I Will Do Everything In My Power To Bring Happiness To The Enchanting Beauty Who Can No Longer Smile. - Chapter 2: Referred To As A Top Model.

Referred To As A Top Model.

As expected, that day turned out to be overwhelming.

Not a single person approached Sakakibara Tsubame. Perhaps they found it too intimidating to speak to her. Instead, all the attention was directed at me.

Naturally, the topic of discussion was my relationship with Sakakibara Tsubame.

My response to them was straightforward: “We were childhood friends who used to play together when we were little. After she moved away in elementary school, we lost touch.”

There was nothing suspicious about it, so I answered honestly.

However, Sakakibara Tsubame, the top model, was someone with very few scandals. The rare instances of speculation involved nothing more than snippets of conversations she had with fellow actors or models. Not even rumors, just fragments of exchanges.

Perhaps because of that, their curiosity was insatiable.

Even after homeroom and announcements had ended, when it was time to go home, I still wasn’t free. I noticed Shirao attempting to rescue me a few times from afar, but he was repelled by the crowd surrounding me.

Just when I was at a loss about what to do—she spoke up.

“Can I have a moment?”

Her voice was small, yet clearer than anyone else’s in that space.

In an instant, the entire room was under her control. Her cold eyes locked onto me, sending a chill down my spine.

“Are you free after this?”

“…After this?”

“If it’s inconvenient, it’s fine.”

Her voice was as flat as the horizon stretching endlessly, which only made my heart waver.

“N-No, it’s fine.”

“Thank you. Let’s go home together.”

The classroom buzzed once again at her words, but she simply picked up her bag and stood up.

“Let’s go.”

“…Ah, yeah. Got it.”

Following her lead, I picked up my bag and walked beside her. As we left together, the stares from those around us were intense.

Is it really okay for me to walk home with her? That thought lingered in my mind, but I couldn’t voice it.

The reason was—because I remembered the expression she had shown earlier.

“Nation’s Enchantress”. That was the title she bore.

It was an extravagant epithet, but one that did justice to her overwhelming beauty.

Anyone who laid eyes on her would understand—her beauty was almost inhuman, to the point where even falling in love at first sight seemed presumptuous.

That was the Nation’s Enchantress.

Also known as the “Living Work of Art”.

We walked in silence down the hallway, out of the school building, and past the gates. It was only then that a conversation finally began.

“Did you ever move to a different place, Yukitsuki-kun?”

“N-No, I didn’t.”

“Then this way.”

Without hesitation, Sakakibara turned left. However, that was the opposite direction.

“Wait, no? It’s this way.”

“Was it?”

She stopped abruptly and turned to look at me. Just that simple action was picturesque—and I couldn’t help but chuckle.

“You’re still bad at remembering roads, huh?”

“Better than before. Probably.”

Her expression remained flat. She showed no signs of embarrassment.

I had only laughed because it reminded me of the past, not out of mockery, but before I could apologize, she started walking again.

“Let’s go.”

“Ah, yeah.”

She followed my lead this time, adjusting her pace to match mine and walking beside me.

“It’s been a while since I got lost.”

“Really? …This might sound odd, but I want to talk to you normally again. If you don’t like it, just say so.”

“I don’t mind. I prefer it this way.”

At her words, I nodded and reverted to my usual manner of speaking. She continued speaking as well.

“Usually, my parents or my manager accompany me, so I never get lost.”

“Makes sense. You’re really successful now.”

“Yeah. I became someone great.”

Maintaining a steady pace, she glanced at me sideways. At that moment, I recalled a tagline from a magazine.

—The moment you meet her eyes, your heart will be stolen, and before you know it, she will be the only thing you see.

There used to be people who scoffed at that statement. Not anymore. Whether online, in bookstores, or on television, her presence was everywhere. At this point, there were probably fewer people in Japan who didn’t know of her.

And seeing her up close, I couldn’t help but think—even that tagline might be an understatement.

“Nation’s Enchantress.”

Hearing those words from her lips sent a shiver down my spine. I swallowed hard, forcing my sluggish mind to function.

“What do you think about that title, Yukitsuki-kun?”

“…I think it suits you. At least, from what I see in magazines, online, and on TV.”

A cool, mysterious beauty. Her mature demeanor beyond her years made “Nation’s Enchantress” a fitting name.

“I see.”

“But that’s just the Sakakibara I see through the media. …Still, I feel a little relieved.”

“About what?”

She stopped in her tracks, turning fully to face me.

“Even though it’s been years since we last met, there are parts of you that haven’t changed. Like how you confidently took the wrong path earlier. …Of course, there are things that have changed too.”

“I had to change.”

Her voice remained flat, her words few. She wasn’t the same as before.

“If I didn’t change, I wouldn’t have survived.”

She gazed straight at me—”Nation’s Enchantress”. Her eyes seemed devoid of emotion.

“I want to visit your house. Are your parents home?”

“…They’ll be back around seven. If you want to come over, you’re welcome.”

“Then I’ll come.”

I had a feeling she would say that. My house was tidy, so it should be fine.

“Alright. Let’s go.”

***

There wasn’t much conversation between us. Partly because it had been a long time, but also because she spoke less than before.

She used to be talkative. Thinking about her earlier words, I arrived home.

“Excuse me for intruding.”

“Ah, welcome. You remember where the living room is, right?”

She gave a small nod before heading to the sink to wash her hands. She was meticulous.

Then, as she entered the living room, I had an idea.

“Oh yeah, I’ve been into corn potage lately. Want some?”

“…I’ll have some.”

“Alright, I’ll get it ready.”

She hesitated for a moment but then nodded. The weather had been getting warmer, but today was one of those unexpectedly chilly days, so it should be fine.

I took out the pre-made corn potage from the fridge and heated it up, filling the room with its sweet aroma.

“…You used to like it sweet. I wonder if your preferences have changed. Well, I guess I’ll find out later.”

Muttering to myself as I stirred, I poured it into a guest cup and carefully carried it over.

“Sorry for the wait. It’s hot, so be careful.”

“Thank you.”

She gently blew on it before taking a small sip.

“…Is it good?”

Uncertain, I asked. She had barely reacted.

She gave a small nod.

“Yes. It’s sweet and delicious.”

She took another sip.

—What does this mean?