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With the business at the academy done, Kaori and I went to the cafe. Only showing our faces at the shop front, we headed straight to Kaori’s room. We can’t have the owner and the others hear some things that we’ll be talking about, after all.

“So, what are you plotting for Christmas Eve?”
“I’m not really plotting anything, okay?”
“You know I can’t trust empty words, right?”

General trust in me basically fell from the field trip incident. I didn’t really do that much, though. I guess it was just too large in scale. I just did the most I could do. Normally, I would’ve turned it down, but you can’t have a field trip going south, can you?

“I was just asked to watch over someone, to see whether their proposal succeeds or not.”
“And why are you getting involved in this?”
“It’s because I’m acquainted with both parties. And I also promised my cooperation. Naturally, I didn’t personally ask for this.”
“Who are the parties involved?”
“Keep it an absolute secret, okay? The principal and Ms. Saeki.”
“What?”

Yup, I can completely understand the shock. I’d probably act the same if I didn’t know beforehand. After all, those two don’t look like they have anything in common and it’s practically impossible to imagine them being in a relationship. It looks like Kaori’s brain froze from the completely unexpected information.

“By the way, if this fails, I’m apparently going to take responsibility.”
“It’s shocking in a lot of ways. If I had heard this as a rumor, I’d definitely think it’s a lie.”
“So because of that, I need you to act as my partner, Kaori.”
“We’re disguising as a couple?”

I don’t want to go with that course. Blending in as a couple would be difficult with the two of us being girls. Oh, does she plan on having me crossdress? Then that’s one problem solved. The only thing is, I probably wouldn’t look like a guy.

“The proposal venue is a high-class French restaurant. I’d be out of place if I’m alone, and weird rumors might go around if I go with a man.”
“I see. That’s why you need me as a partner. But I don’t have any clothes for that sort of place, you know.”
“No worries. The principal promised to shoulder the expenses. An acquaintance already found a good boutique too.”

The acquaintance is not Mizuki. If I ever ask for her advice, she’ll definitely come along and absolutely treat me like a doll. The said acquaintance is the principal’s older sister. A place recommended by her should be fine. I’m sure she’s not going to dress me up weird for her little brother’s important day.

“They’re really giving some special treatment.”
“I was dragged into this, so that’s the least they can do. If I spent my own money for everything, I’d seriously run out of cash.”
“Sounds tough being acquainted with the wealthy. There seems to be a lot of expenses.”
“Pretty much. But since they’re accommodating for us, money isn’t really a problem. It’s the same with Kotori.”
“Well, that’s true.”

Come to think of it, I don’t remember ever going to places alone with Kotori. In her case, her father becomes a major bottleneck. But since I understand how to handle him, I can invite her out and stuff. All that’s left is to make sure Kotori doesn’t go wild. Probably impossible.

“If that’s the case, then I’ll keep you company. What should we say to my parents?”
“Just honestly say that I was picked to play cupid, so I need to borrow you for a few hours. Can’t say for who, though.”
“That seems to be the only option. Kotone, you really need to settle down soon.”
“Not possible. I’m plotting something for January, after all.”
“C’mon, don’t be unreasonable right when I told you to relax.”

I have to. For my plan’s preparatory stage, I need to have a talk with various people. If I don’t get their support and permission, then I’ll have to carry out the plan on my own arbitration. When that happens, I might end up making enemies, so I have to be careful.

“This one, I’ll do even if someone tries to stop me.”

The final goal is to wallop Kotone’s father. The chances to do that are few. Though that’s mainly because Mother has been considerately keeping the two of us from meeting after hearing me talk about it. Only in January, us crossing paths will be inevitable.

“Then it can’t be helped. Still, tell me about what you plan to do. I’m worried, you know?”
“I don’t mind. But I’m sure you won’t like it.”

I trust Kaori, so I’m sure she won’t tell anyone the details. And if she ever does, it’ll probably be when the plan is already in motion or I’m in the middle of causing chaos and can no longer be contacted. I wonder what kind of face she’ll make after hearing the details.

“And so that’s the plan.”
“Yup. It’s beyond stupid, you big fool. You know who’ll be the most negatively affected if you do it, right?”
“Yeah, me.”

Sometimes you have to lose a battle to win the war. If it’s to succeed, I can’t be choosy. And though I may receive some damage, it won’t be physical or financial. I’m going to be completely exhausted mentally. Well, I just have to let it all out on Kotone’s father.

“Moreover, it doesn’t even end within a day. Isn’t that too large-scale of a plan?”
“I can’t help it, it just ended up that way. Actually, trying to end it in a day isn’t just reckless, it’s impossible.”
“I get that. It’s excessive, but it doesn’t seem like you’ll be in any grave danger, so that’s a relief. Honestly, I don’t see you losing at all.”

If things go as planned, that is. There will definitely be some curve balls. Also, I have to contact the Kisaragi family that I’ll be absent for New Years. I made a promise to them back in summer, but this plan takes precedence, so no way around it.

“So back to the main topic, when will we go shopping?”
“Why not just tomorrow? It might not be too bad since it’s a weekday compensation holiday.”
“A bit sudden, but sure. Let’s meet up here.”
“Okay. We’ll have to ask your parents to change our shifts now.”