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Volume 1, Chapter 5: …The Unseen Truth

“‘I’ve ended up arranging a date with Haruna’… What are you talking about, calling me out of the blue like this?”

“It’s not… I just thought I should report it to you.”

That night, having arranged a date with Haruna, I shared all the details with Hiyori.

The reason for wanting to report to her was really just instinctual.

After all, Haruna had caused trouble in the student council today, and I felt I needed to share what happened afterward with everyone.

“…Isn’t that good? Going out with someone popular, all the boys at school would envy you.”

“Eh? Are you angry?”

“No? It’s none of my business who you date.”

As Hiyori spoke, a hint of dissatisfaction crept into her voice.

Perhaps she was jealous, feeling like I was being taken away from her—

“You’re thinking about things that would make me angry, aren’t you?”

“I definitely didn’t think of that!”

That was close; how did she know?

It’s impossible for Hiyori to be jealous over me.

She’s probably just annoyed that happiness has come my way, mostly.

“…More importantly, since you’re going out with Haruna, make sure to clear up any misunderstandings she has about the student council. Haruna is quite well-known, and if she spreads any negative rumors, we’d be in trouble.”

“I know that. I’ll make sure to clear things up with her.”

“That’s good… I’ve mentioned before that I surprisingly like that space, right?”

That space, she must mean the student council room.

The day I joined the student council, Hiyori indeed said something like that.

“After all, I can’t let go of Yaegashi’s situation, I rely on and respect Shidou, and I admire and find healing in Tsubaki’s obedient nature… Also, I feel a kind of resonance.”

“Resonance?”

“Um… Ah, sorry. Do you even understand what resonance means?”

“You’re really rude, you know.”

I did know that much.

“Anyway, I don’t see them as outsiders. It’s better to say they are like me, harboring something.”

Speaking of harboring something, indeed, maybe everyone has some ‘secret.’

Yaegashi looks like a perfect superhuman but is actually useless.

Tsubaki seems like a very honest girl but is actually quite sly.

I still don’t fully understand Shidou’s situation, but given her fixation on Yaegashi, it wouldn’t be strange if she’s harboring something.

“So, Hiyori, you’re also harboring something?”

“Even if I did, I couldn’t just say it over the phone, could I?”

“That’s true.”

There’s something about the setting that matters.

“So, I don’t want to lose that space either. Make sure to clear up any misunderstandings tomorrow.”

“Got it, I know. I’ll contact you if anything happens.”

“—Hey, Natsuhiko.”

Hiyori’s serious tone stopped me just as I was about to hang up.

“What do you think of the student council?”

“Well… I find it comfortable and stimulating.”

For someone like me, living a monotonous daily life, the time spent in the student council has always been a fresh experience.

Although I’m not aware of any significant contributions I’ve made, I hope to stand tall as a member of the student council one day.

“…That’s good.”

“What’s the intention behind your question?”

“Nothing… You see, you’ve never joined any club activities before, right? So I was just curious about how you feel now.”

“Ah—…”

What I felt from Hiyori was a mix of concern and curiosity about me.

So far, there was no significant reason for me not joining any club activities.

To put it bluntly, I felt out of place among groups wholeheartedly invested in something, and I didn’t feel passionate about joining them.

Differences in passion can cause friction.

Therefore, I had never joined any specific group.

Of course, my joining the student council, while partly due to being threatened, was more out of my admiration for it.

While it was for my convenience, I also felt lonely.

“…I’m really happy.”

“—That’s good.”

Hiyori hung up after that.

She could have just honestly said she was worried about me, but Hiyori has always been indirect.

However, her insight has been sharp lately, so even thinking like this, a metaphorical iron fist might come flying at me later.

It’s about time to prepare for tomorrow.

I need to make sure not to worry everyone too much.

◇◆◇

And so, the day of my date with Haruna Rumi arrived.

My task for today was to find a way to clear up her misunderstandings.

If I let her continue to think of me as a slave of the student council, it could become a significant obstacle in the future.

Although I haven’t done anything wrong, and frankly, the situation is quite unreasonable, I’m not going to complain about it.

Instead, I get to go on a date with Haruna Rumi, the campus idol.

Far from complaining, I feel like thanking this situation.

Anyway, I got myself dressed up and arrived at the agreed-upon train station.

I was there fifteen minutes before our scheduled meeting time.

Allowing this buffer time when going out with girls is one of my unbreakable rules.

Also, I should always smile and forgive them even if they are late.

I’m confident I could wait up to three hours.

However, contrary to my tolerant disposition, Haruna Rumi arrived five minutes before the agreed time.

“Hanachiro-kun, sorry to keep you waiting. Have you been waiting long…?”

“No, not at all.”

“…Liar. You must have waited quite a while.”

“I assure you, even if I had been waiting, it wasn’t for long.”

After I told Haruna Rumi this with a smile, she sighed in resignation.

“Hanachiro-kun, you never say anything spiteful. I think that’s great.”

Hehe, I got complimented.

But to make a girl like you, you don’t really need to say spiteful things.

I believe being a gentleman is the best approach.

…Although I say that, I’ve never actually had a girlfriend.

“Let’s go then. I’ll keep you company today!”

“Ah, um… so in the end, what was it? Making me popular with the girls…”

“Yes! To boost your confidence, Hanachiro-kun, I’ll make sure you look really cool today!”

“Well… I’m grateful for that.”

Becoming more handsome would certainly be a joyous thing.

But it’s a bit hurtful, like being indirectly told I’m not handsome.

It’s okay, though. I’m self-aware.

“First of all…”

After looking around, Haruna Rumi suddenly grabbed my hand tightly.

“Let’s go this way!”

“Ah, wait…!”

Haruna Rumi forcefully pulled my hand.

Her soft touch conveyed warmth directly to me, making me feel connected to her.

It seemed today would be a great day.

“The shape of a person’s face and eyebrows can significantly change their impression,” she said and then took me to a fashionable place called an eyebrow salon.

This place seemed to specialize in shaping eyebrows to one’s desired appearance.

Although I had my eyebrows trimmed occasionally at the hair salon, this was my first time in such a place.

“Ah, I’ve been waiting for you, Rumi-chan.”

“Hello, Miss Eto.”

As we entered, Haruna Rumi greeted a stylist-looking woman.

I see, this must be a place she frequents.

“The one you want me to work on is him?”

“Yes. I’d like you to style his eyebrows, please.”

“Got it. I need to prepare a bit, please wait.”

She then led me to a private room and gestured for me to lie back on a bed there.

As I lay down as instructed, Haruna Rumi began examining my face.

“What’s… what’s wrong?”

“Hanachiro-kun, you seem nervous, so I want to help you relax.”

“It’s just that this is my first time, it’s kind of nerve-wracking… I’m also worried about the cost.”

Judging by the salon’s stylish appearance, just getting my eyebrows done seemed like it would be expensive.

Unfortunately, my wallet wasn’t that well-stocked.

Although I should have enough to pay, I was worried about what would be left afterward.

“Ah, did I forget to tell you? Sorry about that. This salon is actually mine, so there’s no need to worry.”

“Eh!?”

Startled by Haruna Rumi’s words, the woman named Eto came into the room, having overheard our conversation.

“That’s right. Since Rumi-chan has always been so kind to me, her styling here is basically free.”

“Well, that’s… that’s something…”

“So, in return for the service, she promotes us on her SNS. Rumi-chan is really amazing, you know? Just a little promotion from her, and our customers increase significantly.”

Haruna Rumi, who was being praised, smiled shyly.

I knew that her SNS was very popular.

I remember she was also a reader model, so it made sense that her influence would increase our customers.

“Let’s get started right away then. I’ll make you look even more handsome than you are now.”

“Pl-please do…”

Under Miss Eto’s skilled hands, my eyebrows were neatly shaped in an instant.

I had thought they weren’t that messy, but to a professional, there seemed to be a lot to work with.

She trimmed and plucked the unnecessary parts.

Such meticulous work on the eyebrows, and she finished it all neatly in just twenty minutes.

“Sorry to keep you waiting, how do you like it?”

“Oh wow…”

The result was so impressive that I couldn’t help but exclaim.

My face looked cleaner, and although the change wasn’t drastic, the overall impression was completely different.

“Wow… It’s fantastic! Hanachiro-kun, you look so handsome!”

“Do I really?”

Being praised to this extent, I also started feeling quite good about it.

I might consider coming here regularly, even though it would be an expense.

“Actually, I’m not too fond of my current hairstyle… No, it’s not that bad, but I thought of getting it styled a bit more. Let’s go look at clothes next.”

“…Understood, I’ll follow Haruna Rumi’s lead today.”

“Leave it to me!”

Although Haruna Rumi’s efforts were undoubtedly futile, today would surely be beneficial for me.

So, I decided to let her guide me.

Next, she took me to a clothing store.

Not just any store, but a very stylish thrift shop.

Never having dealt with second-hand clothes, I hesitated for a moment outside the shop.

“Uh… Are you getting nervous?”

“Kind of. Thrift stores have a slightly intimidating impression.”

It seemed like a place only for those who really knew their fashion.

Though it wasn’t actually exclusive, it did give off a vibe of discouraging the uninitiated.

“Ahaha, don’t worry, I come here often.”

“…So, you know the staff here?”

“Of course. Come on, let’s go inside.”

She practically had to push me in.

After Haruna Rumi forcefully pulled me into the store, we saw a male staff member arranging items. She went up to him.

“Hello! Mr. Sayama!”

“Oh, isn’t this Rumi-chan? On a date?”

The man, called Sayama, a stylish and somewhat frivolous guy, asked while looking at me.

“Th-that’s… Yes, that’s right! Ah, but please don’t tell anyone, okay?”

“Hehe… Don’t worry, my lips are sealed,” he said, giving a thumbs-up.

Haruna Rumi scratched her cheek, embarrassed, then glanced at me before quickly looking away.

What a suggestive gesture.

She must have developed a liking for me.

“Ah… sorry, I just called it a date on my own.”

“Hm? Oh, no problem at all, I’m glad you think of it that way.”

—Dangerous, dangerous.

Even if it’s just to dispel her misconceptions about my relationship with the student council, I can’t afford to get carried away here.

Although my emotions are already quite stirred, I need to calm down now that I’ve realized it.

Right now, I don’t have the time for romance.

“……”

“…Eh? Haruna, what’s wrong?”

“Eh? Oh, nothing! Nothing at all!”

Haruna, who seemed lost in thought, quickly returned to her normal state after my question. Her expression seemed somewhat dissatisfied, or was it just my imagination?

“Showing off to me, huh. So, Haruna, are you picking out clothes today, or is it for him over there?”

“Yes, we’re not here for me today, but to find clothes for him.”

“Hmm— I see… He seems to have a decent foundation, could be worth styling. If it’s okay, shall I take the lead?”

“Would you? That would be great, thank you!”

“Leave it to me. After all, I’ve always been grateful to Haruna for her patronage. If it’s for your boyfriend, I can get really motivated.”

I’m not her boyfriend————Before I even had the chance to deny it, Mr. Sazama began measuring my size.

After swiftly finishing his task, he bustled around the store, returning with several clothing items in hand.

“What’s your name again?”

“I’m Hanachiro.”

“Thank you, Hanachiro. Could you please try on these clothes here? The size should be fine, but if they’re too loose or tight, let me know.”

“Understood…”

I took the clothes he handed me and entered the changing room.

First, I tried on a slightly oversized three-quarter sleeve T-shirt and a pair of skinny jeans. Around my neck was a silver necklace.

The look felt more like a university student than a high schooler.

From my usual perspective, I couldn’t deny it felt a bit like showing off—

“Wow! You look really good!”

Haruna complimented me as I stepped out of the changing room.

Since I’m not well-versed in fashion, it seemed best to take advice from a professional.

There was a sense of permission to wear these clothes.

“The key to a person’s stance is balance. Regardless of the pattern, the silhouette should not be sloppy. Since the top is loose, I paired it with tighter pants.”

“Heh…!”

He imparted useful knowledge to me.

I checked again, and the oversized T-shirt did indeed make my upper body look larger, but the snug fit on my legs made them appear long.

How should I put it? It was uplifting.

I had never been particularly interested in clothes, but looking good like this felt surprisingly comfortable.

At this age, I finally understood the meaning of spending money on clothes.

But, I couldn’t just give empty compliments.

“So… how much are these clothes?”

I timidly asked Mr. Sazama.

The second impression of old clothes: although second-hand, they could be pricey.

Especially these jeans seemed daunting.

Jeans gain character over time, I had heard it said on TV.

Which meant, even second-hand, they might not be cheap.

“Ah, don’t worry, they’re not that expensive. I know you’re a student, so I chose according to your situation.”

The price Mr. Sazama quoted was indeed not something I couldn’t afford.

Disappointingly… No, it wasn’t exactly cheap, but the quality seemed worth the price.

“Since we started buying and selling second-hand clothes, we can select lower prices without dealing with new goods. If you’d like to continue patronizing my shop, I can teach you how to make choices in this regard.”

He was incredibly reliable.

I decided to follow his advice and consult him for future clothing purchases.

Although this was my idea, I believed it was best to leave it to professionals, especially since I wasn’t in a position to enjoy failures.

Afterward, I tried on other clothes recommended by the two, but the first outfit turned out to be the best, so I decided to purchase those items.

Although Haruna offered to pay for part of the clothing, I naturally declined. The eyebrow salon was free, so I didn’t mind, but allowing a girl to pay went against my principles.

“I brought you here,” I insisted, despite Haruna’s dissatisfaction. This was one point where I absolutely couldn’t compromise.

“Thank you for your purchase—please come again,” Mr. Sazama said cheerfully as we left the store. Haruna and I exited, both in high spirits.

By the way, I really liked the clothes we picked, so I had already changed into them in the store.

“Are you sure, Hanachiro?”

“Eh, about what?”

“About the clothes. Since I dragged you around, I feel like I should contribute…”

“I’m already happy just to be out with you, Haruna. You don’t need to do anything more. Besides, I decided to buy those clothes myself.”

Taking responsibility for one’s own decisions is only natural. Joining the student council was the same; it was ultimately my choice. I could have refused Shidou’s invitation on the spot.

I hoped Haruna would understand this…

“Ah, then at least let me treat you to something. I’d feel guilty otherwise.”

“Um… well…”

After she said that, I couldn’t resist anymore. While Haruna didn’t need to treat me to anything, if she felt guilty, it wouldn’t be right to continue like this.

“Ah, how about we go for a coffee, Hanachiro?”

Though it wasn’t about the price, I thought this was a suitable choice.

“Alright, I’ll accept your kindness, then.”

“Great, thank you for accommodating my whims.”

“Rather, I should be the one thanking you.”

After arriving at the café, Haruna bought me an iced coffee and got herself a bubble tea. We then sat down on a bench near the station.

Being a rest day, the area was crowded. Perhaps due to the many onlookers, I felt their gazes focusing on Haruna.

“Is it always like this for you?”

“Um… yeah, pretty much,” Haruna replied with a slightly troubled smile.

Just by her appearance, Haruna was very attractive. I imagined that male eyes would naturally be drawn to her, and even among women, some would admire her.

So, this situation was inevitable, though it might be hard for her to accept.

“I’m really happy when people say I’m cute or pretty…”

Haruna seemed resigned as she shook her bubble tea cup. The downside of a beautiful appearance might seem like a luxury problem to those who don’t possess it.

Perhaps understanding this, Haruna didn’t complain explicitly.

Her forthright attitude seemed very admirable to me.

“Do you mind being with me, Hanachiro?”

“I have no problem with it. Complaining about this would be a luxury.”

I’ve said it many times before, just being able to date Haruna made me very happy.

Even for just one day, I had the girl all the boys in the school adored to myself.

If I still wanted more, I’d surely be struck by divine punishment.

“That’s why I don’t regret joining the student council.”

“!”

I decided to cut to the chase right then.

“Being needed by everyone in the student council is something I’m truly grateful for. And they never bullied me.”

“…”

Haruna listened silently to my words.

For some reason, I felt this time she truly took them in.

“I guess… I’m just being nosy after all.”

Looking at Haruna Rumi scratching her cheek apologetically, a pang of guilt hit me.

Her innate kindness was something I truly appreciated.

But it felt wasted on me, considering there were mountains of people who yearned for her gentle attention.

“…Hanachiro-kun, is there someone you like in the student council?”

“Eh?”

Caught off guard by her sudden, unexpected question, I froze.

“You know, I can understand that feeling of wanting to be needed by someone you like. That’s why you joined the student council, right…?”

“No, that’s not it… I don’t have someone specific that I like.”

After my response, Haruna Rumi showed a look of straightforward surprise.

“Being around beautiful girls makes me happy… It’s not that I have someone I like…”

“—What kind of reasoning is that?”

Suddenly, the atmosphere between Haruna Rumi and me shifted.

The gentle, appealing vibe disappeared, replaced by a confrontational and abrasive one.

Ignoring my stunned reaction, Haruna Rumi moved closer, radiating a sense of pressure.

“After all I’ve done, why aren’t you falling for me… I get it now. You don’t care as long as it’s a girl, right?”

“Haruna, Haruna Rumi? You seem… ”

“So, it turns out you’re just a philanderer.”

Haruna Rumi laughed as if to exhale her frustration.

“…It’s infuriating. Being with a beauty like me, one would normally fall in love. You’re really odd. It feels strange.”

“Weird is… Haruna Rumi, isn’t it…?”

“I’m the norm. The attitude I showed before was all an act to win you over.”

“An act is…”

Was all that romantic comedy vibe, the gentle care, just a performance?

No, how could it be—I earnestly accepted Haruna Rumi’s abrupt change.

Reflecting on her interactions with other guys within my knowledge, it seemed logical.

Her being spiteful was actually reassuring compared to her being genuinely malicious.

If her actions were natural, then she would be an untouchable enigma.

This was the other side of Haruna Rumi, her true nature.

“Taking this chance to tell you. Making guys do what I want is my way of surviving. I was planning to dominate the guys in my grade first… But because you didn’t fall for me, my plan hasn’t progressed.”

“Even if you blame me…”

“Shut up! You should have just fallen for me!”

“Don’t, don’t shake me!”

Even though Haruna Rumi was shaking me by the shoulders, she seemed to tire and stopped, panting.

Her frustration seemed to have built up substantially.

She was utterly venting on me, and while I didn’t need to feel guilty, I somehow did.

“Maybe it’s because you’re too disobedient… that’s why I’m fixated on you.”

“Eh?”

“Nothing! Never mind!”

Haruna Rumi let go of my shoulders and sighed deeply.

How to put it, I felt like I was dealing with something utterly unreasonable.

“Ha… Fine. I’m too tired to be angry now.”

“Good, if you can be a bit calmer, that would help.”

Even for my sake.

“In the end, to make you fall for me, just doing this isn’t enough, right?”

“Eh… no, that’s not… wait a second.”

“What now?”

“It’s okay if you don’t make me fall for you. If we can just be good friends from now on—”

“I can’t accept that to my pride!”

Terrifying. Haruna was no longer just a spicy girl, but more like a delinquent.

No, perhaps a female biker gang member? Times have changed.

“I’m annoyed that you don’t treat me specially. I’m annoyed that you treat me the same as other girls, despite me being the super perfect, best beautiful girl.”

“Haruna, you definitely are the super perfect, best beautiful girl… but in my eyes, all the girls are very important…”

“That’s impossible. People naturally favor those they like. I don’t understand what you mean by saying all the girls are very important.”

I couldn’t immediately respond to Haruna’s words.

So, with a sigh and a puzzled look, she stared into my eyes.

“…Forget it. At this point, even if I have to force it, I’ll conquer you.”

“Force it… If you could avoid using violence, I would be grateful.”

“Boys shouldn’t say such weak things! But don’t worry, I won’t rely on violence.”

Ah, that’s a relief.

I already had someone responsible for violence around me, and adding another would be too much to handle.

“…Ultimately, I just want to make you mine. If I can conquer you, if I can make you fall for me… During this time, I’ve come to think this way.”

“…That means?”

“But… I’m not sure if these feelings are genuine. Maybe because you haven’t fallen for me, I’m chasing you. So…”

She grabbed my collar again and came closer with a sharper gaze in her eyes.

“I’ll make you fall for me… to confirm it. If you fall for me and my feelings cool down, then these feelings are false. But if I still like you even then—”

—Your lips, I’ll take them.

Haruna’s fingers touched my lips.

A bit warm, a bit cool.

A strange sensation slowly spread from my lips.

“So, I’ve decided to meddle in your and the student council’s business from now on.”

“Ha, huh?”

“Since all the members of your student council are beauties. If I’m not around, it would be infuriating if they snatched you away… But don’t worry, I won’t interfere with your work.”

Haruna said this and then took a step back from me.

“Goodbye, and thank you for today. Anyway, I had fun.”

Haruna picked up her things, stood up from the bench, and left, turning her back to me.

Watching her confidently walk away, my heart started racing wildly.

“Ah, even a delinquent girl isn’t bad.”

New feelings were sprouting in my heart.

I should cherish this too. As part of my peculiar tastes, it should remain active in the future.

But what should I do?

I didn’t want her near the student council, but now it’s turned into a strange form of encouragement.

“…Well, it should be fine.”

Although I had no basis, I was sure Haruna wasn’t the type to harm others.

She didn’t seem interested in the position of student council president and probably wouldn’t nitpick.

I couldn’t just leave her be, but in the end, I couldn’t bring myself to say anything harsh to a girl.

(—But come to think of it)

“You’re perceptive, Haruna.”

“People naturally favor those they like.”

I was startled when she clearly stated this.

Right, it’s normal.

So—what about me?

I felt a slight sting of inferiority hidden deep within me.