Natsukawa Kanade prided himself on his self-control. However, under the relentless, searing gaze of his ever-so-charming senpai, Kasumigaoka Utaha, he found himself wavering.
Eventually, he sighed in defeat. "Senpai, could you stop staring at me? People are starting to mistake us for a couple."
Though he couldn't see the reactions of the bookstore patrons behind him, the curious and envious glances of passersby outside were hard to ignore. Especially the occasional mother-child duo, with children pointing and loudly declaring, "Look, mommy! A dumb couple!"
How did kids in Japan grow so precocious? He couldn't decide whether to laugh or cry.
"It's fine, isn't it? It's not like this is the first time," Utaha replied with a sly smile, completely unfazed. "Consider it a lesson in societal pressure, kouhai-kun."
She tilted her head, letting her long black hair cascade lazily over her shoulder. "Besides… being mistaken for my boyfriend… doesn't sound like such a bad deal for you, does it?"
Kanade instinctively leaned back as Utaha leaned closer, her sweet scent—something floral, mixed with just a hint of spice—wafting over him.
"You know that's not what I mean," Kanade said, exasperated.
This woman. She always played these games, feigning interest just to fluster him. She loved nothing more than watching him stumble over his words, cheeks flushed, as if that alone were her reward.
He had learned to tread carefully around her—not just because of these antics, but also because Utaha was, at her core, a consummate pragmatist. She only invested her energy in things that benefited her, though she was careful not to harm others in the process.
Except when it came to Sawamura Spencer Eriri.
Those two were natural-born rivals. During the time Kanade had been romantically pursuing Utaha, she would often interfere when he later turned his affections toward Eriri. Back then, Kanade naively thought it was out of jealousy. But in hindsight, it was obvious: Utaha simply didn't want to lose a useful asset—be it his assistance with her writing research or the occasional home-cooked meal.
The layers of complexity surrounding Utaha always made Kanade wary, even now.
"Senpai, what brings you here? Shouldn't a third-year student like you be busy with coursework?" he asked, hoping to steer the conversation elsewhere.
"And what makes you think I'm not studying?" she countered with a raised eyebrow, toying with a strand of her glossy hair.
Kanade pointed at the book in her hand. Its title? The Loyal Dog's Training Manual.
"If you consider that studying, I have nothing to say," Kanade deadpanned.
Utaha simply chuckled. "I'm not just a high school senior, you know. I'm also Japan's youngest and most talented light novel author."
"Most talented, huh? Modest as always."
She ignored the jab, continuing, "As such, I have to stay inspired. And since someone refuses to help me with my research, I have no choice but to glean ideas from others' work."
"..."
Kanade raised an eyebrow. Was she seriously blaming him for this?
"I've been busy, senpai. Between the school retreat, student council duties, and everything else, I haven't exactly been slacking off."
"Oh?" Utaha's eyes gleamed with sudden interest. "So you're saying that if you were free, you'd help me, right?"
Kanade immediately realized his mistake. "Uh… sure. If I have time, that is."
Utaha's lips curved into a predatory smile. "Great. Let's do it tomorrow, then. It's the weekend, after all."
"Tomorrow won't work," Kanade quickly replied. "I already have plans. And the day after that, too."
Utaha's sharp eyebrows arched in disbelief.
"What, so you'll agree to help if you're free, but now you're suddenly busy the entire weekend? Sounds like an excuse to me," she said, her voice dripping with suspicion.
Kanade sighed, realizing he needed to explain. "It's not an excuse. I promised to help Eriri with her studies this weekend. She's at risk of failing a class, and I—"
"Eriri?" Utaha's expression darkened ever so slightly.
Kanade paused, sensing her irritation. "It's just tutoring," he added quickly.
"Hmph. Tutoring, huh?" Utaha leaned back, crossing her arms. "So, that girl gets your undivided attention for an entire weekend… at her house, no less?"
"Senpai, it's not like that. I'm just helping a friend."
"Sure, sure," Utaha said, feigning nonchalance. But inwardly, she was seething.
A private study session at Eriri's home? How cozy.
"Maybe I should join you, then," Utaha suggested, her tone casual. "After all, I could use some help with my own studies."
"Nope. Absolutely not," Kanade said firmly. "It wouldn't be polite to bring someone else to her house without permission."
Utaha clicked her tongue in annoyance. She had expected as much, but it still stung.
"Well then," she said after a moment, her lips curving into a determined smile. "Next weekend. No excuses, kouhai-kun."
Kanade hesitated, then nodded. "Fine. Next weekend."
"Good," Utaha said, satisfaction evident in her tone. "Now, where were you headed before we met? I've got some time. Why don't I tag along?"
Kanade froze.
Tag along?
He could practically hear the unspoken words behind her sweet smile:
Don't even think about escaping me, dear kouhai.