Chapter 98

After the sports festival, for a while, the relationship between me and Senpai Tomegane became a topic of conversation.

"Miss Reika, you were so close with the former student council president?"

"To receive a victory report with such a smile. Actually, are there something going on between the two of you?"

Excited girls who loved love stories surrounded me with sparkling eyes.

"Well, I respect Senpai Tomegane a lot, and she is a role model for me, but it's not the kind of relationship you're thinking. If such rumors spread and cause trouble for Senpai Tomegane, I would feel terrible..."

Oh no, I have to put out this fire.

"Ah, but Miss Reika, you cheered so enthusiastically, and I felt my heart race just watching the two of you interact!"

"Me too!"

"But the former student council president was so cool! And the victory in the horseback battle!"

"Indeed, he was so cool! Actually, he won last year too, making it a two-peat this year!"

"Oh my!"

It seemed I wasn't the only one whose heart was stolen by Senpai Tomegane's smile. Everyone was using me as an excuse to talk about Senpai Tomegane.

Hmm, what should I do? It's just a small rumor, so I think it will die down soon...

When the topic came up at the Pivoine salon, I was a bit troubled.

After all, Kyouka-sama, Senpai Tomegane's real girlfriend, is here.

"I didn't know you were so close with that Tomegane."

A senior from the third year brought up the topic.

"Yes, I've been a class representative since middle school and have been helped a lot by her. I'm still the vice president, so she helps me a lot."

"Is that so? I hope you're not in love with Tomegane, Reika."

"Oh, no. Senpai Tomegane is a senior I respect deeply."

Ugh, I hope Kyouka-sama isn't upset...

If your boyfriend is involved in strange rumors with other girls, it would be unpleasant. I acted rashly.

When the senior girls started talking about the emperor's performance at the sports festival, I quietly left and approached Kyouka-sama, who was sitting on a distant sofa.

"Kyouka-sama"

"Oh, Miss Reika, how are you?"

Kyouka-sama greeted me with a smile.

"Um... I'm really sorry..."

I apologized in a low voice.

"Oh, hehe, were you worried about me? Don't worry, I'm not upset at all."

"Really?"

"Yes. Besides, he's popular, so it's common for him to be involved in rumors with girls."

"Really?!"

"Yep. So you don't need to worry, Reika. Chizuru was also happy that you cheered for him."

"Ah, ha."

Kyouka-sama really didn't seem to be bothered by this, so I was relieved. I'm often cast as the villain in love triangles, so I might unintentionally tear apart a happy couple.

"By the way, I was more shocked that you dressed up as a mouse. Why did you dress up like that?"

"Huh?"

Kyouka-sama looked at me with a worried face.

"I had to replace a girl who got injured and was supposed to participate in the costume relay."

"Oh, I see. But Miss Reika dressed up as a mouse... You really dedicate yourself to your class as a class representative, don't you?"

Well... even if you look at me with such a pitiful face... Was my costume that strange? It was a bit plain compared to the flashy Cinderella and prince costumes.

Come to think of it, when I returned to my friends after the costume relay, they were unusually encouraging. In class, we talked about Iwamuro-kun's costume, but not mine at all.

"Was my costume strange?"

"No! It was very charming! It's just that I haven't heard of anyone from Pivoine participating in the costume relay before..."

That's true. Was it inappropriate for me to participate as a member of Pivoine?

"Was it wrong to dress up?"

"I don't think so, but..."

Maybe I acted rashly at this year's sports festival. I need to reflect.

I glanced at the clock and saw it was time for my ride to arrive.

"I should be going now."

"Already?"

"Yes, I have an early lesson today."

"Is that so? See you tomorrow, Miss Reika."

"Yes, see you."

As I was getting ready to leave, Daitokuji and Enjo entered.

Our eyes met.

"Ah, clumsy mouse."

"Masaya."

The salon was filled with an awkward silence for a moment.

"...Good afternoon, Daitokuji-sama, Enjo-sama. I'll take my leave first."

I suppressed my twitching cheeks and greeted them with a smile.

As I was about to leave the room, Daitokuji, with a serious face, said,

"Why didn't you wear a mouse nose? Try harder next year."

"Masaya."

...Shut up, sports festival freak! Don't assume I'll participate in the costume relay next year!

No one would have allowed me to wear a mouse nose, and I couldn't bring myself to do it either!

I stomped down the hallway towards the parking lot.

After finishing my piano lesson and returning home, I found Iware-sama, whom I hadn't seen in a long time.

"Iware-sama!"

"Reika, how are you?"

"I'm fine. How about you?"

"Good, good."

Today, Iware-sama was in a suit. So mature and charming!

"What brings you here today?"

"I wanted to borrow something from Takahiro. Reika, you're as cute as ever."

Iware-sama patted my head.

"Iware, don't touch my sister."

My brother swatted Iware-sama's hand away from my head.

"Reika, I wish I had a sister like you. My family is all boys. Hey, Reika, why don't you marry my brother? Then you'll officially be my sister. Or, you could marry me if you want?"

"Marriage with Iware-sama? That would be wonderful."

"Right? You can come anytime."

The two of them laughed, but my brother looked unusually irritated.

"...Iware, come to my room."

"It was a joke, brother. I'm sorry."

"Shut up and come here."

Iware-sama was dragged away by my brother. They're always so close.

By the way, I remember that at the cram school, I was supposed to like Iware-sama. I had completely forgotten. When they come back, I'll bring it up. "I've been in love with Iware-sama for a long time." I'm sure both my brother and Iware-sama will react strongly.

When Iware-sama returned to the living room, he looked a bit worn out. His work seems to be tough. He also said, "I won't be able to come for a while..."