Chapter 49: A smile with poison

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Translator: Soafp

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After Sora's shocking declaration, she dragged a blushing Ginji into the school building. Around them, the students buzzed with excitement—the incident had become the center of everyone's attention. The noise grew until even the teachers began to take notice.

“A-Aika-sama… It's getting out of control.”

“Student council president, let's call off the greeting activity for now. We're dismissing.”

“R-Right… That's true. Everyone, follow the vice president's orders. Let's wrap things up for today.”

With that declaration, the student council members left their posts. Aika and Mio headed to the student council room. There were still twenty minutes left before the morning homeroom. Aika didn't want to go back just yet—she knew if she did, she'd be swept away by Sora's momentum.

Sitting down in her chair, she reached for her usual bottle of mineral water—only to realize it wasn't there.

“…Mio, starting tomorrow, make sure to stock a few bottles of mineral water in the break room fridge in the morning. Soft water, please.”

It was one of the many small tasks Sora had always handled. Aika had entrusted every trivial responsibility to her. Now, faced with these small inconveniences, Aika felt an irritation she hadn't expected.

“Understood. You don't look well though—are you all right?”

“…Of course not. That girl actually spoke back to me. I can't believe it.”

Sora had stepped between her and Ginji, and openly voiced her opinion against Aika. Regardless of the content, that act alone was defiance. It overturned the years of strict hierarchy Aika had enforced. What bubbled up now wasn't anger, but shock. How could that Sora have changed so drastically?

“But, Aika-sama… Sora Takagi is just another student. Why not just ignore her? You're far prettier, far more exceptional.”

“Of course I am. And that's exactly why I can't ignore her. She's my cousin… and ever since we were kids, my parents, her parents, everyone around us kept comparing us. That's why I crushed her… Hey, Mio. Why do you treat me so kindly?”

Sitting in her chair, Aika toyed with her silver hair as she gazed at Mio. Blushing deeply, Mio fumbled for a response.

“U-Um… I fell for you at first sight. Aika-sama, you're so beautiful. I've always admired you. That's why, ever since middle school, I just wanted to be close to you…”

“I see. I should've tossed Sora aside much earlier and kept you by my side instead.”

The words lacked sincerity, yet they were coated in sweetness—seeping into Mio's heart through her ears.

“Y-Yes…!”

Aika stood and leaned in close. With only a few centimeters between them, Mio could barely breathe.

Her doll-like beauty seemed otherworldly. Regardless of gender, anyone who looked into her face would be turned to stone, like victims of Medusa's gaze.

“…Normally, this is what happens.”

“E-Excuse me? Aika-sama?”

“Nothing. The classroom should have calmed down by now. Let's go.”

Aika pulled away from Mio's face, lost in thought. She recalled Ginji, who hadn't flinched when she'd leaned in earlier—who had looked straight at her with a gaze that almost seemed… pitying.

Infuriating. If he'd even blushed a little, she could have exploited that. But to look at her like that…!

“Infuriating.”

She had always understood Sora's talents. But still—she was the beautiful one.

There were many things Aika couldn't yield, but this was especially unforgivable. It was a fact: she was far more beautiful than that wretched girl. Sora should have no place in anything—not in beauty, not in talent. She shouldn't exist in any domain. But now Sora had changed. She'd found something she longed for: a “place to belong.”

Looking at Mio, who was still blushing, Aika smiled like a blooming flower.

“Hey, Mio. Want to put on a little play? I think it'll be fun.”

“Aika-sama…?”

And if that smile were a flower, one thing must be added—

Its petals were laced with poisoned thorns.