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When the after-school bell rang, the atmosphere in the classroom relaxed a little.
As I packed my textbooks into my bag, I glanced at Shiori, who was sitting by the window. We’d agreed to walk home together today. We weren’t going anywhere special. We’d just walk to the station and buy some drinks at a convenience store along the way. Still, to me right now, it felt like a real promise.
But just as I stepped out of the classroom, I saw Chitose Senpai standing at the end of the hallway.
Her black hair fell straight down to her back, her uniform was immaculate, and she was clutching a thick folder. Even though her expression was calm, her mere presence made those around her feel a little tense. She looked every bit the Student Council Vice President.
“Segawa-kun, could you spare me a moment? There’s something I’d like you to check on the cultural festival application forms.”
Her voice was gentle. But even before asking about my plans, she was already proceeding as if I’d agreed to help. In the past, even if I’d noticed that, I would have pretended not to.
“I’m sorry. I’ve promised to go home with Shiori today.”
Chitose-senpai’s gaze shifted to Shiori, who had come to stand beside me. Shiori merely gave a slight nod and said nothing more. After seeing that, Chitose-senpai smiled with a look of slight distress.
“Of course, you should prioritize your time with her. It’s just that if I don’t get this checked today, I won’t be able to submit it to the teacher. You helped out last year too, so you know how to read these documents, right? I don’t think it’ll take more than an hour.”
It’s true—I did help out last year.
At Senpai’s request, I compiled the cultural festival supply lists and application forms. At first, I’d only intended to help a little, but before long, it became expected that I’d handle it. Senpai would always smile and say, “You’re a big help,” and praise me, saying, “I can count on you because you’re so thorough.” There was a time when those words made me happy.
But looking back now, the more she praised me, the harder it became for me to say no.
“Couldn’t someone from the student council check them instead of me?”
“It’s not impossible, but I’d have to explain everything to them to hand it off. Asking you, Segawa-kun, is the quickest way. You’re really dependable in that way. You’re like a little brother to me—I can’t help but take advantage of you.”
A few people in the hallway reacted to my senior’s words and looked over at us.
Like a little brother.
Those words neatly defined my position. Not a romantic interest, not an equal—just a cute underclassman who’ll step up if asked. Someone convenient to have around, but whose refusal would be a problem.
I looked at Chitose Senpai’s face instead of the file.
“You’re the one who said I’m like a little brother.”
Senpai’s smile faltered slightly.
“I’m not your little brother, and I’m not a member of the student council. I helped out last year because you asked me to. But I don’t think that means I have to do it again this year.”
As I spoke, I could feel sweat beading on my palms. She’s older than me, and the teachers trust her deeply. If I speak up too strongly, I might come across as a cocky underclassman to everyone else. Just thinking about it makes me want to run away.
But Shiori was right beside me.
It wasn’t as if Shiori had made me say it. I’d decided this on my own.
After a moment of silence, Chitose Senpai spoke in a slightly lower voice.
“You’ve become quite outspoken lately, Segawa-kun. Before, you didn’t seem to mind being relied on.”
“There were times when I didn’t mind. But there were also times when it was hard to say no. I just couldn’t say no back then.”
At those words, the ease vanished from the senior’s eyes.
She wasn’t angry. It was just as if something she’d been trying to ignore had suddenly been placed right in front of her. The students around us fell silent upon seeing her reaction.
“……I see. So, I guess I was pushing you too hard.”
“There were times like that. At least today, I can’t do it. My plans with her are more important.”
I sensed Shiori gasp softly beside me. I felt a little embarrassed myself after saying it, but I didn’t take it back.
Chitose Senpai readjusted her grip on the files. There was a slight tension in her fingertips.
“I understand. I’ll ask someone else today.”
“Thank you.”
“Just keep in mind that some people will be in a bind if you leave so suddenly.”
There was a hint of reproach in that last remark.
In the past, I think I would have apologized right then. “I’m sorry. Actually, I’ll help out a little after all.” If I’d said that, Senpai would have smiled gently at me.
But today, I didn’t apologize.
“If you set things up so that people would be in trouble without me, I don’t think that’s solely my responsibility.”
Chitose Senpai didn’t say anything in response.
I gave a slight bow and headed toward the entrance with Shiori. I could feel Senpai’s gaze on my back. It was a quiet, heavy gaze—different from Rino’s or Mikoto’s.
After changing my shoes and stepping outside, Shiori said beside me.
“You were pretty nervous, weren’t you?”
“Nervous enough to start using honorifics.”
When I replied like that, Shiori smiled a little. But she quickly regained her composure.
“Still, I don’t think what you said was wrong. There’s a difference between relying on someone and making plans on the assumption that they can’t say no.”
“I don’t think Senpai is a bad person.”
“I do think she has her flaws, though.”
Shiori’s tone was calm, but she left me no room to back out.
Before I walked out the school gate, I looked back and saw Chitose Senpai watching me from a second-floor window of the school building. Still clutching her folder, her usual easy smile had vanished.
I immediately turned back to face forward.
Today, I didn’t help Senpai with her work. That’s all there is to it. But for Senpai , I suspect it won’t end there.
A junior who comes whenever called.
A boy who’s as cute as a little brother and never turns down a request.
I won’t be returning to that place. Walking side by side with Shiori, I walked out of the school gate that evening.
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