Chapter Four: “The Princess Wants to Be Chosen by the Prince” — Part Two

After the watering, I always went for a run before heading to class. Moving in the mornings had become habit; I couldn’t settle without it.
On the way to the shoe lockers after my run, I happened to run into Yuuri-chan.

“Good morning, Iori-senpai.”
“Morning.”

We exchanged greetings and immediately fell into silence. That said, since we were both alone, it would be odd to just go our separate ways.

Yuuri-chan doesn’t really resemble Himena-chan, does she.
Not just in looks — their personalities seemed different too. Which made it a little puzzling that they were so close.
Childhood friends, she’d said. I thought that was right.

“Today’s the watering duty day, isn’t it.”
“Yes.”
“Himena was in high spirits all last night. Said she had watering duty with you today.”
“…Is that right.”

Every week without fail, and she was still excited about it last night.
Hearing that didn’t feel bad.

“How did she look today?”
“How do you mean?”
“Her hair. She called me out of nowhere last night asking which style would be good.”
“…Oh.”

The sound of my own voice surprised me — it came out flat in a way I hadn’t intended. I stopped without meaning to, and Yuuri-chan gave a small, quiet laugh.

I think I might not be very good with this girl.

The words wouldn’t come, and I walked up the stairs in silence. At the second-floor landing, where the first-year classrooms were, I was about to part ways with her when Himena-chan happened to come by.

“Iori-senpai! …And Yuuri?!”
“Yes, yes, I’m just an afterthought.”
“Why are you with Iori-senpai?! I’m jealous!”

Making her usual fuss, Himena-chan pushed her way in between Yuuri-chan and me.

“We just ran into each other. Didn’t we, Iori-senpai?”
“Yes, that’s all.”
“I wanted to walk up the stairs with Iori-senpai too!!”

She said something that didn’t quite make sense and pulled at Yuuri-chan’s hand. Oh, honestly, said Yuuri-chan, looking thoroughly done with everything.

“…Himena-chan.”
“Yes! It’s Himena!”

The moment I said her name, Himena-chan turned straight toward me. The pout from a moment ago was gone, replaced by a smile that was flawless from every angle.

She’s so different when she’s with Yuuri-chan versus when she’s with me.

I was aware enough to know it came from how she felt about me, but it left me strangely unsettled all the same.

“I’m looking forward to our after-school date today.”

I smiled and gently patted her head. Himena-chan made a sound close to a shriek and nodded at high speed.

“Sorry for taking up Himena-chan’s afternoon, Yuuri-chan.”
“Oh, no, I don’t need it, please go right ahead.”

With that, Yuuri-chan left us behind and walked off.

Go right ahead?

It wasn’t hers to give in the first place, was it.

I was the one who’d said taking up, and yet Yuuri-chan’s response sat wrong with me. I knew it was an unreasonable thing to be annoyed about, which made it all the more annoying.

“Senpai, is something the matter?”
“Hm?”
“You had a bit of a look on your face just then. Are you feeling unwell? Should I, sh-should I call an ambulance?!”
“The nurse’s office, at most. And I’m fine. Thank you for worrying.”

I gave a wave and walked off. Until I rounded a corner and she disappeared from view, Himena-chan was still waving at me.