Chapter 24

During the time when cherry blossoms were dancing in the wind, Misaki opened the old diary and read the words of promise written there.

Through the online game, the incident with Kiyokawa was resolved, and a peaceful daily life returned.

From now on, I wanted to spend time with Rinka, the popular idol, whenever I could.

Just as I was thinking that, Rinka started to want to be alone with me.

Even though she had wanted to spend lunch breaks with four of us, recently she preferred to be alone with me. The same went for weekday nights. Despite being busy, she wanted to play the online game with me.

Rinka seemed to be trying a bit too hard to make time for me.

"Is everything okay...?"

I was worried about Rinka. It seemed like she was more anxious and fearful than just wanting to spend time together. I tried to ask her casually, but she only replied, "I'm fine." Then she would say, "We are married," out of the blue.

Feeling uneasy, I decided to consult with Kurihara-san, but unfortunately, she was off today, probably due to her idol activities. So I decided to ask Kiyokawa.

At lunchtime, I headed to the usual empty classroom. There, I met up with Kiyokawa and asked about Rinka's recent behavior.

"About Rinka-senpai recently? There's nothing particularly strange... but... she does seem to meet my eyes more often. That's about it."

"Is that so... Why is Rinka trying to meet me lately?"

"Is it affection?"

"No. Rinka used to be calm, but yesterday she said she wanted to go home with me..."

"That's... impossible. Rinka-senpai should know that..."

I also wanted to go home with her, but realistically, it was impossible. Rinka should be fully aware of that. No, it seemed like she was so desperate that she didn't understand. I wondered if her idol activities were affecting her usual behavior...

But according to Kiyokawa, nothing seemed to be wrong.

"Could it be that... she just wants to be a bit more affectionate with someone she likes?"

"Being affectionate... doesn't quite seem right. But I want to hear more from you, Kiyokawa, as a woman."

"That's a bit difficult. I've never been in a relationship before."

"Then use your imagination."

"Hmm......"

Kiyokawa crossed her arms and hummed, genuinely unsure.

While Rinka's strange behavior might not be a big deal if we consider our in-game marriage as a real marriage, seeing her so anxious made me feel uneasy. I wanted to help her somehow.

"I'm sorry. It's a bit... difficult for me."

"I see... No, thank you. Just knowing that nothing happened with her idol activities is good enough."

"I'll keep an eye on her too. Rinka-senpai is an important senior to me and a pillar of Star☆Mines."

Kiyokawa, with a genuinely worried expression, clenched her fists in front of her chest. From her words, it was clear that Rinka was someone everyone relied on. I felt the urge to support Rinka in various ways.

☆

These past few days, I tried to catch Wato-kun's attention, but it might have been in vain. Seeing Wato-kun and Ayane meeting secretly in a room in the old school building, I felt utterly hopeless. Is the current me... not good enough?

☆

Rinka's behavior was strange. Days passed without me understanding the reason. One day, after arriving at school and sitting at my desk, I noticed that Rinka wasn't there. She usually arrived before me, so her absence was unusual. Was she absent? That was the only reason. She must be busy with her idol activities.

Feeling lonely, I rested my cheek on my hand and gazed out the window.

"Mi, Miki-san!? Is it Miki-san!?"

The classroom became noisy. The mention of Miki suggested that Rinka had arrived. But the classmates' reactions were exaggerated.

Curious, I turned my gaze from the window to the classroom entrance. My eyes nearly popped out. Standing there was indeed Rinka, but...

"Go, go--good morning, everyone."

She seemed to be trying to give a polite greeting. Rinka's smile was unfamiliar, and her appearance was that of a lady, reminiscent of Kiyokawa. Her blonde hair, styled with braids, swayed with each step, and her movements were more precise than usual. Her hairstyle was clearly a copy of Kiyokawa's. ...Why?