"'My younger brother on my back, wishing to return to Yamato'—what does that an? Is it describing a soldier carrying a child to a Yamato-class battleship?"
"No… The Manyoshu era didn't have battleships."
At night, while Shirogane's father was washing the dishes, Takamine Rinji and Shirogane Miyuki had returned to the latter's room to study.
Luckily, Shirogane hadn't thrown out his first-year textbooks. Otherwise, Rinji would've had to go ho to get his own.
Speaking of the Shirogane family's apartnt—it really was tiny. Just a one-bedroom unit with a living room and bathroom. Their father slept in the living room, while Miyuki and Kei shared the cramped bedroom, separated only by a thin curtain.
Because Miyuki's "room" was near the door, the two often caught glimpses of Kei, dressed in pajamas, walking back and forth between the living room and bedroom during their study sessions.
"That phrase ans: 'Watching my beloved younger brother depart for the land of Yamato.'"
"I see… I don't get it, but I'll write it down anyway." Rinji made a note in his notebook.
"You really aren't good at classical literature, are you?" Shirogane chuckled. "But that's normal. It takes effort for foreign students to learn Japanese, and classical texts are especially hard."
"Yeah, I guess it's a weak point of mine… Wait, do Japanese first-years study classical literature already?"
"Shuchiin is kind of special. Because of its high academic standard, the curriculum is more advanced."
Their review session had originally started with second-year top student Shirogane tutoring first-year fifth-ranked Takamine Rinji. But sotis, when it ca to extrely difficult science problems, it was Shirogane who had to ask Rinji for help.
"Your science scores are surprisingly high."
"One of my few strengths," Rinji replied. "I was already solving Japanese high school math problems when I was really young. As for classical literature, I just morize it. Understanding the emotions and thoughts of the authors? That's where I'm hopeless."
"So are you planning to major in science later?"
"Haven't thought that far. Right now, I just want to make more money," Rinji said. "Most people study hard to get into a good university so they can land a decent job after graduation, right?"
"Well, that's true… but you don't really need to worry about that, do you?"
Shirogane rembered very clearly—this younger student of his was already a technical advisor for a major company. And his family? Rich. Very rich.
"I don't really need to worry about survival," Rinji admitted. "I just enjoy the process… Also, part of wants to say to my old man, 'Look, your son's made sothing of himself.'"
"I see…"
Shirogane couldn't really relate to what Rinji was saying.
He worked part-ti just to survive. He wasn't particularly gifted; all of his accomplishnts ca from relentless effort. The countless used-up pencil leads on his desk were proof—he was the kind of guy who studied himself to death every day.
But there was no other way.
The only thing Shirogane had going for him was his academic performance.
He had to keep studying, keep pushing forward—only by doing that could he ever hope to stand beside the so-called genius Shinomiya Kaguya.
In contrast, Rinji… he was what a real genius looked like. His learning ability far exceeded Shirogane's. And not just in studies—his appearance, his family background, his position in society—everything about him was elite. He already held a high-level job at a big company despite being so young.
A side-by-side comparison revealed an unmistakable gap between them.
"So why does the president study so hard? To get into your dream college?"
"I guess… but mostly because it's the only thing I'm good at. If I didn't have academics, I'd have nothing else to show for myself." Shirogane looked up at the ceiling, a trace of lancholy in his voice.
Kei wasn't in the room right now, so he could speak more freely with Rinji.
"Maybe… maybe I was never ant to be Kaguya's destined one." Shirogane smiled bitterly.
"Mmm… you're right," Rinji replied flatly.
"You think so too, huh?"
Hearing Takamine Rinji's words, Shirogane Miyuki didn't get angry. He knew Rinji wasn't good at lying. Sotis, the truth could hurt.
"Don't get wrong, President."
"Hmm?"
Shirogane looked over at Rinji and saw that his expression had turned uncharacteristically serious.
"I said this a long ti ago: it's not that you aren't good enough for Shinomiya Kaguya. It's that Shinomiya Kaguya isn't good enough for you."
"Huh? Didn't you just say that because you have a grudge against the Shinomiya family?"
"True, I was deliberately belittling them because of that grudge. But I also genuinely believe it," Rinji said. "I just think you need to have more confidence. A girl like the Shinomiya heiress is just one of many you could choose from. That's why I said it."
"Isn't that going a bit too far? She's the eldest daughter of the Shinomiya Zaibatsu and a genius to boot. In terms of family and individual status, I—"
"But you're the student council president."
"Huh?"
Shirogane was montarily confused, but Rinji simply continued, "You're the president. The one I, Takamine Rinji, recognize. That alone gives you the right to look down on anyone."
Takamine Rinji was a proud person—sothing about him that would never change.
And pride often made others dislike you. That was certain.
But for Shirogane Miyuki, Rinji's arrogant words were oddly comforting.
"I got it."
Brushing back his hair, Shirogane's confident smile returned to his face.
"Of course soone like Shinomiya would need a man as exceptional as ."
"Exactly," Rinji grinned. "The fireworks festival during sumr vacation is a great opportunity. You should take this ti to plan carefully."
"Alright… By the way, Rinji, got any advice?"
"? What advice could I possibly give? If I knew that stuff, I'd already have a girlfriend."
"Then who does know?"
"Ishigami probably does. He's played hundreds of galgas. I'll ask him on Monday."
And just like that, the conversation veered from studying to dating.
What they didn't know was that just monts ago, Shirogane Kei had been leaning against the door, licking a popsicle.
She hadn't heard the full conversation, but from what little she caught, it seed her brother might like soone… though she didn't catch who.
And also…
"So Rinji-nii doesn't have a girlfriend, huh…"
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