The Beautiful Senpai from the Archery Club Is Sleeping in My Room with Her Stomach Exposed. - Chapter 31: Unforgettable Memories.

Unforgettable Memories.

Perhaps because it was lunchtime, the third stop we visited turned out to be a restaurant.

It was a lively place, popular with families. On weekends, the crowd was intense, and every table seemed to be waiting quite a while for their food.

Ours, in particular, took longer than most.

Since I had ordered something simple from the lunch menu, mine came relatively quickly. I’d even asked for a small portion of rice, which made it a light but satisfying meal.

On the other hand, sitting across from me was Watanuki-senpai—

“Amemoto-kun… I… I can’t eat anymore…”

She mumbled sleepily in front of the massive parfait that had arrived late.
But it wasn’t a blissful, dreamy mumble—it was a full-on declaration of defeat.
Despite her mature appearance, she had slumped face-down onto the table.

At that moment, the phrase “a beautiful disappointment” floated through my mind.

“Even the server double-checked, didn’t they? That it’s not a portion a typical woman could finish alone.”

“But… I just wanted to show you that thanks to you, I’ve been able to eat proper lunches again…”

“…Ah.”

So that’s what she wanted to demonstrate at the third stop—how much she could eat.

I had advised her to try eating lunch properly, since she seemed like she was running low on energy.

Apparently, she had taken that advice to heart—albeit in an unexpected direction.

But since I had only learned that by eavesdropping, I hadn’t had the chance to tell her that she might be overdoing it.

“About your lunch habits—if you ever feel like it’s too much, it’s okay to cut back, you know.”

When I finally brought it up, Watanuki-senpai, still collapsed over the table, responded with regret.

“Uwaa… But today, I wanted to reward myself and show you that I could eat as many sweets as I wanted…”

“…I-I see.”

Once I heard her intentions, I found her effort rather endearing.

I really did want her to eat more—better this than back when two salt buns were all she’d have for lunch.
If I could, I’d give her a hundred gold stars.

“Amemoto-kun… I can’t eat anymore… Amemoto-kuuun…”

“You really don’t have to sound so heartbroken. I’ll help you finish it. Could you pass me a spoon?”

“Really? Thank you. But don’t worry about me—just make sure it all gets eaten.”

The large parfait glass was pushed across the table toward me. She cheerfully handed me a spoon she’d pulled out.

As I took it, I couldn’t help but recall how Shion had once described her sister: “She doesn’t rely on others.”
But judging by that cheerful face, maybe my help had been part of her plan all along?

Well, whatever. I scooped up a bit of the melting ice cream—rich vanilla mixing with tart strawberry syrup. Sweet, with a tangy edge.

“Fufu~.”

Watanuki-senpai watched me eat, chin resting in hand.

She didn’t look like she had any intention of joining in again.
She set her own red-stained spoon on a napkin and looked at me with clear satisfaction.

“Is my eating that fascinating to watch?”

“Yeah. I love how you don’t make a face and just eat the parfait so naturally. The rhythm’s nice, it’s pleasant to watch.”

“That sounds like a comment under a music video.”

“It’s got replay value!”

It was a laid-back, cheerful atmosphere—but honestly, I was feeling pretty full.

I wouldn’t be walking much after this.

Which is why, if we were going to have a proper conversation, this restaurant was as good a place as any.

“—So, this makes three places where you’ve shown me the results of my support.”

“Whoa, starting the wrap-up already? But, Amemoto-kun, I still have about twenty moreplaces I’d like to visit with you.”

“The sun will set before we get through all that. Still, I’d say the results are clear. You’ve shown me your own kind of healing… and relaxation.”

As I gently cut her off, she leaned back in her chair and closed her eyes.

“So this really is the end of our contract… Thank you, Amemoto-kun. I know it must’ve been tiring to greet me every weekday. You always had a ‘special relaxation course’ ready for me.”

“It’s no trouble… I enjoyed doing it.”

Whatever effort I put into the preparations, I received something much greater from her in return.

This past month had been special to me. It made me genuinely glad I enrolled in this high school.

“Now then, as my reward—please tell me about Shion.”

“Hmm… Sorry. I dragged that out, but it might not help much. I haven’t really spoken to her in years…”

I had suspected as much.

Shion didn’t seem to be getting her sisterly info through direct communication either—more like eavesdropping and observation.

If they had a normal relationship, she wouldn’t have needed to approach me at all.

“So… why did you two fall out? Was there a specific reason?”

“Yes. Though I don’t know if it’ll be useful to you… Did I ever mention I took a bunch of extracurricular lessons?”

“Yes, your grandmother was fond of traditional Japanese culture, right?”

“Exactly. I adored my grandmother, so I tried my best.”

She was probably in elementary school back then.

Most kids that age just want to play after class, but even back then, Watanuki-senpai already showed signs of the discipline she has now.

“And Shion would always follow me. She wanted to do the same things—‘I wanna do it with sis!’ she’d say.”

“Ah…”

I remembered going through a phase like that myself—trying to copy an older sibling.

Shion must’ve jumped headfirst into that lifestyle of extracurriculars, just to be like her sister.

“She’d cling to me, no matter what I did. So sweet, so hardworking… I loved her dearly. Even back then, I felt I had to set a good example.”

“So being watched by your sister gave you motivation?”

“Exactly. I couldn’t afford to look incompetent, not when she was trying to follow in my footsteps. That helped me stay focused, too.”

She spoke absentmindedly, still resting her head on her hand.

Her determination to appear composed around others—especially underclassmen—probably came from the same mindset: being a role model for someone younger.

If that sense of purpose had its roots in her relationship with her sister… then this was something worth digging into.

“But then how did such close sisters grow distant?”

“It started when I overheard her telling our parents she wanted to quit. She was crying inthe middle of the night, saying, ‘I just can’t be like Sis anymore.’”

“Ah…”

That innocent desire to imitate her sister must’ve become a burden over time.

She just couldn’t keep up with Watanuki-senpai’s growing excellence.

Having once broken under pressure myself, I could understand how Shion felt.

“Our mom persuaded her to keep going, but as I listened from the shadows, I couldn’t stop thinking: ‘It’s because I tried too hard.’”

“No, I don’t think that’s really your fault…”

“I know. I realize now that wasn’t the right way to think. But back then, I made a foolish choice—I started holding back. Slacking off, making intentional mistakes… so she wouldn’t feel so pressured.”

She wanted to show her sister that it was okay not to be perfect.
It must’ve been a form of kindness, in her own way. But knowing Shion…

“She figured it out, didn’t she?”

“Yeah. Right away. It was the first time she ever grabbed me by the collar. She shouted, ‘Don’t try to be weaker for me!’ and shoved me. Hard.”

She must’ve realized it was pity.

But more than that, I think Shion didn’t want to become a burden to her sister.

“After that, Shion quit all her lessons—as if cutting ties with me entirely.”

“And now you barely speak.”

“Right… And I regret it deeply. I’ll never forget the way she cried that night. If I hadn’t held back, maybe we could’ve stayed close…”

It was a painful misunderstanding.

They both cared about each other—yet everything went wrong.

“…Sorry, Amemoto-kun. That was a depressing story. I doubt it’ll help you get closer to Shion.”

Her expression as she spoke was the darkest I’d ever seen on her.
That strained smile—it couldn’t hide the weight of the past.

It was clear she hadn’t moved on.

“No… It was extremely helpful.”

I really should have asked her about this sooner.

If this rift with Shion is the reason she keeps burdening herself—
Then maybe there’s still something only I can do.

“Watanuki-senpai. If you’ll allow it—could I help you reconcile with your sister?”

“Huh?”

“Shion-san tends to keep to herself… and honestly, I believe I’m the only one who can stand between the two of you. What do you say?”

It must have been an unexpected suggestion—her long lashes fluttered in surprise. I just said it because I thought I could genuinely help after hearing her story, but was it really that shocking?

But before long, senpai’s expression softened into one of amusement.

“Using the information you gained from our last arrangement to push for a new deal… Hehe, you’re quite the shrewd little devil, aren’t you? Planning to steal my soul for real this time?”

“This isn’t a contract. I’m simply asking—please, let me help.”

There doesn’t need to be any contract. I can just reach out, make the effort myself—whether it’s by asking, initiating something, or even setting up opportunities. That’s how relationships continue to grow.

That’s something I learned from senpai, who still relied on me during her graduation exams.

And now, I genuinely want to be there for this senpai who always tries so hard on her own.

We already know each other. We don’t need a contract anymore.

“…But wouldn’t it be better if we had one? Let’s call it a contract. You’d finally have the chance to take whatever you want from me, no strings attached.”

…We shouldn’t need a contract anymore, and yet—

Senpai looked oddly dissatisfied. W-Wait… should I be accepting something after all? Is this that “tug at your heartstrings” moment I’ve heard about…? Who’s the devil now, senpai…?

“I can’t take anything in return for just meddling. That’s why I’m asking—please, let me do this.”

“Mmm… Well, if it’s from my adorable underclassman, I suppose I’ll accept under any terms. Actually, may I ask something of you too?”

“Of course. For a senpai I’m close with, anything.”

And like that, we shared a small laugh.

Just having this moment together was more than enough for me.

“Let’s start next week. From what I can tell, the reconciliation should go smoothly.”

“You really think so? I’ve tried reaching out so many times and she’s always rejected me…”

Senpai looked uncertain. But no—Shion-san’s love for her sister is intense, even if she hides it. Deep down, she wants to reconnect.

My mind was already at work, devising a plan to bring the sisters back together.

“It’ll be alright. Shion-san adores her big sister. Apparently, I’m destined to be completely melted down by it.”

“Ah… that part. Don’t let yourself get melted, okay? If things get tough, just remember today. I gave you enough coating to withstand it.”

“? …Okay.”

“Geez… Do you really get it, Amemoto-kun? Well… I guess if we just keep having so much fun today, we won’t leave any room for her in the first place…”

“W-Wait… what does that mean?”

“Fufu. I mean the date’s only just beginning.”

Ah—so it was a date after all.

…Wait, seriously? I was about to just let it pass, but… she thought it was a date this whole time…!?

Crap. That conclusion I clung to—that I shouldn’t see this as a date—that just shattered in a second. My ears burned with heat.

Trying to cool down, I scooped a spoonful of the nearly melted parfait into my mouth. The syrupy sweetness would surely bring some clarity to my fuzzy head—

“You probably didn’t realize, Amemoto-kun, but that counts as an indirect kiss.”

“Wha—?! Cough cough cough!!“

I choked at the casual remark. Why would she say that now!?

When I looked up, senpai was watching me, full and satisfied, a little lazy, but clearly enjoying herself.

“Fufufu, I think I’ve succeeded in making myself memorable. If Shion ever starts to melt you, think of me and hang in there, okay?”

“…Yeah. I don’t think I’ll forget this for the next hundred years.”

There’s no way I could forget someone like her—not with all these charming little sides she keeps revealing.

Even after we left the restaurant, we went to karaoke, a batting center (where senpai, of course, hit a home run), and more—still hand-in-hand the whole time—

It goes without saying that the outing became one of my most treasured memories.