While heading home by train, by the time we were about to arrive at our nearest station, both Mitsuki and Umi had fallen fast asleep.

I felt bad waking the two of them after they’d tired themselves out from playing, and as I was wondering what to do, the one who came to help was Takatsuka-san.

"Sorry for everything today."

"If I think of it as earning a big favor from you, it’s a cheap price."

Walking through the nighttime shopping street, beside me is Takatsuka-san carrying Mitsuki on her back.

On my back is Umi.

I should’ve been the one carrying Mitsuki since she’s heavier than Umi, but unfortunately Takatsuka-san is stronger than me…

"Recently I’ve been relying on you a lot, Takatsuka-san."

"I’m happy. Getting to take care of you like this. So how about it? Aren’t you starting to want the real me instead of just your imagination?"

"That’s not what I meant!"

I reply in a whisper so Umi doesn’t wake up and so we don’t disturb the neighborhood.

She’s always like this if I let my guard down…

"Geez. If you didn’t always try to take things in that direction, I could just get along with you normally."

"I’m not satisfied with just getting along normally. I want to make you mine."

"I’ve been wondering for a while but why are you so fixated on me?"

"I told you, didn't I? You’re the kind of talent that ranked first in the ‘Ranking of Who You’d Want as a Bride’ despite being a guy. I found you more appealing than most girls. That’s why I want you to be mine."

"Hmm… I think there are plenty of people who are more properly ‘girl-like’ than me though."

"There really aren’t. I realized that again after getting to know you like this."

I voice something that’s been bothering me for a while.

"But for you I feel like I’m less of a romantic interest and more like some kind of achievement trophy."

It’s not like that makes me uncomfortable.

My main interest is still Iwabuchi-san. Even if Takatsuka-san is targeting me like it’s a game I don’t have a reason to get angry.

And after everything that’s happened I’ve seen enough of her kind side that it probably plays a big part too.

"That’s not true. I really like you."

"That sounds fake."

"It’d be easier if I could prove how much I like you with my body but you never respond to me."

"There you go saying stuff like that again…"

My house is fairly close to the station so before long my home comes into view.

I unlock the door and gently lower Umi from my back at the entrance.

"Here Mitsuki we’re home."

Beside me Takatsuka-san does the same, smiling at Mitsuki who rubs her sleepy eyes.

It’s a day off. Mom is home.

"Mom, I’m back."

From down the hallway I hear the sound of slippers pattering closer.

"Mitsuki take Umi to Mom okay."

"Yeah yeah. Come on Umi let’s go. Don’t be grumpy."

"Then I’ll take my leave. I’ll invite you again if there’s a chance."

Takatsuka-san unusually leaves quickly, stepping outside the entrance, so I follow her.

"Why not stay and rest a bit?"

"Sorry. Your mother is a wonderful person but… she throws off my pace so I’m not good with her."

I didn’t expect Takatsuka-san to have someone she’s bad with.

"She’s just like you but none of my usual moves work on her. If anything I feel like I’m the one getting cornered… It makes me lose confidence."

Mom works hard but she’s usually calm and easygoing and rarely gets shaken, so I can see why Takatsuka-san struggles with her.

It just means there are people her Prince-like charm doesn’t work on.

Well Mom still thinks of Dad as her one and only Prince after all.

"No, it's fine. Thanks for today. It was really fun. I’m glad Mitsuki and Umi could make good memories."

"Today you’re full of gratitude toward me. Does that mean the day you become mine is getting closer?"

Takatsuka-san is the same as ever even at the end.

"Maybe you should just admit it. That you’re starting to like me."

"Yeah… maybe I do like you."

"……"

"What’s with that surprised face?"

"I just didn’t expect you to admit it so easily…"

Takatsuka-san looks away awkwardly and starts fiddling with the ends of her hair.

What is this atmosphere?

Now I’m getting embarrassed too…

"I-I don’t mean ‘like’ as in dating or becoming lovers okay? I just mean I like you as a friend since you’ve done so much for me."

"I know… don’t worry."

The usual composed ‘Prince’ side of Takatsuka-san is completely gone.

She’s been acting a bit different lately but this is the first time I’ve seen it this clearly.

"…Well then, see you at school tomorrow."

She quickly turns her back and leaves.

Right at the end I saw a rare side of her.

The more time I spend with Takatsuka-san the more I feel like I’m growing closer to her.

‘Was that part of Takatsuka-san’s plan too?’

If it is then she’s an incredibly formidable opponent.

Thinking that once again I head back into my house.