My stepmother's burden is my ex-girlfriend.

Page 195

The reason he finished his work early... and the reason he went to see Dongtou even though he was very busy... was not because he was thinking of Dongtou, who had nowhere to go.

It's because he can be himself in front of his classmates from the east end.

You don't need to think about anyone else.

...Even I, who should be his family... am someone he can only speak to while wearing a mask...

My own stupidity makes me nauseous. I feel like even shedding tears is an act of arrogance.

So far away.

He, whom I once thought was so close, has become so distant.

So distant that I feel even unrequited love is reckless and foolish—

◆ Irito Mizuto ◆

"That was so embarrassing..."

After I finished preparing for the after-night festival, I met up with Isana, only to find her blushing and trembling all over.

She was holding a paper bag to her chest. She had changed back into her uniform, so the bag should contain the Alpine country girl dress that Minami had forced her to wear—wait a minute.

"...You didn't go back to the classroom dressed like that, did you...?"

"I forgot for a moment! It wasn't until my classmates mentioned it that I remembered... They kept saying things like 'So cute,' 'You look great in this,' and 'Is this your boyfriend's style?' I was teased so much..."

"That must have been pure praise—no, wait, why does it sound like I'm being implicated too?"

And in this age of massive social media, it has sparked unnecessary rumors—okay, never mind, let's not dwell on it.

Izana shoved the paper bag into my hand.

"Please help me return this outfit to my classmate Jie... I was thinking of washing it before returning it, but I don't know how to wash it..."

"Okay, got it."

"If you want to smell body odor, you should know when to stop."

"Who would smell that? I'm not you."

"Eek!...I...I don't understand what you're saying..."

You've already buried your face in other people's pillows and been burrowing around in them, what's the point of pretending to be stupid now?

"Then let's go."

"Okay~ This seems to be my first time seeing a campfire... Do people dance around it?"

"I think some people will jump. I'm not trying to mimic you, but such a big bonfire is quite a sight to behold. It's similar to the ritual of burning amulets."

"Yeah, a big bonfire is really exciting, isn't it!"

"...I think it's better if you don't get fire-type abilities."

Izana said, "Then let's hurry over there." Just as she was about to walk towards the shoe section, I grabbed her upper arm.

"Wait a minute. Not over there."

"Huh?...Aren't we going to the playground?"

"There's a more suitable location for us."

I grinned and smiled at Isana, who was blinking rapidly.

They work so hard, so this little bit of compensation isn't unreasonable.

◆ Irito Yume ◆

"Well then, in my capacity as chairman, let me say—thank you all for your hard work!"

"You've worked hard!"

Led by Senior Sister Hong, the sound of glass clinking filled the room.

The meeting room, originally the main base for the executive committee, was now filled with snacks and drinks bought by upperclassmen. It seemed a bit small for a celebration banquet, but I heard that a second round of meals was planned at a booked restaurant after the evening festival. In other words, this was just the beginning.

"Hey, Yui--! I went to the Taisho Romantic Cafe!--! It was really great!--!"

"Thank you."

"Strange, where did your brother go—?"

"Uh... he said he had something to do."

"Huh? Oh, I see. What a pity... I was hoping to talk to him a little longer."

I am grateful to several girls who came to talk to me, centered around Yasuda-senpai, which saved me from becoming a wallflower, but it felt like a huge hole had been opened in my heart.

A year ago, I definitely wouldn't have been able to chat with my senior like this at a celebration party. I probably would have just been hiding and looking for a place to stay.

This should mean that I have grown.

I've become stronger, more worldly, and... better at being a person.

...Logically, that should be the case, but why do I feel so empty?

Even though I'm surrounded by so many people, the emptiness of having one person missing feels boundless.

"Hi, Jie, you've worked hard."

"Ah... Chairman. You've worked hard."

Hong, the senior student, came over and sat down in the seat next to me. This unexpected situation made me nervous.

Why did all those other people come to my side when there were so many others who could speak?

My senior didn't even glance at the snacks in front of her, but looked straight at me and smiled.

"However, the title of 'Chairman' will soon be relinquished."

"Ah...then I should call him 'Vice President'?"

"This title will also be relinquished soon. After a while, please call me 'Chairman'."

The next student council president, Akane Rin, said it half-jokingly.

She's truly admirable... showing absolutely no fear or hesitation about becoming the president. If only I could be as confident as her... but I'm the kind of person who only hones my skills at the last minute; it's impossible for me to become like her.

After my work on the executive committee ends, I probably won't have any more contact with Senior Sister Hong. I will become one of her students who admires her. The thought of this fills me with immense regret.

"By the way, it seems your younger brother didn't come."

Hong, the senior student, looked at the person next to me and said this.

"Ah, yes. He—"

Just as I was about to give the explanation that I had already repeated many times...

"--It seems he is indeed that type of person."

Hearing my senior's mutterings, which sounded like she was talking to herself, I stopped talking.

Huh? That type... what do you mean?

"This is probably my fault. Although I have considered this possibility, I feel that whether it is true or not, it is better than ignoring him."

"Please, please wait a moment. I don't quite understand what you mean, senior..."

"Oh, my apologies. I meant the matter of asking you to help him integrate into the circle."

The senior student said nonchalantly.

"Judging from his reaction during the briefing, I knew he was the type who didn't like to fit into groups. That being said, not interacting with each other would affect work efficiency. I couldn't let such a talented person like him have nowhere to shine, which is why I asked you to act as a bridge of communication—I originally thought he might actually be lonely inside, but as I roughly guessed, he seems to be the type who feels pressured when surrounded by people. It's really unfair to force him to stay in an environment he can't adapt to without paying him a salary."

"Senior...you knew from the very beginning...?"

But I...didn't notice. I just assumed he was lonely inside, interpreting his thoughts according to my own desires...but my senior—

"No, no, it wasn't me."

"what?"

Hong Xuejie smiled wryly.

"I seem to be a bit arrogant, or rather, I don't really understand other people's thoughts—I'm the type who thinks 'it's faster to do things myself.' I'm aware of this, but I just can't change it."

"oh……"

"Therefore, I'll leave this to you, sir. The analysis of your brother just now wasn't my doing; that was your job, sir."

Ah, Zhang... Ah, she means Haba-senpai, who works as the accountant?

The vice president's unusually inconspicuous right and left hands were sitting in a corner of the meeting room, sipping their drinks alone.

As she turned her gaze in that direction, Senior Sister Hong continued:

"Although his conversational skills have deteriorated to the point of being uncivilized, he has an exceptional eye for talent. To put it bluntly, he's an expert at judging people. When it comes to discovering the strengths of others, no one can surpass him."

I always felt there was a hint of pride in her tone.

Hong Xuejie continued talking eloquently, leaving me no time to respond.

"Perhaps that's why. The only downside is that his self-esteem is excessively low. It's the same with Mizuto Irito; his evaluation of him was, 'It's like seeing a higher version of myself, which is unpleasant.' Although I don't think so at all."

No way, the water-based one is definitely cooler.

I reflexively thought that, but didn't say it aloud. That's called social skill.

"Perhaps that's why Uncle asked me to let him connect with the other executive committee members. Because Uncle is the type I mentioned earlier who is 'actually lonely inside,' maybe I felt some kind of sympathy for him. I'm surprised that Uncle would misunderstand how to respond, but if Uncle sees him as the same type as himself—"

As I listened, a possibility came to mind.

It turns out that the one who actually wanted to use me to help Mizuto build rapport with the other executive committee members was Haba-senpai. And if only Haba-senpai rarely made this kind of mistake—

"Um... I'm thinking..."

"Um?"

"Could it be that senior is trying to distance you two...? Because back then, senior Hong often talked to Mizuto."

"……Um?"

Hong Xuejie tilted her head blankly. It was the first time I'd ever seen her with that expression.

"Distant...? Who are you referring to?"

"I think it must be... Mizuto, and his senior..."

"Uh-huh???"

P-Please, could you please stop making me explain?!

"What I mean is... Haba-senpai said that Mizuto is like a higher version of himself, right? With a guy like this suddenly appearing, and Kurenai-senpai actively trying to talk to him, I guess senpai might be a little uneasy..."

"Uneasy? You mean Uncle? Why?"

"Of course it's because he's jealous!"

Oh dear! I'm starting to feel embarrassed!

Hong Xuejie still tilted her head and said:

"Jealous...you mean jealousy...?"

"Yes, yes."

"Father... are you jealous because of me?"

That's what I think...

"...No way, hahaha. How could such a thing be?"

Oh dear, this is really driving me crazy!

"He's definitely jealous! Although Haba-senpai is indeed the type who rarely shows his emotions, didn't his ears turn red in that empty classroom?!"

"...Hmm?...Wait, wait a minute."

"Huh? Yes."

"You...saw it? What happened in that empty classroom...?"

"……ah."

Oh no, I let it slip...!

"I'm so sorry...! I overheard the older students talking when I walked out of the classroom...!"