Chapter 3 | April 26th (9:00 AM)

(St. Liliana Academy, 2nd Year Class A Classroom)

Now then. I think it’s about time I touch a bit on the school life that I haven’t been able to delve into much until now.

Private St. Liliana Academy.

As I’ve already introduced many times, it’s a nationally renowned educational institution known for its high-quality education, spanning from kindergarten to graduate school. Our high school, located within the Yamanote Line area, is also one of the top schools equipped with facilities and faculty worthy of its name.

The student population is roughly 2,000. With about 700 students per grade, divided into 20 classes of around 35 students each, it’s safe to say that it’s quite a large school by today’s standards.

I’m enrolled in Class A of the second year.

Being the first class alphabetically doesn’t mean I’m top of the class or particularly outstanding. At this academy, class assignments are completely random, unaffected by grades, gender, or future aspirations. Family background or nationality doesn’t matter, and of course, parental influence isn’t accepted. This thorough fairness is one of St. Liliana Academy’s main characteristics.

In Class A, I’ve secured the window seat at the very back, the perfect spot. I have a clear view of the physical education classes on the field, and it’s ideal for napping since it’s a blind spot from the teacher’s podium. With my frequent involvement in novel writing and student council duties, it’s the perfect seat for someone like me who isn’t too focused on academics.

Especially now, during the first period of the morning.

To make matters worse, the subject is Modern Japanese.

For someone like me, who makes a living as a professional writer, this is the time of day when my concentration is at its lowest. It’s unavoidable.

Basking in the gentle spring sunlight streaming through the window, I’m in the midst of barely holding off a full-scale invasion of sleepiness.

“──Therefore, the protagonist’s emotions in this scene are extremely complex and subtle. Right after managing to escape the enclosed room after a full day and night, he learns that the woman he’s grown close enough to call a partner is someone connected to his mother. It’s not hard to imagine the shock he must have felt.”

At the podium, Saeki Shizuka-sensei, the Japanese teacher and also the homeroom teacher for Class 2-A, is calmly wielding her teaching rod.

With her sharp eyes, thin-framed glasses, and perfectly tailored suit, she’s a dignified female teacher. I believe she’s the same age as my editor, Jinno Kaoruko-san. Despite her relatively short career, her confident teaching style and the gap between her serious demeanor and her natural airheadedness and lack of athleticism make her quite popular among the students.

By the way, despite her lack of athleticism, Saeki-sensei is apparently quite skilled at throwing chalk. If she catches you napping, she won’t hesitate to demonstrate that skill, so I can’t let my guard down. As a member of the student council, even if I’m at the bottom of the hierarchy, and as a student of this prestigious elite school, I’d like to avoid the disgrace of getting hit in the forehead with chalk.

“…And as we approach the final part of the story, the foreshadowing laid out earlier comes into play. The relationship between the protagonist’s deceased mother and the woman he spent a day and night with, and the scene where the protagonist, upon learning this, says, ‘Do your best. Do your best.’ Why does the protagonist, who hated being told ‘Do your best’ by others, deliberately say those words here? …Yoshioka, what do you think?”

While half-listening to Saeki-sensei’s lecture, I’m using the other half of my brain to fight off sleepiness. Well, I’m pretending to take notes while actually brainstorming ideas for my novel.

Engaging in high-risk, high-reward behavior unbecoming of an elite school student, I’m struggling to make the most of this time.

This goes on for several tens of minutes.

Finally, the first period ends without incident.

“──Alright. That’s it for today’s class.”

Saeki-sensei, who had managed to finish the lesson just before the bell rang, is putting away her textbooks and materials while saying,

“Any questions?”

When the teacher prompts, several students rush to the podium, and as always, I’m impressed. What’s impressive is that the students heading to the podium aren’t the top students—rather, it’s the opposite. At this academy, those who struggle to keep up don’t fall behind; instead, they put in extra effort to cling on.

On the other hand, what are the students who don’t go to the podium doing? Most are either heading to the restroom or chatting with friends, with only a handful using the time for reviewing. For students who can keep up with the lessons without difficulty, break time is strictly for resting. This is the way of St. Liliana Academy, a school that boasts one of the top academic performances in the country while having no trace of exam-focused cramming. It’s a scene that perfectly captures the school’s unique character.

As for what I’m doing, well…

After preparing for the second period’s World History class, I’m just sitting at my desk, bored and spacing out. I can’t take notes for my novel plot in such a public place, after all.

…

……

………

No.

That’s not it. I don’t want to be misunderstood.

It’s not like I’m being bullied or ostracized by the class or anything like that.

It’s just that I’m a little, just a tiny bit, out of sync with the class. It’s not that I avoid talking to anyone because I’m afraid of being treated coldly, or that people avoid talking to me because they find me annoying.

I mean, it can’t be helped, right? I just transferred here recently, and most of Class 2-A has been together since the first year. So, it’s only natural that there’s a bit of a gap between me and the other classmates.

Plus, in my case, I usually have lunch with my student council colleagues, so I don’t get many chances to share a meal with my classmates.

Not to mention, it’s apparently extremely unusual for a transfer student to join the student council right away.

And on top of that, I caused a huge scene in front of a lot of students on my first day.

Oh, and it seems like the fact that the student council members are living together in the same dorm has already spread.

With all that attention, it’s only natural that I’d stand out a bit, right?

Well, of course, I don’t plan to just accept this situation where I can’t interact with anyone in the class. I do try to seize opportunities to talk to people whenever I can. But so far, the results haven’t been great.

…

……

………

Well, to be honest, I do know the reason why I’m so out of sync with the class──

“Himenokōji.”

While I’m thinking about this, Saeki-sensei suddenly appears in front of me. It seems the Q&A session has ended.

“How’s it going? Have you gotten used to the academy?”

“Ah, yes. Thanks to you.”

“I see.”

Nodding, Saeki-sensei glances around the classroom.

Well, even though I said “thanks to you,” it’s probably obvious that things aren’t going well. The classmates who are pretending not to care but are secretly glancing at me and the teacher make it clear that I’m out of sync.

“If you’ve gotten used to it, that’s good. But if you have any problems, let me know. I can’t promise to solve them, but I’ll at least listen.”

“Yes. Thank you.”

“I think I understand your position.”

Glaring at me, the teacher says calmly,

“Not only are you a transfer student, but you’re also the breadwinner for your family, handling student council duties, and even serving as the dorm leader. I can imagine you have a lot on your plate.”

“Well… you get it?”

“I do. You look sleep-deprived today. If you look closely, there are faint dark circles under your eyes. And your complexion isn’t great either.”

“Eh? Really?”

I didn’t notice that when I glanced in the mirror this morning. Maybe it’s because of that incident with the president? I didn’t realize it was affecting me.

“Hmm, I didn’t notice it myself. Maybe I am tired.”

“Well, at least you didn’t fall asleep. But don’t push yourself too hard. It’d be a problem for me if a student collapsed.”

“Thank you for your concern.”

“Considering your position, I’ll try to accommodate you as much as I can. But managing your health is ultimately your responsibility, so be careful.”

“Thank you. I appreciate it.”

“That said, don’t overdo it with the side work, okay? I don’t think your Modern Japanese skills are lacking, but… if your test scores aren’t up to par, I won’t go easy on you.”

…Oops.

So, she knew after all. I’ve been quite rude.

“Ah, I’m really sorry. The deadline for my next project is coming up, so I couldn’t help it… I’ve been causing trouble for my editor every time, so this time I thought I’d…”

“I know. Your editor has been complaining to me too.”

“Eh? Jinno-san?”

Jinno Kaoruko, 25 years old.

With a youthful face that doesn’t match her age, her trademark is her soft smile and droopy eyes. She’s my editor, but… I didn’t think she’d complain to Saeki-sensei. This is bad. As a newbie author, getting a reputation as someone who can’t meet deadlines is really bad. I absolutely have to meet this deadline…

“I’m really, really sorry. I’m truly embarrassed.”

“Apologizing to me won’t help. …Well, as I said earlier, I understand your position, so I’ll let some things slide. It’s fine to work on the side as long as it’s in moderation. They say you should embrace hardships while you’re young, and it’s good to take on a lot of work. But don’t overdo it.”

“…It feels like you’re telling me two opposite things. Like, ‘walk while running’ or something.”

“But that’s the path you chose, right?”

“Yeah…”

She’s right. I have no rebuttal.

Well, some of the hardships I’m dealing with aren’t entirely my fault… but making excuses won’t help.

“If it’s the path you chose, see it through to the end. You’re already here at this school without taking the entrance exam, thanks to your special talent. You have to keep proving that you’re worth it until you graduate. Understand?”

“Yes. I’ll keep that in mind.”

“And one more thing.”

“Yes?”

“Well, this might not be my place to say, but──”

“Heyyy! Onii-chaaaan!”

At that moment.

A familiar voice calls from the hallway.

“Sorry to bother you, everyone!”

Bowing politely to the Class A students, Akiko enters the classroom.

“Onii-chan, Onii-chan! It’s Akiko! Your cute little sister who you love more than anyone in the world has arrived!”

“…Ah. You’re here again, Akiko.”

“Yes, I’m here again. ──Oh, good morning, Saeki-sensei!”

“…Ah. Good morning.”

While Akiko greets her innocently, Saeki-sensei makes a slightly pained expression.

“Himenokōji. Your class is supposed to be Class B, right?”

“Yes, it’s Class B!”

“Then what are you doing in Class A?”

“I came to see Onii-chan!”

“…Himenokōji. If you have something to do, that’s one thing, but…”

“Ah, I misspoke. I came to be loved by Onii-chan!”

“……..”

Sighing deeply,

“Listen, Himenokōji. Don’t just show up in other classes without a good reason. Just because you’re twins doesn’t mean you have to be together all the time.”

“But Onii-chan is my Onii-chan!”

“…You’re a member of the student council, and you’re supposed to set an example for the other students. You should know better.”

“Shouldn’t you be saying that to the student council president or vice president instead?”

“Well, that’s true, but…”

“Besides, Onii-chan and I are in a mutual love relationship. It’s only natural for lovers to be together all the time, and since we’re twins, it’s even more so. That’s why it’s only natural for me to come to this classroom every break. In fact, the real issue is why Onii-chan and I are in separate classes in the first place. I plan to bring this up at the board meeting soon and win the right to share a class with Onii-chan in the near future.”

“……..I see.”

Saeki-sensei sighs softly as Akiko passionately explains.

“You used to be the only one with a conscience in the student council… Well, not that there’s anything wrong with how the council is run now…”

“Huh? Did you say something, sensei?”

“No, nothing. Just remember, it’s good that you’re close, but don’t overdo it.”

“Yes! I’ll do my best!”

“That enthusiasm is worrying… No, never mind.”

Shaking her head, Saeki-sensei leaves the classroom.

“Now, Onii-chan! With no one to disturb us, let’s spend this break time lovingly together!”

“…Listen, Akiko.”

Sighing at my sister, who’s making a puppy-dog face,

“You keep coming to see me every break, but can you stop? Or at least cut back a bit?”

“Why?”

“Didn’t you see? Saeki-sensei looked troubled, and it’s not just her. The other teachers too…”

Not to mention, the Class A students who are eavesdropping on our conversation──well, probably almost everyone at St. Liliana Academy is confused by Himenokōji Akiko’s transformation.

Before I transferred here, my sister was a model student even within St. Liliana Academy, known for her beauty, talent, and bright smile, admired by the entire student body.

But now, she openly declares her unethical preferences──an extreme brother complex──and is currently demonstrating her perverted tendencies.

And of course, Akiko’s actions are the main reason why I’m so out of sync with the class.

“It’s fine, Onii-chan. There’s no problem.”

“What do you mean, no problem?”

“The people around us look troubled because they’re not used to our relationship yet. In another month, they’ll definitely get used to it.”

“No, it’s not about getting used to it. In fact, they shouldn’t get used to it.”

“I think the problem is that we’re being half-hearted.”

“Half-hearted? About what?”

“I mean, it’s widely known that I see Onii-chan as a romantic interest, but Onii-chan hasn’t made your feelings clear yet. I think that’s the issue.”

“No, I’ve made it clear. I’ve said that my sister can’t be a romantic interest.”

“Oh, come on, Onii-chan, you’re just being shy. Did you know? People who can’t be honest about their feelings are called tsunderes.”

“I know what a tsundere is, but you’ve got the premise wrong. I’m not being tsundere toward you.”

“Ahaha. Onii-chan, you’re so good at joking.”

Waving her hands dismissively, Akiko laughs off my statement.

She’s as tough──or rather, as oblivious──as ever, completely unfazed.

“Now, Onii-chan. Let’s stop with the bad acting and start being honest.”

“I’ve been honest this whole time.”

“If Onii-chan says ‘I love you, Akiko. Let’s get married,’ everyone around us will clear up their misunderstandings.”

“What misunderstandings?”

“The big misunderstanding that Onii-chan and I aren’t in a loving relationship.”

“That’s not a misunderstanding. That’s 100% accurate.”

“Fufu, it’s fine, Onii-chan. The way you’re glaring at me with those half-lidded eyes is so tsundere-like. It’s making me shiver with excitement.”

“Stop saying things like that. The classmates will really get the wrong idea.”

“Onii-chan, can’t you be more obviously tsundere?”

“How am I supposed to do that?”

“Leave it to me. As a tsundere master, it’s a piece of cake for me to turn Onii-chan into a true tsundere.”

“Sigh.”

“Now, repeat after me. ‘Hmph! I don’t like Akiko at all!’ …Come on, say it with me.”

“……..”

“Don’t be shy. ‘Hmph! I don’t like Akiko at all!’ …Come on. Repeat after me.”

“‘I don’t see Akiko as a romantic interest at all.’”

“Guh!? That wasn’t tsundere at all! You just gave me a blank stare and changed the line!”

Watching my sister writhe in frustration, I glare at her.

“There, satisfied? Class is about to start, so go back to your own classroom.”

“Muuuuu! Onii-chan’s cold attitude has deeply hurt Akiko! I demand an apology and compensation!”

“No way.”

“Then just compensation!”

“I’m not kissing you, patting your head, or hugging you.”

“Muu!? You’re preemptively crushing all my wishes! Onii-chan, you’re so mean!”

“Enough already. Go on, get going.”

“Hmph, you can act like that for now. Next break, I’ll make Onii-chan say something even more tsundere.”

“Yeah, yeah, whatever.”

“Ah, but don’t get the wrong idea!? I don’t like Onii-chan at all!”

With that parting shot, my sister quickly leaves the classroom.

Left behind are me, sighing, and my classmates, who are giving me subtle looks.

…Good grief. She’s as relentless as ever.

Well, maybe I’m indulging her too much? If we keep doing this sibling comedy routine every break, it’s no wonder I’m getting weird looks and standing out in class.

Yeah. I’ll have to think things through a bit more from now on. Yeah.