Chapter 169: Honami Ichinose (no honorific)'s Confession, Shared Feelings (Combined Edition 5k) (Patreon)

After confirming the task details, Hikaru Naruse decided to go see Honami Ichinose on Saturday.

The task had come to him anyway, so he might as well do it.

Besides, the reward was genuinely useful. The moment Hikaru Naruse finished reading the description, he was tempted.

[Basic Constitution Elixir]

[Dissolve in water and drink. Grants a modest improvement to those with weak physical ability, boosting endurance and overall stamina.]

Of course, it wouldn't do much for him.

After all, Hikaru Naruse had already obtained [Body Remodeling (Intermediate)]. But he could give it to the physically weaker girls around him.

Airi Sakura, for one.

Her physical ability was D-, already among the weaker girls. If she could improve even a little, it would help not only at the Sports Festival but in other situations too.

Asuka Shiraishi would work as well. Her physical ability was D. Her running form was textbook, but her muscle strength was clearly lacking, and Ai Morishita had left her in the dust last time.

And once he had the item, he could give it to Honami Ichinose herself, too.

Honami Ichinose's mind was sharp, but her physical ability was C-, about the same as Asuka Shiraishi's and slightly better than Airi Sakura's.

If she used it, things would get a little easier for her as well.

Hikaru Naruse ran through all this in his head at lightning speed, then turned to the arrangements for the moment.

Today was Friday, and Kei Karuizawa was coming over to stay the night.

They had originally agreed to go on a date tomorrow, but with the new plan in place, the boy felt he should smooth things over with her first.

*

Around eight that evening, in a bathroom thick with steam.

Hikaru Naruse sat at the edge of the tub, washing the hair of Kei Karuizawa, who sat on a small stool. His hands were very gentle.

After a while, he spoke as he worked.

"Kei, I might have something fairly urgent to take care of tomorrow."

His voice was mild, his fingers lathering her long hair softly.

Kei Karuizawa's shampoo had been switched to the same scent as Hikaru Naruse's, a fresh fruity-wood fragrance.

"Saturday's off the table for now. How about we go on our date on Sunday instead?"

"Huh?"

Kei Karuizawa had been enjoying her boyfriend's massage, eyes closed, completely relaxed. Now her eyes snapped open.

In the past, she wouldn't have asked questions. But ever since her talk with Kikyo Kushida, the girl had grown much sharper.

After several seconds of silence, Kei Karuizawa came right out and asked.

"Why so sudden? What are you doing tomorrow, Hikaru-kun?"

"I just have something to do."

Hikaru Naruse was a little surprised himself. Kei Karuizawa had always been so obedient and never poked around, which was exactly why he'd spoil her without conditions.

"What's this, Kei? Are you that curious?"

The boy reached out and patted her head, running his fingers lightly over her damp hair.

"You never used to ask about this stuff."

"Aw..."

Kei Karuizawa laughed and played the coquette, putting on a calm front.

"I'm just curious, okay? Hikaru-kun, can't you tell me what you're doing?"

Hikaru Naruse smiled, his expression still easygoing.

"I'm going to talk about Student Council business, get ready for the Sports Festival, and scout out some new partners while I'm at it."

"Oh, I see."

This time Kei Karuizawa didn't laugh it off. She pressed further.

"Can you tell me who you're meeting, Hikaru-kun?"

"Hm?"

Apparently noticing how out of character she was acting today, Hikaru Naruse picked up the shower head and rinsed her hair. After a moment, he wrapped her wet hair gently in a dry towel.

"You're not being a good girl today, Kei. Better not to ask so much. I'll come pick you up at your dorm early on Sunday."

"Is that okay?"

"Mm..."

The two had been together for several months now, living in a kind of half-cohabitation, so Kei Karuizawa knew her bedmate's habits well.

At this point, pushing any further really wouldn't be wise.

"Fine. Then come get me early on Sunday, Hikaru-kun, okay?"

"Mm-hm."

Even though it still bothered her, Kei Karuizawa didn't dare ask more, afraid of making him angry.

She had come to stay tonight hoping to be doted on, after all.

"If you behave yourself, Kei, there's a reward waiting for you later."

"Really? Then I'll be looking forward to it."

Kei Karuizawa said nothing more. She just turned the shower back on and went on bathing with Hikaru Naruse.

But in her mind, she was remembering what Kikyo Kushida had said that day.

If she laid her cards on the table with Hikaru-kun, would she get more?

Her unease didn't really come from Hikaru Naruse growing busier, or from more and more women appearing around her boyfriend.

What Kei Karuizawa feared was that one day he would grow tired of her.

Then things would take a sharp turn, and they'd arrive at the cruel scene of a breakup.

More than other women around him, that was the ending she dreaded most.

"Hikaru-kun, tonight... love me properly."

"Of course."

Hikaru Naruse cradled the girl's face and gently wiped her skin.

"Kei, don't let your mind wander. No matter what happens, I'll be by your side."

"Mm!"

*

Around eight on Saturday morning.

Since Hikaru Naruse had messaged Honami Ichinose beforehand, this meeting wouldn't be at a café or restaurant. Instead, he'd go to the girl's dorm for a private talk.

No worry about interruptions, and the atmosphere would be nice.

He had been there once before, and this time he'd made a point of buying a gift: a box of twelve shortbread cookies and two bottles of premium juice.

He rode the elevator up to her door, and the pink-haired girl opened it with a smile.

"Good morning, Ichinose."

"Good morning, Naruse-san."

It was a day off, so Honami Ichinose wore only a light blue set of loungewear, a gentle smile on her face.

Hikaru Naruse had sharp eyesight, so he spotted the faint traces of dark circles beneath her bright eyes at a glance. She probably hadn't slept well these past few days.

Had something happened?

"This is a little gift. It's nothing much."

His voice was mild as he held the gift out to her.

Honami Ichinose took it, and a flash of surprise and delight crossed her clear, wide eyes.

"You're so thoughtful, Naruse-san. Please, come in."

Once he was inside, she invited him to rest on the sofa while she went to prepare refreshments.

Honami Ichinose didn't hesitate to unwrap the gift. She arranged the delicate cookies on a white porcelain plate and poured the juice into two plastic cups.

"Please help yourself, Naruse-san."

"Thanks."

After the greetings and hospitality were done, the two sat on the sofa, and Honami Ichinose spoke first.

"Naruse-san, did you come to see me about something today?"

"Just a small matter. Really, I'm here to repay a favor."

"Repay a favor?" Honami Ichinose looked surprised.

"Yes. You helped me so much last time, Ichinose. I've settled the Sakayanagi problem, so things have been pretty relaxed lately."

Hikaru Naruse spoke slowly. The task mentioned a class transfer, so this had to involve Honami Ichinose. He was in no hurry and simply meant to use this topic as his way in.

"That's wonderful. I'm glad you're okay, Naruse-san." Hearing this, Honami Ichinose actually seemed relieved.

"So... I have to repay you properly, Ichinose."

Hikaru Naruse smiled, his tone gentle.

"Last time I meant to treat you to a meal, but in the end you cooked for me instead. I'm embarrassed just thinking about it."

"So this time I want to take the initiative."

"Hm... So what did you have in mind, Naruse-san?" Honami Ichinose asked with a smile.

"I couldn't think of anything suitable right away, so how about this: Ichinose, is there anything you want to do?"

Hikaru Naruse coaxed her along, his tone encouraging.

"If there's something you want to do, or something you want to get, I can find a way to make it happen."

"What do you say? Want to think about it?"

Hearing the boy say that, Honami Ichinose's heart suddenly raced.

She immediately thought of the matter Class B had now reached a consensus on: her transfer to another class.

Once these things were decided internally, the next steps were supposed to proceed gradually.

The plan was to sound out Class A's intentions first. She had thought so too, and had meant to get a sense of Hikaru Naruse's thinking first. She never expected him to bring up the subject himself.

If she could reach an agreement with Naruse-san ahead of time, wouldn't everything after that go smoothly?

Everyone in the first-year class shared one understanding: although Kohei Katsuragi was Class A's leader in name, the person who truly held the say was Hikaru Naruse.

"Naruse-san... Hearing you put it that way, there really is something I'd like to do."

"And it involves quite a lot of people. I've been so anxious, and I've been agonizing over how to bring it up."

"Naruse-san..."

The girl looked up at the boy in front of her, her gaze earnest.

"This is important. Would you listen to me, take your time?"

"Of course."

Hikaru Naruse nodded with a smile, his tone gentle.

Whether or not this was about the class transfer, since Honami Ichinose had taken such an attitude, he was naturally willing to listen carefully.

"Okay."

Sitting beside him, Honami Ichinose drew a deep breath and slowly began.

She laid out Class B's decision.

The class transfer operation costing 20 million points, and the grand alliance between Class A and Class B.

Her voice was serious, and she weighed every word before speaking it.

After about five minutes, Honami Ichinose finally stopped.

When she finished, she placed her small hands on her knees and looked nervously at the boy sitting across from her.

She had expected him to weigh the pros and cons, think about how to carry it out, or maybe use the chance to talk terms.

But none of that happened.

After she finished, she found that Hikaru Naruse looked unusually happy, a brilliant smile on his face.

On top of smiling, he was muttering to himself.

"So that's how it is..."

"So this was the real outcome... How did I not see it?"

"Wonderful!"

While Honami Ichinose was still puzzled, Hikaru Naruse across from her suddenly slapped the sofa hard.

"Really?"

"Ichinose, if you're coming to Class A, you're more than welcome."

"Class A and Class B can build an even more solid partnership. I can promise you that."

"Really?"

Hearing such a definite answer, Honami Ichinose felt her worries melt away.

She knew Hikaru Naruse was a kind person, but with something that involved class competition, she'd figured he would hesitate.

She never imagined the boy would agree so quickly, and he seemed genuinely happy about it.

"Really!"

Hikaru Naruse's surprise and joy weren't an act. He was truly delighted.

He hadn't expected this to be the opportunity for Honami Ichinose to enter Class A. If it worked out, it would solve a lot of problems.

And if it succeeded, Class A and Class B would become one inseparable whole, and cooperation between the classes would get easier.

As long as Honami Ichinose made it to Class A, the matter of being deskmates would truly come to pass.

The girl across from him naturally had no idea of the countless thoughts turning over in Hikaru Naruse's mind. She simply asked without thinking.

"Naruse-san, does Class A really have no objections?"

"None at all. Ichinose, I think this plan is a win-win."

The boy's voice was soft as he spoke, one word at a time.

"But I can more or less tell where your unease is coming from."

"It's fine, really. Ichinose, whether to push this forward in the end is your decision to make."

"I think you already have the answer in your heart. You don't need to worry about what I think or what everyone in Class B says. Don't let yourself be swept along into deciding."

His voice grew even gentler.

"I told you before, Ichinose. Just be yourself."

"Actually, I..."

Warmth flowed through Honami Ichinose's heart. She was willing, truly, because becoming close companions with Hikaru Naruse was something she yearned for.

And on top of that, his attitude had given her every bit of respect.

For a deal that sounded so good, Class B had little bargaining power at the table.

Class A would only gain a bonus, and wouldn't lose anything even if it refused.

It was Class B that needed this partnership, to protect its current ranking.

Yet Hikaru Naruse had not only agreed but had treated Honami Ichinose with full respect.

That moved the girl even more.

All these feelings tangled together, and an uncontrollable flutter surged in Honami Ichinose's heart.

Her heart kept racing.

She had always liked Hikaru Naruse and cared about him deeply.

Now that affection seemed to have deepened another notch.

*

Watching Honami Ichinose in her current state, Hikaru Naruse could tell she was just one small push away.

Whether for the task or for the two of them, a breakthrough was probably needed.

So the next moment, the boy simply opened his arms to Honami Ichinose.

"Ichinose, I noticed it a moment ago. You have dark circles."

"Were you worried about this plan and couldn't sleep?"

The boy's voice was clear and gentle, like a spring breeze.

"If that's the case... I can lend you my shoulder to rest on for a while."

Those words proved to be the key moment.

Honami Ichinose's delicate body trembled hard. In the next instant, she hesitated no longer and threw herself straight into the boy's arms.

"Mm..."

The girl pressed her face against Hikaru Naruse's chest, her hands reaching around behind him without thinking and wrapping around his waist.

"Ichinose..."

Hikaru Naruse held the girl in his arms and patted her back softly.

"You don't have to be this anxious. This is actually a very good idea. Let's make it happen together."

"Mm."

After a while, Hikaru Naruse spoke again, softly.

"Ichinose, if you come to Class A, I'd like to be your deskmate."

At those words, the boy clearly felt the girl in his arms tremble slightly.

Then her voice came, muffled, tinged with disbelief.

"Really?"

"Of course it's true."

Hikaru Naruse's tone was tender. He lifted Honami Ichinose's small face in his hands and looked at her earnestly.

"Because I like you, Ichinose."

"!"

Honami Ichinose's heart began to race again.

This time it beat even faster, like a drum.

Not only that, her little face flushed red, like rouge.

After a long moment, Honami Ichinose slowly spoke.

"Naruse-san, when you say you like me, do you mean as a friend... or..."

Honami Ichinose wanted to be sure of her own heart, and of Hikaru Naruse's as well.

"The way a boy likes a girl."

At those words, Honami Ichinose shuddered all over, and two lines of tears fell.

"Really?"

"Really."

"Really..."

Honami Ichinose wiped her tears with the back of her hand, then buried her face in Hikaru Naruse's chest again, her tears soaking through.

"Naruse-san... you're so sly."

"I only came today to talk about the alliance. Why did you suddenly say that?"

"Because I didn't want you carrying the pressure any longer, Ichinose. And if I'm not mistaken, we feel the same way, don't we?"

"We do!"

This time, Honami Ichinose's answer was firm.

"I like you too, Naruse-san!"

"I've liked you for a long time!"

"Mm-hm."

Hikaru Naruse held the girl in his arms. He ignored the flashing task panel; she had already shed tears, so the task was naturally complete.

"Ichinose, we can take things between us slowly."

"Let's push forward this class-transfer partnership first. Now that we know each other's feelings, we'll have plenty of time later."

"Mm."

Honami Ichinose gradually recovered from the moment. Her face was red and hot.

But her heart was overflowing with happiness.