-related issues, and I happened to pass by… I just listened to her concerns and helped out a little with her practice.”

Ah, I see now. That reminds me—back in middle school, Eito used to read tons of books about basketball and training, building up his knowledge. He’d even wake up early in the morning to prepare meticulously balanced meals…

There was a time when he used to wake up early just to prepare those carefully balanced meals… I always wondered why he suddenly got into basketball, but now one mystery has been solved.

“…What kind of request was it?”

It seemed like Habataki-san had caught on as well.

“If they win the upcoming sports tournament, she wants me to join the girls’ basketball team… preferably as her dedicated training partner.”

“………………”

I see, I see. A dedicated training partner, huh…?
Ohhh. Hmm. So that’s how it is.
This is that kind of thing, right? You start as a training partner, and before you know it, you end up as a life partner or something like that.

“Hey, Eito. What sport did she say she’s competing in for the tournament?”

“If I remember correctly… basketball. Since our school’s sports tournament offers prizes, all the athletes are pretty motivated.”

“Our class is deciding which sport to participate in tomorrow, right?”

“That should be the case. We’re deciding a little later than the other classes, but… now that I think about it, maybe the teacher delayed it out of consideration for Otoha-san’s transfer.”

“…!”

It seemed that Habataki-san had realized my intentions.

“Oh, right, Eito. I’m heading straight home today, so could you grab my bag from the classroom? Otoha-san’s as well, while you’re at it.”

“Understood. Please wait here for a moment.”

“Sure. I’m counting on you.”

Eito dashed off again. He would probably return even faster than before, but even a short amount of time was enough.

“Hey, Habataki-san. Are you interested in basketball?”

“…I am now. I was just thinking of choosing basketball for the sports tournament.”

“What a coincidence. I was just about to choose basketball too. By the way, have you ever played before?”

“…I haven’t. But I’m fairly athletic.”

“I haven’t played much either, but I’d say I have a pretty good sense for it.”

“…Then, we both need practice.”

“That’s right. First, we should arrange training equipment and find a coach.”

“…To be ready in time for the tournament, we’ll need intense training. You might not be able to handle it, Ojou-san.”

“Say that nonsense in your sleep. I’m more worried about you, delicate songstress. You might collapse halfway through.”

“…Now that’s nonsense. Harsh training is just a part of my daily life.”

We locked eyes. The meaning was clear. Our intentions aligned.

” I’ll arrange the training equipment and coach.”

“…I’ll keep all my afternoons free.”

A silent agreement passed between us. No more words were needed—our goal was set.