Chapter 42

It was the graduation ceremony for elementary school.

Everyone was set to move on to the middle school by simply riding the escalator, and although the school buildings were separate, they were on the same campus, so no one felt particularly sad.

It seemed that everyone felt the same way, as there were no children sobbing.

However, since today was the last day they would wear the elementary school's navy uniform, everyone was busy taking photos.

Of course, I was taking photos with my friends too.

My curled hair today, thanks to my mother's extra effort for this special occasion, was even more curled than usual.

Hayashiki and Enjo were also surrounded by female students from the moment they arrived.

The heroes of the pillow fight were even asked for photos by the younger male students who had come to attend the ceremony.

At the graduation ceremony, my parents and my older brother, who held a bouquet of flowers, came to see me!

The bouquet my brother gave me was made of pink roses, carnations, and gerberas, and it was incredibly cute.

Thank you, brother! I'm so glad you didn't just go for a bouquet of red roses! In your eyes, I must be this cute, pink image!

Just as I was moved by this, my brother pointed to one of the darker roses and said,

"This rose is called 'Urala.' It's a beautiful flower."

Zuuuuuun!!

Brother! Who are you?!

My flower! My rose!

My heart is fluttering so much, I can't take it!

It seems my charm period is in full swing, thanks to my brother today!

Your smile is blinding!

As I was writhing in my heart, the other girls around me sighed, "Mr. Reika, he's so handsome..."

Indeed, indeed.

My brother, the best in the world!

I wonder where he learned the skill to hit a girl's heart so accurately at such a young age, but I have a slight worry about his private life.

Brother, you're not doing any weird part-time jobs, are you?

My satisfied mother, who was proud of her son, and my father, who looked a bit uncomfortable for not bringing anything, were there.

It's okay, Dad. It's about the thought, not the gift.

Actually, if my dad, who is a bit overweight, did the same thing as my brother, I'd be a bit put off.

As I was floating with joy, holding the bouquet with my namesake rose, and taking photos with my family under the cherry blossoms, a mother and son came over.

"Congratulations today, Reika-san."

"Oh! It's Hayashiki-san! Congratulations to you too on Yashizaki-kun's graduation!"

Uh-oh! From heaven to hell!

Why are you talking to me!

"Reika, congratulations on your graduation. Your flowers are so beautiful. They suit you perfectly."

"Thank you."

Today, Mrs. Hayashiki was wearing a bright, deep blue suit and looked even more beautiful than the last time we met at the restaurant.

She was a stark contrast to my mother, who was wearing an elegant white suit.

"Reika, please be friends with Yashizaki in middle school too."

"Oh, of course! I hope Yashizaki-kun will be friends with Reika too. Right, Reika?"

I neither denied nor agreed, just smiled and faked it.

This is not a good situation. A very bad situation.

Please, just leave this place quickly and peacefully.

My prayers were in vain, and the parents continued chatting.

Suddenly, I caught Hayashiki's eye, and he looked bored.

He turned away with a huff.

Ugh, completely indifferent.

I don't want to be friends with you either!

"Reika, do you remember our last conversation? Please come to our house sometime."

"Huh?"

Hayashiki wrinkled his nose and looked at his mother.

"Thank you."

I just smiled. I definitely won't go.

Look at Hayashiki's annoyed face. He's looking at me like, "Why do I have to go to your house?" Oh, he's glaring at me!

"Oh, Reika, you must visit us!"

"That's great, Reika. You've always admired Yashizaki-kun, haven't you?"

I don't admire him! Why are you making up stories, Dad!

Mom's eyes are shining!

Oh no, what do I do...

Why can't you sense Hayashiki's bad aura!

I don't admire him! I don't plan to go to his house! So stop glaring at me with that suspicious face!

I looked at my brother for help, but he just looked troubled and watched the situation unfold.

Someone, help me!

"Mom, Shusuke and the others are here, so I'm going."

"Oh, Shusuke-kun?"

Shusuke and his mother came out of the school building.

It was the first time I saw Shusuke's mother. She's a delicate beauty.

"Oh, Enjo-san! I must greet you."

Aaah! The situation is getting worse!

"Dad, Mom, Reika seems to want to spend some time with her friends. Can I let her go? It's her graduation ceremony, after all."

Brother!

"But..."

"I want to walk around the elementary school with Shusuke too."

Hayashiki joined in.

"What a troublesome child. Go ahead, then. I'm sorry, Reika-san. She's a bit spoiled."

"No, no, not at all. I've heard great things about Yashizaki-kun."

Hayashiki greeted my family and quickly left for Shusuke.

I have to follow him!

"Then I'll go to my friends too. Excuse me, Hayashiki-san."

I bowed and hurried to the group of female students.

I'm counting on you, Brother!

Just when I thought I had escaped from the parents, I was bombarded with questions about the Hayashiki family from my friends, Serika and Kikuno. Please, enough already.

I wanted the graduation ceremony to end on a happier note.

I'm exhausted from just a few minutes of this.

What if the same thing happens at the entrance ceremony...?

I hugged my brother's bouquet tightly.

But, Urala. I didn't know such a rose existed.

Rococo and roses. Man, I fit it too well.

Isn't this a typical manga plot? It's a bit sad that only my blood-related brother can create such events for me. But that's okay too.

This is the curse of the Sukekichi family.

I'm sure when I move to middle school, I'll have a wonderful romantic plot waiting for me.

When I got home, my excited parents urged me to visit the Hayashiki family, but I said I wouldn't go because Hayashiki hates girls and it would be a bother.

But I'm sure they won't give up.

I really hope they don't have any weird ambitions.