Ichijou Rikou Blushed

[A-an experiment subject?]

Ichijou Rikou looked a little surprised.

Facing me, he seemed at a loss, as if he didn’t understand anything at all.

But precisely because he understood everything, he reacted so flusteredly.

For me—

It brought about a kind of indescribable pleasure.

[Hehe—]

The curve of my lips widened.

You could even say I was grinning.

[That’s right, Ichijou-kun.

Since we still have some time, let’s practice right here.]

[Eh—]

[What’s wrong, Ichijou-kun.

Did you already go back on your promise to walk me home?]

Those calm words finally pushed Ichijou Rikou to make up his mind.

[Alright then, Touha-san.]

[Then please hurry up and finish eating, Ichijou-kun.]

He started eating faster, as if pressed for time.

He even looked a bit impatient.

So was that hesitation just an act?

More likely, it was his sense of responsibility—once he decided, he wanted to get it done quickly.

Either way, for me, it wasn’t a bad thing.

[Hehehe.]

I let out a soft laugh.

Honestly, I wasn’t feeling all that happy watching him.

[Alright, let’s begin then, Touha-san.]

Time passed quickly.

Before I even noticed, he had finished his bento, closed the lid, and let out a light breath.

[Then try treating me in a manly, rough way.]

[First—]

Facing him, I slightly raised my chin.

It was a rather arrogant posture.

In other words, I perfectly imitated the way Nanjo Rin treated others.

[Hey.

Yeah, I’m talking to you.

Did you hear me?]

Extremely rude words came out of my mouth.

This was completely unlike the gentle and warm Touha Tsuki.

It even damaged that image of flawless perfection.

But since he already knew I was a counterfeit, this kind of thing didn’t matter at all.

So—

[Ichijou, are you one of those spineless men too?

What a disappointment.

I thought you might at least have a bit of manliness, but I guess you’re all the same.

In the end, you’re no different from the rest of those guys.

At best, you’re just a slightly better toad.

But a toad is still a toad, you know.

Someone like you can never stand by my side.]

As I spoke such provocative words, I was actually picturing how Nanjo Rin would act, doing my best to imitate her.

To be honest, this kind of roleplay was a first for me.

It felt a little novel, since until now I’d always played the role of the gentle, understanding, perfect Touha Tsuki.

But despite my earnest performance, Ichijou Rikou froze on the spot, wearing an indescribable expression.

And then—

[Heh—]

He suddenly laughed right in front of me.

[Hahahahaha.]

It was the first time I’d ever seen Ichijou Rikou laugh so happily.

So my acting looked funny to others.

If that was the case, then this was truly a terrible outcome.

But it didn’t stop me.

[What’s so funny?

Are you laughing at your own cowardice and incompetence?

Yeah, you probably should laugh.

At least you’re self-aware.

That alone makes you better than those slimy toads.

Though not by much.

A toad is still a toad, after all.]

[Pfft— pfft—]

Ichijou Rikou puffed out his cheeks awkwardly, as if trying to hold it in.

But after a moment, he leaked, and then completely burst out laughing.

[Hahahahaha.]

Even my already-dead heart felt a faint spark of curiosity at this sight.

I let out a breath and narrowed my eyes slightly.

[Ahem, I’m really sorry, Touha-san.]

He finally calmed down and apologized to me awkwardly.

[It’s fine, Ichijou-kun.]

There was no need for him to apologize at all.

If anything—

[So, can you explain it to me?]

[I guess it’s the gap.

In my eyes, you’re usually so calm and composed, Touha-san, so seeing you suddenly act like a child made me laugh without thinking.

I really couldn’t control it.]

He scratched his head.

[But that just proves how good your acting was.

It was my own problem.

I’m really sorry.]

Honestly, I’d felt a bit annoyed at having my serious acting brushed off.

But after his explanation, that feeling quickly faded.

Well, with Touha Tsuki’s appearance, it was impossible to truly pull off that kind of attitude anyway.

And I’m not really that type of person either.

So—

[Then please use your usual demeanor, Touha-san.]

He returned to his usual calmness.

[Hmm—]

[Then—]

I smiled and lightly touched my lips with my right index finger.

This was actually a provocation in my own personal style.

[So how are you going to treat me roughly, Ichijou-kun?]

[Haa—]

As if preparing himself, he let out a breath.

His eyes became resolute, almost shining with a sharp light.

It was strangely intimidating—enough to make me pause for a moment.

Then he reached out and grabbed my raised right hand.

[Touha-san, come with me.]

He pulled firmly.

I obediently followed, until my back was pressed against the wall.

[What are you going to do, Ichijou-kun?]

My back was tight against the white wall.

Facing him, I still wore that provocative smile.

[I’m sorry, Touha-san.]

He apologized, then released my hand and slammed his palm against the wall beside my ear.

With swift movement, he pinned me in place.

His face leaned in close.

In that instant, there was a sensation powerful enough to make anyone of the opposite s*x tremble.

A kabedon.

It was a classic scene in many shoujo manga.

Usually, it happened when the male lead could no longer suppress his intense emotions—pressing the heroine against the wall in a domineering move full of manliness.

It would make the heroine blush, her heart racing.

That was exactly my situation right now.

My face felt like it was burning.

His warm breath was so close, stirring me.

I could feel his heavy breathing growing faster.

And at the same time—

Joy.

An indescribable pleasure.

Why, you ask?

Because this was a privilege that should’ve belonged only to the heroine—

And yet I’d obtained it in an entirely unexpected way.

Just thinking about that made me unbearably excited.

Thrilled.

Overwhelmingly thrilled.

[Touha-san—]

His face slowly turned red too, from being so close.

[You’re amazing, Ichijou-kun.]

I rested my left hand against my warm cheek and tilted my head, giggling.

[My body is heating up because of this.

It’s responding excitedly to your actions, Ichijou-kun.

And my heart—]

I placed a hand over my chest and narrowed my eyes.

[It’s beating wildly, thump-thump, like crazy.

Infected by your manliness, it’s hopping around like a rabbit, unable to calm down at all.]

[I’m looking forward to what you’ll do next, Ichijou-kun.]

I laughed softly, breathing lightly.

Narrowing my eyes, I gazed at him.

Spring winds were plentiful.

They brushed past us, stirring his hair.

His neat face was now radiating heat.

Somehow, there was a really nice scent in the air.

After some time—

[Hah, alright, Touha-san.

That’s enough.]

He finally released me and turned his face away, red as ever.

And I—

[Hehe, hehehehehe.]

Laughed happily.

[I thought you were already prepared to take responsibility for Touha Tsuki, Ichijou-kun.]

[—I thought you’d be startled by my actions and reject me, Touha-san.]

So both of our expectations were wrong.

But—

[Hehe—]

I couldn’t stop laughing.

[Ding—dong—ding—dong—]

[Alright, that’s all for this class.

Everyone, make sure to review what we covered today.]

The afternoon passed just like that.

Without me really noticing.

At least, for someone like me who listened attentively in class.

[Alright, Tsuki, I’m done.]

Amayama Kaoru, who had seriously worked on the promotional poster, had also spent a fulfilling day.

She proudly showed us the result of her efforts.

It was clear she’d listened to what I said.

The poster that had once been filled with magical girls now had none at all.

Instead, there was a single girl reading a book.

Beside her, in artistic lettering, were the words “Call for Submissions.”

Below that, in smaller text, were the Classical Literature Club’s location and submission requirements.

But—

That girl reading the book looked familiar.

[That’s Kiyoshi, right?]

[Tsuki, you noticed?

Yep, I drew Kiyoshi as the face of the Classical Literature Club.]

[Hmm, Kaoru, maybe you should think about something first.]

[Eh—]

[Like whether Kiyoshi herself is okay with it.]

[Ah— you’re right.]

——

[Kaoru, go ahead.

I don’t mind.]

After getting Nishimura Kiyoshi’s consent, the tension Kaoru had been carrying finally disappeared.

[Not bad, not bad.

This is really well done.

You’re quite talented, Kaoru.]

Hisateru Yoshiko nodded repeatedly, praising the poster in her hands.

[Hehe, it’s my first time drawing something other than magical girls, so—thank you so much for the compliments.]

Kaoru looked like a child who’d been given candy, smiling brightly.

[So you’re planning to put this up and collect submissions.

It’s a good idea, but getting approval from the student council is tough.

Those people are hard to deal with.]

Yoshiko shook her head.

[Well, I’ll go try my luck again.]

[Um—President.]

Ichijou Rikou raised his hand slightly.

[The student council already approved it.]

[Eh, when did that happen?]

[Last night.

After we decided to put up the notice, we went straight to the student council to apply.]

[Eh—looks like assigning you three to promotion was the right call.

Great initiative, Ichijou, Tsuki, Kaoru.]

[Then—]

Yoshiko picked up the poster.

[Let’s go put it up now.

Oh right, where’s the allocated space?]

[Eh, such a good spot?

When did the student council get this generous?]

[Whatever, I’m heading out first!]

Completely unlike her refined appearance, she dashed out of the clubroom.

All that was left was the dull routine of reading.

But I also kept observing the interactions between Ichijou Rikou and Nishimura Kiyoshi.

You’re really working hard, Ichijou-kun.

Then I pressed my lips together unhappily.

This was a familiar disguise.

[Why does it feel like Rikou-nii looks really strange today?]

Kamizuru Tsuki noticed Ichijou Rikou’s odd behavior right away.

Even the way she looked at me felt a little unnatural.

Even I could tell.

Was it because of what happened at noon?

That won’t do.

That really won’t do, Ichijou-kun.

[Ichijou-kun is probably still stuck in a scene from some shoujo manga.]

[Eh, is that so, Rikou-nii?]

Kamizuru Tsuki tugged on his arm gently.

[Hurry up and answer me.]

[U-uh—]

[Eh, since when did you start liking shoujo manga, Rikou-nii?]

[Ahem.]

[Rikou-nii, why aren’t you answering me!]

[Alright, Tsuki, let’s head home first.]

[Rikou-nii, you’re definitely hiding something from me!

Tell me, tell me already!]

[Pfft—hehehe.]

At just the right moment, I offered my laughter from the side.