I Accidentally Said “I Want a S○x Partner” in the Class Group on LINE, and the School Idol Responded - Chapter 9

Our high school has a two-day, one-night trip to the mountains in mid-July, just before summer break.

My dad, who always pressures me to get good grades and behave properly, surprisingly never says that events like this are a waste of time. He thinks they’re a good chance to grow as a person. Ever since I was in elementary school, he has never stopped me from going on trips or outings.

So, on this day, our class was deciding the groups for the trip. But then I overheard a conversation,

“—Eh, Mikage isn’t going?”

“Yeah, I’ve got some things to do.”

“What things?”

“It’s a secret. It’s not something to spread around.”

It was Shinozaki talking with her friend Hoshikawa (a blonde gal). I tilted my head. Apparently, Shinozaki wasn’t going on the trip. Since our teacher, Etou, who was nearby, didn’t say anything, maybe Shinozaki had already gotten permission.

…But why isn’t she going? Could it be something with her family? I still don’t really understand her family situation, but it’s possible.

Still… It’s not really my business. Even Hoshikawa didn’t know the details, so it’s probably something Shinozaki doesn’t want people asking about.

I decided to leave it alone and joined a group for the trip with four other students I could talk to normally. Hoshikawa was in my group, too.

“Yay, Hasshi! We’re in the same group! Let’s get along!”

At lunch. I was quietly eating alone in the cafeteria when Hoshikawa came over, calling me a weird nickname. Her full name is Hoshikawa Yuna. Even though she looks like a blonde gal, she’s smart enough to be near the top in our final exams.

We’re just normal friends. We talk when there’s a chance, and don’t when there isn’t.

“Hey, can I sit with you?”

Hoshikawa put her tray with pork cutlet right in front of me. She clearly planned to stay. I wasn’t going to stop her, but I asked just in case.

“Aren’t you eating with Shinozaki?”

“Nope. I eat with Mikage all the time. Today, I thought I’d get closer to the heir of a rich family and aim for a rich marriage!”

Hoshikawa pointed at me dramatically… I had no idea what she meant.

“Well, joking aside… Hasshi, did you know Mikage isn’t going on the trip?”

“Yeah, I overheard.”

“Why wouldn’t she go? Only second-year students get this trip. It seems like such a waste, right?”

“Yeah, maybe… Do you know why? Shinozaki’s reason?”

I asked casually while trying to dig a little. Hoshikawa chewed a bite of her pork cutlet and said,

“Hmm, I don’t really know. I’m not that close to Mikage personally.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, she’s kind of private about that stuff. This is our second year knowing each other, but we’ve barely gone out together. I could even count on one hand.”

I see… even with female friends, she keeps some things private.

“Maybe it’s something with her family. Mikage could be like a swan.”

“…You mean she’s struggling under the surface, where we can’t see?”

“Wow, as expected from the top student! I love that you get the metaphor right away.”

Even while talking happily, Hoshikawa pouted and looked a little bored.

“Anyway, it’s kind of annoying that Mikage can’t go on the trip.”

It sounded like a friend’s complaint.

She probably just wanted to enjoy the trip together.

I also wanted Shinozaki to go. If she couldn’t because of family reasons, that wasn’t fair. Parents shouldn’t stop their kids from enjoying their youth. Since I’ve had a lot of pressure myself, I felt strongly about this.

If Shinozaki came to see me tonight, I planned to gently ask why she couldn’t go. It might be a bit forward, but if it’s a situation where she’s not at fault… I didn’t want to ignore it.