Chapter 5
This chapter was translated by yuugs, shizuumi and minib0ss, and proofed by kuririn, yuugs, shizuumi, and dei-hime!
One day...
The moment I opened the classroom door that morning, the students inside stopped talking all at once and turned to look in my direction. Even when I just stood up from my seat and started walking, I could feel everyone's gazes following me.
...Now that I thought about it… The atmosphere at Hakuo Academy had been sort of weird since this morning.
We were well into the new semester. The unforgiving chill of winter was finally beginning to let up. Since the start of February, I'd grown used to rubbing my shaking hands together while walking to and from school.
After completing the most arduous class of the week― Monday first period―I frowned, thinking about the odd feeling that had been growing since that morning.
Chizuru Yukimura: "......"
Classmate A: "......"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Um... Do you have a minute?"
Classmate A: ‘!! W-What is it, Yukimura? Oh, do you wanna tell me something? Whatever it is, you can tell me!"
Chizuru Yukimura: "...No. Sorry. It's nothing, actually."
Seeing the jumpy, nervous state my classmates were in made me frown even more deeply. And it wasn't just my classmates, either. Everyone I passed by in the hallways, all the senior students...absolutely everyone had been acting downright strange since that morning.
Classmate B: "......"
I'd lock eyes with people, and they'd quickly look away.
Classmate C: "......"
The opposite happened, too. People would shoot me an earnest look whenever I said something inconsequential. Honestly, just what in the world was going on with everyone...?
And then, during the lunch break after morning classes, I just couldn't stand how everyone was staring at me anymore. I rushed out into the hallway as soon as the bell rang. When I first enrolled, I got a lot of stares as the only female student, but even so...
Chizuru Yukimura: "I feel like people are staring at me even more than they did back then..."
In the courtyard. In the corridor outdoors. I grabbed my bento and walked off, hoping to get away from all the stares. I looked for anywhere I could go where no one else would be around. The place I finally settled on was the quietest room in the school.
Chizuru Yukimura: "―Excuse me."
Keisuke Sannan: "Oh? What an unexpected guest to have."
Susumu Yamazaki: "Yukimura-kun? What's wrong? Are you feeling sick?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "No, I feel fine, thank you. Actually..."
[time skip as she explains]
Keisuke Sannan: "...I see. You feel as though you're drawing even more attention than usual."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Yes. I may just be being overly self-conscious, but I feel like there's always someone who's looking at me. Is there anything...strange about me today? Like my appearance, or..."
Maybe I had bed-head, for example. Or maybe my jacket was buttoned wrong. As I spun once in place to show them how I looked, Yamazaki-senpai quickly averted his eyes.
Susumu Yamazaki: "......"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Oh, something must be out of place then, huh? Is it my clothes? Or my face...?"
Susumu Yamazaki: "No, there's nothing wrong with your face. You look as good as you alw― um, you look like you always do!" Yamazaki-senpai hurriedly shook his head for some reason.
Sannan-sensei smiled wryly and said:
Keisuke Sannan: "I haven't seen the situation firsthand, so this may be mere conjecture, but… could it be that all the students in your vicinity look restless and agitated?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Ah, yes. Now that you put it that way, I think that's right. Someone nearly jumped out of their skin earlier when I called out to them. I wonder if I did something wrong without noticing, somehow...?"
Keisuke Sannan: "I suppose. You may be correct, in a certain sense."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Huh...?"
Keisuke Sannan: "Hehe, in short, you are at fault for being too attractive."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Whaaat...!?"
Keisuke Sannan: "I think you will come to understand what I mean soon enough. Isn't that right, Yamazaki-kun?"
Susumu Yamazaki: "...I do not understand why you're trying to drag me into this."
Sensei had called me 'attractive'... Could it be that he was teasing me...? I reflexively shot him a reproachful glare, but he showed no signs of noticing. He gave me a sweet smile and spoke again.
Keisuke Sannan: "Ah, more importantly, it seems as though you have yet to eat your lunch."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Yes. I couldn't stand to stay in the classroom any longer, so I didn't eat there."
Keisuke Sannan: "Well, then, why don't you eat here? It seems you brought along your bento."
I felt that he had deftly dodged my questions somehow, but… I decided that I'd take him up on his offer for now and gave a little nod. I ended up staying much longer than I'd intended to. By the time I left the infirmary, I had very little of my lunch break remaining.
Chizuru Yukimura: "I'm pretty sure that my first afternoon class is math with Nagakura-sensei..." Maybe it was because I had had a good meal, or because I had talked with those two, but I felt a little less anxious. "...But, for the time being, I need to find somewhere to kill a little more time."
Then, as I walked off, away from where math would take place, a huge obstacle blocked my path and my vision.
Shinpachi Nagakura: "Whoops! Where are you off to, Yukimura-kun? Don't you have math in just a bit? If you wanna skip my class, then I don't wanna hear about it!"
Chizuru Yukimura: "No, I wasn't intending to do that..."
Shinpachi Nagakura: "Hm? Well, where are you going then? Toilet?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "......" Nagakura-sensei sometimes was a little...lacking in tact. "No, that's not it. Actually..."
[time skip as she explains]
Shinpachi Nagakura: "So your classmates are acting kinda weird, huh? I see."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Do you know something about it?"
Shinpachi Nagakura: "Well, that's, you know… It's just that time of year." He folded his arms, nodding sagely to himself as he replied. "The day that men both dream of and dread… Valentine's Day!"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Oh..."
I hadn't been consciously aware of it because there were still a couple of days left before the 14th, but now that I thought about it, it was already February. Valentine's ads usually flooded the city around now. That would more or less explain all the attention I had been getting since that morning. It was actually a bigger mystery that I hadn't noticed sooner...
Shinpachi Nagakura: "You're the only one in the whole school who can do something for Valentine's Day, Yukimura-kun. Who does the school idol's heart belong to? Anyone would be interested in finding that out."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Please stop. This is so embarrassing… Incidentally, how about you, Nagakura-sensei? You sound like you're excited for Valentine's Day."
Shinpachi Nagakura: "Of course. This year, I'm definitely going to get chocolate from some beautiful ladies for once!"
Chizuru Yukimura: "'For once,' huh..." I was sort of wondering if he'd ever gotten any before, but I decided not to ask for the moment.
Shinpachi Nagakura: "Well, I think that there are tons of guys who are hoping to get chocolate from you, but… If you feel obligated to go around and give some to every one of 'em...no matter how much you have, it'll never be enough. It'll at least be peaceful around here until the 14th, so just forget about it for now! C'mon, let's head to class!"
After he had explained what was going on, Nagakura-sensei started walking, leading the way to the classroom.
Would it be easier for me to go back in if he was there with me...? I decided to follow after him.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Valentine's Day, hmm..."
Now that he’d mentioned it, I realized I really did need to start thinking about it. The holiday was inching closer and closer.
‘What should I make this year...?’
My afternoon classes felt like they'd lasted longer than usual, but they were finally over. A feeling of freedom came over me as the final bell rang. School had finished for today. The moment homeroom ended, I left the classroom.
Thanks to the chats I had during lunch break, I knew the reason why everyone was acting like that, but that didn't change how uncomfortable it made me. On the contrary, now that I knew what everyone was expecting from me, I felt more and more like I couldn't stand to stay there a second longer.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Phew..."
As the sun began to set, the shadow of all those chocolatey expectations caused my face to fall. Soon enough, the day that gave women the courage to confess their love would roll around. A day where girls gave both chocolate and their hearts to the object of their desires, hoping to start something.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Who in the world should I give―" I was shaken from my thoughts by some sort of commotion going on right in front of me. "What's with this crowd...?"
There was a throng of people, all crowded around some sort of notice board affixed to the hallway wall. I spotted some people I recognized amidst the crowd and called out to them.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Amagiri-senpai, Shiranui-senpai!"
Kyuuju Amagiri: "Oh, it's Yukimura-kun. Are you on your way home?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "I was, but… What's going on over here?"
Kyou Shiranui: "Don'tcha think it'd be faster just to see it? Hey, you―move it or lose it!"
I stepped into the space Shiranui-senpai had made for me and began to read the bulletin aloud.
Chizuru Yukimura: "'Announcement― Beginning tomorrow, students will undergo random personal effects inspections for a week. Entertainment and gaming systems, as well as unnecessary food and drink, will be confiscated’...!?"
Kyuuju Amagiri: "Starting tomorrow and lasting for one week. In other words, until Valentine's day. The perfect plan to eliminate any potential chocolate-giving."
Kyou Shiranui: "And the only person nasty enough to think this up… Well, you can take a guess, yeah?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Don't tell me...it's Kazama-senpai?"
Kyou Shiranui: "Naw, it ain't our boss. He's aiming for the opposite, actually."
Kyuuju Amagiri: "Yes. Contrary to this announcement, Kazama-sama is impatiently awaiting his chocolates."
Chizuru Yukimura: "So, if it's not him, then it's..."
???: "It hurts to be called ‘nasty,’ you know?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Kaoru...!"
Pushing his way through the crowd, Kaoru strode swiftly up to where we were standing.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Kaoru, what does this mean? Is this notice from the disciplinary committee?"
Kaoru Nagumo "Of course. It's our job to correct any disruptions to order within the school."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Why are you doing such a thing...?"
Kaoru Nagumo: "Why? Isn't it obvious? If we take no preventative measures, the riffraff won't have a shred of shame coming to pester you for obligation chocolates. But if it's banned from the school grounds entirely, everyone will have to give up, right? You should be grateful to have such a kind older brother."
Chizuru Yukimura: "But, if things are like this now, if I happen to bring romantic chocolates, won't they end up being confiscated, too...?"
Kaoru Nagumo: “! ...R-...Romantic chocolate, you say? Hmph, well, say whatever you like. If I recall… You don't have anyone you want confess to in the first place, right?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Well..."
Kaoru Nagumo: "Or...don't tell me you intend to confess to someone like Toudou or Okita, or even Saitou...!"
Chizuru Yukimura: "I-I didn't say anything like that...!"
Kaoru continued to rattle off a rapid-fire stream of questions while completely ignoring my objections. How should I put this...? I had had no idea he was even capable of looking as frustrated as he did now.
Kaoru Nagumo: "Anyway, you're still too young! You absolutely can't bring any chocolate! Got it? You absolutely cannot!" Kaoru went to the trouble of reminding me twice before he briskly marched away. I was left dumbfounded in his wake and turned around to face Amagiri-senpai and Shiranui-senpai.
Chizuru Yukimura: "...Amagiri-senpai, Shiranui-senpai. I'm sorry you had to see such a shameful display."
Kyou Shiranui: "I mean, I don't mind, but… What even was that?"
Kyuuju Amagiri: "It seems that the inner workings of an older brother's mind are just as mysterious as those of a woman's..."
After that, I parted ways with Amagiri-senpai and Shiranui-senpai and passed through the front gate on my way home. Even if I set aside the random inspections for now, I couldn't escape the fact that Valentine's Day was fast approaching.
Chizuru Yukimura: "I really don't have a choice. I need to start thinking about what chocolates to make… And the person I want to give chocolates to, huh?" My mumbled words turned to white fog as they left my mouth, floating up out of anyone’s reach in the pink sky.
Just one week left until Valentine's Day.
I wondered whether anyone would accept these sweet, aching feelings in my heart…
On a certain winter morning...
Chizuru Yukimura: "Textbooks...check. Bento...check!"
I was checking my school bag, making sure I was all prepared for the day.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Oh..."
The calendar on my bedroom wall suddenly caught my eye while I was packing for the day. I wasn't doing it consciously, but my eyes just kept returning to one date in particular.
Chizuru Yukimura: "...Valentine's Day, huh..."
When I thought about giving chocolates, well… I guess there was only one person who came to mind. But something about it worried me, too. Namely, giving him chocolates would mean responding to his feelings in kind. The idea was very worrying. Because doing that, in other words, would be tantamount to accepting...
Chizuru Yukimura: "...Marriage."
It wouldn't just be whether we'd start dating or not; we’d end up skipping the dating stage entirely. Even if I said my chocolates were just my way of showing my gratitude, chances were he wouldn't take it that way.
I heaved a long sigh, feeling increasingly conflicted.
Chizuru Yukimura: "...I better head to school now." I forced myself out of that train of thought, deciding it was time to head off.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Ah...!"
I spotted Kazama-senpai just as the school gates came into the view. I was automatically on my guard, since I hadn't come to a decision yet... But he seemed to be talking on his cell phone. I could overhear a bit of his conversation.
Chikage Kazama: "...I understand. Please give them my regards."
He hung up, and looked up in my direction, seeming a little surprised to see me there.
Chikage Kazama: "Oh? To think I would run into my wife in such a place. What a good omen to start the day. Yet another sign that we are bound together by fate."
Chizuru Yukimura: "...Good morning, Kazama-senpai."
He was acting the same as he always did, which confused me a little, because, well...Valentine's Day was pretty close. I'd been certain that he would start badgering me about chocolates as soon as he caught sight of me, and yet...
Chikage Kazama: "? Is something the matter, Chizuru?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "N-No... Nothing..." Something about the way he was acting made me uneasy, and I found myself unable to stop staring at him― Then his phone rang again.
Chikage Kazama: "......" The look on Kazama-senpai's face made it obvious that he was reluctant to pick up, but he accepted the call regardless. "...It is me. Is there anything else? ...The timing does not work for them? I distinctly recall saying that I would leave all scheduling adjustments to you."
Kazama-senpai spoke sharply to whoever was on the other end of the line. Had he decided that his conversation was going to drag on for a while? He pressed his hand over the microphone and turned to me.
Chikage Kazama: "Although you went to the trouble of seeking me out, I'm not able to speak with you right now. But… If I have made you feel neglected, then I will ensure that I will make it up to you later," having promised me that, he walked off, leaving me standing there. Alone.
Chizuru Yukimura: "......"
He was acting strange. What in the world was going on with him...?
Morning classes had ended; it was time for lunch break. I was worried about where to eat lunch, and I ended up going to the cafeteria for the first time in a while. And then, while drinking hot tea and eating my bento―
Kyou Shiranui: "Oh. Here she is."
I heard a familiar voice and looked up.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Shiranui-senpai and Amagiri-senpai...?"
Kyou Shiranui: "Good for you, Chizuru!"
Kyuuju Amagiri: "We have caused countless inconveniences for you thus far... But this is as far as it goes."
Chizuru Yukimura: "...Did...something happen?"
Kyuuju Amagiri: "Oh, please excuse my rudeness. You have not yet heard the news?"
Kyou Shiranui: "He's not gonna stalk you anymore."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Huh...?"
Kyou Shiranui: "I heard about him bein' in marriage talks with the daughter of a fancy tea ceremony family, or somethin' like that."
Kyuuju Amagiri: "It appears that Kazama-sama became obsessed with you originally due to a problem he had with finding a spouse possessing the appropriate bloodline. He fixated on you because your late mother hailed from a prestigious tea ceremony family."
Chizuru Yukimura: "......" What he was saying was just too shocking. I lost the ability to hear him halfway through his explanation. My chopsticks slipped from my hand with a clatter.
Kyou Shiranui: "Looks like we're finally gonna be able to graduate..."
Kyuuju Amagiri: "I am truly happy for you. It seems that, from here on out, you will no longer suffer so many unreasonable demands and harassments from Kazama-sama."
The pair offered their congratulations and departed without noticing that I was at a complete loss for words.
Chizuru Yukimura: "......"
I was left there, dumbfounded. I scooped up my fallen chopsticks, my whole body stiff with shock. I had been eating up until a little while ago, but I couldn't bring myself to eat another bite… I had more than half of my bento left, but in the end, I just repacked it and left the cafeteria.
Chizuru Yukimura: "? Is that...?"
As I trudged around the hallway, I spotted Kazama-senpai walking towards the school entrance. I ran after him before I could even think about it.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Kazama-senpai!" I was able to catch up with him just as he reached the entryway.
Chikage Kazama: "Chizuru..." Kazama-senpai turned around, looking stunned. Was he surprised because this was the first time I had run after him? Or was it something else...?
Chizuru Yukimura: "Kazama-senpai… Why are you going outside?"
Chikage Kazama: "I'm heading home now."
Chizuru Yukimura: "But, it's still only lunch time… Did something happen?"
Chikage Kazama: "I'm busy managing relationships on behalf of my family at the moment..."
He was being evasive... Was he busy with the marriage negotiations after all?
Chikage Kazama: "I have no time to spare today. I am reluctant to part from you, but we will continue this soon―"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Kazama-senpai!" I couldn't help but stop him as he turned to walk away. "I, um, I have something I want to ask you...!"
'Is it true that you're in arranged marriage negotiations?'
That was what I really wanted to ask him, but― I had only just heard about it. I hadn't had time to wrap my mind around it yet, and I didn't have the courage to say it out loud...
Chizuru Yukimura: "Um..."
So instead, I asked about...
[Chocolates]
[Valentine's Day]
Chizuru Yukimura: "Kazama-senpai, do you...umm… ...What do you think...about Valentine's Day...?"
Chikage Kazama: "That is coming up on February 14th, yes? It is a commoner's holiday, in my opinion."
Chizuru Yukimura: "......"
Chikage Kazama: "However, young women approaching marriageable age often have difficulty being honest with their feelings toward the person they have fallen in love with. I suppose without an appropriate opportunity, these women would not be able to confess the deep emotion that has filled their hearts."
Chizuru Yukimura: "You may be right about that..." I agreed, if vaguely. I really did think that Valentine's gave a lot of people the courage to confess their feelings.
Chikage Kazama: "Heheheh..." Suddenly, Kazama-senpai gave me a knowing smirk for some reason, like he had come to some understanding.
Chizuru Yukimura: "U-Um, senpai?"
Chikage Kazama: "Taking advantage of such an event… You must not think I am so bad as that, then, right? Chizuru."
It was obvious from his face. It was a face that said he already expected to receive Valentine's chocolates from me. ...I might have just dug my own grave.
Chikage Kazama: "I am often prevented from attending school these days, but I will ensure that I am present on February 14th."
Chizuru Yukimura: "U-Uumm..."
Chikage Kazama: "I have already decided on my response. You need not worry about anything. Just be patient."
I intended to give him some chocolate, so… That meant without a doubt that I was also going to confess to him.
Chizuru Yukimura: "......"
Kazama-senpai departed with a spring in his step. I felt conflicted as I watched him go.
Chizuru Yukimura: "I wonder... Was he trying to say that he wants to get chocolate from me...?"
I'd heard about his marriage negotiations, and yet… were the two things unrelated? I was curious about his feelings, but I couldn't just stick my nose into his business...
Chizuru Yukimura: "......"
Thinking about him made my heart pound in my chest, mysteriously enough.
After that… I didn't see Kazama again until Valentine's Day. It seems that he really was incredibly busy, just like said he would be. I wonder if that was anything to do with his arranged marriage negotiations, after all...?
I wanted just a little more time.
But time still marched on regardless, and the days couldn’t very well get longer just because I wanted them to…
Before I even knew it, the calendar already read mid-February.
I spent my Saturday afternoon preparing for Valentine's Day, which was fast approaching…
I visited the Hakuo Academy cafeteria with Osen-chan and Kosuzu-chan over the weekend.
Sen Suzuka: "This is Hakuo Academy's cafeteria? I saw a little bit of it during the cultural festival, but it really is spacious."
Kosuzu Suzuka: "Ours is a little bit smaller. Lots of people bring bento lunches anyway."
Usually, I was the only girl here, so it felt really strange seeing other girls in school like this. The two of them looked at the unfamiliar menu and grinned.
Sen Suzuka: "Look, Kosuzu! Doesn't this pudding sound delicious?"
Kosuzu Suzuka: "Osen-san, we're not here to eat or anything..."
Well, Kosuzu-chan was right. We didn't come here today to eat...
Genzaburou Inoue: "I hope you three weren't waiting long. Everything's ready now."
Chizuru Yukimura: "That must have been a lot of work, Inoue-san. Thank you so much."
Kosuzu Suzuka: "But is it really alright? For people who aren't students here to borrow your kitchen like this?"
Genzaburou Inoue: "You've already gotten permission, haven't you? Besides, you're from Shimabara Girls' High School. There's no need to be shy."
Sen Suzuka: "Well, we'll take you up on your offer, then… So? How about we get started? Time to make chocolates!"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Yeah!"
Genzaburou Inoue: "Now, I don't want to get in the way of you girls, so I'll stay in the back and leave you to it. You're free to use whatever equipment you need in the kitchen. Just be careful with the stove."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Sure thing! Thank you so much!" After thanking him, we first lined up all the ingredients we had brought in a row.
Chizuru Yukimura: "...Fresh cream. Unsalted butter. Cocoa powder..."
Kosuzu Suzuka: "Wheat flour, eggs, baking powder..."
Sen Suzuka: "Chocolate to use, more chocolate to use. Oh, and some chocolate to use."
......
Chizuru Yukimura: "...Um, Osen-chan? Are you making a life-sized chocolate statue?"
Sen Suzuka: "Huh? What, Chizuru-chan, would you be the model for it?"
Kosuzu Suzuka: "It's surreal to imagine that being eaten..."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Absolutely not!"
Sen Suzuka: "Oh, boo... Well, we're not even making one big chocolate in the first place anyway. We'll be making lots of smaller ones."
Kosuzu Suzuka: "Osen-san has a large circle of friends. She also needs to prepare some for her relatives."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Ohh, I see..."
Sen Suzuka: "It must be nice for you two. You look like you're making chocolates to give to your special someone."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Huh!?"
Sen Suzuka: "Well, I don't know if you have anyone like that to give chocolates to, Chizuru-chan… But lately, Kosuzu's gotten close with that Ibuki-kun guy we met at the pool, see."
Chizuru Yukimura: "S-Since when...!?"
Kosuzu Suzuka: "I-It's not really like that… These chocolates are just friendly ones..." With her ingredients cradled in hand, Kosuzu-chan's expression softened tenderly, her muttered protests weak. I felt a bit jealous seeing that, but I also found myself making a similarly fond face.
Sen Suzuka: "Now, then, how about we make those chocolates?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Yeah! Let's do this!"
I wondered if I'd ever make such a tender face as I put my heart into what I made. But either way, I had to do my best making them...!
Before anything else, our first step was to warm things up. The chocolate we heated inside the bowl slowly started to melt.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Now, next is..."
With the chocolate's sweet-smelling fragrance, it was only natural that I was reminded of someone.
(CG get!°˖✧◝(⁰▿⁰)◜✧˖°)
I used liquor to add a mature flavor that would make the taste stand out. As I put it down next to the sink… I suddenly thought about Kazama-senpai.
Chizuru Yukimura: "It'd be nice...if these chocolates made him happy."
Giving him these chocolates would be tantamount to responding to his feelings. I prepared my truffles in silence while ruminating over that.
Though, even if I did, at the end of the day… Even with tasty chocolates prepared, I wasn't even sure that I could bring them to school in the first place...
Chizuru Yukimura: "Hmmm..." Maybe I could trick the Disciplinary Committee one way or the other during the inspections...
Osen-chan and Kosuzu-chan cocked their heads a little at me. Maybe because they realized that I'd stopped working at some point.
Sen Suzuka: "What's wrong, Chizuru-chan?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Nothing, I just don't know if I can bring these to school, even though I've made them."
Kosuzu Suzuka: "...What do you mean?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "The truth is..."
[Transition while she explains]
Sen Suzuka: "That's what the inspections are for...? What the heck!? That's so mean of them!"
Kosuzu Suzuka: "The fact they're doing it now means they're totally targeting Valentine's Day."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Yeah..."
Hearing the situation, the two were infuriated. They stopped making their chocolates and looked ready to run over and give the Disciplinary Committee a beating right this second. I shook my head in a hurry at them.
Chizuru Yukimura: "C-Calm down, you two. It's already been decided anyway..."
Sen Suzuka: "But, isn't that just totally tyrannical!? Maybe if I go and give them a complaint or two..."
Kosuzu Suzuka: "Osen-san. You'd be sure to cause havoc if you did that, so try and bear with it. ...Although, even though it's definitely unfair, I feel like there is some point to it. Speaking practically, you have fewer boys to worry about wanting chocolates from you thanks to that notice."
Chizuru Yukimura: "You...have a point, but..."
Sen Suzuka: "Mm..."
Kosuzu Suzuka: "You can't really do much seeing as it's already been decided, and if there's someone you want to give chocolates to, you could just do it on your way home, right?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Yeah..." Honestly, Kosuzu-chan might've been right. Even if I wanted to give chocolates to someone, there wasn't any reason I had to bring them to school...
Sen Suzuka: "...I think that’d be a waste. I mean, Valentine's Day alone is a whole page in this chapter of our lives as high schoolers, right? There's meaning in giving chocolates to the person who you want at school, plus you'll make memories that way, too."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Y-Yeah... I guess that’s true too..."
Sen Suzuka: "If there's someone you wanna give them to no matter what, then this is the one chance you get this year! You can't give in to the rules!!"
Kosuzu Suzuka: "But I think it'd be really sad if you got your chocolates confiscated as a result."
Sen Suzuka: "...Well, whatever you end up doing, it’s all up to you, Chizuru-chan."
What was the right thing to do? I thought about that in the back of my mind as I finished preparing my chocolates.
Between the cracks of the cold, leaden winter clouds, the occasional glimpse of the vivid blue sky broke through. The refreshing and perfectly vivid blueness of it somehow reminded me about how close spring was. The sky on Valentine's Day was just a little bit brighter than usual.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Now then..."
Just a little more until I got to school. Since I'd been walking to school by myself up until this point, I snuck a glance at my bag.
―In it were my feelings given shape.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Will I be able to give them to him at all...?"
If I just wanted to give him some chocolate, there were plenty of other ways I could do it. I could go home and bring them after school like Kosuzu-chan said, and that would work. Or I could bring them tomorrow. But…
"There's meaning in giving them to the person who you want to at school,
plus you'll make memories that way, too."
Chizuru Yukimura: "...Osen-chan's right." If I was going to express how I felt with my chocolates, I wanted to do it this Valentine's Day. Valentine's Day was a magical occasion that gifted bravery to girls.
Chizuru Yukimura: "But to do that, I have to get through the personal effects inspections first."
I’d thought up all sorts of schemes to hide my chocolates, but I wondered if it would really fool them… I worried over that as I set foot onto the school grounds.
Isami Kondou: "Ohh, morning! I'm happy you're looking well today, as ever."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Good morning, Kondou-sensei. Are you greeting people this morning? That must be hard work."
Isami Kondou: "Not at all. I feel energized just by seeing all of my students doing well!" After he said that with a hearty laugh, Kondou-sensei suddenly lowered his voice and fixed his gaze on me.
Isami Kondou: "Incidentally, Yukimura-kun… You didn't do anything like bring chocolates with you today, did you?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Huh...!? N-No, I, uh..."
Isami Kondou: "Oh, no, please don't get the wrong idea! I don’t suspect you or anything. I just wanted to check if the rumor I heard was true. That the inspections are just a pretext to stop people from pestering you for chocolate. Setting aside whether you actually brought any chocolates with you… You'll likely have your belongings inspected many times over today. Be careful."
Chizuru Yukimura: "...I-I will."
Everywhere I went, I could see students from the disciplinary committee around me. It made me nervous as I walked down the hallways. I was more keyed in to my surroundings than I needed to be, and the way I gripped my bag probably looked really suspicious.
Chizuru Yukimura: "......"
Male Student A: "Yukimura."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Y-Yes!"
Male Student A: "Morning... Hey, what're you so jumpy for?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "N-Nothing―it's nothing."
I kept glancing at my bag that had my chocolates in it and walked down the corridor.
Prefect A: "Yukimura, I'm from the disciplinary committee. Please open your bag for inspecti―"
Chizuru Yukimura: "I-I don't know about any chocolates!"
Prefect A: "Huh? Um, no one said anything about chocolates..."
Chizuru Yukimura: "I don't know anything!" I walked off in a hurry. Even if people started talking to me, I had to pretend I never heard them...!
[Minigame Victory]
Despite some obstacles, I'd left home so early today that there was still some time left until homeroom would start.
Chizuru Yukimura: "If I'm right, Kazama should be there around now...!"
I broke into a sprint towards the stairs to get to the student council room. But at that very moment―
A figure blocked my path, and I stopped in my tracks when I saw who it was.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Saitou-senpai..."
Hajime Saitou: "......"
The look on Saitou-senpai's face hinted at an internal conflict that was hard to describe.
Hajime Saitou: "I'm not going to ask you where you are going. However… It's my duty as a part of the disciplinary committee. I can't let you go any further."
Chizuru Yukimura: "......" But then I wouldn't be able to give Kazama-senpai these chocolates. I squeezed my bag tight. At that moment, two people casually wedged themselves between me and Saitou-senpai.
Kyou Shiranui: "You two are so loud… What're you causing a big scene in the hallway for so early in the morning, huh? You're blocking the way."
Kyuuju Amagiri: "This must be truly difficult for you as well, being dragged into numerous such hassles here."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Shiranui-senpai, Amagiri-senpai...! What are you doing here?"
My eyes widened in surprise at their unexpected appearance. Usually, these two were with Kazama-senpai in the student council room at this time of day…
Kyou Shiranui: "Does it matter? Just happened to be here. Couldn't just stand by and watch a woman get in trouble for nothing, so I stepped in."
Kyuuju Amagiri: "You have always been the one who had to deal with Kazama-sama in the past. We have made many unreasonable demands of you, and have been a thorn in your side many times..."
Kyou Shiranui: "I got no idea who you're trying to give chocolate to. You can do whatever you want. But for all the bullshit we put you through up until now, we're gonna lend you our strength today!"
Kyuuju Amagiri: "Thanks to you, it seems that we may finally be able to graduate."
Hajime Saitou: "Graduate...?"
Kyuuju Amagiri: "Nothing. It is a personal matter."
Chizuru Yukimura: "...Thank you so much! Amagiri-senpai! Shiranui-senpai!" I thanked them and then started running for the stairs.
Hajime Saitou: "...Are you trying to interfere with the work of the disciplinary committee?"
Kyou Shiranui: "We're delinquents, man. You'll hafta beat yours truly first if you wanna get past us here!"
I kept running, ignoring the voices I heard coming from behind me.
And then, while Amagiri-senpai and Shiranui-senpai kept Saitou-senpai at bay… I finally made it to the stairs.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Haaah... Haaaah...!"
I was out of breath from sprinting up the stairs. I was anxious. I still couldn't believe that Kazama-senpai was working on an arranged marriage. No, maybe...
Maybe it was that I didn't want to believe it. But this was something that defined my time here in a way, ever since I'd gotten into Hakuo Academy. I believed Kazama-senpai's affection for me was genuine, even from the moment I'd first enrolled. That was why I―
Chizuru Yukimura: "......" I took a deep breath outside the student council room. Then I took the plunge, and knocked on the door. After a beat, a voice replied from within.
Chikage Kazama: "It is open."
I didn't know why, but… for some reason, even just hearing his voice made my heart throb in my chest.
Kazama-senpai was there in the student council room, reclining on the sofa in the center. The same as he always did. But today, a pronounced exhaustion tinged his expression― his whole demeanor. He must've been incredibly busy over the last few days leading up to Valentine's Day today. But when he noticed that I was the one who had entered the student council room...
Chikage Kazama: "Chizuru!"
―it blew away any traces of fatigue he had left as he quickly stood from the couch and gave me an ecstatic smile.
Chikage Kazama: "You're already here? I thought you would come calling after school as a matter of principle―" He stared fixedly at me, and nodded to himself in supposed comprehension, even though I hadn't said anything yet. "You could no longer repress your excitement, could you? I am a very lucky man indeed, to be thought of so highly by my wife."
Chizuru Yukimura: "...Uh..."
I’d been extremely nervous to even knock on the door, and yet… Kazama-senpai really was just being himself. He was the same as he'd always been, no different to how he was before all this arranged marriage business had come up. I felt a mixture of confusion and relief. Then I remembered the reason I came to the student council room, and looked straight back at him.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Here, Kazama-senpai..." I timidly held out my chocolates. "You helped me out a lot during my first year here at Hakuo Academy, so, um, I wanted to thank you, for that..."
As I stumbled through my words, Kazama-senpai nimbly plucked the chocolates from my hand.
Chikage Kazama: "No need to misrepresent this, Chizuru. You are finally being honest with yourself, aren't you?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "......"
By all rights, his response should have made me anxious, and yet… Seeing him act the same as he always did easily resolved all the tension I'd been feeling. Honestly, I was struck by a feeling of exhaustion, which was an old friend of mine by this point.
Chizuru Yukimura: "By the way… I heard from Amagiri-senpai and Shiranui-senpai that you're taking part in arranged marriage negotiations...?"
Chikage Kazama: "Correct. I have many burdensome obligations at my age… Whether it is necessary or not, I need to participate in just negotiations, even if it is only a formality. ...However, despite it being a union only in name, the other party is genuinely interested. Things have become even more troublesome." Kazama-senpai sighed loudly, sounding exhausted.
Chikage Kazama: "The whole house was in an uproar about how to courteously refuse without offending them. This time around it has been especially hard to do so, as the other party is a member of a prestigious family that is a fitting match for the Kazama bloodline. Such things are necessary not only for the sake of the other family, but also to save face for my relatives, who conducted the negotiations. Thanks to that, the other family has finally been convinced. It is a huge weight off of my shoulders."
Chizuru Yukimura: "......"
So that was what had happened… The fog that had been clouding my mind dissipated with every word Kazama-senpai uttered. I could feel my features start to relax as my tension left me.
Chikage Kazama: "What is it, Chizuru? Don't tell me you were worried?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "...I was. A little bit."
Chikage Kazama: "Oh?" Kazama-senpai looked extremely happy at my affirmation.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Uh..."
I was embarrassed, but my emotions were more complicated than just that. ...What was it that I was worried about...? Oblivious to my inner turmoil, Kazama-senpai's smirk only deepened.
Chikage Kazama: "I see. My wife has given me..."
For some reason, his reflective tone of voice made me feel uncomfortable, and I instinctively shrank in on myself.
I would have liked to disappear there and then, if possible… But. I had shaken off all the obstacles everyone put in my way, and was saved by Amagiri-senpai and Shiranui-senpai. I had done so much and come so far so that I could give him these chocolates. So that I could say what I wanted to tell him.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Kazama-senpai, I..." I was still very confused, but I had to take the plunge and put my real feelings into words. "...You're always saying how I'm 'destined to be your bride' or something. I don't really understand that sort of thing. But, it's certainly true that I started to think of you differently at some point along the way."
Chikage Kazama: "Oh? It seems that you have finally accepted your destiny: to be my wife!"
I felt like what I had meant and what he said were a little bit different…
...Or were they?
Chizuru Yukimura: "...You're coercive, and you just ramble on without letting others get a word in edgewise… You're bold and unconventional, but you have your kind moments as well. You're incredibly considerate, surprisingly. And you're so knowledgeable..."
Chikage Kazama: "......"
Chizuru Yukimura: "I've always thought it was so mysterious that you say you love me, and that you want to marry me. But... I… You won me over. I think that before I knew it, I found myself charmed by you."
Until about halfway through my little speech, Kazama-senpai had been confidently nodding along as I listed his qualities. But now he was listening attentively, with an extraordinarily subdued expression on his face. His eyes wavered slightly as he slowly began to speak.
Chikage Kazama: "There's a reason that I... that I chose you as my wife the moment I laid eyes on you. It is..."
I took the initiative to ask as Kazama-senpai continued to falter and mumble.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Is the reason to do with my bloodline?"
Chikage Kazama: "......" Kazama-senpai opened his mouth again, looking a little reluctant to say.
Chikage Kazama: "It is certainly true that you are a woman with a distinguished lineage in the tea ceremony world. I had heard once, long ago, that the Yukimuras had a daughter. But if blood were the only important quality I required in a life partner, would I have not taken a different hand long ago?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "A different hand...?" I blurted out a question, and he gave me a nod.
Chikage Kazama: "I have had a dozen offers of arranged marriage sent through my house since the time I first met you. The reason why I've been so obsessed with you ever since we first met at this academy is..." He stopped.
Chikage Kazama: "......"
Chikage Kazama: "That moment when we first met. I was mesmerized by the way you smiled at me."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Wha―... Huh?" ‘Don't tell me he meant… It was love at first sight for him...?’
Chikage Kazama: "...It is difficult to explain. I am myself aware that such an emotion is illogical. That's why I haven't explained myself before now, though you've asked me many times."
Chizuru Yukimura: "......"
Chikage Kazama: "...Um, what is it? It wasn't because I lacked the confidence, I'll tell you now....... I'll reiterate once more, just in case: I was not insecure, by any means."
Chizuru Yukimura: "O-Okay...?"
Chikage Kazama: "Um, that is...you have never shown any affection for me before, right? That is why I was hesitant to admit that I fell in love with you at first sight."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Oh..."
I had clearly told Kazama-senpai about my feelings for him for the very first time today. And so, he responded in kind. Kazama-senpai had shown his own feelings in turn, in an ever-so-slightly clumsy way… It made me extremely happy.
Chikage Kazama: "I fear that even in the future… I will never be able to answer your question with complete accuracy. But, I... It has to be you. I cannot think of anything else but you. No matter what else may happen, I swear that this feeling alone will never change."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Kazama-senpai..."
The smile he gave me was a little bashful, a faint trace of relief in his eyes. ...I hadn't been saying much, so I might have been making him anxious. Catching a glimpse of such rare emotions from him made my heart skip a beat.
Chikage Kazama: "Chizuru. Make me a cup of tea. I like it when you make it."
Chizuru Yukimura: "S-Sure. I don't mind, but isn't homeroom starting in just a bit?"
Chikage Kazama: "My wife has prepared chocolates for the sake of this specific day. When should I eat them, if not now?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "...I see." After a moment's hesitation, I nodded. I decided that it was better for those chocolates to be eaten sooner rather than later. I thought that Kazama-senpai probably wouldn't let anyone steal them away without a fight… But if the other students caught sight of them, they would riot. I very much wanted to avoid that.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Well then, I'll brew some tea."
It was nerve-racking to have someone eat my handmade chocolate in front of me… But, at Kazama-senpai's insistence, I began to prepare the tea. I then found myself sitting shoulder-to-shoulder with Kazama-senpai on the student council room's couch.
Chikage Kazama: "They are truly delicious. I am sure this is because you put your love into them."
Chizuru Yukimura: "......"
He had finished his chocolates, and looked incredibly satisfied as he sipped his tea. I was still having trouble getting myself to respond. Kazama-senpai continued to speak, a slight, flirtatious smile tugging at his lips.
Chikage Kazama: "A truffle with a hint of Western liquor; quite the elegant choice. They suit my tastes well."
Chizuru Yukimura: "If you liked it, that makes me happy as well."
But as he was savoring this relaxing tea break―
The bell that signaled the beginning of classes had long since rung, meaning that homeroom was over altogether.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Well then, it's about time I returned to my own classroom. Kazama-senpai, you should also―"
Chikage Kazama: "Never mind your classes. Today is Valentine's Day, is it not? Isn't there something we should be doing that is far more important than focusing on our studies?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "...Valentine's Day isn't a national holiday or anything, though..."
Chikage Kazama: "You usually take your classes seriously, correct? And so, even if you slightly delay your return on a festive day such as today, there should be no particular problems."
Chizuru Yukimura: "...You think so...?"
Chikage Kazama: "Chizuru. There is nothing to be concerned about. Did I not tell you not to worry? If that thickheaded Hijikata or any of the disciplinary committee members hassle you about it, I will personally silence them."
Chizuru Yukimura: "......"
...Depending on how I thought about it, that might not have been so bad. If I went back to class right then, I'd be forced to go through the process of having my backpack searched… With there being no chocolate inside it, I might have been interrogated about who I gave it to. Thinking about it that way, I might've ended up feeling grateful for being allowed to take refuge in the student council. That was what had come to me, then.
Chizuru Yukimura: !?
I didn't immediately understand what had happened. I realized that what I was seeing was the ceiling of the student council room.
(CG get!°˖✧◝(⁰▿⁰)◜✧˖°)
And Kazama-senpai's face was so close to mine that we were practically touching.
Chizuru Yukimura: "H-Huh...?"
Apparently, I had suddenly been pushed down on the couch.
Chikage Kazama: "Chizuru."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Y-...Yes...?"
A seductive whisper brushed against my ear, and I responded involuntarily.
Chikage Kazama: "I am giving you one last chance. I like you. From the bottom of my heart, I love you."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Huh...?"
Chikage Kazama: "Do you like me, too?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "Y-Yes..."
Chikage Kazama: "So you and I are going to be lovers from today onwards?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "H...H-Huh...?"
The question came right out of the blue, and my heart was still roaring in my chest at our sudden intimacy… My thoughts had stalled completely, and―desperately trying to make sense of things―I answered cautiously.
Chizuru Yukimura: "I suppose you could describe it that way... Maybe..."
Chikage Kazama: "If you have returned my feelings in kind, that means you are prepared to spend the rest of your life with me, no? I mean, we are committed to one another, yes? There's no difference, is there?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "...No."
I didn't think he was wrong. Because he always called me his wife, and today I had essentially agreed with him.
Chikage Kazama: "I think there has been too much distance between us up until now."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Distance? All things considered, I still think this is way too close...!"
Chikage Kazama: "I think this is a critical opportunity for you and I to get to know each other more deeply. All the more so since we are lovers… or engaged to be married, rather."
Chizuru Yukimura: "W-Well, you may be right. Maybe so, but… If we're going to get to know each other, maybe we can have a cup of tea and chat first...!"
Chikage Kazama: "Were we not doing that just now?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "......"
He was right. Kazama-senpai's argument was so spot-on that I was at a loss for words.
Chikage Kazama: "You still do not sound convinced. So let me rephrase it. I have been drowning in unrequited love, and now I have attained the woman who is so dear to me. Chizuru. My lovely wife… Won't you please heal my body and heart?"
Chizuru Yukimura: "U― U-Umm..."
Chikage Kazama: "What? You've already made up your mind about how you feel. Be good now." Kazama-senpai's face slowly approached mine, his thin lips curved into a smile―
Chizuru Yukimura: ...!
I closed my eyes without thinking. What was going to happen? All kinds of thoughts went through my head… I felt his sigh brush against my lips. And then, right at that moment―
Kyou Shiranui: "Maaaan, I'm beat. He was more persistent than I thought."
Chizuru Yukimura: !?
Suddenly, the door to the student council room opened―
Kyou Shiranui: "......"
Kyuuju Amagiri: "......"
Amagiri-senpai and Shiranui-senpai had returned, oblivious to what we had been doing. They stared at us, at a complete loss for words.
Chizuru Yukimura: "U-Umm... We were just...!"
I hurriedly pushed myself up from the couch, and desperately tried to come up with some excuse. But, for some reason, the two of them seemed even more upset than I was.
Kyou Shiranui: "W-What the hell are you doing!? What's the matter with you, man!?"
Chikage Kazama: "Read the mood, you bastards. How dare you come back here with such poor timing! Hurry up and leave! Do not disturb me and my wife!"
Kyou Shiranui: "Disturb you―Are you...?"
Kyuuju Amagiri: "Kazama-sama...!! How dare you...!!"
Amagiri-senpai and Shiranui-senpai firmly grabbed hold of one of Kazama-senpai's arms each. They dragged him away from me.
Chikage Kazama: "What are you doing, Amagiri!? Unhand me!"
Kyuuju Amagiri: "Please forgive me, Kazama-sama. But anything you may say now will only serve to further disgrace yourself."
Chikage Kazama: "Aren't you misunderstanding things? I was just―"
Kyou Shiranui: "You don't gotta explain yourself! It's plain as day! You tried to force yourself onto her, didn't ya?!"
Chikage Kazama: "Nonsense. She wasn't forced! It was consensual!"
Kyou Shiranui: "Making excuses is pretty pathetic, Kazama."
Kyuuju Amagiri: "Yes. What is more, you were caught red-handed. Please show some shame."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Please wait a minute!"
Everything was happening way too fast, and I had trouble getting a word in edgewise. I rushed to stop them.
Chizuru Yukimura: "Kazama-senpai hasn't done anything wrong!"
...It was true that he had been pretty aggressive, but… The two third-years turned to look at me when they'd heard what I said, their gazes pitying for some reason.
Kyou Shiranui: "You're still defending him even now? You're way too soft on him, you know."
Kyuuju Amagiri: "Please rest assured; Kazama-sama is our responsibility, and we will make sure to thoroughly reprimand him."
Chizuru Yukimura: "Um...I..."
Amagiri-senpai and Shiranui-senpai spoke to me in gentle voices to comfort me. Meanwhile, Kazama-senpai let out a low, dangerous laugh.
Chikage Kazama: "Heheheh.... Now I truly understand just how little faith you people have in me!"
Kyou Shiranui: "Yeah, yeah. You reap what you sow."
Kyuuju Amagiri: "Let us talk elsewhere."
Chikage Kazama: "Amagiri! Shiranui! I'll remember this, you bastards!!"
And then...
I was left standing there, stunned, as they dragged Kazama-senpai away from me...
Chizuru Yukimura: "......"
I was left alone in the student council room. I sighed, wondering what I was going to do after all that.
Chizuru Yukimura: "What's going to happen from now on...?"
When I turned my thoughts toward the future, I naturally remembered what had happened with Kazama-senpai just a bit earlier. My chest began to throb like a chain reaction had been set off.
Chizuru Yukimura: "I… I'm...going to his wife someday."
I had only just become his girlfriend today. It didn't even feel real yet, but for some reason, I didn't know why… I felt strangely happy, and I let out a small smile.
Chizuru Yukimura: "I hope that I'll get to know him even better from now on..."
I couldn't help but look forward to the future that laid ahead. But first, I had to chase those three down and clear up this misunderstanding. I was determined to do just that as I got up from the sofa...