Early hours before the full force of the summer heat bore down. In the Ōtsuki family kitchen in the early morning, Haruto and his grandmother were lined up, making breakfast. “Grandma, for the miso soup, which is better, tofu or onion?” “The tofu should be closer to its expiration date.” “Okay, then let’s make tofu and seaweed miso soup today.” Saying that, Haruto added dried seaweed to the dashi he had prepared the day before. “Grandma. I’m going to the dojo today.” “Alright. What about lunch?” “I’ll eat out today.” Haruto replied while checking the doneness of the grilled salmon. “Speaking of which, Haruto, how are things with Ayaka-san?” At his grandmother’s words, Haruto paused the hand that was plating the grilled salmon. “Yeah, things are going well.” “Is that so? That’s good.” His grandmother’s wrinkles deepened with joy. As she smiled, a complex feeling mixed with happiness and guilt spread within Haruto’s chest. “…She really is such a wonderful person, almost too good for me.” Haruto started moving his hands again to continue preparing breakfast. “Make sure you cherish Ayaka-san properly, alright?” “Yeah… I know.” As Haruto nodded, the image of Ayaka illuminated by a sparkler was clearly reflected in his mind. There was definitely a desire in his heart to cherish her. However, that wasn’t something a fake boyfriend should do. It was the role of a real boyfriend, not a fake one. Next to his grandmother, who was delighted that her grandson had found such a wonderful girlfriend, Haruto fretted alone. ※※※

Haruto, who had the day off from his part-time job, headed to the karate dojo after finishing breakfast. There, he devoted himself wholeheartedly to training. While concentrating, he didn’t have to think about unnecessary things, so he trained with all his might. “What is it, Haruto? You’re unusually fired up today.” Ishikura, his sparring partner, spoke to Haruto during the break. “No, well, I just want to shake off some distracting thoughts.” “Are you a monk?” Saying that, Ishikura laughed heartily. One year older than him, he was like a reliable older brother figure to Haruto. Moreover, he was also a rival they had honed their skills with at this Doujima Dojo since childhood. “When I spar with Kazu-senpai with all my might, I feel really focused and it’s fun.” “Oh, you’re saying something nice, aren’t you? Well, shall we go for another round?” The intimidating-looking Ishikura grinned. Ishikura gave off an aura as if he might pull a knife from his pocket. However, Haruto knew that despite his appearance, he was a kind-hearted young man inside. “Yes, please.” Haruto roused his spirit and resumed sparring with Ishikura. After that, Haruto continued to train enthusiastically, and before he knew it, it was already lunchtime. Finishing his karate practice, Haruto, who was heading to the changing room to change from his gi to his casual clothes, called out to Shizuku, who happened to be passing by. “Shizuku, do you have a minute?” “What is it, Haru-senpai? A marriage proposal? Yes, let’s get married.” “Have you decided what you’re having for lunch today?” Haruto ignored Shizuku’s usual joking reply and asked her about her lunch plans. “No, I haven’t decided anything in particular. I had natto and bananas in the fridge, so I was planning to put them on toast for lunch.” “…That’s quite an eccentric combination. Do natto and bananas go well together?”

“Do you want to try some too, Haru-senpai? Want to have lunch together?” Shizuku, expressionless, said things like “I’ll even go ‘Ah~n’ for you?”. “No, I’ll pass. Rather, if it’s okay, would you let me treat you to lunch today?” “Hmm? Why are you suddenly confessing your love? I’m totally ready for it though.” “No, I just invited you to lunch.” In their verbal back-and-forth, Shizuku occasionally threw incredibly wild pitches. Haruto gave a wry smile at her. “When I was sick, you took care of me, right? I want to thank you for that.” “Ah, you don’t need to worry about that. It’s something I did because I wanted to.” “Is that so… Despite saying that, you’re immediately searching for a restaurant though.” Even while saying words of refusal, she was quickly searching for a restaurant to eat lunch at on the smartphone in her hand. She swiped her thumb quickly, muttering things like “Should I trust the reviews on this site…” while enthusiastically searching for potential lunch spots. “Make sure it’s a place high schoolers can go to, okay?” As Haruto smiled at Shizuku’s usual behavior, Ishikura, who had changed from his gi to casual clothes, came over to the two of them. “Hey, what are you two lovey-doveying about?” “Haru-senpai and I are always lovey-dovey. Kazu-senpai is a third wheel.” Shizuku looked up from her smartphone, leaning slightly towards Haruto as she said it expressionlessly. Haruto ignored her words and invited Ishikura as well. “I thought I’d treat her to lunch as thanks for taking care of me before. Do you want to come along too, Kazu-senpai?” “Ah, I’ll pass.” He waved his hand, declining Haruto’s invitation. “Do you have plans?” “Kazu-senpai is a third wheel.” “I’m planning to bake some sweets in the afternoon.” Ishikura looked quite intimidating to others. However, contrary to his appearance, his hobby was baking sweets. Moreover, his skill was quite

high, and the fruit tart he had let them try last time was as delicious as anything from a store. “Oh, what are you making today?” “Kazu-senpai is a third wheel.” To Haruto’s curious question, Ishikura replied with a slightly happy expression. “I bought some pretty good butter the other day. I’m thinking of trying financiers.” “Financiers, huh? That sounds good.” “Requesting a handout for tomorrow’s practice. Also, Kazu-senpai is a third wheel.” “Hey, Shizuku. You keep calling me a third wheel, but you want me to bring sweets? You’ve got some nerve.” Shizuku, who had been diligently squeezing in “third wheel” into Haruto and Ishikura’s conversation, her eyes sparkled expressionlessly at the word “financier.” In response, Ishikura’s temple twitched slightly. “Kazu-senpai is SO cool, SO handsome, SO amazing, SO intimidating. Okay, I praised you, so please bring the handout tomorrow.” “That’s so half-hearted, hey! And ‘intimidating look’ isn’t a compliment!!” Ishikura raised his voice in protest at Shizuku’s utterly unmotivated words. To that, Shizuku replied, “Kazu-senpai, you’re being selfish?”. “Good grief, you really do have a great personality.” “No, no, not at all.” “I wasn’t praising you! sigh… Well, that’s how it is, so you two go for lunch. I’m going home. See ya.” Ishikura, looking a little tired from the exchange with Shizuku, waved a hand and left the dojo. Watching his back, Shizuku muttered expressionlessly. “Just how much more gap does Kazu-senpai need to master before he’s satisfied?” “Well, he’s the kind of person who truly embodies ‘don’t judge a book by its cover.” A large physique close to two meters tall, thin eyebrows, sharp eyes, short hair with three lines shaved into the sides, and a single scar running from his temple to his mouth. Based on his appearance alone, he was completely an outlaw.

However, inside, he was a kind-hearted young man whose hobby was baking sweets and who loved children and small animals dearly. “Do you think he’ll bring the handout tomorrow?” “He’ll bring it. He’ll grumble and complain, but he’ll bring it. That’s the kind of person he is.” “Will Haru-senpai be here tomorrow?” “It would be a waste to miss out on Kazu-senpai’s financiers.” Haruto was also looking forward to the financiers that Ishikura made. Tomorrow, he had his housekeeping service part-time job at the Tojo household. And he was scheduled to practice being a couple with Ayaka, but that was planned for after noon. Since his morning was free, Haruto decided to show up at the dojo and enjoy some delicious financiers. At his words, Shizuku nodded with a satisfied “Mhm, mhm,” then quickly showed Haruto her smartphone. “Haru-senpai. I want to go here for lunch.” “Mhm, got it.” Haruto nodded at Shizuku’s suggestion and headed to the changing room to change into his casual clothes. ※※※ “This unique smell. This is the true essence of Iekei ramen.” Shizuku brought her face close to the bowl the staff had brought and sniffed the ordered ramen. “This smell, once you get used to it, it becomes addictive.” “Agreed. This smell that seems stinky at first becomes seriously addictive the more times you have it.” Shizuku nodded, showing agreement with Haruto’s opinion. As thanks for taking care of him, the lunch Shizuku had suggested was ramen. A new Iekei ramen restaurant had recently opened near the Doujima Dojo. It seemed she had been curious about it. “This place always has a line. But waiting alone is boring, so your invitation, Haru-senpai, was perfect.” “Well, waiting in line alone in this heat is tough too.” Haruto exchanged such conversation with Shizuku while scooping up soup with a ladle and bringing it to his mouth.

“Oh, this is delicious.” From the rich soup spreading on his tongue, he could feel the concentrated umami of pork bone and the deep richness of soy sauce. At the same time, the fragrant aroma of chicken oil ran through his nasal passages, followed slowly by the unique aroma of Iekei. There was another Iekei ramen restaurant near the Doujima Dojo. That restaurant had been in business for a long time, and the taste was exceptionally delicious, so Haruto, Ishikura, and Shizuku often went there to eat after practice. The taste of this new ramen restaurant might be just as delicious as the familiar one. Just as Haruto was thinking that, Shizuku next to him also slurped a mouthful of noodles and nodded. “Rich soup and chewy thick noodles. This is… a pass.” Though her expression was still blank, Shizuku’s voice was oddly serious as she said it. Next to her, who was giving off the atmosphere of a master commenting on a cooking show, Haruto also put on a serious expression. “The lineup of tabletop condiments is also wonderful. The fact that they have garlic chips shows this place understands.” “And the ramen vinegar is a high point too.” “Right.” Both of them crossed their arms and nodded in agreement. A few minutes later, Haruto and Shizuku silently continued slurping their ramen. When they had eaten about eighty percent, Shizuku suddenly spoke to Haruto as if remembering something. “Speaking of which, Haru-senpai.” “Hmm?” “I’ve asked before… but Haru-senpai, do you have someone you like?”

“Huh!?” At the sudden question, Haruto stopped moving, the seaweed he was carefully saving still gripped between his chopsticks. “What’s up, Shizuku? So sudden…” “Because you were talking to Kazu-senpai about it before, weren’t you? About the appropriate distance with a girl you’re getting close to, or something like that.” “Ah… you heard that?” Before, when Ayaka had pressed him about practicing being lovers, his feelings had almost gotten out of control, and he had tried to consult Ishikura about it. It seemed Shizuku had overheard that conversation. Although, even if she had overheard, they hadn’t ended up talking about anything significant. “So, how is it? Did you get a crush?” “Well, uh… I wonder…” Haruto was conscious of his feelings for Ayaka. He was conscious of them, but he hadn’t quite sorted out his feelings enough to verbalize and affirm them yet. However, seeing Haruto equivocate, Shizuku let out a small, exasperated sigh. “’I wonder…’ That’s practically saying you have a crush, you know?” “…How can you be so sure? You can’t know that.” “I do know.” She stated firmly, looking straight into Haruto’s eyes. “I’ve been watching you ever since I was little, so of course I’d know.” Her words were unchanging as always, showing little emotional fluctuation. Yet, they held a strange persuasiveness, and Haruto couldn’t deny them. “…Was I that easy to read?” “No, it’s because I’ve known you for a long time, so it’s special.” Shizuku said that, and puffed out her chest proudly. “So, who is the object of Haru-senpai’s affection?” Shizuku seemed certain that Haruto had gotten a crush, and proceeded the conversation based on that assumption. Seeing her like that, Haruto also resigned himself and opened his mouth. “…It’s a girl from my class, and I got to know her a little during summer break. So, well…” “Oh my. So the thieving cat who stole Haru-senpai from me is a girl from your class?”

To Shizuku, who said this while resting her hand on her chin, Haruto gave a wry smile, saying, “A thieving cat…” “Speaking of which. The famous Tojo-senpai was also in Haru-senpai’s class, wasn’t she?” “Huh!? Ah, ah. That’s right, yeah.” At the name ‘Tojo’ that came from Shizuku’s voice, Haruto couldn’t help but react with a jolt. Shizuku didn’t miss that slight reaction, and looked at Haruto with scrutinizing eyes. “Haru-senpai’s crush, could it be…?” “…………I exercise my right to remain silent.” Haruto, unable to bear it any longer and escaping Shizuku’s gaze, turned his face away from her and muttered. At his reaction, Shizuku let out another sigh and said, “See? That’s the same as saying ‘yes’, Haru-senpai.” “Uh… But seriously, of all people, it’s that Tojo-senpai…? Poor Harusenpai, you’re going to become just another part of the mountain of corpses of those brave warriors who confessed and were defeated. Don’t worry, I’ll heal my Senpai who confesses and is defeated. You can soak my chest with your tears if you want.” The school’s idol, Ayaka Tojo, doesn’t say yes to anyone’s confession. That’s a very famous story among the students at the school Haruto and others attend. Therefore, it’s only natural that Shizuku would pity and try to comfort Haruto, assuming he’ll be rejected. “Besides, isn’t it rumored among the first-year girls that Tojo-senpai isn’t interested in romance?” However, Haruto, having actually become involved with her through the housekeeping service, was starting to wonder if there might be a chance, so he instinctively denied Shizuku’s words. “It’s not like Tojo-san isn’t interested in romance. I don’t think so, anyway.” Someone not interested in romance wouldn’t suggest practicing being lovers, or ask for a ‘commanding’ tone for the boyfriend role. At Haruto, who immediately denied Shizuku’s words, she turned a probing gaze on him. “Haru-senpai, did something happen with Tojo-senpai? And how did you even get to know her during summer break? Ah, maybe it’s related to a short-term part-time job? Is that it, Haru-senpai?” To Shizuku, who pressed him one question after another, Haruto thought that trying to awkwardly dodge the questions would only make the situation

more complicated, so he put his hands up in surrender and told Shizuku about Ayaka to some extent. Shizuku, who had been listening to Haruto’s story in silence, let out a small word after he finished. “…Spineless.” “Huh? What did you say?” The word Shizuku let out was so small that Haruto missed hearing it. To him asking again, Shizuku started speaking in a slightly angry tone. Maybe it was his imagination, but even her usually expressionless eyes seemed slightly slanted upwards. “Haru-senpai, you don’t understand women’s feelings at all. She’s your girlfriend, even if it’s just pretend! Nobody would do that with someone they don’t like, would they? And ‘practice being lovers’? That’s Tojo-senpai trying hard because she wants Haru-senpai to notice her!” Shizuku shook her head exasperatedly and let out a big sigh, her third of the day. “Poor Tojo-senpai. To have to deal with such a dense, slow-witted, wooden-headed Haru-senpai.” “Hey, hey, I’m not that bad, am I?” “You are. First of all, why did you lie to your grandma? That’s not like Haru-senpai.” After saying that, Shizuku pouted and let out a slightly sulky mutter, “I could have pretended for you instead.” “Sorry. I was really upset then, I wasn’t thinking straight… When I thought Grandma was really going to leave, my mind just went blank…” At Haruto, who spoke a little weakly, Shizuku’s expression softened slightly before returning to her usual poker face. “Well, I suppose I understand what kind of person Grandma is to Harusenpai.” Shizuku slurped up all the noodles barely left in her bowl and put her hands together, saying, “Thank you for the meal.” Then, as she returned the finished bowl to the counter, she turned her face towards Haruto and said, “Let me just say this.” “A girl doesn’t say ‘I like you’ to someone she doesn’t feel anything for.” After saying that, Shizuku stood up from her seat, saying, “Well, I’m done eating, so I’ll head outside first,” and left the shop. Haruto also hurried to finish the rest of his ramen, trying to follow her. And here, he suddenly realized something.

“’She doesn’t say ‘I like you’ to someone she doesn’t feel anything for’… What about Shizuku?” Every time Haruto spoke to her, Shizuku would make jokes like ‘Let’s date’ or ‘Let’s get married.’ What about that? Haruto stopped moving for a moment and sank into thought, but remembering she was waiting outside, he slurped his ramen again. Well, Shizuku’s always been like that since way back… Maybe she’s a bit special. Haruto concluded this within himself, put his hands together saying, “Thank you for the meal” to the finished ramen, and left the shop.