Source
https://kakuyomu.jp/works/822139844261747978/episodes/822139844263843298
Private Asahi High School.
That is the name of the high school Yui has been attending since this spring.
This high school has a distinctive feature that sets it apart from others.
That feature is—actively supporting students’ specialized talents.
A specialized talent refers, quite literally, to a skill honed in a single field.
In Japan today, professions in fields not typically taught in schools are on the rise.
Professional gamers and streamers, for instance, were unheard of just decades ago.
Asahiha High was founded with the dual purpose of excelling as an academic preparatory school while also actively supporting those dreaming of such careers.
Consequently, the school strongly encourages students to pursue their passions. It’s renowned for attracting exceptional students in various fields and those with unique personalities, drawn to its ethos.
──And then.
While Asahi High boasts many distinctive, unique students…
Even among them, three female students have monopolized the school’s attention since the start of this academic year. They are…
“Oh. The ‘Snow, Moon, Flower Princesses’.”
Someone in the class murmured this.
In that instant, nearly all eyes in the classroom turned in one direction.
At the end of those gazes stood—three stunningly beautiful girls.
Their figures, walking together in perfect harmony, were a picture-perfect scene. Mesmerized, classmates murmured one after another.
“Damn, they look amazing no matter how many times I see them…”
First, directed at the carefree girl walking at the front.
“Getting to be in the same class as Tomoka-chan is the best luck I’ve had this year… She’s bright, easygoing, has a cute voice, and she’s famous for streaming, right? Makes total sense.”
Then, directed at the mysterious-looking girl beside her.
“Mitsuki-san is amazing too. She sings incredibly well and can write songs. I heard she just casually joined the light music club as a helper and completely owned the floor? Plus, she seems downer-ish but is surprisingly fun to talk to—that’s adorable! She’s totally the type who’d be super sweet with her boyfriend!”
Then, to the cool-looking girl sandwiched between them, showing a lovely blush.
“Yukina-senpai is just in a league of her own. She’s already had a commercial manga serialization, right? There are hardly any pros at Asahane. Plus, she seems cool but is actually super caring and kind… No wonder people get hooked on her left and right.”
After evaluating each of them, he addressed all three together.
“Wait, the fact they’re all sisters is crazy… or rather, makes perfect sense.”
“It’s a total genetic victory… And it’s not just that they look good—all three have unique talents and are amazing in creative fields too. Seriously, what’s going on?”
“Exactly. Plus, they’re all tall. Awesome.”
“Hey, stop it! Do you want to get killed—?”
And so it goes.
Beyond their undeniable beauty—worthy of being called the school’s Three Great Beauties—they’re also sisters. Each excels in a unique talent recognized at Asahi Academy. It’s insane.
After the younger sisters enrolled, their fame skyrocketed. They became known as the ‘Minasumi Sisters’ or, taking one character each from their names, ‘Snow-Moon-Flower Princesses’.
Individually, and certainly all three together, they were celebrities rumored about anywhere on campus.
That was who they were—and then.
“—So. That Himekami guy’s with the Snow-Moon-Flower Princesses again today, using his childhood friend privilege, huh?”
A classmate’s voice called out to the boy walking slightly behind the sisters.
He gave off a slightly awkward impression, but if you looked closely, his features were actually quite handsome—though compared to the sisters, he would undoubtedly be overshadowed. He walked behind them.
However, it wasn’t that he wasn’t interacting with them; rather, all three sisters actively spoke to him.
To them, he responded sometimes lazily, sometimes smugly.
That easygoing distance was exactly what you’d expect from ‘childhood friends’…
“Being childhood friends with those sisters? What kind of good karma did you build in a past life to get that?”
“I wish I’d been born as Tomoka-chan’s childhood friend too. Can’t I just claim I saved the world in a past life, even now?”
Such words of jealousy and envy from male students—as usual—were directed at that boy, Himegami Ryota.
…The moment he heard them, the smugness in his expression seemed to deepen slightly, though it was probably just his imagination.
This is the everyday life at Asahiba High School now. A daily life where envy is directed at the famously talented, beautiful triplet sisters and their childhood friend—a daily life surely centered around them as the ‘main characters’…
—And then, there was Kozora Yui
Completely ignoring the gossip and commotion from his classmates.
As if it were none of her concern, he listened to music, searching for inspiration for his next composition, while scribbling rough sketches for illustrations and ideas for livestreams in his notebook.
“You’re still the same as ever, Yui.”
From the seat next to her, a voice spoke to him—a voice that could be interpreted as either exasperation or respect.
It was the voice of an acquaintance—or rather, the only friend he currently had.
he couldn’t ignore it this time, so he took out his earphones and listened.
“They’re the beautiful triplets admired by every boy in school, you know? Don’t you care?”
“It’d be a lie to say I don’t care, but I’ve decided to prioritize my own creations over that, Harutsugu.”
“Impressive. …Well, I guess someone as busy as you would feel that way.”
The student who’d spoken to me—Kohinata Harutsugu—stated this while looking at Yui’s notebook spread out on the desk.
“Illustrations, songs, composing, and livestreaming too? How did you even decide to do all that?”
“I admit it was kinda stupid, even to me. But… I wanted to try. I figured giving everything my all was the best way to avoid major regrets.”
“And the fact you’re actually delivering solid results in all of them without being half-assed is insane. You just don’t stand out because you’re not exceptional in any one thing, but aren’t you just as high-spec as Yukitsukihime?”
“That’s a bit much. …Anyway, I need you to handle the video editing for this one too.”
“Oh, got it.”
Harutsugu has honed technical skills like video editing and programming as his special talent. That’s how he met Yui, and they’ve been friends since middle school, with him often asking his for favors.
Harutsugu glanced outside the classroom again.
“But seriously… you really aren’t interested in the three sisters? Especially Tomoka-san—she’s your classmate, and you’re sitting right next to her now.”
At the follow-up question… he hesitated slightly, unsure how to answer.
To be honest, there was some interest.
After all—those three sisters were all creators Yui admired.
They were the idols he’d admired that day, the ones he wanted to be like, the ones he wanted to stand alongside.
When he found out all his idols attended the same school as him, and that they were all sisters, well, he was naturally incredibly surprised…
But even so, it didn’t really change anything.
They’re my idols as creators, goals—nothing more.
Bringing up how they are in real life just because they’re idols… I don’t think that’s a good idea.
So, keeping that in mind, Yui answers.
“…I guess I do, but if I had to choose, I’d say my interest as a creator is stronger. I think what Harutsugu is talking about is the romantic side… but I gave up on that kind of youth the moment I decided to do all this stuff.”
“Huh? …Then what about Himegami?”
“That childhood friend guy? Honestly, I’m even less interested in him. I haven’t heard any rumors about him being amazing at anything specific either.”
For some reason, he followed up by asking about Himegami Ryota too, butshe immediately gave his candid opinion on that.
“Oh… Well, to be honest, I just can’t really warm up to Himegami.”
Harutsugu stated this.
“I talked to him once. It’s like… there’s no doubt he’s capable when he puts his mind to it. He wouldn’t have gotten into Asahi high otherwise.”
“…”
“But it’s just that… I get this vibe that he’s satisfied with just being ‘someone who can do it if he tries’ and doesn’t actually do anything?”
“Gossiping isn’t good.”
“That’s true… But you know, as someone who creates stuff too, I respect the three sisters. Having someone like that around just feels… unsettling. If someone told me I’m just jealous of being the childhood friend of three genius beauties, I wouldn’t have a comeback…”
He probably knew it was a bad feeling himself.
Seeing Harutsugu’s hesitation, Yui offered a lifeline.
“Instead of thinking about that, wouldn’t it be more productive to think about what you’re going to create next?”
“Yeah, you’re right! Thinking about my next video is way more fun than thinking about Himegami!”
“Yeah. …Also, that Himegami guy just walked into the classroom, so could you keep your voice down?”
“Why!? He’s not even in this class, is he!?”
Haretsugu turned in surprise to see Ryota entering the classroom right behind Tomoka, just as Yui had said.
Accompanied by Tomoka, Ryota glared at the people—especially the male students—trying to talk to her, the most popular girl in class. Then he sat down next to her.
“…Threatening them?”
he muttered under his breath at the scene.
He’d just decided not to care, so he said nothing more.
Yui followed suit, continuing to focus on his own work.
“──So, it’s none of my business.”
However, as Harutsugu had said earlier, Tomoka’s seat was next to Yui, with Harutsugu sandwiched between them.
It was impossible not to hear their voices… and when the content of their conversation wasn’t exactly calm, it was hard not to be curious.
Feeling bad about it, he still listened in, catching Ryota’s exasperated voice as he said.
“I’m trying to find something I want to do right now.”
“…”
“Something special just for me, like streaming is for Tomoka. Something I can really get serious about. Since I’ve entered this stimulating environment called Asahane, I’m sure I can find something here. There must be something out there I can get serious about.”
Ah, so that’s the pattern for Himegami, Yui thought.
There were definitely people like that. At Asahi, where the trend of supporting “what you want to do” was strong, besides those who entered with clear goals, many first-years especially were people who wanted to find their purpose.
In that sense, Ryota’s goal itself wasn’t wrong, but…
“So. That kind of thing isn’t something you can just force on someone else. You get that?”
“…I get it, but—”
“Besides, it’s only been a month since you started school, right? Trying to rush and find it won’t do any good. As a childhood friend, just be patient and watch.”
“But… but!”
Facing Ryota’s reluctant expression, Tomoka spoke with a sincere, genuinely concerned tone.
“…………Are you really trying to find it?”
The moment he heard that—Ryota gasped, his voice suddenly dropping.
“Huh? What? Are you doubting me?”
“…It’s not that, but… at least let me help you”
But undeterred by his words and the pressure of his tone, Tomoka stated her own resolve.
“I think someone actively involved can give useful advice… and if you want something to push you to change, I can introduce you to people! Like, for example—”
Then, to illustrate her point, Tomoka took out her smartphone and opened a certain page on a video-sharing site—
“—Like this person, ‘Hiyui’! he is amazing!”
—Yui’s arm almost slipped, but he managed to hold back.
Unaware of his reaction, the two childhood friends continued their conversation.
“…Who?”
“An amazing person! Probably our age, doing livestreams and pretty popular, and not just thatshe can sing, draw, and compose music too! he’s incredible! Look,she even drew this character portrait for him stream himself—”
Tomoka proceeded to present ‘Hiyui’, hoping it would be a good inspiration for her childhood friend.
But… Ryota seemed completely oblivious to her words, his gaze fixed on a single point on the screen—the character portrait.
“I really respect them as a creator too, and I’m trying to learn from them in various ways—”
“…………Is that a guy?”
He asked about that one point alone, his voice surprisingly low.
“A guy? The same age?”
“Huh? Yeah, his voice sounds male. He says he’s a first-year high schooler on stream too, but what does that—”
The moment he heard that, his voice suddenly grew harsh.
“! I’m not interested in some guy like that! He’s probably nothing special anyway, right? Tomoka’s got more subscribers than him! I don’t care!!”
As he finished speaking so fiercely, the homeroom bell rang.
As if relieved, Ryota abruptly stood up and tried to leave the classroom quickly.
Yui, who was definitely curious now, pretended to be surprised and looked over at them… accidentally making eye contact with Ryota.
“…!”
His face held a mix of various emotions… including clear jealousy.
Well, he couldn’t just keep staring forever.
He averted his gaze from Tomoka’s stunned back and turned away…
“…Man. Got called out, huh?”
This time, his eyes met Harutsugu’s, who was grinning like crazy.
“Harutsugu? Your face is annoying.”
“That’s harsh. But that ‘Hiyui’ guy got called out a lot too, huh? Less than Tomoka-san?”
“It’s true, isn’t it?”
“Yeah, it is. A few hundred people’s worth of difference. If you ignore the fact that both of you are just plain monster-level, right? But I hear you’re respected by Tomoka-san. Lucky you.”
“…Don’t say that.”
“I wouldn’t dream of doing something that blatantly violates compliance rules.”
Harutsugu waved his hand dismissively.
They’d known each other since middle school; he trusted him on that point.
Just as he nodded, their homeroom teacher entered.
Class began… Listening to the teacher speak, Yui pondered.
His mind returned to Harutsugu’s earlier assessment of Himegami Ryota.
(…A guy who’s satisfied with just being ‘someone who could do it if he tried’ and does nothing, huh?)
I see. Considering that assessment and the exchange he just heard, he had plenty to think about…
But it had nothing to do with Yui.
That’s right, it was none of his business. What Himegami Ryota was thinking, his relationship with Tomoka—
—The fact that he, Yui, was the true identity of ‘Hiyui’ also had nothing to do with the current situation.
–There’s no way I’d reveal my true identity myself, and it wouldn’t change what I do anyway.
Yui will keep creating with all his might—creations that move people, including the hopes from his past life. he’ll just keep creating what he most wants to create, with all his strength.
And no matter how much she’s his favorite, her childhood friend situation with a classmate has nothing to do with that.
That’s what I thought.
Until that day after school, when I encountered Tomoka crying alone in the classroom.
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