Chapter 169 - Queen VS Princess
(1)
"Good morning, Toya-kun. It's morning~"
"Good morning, Airi."
I woke up to Airi's words, which she spoke as if whispering while sitting next to me, and I gave her lips a bird kiss.
Delighted, Airi clung to me. I patted her on the back and spoke.
"Let go for now, I want to change."
She pouted and muttered a word or two of dissatisfaction, but knowing she had to change as well, Airi let go.
As I began to change, Airi began to change too. Breakfast was likely ready.
While changing, I listened to Airi talk, nodding occasionally and stroking her head at times. That was enough to put Airi in a good mood.
Perhaps Airi's mood hadn't been that bad to begin with. After eating breakfast and getting ready, I returned to the room. Airi returned as well, carrying a mug of coffee.
Then, until it was time, we spent a while watching TV and fooling around.
When the time came, I took the car keys from Airi and headed for the entrance.
After calling out "I'm leaving" to Mother, I headed to the garage at Airi's house and sat in the driver's seat. There was no need to avoid traffic, so the car headed straight for the University and arrived.
It took less than ten minutes to walk from the parking lot to the building. During that time, I walked leisurely while talking with Airi.
Then, a group of men walked by, moving slowly in a herd. Airi and I looked at each other, wondering what it was, but since it had nothing to do with us, we continued toward the building.
It was during lunch after the second period that I heard from Oshima-san that they were the rumored Princess.
"It seems she decided on the tennis club for her circle. Apparently, she used to play tennis."
Hee, that's certainly a choice a young lady would make.
While I was listening to the story and eating my lunch, the sullen Shimizu-san and Eguchi-san arrived. Sakai-kun and Ishihara-kun were with them.
"Did something happen?"
When I asked that, Shimizu-san vented her anger on me.
"That woman is irritating. She's far too cheeky for a freshman."
Ah, so something happened regarding the Princess.
"She certainly is unpleasant. I almost want to throw her into Watanabe's squad and discipline her..."
It seemed neither of them had a very good impression.
"What kind of person was she?"
At times like this, Airi cuts into the topic without thinking.
Shimizu-san recounted the story.
The story went back to after the first period ended.
(2)
As usual, I was leading the small fry toward the building together with Zen-kun,
When another group came from the front.
I collided head-on with that group.
The woman standing at the very front of the group spoke to me.
"Are you the Queen, Shimizu Suzu-senpai?"
"I am, and who are you?"
"I am Hanayama Saki, who entered this year. I look forward to our future relationship~"
Her voice was cute, but her true heart held a provocative attitude. It was a transparent social pleasantry.
"Likewise. I've heard the rumors."
"Rumors... it's not something so exaggerated~"
Contrary to her words, Hanayama-san looked as if she didn't mind at all.
"Well then, good day."
As I said that and tried to leave, Hanayama-san's group stood blocking the way.
"You're in the way."
"Eh~ I'm sorry~. There are just too many people following me, so I can't open the path. It seems Shimizu-senpai has fewer, so could you move for us~?"
It's true that my small fry decreased after my relationship with Zen-kun was discovered, and some small fry flowed toward Hanayama-san. However, I felt it was wrong that I was the one who had to avoid them.
"Isn't it common sense to give way to a senpai?"
"Are you acting like a senpai toward someone you've just met for the first time? Isn't that power harassment? That's too cruel~"
Saying so, Hanayama-san pretended to cry.
The small fry Hanayama-san was leading became enraged.
They were in a state of imminent conflict with the small fry I was leading.
Stubbornly holding my ground in a place like this was a waste of time.
Zen-kun was appealing to me with his eyes as well.
I silently opened the path.
As we passed each other, she declared this:
"You're a senpai who is unexpectedly understanding. Quite a pushover."
Snap
I heard the sound of something snapping inside me.
However, Sakai-kun restrained me as I tried to lash out at her.
I had to admit that the first battle was a defeat. It won't go like this next time...
"It certainly is an unpleasant story. I had something similar happen to me..."
"Emi too?"
"Yes... just now. This is about when we passed each other..."
"Ah, so everyone was here~!"
Looking back, the voice of the unpleasant woman I had just been talking about sounded.
A cute girl with a chestnut-colored short bob wearing a headband, piercings in both ears, and a small face was standing there.
Behind her, she led a large number of small fry.
"Eguchi-senpai, I'm sorry about earlier~. I thought I might have said a bit too much..."
I didn't like how she put a "cute appeal" motion into every single word.
"You don't have to worry about it. There are surprisingly many people like you. I'm not so free as to worry about it every time."
I replied in a thorny manner. Emi seemed to be in a slightly bad mood as well.
"But~, I thought that calling you the 'Queen of a Fallen Nation' might have actually made you feel bad~"
"I'm fine. If you think you're the only woman getting carried away by being hoisted up by small fry like you, you're dead wrong."
"Calling them small fry is cruel~, everyone is such a good person. That's why you end up all alone. Ah, there was one more. Tehe."
The woman laughed, looking at Ishihara-kun. She likely misunderstood that I was a petty woman satisfied with just one man like this?
Just as I used to be...
"You don't have to worry. I'm sure it feels wonderful to pretend to be the Emperor's New Clothes. Though it's difficult for me to understand."
"...What does that mean?"
The woman's tone changed. I wonder if it offended her?
"Our values are different, so no matter how much we talk, it's a waste of time. Go play with the small fry around you."
"Saying our values are different is just an excuse. You have to explain it properly until I'm satisfied. Or is this just the howling of a beaten dog?"
Eguchi-san, who was about to stand up, stopped dead.
"I thought it would be ridiculous to deal with a fool like you, but this is interesting. I'll explain it to you in a way that's easy to understand. No, I'll make you realize it."
"Are you saying we should compete?"
"That would be interesting too... For example, having Katagiri-kun and the small fry around you compete in soccer or basketball would be an option, and having you fight Isshy, whom you didn't notice, would be a diversion... but I'll change the approach a bit."
When Katagiri-kun's name was mentioned, Airi grabbed Katagiri-kun's arm.
"Right, Katagiri-kun, Isshy, or Sakai-kun—any of them will do. Try to woo one of them in your own way. If you can pull them into your entourage, you win. If you can't, I win. How about it?"
"Is it okay even though it seems everyone has a girlfriend? I won't be responsible if you regret it."
"I don't have a shred of such worry... Right, everyone?"
When Emi spoke, Airi nodded. I nodded too.
"I understand. What happens if I win?"
"I'll do one thing of your choosing, anything. I'll even do a dogeza for you. If I win, you don't have to do anything. If I had to say, I suppose I'd just want to see you looking frustrated."
"That's fine. What's the deadline?"
"I'll wait as long as it takes until you're satisfied... Do you want more of a handicap?"
"Are you making fun of me?"
"I am. Because I think you're a fool."
The small fry behind the woman didn't start rioting because they were balanced by my small fry.
"If you get carried away, you'll have a painful experience. If you underestimate me..."
"Right, I want to give you one more handicap, don't I? Everyone, a moment?"
Saying so, she began consulting with us.
Emi announced something shocking.
"I want to put her in Watanabe's squad."
"I think we have to consult Watanabe-kun and the others about that."
When Airi said that, a large man from behind said "I don't mind" and laughed.
It was Watanabe-kun.
(3)
"I don't mind."
Watanabe-kun said that.
I was honestly scared.
No matter how much I believe in Toya-kun, there is anxiety.
Because I've never experienced something like this.
Are Shimizu-san and Emi okay with this?
He's their precious boyfriend, isn't he?
"I have a more interesting proposal..."
Watanabe-kun said to Hanayama-san.
"W-what is it...?"
Hanayama-san seemed a bit flustered by the appearance of a new man.
"From now on, you'll join our group chat. If you can make any of the men in the group fall for you, you win. How about it?"
Is he involving everyone?
"Is it okay for me to have such an advantage?"
"I don't mind, however, I'll set one condition from our side."
"P-please."
"We will prepare one man. Don't worry, we'll put in a man who is as ordinary as possible. The moment you fall for that man, the match is decided. How about it?"
"That sounds interesting. Do you really think I'll fall for a man knowing that falling means losing?"
"Yeah, we're a group that's good at that kind of thing. In a structure of you versus our group, it'll be a disadvantageous situation for you, but..."
"That's quite the confidence to be able to call it disadvantageous."
"Well, yeah."
"Fine. Then please invite me to that group."
First, Watanabe-kun informed all of us of the content he just spoke about via chat. Then, everyone sent their consent. Then, Watanabe-kun exchanged IDs with Hanayama-san. Hanayama-san's entourage watched that scene enviously. Watanabe-kun invited her to the group.
"Nice to meet you all~"
She shrewdly posted a processed photo of her own face in her profile introduction.
Kiritani-kun had reacted, but... he stopped. He must have been told something by Ai.
"Well, I'm going to be serious from here on. Nice to meet you, Toya-kun."
My heart jumped when Toya-kun's name was mentioned. Did she set her sights on Toya-kun?
The strength in the hand gripping Toya-kun increased.
"I ask that you go easy on me. But I think it's better if you don't. Because I have a cute fiancée."
Toya-kun said that with a beaming smile.
"People like that are the most rewarding and fun to make fall, aren't they?"
I just noticed, but Toya-kun had bent the arm I was gripping and was holding both of my arms.
"Don't worry," Toya-kun whispered in a low voice.
Yes, because I believe in you.
"Well then, nice to meet you all~"
Saying so, Hanayama-san headed toward the next class.
"Is it okay? Watanabe-kun, saying something like that. First of all, how are you going to find a man?"
When I asked, Watanabe-kun answered with a laugh.
"I haven't thought about anything. Well, I'll just catch some random guy. Someone plain as can be."
"That would be interesting... maybe I'll look for a random one from the small fry too..." Shimizu-san said, to which Eguchi-san replied, "It wouldn't be interesting with such small fry, would it?"
"Katagiri-kun, it seems you've been targeted, are you okay?" Sakai-kun said, to which Toya-kun laughed, "Who knows?"
Don't "who knows" me. It's not okay.
"Uuu..."
When I let out a groaning sound, Toya-kun gently stroked my head.
"I haven't found a single woman better than Airi until now," he told me with gentle words.
"More importantly, isn't it almost time?"
Toya-kun said that while looking at his wristwatch.
We also looked at our watches and quickly headed to our respective classrooms.
(4)
Cafe "Blue Bird"
"...So that's how it is."
When I explained the events of the daytime to the members of Watanabe's squad currently present, Nakajima-kun said that with a sigh.
"Probably Eita will be the easiest target."
Watanabe-kun spoke.
"Then is it okay? I've told Eita thoroughly."
Sashihara-san said.
"But the one she targeted first was Katagiri-kun. Is he okay?"
Sakai-kun said worriedly. Airi was also looking at me anxiously.
"I don't know why Hanayama-san targeted me, but I think everyone's thinking the same thing. Is there any merit in swaying toward Hanayama-san to the point of throwing away my current girlfriend?"
When I said that, the men all fell silent.
"Katagiri-kun doesn't understand. Even so, Airi and I... the women will be carrying the anxiety that he might still sway."
When Sashihara-san said that, I spoke while stroking Airi's head.
"In that case, I can only say please trust me. At least I think Eguchi-san and Shimizu-san are certain."
"Well... I suppose so."
"I won't deny it."
Eguchi-san and Shimizu-san seemed satisfied.
"You're really okay... right...?"
Airi asked anxiously.
"I understand that feeling better than anyone. I think maybe all the men are the same. Wondering if their own girlfriend might be taken by another man... That's why you said not to let in the handsome guys from the Medical School, right?"
When I said that, the women also seemed satisfied.
"I think all the men feel the same as Katagiri-kun. I know because we've been together for a long time. That's why I started this match. I also wanted to give that woman a painful experience."
Well, that's probably the best drastic remedy. Even so...
"I'm more curious about Watanabe-kun's other condition. Can a man really be found that conveniently?"
When I said that, Watanabe-kun laughed.
"If in the worst case there isn't one, we just have to make her admit defeat, right? Considering everyone's feelings, we're actually the ones with the advantage. Having spent a long time together, I believe there's no man who would sway toward a woman who entered under such conditions."
When Watanabe-kun said that, Ichinose-san nodded, saying "That's true."
At that moment, the door bell rang, clink clink.
"So everyone is gathering here."
A bright voice echoed in the shop. It was Hanayama-san. Hanayama-san sat in the seat opposite me. Resting her elbows on the table and supporting her face with her hand, she looked at me as if peering in.
"Toya-kun is surprisingly a big eater~. You don't look like that at all~. Do you have any dishes you like~?"
"Anything Airi... my girlfriend makes, I'll eat."
"Not that kind of answer, don't you have any favorite foods?"
"Let's see... normally hamburgers or ramen, I guess? Also, when I go on trips, I eat local cuisine."
"I'm good at hamburgers~. Shall I make some for you next time?"
"Hamburgers are best when they're freshly made, so it's fine."
"Then why don't you come to my house~. I live alone~"
I feel like I'm being lured into her pace quite skillfully.
The gaze from Airi's side is intense.
"It's impossible to enter the house of a woman living alone."
"Eh~ I'm fine with it~"
She's surprisingly persistent; is she seriously targeting me?
If so, it's a big mistake.
"There's also public perception. If a man enters the room of a beautiful woman like Hanayama-san, there will be various problems, right?"
"If it's a wonderful man like Toya-kun, you're more than welcome~. I've heard various rumors. That you can do dunks with that height, and you seemed famous in soccer too."
She won't back down easily.
Then, Airi stood up and scolded Hanayama-san.
"Toya-kun is living with me, so of course it's no good! Toya-kun is troubled! Give it up already!"
Then, Hanayama-san grinned.
"Living together just means Tosaka-san is forcing herself into Toya-kun's house, right~? Haven't you ever thought that you're the one causing Toya-kun trouble?"
"Uuu..."
In place of Airi, who couldn't find words to reply, I spoke for her.
"Airi is my fiancée... a special person recognized by our parents, so it's fine. She does the housework too, so it's a help."
Saying so, I calmed Airi down to sit in her seat.
"Doesn't Toya-kun think that's a nuisance?"
"...I'd like to see if there's a man who thinks it's a nuisance to be able to be by the side of the person he loves forever."
Saying so, I put my arm around Airi's shoulder. Airi also seemed to calm down.
"Masashi-kun. Does this group have things like mixer parties?"
Hanayama-san directed the conversation to Watanabe-kun.
"Hm? I've thought about it for now. The welcome party too... I'm thinking once more people increase."
Though he added that he wouldn't increase them that much.
"Then, that means there will be a time when I can meet everyone, right?"
"I suppose so."
"Then, I'll take my leave for today. See you tomorrow~"
Saying so, Hanayama-san left the shop.
"She still has room to spare, her attitude," Eguchi-san said.
"It'll be a sight to see how long that composure lasts," Shimizu-san said.
She'll probably set her sights during that mixer thing.
Is Kiritani-kun okay? I feel bad for Sashihara-san, but he's the biggest element of anxiety.
I suddenly looked at my smartphone. It was the Watanabe squad's group message.
"Is it okay to add personally?"
"Sure~"
"Thank you very much."
The log stopped there.
"That Eita..."
Sashihara-san said as if groaning.
Hanayama-san's switching is fast.
Is it the pattern of making them interested and then tossing them aside once she's bored? I feel like Kiritani-kun probably understands that much.
"Still, Toya-kun says such happy things, 'the person he loves'♪... I'm okay tonight too, you know?"
"I wish Eita would show that much intention too..."
Sashihara-san said that while looking at Airi gripping my arm.
If we've been able to do it until now, it'll be fine.
It felt as if a spring storm had suddenly broken out.
This is how our new school year began.