Episode 319: Speculations Regarding the Miss Contest

The fan club, which looked like it’d never cool down, moved on like a receding tide once those two headed for the infirmary.

I thought I heard something about a reflection meeting, or maybe they moved to a「proper place」… well, whatever.

「Takanashi-kun, what are we doing after this? Should we head to the infirmary too?」

「No, no, Marina. Showing kindness there means leaving them alone together… mufufu.」

「Eh, but the teacher’s in the infirmary, right? So I don’t think they can be alone…」

「No, that’s just a figure of speech…」

Since those two went to the infirmary, there’s no point in us staying here. I’m definitely worried about Natsumi-senpai’s injury, but Yuji worked so hard, so my honest feeling is that I want to leave them to it rather than chase after them.

「Let’s leave Natsumi-senpai to Yuji. Right, Kazunari?」

「Yeah. I’ll send Yuji a RAIN message, so should we move?」

「Right. But it’s an awkward time to start something… It’s a bit early, but why don’t we move to the flowerbed?」

I checked the time after Sara-san suggested it, and there were about 30 minutes until we originally planned to start our lunch break. But that time was set with the afternoon schedule in mind, so I’d rather not shift it if possible. In that case, going anywhere else would definitely be too awkward.

「I’m in! I used my voice too much cheering, so I’d like to drink something soon.」

「True, I’m getting there too…」

「Are you tired from cheering for the Pretty Boy, Marina?」

「N-No I’m not! Jeez, Hanako-san, you’re so mean!」

Todo-san puffed out her cheeks cutely with her face slightly flushed. I felt a sense of warmth from the heartwarming sight, but she’d probably get mad if I said that out loud.

Still, everyone else was probably thinking the same thing… especially Hayato.

「If we’re taking a break, it’s not a bad idea to relax at the flowerbed. I’ll give instructions for preparations.」

Nishikawa-san took her smartphone out of her pouch, tapped it a few times, and started contacting someone. Probably the same people who prepared the tent and tables yesterday… if that’s the case, we’ll just have a nice long break after this.

I’ll let Yuji know we’re waiting at the flowerbed.

After that, I just hope Natsumi-senpai’s injury isn’t serious.

When we arrived at the flowerbed, we were greeted by the sight of a tarp tent and tables all ready for us, just like yesterday.

A portable audio speaker was set up on the table, playing elegant classical BGM.

Even though this was a completely non-ordinary sight that was unimaginable for a normal flowerbed, we could easily accept it just because Nishikawa-san was there… wow.

I headed for the same seat as yesterday, and everyone followed suit, taking their same spots.

Once everyone was seated, people in suits appeared from nowhere and started setting out teacups and other things.

While we watched in silence, even snacks were lined up on the table, and in the blink of an eye, it took on the look of a tea party.

And the fact that not a single person questioned the scene… well, I guess everyone’s gotten used to it.

「Well then, everyone, good work this morning.」

「「「 Good work! 」」」

Once tea time started with Nishikawa-san’s greeting, the topic of conversation naturally turned to the tennis matches from earlier.

First, everyone offered their congratulations to Hayato again for his hard work and victory, and Hayato gave a bashful thanks in return.

But nobody brought up the fact that he and Todo-san were using first names… there was a sort of unspoken agreement that kept anyone from touching on it.

Well, they can talk about that when they’re alone, and I felt like it might just put Todo-san on the spot.

And once the talk about Hayato finished, it was naturally time for Natsumi-senpai. Since she wasn’t here yet, we’d just started sharing our thoughts on the match when it happened.

「Oh, she’s back!」

Everyone turned their gaze toward Tachikawa-san’s voice, and there was Natsumi-senpai, walking over with a hand on Yuji’s shoulder and looking like she had a bit of trouble moving.

Noticing us watching, she waved with a wry smile.

「Good work, you two. Natsumi, how are you feeling?」

Nishikawa-san, sitting right next to her, spoke up once the two of them were seated.

Even though she’d borrowed Yuji’s shoulder, she’d managed to walk all this way, so I figured it wasn’t a severe injury.

「It’s probably not broken, but it’s definitely a sprain. They said there’s a chance of a hairline fracture, though, so I have to go get it checked.」

「I see… In that case, are you heading to the hospital now? I can call for a ride…」

「No way! It doesn’t even hurt that much if I don’t push it, and I’m not going home until the festival’s over.」

I knew she’d say that, of course.

I glanced at Yuji just to check, and he gave a wry smile and a nod.

I guess they’d already settled that discussion.

「Besides, there’s no way I’m going home without seeing the biggest event of the day.」

「If you can make jokes like that, it seems there are no problems.」

Sara-san gave a cool reaction to Natsumi-senpai’s mischievous grin. But her lips were smiling… Sara-san was probably worried too, so she must have felt a bit relieved.

「If I judge that she’s pushing too hard, I’ll take her home by force.」

「Yes, I’ll leave that to Tachibana-san. Isn’t that nice, Natsumi?」

「…What is?」

「Fufu… oh, nothing at all?」

「Ugh, so annoying…」

Natsumi-senpai growled with a sulky face that was partly covering her embarrassment, while Sara-san watched her with a composed smile.

It seemed like their duel was settled for now, so it was almost time for lunch… but before that.

「Natsumi-senpai. Good work again. And congratulations.」

「Hwah!?」

「Yuzuki-senpai, congratulations!」

「You were so cool!」

「Really. But you’ve probably gained even more fans with that, haven’t you?」

「That final drive volley was thrilling.」

「Eh, e-eeh!?」

Getting praised so directly by us made Natsumi-senpai fluster about as she turned bright red. Yuji especially was watching her cute behavior with a happy look… it felt like these two were gradually having more of those「couple-like」moments.

「That’s the power of love.」

「I see, Tachibana-san’s feelings gave Natsumi strength…」

「Stop, stop, stop!! Don’t say things like thaaaaaat!!!」

And as always, Hanako-san went in to break the mood. While Sara-san was perfectly serious.

Hanako-san’s as consistent as ever.

「There’s no need to be embarrassed, is there? You grow strong for the one you love. You can become strong because of the feelings of the one you love. There’s nothing strange about it. I am like that myself, after all.」

As she said that, Sara-san turned her gaze toward me with a gentle smile.

Of course, I felt the same way… I always feel that way from the bottom of my heart. I’ve experienced it.

「Ah… yeah, yeah. I get that you guys are perfectly in sync.」

「Natsumi isn’t being honest. You felt it during that match earlier, didn’t you?」

「No comment! To begin with, we can’t be like you!」

「Goodness… well, let’s just leave it at that for now.」

Just like Sara-san said, I’m sure Natsumi-senpai actually knows… she’s just as dishonest as ever.

But being extremely shy about romance is part of what makes Natsumi-senpai herself.

「…Becoming strong for the one you love… like earlier…」

「What’s wrong, Marina-san?」

「Eh!? N-No, it’s nothing!」

Todo-san had been listening to Sara-san and the others with a serious look.

When Hayato suddenly spoke to her, she shook her head in a panic for some reason.

I can’t quite read the mental state of these two… especially Todo-san.

Or maybe she felt something from that talk just now… I wonder.

「Yuzuki-senpai! Tell us how that princess carry felt!」

「No comment!」

「Were you happy, Natsumi-senpai?」

「I said no comment, didn’t I!?」

「Natsumi, how did it feel?」

「Aaaaagh!! I told you, no comm… e-Eririn, are you okay? You’re scaring me.」

「Fufu… Natsumi says such interesting things, doesn’t she? I’m perfectly normal.」

「Eh?」

「I am, right? I’m normal…」

「Wait, Eririn’s broken…」

Even if it looks like a normal conversation at a glance, I can see it… I see it.

The cloak of darkness enveloping Nishikawa-san that I saw before… well, jokes aside.

I’ve seen her acting reliable so often lately, so it’s been a while since I’ve seen Nishikawa-san fall into dark mode this much… I guess that moment with Natsumi-senpai really was a shock.

Since those two joined us and Nishikawa-san returned to normal, we moved on to lunch.

Today was the same as yesterday, with a line of bentos everyone brought on the table… although, since us guys can’t cook at all, only the girls brought them. I feel bad about it.

Natsumi-senpai’s chopsticks focused on Nishikawa-san’s luxury bento, while Hayato’s main target was naturally Todo-san’s bento. And for Yuji, it was Natsumi-senpai.

And for me, of course…

「Here, Kazunari-san, say ahhh♪」

Chomp… munch, munch…

Phew… it’s in top form today too. It’s way too good.

「Fufu… seeing you so happy makes me happy too♪」

Sara-san smiled blissfully as she watched my face while I ate.

But seeing Sara-san like that is my happiness… and the bento is happiness, which means I’m twice as happy!

「Kazunari, next is this. Say ahhh…」

Chomp… munch, munch…

Hanako-san’s croquettes had a few slightly charred spots and the shapes were a bit unique. But that’s proof that she made them by hand… so her feelings made me happy.

「Haaa… if I ate Satsukawa-senpai’s meals every day, I’d definitely overeat and get fat… it’s too delicious.」

「Yeah, you’re right. I’m so jealous… I want to be able to cook at least a fraction as well as Satsukawa-senpai.」

While reaching for the bento Sara-san made for everyone, Tachikawa-san and Todo-san let out impressed voices. Since I eat it every day and I’m impressed every day, I understand exactly how those two feel.

「This is something that only comes from repeated training and practice. I’ve been doing it since I was small, so if someone could become good that easily, I would feel quite outdone.」

Sara-san’s greatness, not just in cooking, is the result of her effort. Of course, talent helps her grow faster than others. But even that growth happened because Sara-san worked hard. It’s the result of her effort after all.

「Come to think of it, Satsukawa-senpai’s Mother is amazing too, isn’t she?」

「Yes. Unfortunately, if we’re talking about housework under normal conditions, I still have a long way to go. Here, say ahhh…」

Chomp… munch, munch…

「Normal conditions… you say?」

「Does that mean if it’s not normal… ah, I see what you mean.」

「Yoko?」

Tachikawa-san instantly looked at me with a「here they go again」kind of look.

I don’t know if I’d call that sharp… but she’s probably right.

「Basically, you mean you won’t lose when it comes to housework for Takanashi-kun, right?」

「Ah! So that’s it…」

「Yes. When it comes to Kazunari-san, I will never lose. Whether it is to my Mother or my Grandmother, I never will. However, my Mother-in-law is an exception…」

「Well, I’m the one saying it, but Sara-san is overwhelmingly better, you know?」

I feel bad saying this about my Mom, but in reality, there’s a huge gap in housework ability between Sara-san and my Mom.

Especially when it comes to cooking, the difference is clear, and since my Mom admits it herself, there’s no helping it.

Though, for the sake of my Mom’s honor, I’m not saying her food is bad or that she’s a poor cook. It’s just that Sara-san is too incredible.

「Fufu… you saying that is very happy, but it’s also a fact that I have much to learn from my Mother-in-law. Besides, I have no reason to compete with Kazunari-san’s actual Mother. Oh… Kazunari-san, you must not move, okay?」

Wipe, wipe…

Personally, I want her to get along with Mayumi-san just as much as my Mom. But that side is difficult because Mayumi-san keeps meddling with me…

And now that I know the reason, I find it even harder to flatly refuse Mayumi-san’s kindness.

「How should I put it, hearing you talk, Satsukawa-senpai really feels like a ‘Wife!’」

「Ahaha, true. Oh, but since Takanashi-kun’s the groom…」

「No, I don’t mind that. In fact, it’s true that the image of being a ‘Wife’ is stronger in my mind as well.」

I’ve never really cared about being the groom or her being the wife or anything like that. Formally, I’m the one「joining her family,」and Sara-san isn’t「joining mine,」but to be honest, I’m fine either way as long as I can be with Sara-san.

「So, do you plan on showing off that womanly power… Wife power? at the Miss Contest today?」

「No, I’ll just get it over with. Here, say ahhh.」

Chomp… munch, munch…

「I see. But for Satsukawa-senpai, you could probably win easily with even half your skill… It seems a bit of a waste.」

「Actually, I think it’ll be funny. Since everyone knows Sara would win if she were serious… if she wins while just winging it, that’ll be a riot. I’ll laugh my head off.」

「Haa… Natsumi is as consistent as ever.」

「Of course! Eririn, you hate that woman too, don’t you?」

「Well… at the very least, I can’t think of her in a positive light.」

In fact, if there’s anyone who could think of her positively, I’d like to meet them. At most, they probably have some calculating reason to put up with her… If someone could actually get along with her, I’d be curious to see what kind of person they are…

Wait, maybe that’s going a bit too far.

「By the way, what should we do for the Miss Contest? If Satsukawa-senpai isn’t into it, should we avoid cheering?」

「Either is fine. But even if you cheer, I don’t plan on working particularly hard.」

「Got it. I’ll read the room on the spot and decide.」

「I’d still like to cheer for you!」

「I understand the Wife’s feelings, so I’ll stay out of it. Here, Kazunari… say ahhh.」

Chomp… munch, munch…

The first-year girls were split three ways. It really showed their personalities. But after Tachikawa-san mentioned it, I realized I hadn’t decided what I was going to do during the event either.

I’d only thought about barging in at the end…

Should I cheer?

Just watch?

Hmm…

「…Hey, Yuji. Do you think we should step in?」

「…I get how you feel, but the girls are ignoring it, so just leave it be.」

「…True. Kazunari doesn’t seem to mind at all… It’s kind of amazing when it gets to this level.」

「…Once it gets this far, there’s nothing left to fear…」

Hey, I can hear you perfectly.

It’s not that I don’t care, it’s just a matter of priority.

At this point, call us an idiot couple or whatever you want, as long as Sara-san is happy and I’m happy, there’s no room for doubt!

None at all!!

「Fufu… Kazunari-san, you have some ‘bento’ on you again.」

「Bento?」

「Do not move, okay…」

As she said that, Sara-san leaned in with a mischievous look on her face. I did as I was told and watched without moving… but Sara-san didn’t stop, and her face kept getting closer.

Wait, I mean, she was getting way too close…

Chu.

Gasp!?

Sara-san’s face didn’t stop until the very end, and I felt the soft sensation of her lips on the corner of my mouth.

It was just like that other time… which meant「bento」meant that.

But I’d half-expected her to just kiss me normally… No, it’s not like I thought that was a shame or anything, okay? It’s true!

「There, I got it.」

「I-I see, thank you.」

「Fufu… oh, Kazunari-san… mnh…」

Chu.

Mph!?

My guard was down for just a second, but after Sara-san smiled at my face, she suddenly moved in all at once… and blocked my lips just like that.

The suddenness surprised me, but my feeling of happiness was stronger… so in the end, I just let her.

I stayed still and left myself to her for a few seconds… eventually Sara-san pulled away slowly, staring into my eyes with another gentle smile.

「Sara-san…」

「Fufu… if you wish for it, Kazunari-san, I am ready whenever.」

「No… well.」

「Kazunari-san… you’re so cute♪」

I’m aware my face is bright red without anyone telling me. Since I couldn’t find an answer, Sara-san smiled even more happily and reached her arm toward my head. She pulled my head in and drew me into heaven, just like always.

My whole face was met by Sara-san’s soft and comfortable heaven… yes, I’m truly happy.

「…Do you think it’d be funny if we had them do this on the Miss Contest stage?」

「…It definitely might be.」

「…Eh!? That would be a huge scene!?」

「…Jeez, Marina, that’s what makes it funny… Hey Nishikawa-san, don’t look this way with those eyes, it’s really scary.」

「Kazunari-san… as long as you are by my side, I need nothing else…」

Sara-san’s voice whispering in my ear felt a bit different than usual, for some reason.

Or maybe with the Miss Contest right ahead, even Sara-san was getting a bit nervous… I was the same way before a big moment.

「Sara-san…」

「Kazunari-san?」

「It’s okay, we’re always together. I’ll always be by your side, Sara-san.」

「Yes… that makes me happy.」

I told her how I felt, even if it was a cliché, to help Sara-san feel even a little bit more at ease. Honestly, I wanted to tell her everything, but I’ll hold that back for a little while longer.

Just a bit longer… finally, the Miss Contest is about to start.

It’s okay, there’s only one thing I have to do.

I’ll tell Sara-san my feelings, my thoughts.

That’s all I have to do.

Miss Contest Prep Committee POV

「How is it?」

「Hmm… it’s tough. It’s hard to find anyone who can rival Satsukawa-san, after all.」

「Right… I guess Nishikawa-san is the only option…」

With the Lonely Goddess… Satsukawa-san appearing, this Miss Contest is already a guaranteed success.

The venue area has been packed since morning, and all of them are spectators looking to secure a spot.

It’s the first time I’ve ever seen a sight like this, and there’s no record of a report like this in the last ten years.

In other words… this Miss Contest will leave its name in the history of the School Festival.

And as the person in supreme charge, that obviously includes me!!

But that’s exactly why, exactly why… I want one more thing.

If we hold the Miss Contest like this, it’ll be a complete set-up since Satsukawa-san’s victory is decided from the start.

I feel bad for Kusahara-san who won last year, but the raw talent is just too different. It’s clear as day that Satsukawa-san will run away with the win if we proceed like this.

Of course, just having Satsukawa-san appear will hype people up. Her winning will too. But it’s so one-sided that it loses its meaning as a contest.

Is it greedy of me to want a rival at least… No, as the prep committee, it’s only natural.

So, as it stands, if anyone can rival Satsukawa-san… it has to be another member of the Three Princesses.

But Yuzuki-san, unfortunately, doesn’t have the kind of popularity suited for a Miss Contest. If anything, her popularity among women is her biggest obstacle in a Miss Contest.

That means, in terms of looks and specs, the only one who doesn’t fall behind Satsukawa-san is Nishikawa-san.

I heard Nishikawa-san was here yesterday and went to see her immediately, and the sight of her standing next to Satsukawa-san was truly a shock. She could definitely be a rival.

The only obstacle is that since she transferred last year, the first-years don’t recognize her… but with those looks, she’d be fine.

The problem is that despite trying to contact her since yesterday, we still haven’t been able to get through.

I sent several people, but not a single one has made contact… apparently, when they try to approach forcefully, they’re somehow surrounded by scary-looking adults. What’s going on?

No, more importantly right now, I have to find a way to make contact…

「President!! I’ve got word from the separate unit!!」

「What is it, did something happen?」

「Yes! Actually…」

「Gasp!? Is that true!?」

「Take a look…」

「Ohh!?」

Fufufu…

It seems the Goddess of Luck has finally smiled on me at the very last second.

Now then, let’s head to the final preparations… it’s finally, finally here.

Stuck-up Woman POV

Has the time finally come?

The moment I, Rena, bring down that detestable Satsukawa Sara and grab a complete victory that no one can complain about!!

「Rena, how are you feeling?」

「I’m in top form, Brother!」

「I see, you seem quite high-spirited… did something happen?」

「No, no, I just thought my victory was certain.」

「I suppose so. It’s a contest that doesn’t even need to be held… but the hype is important, after all.」

Yes, the hype is important.

I’ll let them build up as much hype as possible, and once the audience’s attention is at its peak…

That woman will fall into the abyss.

But she brought this on herself.

She was careless… a scandal this major isn’t just a loss of popularity.

Along with that Takanashi who made a fool of me… I just hope they don’t get expelled, at least.

Oh, I have nothing to do with this matter.

After all, even if someone I have no connection with suddenly starts making a fuss… it has nothing to do with me.

Now then, I have to get ready soon.

Oh, I have to think of my victory comment too.

Haa… I’m looking forward to it… all of it.