Chapter 1: The Poor Boy And The Three Great Beauties Of The School

Our family is poor.

I, Kei Kyosaka, started working part-time in the fall of my second year of middle school. My first job was delivering newspapers.

Life is on hard mode, but I’ve never once resented my dad, who recovered from a mental illness, or my mom, who’s in heaven.

Yeah, our family is poor. When I hear my younger sister, who’s still in middle school, say things like, “I don’t plan on going to college if it means taking on debt. I’ll just work after graduating high school and make life easier for you and Dad,” with a smile on her face, I can’t help but admire her maturity. At the same time, it breaks my heart.

I want to send my sister to college. But to do that, I need money.

“If a child’s annual income exceeds 1.03 million yen, they are no longer eligible for the dependent deduction.”

…This incomprehensible policy of our country has raised the bar for my goal to an absurdly high level.

The golden opportunity to earn money during spring break flew by in the blink of an eye, and rising prices are putting more and more pressure on our lives. At this rate, maybe we should just move abroad… Blah blah blah blah blah.

“But we don’t have the money for that!”

In the midst of my panic, I start to wonder if we’re just going to keep sliding down this path of poverty. I want to protest this country’s approach of burdening sensitive high schoolers with a bleak worldview and then leaving them to fend for themselves. Fortunately, I don’t have the luxury of wallowing in despair.

As I walk down the path to school, lined with colorful banners and pine trees, I try to find a way out of my gloomy thoughts.

If my family is happy, that’s enough. I don’t need anything more than that. Watching the scattered clouds drift across the spring sky, I think to myself that such a small wish isn’t selfish.

“What does happiness even mean, Mom?”

Is the air over there clear and refreshing? Is heaven a kind place? I managed to move up to the next grade, by the way.

“I’m off.”

After sending my greetings to the “other side” of the clear sky, I adjust the blue tie that marks me as a second-year and pass through the school gate, glancing at the new first-years.

Kyoto Prefectural Tōryō High School.

That’s the name of the school I attend.

What’s unusual about this school is that it has classrooms underground, which means the size of the balconies varies depending on the classroom’s location. When you look up at the school building from the open-cut plaza, it looks like a fortress.

As a side note, the outdoor staircase leading from the ground level to the plaza doubles as seating during school assemblies and cultural festivals. I can’t help but chuckle imagining the new students worrying about their skirts getting dirty.

But when you actually see it, it’s quite impressive—it looks like the audience seating at a live concert venue. Take it from me.

When I was a shiny new first-year, I was excited by the slope of the stairs and the spacious area. But now, as a second-year, I just see it as a long, tedious path to the entrance. Going down and then back up is an inefficient routine that’s become a daily chore. If only the path were flat from start to finish, but the unique design makes it a hassle.

That said, it’s not all bad.

I’m sure the other boys feel the same way.

The reason? The existence of the school’s famous Three Beauties.

These three girls became the talk of the school from the very first day of their enrollment, instantly capturing the attention of the entire student body. They’re like superheroines.

Countless boys have confessed their feelings to them, only to be rejected.

They’ve received hundreds—no, nearly two hundred—love letters, none of which they’ve even glanced at (though, to be fair, their contact information is impossible to obtain, so why bother with analog letters?).

Their impenetrable defenses have led some to compare them to the impregnable fortress city of Constantinople. Students from other schools even gather at the front gate like they’re waiting for idols to appear. That’s how intense the hype is.

Not that it has anything to do with me. Of course, I’d like to get along with them, but it’s impossible. We live in completely different worlds.

Thinking this, I change my shoes at the shoe locker and head from the basement to the second floor.

I check the class list posted on the bulletin board.

Hmm. I’m in Class 2-3.

I enter the assigned classroom and find my seat.

…Then, I notice a trio of girls chatting by the window.

They stand out even in the classroom, their beauty rivaling that of models or celebrities.

One is a mysterious girl with long black hair and a slim figure, wearing a black mask.

Another is a blonde girl with piercings and trendy makeup, giving off a gyaru vibe.

The third is a literary, glamorous girl wearing stylish glasses.

Together, the three of them radiate an aura that makes them seem unapproachable. They are none other than Tōryō High’s pride and joy—the Three Beauties: Karasumaru Chikage, Ono Tsukasa, and Daigo Sakurako.

Their radiance hasn’t dimmed one bit since I first saw them at the entrance ceremony. As they chat about things like, “This season’s anime is insane, right?” and “I know, there’s too much to watch!” they effortlessly draw the attention of everyone in the class. They watch anime, huh?

That’s the general opinion of the male students, at least. I don’t know what the others are thinking, but as a background character, I’m content to just squint at their dazzling presence.

Being in the same class as them is enough for me. For a loner like me, youth is just a brief escape from the ordinary, and they’re the ones who provide that little bit of excitement.

After the opening ceremony and homeroom, even though it’s still before noon, some students start heading home.

Thankfully, our school doesn’t have classes on the first day.

As I’m getting ready to leave, someone taps me on the shoulder.

I turn around to see two girls. One is Adachi-san, who was in my class last year. The other… sorry, I don’t recognize her.

Behind them, a group of boys is gathered, watching us with interest.

“Kyosaka-kun, wanna go to karaoke? You couldn’t make it last time, right?”

“Ah, sorry. I have work today.”

“Huh? But school’s over at noon today.”

“Yeah, I’m heading to work right after.”

“Oh… I see. Sorry about that…?”

Adachi-san looks apologetic. How many times have we had this conversation.

“Nah, it’s fine. I’m glad too. If you could invite me next time when it’s convenient, I’d be happy.”

“Okay. Got it. I’ll definitely invite you.”

“What’s up with that guy? He’s so out of touch. Working part-time until the first day of school?”

“I heard his family’s poor, living in a prefab house or something.”

“What? That’s hilarious. Do they even have a bath?”

The classroom was filled with voices slandering me.

It hadn’t been long since we moved up to the second year, Class 3. Even though the class shuffle had just happened, I was already outside the circle of everyone else. In fact, I had never been part of it to begin with.

“You guys are worse than Kei Kyosaka. He’s at least neat and tidy.”

“Shut up, idiot. What’s so neat about him? Kei Kyosaka doesn’t have a shred of masculinity.”

“Exactly. He’s so effeminate, it’s gross.”

“Guys, stop it already.”

Many of the boys dislike me, Kei Kyosaka.

For some reason, they seem to think I’m a “womanizer.” Even though I never go out of my way to talk to anyone, they’ve labeled me like that. It’s unfair, but I’m used to it by now. Honestly, I don’t really care anymore. In fact, I sometimes think that if they lost me as their stress outlet, the class might just fall apart.

People are people, and I am me. I don’t want to become someone who can’t understand others’ feelings, and if it came to that, I’d rather be alone. Being a loner is the best! (I’m just putting on a brave face.)

Anyway, I need to focus on my part-time job today. I have to earn money as soon as possible.

Uber Eats.

It’s a delivery job. A food delivery service, to be precise.

The job involves delivering ordered items to specified locations. In simple terms, it’s a groundbreaking business model that connects “restaurants” and “delivery personnel.” This system, which allows people to enjoy delicious meals without stepping out of their homes, is now loved by many, regardless of age or gender.

I applied for this job and got hired. Up until the year before last, they didn’t hire anyone under 18, but last year they relaxed the requirements.

It’s not a salary-based job but a reward-based one. You earn about 500 yen per delivery.

In other words, the more deliveries you make, the more you earn.

It’s around 5 PM.

I arrived at the specified location, an apartment near Rokujizo Station.

I rang the doorbell, and the resident came out immediately.

Long, glossy black hair and a black mask. Sharp eyes with long lashes.

When I saw the woman taking out her wallet, I was surprised.

What do you know? The delivery address for Uber Eats was the home of one of the school’s top three beauties, Chikage Karasumaru.

Chikage, the epitome of a cool beauty, was wearing a navy-colored outerwear draped over her shoulders, a tank top, and hot pants—a very casual outfit.

“You’re Kei Kyosaka, right? Huh, so you’re working for Uber Eats.”

She seems to know my name. That makes me happy—well, really happy.

“Yeah. Hi. You’re Chikage Karasumaru, right? Here’s your delivery. Can you check the contents?”

I took out the packed Chinese food from my delivery backpack.

Fried rice, eight-treasure vegetables—pretty rich stuff.

“Um… Chikage?”

“Don’t you think part-time jobs are a waste of time? What does a high school student need money for?”

Instead of taking the package, Chikage asked me something unexpected

“Well, whether it’s a waste of time or not is up to me to decide.”

“True. It’s none of my business. But I’m surprised. I thought you were the type who didn’t care about money, but I guess not. So the reason you always turn down everyone’s invitations is because you wanted money?”

“It’s not that I want money for myself. But without money, I can’t send my little sister to college.”

I don’t expect her to understand this nuance.

“…”

After a brief pause, Chikage laughed.

“Huh. I didn’t think people like that still existed. Doing something for someone else. Hmm, you’re like a rare species.”

I couldn’t see her mouth because of the mask, but her eyes curved into crescent moons, so I think she was smiling.

“Am I really a rare species…? I think most people work for their families.”

“You’re pretty mature, Kei.”

“No, um… I think you’re a hundred times more mature than me.”

“Pfft, what’s that supposed to mean? Do I look that old to you?”

“N-no, that’s not what I meant.”

Is she teasing me?

We haven’t really talked much—well, not at all, actually. Chikage always gives off such a cool vibe at school, so seeing this playful side of her is a bit surprising.

One of the school’s top three beauties.

Even though we’re classmates, it feels like we live in completely different worlds… that’s the kind of person she is.

“Sorry for keeping you.”

“No, it’s fine.”

“Good luck with your part-time job.”

“Thanks.”

I took the payment, handed her the package, and she went back inside.

Delivery complete.

The day after the unbelievable experience of talking to Karasumaru-san.

When I went to school, as usual, I was being talked about behind my back, mainly by those who belonged to the “sunny” group. However, a commotion during lunchtime made the reactions of those around me seem insignificant.

“Higashiyama-san, your ulterior motives are so obvious. Honestly, it’s annoying.”

“I don’t have any ulterior motives. It’s just… well, it’d be more fun if you guys came to the ‘friendship gathering,’ right?”

“Are you serious? You think gathering only the people you like, singing karaoke, and eating will deepen the class’s bond? Are you stupid?”

“Th-that’s not…”

In the corner of the classroom, a group of boys and three girls were in a standoff.

Higashiyama, the boy who was called out, was a leader-like figure in the class. He was a sporty, handsome guy popular with the girls.

He had taken the initiative to plan a new class friendship gathering, but Karasumaru-san, Ono-san, and Daigo-san (mainly Ono-san) were outright refusing the invitation.

The obvious rejection from the class’s most popular group of girls left not only the boys but also the other girls in a state of confusion.

But the reason was clear. While it was called a “friendship gathering,” it was essentially just Higashiyama and his friends trying to get closer to the girls. The fact that they only invited specific groups made their ulterior motives painfully obvious.

As for me, I had just found out about the gathering and had only a vague understanding of the class’s social hierarchy. This was a problem in itself.

But those who were looking down were probably the ones who hadn’t been invited and were feeling left out, while the confused ones were likely those who had already been invited and had agreed to participate. At least, that’s what I could gather.

Well, it didn’t really concern me.

As I was thinking this, Karasumaru-san suddenly glanced in my direction.

She looked at me with a “What should we do?” expression and then shrugged slightly.

Ugh. Even though we talked a bit yesterday, I wish she wouldn’t suddenly involve me… But the atmosphere made it seem like I couldn’t just stay out of it.

I stood up from my seat and timidly raised my hand. “Um, excuse me…” At that moment, the classroom fell silent. Both the boys and girls were all looking at me.

“Kyosaka, you… what?”

The handsome guy glared at me, clearly annoyed.

“Uh, well, today I finally have a day off from work… so, um, I was thinking maybe I could join the friendship gathering…”

I sounded like a politician holding a press conference without any preparation.

This is bad. I feel like crying. Ono-san looked confused for a moment but quickly seemed to understand my intention and clapped her hands.

“Wait, ‘Okeihan,’ didn’t you skip last year’s gathering because of work or something?”

Okeihan? Is that my nickname or something?

“Uh, yeah. But how do you know? We weren’t in the same class last year, Ono-san.”

“LOL, last year’s gathering was a joint event with three classes, and we rented out a karaoke place in Kawahara Town. You were the only one who didn’t show up, so in a way, you stood out.”

“…Ahaha.”

Apparently, there was no one else like me. But if everyone did it last year, why not just do the same this year?

Higashiyama, who planned the gathering, the chosen members, and those who weren’t invited all seemed unsure of what to do and fell silent. The classroom was quietly buzzing.

“What do you think, Chikage? Okeihan’s coming too. You like rare characters, right?”

“Well, yeah. Rare species seem kind of beneficial.”

I’m not some kind of lucky charm.

“What about Sakurako?”

“Either way.”

“Then let’s just have everyone join, okay? Raise your hand if you want to go.”

With that one decisive statement, the classroom erupted in excitement.

Everyone started raising their hands one after another.

“Fuhah, I acknowledge Kyosaka’s courage. I shall ride this wave as well.”

A voice from the back of the room declared their participation. It was Ishida-kun, a guy with long black hair tied back, who looked like a typical otaku. He was known as the “Last Samurai.”

“Ishida-kun, you’re pretty into this, huh?”

“These kinds of events are rare for me. If it’s a once-a-year free-for-all, I can’t just not participate.”

A free-for-all day, huh? That sounds cool.

Ishida-kun was one of the class’s most eccentric characters. His fellow subculture enthusiasts also raised their hands.

Higashiyama’s group looked displeased but didn’t object, and it was decided that everyone would participate. They’re glaring at me. Yikes.

And so, thanks to me (?) the class powerholders’ exclusive gathering turned into a regular class friendship event.

I thought I saw Karasumaru-san and Ono-san giggling and glancing at me, but it was probably my imagination. I hope it was just my imagination.

If that pitiful response of mine is still lingering in their minds, it’s way too embarrassing. Being laughed at by girls is like hell.

—

After school.

I was supposed to go to work today, but given the earlier atmosphere, I couldn’t bring myself to say anything.

I guess trying to show off a bit in front of Karasumaru-san backfired. I don’t regret it, but I do want to reflect on it for other reasons.

(Ugh… 600 yen just to sing? Isn’t that a rip-off?)

Three hours, with free drinks.

I don’t usually go to karaoke, so I don’t know the standard rates. By the way, there are 36 people in the class, so we split into six groups of six.

I haven’t talked much with everyone, and while I listen to Tororo and others, I’m not good at singing, so I was content to just hang out by myself in the corner.

This is bad. There’s no “friendship” in this gathering.

Pairs of boys and girls were chatting happily. I just sat there, sipping my oolong tea from the drink bar while watching everyone.

The door opened, and someone came in. It was Ishida-kun.

“Hey, Kyosaka.”

“Hey, Ishida-kun. What’s up?”

“Nothing. Just here to pay my respects.”

You saying that makes you sound like a swordsman, so maybe you should stop.

“I’m not a power spot, you know.”

“Don’t be modest. For us subculture enthusiasts, your courageous act was like a divine wind. We’re grateful.”

“I don’t really get it, but you’re welcome.”

“Originally, there should be no hierarchy among people. Yet, those led by Higashiyama and us ‘shadow’ people are at odds. Well, they probably don’t even acknowledge our existence.”

Ishida-kun paused and murmured, “I wonder when things became like this.”

“Yeah, I wonder.”

I gave a vague response.

“Anyway, I deeply thank you, Kyosaka, for giving us courage. You were like the last samurai.”

Thanks. But that’s your nickname, I think.

“Well then, see you. Salad bar.”

“Ah, yeah. Salad bar?”

Ishida-kun went back to the next room. I took another sip of my oolong tea.

It’s a strange feeling. I’ve never been thanked by a classmate before. Maybe even my small act of courage helped someone.

I was feeling a bit sentimental when the door opened again, and a girl with a gal-like appearance came in.

“Hey, hey! Okeihan, can I sit next to you?”

“Ah, sure. Go ahead.”

It was Ono-san. She was holding a glass with droplets of water on it, her lips curling into a smile. When she smiled, her double teeth peeked out, making her look very charming.

She had a gal-like but friendly vibe, with her uniform slightly disheveled, her blazer tied around her waist, her skirt as short as possible, and her blouse unbuttoned to the second button. She wore a heart-shaped charm earring that added a bit of edge.

If you asked whether that gave her a negative image, it didn’t. If anything, it emphasized her beauty.

Ono-san placed her melon soda on the table and sat down next to me, saying, “Thanks.” Thanks? I was momentarily confused.

“Ah, for earlier. That was kind of spur-of-the-moment, haha.”

“Yeah, I figured. Okeihan doesn’t seem like the type to say things like that. But it really helped me out, so I came to say thanks.”

This was the second thank-you of the day. It made me feel both happy and embarrassed.

“Thanks for coming over. By the way, everyone’s moving between rooms… is that allowed at karaoke?”

“It’s not recommended, but people do it. Okeihan, you’re too serious.”

Ono-san laughed cheerfully.

I was nervous, but she’s just a classmate. I should be able to act naturally.

“By the way, I’m not Okeihan, I’m Kyosaka.”

“I know that. Your first name’s Kei, right? So, Okeihan.”

“Ah, I see…”

“Chikage told me that you’re working at Uber for your little sister, right? And you were supposed to work today too?”

So, Karasumaru-san already told Ono-san about me in just one day.

Well, it’s not like it’s a secret, so it’s fine.

“Ono-san, you don’t need to worry about it. It’s just my family’s situation.”

“Wow, this is the first time a guy has gently rejected me.”

“I’m not rejecting you.”

“But you’re trying to distance yourself, right?”

“Uh, sorry. I didn’t mean to…”

“Just kidding. Anyway, I’ll smooth things over with everyone, so feel free to leave whenever you want, Okeihan.”

As she whispered this in my ear, Ono-san seemed to be creating an atmosphere whe it is feel awkward or difficult for me to leave.

The distance is close. Her chest is touching my arm. It’s not that big—no, not big at all—but there’s a definite softness pressing against me. A light, repeated touch.

I’ve heard that gals are on a whole different level when it comes to physical contact, but I never expected it to be this much.

I’m trying to keep my composure, but the tension and embarrassment are making my back tingle.

“Thanks. I’ll take you up on that. I’ll head home after I finish this.”

“Huh? Seriously… I’m being gently rejected, huh?”

“Uh, what do you mean?”

“Nothing, just talking to myself. Good luck with work.”

“Yeah. Thanks.”

With that, I finish my oolong tea and leave the karaoke room. I think Ono-san was grinning at me, but I’m not sure what that reaction meant.

As someone who’s always alone, I’m not great at understanding the subtleties of girls’ emotions.

—

After Kyosaka Kei left.

A group of third-year seniors barged into the second-year class 3 mixer.

The so-called “popular guys”—flashy, loud, and seemingly carefree—strode in without hesitation, instantly killing the mood.

“Rokujou-kun, good work.”

“Thanks. Hey, Shou-chan. What’s the deal? Why’s it so crowded here?”

Shou-chan, aka Higashiyama Shougo. The third-year guy named Rokujou, who’s his senior, places a hand on his shoulder and smirks.

“I told you to only invite the cute ones, right?”

“T-that’s, uh…”

“Isayama heard it too, right?”

“Cut it out, Keita. Shougo seems to realize he messed up.”

Rokujou, stopped by the muscular guy named Isayama, slaps Higashiyama on the back.

“Whatever. So, where’s Tsukasa-chan?”

“Ah, I’ll show you… this way.”

Higashiyama leads the third-years to the room where Tsukasa is.

The way he closes the door and crouches down in the hallway feels less like a senior-junior relationship and more like a master-servant dynamic.

Soon, voices can be heard from inside.

“Tsukasa-chan, long time no see. You remember me, right?”

“Who are you again?”

“It’s me, Rokujou Keita. I confessed to you last year, and you turned me down.”

“Oh. This is a second-year mixer, so could you please leave?”

“Come on, don’t be like that. I’ve been working hard since then. My MyStar followers have surpassed 50,000.”

Tsukasa blinks her half-open eyes and gives a half-hearted “Oh.” But Rokujou isn’t deterred and continues in a syrupy voice.

“Hey, Keita. She’s not even paying attention to you.”

“That’s fine. Sometimes you just want to bring a high-and-mighty girl down a peg, right?”

“Keita’s a real devil, huh?”

“Don’t take me seriously. It’s just a joke.”

“Hahaha!”

Behind Rokujou, the other popular guys are saying whatever they want, but Tsukasa doesn’t even flinch, tapping away on her phone.

“Can you at least give me your contact info? I’ve been doing some modeling lately, and I’d love to do a livestream with you to show your charm to my viewers.”

“Ah, I’m good. I have zero interest in self-proclaimed influencers.”

Tsukasa’s merciless retort freezes the room.

“…Tsukasa-chan, don’t you think you’re getting a bit too full of yourself?”

“I’ll show respect to those who know their place. But you guys are the ones who crashed this event, right? Could you please leave for today?”

“I see. In that case, we’ll take our leave.”

Rokujou and his entourage leave the karaoke room without another word. Tsukasa doesn’t even glance at their backs, returning to her phone.

(“Ugh, nothing but boring guys. I should’ve asked for Okei-san’s contact info.”)

A sigh of genuine regret escapes her, filling the karaoke room.

—

On my way home after leaving the mixer early and finishing my Uber shift.

I’m standing alone, gazing up at the famous night cherry blossoms at the main temple, a World Heritage site.

It’s 10 PM. Even though it’s spring, the night is still chilly.

I pull my hoodie’s hood low and sniffle.

The night cherry blossoms are beautiful.

It’s been a while since I’ve thought that. Locals don’t really do flower viewing. We’ve seen them since we were kids.

When I was in elementary school, I used to look up at the cherry blossoms on my way to school, laughing with friends.

But by middle school, I stopped noticing them.

Now that I’m in high school, I’m too old for that.

I don’t have friends like I did back then.

As I’m lost in thought, a gust of wind blows.

The trees rustle.

Cherry blossom petals scatter.

Then, I suddenly notice.

Someone’s gaze.

A presence.

I instinctively turn around.

“Daigo-san…?”

“Who are you?”

Ouch. That stings.

Anyway, it’s Daigo-san.

Her pale, cherry blossom-colored bob cut. Even though it’s night, she’s in her uniform, and her ample chest, like it’s cradling a melon, pushes against her pink sweater and blazer.

Her eyes, behind her lenses, seem to be glaring at me. Or rather, not even looking at me. And then I understand.

Daigo-san’s interest is directed at the cherry tree behind me.

“Ah, sorry. I’m Kyosaka, from the same class.”

“Don’t know you.”

Stab. Stab stab.

“Y-yeah. I’m not really noticeable or anything.”

“It’s not that. I’m just not interested in people my age. So, Kyosaka-kun, was it? Sorry, but I don’t remember your face.”

Her words are harsh, but strangely, I don’t feel bad.

Daigo-san hardly talks to anyone except Karasumaru Chikage and Ono-san. Her private life is a complete mystery. In a way, she’s like the stereotypical untouchable flower, and all the guys in our grade, especially the artsy ones, are into her. But they all keep their distance.

“Don’t mess with the goddess, or you’ll get cursed,” or something like that.

In a different way, she’s close to being a loner like me.

I’ve always felt a vague sense of kinship with her because of that, but I don’t have the courage to speak my mind as clearly as she does.

“I guess I’m in the way. Sorry. I’ll go.”

“If you were looking at the cherry blossoms, you don’t have to leave on my account.”

“O-okay.”

I give a response I don’t fully understand and stand stiffly under the cherry tree.

Daigo-san is just absentmindedly gazing at the night blossoms. Honestly, it’s awkward. I don’t know what to say or how to interact with her

“Question. Are you living a life without regrets, Kei?”

“Huh?”

“Sorry. Maybe that was too sudden. I’m not really good at talking.”

“Don’t worry. I was just a little surprised.”

“You don’t have to force yourself to answer. I think it’s a difficult question.”

“Ah, well, um… I think, for now, I’m doing okay.”

“Really?”

“Yeah.”

“But the word ‘now’ can easily crumble away someday. It’s just not that time yet. So, I’d feel more impressed if you could confidently say that you’ll continue to live without regrets in the future.”

Wow, that’s deep. She sounds like a poet.

“If I start thinking too far ahead, I’ll probably end up spoiling my present self.”

“…Spoiling? That’s interesting. Tell me more.”

“How should I put it? I understand Daigo-san’s perspective, but… I’m the type who would regret it if I didn’t give my all in the ‘now,’ so I don’t really have the luxury to think too far ahead. Of course, I do my best in each moment.”

“I see. You and I are fundamentally different. How intriguing.”

“Well, today… I already ended up regretting something.”

That’s right. Today, I cut into my part-time work hours.

I think it’s important to participate in class bonding events, but that’s a separate issue.

I was about to break the promise I made to myself to earn my sister’s tuition.

Thanks to Ono-san stepping in, things worked out, though.

“Connected. Could it be that you’re the ‘Okeihan’ Tsukasa was talking about?”

“Y-yeah, but… what do you mean by ‘connected’?”

“There are countless dots scattered in the world. People, things, scenery. Not all of them are connected by lines, but at least in my mind, they connected. Chikage and Tsukasa were talking about you so cheerfully.”

Karasumaru-san and Ono-san were talking about me cheerfully?

What kind of situation is that? A male high school student being talked about by the three most beautiful girls in school… isn’t that something to be proud of?

“I’ve started to feel a little interested in you too.”

Daigo-san says this while looking up at the night cherry blossoms, her words carrying a deep meaning.

Her profile, illuminated by the moonlight, had a mysterious aura.

“I’d be happy if we could get along. I don’t have many friends.”

For someone like me, who also has no friends, her words were like a sugar-coated bullet. Too sweet to handle.

“Y-yeah, likewise. Nice to meet you.”

Quietly. Gently. As if softly knocking on my heart.

A cherry blossom petal brushed against my flushed cheek.

Being able to connect with the three most beautiful girls in school was something I was really happy about.

But I didn’t have the courage to approach them, and I was sure they’d never talk to me first at school. That’s what I thought. Life is strange.

Two days after the opening ceremony, on April 8th during lunch break.

I was eating my lunch near the bicycle parking area next to the school building when three female students approached me.

“Hey, Kei’s here. What are you doing? In a place like this.”

The first one to speak to me was Karasumaru-san. As always, she was wearing a black mask, and her blouse and tie, paired with a shoulder-dropped blazer, gave off a cool vibe.

Behind her were Ono-san, pushing her bicycle, and Daigo-san, holding a paperback book.

“Ah, um. I’m eating lunch.”

“Kei, are you alone?”

“Yeah.”

“Pfft, that’s hilarious! Okeihan, that’s a loner meal!”

I don’t know what’s so funny, but Ono-san burst out laughing.

“Yeah. I don’t have any friends.”

“Wait, seriously? Sorry about that… Isn’t that a seppuku-level situation?”

Are we in the Edo period now? Please don’t take away Ishida-kun’s identity.

“It’s fine. I’m used to it.”

“Tsukasa has no tact. I became friends with Kei-kun the other day. So Kei-kun isn’t a loner.”

Daigo-san said this while closing her book with a snap.

“Huh? When did Sakurako and Okeihan form an alliance?”

Is Ono-san into history or something?

“The night before last.”

“What? A secret meeting?”

While putting her red mamachari in the bike rack, Ono-san tilted her head.

A wrapped sandwich was sticking out of the convenience store bag in her basket. Our school allows students to go out during lunch, but it’s rare for students to go to a convenience store.

Convenience stores have been stealthily raising prices lately, so it’s a bit of a luxury for high schoolers.

So, the only students who get lunch outside are either those with money to spare or those

who missed out on the cafeteria.

Which one is Ono-san? Well, that’s beside the point.

“It wasn’t a secret meeting. We just happened to meet at the temple and talked a bit.”

“Wow. That’s such an emotional setting.”

“Huh. A temple, huh? Kei, you’re into that kind of thing? That’s cool. I want to be friends with you too, is that okay?”

Karasumaru-san brushed her long, smooth black hair behind her ear as she asked me. My heart skipped a beat. It felt like an uppercut to my right atrium.

“Are you blushing? Kei, you’re cute.”

“Ah, um…”

“Whoa, don’t lead him on like that! Stop it, Okeihan, Chikage’s a femme fatale.”

“Don’t spread misinformation. I know how to behave.”

“Both Tsukasa and Chikage have sharp personalities, so you’re both the same.”

“Sakurako, you’re saying that?”

“I don’t want to hear that from Sakurako!”

“Ahaha… You three get along really well.”

Watching their banter, I couldn’t help but laugh.

It was heartwarming, in a way. Is this what friendship among peers looks like? It felt fresh to me, since I’ve never experienced it.

To someone like me, who has the presence of leftover fish scraps at a seafood counter, the three of them seemed like inhabitants of another world.

In the midst of this peaceful atmosphere… suddenly, or rather, as if perfectly timed, a group of trendy-looking upperclassmen emerged from the shadows of the school building.

“Phew, finally found you. I’ve been looking for you, Tsukasa-chan. You haven’t forgotten our promise, right?”

The first to speak was a guy with black, messy hair leading the group. Karasumaru-san and

Daigo-san glanced at him briefly before turning away, clearly uninterested.

“Seriously, you’re persistent, senpai. You weren’t looking for me, you were stalking me, right?”

Ono-san let out an exasperated sigh.

Are they acquaintances? It seems more like he’s pestering her. From Ono-san’s tone, it’s safe to assume he’s been bothering her.

The usually quiet bicycle parking area during lunch was now crowded with onlookers. This was no ordinary situation.

“I did say we’d talk another day, right? I’m not the kind of guy who breaks promises with girls, so I came to hear your answer.”

“If it’s about the live stream, I’m declining.”

“Right, I thought so too. How about a photo then? Honestly, if I had a photo with you and the girls from your class, it’d really boost my status as a micro-influencer. Just once, as a test?”

“I’m not interested in being a crowd-puller.”

“I’ll pay you properly. How about this? We rent a studio, promote it as a photoshoot with the three most beautiful girls in school, and post the photos. It’ll definitely go viral. How much do you want?”

“No amount of money will change my answer. We’re not that free.”

This was a dead end.

But Roku-jo-senpai was quite the character. Realizing this wasn’t going anywhere, he unexpectedly turned his attention to me.

Ono-san’s refusal was probably within his expectations.

“And you? Hmm, I don’t think I’ve seen you before. First year? What’s your name?”

He narrowed his eyes and stared intently at my face.

I felt like a frog caught in a snake’s gaze. Or rather, since I was sitting cross-legged, I

couldn’t move even if I wanted to.

“I’m Kyosaka Kei, second year.”

“Ah, I see. I’m Roku-jo Keita, third year. Are you close with these three? Friends?”

“Ah, um, well…”

They said they wanted to be friends, but I’m not sure if I can call them friends yet. Maybe

they just talked to me out of sympathy or pity.

“He’s our friend, so could you stop bothering him?”

Ono-san answered for me.

My ribs ached a little. That made me really happy. Yes, it did.

“Misunderstanding. I’m not trying to bother him. I just thought he could help me with the negotiation.”

Roku-jo-senpai gave a refreshing smile and patted my shoulder. The impact wasn’t strong, but it carried an inexplicable weight.

At first glance, he seemed like a cheerful, good-natured guy, but the contrast was striking.

This must be what true cunning looks like. If I’m the leftover fish scraps, he’s the squid ink.

“Anyway, could you take your hand off Kei?”

“Seriously.”

“Kei-kun looks uncomfortable.”

Karasumaru-san, Ono-san, and Daigo-san all spoke up, their tones sharp as they glared at Roku-jo-senpai.

Karasumaru-san, Ono-san, and Daigo-san all spoke up, their tones sharp as they glared at Roku-jo-senpai.

What is this feeling of being protected by girls? How pathetic, Kei. If my little sister ever saw me in a situation like this, any dignity I had as her older brother would be completely gone.

“Ah, no, no. I really don’t mean any harm. I was just reminded of the rumors secretly circulating at Kutsuuzaka High about the part-time warrior. So, Kyosaka-kun, you’re working for Uber, right? I heard it from a girl in our class.”

A third-year girl? I think I might have seen someone like that at a delivery location, or maybe not.

“Yes, but what about it?”

“Uber isn’t on a shift system, right? How about this? I’ll pay you the same amount as these three. Would you be willing to assist us on the day of the shoot? I’ll give you 50,000 yen per day. Of course, transportation and any necessary expenses will be covered.”

“50,000 yen per day?!”

That’s an outrageous amount.

I’ve worked many part-time jobs to earn my sister’s tuition, but I’ve never had a job that paid this much per day. The request for negotiation help might not just be a pretext—it’s probably genuine.

Guh. My resolve is wavering. It’s an offer I’d jump at without hesitation, but I firmly shook my head.

“It’s a tempting offer, but I don’t want to be the kind of person who neglects my friends. So, I’m sorry.”

It felt fundamentally wrong to say yes when the three of them were clearly not interested.

“Kyosaka, you actually found this offer tempting, didn’t you?”

“Okei-han, that’s a bit much, don’t you think?”

Both Karasumaru-san and Ono-san frowned in unison.

Calling it “tempting” was a slip of the tongue. They might think I’m the type to prioritize money over friends. This is bad. If this keeps up, I’ll be labeled as a capitalist dog.

I’m already being subtly teased by my sister, who says, “Big bro, sometimes you look like a housewife who’s so focused on cutting costs that it becomes your goal.” I don’t pour the money I save into brand-name bags or anything.

Akari, it’s so you can go to college. Wait, why am I arguing with my sister in my memories?

“N-no, it’s not like that, everyone. I mean, uh, well—”

“Calm down, Kyosaka-kun. Look at me and take a deep breath.”

Inhale, exhale, inhale, exhale. Daigo-san’s beautiful face is so captivating that instead of relaxing, my heart is racing even faster. Uh, I think this is having the opposite effect?

“Somehow, I feel like Kyosaka might fall for some shady part-time job offer and end up in trouble with the police. I’m worried.”

“Huh? Shady jobs? I wouldn’t do that.”

I see. So that’s what Karasumaru-san was concerned about. I thought she might have thought I was some kind of money-grubber.

“But Kyosaka, you’re a bit scatterbrained sometimes.”

“I feel that so hard. You’re such a natural airhead.”

“Chikage agrees.”

…So that’s how the three of them see me.

“Of course, it’s not a shady job. I just don’t want to let go of a chance that might lead to my own advancement,” said Roku-jo-senpai.

“And that stepping stone is the PR activities for Kutsuuzaka High, specifically a four-shot photo with the three campus beauties. What do you say, Kyosaka-kun?”

“Like I said before, I can’t betray the three of them, so I’m sorry.”

I bowed deeply again.

As if to say there was nothing more to discuss, I packed up my half-eaten lunchbox and stood up.

“You need money, don’t you? If there’s a more efficient way to earn it, don’t you think you should try it?”

“…It’s not that I want money. I just need it.”

I flinched for a moment at being called out, but I denied it firmly.

Of course, I want money. With money, I can send Akari to college.

But it’s not that simple. If I chase after money alone, I’ll surely lose something important.

“Let’s go, everyone. Lunch break is over.”

“That was the plan, but it’s Kyosaka’s fault, right? This is what it means to have your resolve shaken, I think.”

Karasumaru-san stayed put as she spoke.

“Uh, what do you mean?”

“Hmm… I guess I changed my mind. If Kyosaka really insists, I’m okay with accepting this offer.”

“I’ll help too. Kyosaka-kun needs some real-world experience.”

“Welp, guess I have no choice. I’ll accept senpai’s offer, but in return, promise you’ll never bother us again after the shoot, okay?”

This was unexpected. Karasumaru-san, Daigo-san, and Ono-san all agreed to Roku-jo-senpai’s proposal one after another. I was left utterly dumbfounded.

But the conversation moved forward without regard for my feelings.

“Alright. If we get a good photo, I promise I won’t bother you again. How about this Saturday? I’ll contact you later with the time and location. Kyosaka-kun, can I get your contact info?”

“Uh, sure.”

Swept up in the momentum, I took out my phone.

“Then, this Saturday, everyone, let’s do our best.”

With that, Roku-jo-senpai left with the group of third-years who had been waiting nearby, disappearing toward the bike parking area.

My mind was filled with question marks after the whirlwind of events.

“Everyone, why—”

“It’s not like we fell for that mushroom-head’s smooth talk, okay? Okei-han needs money for his little sister, right? We’re your friends. You can rely on us.”

“Tsukasa beat me to it, but yeah, that’s how I feel too.”

“Consider it a service.”

The three of them spoke up.

As for me, I was overwhelmed by their warmth, my mouth hanging open in disbelief.

I reopened the lunchbox I had just put away. The food was cold by now, but witnessing their selfless kindness warmed my heart.

“Kyosaka’s lunch looks delicious. I’ll take the tamagoyaki, the fried chicken, and the asparagus bacon rolls. That’s enough thanks.”

“Huh? But that’s all my side dishes!”

“See? Chikage’s demonic side is showing. She crosses the line so suddenly.”

“Tsukasa and I won’t say anything as pushy as Chikage, so don’t worry.”

“Come on, you two, stop with the misinformation. Kyosaka, it’s just a joke…”

“Ah, uh, yeah. Anyway, thank you, everyone!”

I’m not sure what triggered it, but it seems like the three campus beauties have officially recognized me as a friend. It makes me really happy.

Please, if this is a dream, don’t let me wake up… I thought as I pinched my cheek as hard as I could.

Ouch! This pain is real.

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The translator of this light novel is new. The novel has already been reviewed, but if you find any errors, we sincerely apologize. Feel free to leave them in the comments so we can keep improving. Thank you!