The afternoon sunlight slanted through the half-transparent beige curtains, casting long, diamond-shaped patches of light across the pale wooden floor.
Rokka sat on the sofa, cracking sunflower seeds while watching the latest season of a new isekai anime.
The story was supposed to be about an adventuring party rescuing a kidnapped little sister—but somewhere along the way, it had turned into nothing more than the adventurers' food vlog.
Beside her, Eriri had been glued to her phone for some time now. Her blue eyes sparkled more brightly with every line she read on the screen.
I knew it. I knew Yukino-chan wouldn't let me down. She's definitely found a way!
So that's how it is. I just have to do this. It's really that simple.
I only need to use my own strengths—this is child's play!
Eriri smacked her thigh in her mind.
Why didn't I think of this earlier?!
Of course—it was Kasumigaoka's fault. That smug woman had made her so angry she'd gone brain-dead.
With a fiery grin, Eriri's fingers flew across the screen.
[Eriri: Got it. Thanks, Yukino! Oh, by the way, I just earned two million yen illustrating character art for the game club. When you get back, let's go to a hot spring together! We can share a room for the night and continue our pillow fight war! (hands-on-hips laughing.jpg)]
Far away in England, Yukinoshita Yukino read her friend's reply and understood at once: Eriri was back to her usual self.
She smiled faintly, exchanged a few more lines of casual chat, and then let the conversation rest.
Eriri put her phone down and looked around.
The living room was quiet now—only she and Rokka remained.
Saeko had left shortly after dinner, saying she needed to stop by school. With graduation coming soon, she had to quickly settle the matter of appointing a new kendo club president. She'd even asked Chiya privately whether she wanted the role, and after finding out Chiya had little interest, Saeko needed to scout other candidates fast.
As for Chiya, she had gone upstairs—with Kasumigaoka following right behind.
Before heading up, Kasumigaoka had deliberately given Eriri a teasing look, making a point of announcing that the two of them would be working on the manuscript together. Unless it's urgent, don't bother disturbing us.
That arrogant tone made Eriri's blood boil hot enough to melt snow. She'd nearly stormed upstairs to pick a fight.
You really think you're the lady of this house now, don't you?!
Helping with proofreading, my foot. All just an excuse to be alone with Senya, to flirt and whisper sweet nothings.
The nerve—writing pure, innocent love stories on paper, while in real life behaving like some shameless, frustrated seductress!
Think again! I won't let you have it your way. This time, you'll see what real counterattack looks like!
She smirked to herself.
Just follow Yukino's instructions—step by step.
And the first step was obvious.
"Rokka~" Eriri leaned close to her friend, speaking in an overly sweet, coaxing tone. "By the way, finals are coming up. How's your review going?"
At the mention of studying, Rokka immediately looked troubled. "Not great. I try to force myself to sit at my desk, but after two hours I can't stay focused. My eyes just glaze over—I can't absorb anything."
"I know the feeling," Eriri nodded vigorously. "Same at my place. My mom even said if I don't meet her expectations this term, she'll send me to a cram school for the whole winter break."
"That sounds rough. I don't have to worry about that, but if I do badly, my sister won't let me off either. She'll probably cut down my gaming time and maybe even dock my allowance."
"I heard that when people study together, it's more efficient. Seeing others working gives you competitive drive, and you can keep each other accountable."
"Oh, you mean a study group." Rokka nodded in understanding.
"Exactly!" Eriri's eyes lit up—finally, the conversation had reached the point she wanted. "What do you think, Rokka? Should we try it?"
Rokka thought it over. It actually did sound like a good idea.
If they studied together, they could ask each other questions when stuck. Neither of them was particularly strong in academics, but at least studying together wouldn't be boring.
She nodded at once. "I think that's a great idea!"
"Right? Right?!" Eriri almost couldn't contain her delight.
Rokka, caught up in the mood, began planning logistics. "After school, should we meet at the public library's study room?"
Eriri frowned. "So close to finals, there'll be tons of students with the same idea. It'll probably be packed."
Rokka's brain worked fast. "Then how about a family restaurant? We can order the drink bar set—study a bit, refill our cups when we get tired, keep our sugar levels up."
"Couldn't we just buy a big bottle of soda ourselves? Besides, family restaurants are always noisy and crowded."
"Then the only option is your house or mine." Rokka spread her hands.
Yes! Finally, Rokka, you've said it!
Eriri coughed lightly, trying not to look too desperate. "Uh, yeah, studying at home works. So… do you think it's better at your place or mine?"
By now, Rokka had already guessed what this was about.
Her people-reading skills weren't perfect, but she wasn't dense.
Knowing Eriri had feelings for her older brother, how could she not see through this obvious maneuver? If she still couldn't, she'd need an eye exam.
Part of her was tempted to be mischievous—insist on Eriri's house just to see how she'd react.
But in the end, friendship won out.
"My place, I guess. Mom's mostly recovered now, and in the afternoons she asks us to help with baby Chiyo while she goes to the store. Senya's really busy these days, and it's not fair to leave everything to our older sister. If I'm home, I can at least lend a hand."
In truth, the Minamoto household wasn't as hectic as Rokka made it sound.
Their mother, Junko, only dropped by the store briefly after school to tally the day's sales.
Tohka was more than capable of handling baby Chiyo on her own. While cooking, she could just keep the baby in the living room's cradle within sight. If Chiyo was napping, great. If awake, some soft piano music would keep her happy.
No, Rokka was exaggerating on purpose—for Eriri's sake.
She didn't want her friend to feel too transparent. She'd rather give her a little cover, a shred of dignity for her girlish heart.
Honestly… how lucky is she to have such a perfect, kind, thoughtful friend like me?
"Right, right. And when we're done studying, I can help you look after Chiyo too. So it's settled, then?"
Looking at Eriri's suddenly bright, eager expression, Rokka thought wryly: She's so easy to read once you get to know her. "Yeah, let's do it. Actually, I've got another idea."
"Hm?"
"It'd help our efficiency—and since it's freezing this time of year, it'll be tough for you to study at my place until late, then walk home tired every night. Why don't you just do what Utaha-san does and stay over at our house for a while? That way, you can save the commute and get more rest."
"!"
Eriri froze.
Wasn't this what people called a blessing from the heavens?
That was exactly it!
According to Yukino's plan, she was supposed to first secure Rokka's cooperation, then work her way toward getting closer to Senya. But this—Rokka had offered it herself!
I'm so happy. So, so happy.
But she couldn't look too eager…
"Well, uh, as long as I'm not intruding."
"Not at all. Our house isn't tiny anymore. You could even take my room—sleep in my bed while I use a futon. Or, if you'd rather, we've got a spare guest room downstairs."
"No need, no need! I'll just sleep with you. Guest room's too much trouble!" Eriri answered instantly.
Trouble was irrelevant—she just wanted to be closer to Senya, like Kasumigaoka, who also stayed upstairs.
"Perfect. It'll be nice having you over again—it feels like it's been ages."
"Overnight stay is just a side detail," Eriri corrected hurriedly, though her cheeks glowed. "What matters is improving our grades before finals, by helping each other."
"Sure, sure. If you say so."
Eriri was so giddy she barely registered the hidden meaning behind Rokka's words.
She'd skipped ahead to the happy ending, but she still had one more important step left to complete.