Higashiba Hazuki Has Suitors

[Kh-khm—]

Kudou Yoshiko’s light cough added a bit of liveliness to the quiet club room.

At the very least, it served to draw attention among those of us silently reading.

Everyone looked toward her.

Even Amayama Kaoru, who had been immersed in romance manga with a strange smile on her face, now looked over seriously.

Seeming to enjoy being the center of attention, Kudou Yoshiko slightly raised her chin.

The sunlight reflected off her glasses, a little dazzling, making her look full of confidence.

[Our club magazine is finally within reach!]

[Eh——]

Amayama Kaoru dragged out the sound, stretching her arms with a troubled look.

[But I really don’t have any money to spare.]

She practically said exactly what I was thinking.

The money I had advanced from the shop owner was already running low.

I still had to consider next month’s food expenses and future tuition fees.

This was definitely not the time to spend recklessly.

But—

I glanced at Kudou Yoshiko, who showed no sign of wavering.

It seemed there was another plan.

One that wouldn’t require money from us.

I could more or less guess what it was.

My gaze shifted to Nishimura Noriyuki, who was calmly brewing tea.

[You won’t have to pay this time.

Noriyuki will fund it!]

That confirmed my guess.

If we had to pick someone among us who cared the least about money, it would undoubtedly be Nishimura Noriyuki.

She was born into a prestigious family.

Her ancestors once held positions in court and government, their status no less than that of daimyo lords.

They were a famous courtly warrior family with a long history.

Even though the noble system had been abolished, her family’s standing had not changed.

Yet, despite being the young lady of such a powerful household, she had an irreconcilable conflict with her father.

In the end, she was sent to this relatively remote Sakurano countryside to live with her aunt.

Even so, her monthly allowance alone exceeded more than a year’s worth of my wages.

It was the sort of thing that would make most people sigh.

But for me, it only evoked one thought—

How boring.

[A-all of it is coming from Noriyuki?!]

Amayama Kaoru exclaimed in surprise, then looked at Nishimura Noriyuki, who had already handed her a cup of tea.

[Is that really okay?]

[Please don’t worry.

It won’t be difficult.]

The same stiff answer as always.

It carried a pressure that made one instinctively hold their breath.

[Please enjoy it, everyone.]

[Thanks, Noriyuki.]

[Ahem.

You heard that, right?

From here on, prepare properly.

Besides this, we can also recruit people from around the school to submit works to our Classical Literature Club.

We might even gain a few new members.]

Kudou Yoshiko was completely immersed in her fantasies now, oblivious to the world around her.

[Everyone has to write a manuscript and submit it to me for review.

Don’t worry.

If it’s good, there’ll be稿费.]

That did open up another way to earn money.

Still, compared to cashier work that didn’t require much thinking, this clearly demanded more effort.

Sounds troublesome.

[Alright then.

We start tomorrow!]

With that, today’s club activities came to an end.

[Eh, Tsuki, aren’t you heading home?]

Because we weren’t parting at the school gate, Amayama Kaoru looked puzzled.

[We’re going to pick someone up.

More precisely, Ichijou-kun’s childhood friend.

We’re heading home the same way anyway.]

[Tsuki—]

Amayama Kaoru glanced at me with concern.

After all, I had previously acted as if I were interested in Ichijou Rikou.

And a childhood friend usually meant a much closer bond.

From my perspective, that was basically a rival.

Really, she was so naïve.

Why take a casually mentioned setting so seriously.

Anyway, I gently shook my head at her and smiled.

[Ichijou-kun’s childhood friend, Kamizumi-san, is a very nice person.

We actually already knew each other from before.]

[Is that so—]

Amayama Kaoru looked slightly relieved.

[Then I’ll be heading off first!]

She gradually walked away.

[Higashiba-san, want to listen to some music?]

As we both watched Amayama Kaoru’s retreating figure, he suddenly spoke.

[Sure.]

Music that was already playing through my earphones flowed more clearly.

It was a gentle, calming melody.

I slightly narrowed my eyes, letting myself sink into it.

[This song is really nice too, Ichijou-kun.]

[Looks like we share the same taste.]

[Mm-hm.

You look really happy, Ichijou-kun.]

[Because I have someone to share it with.]

It seemed he truly enjoyed sharing the music he liked with others.

I curved my lips into a faint smile in response.

The music soon stopped.

Outside the kendo club, he paused the playback and looked inside.

Several powerful shouts rang out from within.

[Hah, hah—]

They appeared to be practicing suburi.

Their movements—raising and lowering their swords—were perfectly synchronized, endlessly repeating the basics.

Our arrival caused a stir.

Or rather, the disturbance was likely because of me.

A tall, handsome man—noticeably taller than most people there—raised his hand to stop the practice and walked straight toward us with a look of delight.

I had anticipated this situation.

In fact, I had already imagined it when we were on our way to the kendo club.

[Higashiba-kouhai.]

His gaze seemed to hold only me.

Ichijou Rikou beside me was practically ignored.

And not deliberately, either.

Amano Sora.

The captain of the kendo club.

Tall, handsome, earnest yet occasionally airheaded—a charming contrast.

He was fairly popular with girls at Sakurano High School.

For some reason, ever since we happened to meet shortly after I transferred here, he had taken an interest in me.

Though he didn’t pursue me aggressively, there were subtle hints of affection.

It was clear he held some feelings.

After all, Higashiba Hazuki’s appearance was undeniably striking.

So—

[Amano-senpai.]

[Higashiba-kouhai, what brings you here?

Don’t tell me you’re thinking of joining the kendo club.

If that’s the case, you’re always welcome.]

[I’m very sorry, Amano-senpai.

Thank you for the offer, but—]

I bowed slightly, cutting off what he was about to say.

Then I guided his gaze toward Ichijou Rikou beside me.

[I’m here to accompany Ichijou-kun while he picks someone up.]

[Amano-buchou, sorry to trouble you again.]

It seemed they had met before.

Ichijou Rikou greeted him politely.

[Ah, it’s you.

You’re here to pick up Kamizumi-kouhai, right.]

Only then did Amano Sora notice Ichijou Rikou.

This was one of his occasional absent-minded moments.

Something many people found endearing.

To me, though—

It just felt like another increase in his idiot stat.

Compared to others, he was easier to deal with.

Well-suited to be used as a tool.

This time, however, he examined Ichijou Rikou more carefully.

There was a hint of scrutiny.

He said nothing.

[Amano-senpai—]

Whether because of me or not, I spoke up first.

[Captain, may I leave first?]

At that somewhat awkward moment, Kamizumi Tsuki appeared, already changed.

[Ah, oh.

Kamizumi, sure, sure.

It’s about time anyway.]

Amano Sora nodded, then seemed to ask casually.

[Kamizumi, you and Ichijou-kouhai have known each other since childhood, right?]

[Yes.

You knew that already, didn’t you, Captain?]

[Ah, with such a close relationship, it makes sense that Inoue would give up.

Mm.

Ichijou-kouhai seems like a fine man too.

He looks responsible.]

As he said this, he extended his hand toward Ichijou Rikou.

[Let’s properly introduce ourselves.

I’m Amano Sora.

Just call me Sora.]

Ichijou Rikou accepted the handshake.

[I’m Ichijou Rikou.

You can call me Rikou.

Um, Sora-senpai.]

Silence fell again.

And then—

The tension began to rise as their handshake lingered longer than necessary.

They stared into each other’s eyes, as if measuring one another.

Their gazes were deep and unreadable.

Were they competing?

Well, that aside, did they realize it was after school.

This was precious time.

A rare chance to rest in the evening.

[Amano-senpai.]

With a timely smile, I broke the silence.

[We’ll be going now.]

[Mm.

See you tomorrow, Higashiba-kouhai.]

Amano Sora casually released his grip.

If not for the slight redness on his palm from gripping too hard, you’d never know.

So they really had a silent duel between men just now.

[If you have time, Higashiba-kouhai, feel free to come by.

If you’re interested, you can even train with us.

Mm.

Rikou, you too.]

[It’s getting late.

I won’t keep you.]

Thankfully, there were no complications.

Letting us go so easily was a relief.

[Then see you tomorrow, Amano-senpai.]

We walked quietly until we left the school grounds.

[Come to think of it, the captain seems pretty interested in you, Tsuki.]

Kamizumi Tsuki suddenly spoke.

[Yes.

There are rumors he likes me.]

[Eh, really?!]

She suddenly became animated.

After all, almost all girls were interested in romantic gossip.

[Just rumors.

I can’t be sure.]

Let’s end this boring topic quickly.

[I think the captain does like you a bit.

Did you see how he was just now?

He was unusually gentle.

You rarely see that side of him.

He probably only shows it to you—]

Unexpectedly, she didn’t stop there.

Instead, she went on at length.

In response, I offered a gentle smile.

[Then—]

She suddenly asked seriously.

[Do you have any feelings for the captain, Tsuki?]

Her face was practically screaming curiosity.

[Of course not.]

[Eh—

Then the captain is kind of pitiful.

But your standards are way too high, Tsuki.

I didn’t expect even the captain couldn’t move your heart.]

[Hmm.

Then what about you, Tsuki?]

[Me?]

[Have you fallen for any boy?]

[Eh—

That question, huh.]

She fell into thought, then turned her gaze toward Ichijou Rikou beside her.

[I don’t have a boy I like.

But if I really had to choose, it would be Rikou-nii.]

As she said that, she affectionately wrapped her arm around Ichijou Rikou’s.

[My very best Rikou-nii.

You better work hard to make me fall for you.]

[Eh, Tsuki, don’t act like when we were kids.]

[But I like being like this, Rikou-nii.]

[You’re impossible.]

Watching their friendly interaction, I pressed a finger to my ear.

Soft music flowed there.

The song I had been listening to with Ichijou Rikou.

Noticing my movement, his gaze shifted to me.

Though he was responding to Kamizumi Tsuki, most of his attention was on me.

His eyes flickered, as if asking me, just like before—

Is it good?

I nodded naturally in response.

I really like it, Ichijou-kun.

[By the way, the captain gripped Rikou-nii’s hand pretty hard just now, didn’t he.]

[That’s true.

I returned the favor, as a courtesy.]

[Could it be that he suspected Rikou-nii’s relationship with Tsuki and went harder because of that?]

[That’s probably it.]

[I never thought the captain had that side to him.]

They chatted cheerfully, almost forgetting about me.

If Ichijou Rikou didn’t glance at me from time to time, that is.

That wouldn’t do.

Higashiba Hazuki wasn’t the quiet type.

[In that case, Ichijou-kun, you should be careful.]

I suddenly cut in.

[Why do you say that, Tsuki?]

Kamizumi Tsuki looked over.

[Because—]

[Someone like Amano-senpai who might have feelings for me isn’t the only one.]

My smile deepened as I looked at them.

[Eh——]