Episode 352: For the Sake of What is Precious

Kusahara Rena (Stuck-up woman) POV

The day after that nightmare of the School Festival…

What waited for my broken heart wasn’t warm encouragement, care, or kindness from those around me. Instead, it was an interrogation under the guise of an inquiry from my beloved Big brother.

There, I came to truly understand exactly who I’d been dealing with… what kind of position that abominable Satsukawa Sara actually held.

She wasn’t just some director’s daughter, she was the daughter of the next Chairman of the Saba Group.

Meaning, I’d picked a fight… no, I’d committed an outrage against someone who rules our company from above. Someone way beyond the clouds. That’s why I have no choice but to accept my kind Big brother’s harsh attitude.

「Didn’t the President tell you not to cause any trouble with the Young lady?」

「…I certainly remember being told. But…」

Without any reason or explanation, being told that so bluntly makes it impossible to accept… that’s what I wanted to say.

To begin with, I had never even heard that Managing Director Satsukawa was the next Chairman…

「You understand well enough that the company is a vertical society, don’t you? Especially when the opponent is from the head office…」

Just because they’re from the head office doesn’t mean they’re better in every way. The arrogance is too much. That woman’s insolent, haughty attitude is proof of that. Because I thought that, my resentment toward Satsukawa Sara only grew.

That’s why I wanted to humiliate her grandly at the Miss Contest, where everyone watches you as a woman. I thought that’d be perfect.

But…

It didn’t work. Instead, I was the one who got humiliated. I didn’t even place, and I had to watch that guy Takanashi Kazunari take second. It was a result that made no sense.

And now, I’m being forced to realize the even more distinct difference in our status.

「Anyway, explain the situation.」

The situation…

If I have to explain even that, I… but…

And so, I spent an agonizing time like torture, exposing my own pathetic pride to the Big brother I admire more than anyone…

I wished it was all a dream… I thought that over and over, but the school day arrives nonetheless.

Carrying a heavy heart and a slight sense of fear, I walked my usual route. The cold stares from around me were exactly what I expected.

Maybe I’m just imagining it. Maybe I’m overthinking it.

Even while trying to convince myself, there was no doubt I was being subjected to meaningful looks that were different from usual. Usually, I would get morning greetings from everywhere, but today… not a single one.

So that’s how it is.

With those unbearable feelings, I finally arrived at school, only to see…

「It’s amazing, isn’t it… a proposal on such a big stage.」

「To win over that hard-to-get Satsukawa-san… I wonder what kind of person Takanashi-kun is?」

「We only know he’s the Vice President. He’s not someone who really stands out.」

「Well, he is certainly plain. But if ‘the’ Satsukawa-san chose him…」

「There must be something to him. At least his guts are incredible!」

「I thought he was kind of cute though?」

「Oh, that time he sang with all the kids around him… I saw the video too, and he actually was a little cute.」

Students were swarming around the school paper posted on the wall like bait, making a huge fuss about that day. The girls seemed to view it favorably. They were especially curious about Takanashi Kazunari, the one who won over「the」Satsukawa Sara.

And…

「Haaa… for real!!」

「Aaaah, I wanted to believe it was a dream!!!」

「Dammit, even if I was rejected, there would still be some hope if she hadn’t been taken by some other guy!!!!」

「Engaged… and they’re living together… living together!!??」

「Gugh!! I’m beyond jealous!!!」

As for the men, it was as if they were watching a continuation of that day. They were visibly unable to accept the fact that the woman they admired was in a relationship with another man. Moreover, they were engaged and already living together harmoniously… that much was plain to see.

「…Hey, look.」

「…Whoa, there she is. The girl with the nasty personality.」

「…How did she even show her face at school.」

「…Serves her right.」

「…I never liked her from the start.」

The students who noticed me whispered… but I could hear their backbiting clearly.

I fled from that spot.

A bed of needles. That’s exactly what this is.

I barely got through the worst morning in class where I experienced that for myself. Just like at the entrance, I fled the classroom and came to a secluded corner of the courtyard.

This is my secret favorite spot. Even though there’s a bench, no one ever comes here. It’s like an empty space. For me now, it’s not an exaggeration to say it’s the only place I can find some peace.

Or so I thought…

「Oh, looks like someone was here first…」

A man suddenly appeared and muttered those words with a manner of speech that could only be called ill-mannered.

「What do you want? That’s quite sudden and rude.」

「Rude, you say… that’s a bit of a harsh way to put it, isn’t it?」

「I said it was rude because it is rude.」

「Whoa… intense. You’re just like Satsukawa-senpai from a little while ago…」

「What did you just say!?」

「Whoa!?」

I raised my voice at the name I least wanted to hear right now. He must know how much I suffered because of that woman at the Miss Contest… and yet he compares me to her? This man is the absolute worst. No manners, no delicacy. Not even worth talking to.

「What’s wrong with you all of a sudden… well, whatever. Honestly, I don’t have the energy to deal with someone I barely know either.」

「…Wait a minute. What did you… just say?」

「Huh?」

「Did you say… you don’t know me?」

If I did not mishear him, this man said he「does not know me well.」

Takanashi Kazunari once told me the same thing… but even if I was being overconfident back then, surely it is impossible this time!?

「Yeah, I don’t know you… wait. Now that I look at you, you do look familiar…」

「Haa… fine. Never mind.」

He doesn’t seem to be lying. He really doesn’t know me, or barely recognizes me. I’m shocked there’s a student who still doesn’t know who I am after all that noise. But maybe that’s a blessing for me right now.

「What’s your deal… oh, wait. Sorry, are you a senior?」

It seems he didn’t realize who I was, but only noticed my grade from the color of my school emblem. Well, even if he didn’t know the seniority, he’s still ill-mannered.

But that doesn’t matter now.

「I came here because I want to be alone. I don’t know what you want, but please leave.」

「You say that, but I came here to be alone too, you know?」

「I was here first. So I have the priority.」

「There’s no such thing as priority on school grounds, right? I mean, as a senpai you should let your kohai… ah, whatever. There we go.」

「Wait!?」

After looking at me with a straight face, this rude man suddenly sat down on the edge of the bench where I was sitting.

After Takanashi Kazunari, he is the second person to defy me so directly without knowing his place… I mean, what is he thinking!?

「How dare you just…」

「I came here because I wanted to be alone too, but since you won’t leave, I have to do this.」

「Why don’t you just go somewhere else!?」

「I can’t think of any other place and I’m wasting time. I mean, as long as we’re both quiet, it’s peaceful here, right?」

「That’s not the point…」

What is with this man!?

In a way, he is even worse than Takanashi Kazunari… brazen and inconsiderate. I have no memory of anyone ever treating me like this. I don’t feel like arguing with this man any further…

I have no choice but to ignore him. Dealing with people like him is just a waste of time.

「Haa…」

「………」

「Phew…」

「………」

「Aaaah…」

「You are being noisy! What is your problem, honestly!!」

「…Ah, sorry. It just came out.」

「…Huh?」

His voice changed completely, becoming weak and lacking energy. Looking closely, his expression clearly showed a shade of sadness… his emotional ups and downs are so intense that I honestly cannot keep up. He is truly like a child… wait, why should I care?

「…Haa. I suppose you were rejected by a girl or something like that?」

「…Well, you’re not far off.」

「How simple. Are you also one of those people spouting nonsense about being heartbroken because Satsukawa Sara is engaged? Honestly, you’re all ridiculous.」

「No, it’s not that. I mean, it’s not like I didn’t admire a super beauty like Satsukawa-senpai at all… but it’s someone else.」

「I see. …I spoke out of turn then.」

Too many idiots think the same thing, so I unintentionally took a cynical view…

Even so, a broken heart… while it may be simple, it’s not something I have experienced, so it’s a realm I don’t quite understand.

「You look like you’ve never been heartbroken, senpai.」

「That’s true. While I have been confessed to many times, I have never taken that kind of action myself. I mean, why did you think that?」

「I just thought a beauty like you must be incredibly popular.」

「Huh?」

「Satsukawa-senpai is one thing, but you’re not losing out either, you know?」

「Wh-what is this all of a sudden…」

「I thought that might be the reason… sorry if I’m wrong. But it’s not a lie or flattery.」

「……」

This… is a bit of a surprise.

I thought he was a thoughtless blockhead with zero delicacy… but while I wouldn’t say he is completely off the mark, he seems to have noticed that I hold some kind of grievance against Satsukawa Sara.

But the way he is so open, or rather, the way he doesn’t seem to have a hidden side, reminds me of the first impression I had of Takanashi Kazunari.

「I didn’t mean it that way… but I suppose I should thank you anyway.」

「I see. But you’re not denying that something’s going on with Satsukawa-senpai, are you?」

「It’s not exactly something I need to hide.」

Most of the students at this school know about my clash with Satsukawa Sara and my blunder at the Miss Contest. If this man knew about it, he would probably be like everyone else right now…

「…Sorry. I stepped over the line.」

「Up and down, you really are sudden, aren’t you? What’s your deal?」

「…I have things going on too, you know.」

「I see. Well, it has nothing to do with me.」

「Harsh as ever. Well, I guess it’s not a feeling someone successful in life like you would understand.」

「Huh? Who’s successful in life?」

It might have been different before, but for me now, those words are nothing but a sarcastic jab. To say that so shamelessly… was I wrong to think he might be a slightly decent person?

「I mean, you’ve never been rejected, right? So you’ve never had the experience of witnessing the person you liked getting really close to another woman, right?」

「Of course not… I mean, you encountered such a scene?」

「…He was having his head held tight and even getting stroked.」

「That is quite a familiar sight.」

I recall Satsukawa Sara doing exactly that to Takanashi Kazunari on stage… I can’t believe there are other idiots doing that at school besides those two.

Ah, now I have remembered something I least wanted to think about. How irritating.

「So… you were rejected by her, and after being shocked by seeing her being close to another man, you fled here?」

「To put it bluntly, that’s pretty much it.」

「I see. But that is unavoidable. Since she rejected you, that is simply how things are.」

「No, she apparently thinks she is just doting on her little brother?」

「…Hah? If they are siblings, then getting jealous is nonsense in the first place, isn’t it?」

I thought you had witnessed your love interest flirting with a lover… but if they are siblings, it’s just a part of skinship, even if it might be a bit excessive. I think it’s a bit much to be shocked by that.

「Well, if you can’t give up to that extent, why not try again? Assuming she doesn’t have a lover or someone she likes… that is.」

「No, I can’t do that. When I was rejected, I promised never to force my one-sided feelings on her again. I don’t want to cause her any more trouble and truly make her hate me.」

「…I don’t quite understand what you’re saying.」

Not forcing one-sided feelings?

Does that mean not forcing his unrequited love on her?

Why would he make such a promise… wait!?

「Wait a minute. Why do I have to listen to your story about a broken heart?」

「Even if you say that, you were the one who brought it up first, senpai? Well, I don’t really know why I’m telling a senpai I just met about this either.」

「That’s because you were being noisy with all your complaining!?」

「Oh, was that it? Well, whatever. But senpai, you seem difficult to approach, but you’re actually easy to talk to.」

「Easy to talk to?」

「Yeah. You listen to me despite everything, and even give sincere advice…」

「I… gave advice?」

For a second, I couldn’t understand what he was saying… but it’s true that while I found him annoying and a nuisance, I seem to have been swept up in his pace without realizing it.

Moreover, even though it’s a story I don’t care about at all… dealing with this man throws me off.

But to be told I gave sincere advice… that might be the first time. Come to think of it, I have no memory of anyone consulting me on such private matters.

「Haa…」

「What’s wrong?」

「No, it’s nothing. I just found it strange, wondering what I was doing.」

「Now, now, it’s because you’re kind, senpai.」

「Don’t misunderstand. This is a mere whim. Normally, I would never with your kind…」

「There you go again, saying things you don’t mean.」

「Listen to what people are saying!!!」

「Yes, yes.」

Aaaaah, I can’t get through to him!!!

What is with this man!?

Any man I have dealt with until now would have taken the initiative to listen to me, or at the very least, would never have taken such an arrogant attitude!!

Honestly… it’s like I am dealing with a child who can’t even listen properly!!

「…Sorry.」

「What is it now?」

「No, I was just happy someone listened to me, so I just kept blabbing on… but if I’m bothering you, senpai, then I’ve gone and done it ‘again’.」

「…Again?」

After making all that noise, this ill-mannered man suddenly slumps his head again. I want to tell him enough already… but he just said something interesting.

「You don’t mean to say… that you were this rude even to the person you liked, do you?」

「…Ugh.」

「Haa… if the other person has no interest in you, forcing your feelings like this will only have the opposite effect. Did you not even know that?」

「…I was already out of her sight, so I thought nothing would start unless I made an appeal.」

「…I see. So that leads to your earlier statement about not wanting to cause any more trouble and truly being hated. That makes sense.」

In other words, just as he is doing to me right now, this man pushed his affection without considering the other person’s trouble, and as a result, he was rejected.

How should I put it, he is so exactly as he appears that I almost laughed… no, it is nothing.

But…

「Since you promised not to cause any more trouble, does that mean you apologized?」

「Yeah. My buddy is really close to her… so I took the plunge and consulted him, and realized how much trouble I’d been causing her.」

「I see. This might be a cynical view, but that friend you consulted… he is a man, correct? Is that person actually already… with that woman?」

「No, it’s not like that. He already has a lover, and she apparently dotes on my buddy like a little brother.」

「As a little brother? How complicated. Honestly, I can’t understand doting on another man as a little brother… ah, but for example, if they were childhood friends, perhaps it wouldn’t be strange for such a relationship to exist.」

If they have treated each other like siblings since they were young… I suppose I could understand such a relationship.

But for two people with that kind of connection, it is entirely possible for their sibling-like love to turn into romance before they know it. Well, conversely, there is also the possibility of never being seen as a romantic interest.

Hm?

Like a little brother?

「By any chance, that story about being held and stroked earlier…」

「Bingo. I mean senpai, you’re really listening to my story despite what you say, aren’t you? You denied it earlier, but you really are kind.」

「I told you!! …Haa, fine. Interpret it however you like.」

Truly… why am I taking this worthless story from this worthless person seriously? I don’t know why myself.

Only…

「Even if your one-sided feelings were a nuisance… you apologized to that extent and even promised never to have feelings for her again? Was there a need to apologize so servilely?」

Certainly, even if forcing your feelings was a nuisance… for the person involved, it must have been a serious feeling.

Since it was likely love at first sight or something similar, its superficiality can’t be denied… but to apologize and even make a pledge about the future, is that not far too servile?

Honestly, for a man, I even feel it is a bit pathetic… well, since I don’t know the background, I can’t make a generalization.

「…But I was the one in the wrong. Of course it wasn’t on purpose, and it’s a fact that I truly liked her… but that’s no excuse for doing things the other person dislikes, is it?」

「Well, I suppose. But… do you not feel frustrated? This might be an exaggeration, but it’s like you’re saying ‘sorry for liking you’ to someone you truly had feelings for? And you even made a pledge for it… that’s so humiliating…」

「…I do feel pathetic, but in the end, it was my fault. Besides, if apologizing means I don’t lose what’s precious to me, then that’s the top priority. For that, swallowing my pride and just apologizing honestly is no big deal.」

「Ugh!!??」

Not being stubborn for the sake of not losing what is precious…

I never thought I would be this shocked by the words of such a frivolous man…

…Yes, I actually know.

What I should do right now, what I must do…

Even if it is against my will, I must settle what I have done myself. That was the conclusion from my talk with Big brother the other day.

I now clearly understand exactly who I was dealing with and who I was spitting on… and if I were asked why I did such a thing, in the end, it was only for the simple and shallow reason that「I didn’t like Satsukawa Sara always being superior to me.」

And…

I was so obsessed with it that I fell into tunnel vision and failed to think calmly…

To me, Satsukawa Sara was a sworn enemy who took away everything I had built up. Moreover, that insolent attitude that mocked others clearly showed her bad personality. I thought there was no way I would lose to such a person.

But when it came down to it, I didn’t win a single thing…

I never lost to anyone in any competition until I graduated junior high. Of course, this appearance, inherited from my Mother, was my pride… I thought I wouldn’t lose to anyone. Until I met that Satsukawa Sara.

But… that woman’s absolute skill. Absolute popularity.

I didn’t want to admit it, but she was superior in everything. Everything I had built up was denied, and the result was that incredibly insolent and arrogant attitude that mocked people to the end.

That is exactly why I do not like her.

That is exactly why I cannot lose.

And on top of that, she was the woman Father told me「not to defy,」which I could not believe. I don’t even know the reason, and she is without a doubt the biggest and worst enemy of my life… how could I stand such humiliation!!

…Or so I thought.

But now… my reckless actions have put not just me, but Father… no, the entire company in a predicament.

I want to laugh it off as an exaggeration over a personal matter, but unfortunately, it is a fact. Moreover, it seems it has been pointed out that the person who exposed their cohabitation at the Miss Contest had secret ties to me… I don’t know how much of the truth they have grasped, but there is no doubt it’s being implied that I’m the mastermind.

And those results are now affecting Father and the company itself. While it might not be a ridiculous story of being crushed instantly, the entire management team could be replaced in some cases, which could lead to an unimaginable situation for the company.

This was the kind of opponent I was dealing with… the kind of opponent I made an enemy of.

The next Chairman of the Group, the Group’s founding family, the daughter of the next Chairman, and… the candidate for the next-next Chairman.

Making enemies of such people makes it more than just a personal matter. Even with my limited social experience, there is no way I couldn’t understand that. That’s why Father, Big brother, and ultimately the company itself are in such a predicament… and it’s all caused by my actions.

If that is the case, then naturally, only one thing is required of me…

To apologize to Satsukawa Sara.

To beg forgiveness for all my previous rudeness and foolish acts, and to keep bowing my head until the day I am forgiven. That’s the treatment required of me by Big brother… and Father.

But for me, that means complete and perfect unconditional surrender, and a clear defeat.

To change my previous attitude and beg for forgiveness with the utmost humility. At that point, pride would no longer exist.

Even though I’m not the only one at fault…

If that woman hadn’t taken such a mocking attitude toward people, I would have…

I can’t help but feel that way, and amidst being loathed by those around me, if even that were discovered…

This time, I really…

But…

「What is this… precious thing you speak of?」

「Huh? Well, I can’t put it well… our current relationship, or the bond between comrades… hm, maybe that’s not it?」

「No, it’s fine. In other words, for the sake of that precious thing… your own appearances, grievances, and humiliations come second, and an apology or a pledge are not much of a problem… is that it?」

「Eh!? Well, I feel like it’s not such a dramatic story, and it feels a bit different… oh, but I suppose you’re not wrong?」

「I see… if it’s for the sake of what is precious…」

Honestly…

To think that someone like me would be taught the essence of things by such a frivolous man…

The most important thing for me right now.

The thing I must protect.

Without even being told, I know that it is Father, Big brother, and ultimately the company, not my pride or appearances.

Whatever the cause, since it’s a problem caused by my own direct actions, apologizing is only natural… and knowing what will happen to those around me if I don’t, yet still failing to do so, is simple irresponsibility.

Me… doing such a thing…

Me, the daughter of the President who handles everything at「Kusahara,」and the one who is in a position to carry the company in the future!!

It’s impossible for me to do that, is it not!?

If the fate of the company… even the fate of the employees depends on my actions, then a temporary humiliation is not a major issue!!

Ding-dong…

「Ah, crap! The warning bell rang! Sorry, senpai. In the end, it was just my boring story.」

「I don’t mind. Well, it’s true that it was a boring story.」

「Haha, harsh as ever. But I already know that you’re actually kind, senpai.」

「Take it however you like. I’m tired of denying it every single time.」

This is the first time I’ve been told I’m kind by someone without it being flattery or a compliment… well, it’s not bad.

If the other party were more appropriate, I would have nothing more to say.

「Well then, senpai, I’ll take my leave now. Thanks for listening to my story!」

「I’ve done nothing to be thanked for. Besides, it’s not like your worries have been resolved.」

「No, I feel refreshed after you listened to me. So, next time I’ll listen to your story, senpai!」

「Don’t get cocky. It’s offensive to have my worries thought of as the same as yours.」

「Yeah, yeah. Then tell me about the difference next time. Well then…」

「Wait. At least give me your name before you go.」

I don’t know why I said that myself… but at the very least, as a courtesy, I suppose I should remember his name.

Of course, I have no other intentions. So don’t misunderstand… wait, who am I even talking to.

「Ah, I completely forgot. I’m Yamakawa Teppei. And you, senpai?」

「I am Kusahara Rena.」

「Kusahara Rena… I feel like I’ve heard that name somewhere…」

「You don’t need to go out of your way to remember. You’ll find out soon enough anyway…」

「…? Well then, Kusahara-senpai. Later!!」

「Yes. …If you’re eccentric enough to still want to talk to me after finding out who I am.」

「Eh? What was that?」

「It’s nothing. Now, go quickly.」

「Yes, yes. You should hurry too, senpai. Later!」

「Who are you talking to… wait, he is fast.」

In the blink of an eye, the man named Yamakawa was out of earshot, and after turning back one last time, he gave a big wave.

Truly… what is with that man.

Arrogant, brazen, frivolous, and ill-mannered, unable to even use honorifics properly…

And yet, somehow likable, a type that has never been around me until now. He is the second person to act so naturally toward me, after that Takanashi Kazunari.

Even so…

I wonder what kind of attitude he will show once he finds out about me?

Well… for now, the priority is thinking about the apology to Satsukawa Sara. I’m not looking forward to it, but I suppose I shall try to make contact.

I have no intention of complaining anymore.

For the sake of what is precious to me…

Right… Yamakawa-san?