"Ayame-sama, this way."
"..."
"Ayame-sama?"
"Oh, sorry, thanks as always Sasaki-san."
"Did something happen?"
"Why do you think that?"
"I mean... your face is red, and I can see a small hint of a smile."
"Eh!? Did I make such a face?"
"Was it that boy again?"
"It can't be helped. He's just precious. How could he give me such an answer?!"
"If you want, I'm all ears, my lady."
"Well, you see..."
♦♦♦
I was in the auditorium watching the debate between Satou Ryuichi and the president of the student council.
For me, it doesn't matter if the proposal to separate men and women into different classrooms passes. After all, what matters is Tomoki-kun.
Sure, it would be bothersome if Tomoki-kun wasn't in the same class as me. On the other hand, other girls wouldn't be able to interact with him. After all...
"Hey, the guy behind Satou-kun, isn't he the male student who got the scholarship?"
"Yeah, Satou-kun is cooler, but he's not bad either. Oh, maybe I have a chance with him?"
"I heard he asked everyone to call him by his first name. If I'm not mistaken, it's Tomoki."
"But if he's supporting our 'Ice Prince,' doesn't that mean he hates women?"
"I don't think so. I saw him talking with Edomae-san. They seemed pretty friendly."
"Maybe he just wants to... you know, take advantage of her wealth?"
"Hey! Shhh… She might be hearing us."
I heard all of you. How dare you speak about Tomoki-kun like that?
It's clear they're interested in him, but since Satou-san is there, they can't see the true value of Morikawa Tomoki.
Anyway, I doubted Satou-san would let him speak. He already feel guilty for dragging Tomoki-kun into this.
I'm kind of curious about what Tomoki-kun thinks of all this. How does he handle the pressure from the audience? But I don't think I'll see that today.
Until...
"I'd like to hear from the male student who received the scholarship." – The president of the student council requested.
Why did she ask for his opinion? No matter how I look at it, the president's argument is more solid than Ryuichi's. Even the academy administrators wouldn't approve of Satou-san's proposal.
If I had to guess, she wants to test him. If I were in her place, I'd do the same.
...
Before I knew it, everyone's attention was on Tomoki-kun.
How presumptuous of me to think I'd seen his true value. When I think about it, I don't know anything about him.
I'm just like the other girls who see him on a superficial level.
It's not like we have a special connection. We're just acquaintances who sit close to each other in the same class. That's all!
Now I wasn't sure what would happen next. And that uncertainty… scared me. Because right now...
"Morikawa Tomoki, maybe he is a divine being who come´s to guide us."
"Girl, don´t you feel embaressing to say such a thing? Well, it´s not like I disagreee."
"Seriously, I totally would hire him to be at least as manager of our company."
"His plan is kind simple yet, how can I say, I think he just amazing!"
"Morikawa Tomoki, maybe he's a divine being who's come to guide us."
"Girl, don't you feel embarrassed saying something like that? Well, it's not like I disagree."
"Seriously, I'd totally hire him to be at least the manager of our company."
"His plan is so simple yet... how can I say, I think he's just amazing!"
"I can explain. As students of Sakurazai University, we always discuss how to solve the problems between men and women. It's a global concern. But no matter how many solutions we propose, it's hard to get them approved by men. Right now, a man proposed a solution—one that's solid, by the way—and that's why he convinced everyone to support his plan."
"Morikawa Tomoki... I kind of want to know more about him."
"Do you think he'd accept multiple wives? I wouldn't mind if he did."
"Who knows? Like he said, if we start interacting with each other, maybe we can find a way."
Everyone's looking at Tomoki-kun now, not just as a man, but as a person. Even university students have started taking an interest in him.
And what's more painful? The thought of seeing Tomoki-kun with other girls.
I think all the girls don't want to share the man they love. However, since we live in a skewed gender ratio, instead of keeping all the happiness to ourselves, they try to share it with each other. But I can't do that.
I'm really ugly, huh? I'm just the kind of girl who wants to keep all the attention to myself.
I bet if Tomoki-kun saw this side of me, he'd be scared, disgusted, and hate me for it.
Just like my... I should calm down.
As Tomoki-kun said, I need to voice my worries, right?
♦♦♦
"I see… Tomoki-kun, if you knew the real me, would you still accept me?"
"..."
A silence. Well, if I were asked that suddenly, I wouldn't know how to answer either.
"Sorry, I... just forgot what I said. I think I got a bit carried away by your speech... haha."
"I don't know, Ayame-san, but I'll do my best to help you."
I see. So, that means he wouldn't accept me if he saw the real me. But he really is a kind man.
"Thank you, Tomoki-kun. I'm happy to hear that."
"I mean, If one day you do something wrong, I won´t be able to accept it. Instead, I'll help you find your way back."
I could feel the light of hope return to my eyes.
"Why would you go this far?"
"Because I don't want to end our relationship as just acquaintances." - he said with a warm smile.
"So... does that mean you want me to be your lo— I mean, your friend?" - I tried to keep my voice steady, but I could feel the warmth rising to my cheeks.
"If it's okay with you, gladly."
"I see!" - I'm so happy.
He wants to be close to me. Just as friends, for now… but maybe, someday. I couldn't stop the small smile tugging at my lips.
"So, Ayame-san! Can I ask for your phone number?" he asked, loudly and shyly.
♦♦♦
... And that's what happened.
"I'm glad you're happy."
"Sasaki-san, are you okay? Sorry you had to listen to the whole story."
"It's fine, my lady. I enjoy hearing your stories, after all."
"Thanks, Sasaki-san. Well, it's already time for dinner."
"... Ayame-sama, it's already 11:00 PM."
"Wha—wait, it's really that late?"
"My lady, from the moment I came to pick you up until we arrived in your room, you were talking about him."
I was surprised. Did I lose track of time? Either way, I realized I was getting sleepy.
"Sorry, Sasaki-san. I even made you skip your dinner."
"It's okay, like I said, I love hearing your stories. Would you like to have dinner now?"
"I'm feeling sleepy. I'll skip dinner tonight. I'll apologize to the chef tomorrow."
"As you wish. Good night, Ayame-sama."
"Good night."
...
"Morikawa Tomoki, I hope you see Ayame-chan through the same eyes as she sees you."