Ichijō Rikō Wants to Go Too

The magazines had finally been printed into finished copies.

Kushō Yoshiko held one up in front of her, looking extremely satisfied.

The cover had been designed by Amayama Kaoru.

It looked simple, yet elegant.

The large title stood out clearly on top.

Maybe… it could actually sell a few copies.

Even though no one really expected it to become a bestseller,

seeing the finished product still gave a strange sense of anticipation.

Of course, for me, it didn’t really matter.

If anything, I actually hoped it would sell well.

After all, the club president was the type who always wanted to stir things up.

If this magazine-selling plan failed, she’d definitely come up with something else.

And honestly, I didn’t want to deal with too many extra tasks unrelated to攻略.

Even so…

I didn’t dislike it either.

It didn’t feel as boring as I expected.

Why was that?

Maybe because I had already experienced so much that something in me had changed.

Anyway—

So, President, how are you planning to sell these?

I asked curiously.

Of course, this was also part of playing Dongye Yue’s role.

Well, of course I’ll leave that to you in the publicity team.

If the Classical Literature Club were a company,

Kushō Yoshiko would definitely be the type to push work onto others.

Ahem, President Kushō.

Amayama Kaoru cleared her throat and raised her hand seriously.

In a very dramatic pose, she declared—

I object!

Objection overruled.

Eh?!

Such a quick response.

Kushō Yoshiko was not someone easy to deal with.

Also—

Why are you copying Jōdō’s style, Kaoru?

President, just hear me out.

Hmm… what idea do you have?

She finally relaxed a bit.

I was thinking…

What if Noriyuki becomes our spokesperson?

That idea…

Everyone looked at Nishimura Noriyuki, who was quietly making tea.

She raised her head slightly.

You mean having Noriyuki as the face of the magazine?

Kushō Yoshiko seemed to seriously consider it.

If I’m needed, I don’t mind.

Though there was a hint of unease in her voice,

it was hidden beneath her usual composed tone.

Alright.

Kushō Yoshiko nodded decisively.

Then Noriyuki will be the spokesperson.

President, please have some tea.

Even after that, Noriyuki still calmly served her tea.

Her attitude hadn’t changed at all.

Then it’s settled.

Kushō Yoshiko turned toward Kaoru.

Tell us your plan.

Hehe.

Kaoru pulled out something from her bag.

It looked very familiar.

It was—

The same loudspeaker she had used before.

So it’s the street promotion plan again.

Carrying such a huge speaker around… impressive, Kaoru.

Noriyuki, you’ll use this.

Noriyuki’s expression visibly stiffened.

She probably realized what Kaoru was planning.

So you want Noriyuki to shout into the speaker?

Kushō Yoshiko stroked her chin.

Of course not!

How could I make Noriyuki do that?

That’s my job.

Kaoru shook her head vigorously.

Noriyuki visibly relaxed.

Even she had limits to what she could endure.

Instead—

Noriyuki will stand next to me and pose.

She’ll attract customers.

That… didn’t sound much better.

And Ichijō, and Xiaoyue, you’ll be doing it too.

Ah, now it’s my turn?

But—

Mm, I’ll do my part for the club.

I responded enthusiastically.

Ahem, I’ll continue reviewing drafts then.

Kushō Yoshiko coughed lightly.

It sounded like she was trying to escape the task.

President, I object!

Objection overruled!

President, I object too.

Ichijō Rikō raised his hand.

If he said that—

Then I object too, President.

Dongye Yue tends to follow others.

Especially Ichijō’s decisions.

Y-you all—

I object as well, President.

Noriyuki poured another cup of tea and handed it over.

Noriyuki, even you?!

Kushō Yoshiko looked shocked.

Facing unanimous opposition,

even she had no choice but to give in.

Fine…

Then how about this—

President, you can be the mascot.

I even have a costume for you.

Eh—?!

She froze.

While Kaoru giggled mischievously.

Didn’t expect you to have such a dark side, Kaoru.

Anyway—

I watched the scene with a smile.

You look happy, Dongye.

Ichijō walked beside me and smiled.

I’ve been smiling this whole time.

But it doesn’t feel like you’re truly happy.

He replied.

Your observation skills are impressive, Ichijō.

I just found the scene amusing.

Didn’t expect Kaoru to be like that.

Yeah, she’s quite an interesting person.

I stopped walking and looked at him with narrowed eyes.

Hmm? What’s wrong, Dongye?

Are you planning to go after Kaoru?

Eh—?!

It’s not impossible, but Kaoru thinks I like you.

If you start approaching her,

I’ll have to act jealous in front of her.

Dongye…

He gave his usual helpless smile and shook his head.

I don’t have anyone I like right now.

So don’t joke like that.

No one you like…

So forcing you into this攻略 is unfair.

Didn’t I already say this before?

He said—

I’ll help you, so don’t worry about me resenting it.

Still…

I want to consider your feelings too.

If something bothers you, tell me.

Even if he said that,

I still had to maintain the proper “considerate” image.

Hehe—

I covered my mouth and laughed softly.

You really don’t think about yourself, Ichijō.

I understand, Dongye.

So, is there anything you want to say to me?

Something I want to say…

He returned to his usual expression.

Then switched to another piece of soft music.

As if setting a background for his words.

Kaoru is an interesting person.

And she truly sees you as her best friend.

So you should sincerely treat her as a friend too.

Last time, I said I didn’t fully trust Kaoru.

Because—

I’ve only been using her as a tool to get rid of my loner image.

That’s pretty terrible.

I’ve never truly treated her as a friend.

I stayed silent for a moment.

I’m just a fake, Ichijō.

I don’t have the right to give genuine feelings to others.

Is that so…

He seemed to think deeply again.

But—

He paused.

At least on the surface,

Dongye Yue is Kaoru’s best friend.

You care about her, and you won’t make mistakes in your act.

Even if the real Dongye returns,

Kaoru won’t notice anything wrong.

…Let’s listen to music, Dongye.

He invited me.

Mm.

I nodded without refusing.

And immersed myself in the music.

Xiaoyue.

Amano Sora appeared again, smiling as always.

Senpai, I’m really sorry about last time.

I didn’t expect to cause you trouble.

He had been chased by guards because of me.

Even though he did it willingly,

and I didn’t feel any guilt,

I still had to maintain appearances.

Dongye Yue couldn’t ignore someone’s help.

So—

I bowed slightly.

It’s fine, Xiaoyue.

Rikō, you should continue watching practice.

With such a sincere invitation, it was hard to refuse.

This time, several different opponents stepped up.

But Amano Sora defeated them all easily.

Unlike me, who was starting to feel sleepy,

Ichijō watched very seriously.

As if he was trying to learn something.

So—

Want to spar with me, Rikō?

At that moment, Ichijō’s eyes lit up.

Since it was a match, he became serious.

Just like before,

they faced each other with wooden swords.

An intense atmosphere formed.

Clack—

After a few rapid exchanges—

Men!

Amano Sora’s strike landed directly.

The impact was loud.

He clearly didn’t hold back.

Ichijō removed his helmet.

He looked slightly shaken.

Rikō-ge, are you okay?

Kamitsuki immediately spoke up.

Ichijō…

I also felt concerned.

Maybe because this body cared about him.

After all, I “liked” him.

Was I worried?

Maybe… a little.

I’m fine.

He shook his head.

Sorry, I used too much force.

Amano Sora apologized.

Though whether it was genuine…

Or carried some hostility—

It was hard to tell.

I’m sorry, Ichijō.

This is because of me again.

I’m really fine.

Are you sure?

Don’t you trust me?

He doesn’t lie.

So there was no reason to doubt him.

Dongye, do you know why Sora-senpai likes you?

That… I’m not sure.

He seemed interested from the moment he saw me.

After all, Dongye Yue’s appearance is attractive.

Maybe there’s another reason.

Another reason?

Do you have any thoughts?

We probably need to understand him better.

In that case—

Leave it to me.

After all, we’re solving this together.

I opened my chat with Amano Sora.

Senpai, I can visit your house this weekend.

Oh? Xiaoyue, you’re willing?

Since you helped me so much.

Then I’ll be waiting for your visit.

I sent the chat to Ichijō.

Then I’ll come with you.

We can stay in contact through the earpiece.

He’s coming too…

Is he worried about me?

I blinked.

And finally—

Hehe—