Suspiciousness ◎ (20)

Tl/n: ◎ – level, percent, score

“I was a bit worried yesterday because things seemed strange, but…”

“Prince, you’re looking too cool today too~!”

“Everything’s perfect!”

“Today’s even cooler than yesterday~. Oh, she’s just like a prince~”

That last one… Is she picking up the speech pattern of that new Vtuber that’s been popular lately?

As soon as Iori arrived at the school gate, she was quickly surrounded by girls. As usual, the atmosphere around Iori is on a different level.

“…….This means that onii-chan has gotten used to it yet, and it’s not having any effect.”

◆◇

Entering the classroom, I greeted my classmates briefly and took my seat.

Now, I should put the textbook for today’s subject on my desk… and…

“Good morning!”

A cheerful voice echoed.

It’s Katayama with her usual energetic greeting. Her presence always brightens up the surroundings, and she quickly gets surrounded by friends.

Then, quietly, Takuto entered from behind.

“Good morning, Takuto.”

“Good morning. Seriously, with Katayama entering the classroom, it feels like the cool guy that I am fades into the background.”

“…”

“Come on, at least give me some reaction. It’s a joke, but silence really hurts.”

“Well, it’s hard to come up with a response.”

Just like with Iori, Takuto feels the same way. Beautiful girls are strong.

Setting aside Takuto’s joke,

“Was your sister okay yesterday?”

“Huh? Uh, yeah…”

Takuto’s eyes seemed oddly restless.

“That reaction… You got scolded, didn’t you? Tough luck, man.”

“Well, um… So, how about you, Shuugo? Any progress with Katayama?”

“Progress? With Katayama?”

Takuto looked at me with an expectant gaze.

Yesterday, Takuto left, and as soon as I tried to study, Iori came over…

“It was nothing, really.”

As I responded, Takuto’s mouth hung open in surprise. Since he’s frozen, I wave my hand in front of his face until he finally moves.

“No way!? Having a guy and a girl in a room and nothing happens? That’s so weird!”

“Even if you say that… What exactly were you expecting?”

Even if Iori hadn’t come, I would have just helped with studying for the quiz and then we would have split up.

Takuto scratched his head, clearly puzzled, and Katayama approached us.

“Oh, his sister came to pick him up right after that, so we had to disband.”

“Oh, I see. So that’s what happened… Pay me back for my cooperation.”

“Haha, sorry about that. I’ll treat you to juice next time.”

Their conversation was just between the two of them. Once again, I’m left out.

What’s with this trend of excluding me?

“Katayama, Sorry for Iori’s sudden interruption.”

“Nah, if I were in Iori-chan’s shoes, I would’ve done the same. …Besides, I learned that Iori-chan might not be the prince charming after all♪”

Huh? What does she mean by that…?

While we’re talking, the homeroom teacher entered.

“Oh, here comes the teacher. See you later.”

“Me too.”

Katayama and Takuto returned to their seats.

“I didn’t understand about 30% of that conversation.”

What’s going on that I’m not aware of?

After that, we have the morning homeroom, and then classes begin.

◆◇

“And that’s it for today.”

As the math teacher said this while checking the clock, the bell rang right on time.

“Phew, it’s over.”

Am I the only one who feels more exhausted after math class than any other subject?

Depending on the topic, geometry and polynomial division can be quite challenging.

“Hey, Takuto. I’m thinking of going to the school store again today…”

I was about to call out to Takuto, but when I looked at his seat, he’s not there.

I asked one of the boys in the class who’s close to his seat.

“Do you know where Takuto went?”

“He ran off somewhere as soon as the bell rang.”

“I see…”

Even if I’m going to the school store, I usually let him know before I go.

I decided to wait for him for a bit.

Five minutes later, the same boy rushed over to me in a fluster.

“Did you hear, Shuugo!? Seems like Takuto got called by a girl!”

“What!?”

Could it be that Takuto received a love letter beforehand and accepted a confession during lunch!?

“Who’s the girl who called Takuto out? Oh, I’m curious~”

As I said this, I heard what seemed like a sarcastic voice, suggesting that the person is actually interested in other people’s romance. Well, that must be my imagination.

“Hey, Takuto!”

The protagonist has returned. Now, let’s get to the bottom of this.

“Takuto, I heard you got called out by a girl!”

“Rumors sure spread fast around here…”

“Of course they do. It’s not an exaggeration to say that most of the girls in this school are taken by Iori. It’s rare for a guy to be called out by a girl. Be proud of yourself. And get ready to be resented by the guys, damn it!”

“Your true feelings slipped out at the end there.”

Still, judging from Takuto’s composure, it’s clear it wasn’t a confession. If it were, he’d be way more excited. After all, he’s the guy who always asks me to introduce him to girls.

“Hey, wanna grab lunch? Is it okay if we go to the rooftop today?”

“Sure.”

After stopping by the shop, we settled on a bench on the rooftop.

“Now, Takuto, spill the beans about what you were up to after being called out by that girl—”

“Wait a sec.”

Before I could finish, Takuto interrupted.

“What’s up?”

“Hey, can today be the last day we eat lunch together?”

“Huh? Why all of a sudden?”

“Well, I thought maybe you should occasionally eat with someone else, Shuugo. It’s good to have some variety, you know?”

“Takuto, are you sure about this…?”

“Yeah, it’s fine. I also kinda want to eat with someone different for a change.”