Ever since I confessed, she has been acting strange. - CHAPTER 4: THE DUEL BETWEEN THE YOUNG LADY AND THE SINGER

Episode 21: Second Assault – Tendou Seion (1)

“I went too far…”

After finishing the horror attraction, I was consumed by self-loathing.

With this morning’s events still fresh in my mind, I was worried when Otoha suddenly disappeared in the dimly lit room. No, now that I think about it, maybe I worried too much.

I was worried, so I rushed over, and when I saw that she was safe, I felt relieved.

But then Otoha lied to me. I knew she didn’t mean anything by it. I wasn’t angry or anything, but… the mischievous side of me that I had kept in check started to stir.

When I saw Otoha’s eyes glistening with tears, my restraint slowly slipped away.

How did it come to this?

How did I end up like this?

…No matter how many times I think back, the trigger must have been the “reward” I gave Ojou.

Ever since that moment, that playful side of me has been showing up more and more. Honestly, even I’m surprised to think that I’ve had this side of me all along.

“This time I really have to control myself…”

“…Eito.”

Just as I made up my mind, Otoha tugged at my sleeve.

Her face was flushed – probably because we had just come out of the haunted mansion, a narrow and eerie place.

“I have something to do.”

“If it’s an errand, I can go with you.”

I was aware that I had gone too far earlier, so if I could help her in any way, I wanted to.

But Otoha shook her head.

“No, it’s okay. Seion will be here soon, so go with her.”

Leaving only those words behind, Otoha quickly walked away before I could stop her.

“It was almost as if she knew exactly when Ojou would arrive…”

As I tilted my head in confusion at her words –

“Eito.”

“Ojou.”

I blinked in surprise as Ojou appeared, almost as if she were swapping places with Otoha.

Otoha’s words were almost prophetic.

“My apologies, Ojou. It seems Otoha had something she had to take care of…”

“I know.”

Had they contacted each other before? If so, Otoha’s words made sense.

“Because I’m second.”

“Second?”

“That’s nothing. Anyway, don’t worry about Otoha. She’ll be back soon. Until then, let’s have some fun together.”

“Understood.”

If the two of them were on the same page, then I guess it was okay.

However, I couldn’t deny that I felt a slight pang of loneliness – I wished that they had included me in whatever they were planning.

But more than that, I was genuinely happy to see their bond growing stronger.

“Ojou, which attraction do you want to go to?”

“Let’s see… While it would be nice to go straight to an attraction with you, wouldn’t it be a good idea to have lunch first?”

“Lunch?”

Now that she mentioned it, it was about time.

Otoha had to take care of something, but… would she be able to eat properly?

“Eito.”

While I was thinking about Otoha, who had just left, Ojou suddenly puffed out her cheeks in displeasure.

This was bad. Had I done something to upset her?

But I couldn’t think of anything…!

“W-What is it…?”

“…You were just thinking about another girl, weren’t you?”

“Huh?”

Her words took me completely by surprise.

At the same time, they were right on the money.

Even though I did not feel guilty, my heart skipped a beat.

Why did I feel so strangely guilty?

“It’s not that I was thinking about another girl… I was just a little worried about whether Otoha-san would have time to eat lunch.”

“It’s okay. She’ll have lunch, don’t worry.”

They had probably coordinated everything between them.

“So, for now – just keep your eyes on me.”

Ojou’s characteristic way of speaking made me smile without thinking.

Was she sulking a little because she thought Otoha was stealing my attention?

“Don’t worry. I will always serve you, Ojou.”

“That’s not exactly what I meant.”

She gave me a rather complicated look. I had intended it as a declaration of loyalty, but it seemed to have missed the mark.

“Anyway, let’s have lunch. All right?”

“Understood.”

“Mm. All right, let’s go right now. You know, I actually have a place in mind. It’s really popular with couples on social media-”

“Then let’s go right now. I have a truck waiting with the Tendou family chefs, along with fresh ingredients and cooking equipment.”

“………………………………”

The light went out of Ojou’s eyes.

“O-Ojou…?”

“…Why?”

“Huh?”

“…Why is something like this even waiting for us?”

“Well… I just thought that this would be the best way to prepare a meal worthy of you, Ojou…”

Wait. Something was wrong.

Ojou’s smile was always charming, but… for some reason, it felt a bit terrifying right now.

“…I see. By the way, can you contact the cooks waiting outside?”

“Uh… yes. Of course…”

“…I’d like to discuss something with them. Could you call them for me?”

I couldn’t bring myself to ask what exactly she wanted to say.

Instead, I simply connected the call and handed her my phone.

A short time later-

“The cooks said they suddenly had urgent business and would be returning immediately.”

“Huh? But I didn’t hear anything about that-”

“They said they would prefer if we ate in one of the restaurants inside the facility.”

“Ah… I see…”

There was an undeniable pressure in her tone – one that allowed no argument.

But… what exactly was going on here?

I had arranged for the Tendou family’s personal chefs to be here. These were the very people who had prepared Ojou’s meals every day since she was a child. They knew her tastes, provided a balanced diet, and paid attention to every detail.

I had personally chosen them, trusting in their skills and experience – so why wasn’t she satisfied?

☆

When people hear the word theme park, their first instinct is to check out the attractions.

And they wouldn’t be wrong-going to an amusement park and not riding the rides is practically unthinkable.

After all, what else would you be doing at an amusement park. When it comes to dating – even if Eito himself doesn’t seem to realize it – you have to broaden your perspective.

And in that respect, Otoha is undeniably parochial.

I had someone from the Tendou family carry a camera to watch them, and when I saw the two of them walking into the horror attraction, I immediately understood Otoha’s true goal.

She probably planned to use the horror attraction as an excuse to cling to Eito and get as many hugs as she wanted.

How naive.

If such simple methods really worked, Eito would have fallen for me long ago.

Thinking she could win with a normal approach was her first mistake.

No-Otoha’s failure began the moment she focused only on the attractions.

(A theme park isn’t just about the rides, you know).

That’s why I chose to go second.

Our switch happened right at noon – which meant I got to have a meal with Eito.

And not just any meal.

The meal itself was just a simple sandwich from one of the park’s food stands.

But its popularity had exploded thanks to a hit romantic drama.

In the show, the main couple sat on a specific bench in a specific area of the park and shared the same sandwiches.

Now, couples everywhere were recreating that moment and posting about it on social media.

Yes… that was my plan.

I was going to do the same thing – with Eito.

He would notice.

“Oh, this is just like that scene in the drama.”

And then… his heart would start racing for me.

Honestly, what a flawless strategy.

It’s almost scary how perfect I am.

Also, my decision to go second was nothing short of brilliant.

By taking the later turn, I could take full advantage of the lunch break if not enjoying the rides?

…But that logic only works if you’re just there to have fun.

(Sorry, Otoha… but this time the victory is mine).

All I had to do was invite Eito to dinner and the victory would be sealed.

My flawless strategy had no weaknesses!

“Mm. Alright, let’s go right now. You know, I actually have a place in mind. It’s really popular with couples on social media-”

“Then let’s go right now. I have a truck with the Tendou family’s chefs waiting, along with fresh ingredients and cooking utensils.”

…

…wait. What?

“………………………………”

My strategy collapsed on the very first move.

“O-Ojou…?”

“…Why?”

“Huh?”

“…Why exactly is something like this waiting for us?”

“Well… I just thought it would be best to give you a meal worthy of your status, Ojou…”

I mean, sure, that makes sense… but still!

He’s too competent.

My own servant… is too ridiculously competent…!

…No.

It’s too early to give up, Tendou Hoshine.

How I handle this crisis will determine my worth-not just as an individual, but as the daughter of the Tendou family.

“I see. By the way, can you contact those cooks who are waiting outside?”

“That would be… yes, of course.”

“…I’d like to have a little chat with them. Could you call them for me?”

I took Eito’s phone and connected to the cooks in question.

“Hello, it’s me.”

“Our deepest apologies, Ojou-sama…!”

The chef who had served the Tendou family since before I was born sounded more apologetic than I had ever heard before.

“Why are you apologizing?”

“Master Eito insisted otherwise, but… today was supposed to be a date, wasn’t it?”

What an amazingly perceptive cook.

“That’s right… At least that’s what I intended.”

“I felt the same way and tried to respectfully decline… but after Master Eito spent five hours passionately explaining the importance of providing you with proper, high-quality meals, I simply could not refuse as a loyal servant of the Tendou family…”

“My Eito… I’m so sorry.”

I never expected him to give a five-hour speech.

If only he could channel even a fraction of that passion into being less forgetful…

“I’m sorry I kept you waiting. You can go back now. I’ll make sure my parents add a little bonus to your salary this month.”

“Oh no, please don’t worry about that. More importantly, we’ll be quietly rooting for the success of your date.”

What an incredibly thoughtful cook.

He’s not only talented in the kitchen – he’s far too capable in every way. I should negotiate with Mom and Dad to raise his salary. Maybe even give him a special bonus.

“The cooks said they had an urgent matter, so they’re heading back now.”

“Huh? Wait, I never heard anything about that-”

“They also insisted that we should eat at one of the restaurants inside the park.”

“Ah… okay…”

Phew. There were a few bumps along the way, but now everything is back on track.

As long as I get over the first hurdle, the rest will fall into place.

Because my perfect plan is just beginning!