As I was walking to the high school entrance, I wondered if I should say something to Ayame-san about the interview that was broadcast on TV.
After all, it's not every day you see your friend's mother on national television.
But thinking back, it's really astonishing how wealthy Edomae-san is. I've visited her house—no, her MANSION before, but it still took me by surprise.
Walking through the corridor, I noticed some students talking about exactly that. No surprise there: not only was the interview all over TV, it was still trending on the internet.
Anyway, time to enter the classroom.
"Hey, Tomoki! Morning!"
"What's up, Ryuichi! Did you see Ayame-san's mother on TV?"
"Yeah! And did you notice she mentioned you?"
"You think so? Must've been someone else."
"Tomoki, you do know you're the only male scholarship student here, right?"
"Seriously? What about second- and third-year students? Or university students?"
"There are male scholarship students at university, but you're the one who's made the biggest impact here—getting involved with student council, helping with students interaction."
"If you say so… but still, it doesn't feel real that she'd mention me."
"Tomoki, in half a year you've given speeches in front of the whole school twice, joined the student council, and gotten praised for helping students—both guys and girls. Isn't that enough proof?"
"I really did all that, huh? Time really flies… but I still think it's too soon to assume she meant me."
"For god's sake, why are you so—"
"Fufu~ she was talking about you, Tomoki-kun." — Ayame-san suddenly cut in.
"Ayame-san? Well, now I feel kind of embarrassed hearing that from you."
"You really get convinced too easily." — Ryuichi sighed.
"Of course! If Ayame-san says so, then it's true!" — I claimed.
"I see… you really trust me that much?" — Ayame-san asked.
"Huh? Yeah! I don't doubt it."
Ding dong, ding dong.
"That's why I like you… I'll trust you back…" — Ayame-san mumbled, but I couldn't quite hear her.
"Ayame-san? Sorry, I missed that because of the bell."
"It's nothing."
Today, the teacher reviewed all the lessons we'd had so far. Now that I passed the midterm exam, I could relax and just listen without pressure.
Besides, summer vacation was just around the corner. My expectations were skyrocketing.
Ding dong, ding dong.
"Alright everyone, I wish you a great vacation. You're dismissed!"
I could see most of my classmates rushing out—probably eager to get home early or go hang out somewhere.
Unfortunately, I couldn't do that anymore since Mom doesn't allow me to.
"So, Ryuichi, wanna hang out at the cafeteria?"
"Sorry, I need to leave early today. We're flying to England around midnight."
"No problem, have a safe trip."
"Thanks! What about you? Any travel plans?"
"I don't think so. My parents haven't mentioned anything."
"Well then, until the summer festival."
With that, Ryuichi hurried off.
Maybe I should ask Ayame-san.
"Ayame-san, wanna hang out at the cafeteria?"
"Sorry, Tomoki-kun, I'm visiting my grandparents today."
"Oh, right. Next time then."
"Yeah, I'll be looking forward to it."
I thought about calling Tachibana-san, but she'd already left. Besides, without Ryuichi or Ayame-san around, things might get a little awkward.
Guess I'll just head home.
Notification received.
[Tomoki, I'll take some time to pick you up. There's terrible traffic right now.]
Oh come on! Today of all days?
No wonder everyone rushed out earlier.
Guess I'll kill some time at the cafeteria.
…
No way. It's closed!
~Sigh… guess I'll wait where Mom always picks me up.
"Morikawa-san? What happened?"
"Principal!? Well, there's heavy traffic, so Mom will be late." — That took me by surprise
"I see… then is it okay if we talk for a bit?"
"Sure."
"By the way, where does your mother usually pick you up?"
"Near the school entrance."
"Then let's go there. We can't have her waiting when she arrives."
I followed the principal toward the entrance. Honestly, I thought she'd want to talk in the cafeteria or her office. Why bother walking with me all the way here?
Either way, I was kind of nervous. This was the principal, after all. What did she want to talk about?
"So, Morikawa-san, are you enjoying school?"
"Yes, I'm really grateful to attend such a great place."
"No need to be so stiff. Relax—I just wanted a small chat."
"Okay… so, are you traveling too?"
"I'll visit my mother, but I still have work to do. And you?"
"Since my parents haven't said anything about traveling, I guess I'll stay home."
"Then take advantage to rest. The second semester will be much busier."
"Seriously? You mean the lessons will be harder?"
"Don't worry, not the lessons. But there's a high chance of student transfers, plus lots of school events."
"I see… sounds like a lot of work."
"You're right. So don't forget to rest well."
The more we talked, the more comfortable I felt.
"Morikawa-san, there's something I want to ask. What do you think about the Edomae family?"
That was sudden. Why ask about them?
"You mean… the wealthiest people in the country?"
"You're not wrong. But you see… I recently talked with Edomae Akane-sensei. You've met her, right?"
"Yes. At Ayame-san's house. Actually, I also met her during the scholarship interview, though I didn't know who she was back then."
"And what are your thoughts about her?"
"Someone incredible, I guess. After all, she's the head of Edomae's company."
"That's true. But, Morikawa-san… let me be direct. You know about the Edomae family's secret, and about your scholarship, right?"
"…Excuse me? I don't follow." — I tried to play dumb.
"No need to hide it. Edomae-sensei told me about your choice. Even though her husband, Elias-san, told you the truth, you still chose to stay close to her daughter, Edomae Ayame-san. Am I wrong?"
Not surprising the principal knew about this.
"…No, you're right."
"Then why? Is it because you're afraid to lose your scholarship? Or afraid of them?"
I stayed silent.
If you think about it, it is unsettling to know everything I achieved might just be part of a scheme.
I haven't forgotten Elias-san's words, and this is no laughing matter.
But the truth is simple. There's one big reason I chose to stay close to them. Do I even need to spell the reason?
Ayame-san is incredible, beautiful, kind and hard working person. Meeting someone like her feels like a miracle, and it's all because of this strange situation I was placed in.
Even if all the help she gave me was part of a plan to lure me in, then it's raise the question… For what? I don't think she sees me as a romantic partner. More like a friend.
Still, if you ask me, the "big scheme" is probably Akane-san trying to find a worthy man for her daughter. Men are rare in this world, and since she's rich, of course she'd want the best.
But thinking too much won't help. I've already decided: I'll help Ayame-san whenever she needs me, just like she helped me.
"Morikawa-san, are you okay?"
"Oh! Sorry, I was lost in thought."
"I see. Don't worry. But then… can I know the reason at least?"
"Of course. It's because I like her."
"I see… wait—seriously!?"
…
"Ehhhhh!?" — ?
Huh? Did I heard something?