The Beautiful Senpai from the Archery Club Is Sleeping in My Room with Her Stomach Exposed. - Chapter 20: The So-Called Meeting Part (Part 2)

The So-Called Meeting Part (Part 2)

“Thanks to you, Amemoto-kun, I’ve been able to sort out the situation. It’s quite a troublesome issue, isn’t it?”

With a pop, Watanuki-senpai uncapped a pen and stood in front of the whiteboard in my room.

The nighttime setting only added to the effect—she looked just like a cram school instructor. She was still in her uniform, of course, but she carried herself with such a mature air that the usual limitations of school attire didn’t seem to apply to her.

Incidentally, Mei and I were still in our uniforms as well. When I glanced at my sister sitting beside me, I could tell she was a little restless, caught up in the excitement of this slightly out-of-the-ordinary event. How childish.

“Now that we’ve established the groundwork, let’s begin. The ‘Operation: Take Back Love’s Cupid for the Archery Club!’ meeting!”

“That’s… quite the naming sense you have there.”

The unnecessarily elegant title was quickly inscribed on the whiteboard.

Turning back toward us, Watanuki-senpai let out a satisfied fufu as she smiled confidently.

“You see, Amemoto-kun, the title is a play on words—the archer’s bow and the Archery club, get it?”

I had understood the pun, but I had decided to point it out anyway. And to think I had just compared her to a cram school instructor. I took back my previous thoughts.

“Ohhh, I get it now! That’s a pretty stylish name. I love it! I really appreciate that kind of playful touch. I’ll do my best to come up with ideas for Mina too!”

Apparently grasping the joke had excited Mei, as she let out a determined huff and gave a thumbs-up. Well, since at least one participant was enthusiastic, I supposed the operation name didn’t really matter.

“Alright, does anyone have any ideas?”

“Oh, me! I do!”

“Go ahead, Mei-san.”

“Why doesn’t Rino-chan just tell everyone outright? Like, ‘Starting now, romance is officially allowed! Go on dates! Kiss as much as you like! And keep the more risqué stuff within responsible limits!’—something like that.”

My gal of a sister, brimming with confidence, proposed an approach that was far too direct.

But if things could be solved that easily, we wouldn’t be struggling in the first place.

“If I made such a declaration, people would think I’d lost my mind. It’s not as though I want to actively encourage relationships among club members. Plus, making an official statement like that would put me in direct conflict with the retired third-years. I’d rather not create unnecessary tension within the current club members.”

“Hmm, so in other words…?”

“Rejected.”

“Oh nooo, my idea got shot down!”

Our most enthusiastic participant was swiftly defeated. She slumped to the floor in exaggerated despair, stretching her legs out across my lap as I sat in seiza.

“Massage my poor, wounded calves, please. I’m exhausted.”

“You’re being completely unrefined in front of Watanuki-senpai… haah.”

“Hehe, I love that sigh of yours. You’re such a doting little brother. If this keeps up, I might just end up becoming a full-fledged brocon. I wouldn’t mind a special massage too, you know.”

Back in middle school, Mei had always indulged me by helping fine-tune my “special relaxation course.” I could never bring myself to treat her coldly.

I still hadn’t fully repaid her kindness.

Following the massage techniques I’d seen in a video before, I started kneading her slender legs.

“…Amemoto-kun, for my turn, I’d like a leg massage as well.”

“Huh?”

Wait, is that really okay…?

Before I knew it, my eyes had drifted to Senpai’s long, elegant legs. They were always wrapped in snug-fitting material, making them seem almost untouchable—like something sacred.

“W-Well… maybe sometime in the future. Eventually.”

“Next time, then.”

With just five words, my expert procrastination spell was shattered.

As I reeled in silent shock, Watanuki-senpai clapped her hands together—her signature signal to bring us back on track.

“Alright. We’ve only just begun the meeting, so let’s not lose focus. Back to the main issue. Changing the unspoken rules of the Archery club is difficult, especially since, as captain, I can’t take direct action. That’s the main challenge we’re facing.”

That said, we couldn’t afford to ignore Senpai’s influence.

It was frustrating—like holding a powerful trump card but being unable to play it.

No new ideas came to mind immediately. Mei, still sprawled across my lap, groaned lazily before voicing her thoughts.

“Ugh, this whole thing sounds like such a drag. Wouldn’t it be way easier if people just stormed in and started chanting ‘Let love bloom in the Archery club!’? Want me to barge in and do it?”

“No, even if you did, it wouldn’t have much of an impact… though, wait. That might actually work.”

“Wha—seriously? …Alright then, I trust my little brother’s judgment! If this plan gets approved, I’ll throw myself into it full force!”

“That’s not what I meant. I don’t need you going on a rampage. Calm down.”

“Mmrph.”

I doubled down on the massage to help her relax.

Still, Mei had given me an idea. If we approached this from an external angle, it might create the perfect excuse for Senpai to step in and set the record straight.

I raised my hand.

“Yes?”

“Amemoto-kun, go ahead.”

“Um… how about we introduce a student who joins the Archery club purely for romantic reasons?”

“A student joining just to find a relationship? Our club has quite a few upfront costs. Would there really be someone like that?”

“Well, we’d just create the illusion. Have someone act the part during a trial session, flirting in a way that forces a reaction.”

We could explain the situation and ask the drama club for help.

“Then, Watanuki-senpai could reprimand that student—firmly but fairly. And in the process, she could subtly convey the message that ‘As long as it doesn’t interfere with club activities, the captain doesn’t oppose relationships.’ That way, the new stance would be established without causing a stir.”

“Hmm… That plan might actually work.”

Bingo.

Senpai seemed to visualize the idea easily, nodding thoughtfully with a sharp, serious look—her captain mode.

“Alright, let’s proceed with that plan. Amemoto-kun, I’ll leave it to you to participate in the trial session again.”

“Understood. Wait, what? I’m doing it!?”

Is she serious!?

“Who else? We can’t involve an outsider, and among the operation members, you’re the only one who could plausibly pull it off.”

She wasn’t joking. This was her second deadpan response of the night.

Technically, it was my idea, so it made sense for me to carry it out, but…

“B-But I don’t really have the right image for ‘a guy joining just for romance.’ I mean, look at me. I have a plain face, right, Mei?”

I turned to Mei, who had been considering charging in earlier. Her eyes were now sparkling with inspiration.

“Hold on a sec!”

She hopped up, ran out of the room, and returned within a minute, holding a small pouch.

“I’ll do your makeup, Touya! We’ve got similar features, so I bet it’ll suit you! We’ll pin back your bangs, give you a proper makeover, and bam—problem solved!”

“Wait… what?”

It’s common for guys to wear makeup these days, but me…?

Even if it’s just for a day, this feels embarrassing—and so not me. Surely, Senpai would prefer someone else—

“It’s settled. The role goes to Amemoto-kun. Since you’ve already attended a trial session, you’ll fit right in. I’m looking forward to seeing your transformation.”

Before I could object, the decision was final.

The girls huddled together, eagerly looking up the latest men’s makeup trends on their phones.

“Rino-chan, do you have time? Let’s have some fun experimenting on Touya’s face!”

“I’ll let my mom know I’ll be late. I do have experience with makeup, so I can help.”

Oh no. This is the same pressure I felt when I got surrounded by gyaru at lunch the other day.

Older girls toying with me…!

Also, is makeup alone really enough to make me convincing?

I have a bad feeling about this… Maybe I should prepare some backup strategies.