Chapter 115: Why Aren’t You Laughing Anymore?

"My name is Shiijo Maki," she introduced herself. "Third-year in our grade, the rightful heir to the Shinomiya family bloodline."

"…The Shijo family, huh."

The Shijo family was a branch of the Shinomiya family. Though a branch family, their relationship with the Shinomiya main family was hostile—nearly antagonistic.

Their enmity dated back decades, to internal conflicts within the Shinomiya clan. After the Plaza Accord, Japan entered an era of rapid economic growth. The Shinomiya family took a self-serving approach during that time.

However, their inhumane methods caused discontent among the moderate faction within the family.

Clashes erupted between the radicals and the moderates, eventually escalating to a violent confrontation that led to casualties—one of whom was a member of the Shijo branch family.

In the end, the radicals expelled the moderates from the Shinomiya household.

Shut out of Japanese business by the main family, the moderates established their own enterprise overseas, naming it after their fallen member—Shijo. It grew quickly, driven by hatred for the Shinomiyas.

And now, sitting before Takamine Rinji, was none other than the Shijo family's heiress.

"I see. So you're from the Shijo family."

"Exactly..."

"What a pain. It's bad enough having Shinomiya Kaguya in the student council. Now even the visitors are tied to that family?"

"Hey!"

"Sorry, sorry." Takamine waved it off, ending the topic. "So, what brings the Shijo heiress here?"

"It's nothing major."

Shijo Maki leaned into the sofa, her face wearing a smug expression—as expected from a wealthy heiress.

"Karen Kino told me to come."

"Kino-san, huh?"

Takamine remembered he had told her yesterday, if your friend's bestie is heartbroken, she can come to the student council for some counseling.

He was tempted to ask if Maki was the one who got rejected—but then recalled what Kino said before leaving yesterday:

---

"Takamine-kun, when she comes to you tomorrow… can you not say the word 'heartbreak'?"

"Why?"

"Because that word will hurt her. Her pride won't allow her to admit she got rejected," Karen said with difficulty. "And I can't exactly tell her 'you got dumped, go get counseling' either. She'd never show up."

"What a hassle..."

"Please, I'm begging you!"

"…Alright. I'll avoid the word. I'll be subtle about it."

"Thank you so much!"

---

"Shijo-san, may I ask something?"

Takamine looked at her with sincerity.

"What is it?" she smiled. "Feel free to ask—"

"Did the guy you like run off with another girl?"

"..."

"I mean, the person you liked—here, tissue."

Seeing Shijo's expression crumble into teary eyes, Takamine sighed and handed her a tissue.

"I… I wasn't dumped!"

"Alright, alright. You weren't dumped."

This was getting interesting.

Based on Karen's story yesterday, the 'friend' was likely Kino herself, and the 'bestie' was the girl sitting in front of him—Shijo Maki. As for the boy she liked… it was probably Tanuma Tsubasa.

Takamine was genuinely surprised someone would actually have a crush on that guy.

He looked at Shijo, who had wiped away her tears and returned to her proud, noble expression, and asked cautiously, "So… Shijo-san, do you like that guy in your class, Tanuma Tsubasa—"

"Hah? Why would I like him?"

She gave him a look like he was an idiot.

"As the Shijo family's heir, with Shinomiya blood in my veins, why would I waste my time on something like a romance game?"

Takamine: "…"

"O-of course…" she suddenly switched to a tsundere tone, "if he confessed to me, maybe I'd consider dating him."

"I see. So it doesn't matter anymore. That makes this easier."

Takamine smiled.

"Tanuma Tsubasa and Kashiwagi Nagisa are officially a couple now, so you don't have to worry about this whole 'romance game' thing anymore. It's already over… here, tissue."

As Maki's eyes welled up again, he handed her another tissue.

"Hmph!"

After wiping her tears, she regained her haughty attitude.

"So I don't like him, and I wasn't dumped."

"No heartbreak? That's boring."

"Huh?"

"If you don't share your heartbreak, how am I supposed to enjoy it?" Takamine said. "Come on, tell me—let me have some fun."

"What's wrong with your brain!?"

Maki slammed the coffee table.

"Don't be like that. I'm just trying to help." Takamine grinned. "I'd love to break those two up—uh, I mean, I'd love to help you get Tanuma back."

"Really? You'd help me?"

Her proud expression shifted into that of a touched girl. Takamine was honestly impressed by her rapid emotional transformations.

"Why would you help me?"

"Because I've been through heartbreak too."

"You?"

"Yep. So I can help you steal him back."

"Ahahahaha!" Maki pointed at him and laughed. "You got dumped? That's hilarious!"

Takamine: "…"

"Don't lump me in with normal girls. I didn't get dumped." She flashed a proud smile. "Kashiwagi Nagisa is my friend. Only commoners would try to steal their friend's boyfriend."

"Oh, friends, huh."

Takamine suddenly smiled.

"That's great then. You can be the bridesmaid at their wedding, watch them exchange rings up close, and even help take care of their kid when they go on their honeymoon—huh? Shijo-san, why aren't you laughing anymore?"