Mesfor07

Amasawa slightly pushed the fashion magazines on the table towards me.

However, a closer look reveals that these were published several years ago, even without opening them, raising questions about their relevance to current trends.

"Although these magazines are from several years ago, their real purpose is..."

As if deliberately highlighting this, Yagami picked up one of the magazines with a book jacket and pulled out a small booklet included with the book.

"Yes, firstly, it's page 21 of this booklet. The bottom right corner has a code for earning special points. Just from that, the chances of the points being hidden in the pages increase, and the library's borrowing volume these past few days also supports this... though most of them are from upperclassmen. I've already asked the first-years, but it seems they haven't found the library yet. All that's left is to check the answers."

"Ah, so that was my line!"

Amasawa exaggeratedly raised her right hand, seizing the opportunity to speak during the pause before Yagami was about to launch into another long speech.

"Huh, I don't remember anything like that."

"Sorry, sorry~ Takuya sometimes... well, that's just how it is."

Hearing his name called, Yagami tilted his head slightly to look at Amasawa, their eyes briefly meeting. Amasawa, as if granted some kind of permission (probably), reached to her right and took a file folder from Yagami's bag.

"Did you ask?"

I took the file folder and started flipping through the documents from the last page.

"Of course! After all, I'm a member of the student council. It would be troublesome if those guys found out."

"That's true for now. But we'll definitely be going up against Nagumo-senpai, right? To exaggerate a bit, that means we'll be fighting against the third-year seniors."

"Just as expected... They thought of staggering the borrowing times for large quantities of books, but they didn't expect to team up with other classes, resulting in too many borrowing records from the same class."

Once we confirm this, we can find out which class is searching the library, and then, without wasting time, search other possible locations first.

"Speaking of which, you guys are really lucky to have found the code under these circumstances."

"No, you flatter me, senpai."

I deliberately adjusted my tone, just a little, but if it were him, he should be able to tell.

But Yagami didn't show any particular reaction. Could it be that the student council member who appeared in the library a few days ago wasn't him? Even so, the possibility couldn't be completely ruled out.

While maintaining this somewhat silent atmosphere, Amasawa, who was casually flipping through a magazine, took over the situation.

"I say, luck—sometimes it can't be explained by logic alone, right, Takuya? I wondered why you chose this magazine when we were picking it out together?"

"...I guess so."

I responded to the first part of her sentence with a few words.

While Amasawa provided supplementary explanations for Yagami, she skillfully steered the conversation to the next topic.

Is this what they call an alliance of trust? I took a sip of my black tea and then looked at the open pages that Amasawa was holding with both hands.

"Ah, unfortunately, I'm not particularly interested in this."

Yagami gave a somewhat forced laugh, ignoring the page Amasawa had turned to, and then flipped to the next page.

"I borrowed it because Ichika seemed a little interested in this place?"

"Ugh...!"

He added, pointing to the feature article on that page. I looked at the large headline.

"An exclusive interview with a popular idol..."

"You guessed it! Senpai. This is also some research I did for you—our future idol."

No, when did I become someone who thinks I have such ambitions?

"Please, Senpai...our future idol, look at this page."

I felt his smile was even brighter.

Wait, why are you starting to think that too? Amasawa, did you do something to Yagami?

Joking aside, I carefully browsed the information. Next to several paragraphs were candid photos from idol practice and on stage. Judging from their movements, their coordination was excellent, their facial expressions were appropriate, and their costumes were exquisite yet distinctive—perhaps because they have a dedicated costume designer.

Besides that, there was—a smile.

Want to give it a try? Horikita had suggested it to me before; maybe it could be an advantage.

"Ayanokoji-senpai~?"

I closed my eyes, focusing on adjusting my facial muscles and emotions...

And I tried to briefly opened my eyes and, sure enough, saw Yagami and Amasawa covering their mouths with their hands, deliberately keeping their distance from me, seemingly talking in hushed tones.

Hmm... let's not talk about that now. Anyway, that's roughly the feeling.

A short while later, I opened my eyes and put on the smile I was trying to maintain in this situation.

"S-senpai..."

Huh? Why did they suddenly laugh? I tilted my head to one side, trying to keep my current expression unchanged while asking the question with this gesture.

"Ahahaha~ Senpai looks kind of cute like this, doesn't he?"

Amasawa pulled out a small mirror and pointed it at me.

...Ah, I've been mocked. Is that so? I stopped smiling and gave a token sigh.

"Regarding this, I think with a little more practice, it should be fine."

"I think Senpai, what you did just now was already quite good for a beginner, but as for the curve of your lips..."

"It could be a little higher, right?"

I answered quickly, combining my analysis.

"That's right! Of course, we can help you, like... you know?"

"...?"

"Got~ it! I'll help right away!"

"Excuse me...!"

Before I could even say yes or no, Amasawa and Yagami leaned over to me, each pointing to one side of my face and gently pressing their fingers against the corner of my lips, applying upward pressure.

Oh, I see.

I looked in the mirror again. Well, from now on, I'll follow this standard.

Comparing my current appearance to the smiles of idols in magazines… no, that's a bit hurtful.

"I… understand…."

I managed to squeeze out a few syllables, gesturing to them.

"Okay? It's a shame we didn't take any pictures."

Amasawa said, releasing her grip first, while Yagami was a little slower. It's obvious whose plan this was, isn't it?

"I think Ayanokoji-senpai's expressionless face is definitely one of the highlights, but what if he suddenly smiled at some point? The buzz might explode!"

"Yeah, that's about it, just like Takuya said. But—"

She paused thoughtfully before continuing.

"If that's the case, the expressionless face won't hold up! After all, it seems to be a characteristic of our group right now."

"Is that so, Ichika?"

"Yes. For example… oh, right!"

Amasawa picked up a sugar cube from a small ceramic jar next to her and casually placed it into my cup of black tea.

"For example, Senpai's smile is like this sugar cube, and black tea is everyone's impression of him. If you put those together, the flavor will change more or less, right? And then, people's preferences will also become apparent."

"Wait."

"Well~ I think I forgot something?"

"Wait a minute."

"What...?"

I asked. Although I could sense that Yagami wasn't serious, I asked anyway, just in case.

"Senpai doesn't seem to know, does he? Takuya is sugar-free team."

"...Heh, but that's all your revenge is about."

Unfortunately, I didn't know what had happened before that.

"So? Or should I fill your entire dorm fridge with sweetened black tea next time? Oh, and green tea, milk tea, juice, coffee..."

"That's too childish. I'll make sure your tap is always running sugar-free drinks."

The atmosphere inexplicably heated up... Was it really just because of this?

"If you're issuing a challenge, I'm happy to accept anytime~"

"But there’s no rule saying it only counts as a battle if a challenge is issued, right, Ayanokoji-senpai?"

I must say, Yagami was quite adept at shifting the focus.

Just please don't shift the focus to me...