When I reunited with my arrogant childhood friend, she had become a talented and beautiful girl – Even though she has probably forgotten about me and I don’t want to be toyed with, for some reason she keeps getting involved with me!?

“Sorry for keeping you this late.”

“No, it’s fine.”

Shion and I were walking down the hallway, which had darkened with the setting sun.

There were probably no other students left here, except us. Maybe some teachers.

The newly established student council is busy with many tasks.

The allocation of club activities’ budgets, planning and operation of various school events… and in addition, we have to manage the clubs that have become nominal and assign the work of various committees.

Frankly, there are too many things we have to do.

Hiyori, who has experience as a president, Akane and Shion, who have experience as vice presidents, and Futaba, who has no experience but is excellent with numbers.

Only with the current members, things are running smoothly.

We change our shoes at the shoe locker without much conversation and leave the school gate.

Normally, silence would lead to awkwardness, but that’s not the case with Shion. Even the silence feels comfortable, suggesting we have a good relationship.

Normally, Shion’s pick-up car should be waiting, but it’s not here today.

“Why don’t we walk home together?”

I received such a proposal.

“Kamitsudo, this is for you.”

As we were walking down Sakurazaka, Shion handed me something.

This is… an invitation?

“There seems to be a party at the Kamitsudo house soon. That’s the invitation.”

“…Who is it from?”

“It’s from your father, Soichiro.”

“…From that bastard of a father?”

Then, the only choice is to refuse.

In the first place, parties themselves are full of top people in the financial world and privileged classes, and they are just exhausting. Probably, the bastard of a father will attend, and if I meet him, he will definitely bring up the fact that I became the vice president of the student council.

“By the way, your sister, Ichika, has successfully become the student council president of the middle school division, hasn’t she? She’s also planning to attend this party.”

“…I guess I have no choice but to go.”

The bastard of a father must have told Ichika that he had sent me an invitation. If I didn’t attend the party, my popularity as a brother would plummet, not to mention drop.

Even now, it’s low, and if my popularity decreases any further, I might not even be recognized as a brother.

He must have calculated it all.

He’s completely read my thoughts.

“…By the way, Shion, are you going? You’ve got an invitation, right?”

“Well… I don’t really mind either way… Oh, look at that.”

Shion’s gaze was on a Starbucks in the distance. Then she looked at me silently.

“…I’ll treat you.”

“Hehe. Then, let’s go. I’d like a Cherry Frappuccino, please.”

We immediately entered Starbucks, bought a Cherry Frappuccino and a chiffon cake, and took a seat.

“Hmm… It’s a chain store, but it’s not to be underestimated.”

She said while sipping her Cherry Frappuccino deliciously.

“Well… next is the cake. Kamitsudo, here you go.”

She said, looking at me and opening her mouth.

“…What do you mean by ‘here you go’?”

“Can’t you tell by looking? I’m saying, please feed me. You can even express your gratitude for me today while you’re doing it. No, you should.”

No, no, even couples who want to show off wouldn’t do that.

“…I’m suddenly feeling less inclined to attend the party.”

“Thank you for today. I really appreciate it. I’m really glad you were here, Shion.”

I carried the chiffon cake to Shion’s mouth and sent words of gratitude.

Doing this attracts a lot of attention…

The quality of the gazes varied. There were ones mixed with jealousy and curiosity, and others full of envy.

Well, considering Shion’s rare beauty, it’s not surprising that she attracts such looks.

“That couple over there is amazing…”

“The boyfriend is completely whipped, huh.”

“They’re so lovey-dovey… it’s almost… ridiculous.”

What the hell is this public humiliation?

The surroundings were buzzing as they watched us, but Shion seemed to be somewhat enjoying it.

“Thank you for the meal. I’m in a very good mood now. So let’s decide to attend the party. Well, I was planning to attend from the start.”

“You were planning to attend from the start!?”

Wait a minute, what was that whole Starbucks exchange about? Didn’t I just end up feeling embarrassed…!!

“Yes, I was. What is it? I never said I wasn’t going to attend, did I?”

Well, she didn’t say that, but…!!

“Hehe… today was fun for the first time in a while. Now, my ride is here.”

Saying this, Shion started walking towards her ride.

“…Don’t tell me, your goal from the start was to have me buy you a Cherry Frappuccino?”

“I wonder? I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Saying this, Shion smiled defiantly.