Shinomiya Kaguya: "So we're going back to Kyoto."
Hayasaka: "Honestly, I don't want to go there."
On the train, Shuchiin Academy's second-years sat in their seats.
This was probably the most shabby school trip since Shuchiin entered the Heisei era.
Normally, as a prestigious school, Shuchiin's school trips were overseas by chartered flights. But this year, due to the recession and reduced alumni donations, finances were tight. Another overseas trip would cost too much, so they picked a cheaper option.
Of course, if they told students directly they wouldn't be going abroad, there would be backlash. After all, it was the only school trip of their high school years.
So Fujiwara, with her sly political instincts, proposed a vote. Options included hundreds of countries plus three domestic locations: Okinawa, Hokkaido, and Kyoto.
They had already gone to Okinawa in middle school, and Hokkaido was too cold this season, so most votes gathered on Kyoto.
Though there were three choices, in reality there was only one.
Those who disliked long trips naturally voted for Kyoto.
This tactic was called "splitting the vote."
Kyoto was indeed a good tourist spot, but for Kaguya and Hayasaka, it wasn't a place with good memories.
"At least my family must know I'm going to Kyoto."
"I guess they know… maybe not."
"Eh?"
Hayasaka said, "Because they can't even come to Tokyo."
The death order Rinji gave still stood: no one from the Shinomiya family was allowed into Tokyo.
And for those who stayed in Tokyo and refused to leave?
The frequent car accidents in the Tokyo area said it all.
"Honestly… I don't want to face my family."
"You don't have to. Right now, they're probably afraid of you."
"…That…"
Thinking of this, Kaguya recalled what happened at the main house during winter break.
The servants and cadres who once ignored her or whispered behind her back now all cowered when they saw her, after Rinji used her identity to do something.
"Hayasaka, what exactly did Rinji do with my identity? Other than sending my father to the ICU."
"Quite a lot. Mostly to secure you more power. This time, you have to firmly grasp the power Rinji got for you."
"So that means I still have to face them when I go back?"
"Yes…"
Hayasaka glanced at where Shirogane was sitting. He was chatting with some classmates.
"…But Kaguya-san, just enjoy this trip first. The rest can wait."
"You're right."
It was rare to be out with Shirogane, so of course she wanted to use this chance to start her date plan.
Years later, when married, coming back to Kyoto again might feel nostalgic.
Thinking of marriage, Kaguya quickly blushed and looked down.
But if she went off with Shirogane, what about Hayasaka?
Rinji wasn't here now.
"Hayasaka, how about we hang out together later?"
"No need to worry about me. I have friends too."
"That's true."
Right now Hayasaka wasn't someone to worry about.
"Of course, what the main house fears is the Kaguya you play when Rinji is involved."
Hayasaka suddenly said.
"So when you meet them again, you need to act properly."
"Eh? Act like what?"
"Like Rinji."
"Like him… how?"
"Cigarette in your mouth, vodka bottle in your hand, maybe swearing a bit. Then if someone annoys you, smash them with the bottle." Hayasaka said. "And if possible, I could even get you a gun. Don't worry, I'm Rinji's girlfriend, if you can't pull it off I can coach you."
"…That's terrifying. He doesn't usually act that brutal."
"Because he can be even worse. Trust me on that."
---
After arriving in Tokyo and dropping their bags at the inn, it was free activity time.
Shirogane had ideas for this school trip.
Like going with Kaguya to Higashi Hongan-ji, Togetsu-kyo, and Arashiyama, then kissing under the sunset.
Perfect.
That's how it should have gone.
But…
"Shirogane, Tanuma has clearly betrayed us. You won't betray us too, right?"
"No, of course not." Shirogane laughed awkwardly.
The two boys with him, Toyosaki Saburo and Kazamatsuri Go, were classmates from 2-B and his friends.
Originally they were a group of four, but Tanuma suddenly disappeared. Clearly, he went off with his girlfriend.
"Good. Traitors like that will be shunned by the boys' group starting tomorrow." Kazamatsuri said seriously. "Single dogs should stick together."
Shirogane: 'You guys are single dogs, not me.'
They didn't know Shirogane was a traitor too.
"One person sneaking off is a traitor, but if we all do it, it's fine. So we should sneak into the girls' group." Kazamatsuri gave a thumbs-up. "Trips should be spent with girls."
Shirogane: "…"
'Forget it, the trip is long. I'll ditch them later.'
…
The plan of joining the girls' group was good.
But…
"Why are we three guys having so much fun!?"
Toyosaki screamed, holding his head.
They had gone sightseeing all over and completely forgot about the girls.
"Damn it, we forgot the important part."
"In the end, no girls at all!"
Shirogane: "…Didn't you just say we should sneak into the girls' group?"
"Is this trip destined to be full of guys only?" Kazamatsuri looked unwilling. "Even one kouhai like Takamine would've been fine!"
Shirogane: "Have you been single so long you'll take anything?"