“From what I’ve observed so far, she does well in many areas, but she’s lacking a bit of humanity, and she’s quite immature.”
The second half of the banquet had begun, and the ball was already underway. Suzuki Yuu sat beside Jinguu Amane, quietly enjoying the sight of people dancing on stage, though in his mind he kept replaying Izumigaya’s words from just now.
Jinguu Amane is immature? Suzuki Yuu found this assessment a bit odd.
From his own experience, the student council president always appeared to have everything under control, not fitting the impression the other had given at all.
Could it be that old guy doesn’t really have any ability to see through people?
Suzuki Yuu shook his head, unable to make sense of it.
Naturally, the girl beside him noticed his gesture:
“Suzuki, what kind of dirty thoughts are you having at a time like this?”
“President, this time you’ve got it wrong. I was thinking about you.”
Suzuki Yuu responded to her teasing words.
“What? Has Suzuki-kun become so perverted that he’s having improper thoughts about the people next to him? So scary~”
Jinguu Amane said this, then struck a mock defensive pose.
“What are you even saying? I was just wondering if you’ve been spreading the rumor that I’m your boyfriend—since, for me, that’s a matter of life and death.”
Suzuki Yuu spoke half-jokingly, and Jinguu Amane smiled at his words, replying:
“You’re mostly worried about Chisa’s father, aren’t you?”
“Yeah. I wouldn’t risk it—things like this are hard to explain, and if he found out what I’d done, at the very least I’d get locked up… Just like your father did to you.”
Suzuki Yuu’s words caught Jinguu Amane’s attention:
“You’re really cautious. But aren’t you afraid of trouble, staying with me now instead of the others?”
“That’s not a problem. I can just use work as an excuse…” Suzuki Yuu paused, then went on:
“Looking at it that way, you’re not out to get me, so thanks.”
“Just thanks? Don’t you have anything else to offer?”
“I don’t think I have anything else to give you…” Suzuki Yuu shook his head self-deprecatingly.
“No, you do.” Jinguu Amane’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “Since that’s the case, just consider yourself owing me a favor. Now, I’d like to use that favor for a small wish. How about it?”
Her tone was cheerful, but Suzuki Yuu became instantly wary: “What is it that you want?”
Jinguu Amane’s lips curled up slightly as she leaned closer to Suzuki Yuu, speaking in a voice only the two of them could hear:
“Suzuki-kun, convince Aoi to take part in this year’s school chamber music competition.”
Suzuki Yuu was stunned by her request. All the excuses he had prepared to refuse her suddenly disappeared.
In fact, he had wanted to get Senior Hasegawa to participate anyway.
On this matter, their goals aligned.
But he still asked for her reason:
“I could, but what exactly are you aiming for…”
“Haven’t you always known? In my eyes, Aoi is someone whose talent truly shines.”
Taken alone, the words were nothing special. But coming from her, it was as if she were praising a piece of equipment’s great features—just wanting to see what would happen at full power.
Although their objectives matched, Suzuki Yuu didn’t quite agree with her thinking.
It really does lack a bit of humanity…
Suzuki Yuu secretly grumbled in his heart.
“All right, I’ll find a way to persuade her.”
After giving her a simple reply, he turned his gaze to the stage.
“Do you want to dance?” Seeing him agree, Jinguu Amane ended the talk about the chamber music competition.
“If it’s with the president, then no thanks.”
“Saying that will make me sad.”
“But if I actually did dance with you, I’d probably cause even more trouble.”
His eyes flickered toward the Shiina father and daughter not far away. When he noticed Shiina Chisa looking in his direction, he quickly averted his gaze.
“The way you two look now is just like a couple who just broke up—awkward and ambiguous.”
“But I only signed a contract with her. Apart from the terms of the contract, I haven’t done anything else… I never expected things to turn out like this.” Suzuki Yuu let out a long sigh.
“Judging from how you two are, you must have done quite a lot together, huh? Suzuki, when you’re with such a beautiful girl, don’t you have other thoughts?”
“How could I not? Of course I do, but I know that if I let my lower body do the thinking around Chisa, my entire future will be in trouble.”
“No, I wasn’t talking about that kind of… never mind.”
“Hm?”
“It’s nothing, just thinking that you’re a bit strange.” At that, Jinguu Amane raised her teacup and took a graceful sip. Her amber eyes sparkled with pure curiosity.
“How come you always end up criticizing me for nothing…” Suzuki Yuu muttered.
“I’m really curious about your past with her now.”
“There’s nothing dramatic—just the calm flow of daily life.”
Feeling a little tired, Suzuki Yuu stretched and then smiled at Jinguu Amane:
“Some moments were fun. Like, when Chisa got sick, she’d become extra clingy. And a few times when she had nightmares, she’d call me in the middle of the night to talk about them—of course, she’d just hang up as soon as she was done, without caring if I replied or not…”
Suzuki Yuu recounted a few interesting memories with Shiina Chisa.
“Looks like there are times when Suzuki-kun is relied upon by others.”
“Isn’t that what a rental boyfriend does? Not everyone is as weird as you, President.”
At that, Suzuki Yuu picked up a pastry and started eating.
“But is it really okay for you to spill Chisa-chan’s embarrassing stories like this? Aren’t you worried…”
“Hey, President, you’re not going to sell me out, are you?”
“Guess~”
Time ticked by, and the long, tedious banquet finally drew to a close.
By now, night had fallen outside.
After seeing the Shiina family off and changing back into his own clothes, Suzuki Yuu got into the Jinguu family car to go home.
Once everything was cleaned up, Jinguu Amane returned to her room.
Unlike the decor outside, her room was extremely simple—just a desk, a bookcase, and a single, clean-lined bed.
She sat at the desk, opened her notebook, picked up her pen, and began organizing everything she’d heard today.
“Chisa’s actions are really unexpected. And Suzuki Yuu… his behavior toward Chisa doesn’t show any affection at all. Most people wouldn’t act like that, unless he approached Shiina Chisa with a purpose.
“But even if his efforts play a major part, for Chisa to act so obsessively, that alone shouldn’t be enough.
Thinking of this, Jinguu Amane took out her computer and began searching.
Following her train of thought, she looked up information on the Shiina family.
Soon, a news article caught her eye.
She clicked it open and thought for a moment.
“This timing… Chisa was about eight years old, I think.”
After sorting through all the clues, Jinguu Amane closed her notebook and smiled.
“So that’s how it is.”
Premium Chapter
Login to buy access to this Chapter.