Chapter 1: The Young Lady's Determined Efforts
Part 1
"What’s it Like Commuting by Train?"
Morning. Inside the car heading toward Tenjoin Academy, the young lady suddenly said something out of the blue.
"Are you dissatisfied with being driven? If you have any requests, please let me know. We’ll respond immediately."
"It’s not that," she replied. "My classmates were talking about commuting by train, and it just piqued my interest."
In other words, her curiosity was sparked.
The young lady, perhaps because of her sharp instincts and her ability to excel at many things, had a remarkably strong sense of curiosity. She was easily drawn to things she had yet to experience. This time, her interest had turned toward "commuting by train."
"…Now that I think about it, you don’t use trains much, do you, Young Lady?"
"If there’s somewhere I want to go, I can just get driven. So, when it comes to commuting by train, I guess I don’t have any experience. Maybe I should try it at least once."
"That said… it’s not exactly as interesting as you might imagine. As the name suggests, commuting by train is just riding a train to school. Especially during the morning rush, it can be quite cramped."
"Cramped?"
"It’s not just students; many adults commuting to work also use trains. As a result, they can get very crowded, and during certain times, you might not even get a seat."
"Hmm. So, it’s as tough as I’ve heard."
"In particular, during rush hour, you’d be pressed up against others in packed trains. It’s not something I’d recommend for someone like you, Young Lady—"
"Let’s take the train home today."
"Were you listening to what I said?"
"Of course."
"Then, today—"
"We’ll take the train home."
"Young Lady!?"
What’s Going On? Did She Mishear Me?
Just to make sure, I decided to explain again.
"Young Lady, I don't think taking the train home will be as enjoyable as you expect."
"Is that so?"
"Yes. If you get caught in the evening rush hour, you'll end up so tightly packed with others that you won't even have space to move."
"Even if the world turns upside down and a natural disaster strikes today, I’m absolutely taking the train home."
Why…? Why is the Young Lady so insistent on taking the train…?
"Kagehito. You’ll ride the train with me today as well."
"Of course, I planned to. But, Young Lady, whatever it is you’re expecting, please don’t push yourself too hard, all right?"
"I’m not pushing myself at all. In fact, I’m so excited my heart might burst, so rest easy."
For reasons I couldn’t comprehend, the Young Lady seemed utterly determined to ride the train.
This time, her whims had taken a peculiar turn.
Well, that’s part of her charm, I suppose. As her servant, my only duty is to fulfill her wishes.
(I’ve already mapped out the route from the station near the academy to the estate. I’ve accounted for the average congestion at different times of day, and the weather won’t be an issue. All that’s left is our departure time. If only I could avoid the rush hour, but that depends entirely on the Young Lady’s mood. All I can do is hope for the best.)
As I mentally pieced together the plan for our trip home, I noticed the Young Lady typing something on her smartphone with an unusually serious expression.
…That’s rare. While she’s always been talented and hardworking, she’s also someone who carries out most tasks effortlessly these days. What she accomplishes with ease now is backed by years of effort, of course, but her calm demeanor rarely changes. Seeing her so focused must mean it’s something especially important.
(I want to say something, but I might interrupt her concentration. I’ll just keep an eye on her for now.)
Classes ended without incident, and soon it was time to leave for the day.
The Young Lady, in an unusually good mood—practically humming a tune—joined the flow of other students heading straight for the station.
…This must be her first time walking from the academy to the station. Yet her steps were so confident, as though she had already memorized the route from studying a map beforehand.
"Young Lady, have you walked this path before?"
"It’s my first time. I usually take the car, after all."
Then how was she walking so naturally, without the slightest hesitation? Could she really have studied the map in detail and burned the route into her memory? No, surely not, even if she was this interested in commuting by train.
"Ah, it’s Kagehito-kun and Tendou-san!"
"What’s going on today? You usually use the car, right?"
It seemed unusual for the Young Lady and me to be walking home from school together, which had caught the attention of some girls from our grade.
"Hello. Today, we decided to change things up and take the train home," I replied.
The girls were from a neighboring class. I had never shared a class with them during middle school, and they had no direct connection with the Young Lady. However, that might change going forward.
I reminded myself to maintain a friendly but composed smile that wouldn’t make anyone uncomfortable. The last thing I wanted was to do something that could tarnish the Young Lady’s reputation.
"I-I see… So, you’re taking the train with us!"
"Why don’t you join us? I’d love to hear more about you, Kagehito-kun!"
"Young Lady, what would you like to do—"
"Sorry, we’re in a bit of a hurry today."
The Young Lady’s polite but firm rejection left no room for further discussion.
With a flawless, radiant smile, the Young Lady grabbed my arm and strode off briskly, her pace leaving no room for hesitation.
"Y-Young Lady? What’s the matter?"
"What do you mean, ‘what’s the matter’? What was that smile just now?"
"I was merely trying to ensure your reputation remained untarnished—"
"If that’s what it takes, then throw my reputation straight into the dirt!"
"I’m afraid I can’t do that!"
"Anyway, we’re leaving! Right now! We must escape this danger zone immediately!"
And so, with her in the lead, we continued walking quickly until we finally arrived at the station.
At this hour, the station was far from crowded. A rush-hour train was as unlikely as the heavens and earth flipping upside down. The only people around were students like us, presumably also on their way home.
"Kagehito. I don’t see any bento boxes being sold here."
"Those are typically found at larger stations, especially ones serviced by bullet trains. A station of this size wouldn’t stock them."
"I see. I’ve always wanted to try one; how disappointing."
Her tone was calm, but the faint trace of longing in her voice made it clear she’d been genuinely looking forward to the idea.
Morning. Inside the car heading toward Tenjoin Academy, the young lady suddenly said something out of the blue.
"Are you dissatisfied with being driven? If you have any requests, please let me know. We’ll respond immediately."
"It’s not that," she replied. "My classmates were talking about commuting by train, and it just piqued my interest."
In other words, her curiosity was sparked.
The young lady, perhaps because of her sharp instincts and her ability to excel at many things, had a remarkably strong sense of curiosity. She was easily drawn to things she had yet to experience. This time, her interest had turned toward "commuting by train."
"…Now that I think about it, you don’t use trains much, do you, Young Lady?"
"If there’s somewhere I want to go, I can just get driven. So, when it comes to commuting by train, I guess I don’t have any experience. Maybe I should try it at least once."
"That said… it’s not exactly as interesting as you might imagine. As the name suggests, commuting by train is just riding a train to school. Especially during the morning rush, it can be quite cramped."
"Cramped?"
"It’s not just students; many adults commuting to work also use trains. As a result, they can get very crowded, and during certain times, you might not even get a seat."
"Hmm. So, it’s as tough as I’ve heard."
"In particular, during rush hour, you’d be pressed up against others in packed trains. It’s not something I’d recommend for someone like you, Young Lady—"
"Let’s take the train home today."
"Were you listening to what I said?"
"Of course."
"Then, today—"
"We’ll take the train home."
"Young Lady!?"
What’s Going On? Did She Mishear Me?
Just to make sure, I decided to explain again.
"Young Lady, I don't think taking the train home will be as enjoyable as you expect."
"Is that so?"
"Yes. If you get caught in the evening rush hour, you'll end up so tightly packed with others that you won't even have space to move."
"Even if the world turns upside down and a natural disaster strikes today, I’m absolutely taking the train home."
Why…? Why is the Young Lady so insistent on taking the train…?
"Kagehito. You’ll ride the train with me today as well."
"Of course, I planned to. But, Young Lady, whatever it is you’re expecting, please don’t push yourself too hard, all right?"
"I’m not pushing myself at all. In fact, I’m so excited my heart might burst, so rest easy."
For reasons I couldn’t comprehend, the Young Lady seemed utterly determined to ride the train.
This time, her whims had taken a peculiar turn.
Well, that’s part of her charm, I suppose. As her servant, my only duty is to fulfill her wishes.
(I’ve already mapped out the route from the station near the academy to the estate. I’ve accounted for the average congestion at different times of day, and the weather won’t be an issue. All that’s left is our departure time. If only I could avoid the rush hour, but that depends entirely on the Young Lady’s mood. All I can do is hope for the best.)
As I mentally pieced together the plan for our trip home, I noticed the Young Lady typing something on her smartphone with an unusually serious expression.
…That’s rare. While she’s always been talented and hardworking, she’s also someone who carries out most tasks effortlessly these days. What she accomplishes with ease now is backed by years of effort, of course, but her calm demeanor rarely changes. Seeing her so focused must mean it’s something especially important.
(I want to say something, but I might interrupt her concentration. I’ll just keep an eye on her for now.)
Classes ended without incident, and soon it was time to leave for the day.
The Young Lady, in an unusually good mood—practically humming a tune—joined the flow of other students heading straight for the station.
…This must be her first time walking from the academy to the station. Yet her steps were so confident, as though she had already memorized the route from studying a map beforehand.
"Young Lady, have you walked this path before?"
"It’s my first time. I usually take the car, after all."
Then how was she walking so naturally, without the slightest hesitation? Could she really have studied the map in detail and burned the route into her memory? No, surely not, even if she was this interested in commuting by train.
"Ah, it’s Kagehito-kun and Tendou-san!"
"What’s going on today? You usually use the car, right?"
It seemed unusual for the Young Lady and me to be walking home from school together, which had caught the attention of some girls from our grade.
"Hello. Today, we decided to change things up and take the train home," I replied.
The girls were from a neighboring class. I had never shared a class with them during middle school, and they had no direct connection with the Young Lady. However, that might change going forward.
I reminded myself to maintain a friendly but composed smile that wouldn’t make anyone uncomfortable. The last thing I wanted was to do something that could tarnish the Young Lady’s reputation.
"I-I see… So, you’re taking the train with us!"
"Why don’t you join us? I’d love to hear more about you, Kagehito-kun!"
"Young Lady, what would you like to do—"
"Sorry, we’re in a bit of a hurry today."
The Young Lady’s polite but firm rejection left no room for further discussion.
With a flawless, radiant smile, the Young Lady grabbed my arm and strode off briskly, her pace leaving no room for hesitation.
"Y-Young Lady? What’s the matter?"
"What do you mean, ‘what’s the matter’? What was that smile just now?"
"I was merely trying to ensure your reputation remained untarnished—"
"If that’s what it takes, then throw my reputation straight into the dirt!"
"I’m afraid I can’t do that!"
"Anyway, we’re leaving! Right now! We must escape this danger zone immediately!"
And so, with her in the lead, we continued walking quickly until we finally arrived at the station.
At this hour, the station was far from crowded. A rush-hour train was as unlikely as the heavens and earth flipping upside down. The only people around were students like us, presumably also on their way home.
"Kagehito. I don’t see any bento boxes being sold here."
"Those are typically found at larger stations, especially ones serviced by bullet trains. A station of this size wouldn’t stock them."
"I see. I’ve always wanted to try one; how disappointing."
Her tone was calm, but the faint trace of longing in her voice made it clear she’d been genuinely looking forward to the idea.
"Let’s save it for another time. I’ll make the arrangements when the opportunity arises."
"No. I want to buy the bento at the station."
As we exchanged such small talk, the train arrived right on schedule.
The doors slid open, and I followed the Young Lady inside. Just as expected, the train car was sparsely occupied at this hour.
Apart from a handful of students from the academy, there were hardly any passengers.
"Young Lady, please take a seat. There are plenty of open spots."
"I’ll stand, thank you."
Since it wouldn’t be appropriate for me to sit while my master stood, I naturally remained standing alongside her in the nearly empty train.
(I hope this experience satisfies her curiosity about riding the train…)
As I stood quietly by her side, the train swayed gently until it pulled into the next station.
The doors opened again, and then—unexpectedly—a flood of people surged into the car.
"Huh?"
Before I could make sense of it, the car was suddenly packed, leaving no room to sit, much less move comfortably.
(What… what’s going on? It’s not even rush hour. Why are there so many people…?)
I had reviewed all the details of this route beforehand—timing, station layouts, and the general flow of passengers. There hadn’t been any mention of a major event today. At most, the area might have hosted something small like a lottery draw or a balloon giveaway.
"Oh my, it’s gotten quite crowded, hasn’t it?"
"Y-Yes. My apologies, Young Lady. This is my failure."
"It’s not your fault. This is just coincidence—an unexpected gathering of people in this car. You can’t possibly predict every movement of the crowd, so there’s no need to blame yourself."
"But to let you experience such discomfort—"
"I’m fine. It’s not uncomfortable at all."
As expected of her. Even in the face of an unanticipated rush-hour-like crowd, the Young Lady remained perfectly composed, offering me a calm and radiant smile.
I need to learn from her example. If I’m shaken by something as minor as an unexpected crowd, I still have a long way to go.
"Whoa—"
As the train swayed, so did the crowd, shifting like a restless tide. I tried my best to maintain some space around the young lady, but with this many people, it was almost impossible.
"My apologies, Young Lady. Please bear with this for a little while longer…"
"Don’t worry about it. More importantly, stop hesitating. Protect me properly."
Her words were firm but calm, her gaze unwavering. The subtle authority in her tone left no room for argument.
I adjusted my stance, planting myself as a buffer against the surging crowd. If I couldn’t create space, I could at least shield her from being jostled.
"Understood. I’ll ensure you’re safe, no matter the circumstances."
Her faint smile in response was enough to strengthen my resolve. No matter how unpredictable the situation, my priority was clear: the young lady’s comfort and safety.
Advancing to high school, I never imagined I’d encounter a "thieving cat" so soon.
To be honest, I was flustered. I had to act, to do something. But no matter how much I thought, I couldn’t come up with a solid plan. And then—what’s that saying? “The darkest place is under the lighthouse.” The answer had been right in front of me all along.
A packed train. I had overlooked such an obvious option. Clearly, I still have a lot to learn.
Ordinarily, you might think a crowded train offers no advantages.
Yes, I understand. Even I wouldn’t willingly choose to board one.
But… what if there were an advantage? A tremendous, undeniable advantage. Then what?
"Particularly in a packed train, there’s no choice but to be in close contact with others, so for the Young Lady, I wouldn’t recommend it—"
"Let’s take the train home today."
Close contact. Exactly. Physical proximity might just be my best move.
Not to brag, but I’m well aware my figure is, shall we say, developed. (Just the other day, my chest felt a little constricted in my uniform.)
And in a packed train, there’s no need for pretense—it’s natural, inevitable. The situation practically demands close proximity. It’s the perfect chance to use my assets to their fullest. Plus… I can’t deny that it makes me a little happy, too.
The moment the idea struck me, I wasted no time putting it into action.
I pulled out my phone and opened the Tendou family’s private app—one I designed myself, a custom creation. Quickly, I sent a message. The plan took two seconds to formulate. The next step was assembling the necessary personnel. And with the Tendou family’s resources, that was no challenge.
The task was simple.
At the designated time, board the designated car. That’s it.
...Well, I didn’t anticipate another "thieving cat" showing up when Kagehito decided to take the train. That was a surprise.
But it’s fine. This packed train will settle everything.
When the personnel I arranged began boarding, Kagehito looked bewildered.
As for me? I couldn’t be more satisfied. No—satisfied isn’t the right word. The real battle starts now.
"Forgive me, Young Lady. Please endure this just a little longer…"
"Don't worry about it. More importantly, don't hold back. Protect me properly."
"...Understood."
The press of the crowd, orchestrated by the personnel I’d arranged, caused the distance between Kagehito and me to shrink even further. He positioned himself against the wall of the train, bracing an arm to shield me from the crush of people, but the sheer number of passengers inevitably pushed us into close contact.
...Hmm. Feeling his body so close to mine is a little... embarrassing, after all.
But this might just make Kagehito notice me a little more.
Heh heh. Sorry, you "thieving cats" with your eyes on Kagehito.
It won’t be long before I can make my victory declaration.
"Young Lady, are you uncomfortable?"
"I'm fine. If anything, you could get even closer—"
I glanced up.
(...Oh.)
Much closer than I’d expected, Kagehito’s face was right there, his gaze fixed on me. His eyes, like a midnight sky, pulled me in. And just like that, everything—the plans I’d made, my composure, my confidence—vanished into white noise.
(He's close. Closer than I thought. And this... this posture...)
I’d seen it in dramas and manga I’d studied for “research.”
This was... that, wasn’t it? A "kabedon." To think I’d experience it from Kagehito of all people, even if by chance...
(W-what’s this?)
My face grew hot all of a sudden. My heart started racing, thudding loudly in my chest...
"Young Lady."
"Y-yes?!"
"You seem flushed. Are you feeling unwell?"
"N-not at all! I'm fine. Perfectly fine, so..."
...It seems I underestimated my own capacity to handle this situation.
"Just... don't look at me right now."
I realized how far I’d overreached only after we got off the train and my legs refused to move.
By the way, later on.
I learned that rumors spread about the shadowy figure protecting a girl while doing a "kabe-don," which led to a slight increase in fans. Hearing that, I nearly punched a wall.
"No. I want to buy the bento at the station."
As we exchanged such small talk, the train arrived right on schedule.
The doors slid open, and I followed the Young Lady inside. Just as expected, the train car was sparsely occupied at this hour.
Apart from a handful of students from the academy, there were hardly any passengers.
"Young Lady, please take a seat. There are plenty of open spots."
"I’ll stand, thank you."
Since it wouldn’t be appropriate for me to sit while my master stood, I naturally remained standing alongside her in the nearly empty train.
(I hope this experience satisfies her curiosity about riding the train…)
As I stood quietly by her side, the train swayed gently until it pulled into the next station.
The doors opened again, and then—unexpectedly—a flood of people surged into the car.
"Huh?"
Before I could make sense of it, the car was suddenly packed, leaving no room to sit, much less move comfortably.
(What… what’s going on? It’s not even rush hour. Why are there so many people…?)
I had reviewed all the details of this route beforehand—timing, station layouts, and the general flow of passengers. There hadn’t been any mention of a major event today. At most, the area might have hosted something small like a lottery draw or a balloon giveaway.
"Oh my, it’s gotten quite crowded, hasn’t it?"
"Y-Yes. My apologies, Young Lady. This is my failure."
"It’s not your fault. This is just coincidence—an unexpected gathering of people in this car. You can’t possibly predict every movement of the crowd, so there’s no need to blame yourself."
"But to let you experience such discomfort—"
"I’m fine. It’s not uncomfortable at all."
As expected of her. Even in the face of an unanticipated rush-hour-like crowd, the Young Lady remained perfectly composed, offering me a calm and radiant smile.
I need to learn from her example. If I’m shaken by something as minor as an unexpected crowd, I still have a long way to go.
"Whoa—"
As the train swayed, so did the crowd, shifting like a restless tide. I tried my best to maintain some space around the young lady, but with this many people, it was almost impossible.
"My apologies, Young Lady. Please bear with this for a little while longer…"
"Don’t worry about it. More importantly, stop hesitating. Protect me properly."
Her words were firm but calm, her gaze unwavering. The subtle authority in her tone left no room for argument.
I adjusted my stance, planting myself as a buffer against the surging crowd. If I couldn’t create space, I could at least shield her from being jostled.
"Understood. I’ll ensure you’re safe, no matter the circumstances."
Her faint smile in response was enough to strengthen my resolve. No matter how unpredictable the situation, my priority was clear: the young lady’s comfort and safety.
•❅──────✧❅✦❅✧──────❅•
Advancing to high school, I never imagined I’d encounter a "thieving cat" so soon.
To be honest, I was flustered. I had to act, to do something. But no matter how much I thought, I couldn’t come up with a solid plan. And then—what’s that saying? “The darkest place is under the lighthouse.” The answer had been right in front of me all along.
A packed train. I had overlooked such an obvious option. Clearly, I still have a lot to learn.
Ordinarily, you might think a crowded train offers no advantages.
Yes, I understand. Even I wouldn’t willingly choose to board one.
But… what if there were an advantage? A tremendous, undeniable advantage. Then what?
"Particularly in a packed train, there’s no choice but to be in close contact with others, so for the Young Lady, I wouldn’t recommend it—"
"Let’s take the train home today."
Close contact. Exactly. Physical proximity might just be my best move.
Not to brag, but I’m well aware my figure is, shall we say, developed. (Just the other day, my chest felt a little constricted in my uniform.)
And in a packed train, there’s no need for pretense—it’s natural, inevitable. The situation practically demands close proximity. It’s the perfect chance to use my assets to their fullest. Plus… I can’t deny that it makes me a little happy, too.
The moment the idea struck me, I wasted no time putting it into action.
I pulled out my phone and opened the Tendou family’s private app—one I designed myself, a custom creation. Quickly, I sent a message. The plan took two seconds to formulate. The next step was assembling the necessary personnel. And with the Tendou family’s resources, that was no challenge.
The task was simple.
At the designated time, board the designated car. That’s it.
...Well, I didn’t anticipate another "thieving cat" showing up when Kagehito decided to take the train. That was a surprise.
But it’s fine. This packed train will settle everything.
When the personnel I arranged began boarding, Kagehito looked bewildered.
As for me? I couldn’t be more satisfied. No—satisfied isn’t the right word. The real battle starts now.
"Forgive me, Young Lady. Please endure this just a little longer…"
"Don't worry about it. More importantly, don't hold back. Protect me properly."
"...Understood."
The press of the crowd, orchestrated by the personnel I’d arranged, caused the distance between Kagehito and me to shrink even further. He positioned himself against the wall of the train, bracing an arm to shield me from the crush of people, but the sheer number of passengers inevitably pushed us into close contact.
...Hmm. Feeling his body so close to mine is a little... embarrassing, after all.
But this might just make Kagehito notice me a little more.
Heh heh. Sorry, you "thieving cats" with your eyes on Kagehito.
It won’t be long before I can make my victory declaration.
"Young Lady, are you uncomfortable?"
"I'm fine. If anything, you could get even closer—"
I glanced up.
(...Oh.)
Much closer than I’d expected, Kagehito’s face was right there, his gaze fixed on me. His eyes, like a midnight sky, pulled me in. And just like that, everything—the plans I’d made, my composure, my confidence—vanished into white noise.
(He's close. Closer than I thought. And this... this posture...)
I’d seen it in dramas and manga I’d studied for “research.”
This was... that, wasn’t it? A "kabedon." To think I’d experience it from Kagehito of all people, even if by chance...
(W-what’s this?)
My face grew hot all of a sudden. My heart started racing, thudding loudly in my chest...
"Young Lady."
"Y-yes?!"
"You seem flushed. Are you feeling unwell?"
"N-not at all! I'm fine. Perfectly fine, so..."
...It seems I underestimated my own capacity to handle this situation.
"Just... don't look at me right now."
I realized how far I’d overreached only after we got off the train and my legs refused to move.
By the way, later on.
I learned that rumors spread about the shadowy figure protecting a girl while doing a "kabe-don," which led to a slight increase in fans. Hearing that, I nearly punched a wall.
•❅──────✧❅✦❅✧──────❅•
Year 1, Class A of Tenjoin Academy's High School Division.
This was the class where, starting this spring, the young lady and I found ourselves enrolled.
Now that a month had passed since the entrance ceremony, the students in the class had naturally begun forming their respective groups.
Within the academy, students like the young lady and me, who had advanced from the middle school division to the high school division via the escalator system, were referred to as "internal students." Meanwhile, those who had entered the school through external entrance exams were called "external students." Unsurprisingly, the groups were largely divided along these lines.
It was only natural for internal students, who already had pre-existing relationships from middle school, to band together. Consequently, it was difficult for external students to integrate into these established circles, leaving them to group up amongst themselves.
And right now, one of the challenges weighing on my mind was:
(The young lady doesn't have any friends, does she...)
Though about a month had passed since we started high school, she still hadn’t made any friends. In fact, this wasn’t a new issue—it had been the same during her middle school years.
It’s not as though she was being avoided by those around her. On the contrary, she was more often admired with envious gazes. If spoken to, she responded in a normal manner. Just the other day, she was approached by some unfamiliar female students on her way home.
But despite that, she didn’t seem to have any close relationships deep enough to call someone a friend.
Perhaps it would be best to describe her as equally approachable to everyone, for better or worse. That’s not inherently a bad thing, and there’s no need to force friendships. Still, I couldn’t help but worry if this might end up narrowing her world.
“What’s with the serious face, Kagehito? …Wait, don’t tell me you’re off in the gymnasium in your head, daydreaming about the girls in their gym uniforms working up a healthy sweat. I get it—I do. Especially Tendou-san’s gym uniform look. That must pack some serious, almost criminal charm...”
“Any more out of your mouth, Yukimichi, and you’d best go and repent immediately.”
“As always, you’re quick to lose it when Tendou-san is involved…”
Yukimichi had brown-dyed, slightly grown-out hair and a lean but well-balanced build with just the right amount of muscle. If I had to compare him to something, he was like a friendly dog. His words and actions had a knack for slipping into people’s hearts before they even realized it, giving off an approachable and easygoing vibe.
The male student currently wearing his gym uniform, despite usually dressing casually in his school uniform, is Kazami Yukimichi.
Thanks to the close relationship between his parents and those of the young lady, Yukimichi and I have known her since childhood. While not quite at the young lady’s academic level, he boasts a high standard of scholastic achievement. On top of that, he has remarkable social skills, seamlessly integrating with the "external students" in less than a month. Considering his flashy appearance, it’s surprising how competent he is in many areas.
“So, if you’re sitting there with such a troubled look, it’s gotta be something involving Tendou-san, right?”
“…You’re as perceptive as ever.”
This guy could be considered the young lady’s friend. At the very least, they’re on good terms.
The young lady currently has almost no close friendships—almost being the operative word, as Yukimichi is an exception.
“You’ve got a pretty wide circle, don’t you?”
“Yeah. Not to brag, but I could probably connect with every single one of the female external students in a week. That’s my estimate, anyway.”
“That’s… really not something to brag about.”
“Well, if something’s bugging you, spill it. Let’s face it, I’m about the only guy you can talk to casually.”
As ridiculous as he is, there’s no denying Yukimichi’s social skills.
…Maybe it’s worth consulting him. If it seems like anything could negatively impact the young lady, I can just intercept it before it gets that far.
“Actually—”
Half-expecting failure, I decided to share my concerns with Yukimichi.
“I see now. Yeah, it’s true that Tendou-san hardly has any female friends at school—except maybe those tied to her upper-class social circles.”
“Even among the upper class, it’s rare to find families that can rival the Tendou family…”
“Though every now and then, you get someone who doesn’t know their place. But let’s set that aside for now. I do understand your concern.”
"Ah, so you understand."
"I get it, but... it's going to be tough. Especially since her guard is up more than usual lately."
"...And why is that?"
I couldn’t imagine him calling something "tough" without a solid reason.
"Well... before I get into that, there are a couple of things I want to confirm."
"Go ahead. If it’s about the young lady, I’m aware of most things."
"Alright, first question: You were confessed to by a girl recently, weren’t you?"
"Yeah, I was."
"Did you tell Tendou-san about it?"
"I did."
"I see. I understand everything now."
"How!? What could you possibly have figured out from just that!?"
"I’ve never met a man as tactless as you."
"Am I really that bad…? Did I really mess up that much…?"
Damn it. I don’t understand... anything!
What on earth did I do!?
"By the way, I heard something about you recently."
"About me? Not about the young lady?"
"Right. Not about Tendou Hoshine, but you—Yagiri Kagehito. Tell me, did you happen to walk through the plaza near the station by yourself a little while ago?"
"...Yeah, I remember passing through there for some errands."
"And while you were there, did you see a female student being harassed by a man?"
"I did. I saw that."
"...And did you step in to stop them and end up getting hit by the guy?"
"Don’t insult me. There’s no way an amateur’s punches would ever land on me. When they started swinging without even listening to reason, I just deflected their attacks."
"....................................I see."
"...Why are you looking up at the sky?"
"Well, as your childhood friend, I just feel terribly sorry for Tendou-san... I think her guard is going to stay up for a while."
Before I could ask Yukimichi for a detailed explanation of what he meant, the gym teacher’s whistle cut through the air.
"Next batter, step up to the plate!"
"Hey, it’s your turn, Kagehito. Go on."
"Ah... yeah..."
Unluckily for me, today’s lesson was baseball, and I had no choice but to take my turn in the batter's box.
The conversation ended there, and I missed my chance to ask Yukimichi for more details.
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