Takane no Hana

I went back to the cafe with Tennoji-san.

Asahi and the others were chatting happily at a table.

“They’re getting excited, aren’t they?”

Tennoji-san said as she sat down in her seat.

“Oh, Tennoji-san. We were just talking about the tea party at Konohana-san’s house.”

“Tea party?…… Ah, you mean the social gathering hosted by the Konohana family every spring?”

Tennoji-san asked, as if she knew what it was.

“I see, you know about it, don’t you, Tennoji-san?”

“Yes, it’s famous. I think it was held around the week after the midterm exams. I heard it’s a big social event with a lot of famous people attending.”

“Have you ever been to one, Tennoji-san?”

“My father has attended a few, but not me. That particular social gathering is for adults and besides, the …… Tennoji and Konohana families have a delicate relationship.”

“Oh, …….”

Asahi-san guessed Tennoji-san’s feelings.

“It’s not that we don’t get along. It’s just that I don’t like the idea of having a heart-to-heart meeting, so I’ve declined to do so until now.”

No sooner had the atmosphere deteriorated than Tennoji-san said without hesitation.

As a regular person, I don’t understand the concept of heart-to-heart meeting, but everyone except me was somewhat convinced.

“Have you ever been to one of these events, Miyakojima-san?”

“No, no, I mean, I think I got an invitation, but …… I’m not very good at socializing.”

Narika answered Tennoji’s question in a way that made it hard for her to say.

It’s a completely personal situation compared to Tennoji’s. …… seems to fit perfectly for her.

“I knew that Tennoji’s and Miyakojima’s houses would receive invitations.  I like that ……. If the Konohana family hosts a big social event, there will be dancing and other activities, right? I like to wear dresses, so if there’s a social event like that, I would be more than happy.”

Asahi-san said with envy.

“Asahi-san. If you’d like, I can send you an invitation.”

“Eh, really?”

Smiling, Hinako nodded.

“Yes. As Tennoji-san said, it is recognized as a social gathering for adults, but the organizers have no such intentions, so please feel free to join us. There will be a dance party, and there will be several participants of our age group as well.”

” What should I do? …… When I was told that I could participate, I started to feel a little nervous. But it’s probably a valuable opportunity, and I’m not sure if I can accept the invitation.”

” Yes. I’ll arrange for it to be delivered within three days.”

“All right, …… I’ll be all dressed up on the day!　Thanks, Konohana-san!”

“Sure.”

Hinako easily promises to invite her.

I asked Hinako secretly.

” Is it okay ……? You can just decide it on your own.?”

“Hmm. …… This social gathering is a sign of the Konohana family’s authority, so I was told I could invite people if I had the chance. I’ve never …… done that before.”

You’ve never done that before?

However, the students of the Imperial Academy of Fine Arts are all the children of wealthy men and women. There is no way that the Konohana family will lose anything by inviting them.

“Ko-, Konohana-san! Does that mean I can join too?”

“Yes. Please feel free to join us, Taisho-kun.”

Taisho showed his excitement.

“……, this is just another chance for us to get together, isn’t it?”

Tennoji-san muttered.

” This time, I would like to join you, Konohana-san. …… Since we have sat around the same table at tea parties and study sessions like this, I think I can accept the invitation now, not as the daughter of the Tennoji family, but as a friend.”

Tennoji-san said with a smile.

“‘Nishinari-san, would you like to join us?”

“Well, I’m …”

Tennoji-san asked me and I took a glance at Hinako.

Hinako smiled softly. As a caretaker, I go to the academy with her like this. I think they should at least be allowed to participate in social gatherings. ……

“… That’s right. It’s a good opportunity, so I’d like to participate.”

Convey the message that you can’t be sure.

“…… What about you, Miyakojima-san?”

“Oh, me!?”

When I asked Narika, she jumped up in surprise.

“I’ll go, if I can.”

Everyone except Narika looked annoyed at her standard corporate talk.

Well, it would be annoying if I forced myself to invite her, so let’s just leave it at that.

After that, the study session continued and a few days later, the midterm exams of the academy began.