I Will Do Everything In My Power To Bring Happiness To The Enchanting Beauty Who Can No Longer Smile. - Chapter 59: [Jack-of-All-Trades] Academy Counseling File No.200 – Part Two

[Jack-of-All-Trades] Academy Counseling File No.200 – Part Two

“So neither Shirao nor Se-chan have heard of him, huh?”

“First I’ve heard of it. I don’t think this name came up in my research on students to keep an eye on. It’s rare for a name to be completely unfamiliar.”

“M-Me too…”

After the meeting with Kizuki-san, I circled back and asked Shirao and Se-chan again about him. But, as expected, there were no leads.

Arashikawa Haruma.
A male student neither Shirao nor Se-chan knew.

“What about you, Shigure? You’ve got a wider social net than we do.”

“Never heard the name before.”

“Seriously? That means none of us have ever been in the same class as him. Well… same goes for Kizuki-san, so I guess it’s not impossible.”

And of course, I don’t know him either. A truly mysterious student.

“Well, we might’ve at least seen him around, right? Maybe passed by him in the hallway or something.”

“True. Shirao, can I count on you?”

“…………………………Y-Yeah. Leave it to me.”

“Your voice says otherwise—it’s quieter than an ant’s footsteps.”

Even Shirao, as part of overcoming his shyness, was helping out. Compared to when I first met him, he’s grown remarkably. He still clams up around strangers, but still.

That said, I trust Shirao can handle this.

“You two, if you find anything out, let me know. I’ll be doing my part too.”

“R-Right. …Though, I think Kizuki-san will be fine.”

“Same here. I mean, if it were any regular guy, there’s no way he wouldn’t react to being approached by someone that beautiful. Plus, she seems to have a great personality.”

Unless he’s hiding something… But honestly, there’s something pure about him. A saintly aura, even. Just a gut feeling, but I think it’ll be okay. Still, I won’t let my guard down.

As I was thinking that, I noticed Shirao staring at me with a deadpan expression.

“Wonder why… I just can’t picture Shigure falling for someone like her.”

“I-I get that. He didn’t look flustered at all earlier. Even though a lot of guys say Kizuki-san stole their first love or made them fall for her without realizing it… Ah, that’s just what people in class were saying.”

“…Well, I do think she’s a good person. And she is the one seeking advice. On romance, no less.”

She’s not someone I should be developing feelings for.
—And besides, I’ve had my own complications.

“Anyway, I’m counting on you two starting tomorrow. Kizuki-san’s going to start making her move, so if anything happens, be there for her.”

“……………………Got it, Se-chan.”

“I-I’ll do my best! For both me and Shirao-kun!”

“Still not ready to talk to girls, huh?”

Well, once we all talk together a few times, he’ll get used to it.

There’s no rush. Let’s take this slowly.

One week later.

“I couldn’t get close to him at all.”

“M-Me neither. I tried talking to lots of girls, but no one seems to know him.”

“I asked the guys I know too. Nothing.”

We’d barely gathered any information on Arashikawa Haruma.

Shirao had tried to approach him, but apparently got clearly avoided. He made a few more attempts, but decided to stop before it got too awkward—didn’t want to come across as pushy or end up being disliked.

I tried asking some of the previous students I’d helped, but they hadn’t heard of him either. Se-chan asked the girls I’d previously advised, and even tried hanging around near Arashikawa, but couldn’t spot anyone who seemed close to him.

“So, how’s it going with Kizuki-san?”

“Seems like it’s going okay. Not exactly like before, but they were close to begin with, so little by little, they’re talking more.”

“That’s good. Maybe we should just leave them to it—bet they’ll get together naturally.”

“Yeah. I think we shouldn’t get too involved on that front. If she asks for advice, I’ll help out, but otherwise, I’ll stay back.”

I’ve never been the type to meddle too much. But if there’s clearly poor communication or he keeps stepping on emotional landmines, I’d step in.

Still… not this time.

“The real issue is Arashikawa. Shirao, even just your impression—what did he seem like to you?”

“Hmm… Honestly, I don’t think there’s anything to worry about.”

It’s Arashikawa that’s on my mind.
If we can figure him out, everything else should fall into place.

When I asked again, Shirao closed his eyes and reflected.

“I don’t think he’s a bad guy. Quiet type. But not gloomy—more like… he doesn’t affect those around him, in a good or bad way. Even when he avoided me, he wasn’t rude. Just… subtly said he’d rather be left alone. That kind of got to me…”

“R-Right… Sorry for putting you in that spot.”

“No, it’s fine. I’ve always preferred making one close connection over asking dozens of people. And Arashikawa seemed like someone who’s more comfortable being alone. The type who can enjoy life without needing friends.”

“Got it.”

You meet all kinds of people doing this. I’ve met my share of loners—none of them were bad people. Some were blunt, sure. Even Shirao was like that before we talked.

“B-But, if he likes being alone, that might actually work for Kizuki-san. He didn’t push her away, after all.”

“Yeah, he probably doesn’t dislike her. Plenty of guys would be thrilled just to have a girl talk to them.”

“Hmm… But I’m not sure. Se-chan, do you think you can talk to the girls who’ve been in his class? Ask them what he was like during group or pair projects?”

“I-I’ll t-try my best!”

“Don’t overdo it, alright? I can do it too.”

“N-No! I-I want to! I don’t want to be the only one doing nothing!”

Her determination was heartening. I was grateful.

“Alright, I’m counting on you, Se-chan. And Shirao—”

“Hm? What is it? You gonna try again?”

“No… we’re switching roles.”

“…Huh?”

This part is where I’m better suited.

“I’ll go talk to Arashikawa. Shirao—since he seemed okay talking with Kizuki-san, he might start getting teased or feel weird about it. Especially if someone he’s never spoken to suddenly comes on strong. If he likes being alone, that might really bother him. I want you to handle that kind of fallout. …And if either of you have time, I’ve got another favor.”

The next day, during lunch break. Kizuki-san wasn’t around—maybe she had something to do.

Se-chan waited outside to signal if Kizuki-san returned. We didn’t want to interrupt.

“You’re Arashikawa-san, right?”

“…Hm?”

“Mind if I talk to you for a bit?”

I borrowed the seat in front of him. The student who sat there was in another class and wouldn’t be back until just before the next period. I made sure of that.

“…Um.”

“I’m Yukitsuki Shigure.”

“…I know. You’re the ‘Jack-of-All Trade guy,’ right?”

So he knew me. Not surprising—some students were bound to.

“If you already know, that makes this easier.”

“What do you want?”

Arashikawa Haruma. I’d seen him a few times while passing by the classroom. The phrase “quiet boy” truly fit him.

Honestly, my first impression wasn’t bad. Actually, I’d say it was quite good.

“Sometimes I do this. Talk to students I’ve never spoken to before. Some people have stuff on their minds, but feel awkward about coming to me for help. So I reach out first.”

“…I see. I’d heard people talking about you a lot… You’re a good person, huh.”

“Not quite. I do it for myself, really.”

Good, we’re talking. This isn’t uncommon—I often initiate conversations like this. The reason doesn’t raise suspicion.

“I’m usually in the science room after school. If anything’s bothering you, feel free to stop by. Oh—but I’ve got someone coming in today, so from tomorrow onward. Any kind of problem, I’ll listen.”

“…Ah, okay.”

Alright. That should do for now.

“Well, I’ll leave it here. Just remembered something I need to do.”

“Oh, okay.”

“I’ll come by again.”

He looked like he wanted to say “already?” but this much is enough. No need to overdo it or leave a bad impression.

And besides—she’s here now.

As I stepped out of the classroom, I saw Se-chan outside, yawning and covering her mouth.

“Alright, time for our regular consultation session.”

That afternoon in the science room, four students had gathered.

The main purpose was to get updates from those seeking advice.
We’re third parties—we can’t take action ourselves.

“Before we start, can I ask something?”

“Ah, sure. What is it?”

“During lunch, you came out of Haruma’s classroom, right? Were you talking to him?”

“…Yeah.”

Guess I left a bit too late.
A dozen excuses popped into my head and vanished again.
Trying to mislead Kizuki-san would probably just backfire.

“I’m sorry. I asked around about Arashikawa-san, but no one knew anything. So I thought I’d try speaking to him directly.”

“I see. Actually… it seemed like Haruma-kun was curious about you too.”

“I… I see. Sorry if I got in the way.”

“N-No, it’s fine. Actually, I’d be happy if you got along with him. Being alone all the time can be tough.”

I always tried not to interfere with the people I was advising. I felt a little guilty, but her words reassured me.

“By the way… Shigure-kun.”

“Hm? What is it?”

“We’re in the same year, so you can talk normally. Actually, I’d prefer it. That formal tone feels kinda weird.”

“Alright.”

I had my reasons for speaking that way—it left a better impression on those I helped. But with her, I guess I don’t need to worry.

“Anything else on your mind?”

“No, I’m good.”

“Alright, let’s get to it. …First, Kizuki-san—how are things going with Arashikawa-san?”

It had been about a week since the initial advice session. I’d seen them talking from time to time, but hadn’t overheard anything.

“I think… it’s going well. We can talk normally. About stuff like what we’re into these days.”

“Speaking of which, what is he into?”

“Lately he’s been reading a lot of manga. Said he hadn’t read much before, so he’s working through the popular ones. He said it was because of his older bro—uh, I mean, older brother.”

“I see.”

Manga, huh. That’s not odd. And if he’s finding something he enjoys, that’s a good thing.

“Come to think of it, I haven’t asked much… what’s his brother like?”

“…Well. Actually, I’m not too sure anymore. We stopped hanging out, and I don’t really see him now.”

“So you don’t live close?”

“It’s only about a five-minute walk, but it’s in the opposite direction from school. I don’t usually pass by.”

Hmm. Still unclear about the brother.
Not much we can do.

“Is his brother in high school now?”

“Yeah, a senior.”

“Do you know which school?”

“Ah… sorry. Around the time I would’ve learned, we stopped talking. He apparently didn’t get into his top choice—he reached a bit too high.”

“No worries. Don’t feel bad.”

Not too far apart in age, and it’s not unusual to miss out on a top school. Nothing strange there.

Alright—this is enough for now. I’ll look into the brother gradually. No one’s dating next week, after all.

“Sorry I went off topic. Let’s go back—has your impression of Arashikawa changed?”

“…Just a little.”

“How so?”

In romance counseling, it’s not rare for feelings to shift. Sometimes people realize they’re not compatible and their interest fades.
If that happens before dating, it’s still manageable. But this time—

“Um, so, it’s like… compared to before, it feels better now. Like when we talk, he notices things. He’s really good at giving compliments—not just pointing out flaws, but seeing the good in people. I really respect people like that.”

“Ah, I see. That’s great to hear.”

So it was a positive change. That’s a relief, and personally, I admire people who can lift others up.

As I glanced sideways and saw Se-chan taking notes, I listened on as she continued—

“Yeah! And he’s also a really good listener, and—”

And so her thoughts on him kept coming.

Not that I minded. I’m used to this. Besides, it’s valuable information.

Before I knew it, over thirty minutes had passed, and when she realized, Kizuki-san gave a shy, bashful smile.