Chapter 6: Senpai, a Love Triangle, and a Boyfriend.

"Umm, so… who exactly is this Takamiyagi-senpai?"

On the way up the hill, Kaimori-chan leaned in and whispered to me. It’s not like I’m hiding anything… but the way she said it made it sound like Takamiyagi-senpai was some forbidden name you’re not supposed to speak. Still… what kind of person is she, huh…?

I think back once more to Takamiyagi-senpai’s route. In the final moments, when danger closed in, she stood her ground and faced it head-on without hesitation. Back then, she was—without question—a hero. Even though she’s supposed to be the heroine, calling her that doesn’t feel wrong at all.

That’s why I don’t think of her as just my “favorite” character. It’s more like… yeah. I’m her fan.

"Takamiyagi-senpai is the coolest person I know… and she loves the sky. Hehe. And, you know, she’s tall and really slender. She might seem cold at first, but she’s actually very warm. Oh—and she laughs surprisingly easily, too. I really want Takahiro-kun to meet her. If they’re going to meet eventually anyway, sooner is better, right? I’d love for them to get along."

Uh-oh, I got a little too carried away. That came out fast. I still haven’t said nearly enough, though. Before I realized it, I was fidgeting, pressing my hands together. Whoa… looks like my love for Takamiyagi-senpai is leaking into my body language too. Well, I guess I get a pass since I look like Shione-chan right now…

But despite what was basically glowing praise, for some reason Kaimori-chan started darting her eyes around nervously. She kept looking down, then glancing back repeatedly at the protagonist walking behind us—definitely suspicious behavior.

…What’s going on? Is Kaimori-chan secretly someone who hates the sky too? You don’t see people like that very often… wouldn’t that make life kind of difficult?

"…Umm… am I actually supposed to be here for this? And, um… what does Ryuzouji-senpai think about her…?"

"Takahiro-kun? Actually, I introduced them this morning for the first time. But they didn’t say a single word to each other. Now that I think about it, I don’t even think they made eye contact. Honestly, what was even the point of going?"

As I let out a small, exasperated laugh remembering that disaster, Kaimori-chan’s expression stiffened even more. For some reason, she started trembling slightly, closed her eyes, tilted her head up toward the sky… and then shook her head vigorously.

…No, seriously, what’s wrong with her? Oh—wait, is this how she was walking when she lost her pendant in the hallway?

"This is a full-on love triangle, isn’t it…? Um, are you sure I’m allowed to come along?"

"That’s the second time you’ve asked that, Kaimori-chan. You’re overreacting."

"…Am I allowed to come along?"

"How worried are you, exactly!? It’s fine! Senpai’s a good person!"

"I’m sure she is, but that’s not the issue here… Ahh, I let my guard down… why did I come so casually…"

Kaimori-chan looked down, her energy draining rapidly. Hmm… I actually think she and Takamiyagi-senpai would get along pretty well, though.

…Oh, right. If we’re going anyway, maybe I should bring something she likes as a small offering. A little gift to break the ice. And while I’m at it, I can grab something to cheer Kaimori-chan up too.

"Let’s stop by a sweets shop for a bit. I need to pick up a souvenir for senpai. …Kaimori-chan, is there anything you want? As thanks for coming along again today, your big sister will treat you to something."

"No, really, you don’t have to… more importantly, about what’s about to happen—"

"Is this where that senpai is?"

"Umm…"

By the time we reached near the top of the hill, I looked around. It’s not a big hill, but it’s the highest point in the area. Senpai often spends her after-school time here—because this spot has the widest view of the sky.

…Ah, there she is.

There’s a small observation deck—more of a token installation than anything—and just outside it, on a bench, senpai sat reading a book.

…She looks like a painting. As expected. Honestly, she could probably make anything look picturesque.

For now, the three of us approached quietly, step by step. But senpai didn’t lift her gaze from her book. She’s probably already noticed us, though.

Well, our goal today is simple. Just one thing: ask her why she’s here—and if we get an answer, that’s enough.

But just as I was about to stride forward confidently, someone grabbed my arm from behind.

…Hm? Kaimori-chan?

"Wait—Takamiyagi-senpai is a girl!?"

Wait, that’s what you’re stuck on now…? Though, come to think of it, I never actually said. When I nodded, she crumpled to the ground.

…Kaimori-chan’s acting really weird today. Is she okay?

"Geez… the way you were talking about her like you ‘love’ her, I thought we were going to meet your boyfriend…"

"A boyfriend!? Like I’d ever have one of those!!"

"That’s right! She doesn’t! …Not yet, anyway!"

Fired up, both Takahiro and I pressed her from either side, and Kaimori-chan stumbled back two steps in confusion. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Takamiyagi-senpai briefly glance up.

…Ah, sorry for being loud.

"…S-sorry. Um… then… why did we come to see her? I didn’t really understand."

"That’s because, for Takahiro-kun’s—"

"For me?"

…Crap. If I say, “Because I want her to become your girlfriend,” Kaimori-chan—who’s pretty sharp—might start thinking, “So you approached me for the same reason…?” I finally managed to become friends with her, and I want to get even closer. If she misunderstands, that could make things awkward moving forward.

That would be a problem.

To dodge the question, I spread my arms and spun around in place a few times. My skirt flared out lightly as I turned.

…Wait, is the skirt-flaring thing a special ability of Shione-chan or something? Whatever. I stopped spinning and sharply pointed at Takahiro.

"I want Takahiro-kun to become stronger! And the strongest person I know is Takamiyagi-senpai!"

"Stronger…?"

"…Why did you spin just now? I mean, it was super cute, but still."

Maybe my love for senpai got through—because no one pressed further about the reason. Good. As for Kaimori-chan’s question, I’ll just pretend I didn’t hear it.

"Alright, let’s go get friendly with her! This time, make sure you introduce yourself properly, Takahiro-kun!"

"…Y-yeah."

"…We’re starting from there…?"

"Hello! We met this morning too!"

I stepped in front of the bench and greeted senpai with a smile. Given Takahiro’s poor communication skills—which were already obvious from his first interaction with Kaimori-chan—the plan was for me to start the conversation and have him join in later.

I briefly glanced back to check on them. Sure enough, Kaimori-chan and Takahiro were peeking from behind a pillar a short distance away, showing only their faces.

…Guys, you’re completely visible. That’s not suspicious at all—nope.

With a soft snap, senpai closed her book and stared straight at me.

There was a faint hint of suspicion in her eyes.

…I’d like to believe that’s because of the weirdos behind me.