I understand what Haneda is saying.

If people found out that Iori had a boyfriend, some Aotaka students might start to take an interest in her. Not everyone from Suzakura is serious about wanting to date Iori, but even so, it wouldn’t be without impact. Just like how some fans lose interest when their favorite idol is reported to be in a relationship.

“Actually, I was thinking the same thing. I couldn’t say anything because I figured you two would handle it your own way.”

“Are you saying things will go back to how they were between Aotaka and Suzakura?”

Hearing Haneda’s suggestion, Souta and Hiura began to fidget anxiously. They stared at me with eyes filled with faint hope — the kind that comes from believing something dramatic might change. But even with those hopeful gazes, all I could say was this:

“…Actually, Iori asked me the same thing.”

“Oh?”

Haneda raised an intrigued eyebrow. I wasn’t sure how much advice a guy who scored rock-bottom in Japanese class could give, but I decided to tell everyone anyway.

“As you know, we’ve been keeping our relationship a secret from Suzakura. But the other day, Iori told me she wanted to tell everyone.”

“Huh, I thought for sure it was her decision to keep it quiet.”

Souta looked surprised. Hiura’s reaction was the same. Since Aotaka students are known to proudly show off their relationships, they must have assumed it was Iori’s idea to stay quiet.

“And why is that?”

Haneda pressed for more details.

“Well… I guess… if we reveal it, we can be more affectionate in public, right?”

──Time froze.

The three of them stared at me like I was their sworn enemy. But just as quickly, Souta let out a whistle to break the tense atmosphere. What was that just now?

“So, what did Natsuki say?”

“I told her that we don’t need to be so lovey-dovey in front of other people.”

“…What do you think? Would punching him for the greater good be the right move here?”

“Yeah, I’ll help you.”

“I’ve never hit anyone before… I wonder if I’ll do it properly.”

The three of them were murmuring to each other in hushed voices. Feeling the dangerous mood in the air, I tried to stand from my chair — but then Souta grabbed my shoulder with surprising strength.

“…Sorry, Natsuki. This is for the greater good.”

…They say a punch full of love doesn’t hurt. That wasn’t true. In the end, I was forced to promise I’d talk to Iori again, and somehow, I walked away in one piece.

◆

“Work♪ Work♪ Lovely work♪ Sales are up♪ My hourly wage is up too♪”

Today, Kobayashi was in a great mood. Humming a suspiciously cheerful tune, she flitted around the café floor, her maid outfit swaying with each step. Since the crowd had died down, I decided to ask her about it.

“Kobayashi, did something good happen?”

“Oh, I’m so glad you asked, Senpai! Do you want to know?”

Kobayashi bounced over with a spring in her step. In the distance, I could see Iori wiping down a table with a duster. Of course, I still hadn’t found the right time to bring up the conversation with her.

“Heh heh heh… Should I tell you or not…”

Even though she was acting reluctant, it was obvious she wanted to spill the news. I’d never seen Kobayashi like this before. What happened? Did she get a boyfriend or something?

“Okay, okay! Since it’s you, Senpai, I’ll tell you! Guess what — Lady Iori is going to participate in the Suzakura Festival’s beauty contest!”

Unable to hold back any longer, Kobayashi practically shook with excitement.

“A beauty contest? They have one of those?”

“Of course! The Suzakura Festival’s biggest event! Senpai, don’t tell me you didn’t know!?”

Kobayashi’s eyes widened in disbelief.

“Yeah… I don’t know much about the Suzakura Festival at all.”

“What!? The Suzakura Festival’s beauty contest is the dream of the entire student body! They say the winner is promised eternal glory…”

“Eternal glory? That’s a bit dramatic.”

As I said that, a thought struck me.

What about last year?

“From the way you’re talking, Iori didn’t participate last year?”

It might sound odd, but if she had, I was certain she’d have won. That would mean Iori had already secured her ‘eternal glory.’

“She said, ‘I’m a prince, so a beauty contest wouldn’t suit me,’ and declined to enter. So everyone figured she wouldn’t join this year either.”

“I see… so that’s why you’re surprised.”

Iori finished wiping the table and walked back toward us. Maybe because we were just standing around looking idle, she shot me a slightly annoyed look.

…She’s definitely going to win. Even without my bias as her boyfriend, I could confidently say Iori was both cool and cute enough to claim the crown.