Back in Tokyo, my life officially splits into two. By day, I am Rui Hinamata, beleaguered older brother and high school student. But I am also now a double agent, a mole in my own social circle, with a secret mission: protect Aiwa Matsuki at all costs.
The Rina-Haruka "Grand Alliance" reconvenes, their focus sharper and more suspicious than ever. "Operation: Unmask the New Girl" is in full swing, and I am their unwilling lead field operative.
"Okay, Rui," Rina says during a strategy meeting, her tone that of a general briefing a hopelessly incompetent lieutenant. "Your mission is simple. Get closer to Aiwa Matsuki. Gain her trust. Find out everything."
"That is an invasion of privacy," I protest, but my heart is not in it.
"It is strategic reconnaissance," Haruka corrects me, circling Aiwa's school photo on Miki's whiteboard like a target. "Your closeness to her is our greatest asset. Do not fail us."
My career as a spy is a masterclass in comedic sabotage. I have to pretend to be investigating Aiwa, while secretly collaborating with her to maintain her cover. Our "spy meetings" at school become a farcical performance for the benefit of any onlookers.
I will sit with her in the library and send a text to the "Alliance" group chat.
Me: In position. Subject is reading a book. She appears to be… turning a page. She has a very efficient page-turning technique. Could be a sign of hidden training. Will continue to monitor.
Rina: YOU ARE THE MOST USELESS SPY IN HISTORY!
So, I talk to her, just loudly enough for anyone who might be watching to hear. "SO, MATSUKI-SAN, THAT BOOK! TELL ME ITS SECRETS! DOES IT PERTAIN TO ANY… SECRET IDENTITIES?!"
Aiwa, who is now my willing co-conspirator, plays her part perfectly. "It is just a cookbook, Hinamata-kun," she says, giving me a confused look. "It has a secret recipe for a very fluffy cheesecake, if you are interested."
My reports back to headquarters are a collection of useless, absurd "intel" that Aiwa and I invent together during our secret conversations.
"Okay, new intel," I announce one evening with a serious expression. "I have discovered that Aiwa Matsuki's greatest weakness is… she is deathly afraid of butterflies. Apparently, their unpredictable flight patterns give her anxiety. We can use this."
Rina and Haruka just stare at me. "That is the stupidest thing I have ever heard," Haruka says, her voice full of contempt.
"I am getting close! I can feel it!" I insist.
My secret friendship with Aiwa, however, deepens amidst this absurdity. We are allies, united by our shared secrets. Our whispered conversations are no longer just about 'Starlight Paladin'; I find myself offering her genuine encouragement, helping her navigate the treacherous social waters of our school.
"Do not worry about Rina and Haruka," I tell her one day after they give her a particularly icy glare in the hallway. "Their bark is way worse than their bite. Mostly."
"They just seem… very protective of you," she says, a small, knowing smile on her face.
"That is one word for it," I groan.
She looks at me, her expression sincere. "It must be nice, though. To have people who care that much."
Her words hit me with an unexpected force. For all my complaining, she is right. My life is chaotic, but it is not lonely. It is a thought that stays with me, a strange, warm feeling in the middle of all the madness.