The Aotaka Festival came to a grand close. With our Class 1 emerging victorious, several changes awaited us.

First, changes among my classmates. Surprisingly, some of them managed to exchange contact information with students from Suzakura High School. Hiura, who overtook Class 4’s Nakamura as the third runner in the relay, was especially impressive—he managed to exchange numbers with five Suzakura students. Whether any of those connections would turn into romantic relationships was unknown, but I silently wished him luck.

Next, the change that happened to me. And this one was truly unbelievable.

As the anchor of the relay, I led Class 1 to victory, and yet—

—I was now treated as an enemy by almost all Suzakura students.

How did things end up this way…? The root cause of it all was Tachibana Iori.

At the climax of the Aotaka Festival, during the highly anticipated class relay, Tachibana Iori walked onto the track at the end of the race. As I collapsed at the finish line, she extended her hand to me. Adrenaline was still rushing through my body, so I instinctively took her hand and stood up.

What I saw next—were the Aotaka students staring at us in stunned silence. And the Suzakura students glaring at me as if they had witnessed something unthinkable. Even now, I vividly remember the chill that ran down my spine.

Later, at Cyberia, Tachibana Iori explained the situation. Apparently, “Yamabuki Natsuki of Aotaka High School, Class 2-1” was now the most hated person at Suzakura High School. Somehow, word had also spread that I worked at Cyberia, and lately, I had been enduring glares from Suzakura students every single day.

Now, about Tachibana Iori—

This is purely my personal observation, so I can’t say for sure.

But hear me out… Lately, Tachibana Iori has started to look more and more like a girl to me.

She’s the ‘Prince of Suzakura,’ a stunningly handsome figure who captivates the entire student body.

No matter the situation or the audience, she remains flawless, never letting her guard down.

Even Aotaka students, upon seeing her in person for the first time, all agreed: “She’s so overwhelmingly cool that I don’t think I could see her as a romantic interest…”

And yet—lately, I can’t help but find her absolutely adorable.

There’s a particular incident related to this, but before I get to that, I need to introduce a new part-time worker at Cyberia.

◆

It happened about a week after the Aotaka Festival, on a drizzly day.

“I’m Ririmu Kobayashi, a first-year at Suzakura High School! This is my first time working a part-time job! Please take care of me!”

Her chestnut-brown hair, tied into a side ponytail, bounced slightly as she bowed.

My first impression was that she was like a small, energetic rabbit. And now, this rabbit-like girl was going to be working at Cyberia.

“As promised, I’ve hired someone new. Ririmu has an incredible passion for this job—she personally came to me and begged to work here. Everyone, please get along with her.”

The manager spoke with a serious expression. And when she looks serious, it usually means she’s up to no good. I already had a bad feeling about this.

The manager glanced over at me and Tachibana Iori.

“Natsuki and Iori, since you’re the same age as her, I’m assigning you two as Ririmu’s trainers. Things have been busy lately, so work together to help her get up to speed.”

…Why are my bad premonitions always spot on?

“This means… I’m finally being recognized as a full-fledged employee, huh?”

Tachibana Iori seemed pleased about being named a trainer. Lately, I had become able to pick up on these small changes in her expressions.

“A-Ah…! I-I’m a huge fan of you, Lady Iori! Please let me work with you!”

With flushed cheeks, Kobayashi stepped up to Tachibana Iori and bowed deeply. Her wavy hair swayed in an irregular pattern.

Scenes of Tachibana Iori receiving confessions were an everyday occurrence at Cyberia, so no one else reacted.

“Nice to meet you, Ririmu. I’ll be sure to teach you gently, so don’t worry.”

“H-Hawuu…! O-Okay…!”

Kobayashi’s eyes were practically turning into heart symbols. My bad feeling grew even stronger. Lately, just seeing Suzakura students made my body tense up.

Then, Tachibana Iori gestured toward me. My bad feeling was now at MAX.

“Ririmu, let me introduce you to your other trainer—Yamabuki Natsuki. He’s a reliable guy, so if you need help, don’t hesitate to ask him. He’s also your senior here.”

I reflexively gave a small bow… and in return, I was met with a sharp glare. Her entire demeanor had changed. So this is how it’s going to be.

“Yamabuki Natsuki… Senpai. I—hate you!”

“Puha!!”

The manager nearly spat out her drink at the scene.

Kobayashi stuck her tongue out at me, doing her best to show her hostility despite her small stature.

Seeing this, I could only sigh internally.