The Beautiful Senpai from the Archery Club Is Sleeping in My Room with Her Stomach Exposed. - Chapter 21: Update Information: Romance has been unlocked.

Update Information: Romance has been unlocked.

And so, the day of the operation arrived. I was participating in my second trial session.

The archery range was as quiet as ever, filled with students deeply focused on the art of Archery. The scene was much the same as last time.

However, there was one significant difference—my appearance.

Since morning, Mei had meticulously checked my grooming and even applied makeup, ensuring I looked more polished than usual. At lunchtime, I was further refined— or rather, treated like a plaything—by Mei’s gyaru friends, who enthusiastically touched up my look. Miina, in particular, seemed especially invested in the effort.

When I checked the mirror in the restroom, I thought, well, maybe I did look better? It’s hard to tell these things about yourself. But considering I had received a few compliments from my classmates, there was likely a noticeable difference.

At the very least, I should look more convincing than if I had shown up barefaced.

“Watanuki-senpai, it’s about time.”

I whispered at a low volume.

This was the cue—the start of my act. The plan began with me flirting with our captain, who had been coaching me one-on-one.

“…Uh, y-yeah.”

Perhaps sensing my intent, Watanuki-senpai responded softly, avoiding eye contact. She had been like this even while demonstrating the basics with a practice bow earlier.

Well, no matter. Time to get serious.

Taking a deep breath, I braced myself for the challenge. It felt as nerve-wracking as a high-stakes ranking match.

From this moment on, I was to play the role of a frivolous guy who joined the Archery club in pursuit of romance.

“You know, Senpai’s guidance is really easy to follow—even for a beginner like me. It’s awesome getting such detailed coaching from such a cool and beautiful instructor. Honestly, if it means getting closer to you, I’d join the club right this second.”

My words, entirely out of place in the tranquil Archery club, echoed through the air.

A few students turned to look. Good, I had drawn attention. Now, it was Senpai’s turn to reprimand the shallow, flirtatious student. Stay composed, and act with dignity.

“…H-h-hey. That kind of… um, frivolous behavior toward an older woman is… uh… not very… admirable… Ugh, but you—y-you look… unfairly good today…”

Still avoiding my gaze, Watanuki-senpai mumbled under her breath.

Wait—what kind of acting plan is that? And what was that last part? I barely caught it.

Regardless, now that the operation was underway, backing out would be unnatural. I had to guide the conversation back on track.

“Huh? What’s wrong, Senpai? Your voice is kinda quiet… Don’t tell me—you’re blushing?”

“I-I am not!”

“Right? That’s what I thought! No way the great captain would be fazed by a compliment from someone like me. Still, your voice is really soft. I dunno, I’m starting to see a bit of small-animal-like cuteness here.”

“…I—I am not cute. I’m tall, after all. And you should stop teasing me before things get… out of hand…”

I could sense the club members subtly leaning in, straining to catch her words. Even at close range, her voice was barely audible.

No, this wasn’t her usual self.

And I couldn’t let her keep averting her gaze—it would seem unnatural. I moved in front of her and spoke directly.

“Honestly, I truly think Watanuki-senpai has a cute side too. I can say that with absolute confidence. Man, now I really want to join the club and spend my youth alongside you.”

Everything except the last part was sincere.

Forced to meet my gaze, Senpai hesitated for a moment before responding in a voice just loud enough for others to hear:

“…You are welcome to join.”

Uh—wait. If you say that, then I actually have to join while staying in character! This would lead straight to an enrollment ending, Senpai…!?

A voice interrupted just in time to avert disaster.

“Rino-chan, I know we’re short on members compared to other sports clubs, but you don’t have to go this far to recruit new people~.”

Finally, my backup arrived—Ayamori-senpai, stepping in at just the right moment.

She shot me a subtle wink.

Thank goodness. I was so glad I had looped her in on the plan.

“This isn’t like you, Captain. Even if you appreciate potential new members, you can’t hesitate to correct them. You need to make it clear—Archery club isn’t a place for romance.”

“…Thank you, Ayamori. You’re right—I lost sight of my principles. Everyone, pause your practice and listen for a moment.”

Watanuki-senpai clapped her hands sharply—a signal for transition.

The club members, who had been watching us closely, stopped their activities and turned toward their leader.

Gone was the hesitant, flustered captain.

“Archery is a sport that requires deep self-reflection. Any distractions, any stray thoughts, will throw off your aim. At the very least, during club hours, I ask that you remain focused—trial student, I trust you understand? If you’re here with ulterior motives, that would be a problem.”

“Ah, right. That wasn’t really my intention, but I might’ve been thoughtless. I’ll be more careful going forward.”

Per our pre-arranged plan, I bowed in apology and made myself less conspicuous.

Watanuki-senpai, confirming this, cleared her throat and projected her voice further.

“It goes without saying—romantic relationships should not be brought into the club. What happens outside of practice is beyond my jurisdiction, and I have no right to interfere. However, as captain, I must insist—do not let personal matters intrude upon the range. Archery club is not a place for romance!”

Her voice carried a sharp authority that made even my posture straighten.

The club members, though momentarily startled, responded hesitantly but in unison:

“Understood!”

“Good. Now, everyone, return to your practice. As for you, trial student, let’s resume your training.”

With her presence as captain fully restored, Watanuki-senpai approached me with a composed expression.

Only after confirming that no one was watching too closely did she lean in and whisper into my ear:

“…Sorry. I wasn’t able to act properly at the start.”

I mentally reassured her that it was fine—our mission had been accomplished.

“But… that was unfair of you. Completely unfair. I feel like we need a debriefing session after this.”

Wait—what? I thought I did a pretty good job?

As she turned away, her cheeks puffed out slightly, almost as if she were sulking.

“Still… since you’re here, you might as well make the most of the remaining time.”

And with that, she flashed me a subtle smile—just for a moment, making sure no one else could see.

***

The rich aroma of sizzling beef gently tickled my senses.

The so-called “reflection meeting” at the family restaurant had turned into a celebratory gathering.

Urushibara, who had also been our first consultant, raised his glass and spoke.

“Great work today! Ei-chan and I will be covering the bill in full!”

“Feel free to get as many refills as you’d like~!”

“Just one plate is more than enough for me.”

I chuckled as I sliced my steak. I hadn’t even hit a home run, yet I was getting treated. Well, I suppose this could be considered a reward for putting myself on the line. I should at least buy Mei some ice cream on the way home to thank her for helping out.

“Come on, Captain, don’t hold back. Eat to your heart’s content!”

“Yeah. Thanks, Urushibara.”

Watanuki-senpai responded with a calm smile.

In front of him was the same steak I had ordered. His knife skills were as refined as his chopstick handling.

I let out a quiet “Oh,” watching him from the side, and our eyes met.

“Hehe, good work, Amemoto-kun. Thanks to you, we can finally date freely outside the club. …Well, everyone can, that is. As for me, as captain, I only wish for my club members’ happiness, you know?”

“I get it. You don’t have to add anything extra.”

“Hmph… I wonder just how much you really understand.”

For some reason, I received a mild glare, but there was no need for words. I already knew how much Watanuki-senpai cared about the club members.

“We can date without feeling guilty now~! Some of the members who were secretly dating were really happy about it too~.”

Ayamori-senpai waved a peace sign playfully as she shared the update. Her boyfriend, sitting beside her, crossed his arms and nodded in agreement.

“Absolutely! Amemoto, we owe you one! Just from consulting you, you took action, sought the captain’s cooperation, and actually made a difference. Your reputation in class is well-earned!”

“Wait, hold on. All I did was get a makeover and act like a nuisance to senpai.”

“And that had an impact! Don’t downplay it! I’ll make sure to tell the members who got the wrong impression about you that you’re actually a great guy!”

“No need. In a few days, everyone will forget about that weird pickup attempt. Plus, the makeup changed my look anyway.”

Yeah, I figured people would forget me soon enough, which is why I could afford to do something that bold in the first place.

“A first-year who tried to flirt with the captain? Trust me, even without makeup, everyone would recognize you. But don’t worry, I’ll make sure no bad rumors spread about you!”

Even after all my protests, Urushibara’s admiration didn’t waver. His eyes practically sparkled. Honestly, I don’t think I need any aftercare.

Ayamori-senpai, watching my exchange with her boyfriend with a smile, took a sip of her cappuccino and murmured softly.

“But wow~. If I had known Rino-chan was supportive of this, I would’ve spoken up much sooner~.”

“Ayamori, you sometimes perceive me as too rigid. I have a normal level of interest in romance. I’d actually like to hear how you two got together—your first date, for example.”

“Really? Then, Kou-kun, why don’t you share?”

“M-Me!? I have to tell the captain? I-I wasn’t prepared for this…!”

Flustered, Urushibara started recounting their love story in a completely jumbled order.

Watanuki-senpai watched him with an amused expression. The atmosphere around him was softer, more relaxed. Maybe he enjoyed listening to other people’s love stories.

“Heh.”

I found myself staring at his more reserved smile, one much subtler than the one he showed in the clubroom.

So, senpai was interested in romance, after all. If he wanted a partner, he could probably find one in no time.

And if that partner happened to be me—

No, no. That’s just foolish daydreaming. I shouldn’t even entertain the thought. It would be disrespectful to the senpai who agreed to this arrangement in the first place.

I don’t want to think about this any further. I don’t want to chase after an impossible dream.

And yet, an unfamiliar emotion, one I couldn’t name, welled up from deep inside me—relentless and unyielding.

Maybe next week, I should carve out some time for a special relaxation session just for myself.