Arc 1 – Episode 6: “The Academy’s Princess as a Friend – Part 1”

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After being introduced to Ichigo by Kakyoin-san, about a month had passed, and it became common for the three of us—me, Ichigo, and Kakyoin-san—to go out together.

Thanks to that, I felt like I'd gotten a lot closer to Kakyoin-san… or so I thought.

“Kakyoin-san, don't you have other friends to hang out with? Are you sure it's okay to spend so much time with us?”

One day, she invited us out again, so I asked her. She looked a bit taken aback, almost tearful.

“Am I… in the way?”

Yes, you are.

Honestly, she only needed to be our cover, someone to support Ichigo and me without tagging along on our dates. It was enough to let her know we were dating. I didn't think she had to come along all the time.

“I'm sorry, Kuzuha-kun! I asked her to come!”

Ichigo interrupted, apologizing. She shot me a look that clearly said, Don't say unnecessary things.

Wait, did I say something wrong?

“No, sorry, I was just curious.”

I apologized, though I didn't actually feel bad—it's just one of those things you have to do to keep the peace.

“No, I'm the one who overreacted.”

Kakyoin-san quickly regaining her composure. But lately, it felt like she was getting a little too close for comfort.

While it seemed like she supported Ichigo and me being together, sometimes her actions were invasive—like not wanting to leave us alone.

Just recently, for instance, we were at the arcade, and I accidentally called Ichigo by her first name. To cover for it, we decided to just start calling each other “Ichigo” and “Kyo-kun” openly. Kakyoin-san latched onto this and asked to be on a first-name basis as well.

I figured that if she and Ichigo were on a first-name basis, it should be enough. But Ichigo insisted, “Don't leave her out.”

Under that pressure, I eventually started calling her by her first name, Aria.

It might be time to confess to Ichigo in front of Kakyoin-san, or at least let her know that we're dating. If I drag this out too long, Kakyoin-san might get the wrong idea, which would be a problem.

As I was thinking that, Ichigo cut in with a pointed remark as we prepared dinner at her place.

“Kyo-kun, don't go around confessing to me in front of Aria-chan or talking about it behind her back.”

“Huh? Why?”

“Well, because…this time, I want to be the one to confess!”

It reminded me of when we were in sixth grade, and a wave of confessions was going around. I got caught up in it and confessed to Ichigo, and that's how we started dating.

Back then, I didn't pay much attention to how the girls looked. Ichigo had always been the one I liked the most because she'd help me with my studies, sports tips, and even bought me toys and makeup gifts.

… I guess I was a bit materialistic back then.

Now, I genuinely like all of her. At least, I hope I do.

But this is my past debt catching up with me, and even if I wanted to start a part-time job to pay it off, she'd probably forbid it, saying, “I don't want you losing any of your free time.”

She even said, “If you ever need money, just ask me.” I couldn't bring myself to agree, though.

Back to the present.

Since it was my confession that started our relationship, I guess it's only fair to let her do it this time, even if it's just for show. Besides, we constantly tell each other “I love you” and “You're the best,” and I intend to do the same later in bed. Still, it might be nice to hear her say, “Would you go out with me?”

“Alright, I'll wait.”

“Yeah, wait for me.”

This weekend, the three of us planned to go to the planetarium. It's a typical date spot, but instead of just the two of us, it was the three of us. Ten minutes before we were supposed to meet, Kakyoin-san messaged:

“Sorry! Something came up at home, so I can't make it! Please go to the planetarium together!”

Is this a typical no-show to give us time alone?

Maybe all that closeness recently was just my imagination.

“Sorry for the wait, Kyo-kun.”

“Hey, I just got here myself… or not,” I joked, knowing we lived next door to each other.

I'd arrived before her, of course. We'd timed it so that we wouldn't arrive at the same time.

“Did you hear that Kakyoin-san couldn't come?”

“I did. And by the way, you're using her last name again. You know Aria-chan would cry if she heard that.”

“But it feels strange to call someone who isn't family or my girlfriend by their first name…”

“That's exactly why you made that slip-up before, right? We managed to smooth it over last time, but if you make that mistake with Aria-chan, she'll get the wrong idea. So even if she's not around, keep calling her by her name.”

“…Fine.”

It felt odd, but there was no point in worrying about someone who wasn't here. I'll focus on enjoying the date with Ichigo.

“Oh, by the way, when are you planning to confess?” I asked, the memory surfacing as we walked.

“I'll do it when Aria-chan's seen enough of how close we are.”

“Isn't she convinced by now?”

“No, not yet. Leave it to me; I know these things. Just be patient, okay?”

“…Alright.”

She might be planning a surprise or something. I'll try to look forward to it.

As we got closer to the planetarium, Ichigo nudged me.

“Kyo-kun, don't look now, but behind us, there's someone in a hat and sunglasses. It's Aria.”

“What?”

“Don't turn around. Here, I took a selfie.”

She showed me her phone, and sure enough, there was Aria, walking behind us in a disguise.

The sunglasses and hat might work, but that pale skin and blonde hair in that outfit? No mistaking it.

She's probably just curious and tagging along. I can just pretend not to notice.

“Since you've noticed her, let's invite her to join us.”

“Why?”

“Because I want to spend time with her too. Besides, we can have a private date anytime, can't we?”

“…Alright.”

It wasn't ideal, but if Ichigo wanted it, I'd go along.

I pretended to take a double take, turning back to see Aria, and called out nonchalantly.

“Aria, what are you doing here? I thought you had something at home?”

“Well, I finished up sooner than expected… but I didn't want to intrude after canceling,” she replied, looking embarrassed.

“Oh, is that so? Shall we go to the planetarium together, then?”

“I'd like that. Since you found me, I'll come along.”

“That works for me.”

At least her ticket won't go to waste.

Still, am I using the term “works for me” correctly here?