Summer vacation was more uneventful than he had imagined.
Every day, he slept until he woke naturally, read a few pages after breakfast, and occasionally exercised to stretch his limbs.
There were no exams, no unexpected incidents, and nothing much for him to worry about.
That peace lasted until one morning in mid-August.
Toba Shigeru appeared downstairs at the dorm in a new outfit.
"What do you think?" He turned around, unable to hide his smugness.
"Not bad." Takahashi Ren looked him up and down. "But wasn't that outfit a bit expensive?"
"It's my first date with Shiraishi. Of course I have to dress up. I even prepared a few jokes to make myself seem funnier."
"A date?" Ishida poked his head out from beside them.
"That's right."
"She just wanted to see you about something," Ishida said flatly. "You don't even know whether it's good or bad, and you're calling it a date?"
"She invited me in person. The way she looked at me, I think she might be interested."
"Where does all this confidence come from?"
"Maybe I'm just Shiraishi's type."
Unconcerned, Toba Shigeru turned to Takahashi Ren. "Remember that love compensation effect you mentioned last time?"
"Yeah. You want to..."
"Exactly. Help me casually let her know that I like her."
Toba Shigeru lowered his voice. "Once we get closer, I'll find the right time to confess and win her over in one go."
"Are you serious?" Takahashi Ren looked at him. "I think you should give this some more thought."
"Don't worry. I'll let you know when it's time to act."
Toba Shigeru gazed into the distance, his eyes shining. "I have a feeling this is a major turning point in my life. From here, it's straight to the top."
"What a shame the Final Fantasy series never recruited you," Ishida said sarcastically.
"Oh, you know Final Fantasy? Played it?"
"No, but I've heard of it. What, is that a problem?"
"Nope. Whatever makes you happy." Toba Shigeru straightened his collar. "I'd better go. Wish me luck."
"Good luck," Takahashi Ren said.
"I'm telling you to be careful," Ishida said irritably. "Don't get scammed. My mom said beautiful women are the best liars."
"Life is so ironic, Ishida." Toba Shigeru sighed. "Jealousy really twists people."
"Me, jealous of you? I'm waiting to watch you make a fool of yourself." Ishida snorted.
"Have you forgotten the rumors about Shiraishi? She's already gone through twenty guys."
"Backing down because of rumors is a loser's mindset. This is exactly the best time for me to step up."
The two traded remarks, starting their usual bickering again.
Only after Toba Shigeru had gone some distance did Ishida turn and ask slowly, "Did I really sound jealous just now?"
"You should know that better than I do," Takahashi Ren said.
"Maybe a little." Ishida didn't deny it. "Just seeing that punchable face of his pissed me off."
"But the more you care about him and Shiraishi, the more worked up he'll get."
"You're right. I should act calmer."
His tone grew more candid. "But if he really does win Shiraishi over, that'll be to his credit."
"Enough about him." Ishida changed the subject himself. "I'm planning to get a gym membership today. Want to come along?"
"A gym?"
"Yeah. I've been thinking lately, and it feels like studying is the only thing I know how to do," Ishida said. "So I want to use summer vacation to improve myself."
"Sure," Takahashi Ren said.
"Want to get a membership too?"
"No. I've been exercising all along, and I don't want to be boxed in by gym programs," Takahashi Ren said. "But I don't mind coming along."
The gym was bigger than he had imagined. All kinds of equipment stood in neat rows, and a faint smell of disinfectant lingered in the air, mixed with a little sweat.
"Hello, welcome-"
The staff member behind the counter looked up. She appeared to be in her twenties, with long, wavy hair and a friendly smile.
"Is this your first time here?"
"Yes." Ishida stepped forward. "I'd like to sign up for a membership."
"Of course. Please fill out your information here."
While Ishida filled out the form at the counter, Takahashi Ren stood to one side, idly looking around. His gaze paused as it swept over the equipment area.
"...Mr. Mashima?"
Mashima had seen them too and was walking toward them from the equipment area inside.
"Mr. Mashima, it looks like you've been working hard at your training today too," the female staff member greeted him with a smile.
"Oh, you flatter me." Mashima gave a slight nod, then turned his gaze to the two boys. "These two are students in my class."
The staff member smiled and nodded. "Hello. My name is Akiyama. I work here."
Mashima clapped both boys on the back.
He probably thought he'd used just the right amount of force, but the blows landed on Takahashi Ren's and Ishida's backs with dull thuds. Both nearly lost their footing.
"Hello, my name is Ishida."
"Hello, I'm Takahashi Ren."
Akiyama pressed her lips together in a smile at their reactions but said nothing.
As Ishida filled out the form, Mashima asked, "Are you both here to work out?"
"Not me. I'm just here while he signs up," Takahashi Ren said.
"Oh?" Mashima's gaze settled on Ishida, looking him up and down. "Was there anything in particular that made you want to join a gym?"
"I want to... become a little better." Ishida stood perfectly straight at the counter, his eyes shifting evasively as he spoke.
"Good. That's one of my students for you."
Mashima nodded, a trace of approval in his voice. "Don't be nervous. I'm not going to eat you."
Ishida's shoulders relaxed slightly, but he still sounded hesitant. "It's just... I don't know if I'll be able to stick with it."
"What does that matter?"
"When I first came here, I only meant to give it a try," Mashima said. "And now I'm a regular. Working up a sweat in the same place as my students doesn't feel bad, either."
Ishida's expression finally relaxed a little.
"What about you?" Mashima turned to Takahashi Ren. "Not joining?"
"No," Takahashi Ren said. "I work out on my own."
"Is that so?"
Mashima didn't press him, but there was a thoughtful look in his eyes.
Once Ishida finished the form and got his membership, he said a word to the other two and headed straight for the equipment area. It looked as though he really intended to start today.
Mashima led Takahashi Ren to a seat in the rest area, but didn't speak right away. He unscrewed his water bottle and took a drink, his gaze resting in the distance.
Takahashi Ren followed his gaze. Over at the counter, Akiyama was looking down as she sorted documents, her wavy hair falling beside her shoulders.
He looked away without pointing it out. During their earlier conversation, Mashima's gaze had already drifted in that direction more than once.
"Sir?"
"Hm." Mashima came back to himself. "What is it?"
"If there's nothing else, I'll be going?"
"...Right."
Takahashi Ren had only just turned around and hadn't even taken a step when Mashima grabbed both his shoulders from behind.
"Wait a moment."
"What exactly do you want to say?"
Mr. Mashima really wasn't himself today. He was completely different from usual.
After a few seconds of silence, the voice behind him finally spoke. It was deeper than usual, with a somewhat awkward solemnity.
"Since we've run into each other, let's call it fate."
"I'd like you to look into Miss Akiyama for me," Mashima said. "Be as thorough and discreet as possible about anything concerning her."
"Have you taken a liking to her?"
"...You could say that."
"There's still a hint of childishness in her features," Mashima added, "but she's a beautiful, mature, independent woman."
"You can't judge what that staff member, Miss Akiyama, is like just from her appearance," Takahashi Ren said.
"Ah, that's true," Mashima said. "That's why I want to ask for your help."
"Why ask me?"
"Do you think I could ask the other teachers?"
"Besides," Mashima said, "out of all my students, you're the most dependable, the best at keeping a secret, and the most trustworthy."
That was definitely a lie.
"But I told you, I'm only here with Ishida today. I don't plan on coming regularly."
"You can get a membership. I'll cover the points. Or I could speak to the staff and have them let you come in with Ishida each time."
Mashima had blocked every escape route. No, rather, he'd prepared for even the excuses Takahashi Ren might come up with.
It looked as though there was no escaping this ordeal.
Takahashi Ren thought for a moment, then said, "Even a teacher should understand there's no such thing as a free lunch."
"You little rascal."
Mashima looked at him, a flicker of surprise in his eyes. "You probably aren't short on points either. Once it's done, I'll owe you a favor."
"Deal."
He agreed quickly. A favor owed by a teacher to a student might come in handy someday.
"You understand what I want to know, right?" Mashima asked.
"I can make a guess. Whether she has a boyfriend, for example, her type, her hobbies, and the things she likes."
"Full marks. I'm truly blessed to have a student like you," Mashima said with feeling.
"I won't push you to act immediately. Take your time. Just get closer to her first."
"All right. I'll do my best to look into it for you, but I can't guarantee how much I'll find out."
"I understand."
"What days does Miss Akiyama work?"
"Six days a week. Every day except Thursday."
"Got it."
Mashima lightly patted his shoulder and left.
Takahashi Ren watched his retreating figure. He hoped this wouldn't drag on too long.
Before you continue