Chapter 30: There’s plenty of time

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Translator: Soafp

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After the test results were posted, Aika silently walked away from the bulletin board and headed to the student council room.

At this hour, the student council room was empty. Typically, only the second-year student council president and vice president—Aika—were allowed to borrow the key from the faculty room. She unlocked the door, shut the heavy wooden door behind her, and took a deep breath.

“WHY?!”

She screamed, not caring that her well-kept silver hair became disheveled as she clawed at her head.

She sat in a chair, biting her nails while booting up her phone to check social media.

“…Seems like there's no problem.”

What she was checking were the social media accounts of the high-ranking students in the school's social hierarchy, as well as the school message board.

She wanted to see if the brand of Aika Shiki had dropped. Most of the posts either expressed concern for her or reassured that even ranking 13th was still amazing.

However, there was a problem. That problem was Sora.

Getting a perfect score—something far harder than simply ranking first—was a shock, and Sora had become a topic of discussion. Naturally, no one mentioned her name directly, but it was clear who they were talking about.

“Who’s that kid, anyway?”

That question—and the answer to it—was gradually spreading.

“He's that tiny guy who greets people at the school gate every morning.”

“Isn't he that gloomy-looking guy who was always behind the princess?”

“Why is he suddenly top of the class?”

Aika clenched her teeth.

“She said she didn't want to stand out since middle school!”

She knew that girl had an almost monstrous memory and observation skills. She also knew Sora could apply that knowledge effectively. That's exactly why she had deliberately denied her the opportunity to show it.

She had even manipulated her into changing so much—inside and out—that she couldn't evaluate herself anymore, couldn't even look in the mirror.

“…Maybe it's time I planted another ‘unforgettable' memory. But that comes later… I'll need someone to take her place first.”

Aika sighed and began fiddling with her phone.

Before she could deal with the impudent Sora, she needed at least someone to support her. She contacted the appropriate person and, while waiting for a reply, began fixing her hair and uniform, thoughts swirling.

Why had Sora suddenly decided to take the test seriously?

The answer was obvious.

“That man…Ginji Momoi .”

She growled the name low, like a beast, his irritatingly villainous face surfacing in her mind.

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Meanwhile, that afternoon after the test results were announced, Ginji and Sora…

“Sora, this is too much…”

“No way. A promise is a promise.”

“Please, have mercy. I can't take this.”

“Even your agony is kinda cute, Ginji.”

What was happening at Sora's house? A massage.

“You've got stiff shoulders. But you've got muscle—do you work out?”

“Ow ow ow—go easy on me! I just do pull-ups on the bar at home. It's a routine with Tetsu.”

Sora was giving Ginji a massage after he had changed into loungewear. He was seated on a sofa, feet on a stool, legs extended in a fully relaxed posture. The room was filled with the pleasant aroma of green tea, and within easy reach were a pot of tea Sora had prepared and a moderately sweet chocolate cake.

The reward for winning the bet about getting a perfect score was fulfilling Sora's desire to take care of Ginji.

‘You can't do anything, Ginji. Let me take care of you.'

‘What?'

After that exchange, Ginji had been dragged to Sora's house, changed into roomwear (supplied by accomplice Tetsuya), and subjected to a massage.

At first, it was painful, but eventually, the pressure became gentle and soothing—extremely comfortable.

“The tea's good too.”

Though the season was on the warmer side, Sora had served his favorite hot green tea in the air-conditioned room.

“You like it? Ehehe, I contacted a tea shop in Shizuoka and ordered it directly. Since you like hot tea even in summer, I'm starting with bancha, then some lukewarm gyokuro. It's delicious.”

“Never had fancy green tea before…”

“I'm glad. I'll swap out the snacks now.”

“Wait, wait—I'll eat it properly!”

When Sora tried to put away the leftover cake, Ginji hurriedly stopped her.

“No can do. I've got different snacks prepped for each tea. You can give the rest to Tetsuya-kun. Okay, next is something savory—tea leaf ohitashi. Enjoy it with the gyokuro.”

It was a dish made with the used tea leaves, dressed with bonito flakes and dashi. Cautiously taking a bite and sipping the gyokuro, Ginji clutched his head.

“I've never eaten this, but… I love it. And this tea is insanely good…”

It hit the bullseye.

He tasted a strange sense of defeat from how well Sora understood his preferences—better than he did himself. But it was delicious. Watching Ginji's conflicted expression, Sora smiled happily.

“Don't think you've had enough yet. I was confident in my test, so after art school, I prepped all kinds of things. Today's hospitality menu still has three more hours to go. Oh, and I already sent Tetsuya a message, so don't worry about the time.”

“You betrayed me, little brother!”

And so, Ginji continued to be pampered thoroughly—mind and body deeply satisfied.