The Beautiful Senpai from the Archery Club Is Sleeping in My Room with Her Stomach Exposed. - Chapter 9: My Heart Is Beating So Fast.

My Heart Is Beating So Fast.

Morning.

As I tighten my school uniform’s necktie, I glance at the mirror above the sink.

My already lifeless face looks even more drained. If I were to be transported to another world right now, I might be mistaken for an undead and immediately hunted down. A night of dozing off in my chair has wrecked my sleep quality…

Now that I think about it, my memory of falling asleep is hazy. I had intended to stay up and study until the very end, but I must have given in halfway through. I feel bad about that.

Still, the time and effort I spent weren’t for nothing. Even if just a little, I got to experience firsthand the demanding nature of Watanuki-senpai’s daily routine. I also gained some clarity on what I should be doing next.

Now, the question is—when and how should I invite Senpai to that?

Mulling over these thoughts, I get ready for school.

I’ve already lost my chance to be the first one to arrive. No need to rush. It’s not like anyone is waiting for me.

As I tie my shoelaces at the entrance, Mei calls out from the living room.

“Touyaaa! I’m staying over at the usual place again tonight!”

“Again? That’s the fourth time this month.”

It must be that sparkling group of girls who sometimes crash at the Amemoto house. Having friends close enough to visit each other’s homes so frequently… that’s impressive. I don’t have anyone like that anymore.

Maybe my response carried a hint of envy because Mei’s face fell slightly.

“If you’re lonely… I could ask if I can bring my little brother along?”

“No thanks. I’d rather not be treated like a much younger sibling.”

“We could have hotpot together, borrow a separate room at night, and then—sleep side by side as siblings!”

“Spare me. How am I supposed to keep a straight face surrounded by girls in cute pajamas?”

At this rate, my face would become so expressionless I’d genuinely be mistaken for a zombie. I wouldn’t even need to be transported to another world; the gyaru squad would take me down right here.

“Aww, no need to hold back! If you ever want to come, just say the word! I always brag about how great my little brother is, so I’m sure everyone would welcome you!”

“They’d probably feel misled once they meet me in person.”

As always, Mei is overly protective.

I tell her, “Just enjoy yourself without worrying about me.” Then, before she can continue, I slip on my shoes and make a quick exit from the Amemoto house.

And right there, standing just ahead of me—was Watanuki-senpai.

…Huh?

Am I seeing things?

No. A little past my house, just after turning right, she’s there. Her usual poised stance, though without her bow case on her back this time.

In one hand, she holds her school tote bag. With the other, she repeatedly adjusts her bangs, probably using her phone’s front camera to check her appearance.

…Did we agree to meet up before I fell asleep?

I don’t remember, but regardless, a proper greeting comes first.

“Good morning, Watanuki-senpai.”

“—!”

The moment I speak, her shoulders jolt in surprise.

“A-ah, g-good morning… Amemoto-kun.”

“…?”

Something seems off. Her usual composed voice is softer, almost hesitant.

Then again, after putting her body through so much strain yesterday, it’s only natural that exhaustion would catch up to her. Maybe she’s feeling unwell.

“Uwaa… it’s not just my imagination… it’s going wild… uhh…”

She clutches the left side of her chest, not in the dramatic gesture of a knight but as if checking the rhythm of her heartbeat. Her face appears slightly flushed.

“Watanuki-senpai? If you’re not feeling well, maybe you should take the day off?”

“N-no! I’ll be fine. Just… give me a moment. Once I calm down, I’ll be my usual self again—”

Watanuki-senpai stood with her feet shoulder-width apart and closed her eyes. It was the same composed stance I had seen during the trial practice session—an expression of mental focus. When she opened her eyelids, the poised captain of the archery club was there once more.

“…I lost my composure for a moment. No need to worry; I’m calm now. This should do. And I was able to confirm something as well.”

“What exactly did you confirm?”

At my question, she responded with nothing more than a serene, cool smile. She had no intention of answering. …Was she checking to see if I had bedhead or something? No, that couldn’t be it.

Whatever she had confirmed, it didn’t matter. Since she had come all this way, there was no longer a need to go out of my way to invite her after school. I should take this opportunity to secure a promise.

“Watanuki-senpai, thank you for yesterday. I really appreciate it. And, well… after watching you, I came up with something I’d like to try.”

“Alright. If it’s your idea, I’ll hear you out—whatever it may be.”

She gave off an air of unwavering confidence, as if nothing I said could faze her. That was reassuring—it meant I could extend my invitation without worry.

“Then, I’d like you to experience my specially designed relaxation course. If you’re free after school on a club-free day, would you consider coming over again?”

I pointed toward the Amemoto residence, which was right in front of us. For a brief moment, though her expression remained unchanged, I thought I heard a small sound—like air escaping from her throat.

“…Are you inviting me to your house?”

“Yes, exactly. I’d like you to consciously experience true relaxation.”

I had determined that she needed to start by experiencing deep relaxation firsthand. That was the reason behind my invitation. With my room’s setup, it should be achievable.

“Besides, you still need to retrieve that energy drink. So, what do you think? For both my sake and yours, could you make time for this?”

“…Alright. Friday is a club-free day, so I’ll come over today.”

She nodded firmly, her composed expression unwavering. Good, that secured the promise. This being the second time, I didn’t even feel nervous anymore.

“Huh? Touya, you’re still here? And Watanuki-san too! What’s up? What are you two doing in front of the house?”

“Ah, Mei-san, just in time! Now, let’s head to school immediately, as quickly as possible. See you later, Amemoto-kun. Bye!”

Grabbing my sister—modified uniform and all—by the arm, Watanuki-senpai briskly walked off, practically dragging her along. Mei’s voice rang out in protest, echoing through the quiet residential street:

“Why can’t we just go together as a group!?”

…For a moment, it seemed like she was flustered, but her dignified expression never wavered. There was no reason for her to be flustered anyway.

In any case, the real event was after school. I should make thorough preparations for the special relaxation course.

With that in mind, I set off for school at a leisurely pace.