Why Not Make Both Twins 'Girlfriends'?-Chapter 10Volume 1 .2 - Is This Fate...?
Is This Fate…? 2
Tuesday, June 7, a few days into the rainy season──
“I’m sorry… I can’t make it to our date next Saturday…”
“Ah…?”
──Dark clouds loomed.
***
“The ‘Hydrangea Festival’ at Arisuyama Kindergarten? Is Chii-chan participating?”
On Tuesday, June 7th──after school that day, they agreed to meet with Hikari at the Western-style Dining Canon to talk about it.
Hikari seemed a bit bewildered as if this was unexpected news to her.
“Yeah… It seems like a joint event with kindergartens affiliated with Arisuyama Academy…”
“Why Chii-chan?”
“Tachibana Sensei really insisted on me participating…”
Chikage gave a wry smile.
“But why Chikage? You’re not in the student council or anything like that.”
“Originally, this joint event was a collaborative project initiated by volunteers from various high schools. The student council only provided the budget, while the planning and operation were handled by a committee called the ‘Hydrangea Festival Executive Committee.’ “
“So, collaboration means… planning and operating jointly with other high schools?”
“Yes. It started as a project to establish horizontal connections.”
“Ah, I see…”
It seemed like one of those high-minded initiatives.
The fact that it started that way gave a hint about its current status.
“However, the scale gradually decreased, and it turned into helping out with kindergarten events. ──Well, more like volunteering, I guess.”
Originally, it was a collaborative event started by volunteers—those with a high-minded consciousness.
However, as the years passed, the motivation dwindled. Eventually, it settled into just helping out at kindergarten events.
──It’s a common story.
Even if the motivation was high at the beginning, people change as years pass, and the original motivation gradually fades away.
Unable to simply quit, it dragged on to this year, and the task fell to Chikage, known for her exemplary conduct and excellent grades.
“…I get the reason, but it doesn’t mean it has to be Chii-chan, right?”
“But, Tachibana Sensei seemed really troubled, and once I decide to do something, I give it my all.”
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“Maybe that’s true for Chii-chan… Also, which other high schools are involved?”
“It’s Yuki Academy. The meetings will be held at Arisuyama Academy.”
Sakuto’s expression changed at this.
‘Yuki Academy’──he thought it might be a coincidence, but he decided to ask about something that was on his mind.
“But why Chikage, or rather, why a first-year? What about the second and third years?”
“At this time, the second and third years are busy with their studies. …It’s not something to say out loud, but the responsibility fell to Tachibana Sensei, who’s in charge of the first years… and well, that’s how it turned out.”
Chikage seemed hesitant to speak, which indicated that Tachibana might also have been pressured into taking the job by someone else.
There had been some friction before, but Tachibana clearly recognized Chikage’s capabilities.
Chikage seemed to understand Tachibana’s circumstances and agreed to help when asked.
“I see… Well, if you’ve already accepted, it can’t be helped…”
“That’s why you two should go on a date without worrying about me.”
” ” ….. ” “
“Instead, it would be nice if I could go out alone with Sakuto-kun some other day… That’s fine, right? I’ll make a reservation right now!”
Seeing Chikage joke and laugh about it, Sakuto had to resist the urge to sigh.
Hikari seemed to feel the same way, and she and Sakuto exchanged a grim look.
***
The next day during lunch break, Sakuto looked for the person who had roped Chikage into this collaboration project.
Tachibana was in a quiet area beside the school building, leading to the staff parking lot.
It was a place he rarely visited, but there were hydrangeas blooming in the corners of the path in shades of blue and purple.
Tachibana was watering them.
“Tachibana Sensei, can I have a moment?”
“…Is this about Chikage Usami?”
“Uh… I haven’t said anything yet, though?”
“Is it not about that?”
“It is, but…”
The conversation was quick, but it felt uncomfortable.
Could it be that their relationship had been discovered?
He felt as if his private life was being speculated upon.
Ignoring Sakuto’s discomfort, Tachibana continued watering the plants with a calm expression.
“When I invited Chikage Usami to this collaboration project, she accidentally mentioned your name. So I thought you had some plans together. Besides, I occasionally see you two together around the school.”
Sakuto felt a jolt of surprise.
“Are you planning to go out with her sometime soon?”
“…Well, it’s not just with Chikage.”
After saying this as a precaution, Tachibana put a hand to her chin, deep in thought.
