Chapter 18 – Strategy Meeting

We successfully bought the accessory and then stopped by a nearby café together.

I ordered a black coffee. Yukimori got tea. Toudou was drinking cocoa loaded with sugar.

Once we all had a breather, I turned to Toudou and asked:

“So, you bought it and all, but how are you planning to give it to him? It’s not even his birthday or anything. If you just hand it over randomly, it’ll come off weird.”

“Ugh, you’re right…”

Well, knowing Kazuki, he’d probably just accept it without thinking much, though.

But the situation does matter. This is his first time too, and the guy’s got a pretty messed-up case of virginity. He actually cares about these things. I’d know—he talks to me about this stuff all the time.

Then Yukimori quietly raised her hand.

“How about taking him on a trip and giving it to him there? Tomita-kun seems to like traveling too.”

“But that means just the two of you, right? A guy and girl alone overnight when they’re not even dating—doesn’t that seem kinda wrong?”

“Does it? That’s perfectly normal.”

“Maybe it’s normal for you two, who’ve been getting it on every week. But for me, this is a once-in-a-lifetime kind of thing!”

……

“Oi, Toudou. Who told you that?”

“Who else? Had to be Shizuku.”

“Thought so.”

I glare at Yukimori. She immediately looked away and started whistling—very badly, I might add.

“Yukimori, you little…”

“It was an accident! Not my fault. Asuka-chan tricked me into it!”

“You’re the one who slipped up, Shizuku. Don’t blame it on me.”

“You’re both guilty, idiots.”

I never thought Yukimori was such a blabbermouth.

It’s fine since it’s just Toudou, but if someone else who really didn’t know about this heard it, it could’ve been a serious issue. Yukimori really needs to be more aware of that kind of risk.

“A-Anyway, what if we made it a double date? All four of us go on a trip together. My family will cover the costs.”

“For real? Shizuku, are you sure?”

“Of course.”

Wow. Paying for four people’s travel expenses? As expected of Yukimori.

“I think that’s a good idea. I’ve heard stories of couples getting together on school trips. Traveling like that really can push things forward.”

“B-But…”

“Me and Yukimori are in, and as for Kazuki, I’ll drag him there myself if I have to. The only thing left is your decision, Toudou.”

“Uuuh…”

Toudou’s face turned bright red as her eyes spun in panic. She looked like an unapproachable gyaru, but she’s surprisingly timid. Guess I shouldn’t judge by appearances.

Now then, how do we convince her…

Just then, Yukimori crossed her arms thoughtfully, then gave a confident nod.

“Asuka-chan, could you come here for a second? Please lend me your ear.”

“Huh? Uh, okay…”

…Yukimori? What are you up to now?

She leaned in close to Toudou and whispered something into her ear.

Toudou’s face shifted through a series of expressions—shock, embarrassment, and finally, complete determination.

“I’m going. I’m totally going on that trip.”

That was one hell of a switch. What the hell did Yukimori say?

“I just told her we’d make sure she shared a room with Kazuki. I mean, teenage boy and girl sleeping in the same room—something’s bound to happen… right?”

“Don’t go planting ideas like that.”

I mean, I’m not really one to talk, considering the stuff I’ve been up to as a high schooler—but still, we are high schoolers. Do you even realize that?

But Toudou already seemed totally determined, breathing hard with a somewhat nervous look on her face.

“I’ll help you with body care and stuff at my place before the trip. Let’s do our best together, Asuka-chan.”

“Yeah! I’ll give it everything I’ve got…!”

They say girls in love are strong, but wow—I didn’t think it was to this extent.

Kazuki, you’ve really got yourself a good girl. …Though honestly, I still don’t see what’s so lovable about you.

“I think Golden Week would be a good time. But where should we go?”

“Let’s see… why not ask Tomita-kun too? Since he likes World Heritage sites, it’d be best to let him take the lead.”

“True. Let’s call him now. Pretty sure he’s off work today.”

I pulled out my phone and called Kazuki’s number. He picked up after just one ring.

>”Yo? Inori, what’s up?”

>”You picked up after one ring. That’s gross.”

“Huh? You callin’ just to pick a fight?”

>“Kidding kidding. I’ve got something to talk to you about. Come to the café near the department store. Now.”

>“Are you mad? You sound kinda scary today…”

>”I’m not mad. Just get over here. It’s something good for you.”

>“…Alright. I’ll be there in five.”

And with that, he hung up. Five minutes? That’s fast.

“He says he’ll be here soon. Toudou, tidy up your stuff.”

“G-Got it!”

And so, five minutes later…

Kazuki actually showed up right on time and scanned the café for me.

Our eyes met, and he walked over—only to freeze in place.

Well yeah, of course. I called him, but Yukimori and Toudou are sitting right here too. Anyone would be confused.

“Yo, Kazuki.”

“Tomita-kun. Sorry to suddenly call you over.”

“Tomita, don’t just stand there. Come sit.”

“O-Oh… okay…?”

Still not fully grasping the situation, Kazuki sat down beside me, dazed.

Visually perfect, composed and elegant—yet a lust-addicted maniac on the inside: Shizuku Yukimori.

Loud and flashy gyaru on the outside—yet a pure-hearted maiden within: Asuka Toudou.

Looks like a cool ikemen—actually a lovable idiot: Kazuki Tomita.

And then there’s me—your all-around average guy.

From the outside, we must look like the weirdest group ever.

“Uh, hey Inori… what is this? Why are Yukimori-san and Toudou here…?”

“Well, it’s a bit complicated, but the four of us are going on a trip together.”

“…Huh? A trip? The four of us?”

Yeah, that reaction makes sense.

“Don’t think too hard about it. We’ve got our reasons.”

“I can’t even begin to imagine a reason why this group would take a trip together.”

“Don’t worry about it. We’re about to discuss where we’re going. Timeframe is Golden Week—probably a two- or three-night trip. Kazuki, any plans?”

“Not really… just eating and sleeping… but, well, it sounds like this is already decided, so… fine, I’ll go.”

Kazuki sighed in resignation.

Well, even If he hadn’t agreed, I was going to tie him up and drag him there anyway—so it’s all the same.