Two interviews (Behind the scenes).

"Ayame-sama, it's fine to take a break, but tomorrow you need to enroll."

"I know, Sasaki-san, but let me finish this last volume."

"Just don't stay up too late."

My name is Edomae Ayame, born into a wealthy family, where I can get anything I want with the snap of my fingers. Even so... there's something I yearn for—to fall in love.

I still remember the first time I read a light novel about a girl saved by the kindness of a gentleman. After that, I was hooked—not just on light novels, but on manga and visual novels too, especially the romantic ones. Did I become an otaku?

Maybe. But no matter how many stories I read, reality always brings me back.

There's no such man. Not one who's cool, kind, and genuinely devoted.

A man who listens to your worries and faces problems with you.

I've met all types—most are either rude or lazy. And if you do meet a kind and handsome one? He's usually after your money… or just mocking you.

Somehow, I've gotten good at reading people's intentions.

Anyway, I need to wake up early for my enrollment at Sakurazai Academy.

♦♦♦

"Your daughter always impresses me. Thank you for choosing our academy, Edomae-sensei."

"I'm counting on you to take good care of her."

Accompanied by my mother, I arrived at Sakurazai Academy.

My mother, the head of Edomae Ltd., runs one of the largest conglomerates in Japan. She also graduated at the top of her class and holds a PhD.

"Excuse me, Director, but I'm curious about the male scholarship program. How many applicants did you receive?"

"Unfortunately, only seventy candidates. We were expecting at least ten times more. It seems most don't want to attend a co-ed high school."

"I figured. Even when the government covers tuition for co-ed schools, most parents still choose all-boys ones for their sons. Too many risks otherwise."

"Oh, that reminds me—I received a recommendation letter from the director of a co-ed junior school."

"A student with strong academics? Or maybe athletics?"

"No, a boy applying for the male scholarship."

"!?" — Both my mother and I were surprised.

"This is the first male recommendation I've received in my entire career."

"May I know his name?"

"Sorry, Edomae-sensei. Even for you, it's my job to protect student privacy."

"Sigh… You really do take your job seriously." - She turned to me. "Ayame, I'll be a while longer. Why don't you take a look around?"

"Feel free to explore the campus, Ayame-san." - the Director added.

I bowed and stepped out of the room.

"Ayame-sama, well done. Is there anywhere you'd like to visit first?"

"I'm kind of hungry."

"We could go to the cafeteria. Since today is just for male scholarship interviews, it shouldn't be crowded."

"I see. Let´s go then."

Sasaki-san is like an older sister to me. Since my mother is always busy, she's the one who's taken care of me. She's always serious about her work and never takes vacations. I admire that about her—and it's partly why I try to live up to everyone's expectations.

At the cafeteria, only Sasaki-san and I were there. We grabbed a quick snack, and I bought a strawberry ice cream.

"Ayame-sama, excuse me—I need to use the restroom."

"It's fine. I'll be waiting in the corner."

As I waited, someone suddenly appeared out of nowhere and bumped into me.

"Kya!" I yelped.

"Sorry! Are you okay?" - he asked, offering me a hand.

I was surprised by his concern… but there's always a chance it's just an act.

"Yeah, I'm fine. Don't worry." 

"I'm glad you're okay. But let me say it again—sorry."

"You don't need to apologize. Besides, I should be the one apologizing."

"No, no, it's my fault. I was the one walking too fast."

"No, I mean—your shirt..."

My ice cream had splattered right across his shirt. How did he not notice?

Not that it mattered. He'd probably throw a tantrum anyway—most of them do. I know I would if I were him.

"Holy... how much was your ice cream? Here, take this." He offered me money.

"Eh? ... Ah... no, no, no. I can't accept it. Instead, use this to wipe your shirt."

I couldn't believe it. He was more worried about me than his ruined shirt!

And more than that—he tried to pay me back. Me, a member of the Edomae family.

"Sorry—and thanks."

"Are you here for the male scholarship?"

"Yes, that's right."

"Uhmm... there's still 10 minutes until it starts, if I'm not wrong."

"Oh my... I need to hurry! I'm really sorry, but I have to go!"

"Yeah, good luck!"

And just like that, he bolted off—toward the interview rooms. He was in a rush, so he'd probably go to F Block. That was the furthest one.

"Sasaki-san, you can come in now."

"Sorry, I couldn't make it in time."

"It's fine. I just need to make a call."

"Yes, Ayame-sama."

"Mother, I think I just met the boy who got the recommendation."

"Already? Why do you think so?"

"I've never met a guy who was more concerned about someone else than himself. Even after I spilled ice cream all over him, instead of complaining, he worried about my loss."

"... Or maybe he was just trying to get close to you."

"…Yeah, now I'm starting to doubt myself."

"You said his shirt was covered in ice cream, right? Where was he heading??

"If I had to guess, F Block. But what are you planning to do?"

"Fufu... just a little part-time job."

She hung up.

I think I'll never forget today.

A boy bumping into a girl in some random corner. Not toast this time—but ice cream. What a day.

"Sasaki-san, let's go home."

"Yes, Ayame-sama."

♦♦♦

That night, around midnight, Mother called Sasaki-san and me to her office.

"I interviewed the boy with the ice cream-stained shirt."

"Madam, is there a chance he's not the same person Ayame-sama described?"

"No. I saw the other candidates - clean and neat appearances. Only one was sweating like crazy, with a huge stain on his shirt."

Mother laughed.

"Ahaha... sorry, but he really stood out. For a second, I thought he was messing with us. But then..." - Her tone shifted. - "...when I looked into his eyes, I knew he was serious."

Sasaki-san and I exchanged glances.

When the interview started, I could tell he'd practiced. He's definitely above average. I see why he got a recommendation. But when I asked the final question… I realized he's not just skilled—he's extraordinary.

"?!" - Both me and Sasaki-san were surprised.

"I asked, 'What do you think about women?' What do you think he said?"

"He seems like a kind and honest person, so... someone reliable?" - I guessed.

"Or... someone who deserves respect as a person, regardless of gender?" - Sasaki-san added.

"Those are good answers. But the way he answered... that's what was impressive. Most guys get awkward when you ask something like that. But him? He was surprised at first, sure.

But then he answered, clear and confident:

'A woman is someone who should be treasured.'"

"I... I can't even imagine that," Sasaki-san said. I agreed.

"Right? I lost my composure for a second. But I realized—that's what makes him different. He doesn't just respect women. He admires them. And he's not naive. He said clearly—not all women are the same."

"...It's kind of scary at this point," Sasaki-san muttered.

"Ayame, if you fall in love with him, you already have my approval. Actually, I hope you marry him."

"M-Mom!?"

After that, Mother and Sasaki-san started discussing ways to win a man's heart. It was kind of fun... until we all froze.

"...Madam," Sasaki-san said, "is he... single?"

"..."

"..."