Chapter 18

Regarding the "dere degree," since there are opinions both for and against its inclusion, I've decided to leave a blank space before writing it. If you don't scroll too vigorously, the "dere degree" should not catch your eye. The "Next" and "Previous" buttons are also at the top of the page, so although it might be a bit of a hassle, please scroll to the top before turning the page.

For those who don't want to read the afterword, please scroll carefully to avoid seeing it.

The day before the summer vacation started, the students were given their report cards along with a sheet of paper listing their class rankings.

"Fifth place. That's an improvement from before."

Yuzuru looked at the results of the in-school test and nodded in satisfaction. The number of students in Yuzuru's grade was about three hundred.

The school, while not a top-tier "prestigious" high school, was still classified as such, and being fifth in the grade was a respectable ranking.

(I wonder if Yukihime is still first?)

Class rankings are, in principle, only disclosed to the individual students. However, the top ten students' rankings are posted in front of the staff room, so you can go and check them.

Yuzuru, who usually doesn't care about other people's rankings, felt like checking this time and decided to go see the rankings.

So, Yuzuru went to check the rankings. It was a bit crowded since they had just been posted.

"Yukihime... still first this time, huh."

It seems her efforts have paid off. Even though it's not about him, he felt a bit happy.

"Wow, Yukihime-san is first again."

"Looks like it... Wait, Aya-chan!?"

"Hi, Yuzuru."

Before he knew it, Tachibana Aya was right next to him, grinning.

Yuzuru had a bad feeling.

"Hey, Yuzuru. Why were you interested in Yukihime Arisa's ranking?"

"We're in the same class, so it's not strange, right?"

"Hmm, is that so? Yuzuru, you usually don't care about anyone's ranking unless it's someone close to you."

As always, she's perceptive, Yuzuru sighed. He glanced at the rankings...

"By the way, Aya-chan. Congratulations on third place."

"Thanks. Same as last time. By the way, Soichiro is eighth, and Nagisa is tenth."

"Nagisa Tenka... She's smart, huh."

Given her serious appearance, it wasn't too surprising that she was smart.

"So, Yuzuru. Ignoring Nagisa for now, why were you interested in Yukihime's ranking? Oh, you're making such an obvious face. You don't want to be pried into, which means there's something going on, right?"

"I made an obvious face just because I mentioned something I happened to notice, and you're asking all these questions. It's just a bit annoying. We're classmates, so it's not strange to care a little."

If Yuzuru and Arisa were in different classes, it might seem a bit odd to care, but they are in the same class. It's not strange to care about a classmate's ranking.

When Yuzuru answered, Aya put her hand to her chin and started thinking.

"Hmm, you're right. Calm down, I'm overthinking it. But... something feels off. I remember! There's a reason to suspect you!"

Aya snapped her fingers and a mischievous smile appeared on her face.

"Was the birthday present you gave, for Yukihime?"

"Well, maybe."

Yuzuru's heart pounded painfully. But as the next head of the Kosegawa family, he can control his emotions, lie, and bluff.

Indeed, even the perceptive Aya couldn't read the truth from Yuzuru's expression.

"Hmm, am I overthinking it?"

"You should focus more on your relationship with Soichiro rather than my love life."

"Yuzuru, don't worry. Soichiro and I are doing great."

I hope so, Yuzuru sighed, thinking of another childhood friend.

---

The summer vacation condition for Yuzuru living alone was to return home once.

Since he had a part-time job, he didn't plan to stay long. He would spend about two weeks at home.

So, he packed his carry-on bag and boarded the train to return home. Then...

"Hey? Yukihime?"

"Oh, Kosegawa-san. What a coincidence."

By chance, he ran into Arisa, who was about to sit down. She looked at the carry-on bag Yuzuru was holding.

"I remember you said you were going home."

"Yeah, that's right. ...What about you, Yukihime?"

"I was thinking of going shopping for summer clothes."

It seemed to be a genuine coincidence. However, meeting her here was a bit lucky.

"By the way... let's meet again in two weeks."

They had said the same thing the last time they met on Saturday, but since they had school after that, it wasn't their true "last" meeting. They hadn't been able to greet each other at school, so this was a good opportunity.

"Right. I look forward to seeing you in two weeks."

Arisa replied calmly. It wasn't a final farewell, and they would meet again in just two weeks, so there was no need to be sad.

Yuzuru and Arisa exchanged brief greetings and promised to meet again in two weeks.

At that moment, neither of them realized that their promise to meet again in two weeks would not be fulfilled. They never imagined that something like that would happen...

---

Three days after the start of the summer vacation, Arisa was diligently working on her summer homework.

Suddenly, her concentration was interrupted by a phone call.

Hmm? Not many people call her... She checked the caller and it was Yuzuru.

"Hello, this is Arisa."

"Is that Arisa?"

"It's my phone, so it must be."

"That's true."

Yuzuru's voice was a bit tense. He must have called for a reason.

Arisa was a bit worried. If it wasn't an emergency, he could have sent an email.

"What's up?"

"Well, I have a favor to ask... Is now a good time?"

"I'm fine."

She was just about to take a break, so it was perfect for a breather.

"It's not like I'm forcing you or anything. You can say no if you want."

"Hmm...?"

"I really feel bad about asking you this."

"So, what is it? ...I get nervous if you keep me in suspense."

Is it something serious? Arisa felt her heart rate quicken a bit.

"I want to go on a date with you."

"A date? The amusement park again?"

She remembered how much fun they had there. However, Yuzuru immediately denied it.

"No, it's different... Grandpa has already prepared tickets for two."

"I see. ...That's quite meddlesome of him."

"Well, apparently he got them... I don't know if it's true or not. I tried to refuse, but... where are the couples who don't go out at all during the summer vacation? I couldn't argue with that."

"That's... a valid point. Sure, I'll go with you."

After all, Arisa was the one who proposed this "engagement" to Yuzuru. She should have suggested something to him before his grandfather took action. This was partly her fault.

"Thanks, I appreciate it... So, where are we going? The place?"

Since it's tickets, it's probably a theme park or a movie, Arisa thought as she asked Yuzuru.

"..."

"Sorry, could you repeat that?"

There was a moment of static, and she couldn't hear his voice. She asked him to repeat it.

"It's a pool. ...I was wondering if you'd go to the pool with me."

So, it's a swimsuit scene since it's summer. I'm looking forward to the next chapter.

Will Arisa agree to go to the pool?

What swimsuit will she wear?

Will Yuzuru's self-control hold?

If you're looking forward to the next chapter, please bookmark and rate it.

The next chapter title is "The 'Fiancée's' Swimsuit."

Stay tuned.

---

There's no particular change in the "dere degree."

If you're looking forward to future changes in the "dere degree,"

please bookmark and rate the story (change the stars at the bottom of the table of contents to ★★★★★).

It would be a great encouragement.