"Even though it's your day off, you seem pretty gloomy, Masumi-san."
"…My precious vacation is about to be ruined."
At the same time Mamoru was meeting the students at Jujutsu Technical College, Arisu and Kamuro sat across from each other at a café on the Advanced Nurturing High School campus, sipping tea.
Arisu wore her usual mocking smile. Kamuro, on the other hand, looked sulky and irritable.
"Why not just ask Gojo to carry your luggage?"
"Unfortunately, I've been calling Mamoru-kun since this morning, but he hasn't picked up. None of my chat messages have been read either. So I was wondering if you knew anything, Masumi-san."
"If you don't know where he is, why would I?"
"I see. That's unfortunate."
Despite her words, Arisu showed no signs of disappointment. Her expression made it obvious that she hadn't expected much to begin with, which only added to Kamuro's irritation.
Sensing her mood, Arisu continued speaking with a faint smile.
"Still, that's not the main reason I called you here. There's something more important."
"…What is it?"
"I need your advice."
"…Advice? From me?"
Normally, Arisu only ever asked Kamuro to act as her hands and feet—not her brain. Kamuro looked at her suspiciously, unable to imagine what Arisu, with her pride and superior intellect, would need help thinking through.
"Yes. Honestly, I couldn't think of anyone else I could turn to."
"You're not talking about the upcoming final exams, are you?"
"Of course not. I have no intention of wasting time on such trivial matters."
"By 'trivial,' do you mean Katsuragi's no longer your concern?"
"If you mean he's no longer our enemy, then yes. As I said before, I'm not interested in playing the same game next time. In fact, I plan to have Katsuragi-kun lead the next exam."
"…Eh?"
Kamuro blinked, clearly confused. After all the provocation Arisu had directed at Katsuragi recently, suddenly handing him control for the next test didn't make sense.
Seeing Kamuro's reaction, Arisu sipped her tea and sighed elegantly.
"This isn't what I originally called you about, but I'll explain since we're here.
Let me be blunt: Katsuragi-kun will eventually destroy himself. We won't even need to intervene."
"Self-destruction? In the next exam?"
"No. Not necessarily. But it could happen as early as the summer vacation trip. That will severely damage his credibility."
Just before the midterms, first-year students had been informed by their homeroom teachers about an upcoming trip to a southern island over summer break. Many saw it as a reward for finishing exams—but others had different thoughts.
"I believe the trip will double as a special test, one that could drastically shift class points. As for the format… this is just a hunch, but I suspect it will be a survival-style training camp."
"…Survival?"
Knowing Arisu, she likely had some basis for her theory, but it still seemed far-fetched to Kamuro.
"If my guess is correct, I won't be able to participate in the exam.
Unless remote commands are allowed, someone else will have to lead. That person will be Katsuragi-kun."
"So you think Katsuragi will fail?"
"Yes. Because he already has a poisonous snake wrapped around him."
Kamuro wasn't sure what she meant by poisonous snake, but judging by Arisu's confident smile, it was definitely something dangerous.
"If he fumbles the next final exam as well, his influence will collapse.
And on that summer trip, I doubt I'll be able to contribute much. Someone else might take over in place of our unreliable leader."
In short, Arisu wasn't worried about Katsuragi himself—she was worried about unpredictable factors. She fully understood her physical limitations and recognized that, in a survival test, those weaknesses would be impossible to hide.
That would invite doubt from others regarding her capability as a leader.
"The midterm already proved who's more competent—me or Katsuragi. I plan to let him lead the class next time… and fail publicly."
In other words, Arisu intended to shift the spotlight—and any potential blame—onto Katsuragi. Her goal was to reduce the animosity directed at her for sitting out due to her health.
There was always the risk that Katsuragi might succeed, but there were ways to sabotage that—such as inserting an insider.
"So when you said you wanted advice… you meant about the southern island test?"
That seemed like the logical topic, but Arisu shook her head, slightly puzzled.
"That's not it."
"…Then what?"
Kamuro, confident in her guess, was left awkwardly surprised by her denial. Embarrassed, she brought her cocoa to her lips to hide her discomfort.
"It's about Mamoru-kun."
"…Gojo?"
"There's not much for you to do in the next exam, so I thought we should use this time to think of a strategy concerning Mamoru-kun."
"Strategy? It's not like he's your enemy."
"No, not that kind of strategy. I just…"
Arisu's voice trailed off. For once, she looked genuinely hesitant, something Kamuro had rarely—if ever—seen.
Seeing Kamuro's questioning gaze, Arisu cleared her throat and tried to compose herself.
"…I want to deepen my friendship with Mamoru-kun."
"…Huh?"
It took Kamuro a moment to register what she had just said.
Deepen friendship. Simply put: she wanted to become closer.
Arisu's cheeks were slightly flushed. Her bashful tone and expression were difficult to believe, especially from someone as calculated and cunning as her. But Kamuro knew—Arisu saw Mamoru as special.
Still, it was unsettling to hear such an innocent wish from someone who usually saw others as pawns.
"…You just thought something rude, didn't you?"
"No, it's just weird hearing you say something like that. Aren't you two already close?"
Arisu's eyes narrowed—not with her usual teasing air, but with something more serious. The shift in mood sent a jolt of alarm through Kamuro.
"…Maybe it looks that way to you, Masumi. But I'm not that special to Mamoru.
He calls me a friend, sure—but to him, that just means someone he's a little familiar with."
Her tone carried a rare trace of loneliness. And seeing her so sincere, Kamuro didn't feel like mocking her.
If Kamuro were really unhappy with how Arisu usually treated her, she'd have left long ago. She knew Arisu cared—just not in the obvious ways.
So, this time, she decided to take Arisu's request seriously.
"…I didn't really get what you two were talking about at karaoke the other day, but… what do you want to do with Gojo, exactly?"
"I haven't decided on a clear goal. But for now, I just want him to open up to me more."
"Open up? I thought he was pretty easy to talk to."
Kamuro's image of Mamoru was someone awkward but approachable—not exactly a closed book.
"Have you noticed how he never talks about himself?
Most people want their close friends to know more about them, but I don't sense that from Mamoru."
Kamuro nodded. Even she could understand that. People talk about themselves to connect. Whether it's bragging to impress someone or just sharing everyday stories—it's all part of bonding.
"I want him to know more about me… and I want to know more about him.
Isn't that what friends are?"
"…So why ask me for advice?"
Kamuro rolled her eyes. If Arisu was so good at winning people over, why come to her for help?
"Honestly, I don't understand Mamoru's values. It's embarrassing, but I don't know how to close the distance with him."
To Arisu, people were usually easy to manage—through leverage, incentives, or mutual interests.
But she lacked experience forming equal friendships.
(Come to think of it… she talks well, but her communication skills kind of suck.)
"So I figured I should go back to basics and ask your opinion—what would work for an average guy?"
"Why not ask someone else? Like Hashimoto?"
"Hehe… Masumi-san is the woman I trust most in this school."
"…How insincere."
Even so, Kamuro understood Arisu's dilemma. She couldn't ask another girl, or the news would spread in a day. And Hashimoto? He'd probably laugh and tell Mamoru just for fun.
So consulting Kamuro was likely a very reluctant choice.
After all, asking for relationship advice meant showing weakness.
Despite the hassle, Kamuro didn't hate being needed.
(That said… I don't know how to talk to guys either.)
"…Maybe a birthday present?"
"Sadly, Mamoru's birthday is April 27th. It's already passed."
"…I thought you said he doesn't talk about himself?"
"If you ask directly, he'll answer basic stuff like that. But when it comes to how he spends his days off or things about his family, he avoids the topic."
"…I see."
Kamuro stopped pondering deeply and changed her thoughts again.
(Improving her appearance is probably not something she has any interest in, and going shopping together... she's already doing it. We eat lunch together, and occasionally have tea together...)
I know his birthday, we're always together at school, and occasionally we go shopping or have tea together.
The more Kamuro thought about it, the more she began to seriously question what kind of relationship she really wanted anymore.
The circumstances that led to this consultation were explained, but Kamuro herself honestly doesn't really understand the wall that exists within Mamoru.
Rather, considering they're high school students and are so close together, it's probably a lie that they're not dating, and the whole consultation seems like a farce.
As she thought about it, Kamuro's thoughts gradually shifted from thinking about how to reconcile with Mamoru to wondering why she was thinking such a thing.
After a while, she spoke with a resigned mood.
"Why don't you make me some lunch? They say you should grab a man by his stomach."
The words came out of his mouth without much thought. However, after saying them, Kamuro suddenly realized something.
Arisu has a congenital heart disease and cannot walk properly without a cane.
Of course, it is a prejudice to think that someone with a physical disability cannot cook, but considering the time and effort involved, it is probably not something that should be suggested casually.
Kamuro sent a timid, suspicious look at Arisu.
"Lunch, huh...?"
However, Arisu muttered as if considering Kamuro's words, then nodded as if she understood.
"Then let's do that."
"Seriously? I'm telling you, it's just a random idea."
"There are no other viable options, and it wouldn't be a waste to try. Mamoru-kun wouldn't just throw away something he'd gone to the trouble of making."
"That may be true, but... can you cook?"
"I'm ashamed to say that I've never held a knife before. I don't have any cooking utensils, so I'll go buy some ingredients now. I have to practice too, so could you accompany me, Masumi-san?"
Kamuro was seriously regretting what she had said earlier.
One of Arisu's hands is occupied with a cane, so it's inevitable that she will be made to carry the luggage.
Moreover, there was no way she could leave a reckless girl who had never cooked before on her own.
At this moment, it was confirmed that Kamuro's holiday would be completely ruined.
◆◇◆
This may be sudden, but let me ask you a question.
Let's say there is a person who has never held a knife before, but who has more knowledge than anyone else, is proud, and has a refined palate.
Now, will this person be able to cook something decent on their first try?
Here is the answer.
...
"That's dangerous. When cutting ingredients, use your paws like a cat. The index finger of the hand holding the knife should be pointed up."
"Yes, that's right."
...
"Wait, that's too much."
"But wouldn't bento be more flavorful?"
"You should do that once you've mastered making the right amount!"
...
"...I can't roll the omelet nicely."
"That's enough for the first time."
"No, I can't show you something like this. I'll try again."
...
The above are excerpts from some conversation scenes.
Fortunately, some cooking equipment was already installed in the dorm room, but the problem was the gas stove.
Basically, Arisu cannot stand for long periods of time without a cane.
It was tiring for her to keep watching the flames, and more than anything, Kamuro was terrified of letting her handle fire, so she suggested buying a small induction stove that could be placed on a table. However, even though it was small, it was too heavy to hold in one hand.
As a result, the two of them had to make two trips back and forth to get the ingredients and cooking utensils.
And finally, when she started cooking, the result was the whole story that I just described.
People say that you can make a dish if you follow a recipe, but this is only something that people who are somewhat accustomed to cooking or who are good with their hands can say.
Most beginners can't even crack eggs cleanly, cut ingredients unevenly, or even know how much seasoning to add.
Basically, you can't improve your cooking skills unless you practice it a lot. Even if you follow a recipe exactly, it doesn't mean it will work the first time.
It was a little after 6pm, and by the time we finished buying ingredients and equipment it was a little after 1pm.
After five hours of training, the end result was a slightly burnt and misshapen omelet, irregularly shaped meatballs, and potato salad with some potato skin mixed in and a slightly salty taste.
"...Isn't this good enough already?"
Kamuro groaned as she slumped over the table in exhaustion.
However, Arisu denies Kamuro's words with a motivated look on her face.
"No, I'm too embarrassed to show you this level of perfection. I'll practice again tomorrow."
Perhaps it's because of her pride that she can't bear the fact that she can only make food of this caliber.
Perhaps because she grew up in a wealthy family, her taste buds are refined, which is one of the reasons why things have become so muddy.
At Arisu's words, Kamuro's eyes clouded over in despair.
Watching Arisu's precarious movements from the sidelines was more mentally exhausting than actually cooking for myself.
What's more, the person herself is demanding an unusually high level of perfection, and it seems like the finish line is nowhere in sight.
Kamuro frantically racks her brains trying to think of a way to break the deadlock.
"Why don't you make a sandwich out of it?"
Sandwiches don't require much effort, so you're unlikely to fail.
But Arisu shook her head in dissatisfaction.
"No."
"I don't like it..."
It was a rare and straightforward refusal for Arisu.
To Kamuro, it somehow looked like a sulky child.
"...Then why don't you just make it and give it to me as if you made it yourself?"
"Masumi-san, that's a bit of an insult to me. I'm not so despicable as to steal the achievements of others."
(What? She's only serious at times like this...)
Although she is usually happy to lie and betray others in order to bring them down, she is serious in strange ways.
"Don't worry. I already know how to make it.
I'll try it on my own tomorrow, so I won't have to bother you, Masumi."
"..."
Apparently, even Arisu felt bad about making her spend almost the entire day practicing carrying luggage and cooking.
But Kamuro thinks.
(No, that's dangerous.)
Although she claims to understand the flow, in reality, Arisu's movements are still a bit shaky.
If you neglect to do so, it would be terrible if they came to school the next day injured.
"...I guess there's no other way. I'm free tomorrow anyway, so I'll help out."
In the end, Kamuro reluctantly said yes.
"Oh, there's no need to push yourself."
"You're dangerous. I'm telling you, don't pick up a knife when you're alone."
"Hmm... isn't that treating me like a child a bit too much?"
Arisu seems dissatisfied, but judging from her state today, it's hard to deny what she says.
It all started with a discussion about how to get along with her friends, and even though it was Kamuro herself who suggested it, she resorted to the easy solution of making lunch boxes and became so worked up that she was just like a child.
In any case, Arisu is aware that she has been greatly helped by Kamuro's assistance.
I didn't turn down the offer.
The next day, Sunday, the two of them continued practicing cooking in Arisu's room.
Arisu has always been good at getting things done.
As a result, by the evening of that day, I was able to create something that looked pretty good.
"If you can do this much, that's enough."
It was a world apart from the cooking I did yesterday. It was so good that I could eat it and say it was delicious.
However, Arisu still doesn't seem completely satisfied, and has a somewhat sour expression on her face.
"In the first place, if you're just trying to see his reaction, there's no point in expecting such perfection."
"I agree..."
In fact, even if the food was a little poorly made, Mamoru would not be upset if someone told him it was made for him.
That much can be predicted by looking at his usual personality.
"I'll start preparing the ingredients now. All that's left to do is cook it and season it tomorrow morning."
If she makes them think too much, arisu might start complaining again, so Kamuro thought to herself, giving out instructions in rapid succession.
Even Kamuro had doubts. What significance did the act of handing over this lunch really have?
But I've gone through so much trouble, I have to believe that there is some meaning to it.
Kamuro prayed as if it were her own prayer, hoping that at the very least, she would be able to receive it properly.
However, the next day, Monday, Gojo Mamoru was absent from school.