Chapter 9: Yumesaki's Calculations
The tumultuous week came to an end, and Monday arrived. The fourth period was Home Economics, the beloved cooking practical class for everyone.
The warm air wafting in the Home Economics room tickled my nostrils, giving a sense of a different atmosphere than the regular classroom.
In the manga I read during my hospital stay, cooking practical classes were depicted as events that brought students closer together. Judging from everyone's excited expressions, it seemed like a time of elevated spirits in the real world as well.
Indeed, as soon as I entered the Home Economics room, my heart secretly started racing. It seemed that I still remembered the joy of cooking practical classes as a sensation.
"Please form groups of four with the people sitting nearby!" the teacher instructed, and as soon as the command came, Takao energetically grabbed my arm, exclaiming, "Oh, here we go!"
"Whoa!?"
I was surprised and bewildered by Takao's enthusiasm, but I was also happy. I looked at Arisugawa and Yumesaki, who were sitting next to me, in turn. Yumesaki glanced at me but quickly averted her gaze.
"What an impressive group we have here," Takao said in a half-joking tone.
I think his words hit the mark when viewed from an outsider's perspective. After all, there were two leaders of the three major factions among us.
There was Arisugawa Saki, the arrogant and famous model. Yumesaki Yoko, the president's daughter with beautiful chestnut-colored hair. Takao Yamato, full of energy and a refreshing atmosphere.
And above all, there was Sanada Yuki, the amnesiac. Hmm, in terms of titles alone, I might have the highest rarity. It's a bit unfortunate that I can't boast about it openly. But right now, there are more important matters at hand.
Just like I did with Asuka, I need to make sure I can rely on her help in case of emergencies. I approached Arisugawa and whispered in a low voice.
"Arisugawa."
"What is it? Do you want to get married?"
"No, it's not that!"
"It's sad how forcefully you denied it," Arisugawa replied, completely unfazed by my words. I scratched my head in response.
It seemed like Yumesaki was caught up with Takao, so I didn't have to worry about her overhearing our conversation. Just to be safe, we moved a bit away from the long table, and I asked her.
"...Hey, Arisugawa, are you close to Hina?"
"Hina..." Arisugawa's gaze wandered for a moment, then she raised her index finger as if she had thought of something. "Ah, Hina-chan? Hmm, not really."
"...Didn't you forget about her just now?"
"I definitely didn't forget something like that," Arisugawa laughed nonchalantly.
...For a moment, her expression seemed as if she couldn't match the name with the face, but it was probably just my imagination. I felt relieved and let out a sigh. It would be difficult to ask her for help if she didn't remember Hina's existence. I couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.
"Oh, don't sigh like that. I'm right here, you know? Should I go back to my seat? Ah, maybe I should," Arisugawa puffed her cheeks, and I hastily replied in a low voice.
"Wait, hold on. It's about Yumesaki... Come here."
"Hmm? What is it?" Arisugawa tilted her head and brought her
"Uh."
"I think I replied saying I probably won't get used to it."
"Y-You... Are you completely lacking in tact?"
A voice that seemed disgusted unintentionally came out.
Even though I have no memories, I'm capable of giving a better response.
"Well, I don't know. It's just my honest impression."
"Well, you know... How should I put it? You should at least make a decision whether to convey it or not. If Yumemaki were to expose that matter on social media, it would also damage Arisugawa, right? Be more cautious--"
"No way. I'm not that weak. I've even turned an uproar into an advantage before."
Arisugawa returns my gaze with a determined look.
I couldn't help but accept it due to those resolute eyes.
"Well, let's say I understand that part. But how does wanting to become a model lead to Hinagare being oppressed?"
"Well... Isn't it because of that? Even before I said anything, Yumemaki-san had been working hard to become a model... and just when Hina-chan made her debut as a model, Yumemaki-san accidentally complained about it. I didn't know she was being oppressed."
"Eh, Hina is a model too?"
I widen my eyes in surprise.
"Well, if you call it being a model... She only appeared in a digital magazine, I guess?"
Arisugawa twirls the ribbon hanging from her uniform.
"Hina-chan came from a minor magazine and got selected through regional auditions, so... Maybe Yumemaki-san is targeting Hina-chan's position. It has the lowest competition rate, after all. Maybe she really wants to become a model."
She truly seems to have no interest in her surroundings. Arisugawa places her index finger on her chin as if she just realized something.
"By the way... Didn't you invite Asuka tomorrow? Could that also be provoking Yumemaki?"
"Hmm... It's possible, you know."
"What?! Are you serious?"
"Well, because I want Asuka-san to become my rival. She has a strength that I don't have."
"Alright, fine. Let's put that aside for now."
Returning to the topic I had diverted from, I ask again.
"So, if things get dangerous in the future, I would like Arisugawa to help me. Can I talk to you about the details?"
After a few seconds of silence, Arisugawa nods slightly.
Then she brushes her hair aside, revealing her white earlobe, and prompts me with a soft "go on."
It seems like she's okay with the answer and wants me to whisper it to her.
Honestly, I feel a bit nervous, but now is not the time for that. I approach calmly and speak in a low voice.
...It might be risky for Arisugawa to hear this.
However, I assure her that I won't do anything bad.
After listening to my explanation, Arisugawa tilts her head.
"Hey, why me for that?"
...It's a similar reaction to Asuka's.
There must be something they both think about.
"Why?... Because we're together, right?"
"Really?"
Her gray eyes carefully observe me. They seem to see through everything, even the deepest parts of my heart.
Is that why?
The words that come out of me are not just thoughts but something that wells up from deep within me.
"I feel like it's a wall I have to overcome in my current state... It's my first wall. I actually want to overcome it on my own, but I can't do it alone."
Arisugawa chuckles.
Then, calmly, she opens her mouth.
Somewhere along the way, my turn had been taken by Arisugawa.
"That might also be a remnant of your past self. Or perhaps, it's really your current thoughts."
Her unusually quiet tone evokes scenes in my mind.
What comes to mind are two books.
Two books with opposite ways of being after amnesia.
I felt like I understood the meaning behind Arisugawa choosing those books.
She may have been indirectly asking me, "Which one are you?"
If that's the case, I need to answer the current question seriously.
And then...
"It's my current thoughts," I answer quietly.
Arisugawa blinks her eyes.
Even though the Home Economics classroom should be much noisier than usual, it's strange that when I stand in front of Arisugawa, my consciousness doesn't move away from her.
After a few seconds of locking gazes, Arisugawa's cheeks loosen into a smile.
"...Then, if you overcome that wall, you'll be Yuki Sanada."
I don't know the reason.
But Arisugawa's tone sounded very happy.
"Sure. Then, as your girlfriend, I'll lend you a hand. Are you with me?"
I tried to ponder Arisugawa's thoughts, but I stopped halfway.
Right now, I should focus on what's in front of me.
When Yumemaki notices our approach, she narrows her eyes and sighs.
"What were you two doing? You always have that camaraderie."
After murmuring with an unamused expression, Yumemaki calls Takao next to her with just her gaze.
Takao immediately hurries over to her side, and it's unclear if they have a close friendship or a master-servant relationship.
"Yumemaki-san, let's compete! Let's have a contest!" Arisugawa suggests cheerfully.
Yumemaki reacts with a twitch and raises her head.
"You and me, Arisugawa-san? What kind of competition?"
"Well... Since it's a practical training, how about cooking? We can make beef stew in pairs, and the one who impresses the teacher the most wins."
"What's that? Isn't there a more exciting competition?"
"There isn't. I just came up with it."
"Why are you so laid-back about it..."
Indeed, Arisugawa's self-centeredness bewilders Yumemaki.
And even Yumemaki, who seems to have a high sense of pride, can't directly complain to Arisugawa due to their relationship.
"Looks like it's a team battle..." Yumemaki sighs.
A team battle means it's me and Arisugawa as a pair against Takao and Yumemaki as another pair.
Upon hearing that, Takao chimes in from the side.
"That sounds exciting! How about adding a punishment for the losers?"
Yumemaki shoots a silent glare in response to Takao's suggestion.
Quickly, Takao retreats, saying, "Just kidding, just kidding..."
However, Arisugawa enthusiastically nods.
"Of course! The representative of the losing team will have to do anything within reason as a punishment, how about that?"
The atmosphere suddenly changes.
With a decisive statement, Takao, who had been resigned, brightens up.
On the other hand, Yumemaki looks puzzled.
In this class, the only time Yumemaki's opinions get dismissed is likely when Arisugawa says something.
"Haa, are you serious about that? I think giving the winner the power to make the loser do anything might be a bit too broad!"
Perhaps Yumemaki is concerned about the financial aspect because she's the daughter of a company president.
In response to Yumemaki's protest, Arisugawa's mouth curls up.
"But I'm in the same boat, right? Let's make it a real competition since we have the chance."
"Huh... Really? If I have the right to make you do anything, I won't hold back. Can I use it to get a recommendation to a modeling agency?"
--So, she really wants to become a model.
And she even declares it in front of Takao.
"That's possible!" Arisugawa agrees without hesitation, and Yumemaki's expression changes.
An icy atmosphere, unfitting for the Home Economics classroom, begins to hover over our table.
"...Are you serious?"
"Yes. Actually, I've already given Yuki-kun a card. It's not just anything; it's the right to recommend someone as a model."
Yumemaki's eyes widen. And it's news to me too. Is it a made-up story, or...?
"Is that for Minato?"
Naturally, that would be Yumemaki's assumption from her perspective.
Arisugawa tilts her head slightly.
"Well... I'm not sure. It's a promise, so I can't tell you. I actually tend to keep my promises until the end."
"Ah, so you're tight-lipped... That just makes you more attractive. I'm getting fired up with that talk."
"Hey, can I interject? Don't get too serious about it," Takao tries to intervene, but Yumemaki stomps on his foot. There's a dull thud.
With Takao grimacing in pain, he quickly retreats to the neighboring group.
"I'm in," Yumemaki says, placing a hand on her chest and looking straight at me.
"If it means surpassing you. If I can become a model while still in high school, I'll do anything."
Yumemaki, after saying that, tied her hair into a single bundle. Arisugawa also smiled and neatly tied her hair back with a hairband. The way her nape jumped seemed calculated to perfection. Even before the competition began, I felt like I already knew the outcome.
◇◆
"Why did it turn out like this?!"
Immediate cut to two panels.
Yumemaki, grumbling, leaves the Home Economics room.
It was a landslide victory.
As soon as the Home Economics teacher took a sip of the broth made by Arisugawa's nikujaga (meat and potato stew), she declared our victory. Despite having the same ingredients and cooking utensils, it seemed that the difference in flavor came from the broth. I had always thought Arisugawa couldn't cook, so I was genuinely impressed by her ability to do anything. Regardless, I had successfully obtained the "anything you say" coupon.
"Yumemaki, you're so grumpy that I'm scared to talk to you..."
"That was just the first checkpoint, right? I thought Yumemaki-san and I could easily clear it by having lunch together."
"It seems like she dislikes me, so I thought cooperation was necessary..."
"Well, I don't know. In any case, having the 'anything you say' coupon is more convenient, right? It's anything within the bounds of common sense, but I'm sure Yumemaki-san won't be able to refuse."
Surprisingly, Arisugawa seems to have a good grasp of Yumemaki's personality and she laughed with amusement.
"Besides, I've got your back. Yumemaki-san can't do anything reckless because I'm here."
"What's with your confidence?"
"If you do anything to me, I'll get angry, you know? It would ruin your chances of making connections at the agency. So, I purposely hinted at the possibility of that happening."
Arisugawa, will she get angry on my behalf?
...No, no, that's not it.
"...When you say it out loud, we sound devious!"
"Ahh, now I'm involved too. You shouldn't say things like that to girls."
Arisugawa gets angry and lightly punches my chest with her slender hand, partially hidden by her sleeve. It seems difficult for her delicate hand to leave a mark on a guy's body.
I jokingly pretend to be in pain, and the two of us leave the Home Economics room together.
When I swung open the door, I was greeted by scattered textbooks.
"Oh, it's a disaster... Wait, huh?"
"Ah, Senpai... and Arisugawa-Senpai."
"Hey there, Hina-chan. Did you drop your textbooks?"
"Yes, I accidentally hit someone."
Upon hearing her answer, I furrowed my brow. I had a bad feeling about this. Just then, a group of lively girls emerged from the girls' restroom, laughing.
Yumemaki was among them, as well as the two followers who were also in the cafeteria. I thought they would head back to the classroom, but the three of them started chatting right there.
After Hina finished picking up her textbooks, she stood up and said, "Well then, Senpai. I have a class over there, so I'll be going."
"O-Oh... Take care."
As expected, she seemed unexpectedly energetic. If there really was bullying going on, she wouldn't willingly involve herself in that situation. While pondering the meaning of my previous thoughts, I turned the corner with Arisugawa in the hallway.
Hina's expression was burned into my mind.
--There's no reason to worry.
When I turned back and poked my head out from the corner, Hina's textbooks and notebooks were slipping from her hands. The textbooks scattered again.
Yumemaki trampled on them and walked towards us. The textbook under her right foot rotated half a turn, and the pages were bent at an odd angle under her left foot.
"What...?"
As I was about to speak, Arisugawa whispered, "Can you talk?"
As I gritted my teeth, I faintly heard a voice from ahead.
"Ah, sorry."
Yumemaki casually apologized, as if it were a coincidence.
But it wasn't a coincidence.
Because of her intention, Yumemaki deliberately twisted her stance to destroy the textbooks. I caught a glimpse of Hina's profile.
With her eyes cast down, she picked up the textbooks. Fortunately, only one book was damaged, and Hina diligently collected the scattered textbooks. In the process, her pencil case fell again. It had a keychain attached to it, which I had seen before during our morning commute. The beloved character keychain came off and rolled to Yumemaki's feet.
"...You're so dull."
"S-Sorry."
Yumemaki picked up the keychain.
"Do you like her?"
"Huh? Um... well..."
Frustrated with Hina's stuttering, Yumemaki furrowed her brow.
"Ah, forget it, forget it."
Yumemaki handed the keychain back to Hina and approached us.
Arisugawa, in a seemingly disinterested tone, warned me, "It might be better if she doesn't find out that we were watching. It could make Hina-chan worry."
"Indeed."
To return to the classroom of Class 2-3, we had to descend the staircase behind us. We rushed up the stairs and crouched down, holding our breath, waiting for the storm to pass.
"It's really nerve-wracking."
"...I can't laugh at that right now."
"I got scolded."
Arisugawa chuckled and glanced in the direction of the corridor. The voices of the three members of the Yumemaki group echoed from the same landing.
"Yume really hit it off with that girl. It's only natural, right?"
The high-pitched voice belonged to one of the followers, a girl with long chestnut hair.
"It's just a coincidence, really."
Yumemaki replied.
There's no way it's a coincidence. I clenched my fist.
"I don't want to tarnish my reputation with something like that. I want to be perfect."
...That's not the behavior of someone who values their reputation.
Suppressing the boiling emotions in my chest, I stood up. The voices were growing distant. At this distance, there was no longer any need to worry about Yumemaki and her group seeing us.
I hurriedly approached Hina and called out to her as she cowered on the floor.
"Are you alright?"
"Huh?"
When Hina recognized my figure, her eyes widened.
"S-Senpai, you were here!? Well, I'm completely fine! It was a bit scary, though... No, not at all! Um, um, um!"
As Hina rambled on, everyone's attention was drawn to what was in her hands.
It was probably a keychain of her favorite character. A mini figure of a handsome guy that you get from a capsule toy.
--His arm was broken.
"Was it like that from the beginning?"
"Huh... Ah!"
Hina let out a gasp.
However, she quickly lifted the corners of her mouth.
"This was like this from the start. I forgot to remove it. It was already broken, and I was just thinking of taking it off."
"...I see."
I nodded, taken aback by her unusually serious expression.
"Senpai."
Hina's lips relaxed quietly.
"...Please don't worry about it."
It was already impossible.
That's what I thought, but if I were to say something, it would only make Hina suffer.
"I'll contact you later. Keep an eye on the contents."
Hina seemed unaware of what I meant, but she nodded for the time being. Then she smiled and turned her back.
Once Hina's figure disappeared from the corridor, I asked Arisugawa.
"...What did you think when you saw that just now?"
"...Hmm, I wondered why you weren't angry, I guess."
"...Strong people, I guess that's how they are."
"You might be strong too, you know? Though I can't say for sure right now."
Yeah, I don't know.
Whether or not I'm strong will be determined by my actions from now on.
Impulsively, I started running at Arisugawa's words. Pushing through the passing students, I aimed for the classroom of Class 2-3.
On the way, I caught sight of Asuka. Even in the chaotic hallway, Asuka's figure with her light gold hair stood out.
Asuka seemed to notice me too, and she immediately sensed something was amiss.
"Hey! You're not thinking of...!"
"Move!"
Evading Asuka's attempt to stop me, I entered Class 2-3.
Red hair.
Approaching her conspicuous figure, I slammed both hands on her desk.
"Yumesaki."
"Huh? Uh, what?"
"I've got something for you. Sorry for being abrupt, but I'm going to use it right away."
"..."
Yumesaki gripped her shoulder tightly and let out a sigh.
"...Get it over with quickly."
"That's not the mood I'm in."
Really, that's not the mood I'm in.
I didn't overlook it.
On Yumesaki's desk, there was the broken arm of a figurine.
◇◆
Yuzaki High School has two courtyards.
Among them, the courtyard near the ancient tree that is over 200 years old seems to be a popular spot for all students, where they enjoy their mealtime regardless of their grade.
Due to the lunch break being a designated time, I have to eat my lunch for now.
...I have to eat it together with Yumesaki.
I let my emotions get the best of me earlier and approached her hastily, but I should have calmed down a bit.
It would have been better to do it after school when there aren't many people around, and I wouldn't have to worry about time constraints.
"Sit down quickly."
"Uh, yeah."
Reluctantly, I responded to Yumesaki's voice.
Her tone was completely different from what I used with Hina earlier.
...Why does she switch like that?
Thinking that way, I followed Yumesaki and sat down on an empty bench. I opened the lid of my bento box right away. It was a lunch I had worked hard to make by myself this morning. It seems I'm not good at cooking, as most of the lineup consisted of frozen foods, but I still spent time packing them into the bento box. And as a result, the balance was all messed up. The juices from the shumai had soaked into the croquette, and the croquette was squashed by the chicken.
"Ugh, it looks brown."
Yumesaki peered into my bento and said so with a slightly disgusted tone. With her crimson hair brushing against her nose, I instinctively recoiled. There was a distinct feminine fragrance, but I didn't want to think about that right now. Without delving further into my thoughts, I responded succinctly to her earlier comment.
"Well, it's a man's cooking."
"What's that? It's bad for your health, you know?"
Yumesaki said that and opened her own bento box. It was made of wood, which struck me as odd, but what surprised me was the menu inside. Vibrantly colored roast beef, clearly expensive and splendid prawns. Next to them was a small...foie gras-like item, considering it was black beans.
"Yumesaki... so you're really filthy rich, huh?"
Yumesaki blinked and let out a small sigh.
"Yeah. Sanada knows, right? My dad is the CEO. He's got a high income, at least."
"Income, huh..."
The word was persistently mentioned in an essay I read while I was hospitalized, but I didn't expect it to become a topic of conversation among high school students. In the youth manga I knew, money-related topics were limited to allowances at best.
However, Yumesaki chuckled wryly at my reaction.
"It's just the income, though. Well, I have enough to give you this much."
Saying that, Yumesaki put a whole prawn on my bento. Not satisfied with just that, she added several slices of roast beef and half of a Caesar salad, saying, "Make sure to eat your vegetables." Then, looking satisfied, Yumesaki averted her gaze.
In an instant, a rustling sound filled the air as a leaf was blown by the wind.
I hadn't asked for anything, so I was surprised and left at a loss. After considering whether to express my thanks or not, I concluded that this was a separate matter from that and said:
"...Thank you."
"You're welcome."
Yumesaki smiled and started chewing on the roast beef. Without engaging in small talk, several tens of seconds passed. I wanted to extract some information for the future, even if it was just a little. With that thought in mind, Yumesaki muttered quietly.
"Money is a person's value, you know."
Should I approach it from this angle?
"What do you mean by a person's value? Is it something to compare so much?"
"Haha, are you the type to talk about ideals?"
Yumesaki raised the corners of her mouth.
"There's clearly a difference in people's value. It's so obvious that it's become a cliché. Don't make me say it."
"Well...that may be true, but..."
For me, Asuka, Arisugawa, and Hina are special. Just by having different feelings from the people around me, I myself am placing value on others. But that doesn't mean I'm evaluating them. The value Yumesaki mentioned has a different hue than mine.
"If that were the case, there wouldn't be any difference in companies, which are collections of people."
Yumesaki continued, and I bit my lip.
It's probably Yumesaki's perspective that developed from being surrounded by adults since childhood. It's likely that she's more easily frustrated with the current situation precisely because she was raised with that perspective. And to be surpassed by someone she doesn't like... but to do something like that to Hina--
However, even if I were to confront her with my words, it would only slightly alleviate my frustration. If I want to know more about Yumesaki, I need to change the subject.
"So, being rich, are there things you want? You can probably get most things, but..."
"Here you go again, out of the blue. Of course, there are things I want."
Yumesaki put the Caesar salad back in her bento box and formed an arc with her mouth.
"You can buy almost anything with money, but there are things you can't buy. It's those things that I want. I don't want materialistic things."
"For example?"
"Fame."
"That's pretty materialistic. Besides, if you work hard, you can probably buy it with money."
Yumesaki laughed, shaking her shoulders, at my reaction.
"Well, yeah, but don't you want to earn it yourself as much as possible? Just like Arisugawa-san did."
"So, you do see Arisugawa as a rival?"
"Well, being called one of the three major factions... I can't help it. Other people's opinions inevitably reach my ears."
Yumesaki lowered her gaze. I recalled the reputation Hina told me about in the cafeteria.
If that wasn't just Hina's subjective view, but the consensus of the school, then it would certainly be something that doesn't satisfy Yumesaki's character.
"Sanada, why are you close to Arisugawa-san?"
"Huh...?"
I hesitated to reveal the truth in this situation. It would be better to evade the question for now.
"Well, even if you ask why, it's strange that we're close, right? I'm really just an ordinary person."
...Except for the fact that I have no memories and other things. Those other things include various factors.
"...If you say that while being associated with Arisugawa-san and Minato-san, people might think you're being ridiculed. People like us are easily envied, so be careful."
"O...okay."
Yumesaki used the term "people like us" just now. It seems she does have a certain sense of camaraderie. Not as friends, but as someone who stands out from the crowd. It seems I belonged to that category before, and it might work to my advantage now.
"Well, you can just ignore those kinds of people. To someone like you who interacts with Arisugawa-san and Minato-san, their words are just the nonsense of background characters."
Yumesaki said so with a dignified voice. I blinked and turned my gaze towards her.
...Should I ask her now?
Our eyes met. Immediately, any softness disappeared from Yumesaki's expression as she put the remaining sweet potato from the lavish bento box into her mouth. The sound of closing the lid indicated that the prelude was over.
"...So, what do you want?"
Yumesaki's eyes narrowed coldly.
The May breeze flowing through the courtyard suddenly grew colder.
"...Why did you have the figure's arm?"
I asked, and Yumesaki stared at me intently.
And then, her expression lost color.
"Ah... so you found out, huh?"
Yumesaki shrugged her shoulders.
"I guess that's how it is. That's why I invited you for lunch."
"...If you want to become a model, there are other ways. There's no need to push Hina aside."
"Haha, you figured that out even though you didn't know my name."
As I fell silent, Yumesaki continued.
"Well, as you said, I don't like Hina. She just filled in the vacant spot in the audition when I couldn't participate due to a cold."
Yumesaki placed the bento box aside and continued speaking.
"Or maybe she sold her body to adults. That's a despicable move."
"...Is becoming a model worth having such an ugly thought process?"
"Being despicable is fine by me. I don't want to make friends with people who can't compete with me in this small high school. Screw the three major factions. To surpass Arisugawa-san, the first step is to become a model while still in school. I'll make everyone in this school know that I'm the best."
"Everyone in the school...?"
"It may seem like a small goal, but a school is a microcosm of society. Especially in a school strong in the modeling industry. If I'm not recognized as the best here, I won't be able to make it in the future."
...Do people go to such lengths to be recognized by someone?
But there's one thing I understand.
"In that case, you won't be able to beat Arisugawa."
"...Why is that?"
"You're running away from strong people. What's the reason for oppressing Hina and doing nothing to Asuka? Even though she's also in a position scouted by Arisugawa, why don't you try to push her aside?"
There doesn't seem to be any conflict between Asuka and Yumesaki.
Arisugawa always seems to keep an eye on Asuka, and I'm certain about that.
Hitting the mark, Yumesaki only furrowed her eyebrows.
"...You don't say those things to Asuka but only to Hina. Don't you think that's cowardly?"
"...There are rumors that Minato used to be a delinquent. Who knows what she might do? She might be bullying Hina behind the scenes. Yuuko and Hina saw them together recently and mentioned it."
Yumesaki continued speaking with a sneer.
"Just because she made her high school debut doesn't mean her true nature has changed."
Asuka's smile flashed in my mind.
I was reaching my limit.
"...Yumesaki, cut it out already."
"Huh?"
Yumesaki let out a deflated voice. Until now, it was as if she hadn't even acknowledged my presence. But upon seeing my expression, she finally seemed to realize that I was directly opposing her. Slowly, a furrow appeared on her forehead, and she let out a breath from her mouth.
"...And?"
Prompted by my cold tone, she urged me to continue succinctly. Under normal circumstances, I might have been a little intimidated. However, I had something I wanted to say even more.
"All those rumors about Hina and Asuka. Did you personally verify everything? What do you actually know about those two?"
As I spoke, the words rebounded in my own chest. I don't know about them either. The time we've spent together is minimal. The information I've gathered is scarce. ...But.
Even with just a little time, I have indeed spent it with them. I've personally witnessed it with my own eyes. The person in front of me doesn't bother to confirm with their own eyes, instead being swayed by circulating information and acting based on someone else's claims. Moreover, those actions have malice behind them. I couldn't forgive that. Think for yourself a little. Despite having the experience to think for yourself.
Even though I have nothing.
"...You're the one who's overstepping, aren't you?"
It was a voice that seemed to erupt, as if something that had been building up was finally bursting out.
"Huh?"
Upon hearing those words from Yumesaki, I eased up on my counterattack. I expected her to argue back. However, I didn't expect the phrase "overstepping" to come out of her mouth.
When exactly did I...?
Yumesaki clicked her tongue vigorously and made a disgusted expression. In an instant, my eyes widened.
"If you continue this even when we're alone, what do you mean by that? I won't let you forget..."
If the previous me knew Yumesaki. If she was someone I shouldn't forget.
"...You rejected me, and yet..."
Yumesaki spoke with a trembling voice. My mind went blank. My brain couldn't keep up with the unexpected turn of events. Seeing me frozen in place, perhaps her anger intensified. Yumesaki gritted her teeth.
"Because it was a conversation we had when we were alone, most people don't know about it. Even among those who know each other, very few are aware... If you pretended to forget to hide the fact that I confessed to you, I could forgive that."
So that's why she had a subtle reaction in the classroom. That's why she continued the facade of being strangers during our first meeting.
"But now, you're getting involved with Hina and... It's ridiculous!"
Yumesaki's fury made me flinch. This anger was genuine.
In other words, it's my fault that Yumesaki sees Hina as her enemy.
Is it because of me?
But...
"Even if you say that..."
...Even if I'm told by you.
The words that came to mind didn't come out. I may not have memories, but Yumesaki's words are most likely true. I must have hurt Yumesaki. There's no doubt about that. Unless I reveal that I have amnesia. For now, just to calm the situation, that's what I should do. I don't have any medical records with me, but at least verbally...
...But that would only serve to suppress Yumesaki's anger towards me. If it won't be helpful in saving Hina, I should still avoid that choice.
"So, is it my fault that you're treating Hina harshly?"
"It's just a trigger, that's all. I'm not treating Hina that way just because. I'm also irritated by you, but it's just a trigger. It's an event that pushed me to take action... for the sake of becoming the best."
"Action for the sake of becoming the best?"
Yumesaki laughed with a contorted face.
"I knew that if I tormented Hina in front of you, you would try to help her. As someone who has become the purpose of saving Hina, you have to listen to my requests."
In other words... did Yumesaki deliberately show me the scene with scattered textbooks, knowing that I was hiding?
"As you said, I can't lay a hand on people like you or Minato. It only increases enemies, and I want to do well at school. Appearance matters more than anything to be recognized by everyone. So, I need your cooperation behind the scenes. Do you understand?"
I thought Yumesaki was acting out of hatred towards Hina. But in reality, it's a childish and primitive motive to "become a recognized presence throughout the school." My forgetting about Yumesaki became the trigger, ultimately leading to Hina's suffering.
Hina doesn't rely on me. She tries not to involve me because it would be bothersome.
It's necessary to concentrate the hatred towards Hina onto me and resolve the situation.
I thought it would be difficult, but...
...If I am the root cause and Yumesaki's own motives have become so clear, the solution becomes apparent.
The course of action is decided.
"What do you mean by 'cooperate'?"
Yumesaki smiled faintly. Her red hair swayed as she turned resolutely.
"I'll say it again. Date me."
...Even the current me understands one thing.
Whether emotions are conveyed through words or not.
"...Just to make sure, are you confessing because you like me?"
"No? You have value to me. That's why I want you to date me."
"In that case, there's not necessarily a need for me to date you, right?"
"I see. Just by being your girlfriend, I think I'll gain a lot of prestige in Arisugawa-san's eyes," she said, and Yumesaki's smile overflowed.
"You're lying. Minato-san is being scouted because you and Minato-san are childhood friends. Arisugawa-san acknowledged that too, right? Maybe," she said confidently.
I responded with a completely random answer. Arisugawa, definitely random. But even during home economics class, it would be futile for me to say anything when Arisugawa himself explicitly mentioned his connections to the agency.
"Even if Arisugawa-san has romantic feelings for you, he'll keep his promises, right? If our relationship remains one where he still has feelings for you even if I get rejected, that would be the most convenient. So..."
Yumesaki clapped her hands together.
"If you can help me win against Hina and make me a model. If you fulfill these two promises, I won't lay a finger on Hina."
"Was it all because of such childish reasons that you mistreated Hina in the first place?"
"If it's an action I take to be myself, any reason, no matter how childish, is fine. I'm selfish, but I have something I want to achieve, even if it means kicking someone else down."
I widened my eyes. It was a statement I didn't want to hear from Yumesaki's mouth. Yumesaki smiled and continued, observing my reaction.
"If it's you, everyone around me will understand. And your gain... yes. What if you use the 'Anything Ticket' when the time comes?"
"...I already used it at this time."
"Then I'll give you one more. If I can't become number one in this school, it's all over for me. I'll do anything for that."
Yumesaki spun her words with a twisted smile.
"I'll also give you compensation. How about it?"
...That's enough. For now, I'll fulfill the two promises. I nodded slightly, and Yumesaki loosened her cheeks. Her smile seemed to overflow with sincerity, much more than what I had seen in the classroom.
"That's how it should be. Well then, first of all, what I want you to do is..."
Yumesaki approached me and whispered softly.
"...I want you to confess to me in front of Arisugawa-san. I want to see your value firsthand. It will have more impact on everyone, don't you think?"
"My value, huh... Understood. After school today, in an empty classroom."
"Sounds good. I'm looking forward to it," Yumesaki said, her lips curling upward.
A throbbing pain surged through my head.
My value...
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