【Chapter 3: Strategy is No Longer Needed】

"Forty seconds... Fifty seconds. One, two, three, four..."

"......"

Higashikawa, Female 4-dan, bowed her head in silence, admitting defeat. I immediately bowed my head as well, ending the match.

"Finished. In ninety-two moves, the winner is Female Genryu Utakata Tsukino."

The moment my victory was declared, the atmosphere that had been taut until now suddenly relaxed. We transitioned fluidly into the post-game review.

"...Was there a move?"

"No, at the point of '4-3 Knight' two moves prior..."

"Ah... ...Here..."

We discussed the match we had just finished, connecting it to future learning.

I love this post-game review. Two people who have just exhausted their dead-level best to whittle each other down, immediately switching their consciousness to learning for the next time the moment victory or defeat is decided. Sports have the spirit of "No Side" and such, of course, but this rapid and thorough switch is likely unique to board games.

Especially during my time in the shoreikai (apprentice school), the post-game review was the greatest place of learning for me. In the end, due to lack of ability and other factors, I decided to aspire to become a female shogi professional, but I—it would be embarrassing to say I loved that harsh environment of the shoreikai, but I didn't hate it.

And that atmosphere I loved... actually, it certainly exists in the scenes where I discuss board game strategies with Banjō-san at Kurumaza, saying "not this, not that."

(Ah, having the time to enjoy a post-game review is truly Chōjō—splendid.)

Thinking such things, I felt such euphoria that I accidentally let my guard down a little.

"Ah, but if you discard your hand on that turn—"

"Discard your hand on the turn...?"

...Cough.

"On that turn to move, using the Lance in your hand..."

I corrected myself smoothly and continued the review. ...I hope that didn't get picked up on the stream.

＊

"Ahaha, Tsuku-chan, seriously, aren't you leaning a little too hard into board games?"

It got picked up. In a coffee shop near the Shogi Hall, my former master, Marisa Tatsumi, who had apparently been watching my match on the stream until just a moment ago, looked back on that post-game review while clutching her sides laughing.

"Fortunately, there were almost no comments reacting to it so far. But you'd better be careful, you know?"

"What do you mean?"

I asked back while sipping coffee that had turned into a saturated aqueous solution of stick sugar.

Then, Master responded while lightly picking at the bean snacks she had emptied onto a small plate.

"When you start racking up losses, you don't want your hobby to be cited as the cause of defeat, do you, Miss Female Genryu?"

"......"

Listening to the sound of Master casually munching on the bean snacks—crunch, crunch—I straightened my back.

...This person is scary, as always. For better or worse, she always accurately strikes the spots I'd hate to be struck. Aside from her high ability as a female shogi player, being the "Aunt" who has known me since childhood means her understanding of me runs too deep.

...But well, flipping that over, the same applies from my side.

"By the way, Master, it seems your work is busy enough that you can watch my match all the way to the post-game review."

"Ugh."

Master's hand, reaching for a bean snack, stopped. I continued flatly while enjoying my coffee.

"Come to think of it, at the office of the 'Roll Worker Temporary Staffing Agency' that you run, Master, I have never seen any employees or related parties other than myself."

"Th-That is an accusation, Tsuku-chan. Even my company has five employees you don't know, or four... or three."

"It is the first I have heard of a pattern where the number decreases with the phrasing. I am learning so much, Master."

"Really, you throw such nasty counterattacks, Tsuku-chan. I wonder who you take after. I'm impressed."

"Chōjō."

I placed the coffee on the saucer, wiped my lips with a paper napkin, and smiled elegantly. Master—Marisa-san—stared at me with an expression half-exasperated and half-impressed, before starting with a "Well."

"I am having Takanashi-kun advertise it on her SNS, you know."

"Ah, come to think of it, that was the contract. Was it effective?"

"If you say it was, it was. If you say it wasn't, it wasn't, I guess."

Brushing aside my question with vague phrasing, Marisa-san continued.

"Including that area, I spoke directly with Takanashi-kun the other day. She arrived earlier than her shift unusually and had free time, so she showed her face at my office."

"Marisa-san's company and the board game cafe 'Kurumaza' are in the same building, after all."

"Right, right. That's when I heard about her coworker being at an awkward distance with an old friend. It was truly timely and helpful."

"Timely?"

The friend with the awkward distance is likely Takeshi-kun, but what does she mean by timely? I tilted my head, urging her to continue, but Marisa-san dodged it again.

"Well, we'll get to that later. More importantly, I have a more important discussion for you right now, Tsuku-chan."

Saying that, Marisa-san carefully pinched the last grain of the bean snack remaining on the small plate with her fingertips, as if it were a shogi piece, and shifted to the main topic.

"Tsuku-chan. Do you have any intention of increasing your 'Rental Boyfriend' work soon..."

"I do not."

"figured."

Me, refusing instantly and flatly, and Master, responding as if she had read it.

I asked, slightly exasperated.

"In the first place, surely you understand that I have my hands full just playing 'Itsuki Usa'—the fake boyfriend 'Usa-kun' for Takanashi Mifuru-san, right Marisa-san?"

"Of course. I am fully aware that deceiving even a single target request is a great struggle for you. Let's see, him... the board game cafe employee... what was his name again?"

"Banjō, or rather, Tokiwa Kotaro-san."

"Oh my, it's rare for a full name of the opposite sex to come flowing so smoothly out of Tsuku-chan."

...This person is truly difficult to deal with. I coolly responded, "Well, he is a work associate," and urged Marisa-san to continue. She continued, summarizing the current situation.

"Right now, you only have to deceive that Banjō-kun character nearby, so the binding hours aren't that long and it has almost no impact on your main job as a female pro. I am, of course, aware that you accepted the Rental Boyfriend duties precisely because of these favorable conditions."

"In that case, normally, the idea of 'additional work requests' wouldn't even occur to you."

"Well, yes. But, even so."

There, Marisa-san paused, and with the light of wisdom dwelling in her eyes, cut to the core.

"If it's 'exactly the same job,' couldn't you fit one more in?"

"...I see."

So that's how it is. I anticipated her logic and voiced my deduction regarding Marisa-san's proposal.

"You intend to propose something like: since I can reuse the already established character setting of 'Usa-kun,' and if the work content is just 'pick-up and drop-off' level, couldn't I handle one more case?"

"Correct. As expected of Tsuku-chan, you catch on quick. So, how about—"

"I refuse."

I answered instantly. However, Master was used to this; continuing without being shaken in the slightest, as if she already knew that answer.

"May I ask the reason?"

Not pressing strongly, but simply demanding the disclosure of my thoughts flatly. It's just like a post-game review.

Sipping my sweet coffee, I responded logically.

"There are three main reasons I accepted the current requester—Takanashi-san's boyfriend role: 'Binding Hours,' 'Geographical Conditions,' and 'Compatibility with Hobbies.' Of these, perhaps the new request clears 'Binding Hours' and 'Geographical Conditions.' However, the last one, 'Compatibility with Hobbies,' is likely insurmountable."

"Compatibility with Hobbies—if I recall, that was 'having the opportunity to play board games with my fave,' right?"

Marisa-san asked with a teasing smile. I cleared my throat with a cough.

"A-A slight correction. I am not particularly trying to increase opportunities to meet Banjō-san..."

"Oh my, I only used the expression 'fave.' Heh, Banjō-kun, is it?"

"...Cough. The meaning of 'Compatibility with Hobbies' is 'having the opportunity to play board games.' It is strictly just that. It has absolutely nothing to do with faves or anything."

"Right, right. Anyway, the preposition 'with my fave' is unnecessary, you say."

"Yes. If you understand that, it is Chōjō."

While maintaining a cool expression, I accidentally placed the cup on the saucer with a clack slightly louder than before. Master grinning. A-As usual, this person is...!

Trying to somehow turn this battle situation around, I cleared my throat and returned the conversation to the original topic.

"Therefore, even if that new request is homogenous with the 'Takanashi Mifuru Case' only in terms of binding hours, if other conditions conflict, it becomes a burden for me."

"I see. So if coexistence with being a female pro and your board game hobby is impossible, you will refuse the new request regardless of how good the pay is."

"Correct."

Just as I responded, Marisa-san diverted the conversation a little with, "Come to think of it."

"I believe I paid you your wages for the first time a little while ago. Tsuku-chan, since then, have you been able to go to 'Kurumaza' normally as a customer—in a state that isn't 'Itsuki Usa'?"

"Ah, no. Matches have been piling up recently, so not at all."

At the very least, I haven't been able to become Utamaru, my disguise form for being a customer, for a while.

"However, precisely to satisfy the part-time job condition of 'Compatibility with Hobbies,' being able to sit around the table with Takanashi-san and the others as 'Itsuki Usa' has been possible."

"Oh dear. Then there's no need to frantically earn money for cafe usage fees anymore, huh?"

To Marisa-san's perfectly natural conclusion, however, I responded while fiddling with my bangs a little.

"Hmm... I can't say that for sure."

"Meaning?"

"Well... once the matches settle down, I was thinking I would like to visit 'Kurumaza' again as myself... or rather, as 'Utamaru.' In fact, that is exactly where I'm going today..."

Saying that, I looked at the cap for the "Utamaru" disguise I had put in my bag for the first time in a while and smiled. Then, seeing my face, Marisa-san pointed out with a smirk.

"Oh my, is there someone you want to meet as a woman, rather than the young man Itsuki Usa?"

"Th-That is not the case."

"How touching. Well, in any case, if that's so, having extra funds wouldn't hurt."

"Yes."

"Man, you're totally pulling the moves of a woman hooked on a host, my dear niece."

"Please don't say that, Auntie."

She bluntly said exactly what I had been thinking a little myself.

My aunt continued, voicing a new doubt, "Ah, but wait."

"Didn't you stop the disguise of 'Utamaru,' which was starting to look a bit suspicious, to prevent 'Utakata Tsukino's' identity from being exposed in the first place?"

"That is true. For better or worse, it being a 'light disguise' became a bottleneck..."

Furthermore, when Banjō-san started saying in front of "Utamaru" that he liked "Utakata Tsukino," it became increasingly difficult to admit that I was Utakata Tsukino.

"In that case, isn't visiting Kurumaza as 'Utamaru' again risky? Especially today, Saku-chan, you're in your high school uniform."

Receiving Marisa-san's point, I checked my outfit again. The uniform of Eitokuin Girls' High School. It has a reputation in the area for being neat and cute, and it's a uniform I personally like more than any of my plain clothes.

"Doesn't it suit me?"

"No, it suits you. But it suits you too much, like the 'Utakata Tsukino is here' vibe is too strong. Hey, are you sure about the uniform? Isn't there some more optimal..."

Toward my aunt, who was looking at me, her niece, with a worried gaze.

"But."

I looked back straight into those eyes—and recited the teaching of my former master.

"'The optimal move and the winning move do not always coincide,' after all."

"....... Ah, right. That's exactly right."

To my words, Master didn't insert any doubt or teasing, but simply smiled and responded.

Asking neither who I wanted to win against, nor what I wanted to obtain. She simply accepted all of me with the face of "Marisa Tatsumi," the strongest female shogi player I admired.

And so—upon that.

"Then, out of consideration for my cute former disciple—I suppose I should switch to the offensive soon."

"—Eh?"

I was taken aback by Master suddenly saying such a thing.

While I was stunned, Master slowly rolled up the sleeves of her clothes. At that nostalgic gesture, my eyes widened even further. Because that was Master's habit from her days as a professional.

Yes, the proof of shifting to the final offensive stance that comes out when she has finally read the board all the way to "mate," and just before checkmate—

.......

"So, once again, Tsuku-chan. What if this new request I brought..."

By the time I had a bad feeling, it was too late.

Marisa-san, lifting the corners of her mouth in a grin, checkmated me with a single phrase from there.

"What if it was a 'request to deceive a board game otaku like Banjō-kun' set in the board game cafe 'Kurumaza'?"

"...Eh."

It was a checkmate completely out of the blue. I frantically looked for an escape route, but couldn't find one at all. My three conditions for accepting a request—'Binding Hours,' 'Geographical Conditions,' and 'Compatibility with Hobbies'—had all been spectacularly crushed before I knew it.

Especially the last one, compatibility with hobbies—'having the opportunity to play board games'—I had changed the condition myself to suit Marisa-san's convenience just a few moves ago.

By discarding the crucial preposition "with my fave."

If I had just included that in my sentence, it wouldn't have been checkmate yet. Thinking back, Marisa-san was provoking me a bit excessively for her in that scene. That was intentionally done for this...

I recalled a match against Master in her active days where she made me build an Anaguma castle only to mate me completely.

And politely enough... just like that time, she played the "killing move" she had kept hidden until the end, right at this most critical juncture.

"By the way, normally I shouldn't disclose information at this stage, but... I'll tell you specially."

And so, what was unleashed with full preparation was a strictly brilliant checkmate by Master, who had completely returned to the face of the female shogi player in her prime.

"The requester is a girl named 'Hankui,' and the target to be deceived is someone named 'Takeshi,' but are you intere—"

"If you could please tell me the details of that story, it would be Chōjō."

By the time I realized it, I was already breathing hard and leaning forward with all my might, yes.

＊

I boarded the Sobu Line bound for Mitaka from platform one at Sendagaya Station and sat in an empty seat.

It takes about twenty minutes to Ogikubo from here. Normally, this would be a time to fiddle with my smartphone, but today, while absentmindedly gazing at the Tokyo cityscape flowing outside the window opposite me, I ruminated on the details of the case I heard from Marisa-san in my head.

The requester this time is Hankui-san. A currently active third-year high school girl. From that slightly unusual surname and age, I was confident it was her, but actually, it seems to be the very former classmate who appeared in Banjō-san's story a little while ago.

For such a person to bring a request to the staffing agency run by my aunt at this exact timing seemed like a prank of fate going a bit too far. But actually, it didn't seem to be a story of such miraculous probability. I recalled the conversation with Marisa-san at that time.

"The origin of the matter is exactly 'that' which Tsuku-chan also saw. The LINE contact from a friend to Banjō-kun after a long time."

"Ah, that. But looking at the content, it was just typical interaction with a friend after a gap. An apology for neglecting contact, and a suggestion to meet up after a long time..."

"There."

"?"

"That 'let's meet up after a long time' was apparently the problem for the requester, Hankui-shi."

"Ah... I feel like I can vaguely sense that nuance."

Hankui-san, if I recall, was said to have an extraordinary obsession with Takeshi-san. And yet, she doesn't think well of Banjō-san.

In that case, I see, it stands to reason that she wouldn't be pleased with the reunion of Takeshi-san and Banjō-san.

However, doubts still remain.

"But even so, why purposely consult Marisa-san for this case?"

"Ah, one of the reasons for that is exactly Takanashi-kun's SNS announcement."

"Takanashi-san's... Ah, so that's what you meant earlier about there being advertising effects or not."

"Exactly. Apparently, Hankui-san, who was a follower, saw it."

"? Are Hankui-san and Takanashi-san acquaintances?"

"Nope. Just a follower. Takanashi-kun is a bit of an influencer in Suginami Ward, after all. High school girls around here who are currently sparkling mostly follow her."

"Eh, I don't follow her though?"

"You're not currently sparkling, are you, Tsuku-chan."

"How rude. On my official SNS, I report my good health once a month; I am sparkling plenty!"

"Wow, you can use SNS, good for you, Grandma."

While brushing off her niece smoothly, Marisa-san continued.

"Well, that said, there hasn't been anyone other than Hankui-shi who came to us after seeing Takanashi-kun's SNS yet. So the advertising effect was there if you say it was, and not really there if you say it wasn't."

"I see."

I put a period to that topic and cut in with the same momentum.

"Then, Hankui-san's intent for this request is—"

"Tsuku-chan."

But just as I tried to pile on the questions, Master put a stop to it.

"The information I can reveal at this current stage, where it isn't confirmed that you will formally accept this matter, is about this much. Sorry."

True to Marisa-san's declaration, this conversation ended abruptly right there. Well, it's perfectly natural that business details can't be discussed until a formal contract is signed. Rather, I should be grateful she told me this much.

However, my side also can't easily accept a "new boyfriend role." I admit it's an intriguing case, but…

Just as I recalled that far, the train stopped at Nakano Station. Suddenly noticing, a woman dressed in quite eccentric clothing was sitting in the seat opposite me. Frilly attire based on black and pink. Aided by the innocence of her features, she was very cute. Her skin was white, truly like a doll.

Come to think of it, Takanashi-san taught me before. They call that kind of style "Jirai-kei" (Landmine-type) nowadays. I think it's a very disturbing expression. Even though she's so cute.

While I was thinking that, the woman suddenly stood up. For a moment, I was startled, thinking I was being blamed for staring, but it was nothing; she simply gave up her seat to an elderly person standing in front of her. While feeling relieved, I also deeply admonished myself.

For being so absorbed in thought that the surroundings hadn't entered my vision. And, despite my recognition that I had not a speck of prejudice toward clothing, for feeling somewhat surprised that she gave up her seat.

Preconceptions seem to be troublesome precisely because one is unaware of them. While deeply reflecting on my shallowness, it's no use dragging it out more than necessary, so I return my thoughts to the original track.

Now, what is the reason Hankui-san actually needs a fake boyfriend?

From Banjō-san's story, I can guess she doesn't think well of Banjō-san—no, of Banjō-san and Takeshi-kun getting along—and if the two of them are meeting after a long time, I can understand her taking some kind of action.

However, I don't understand how that connects to the idea of "hiring a fake boyfriend."

And to top it off, designating the board game cafe where Banjō-san works as the stage. This compels me to read deeply into the intent—or rather, the "malice."

That's why I can't easily feel like accepting this request. Because...

(I must absolutely avoid anything that would hurt Banjō-san.)

There is a matter here that takes priority far, far above money or curiosity. When I told Marisa-san that, she teased, "You've fallen hard, haven't you, Tsuku-chan," but she stopped joking immediately and added a serious supplement.

"Just for the record, as my personal opinion, I don't think there's a problem regarding that point. After all, in this request, you and Banjō-kun won't even meet."

"? But we are using the cafe 'Kurumaza' where he works, correct?"

"Ah, with Takanashi-kun's cooperation, it's planned for a time when Banjō-kun isn't on shift. Or rather, think about it, Tsuku-chan. 'Itsuki Usa' can't exactly go out in front of him as a boyfriend other than Takanashi-kun's, right?"

"Ah."

I had overlooked that. Indeed, that is true. Meaning this request, strictly speaking, has no direct relation to Banjō-san. You could say the probability of hurting him has become extremely low.

But even hearing that, I still hesitated to decide instantly. Because...

(Banjō-san's face when talking about Hankui-san... was truly bitter.)

That part really weighs on me. Because Banjō-san is a good-natured person to the core, who puts on a slightly gentle face even when talking about that "Hagiri Omitora," for example.

If it's someone that he talks about with such a grimace, it's safe to assume appropriate caution is warranted.

So even if this request doesn't involve Banjō-san directly.

The act of benefiting Hankui-san itself might lead to harming Tokiwa Kotaro.

If there is even a slight possibility of that, I absolutely—

While I was brooding like that on the train, Master's teasing retort from earlier suddenly replayed in my brain.

"You've fallen hard, haven't you, Tsuku-chan."

....... ........................ ...Yes, it appears so, Master.

"Ogikubo~. Ogikubo~."

Before I knew it, the train had arrived at the destination, and the doors were already open.

"S-Sorry! I'm getting off, I'm getting ooooff! Ah, it's Chōjō, it's Chōjō!"

Apologizing to the passengers, I flusteredly scrambled off the train.

....... ............Umm, it's weird for me to say this myself, but.

Was Female Genryu Utakata Tsukino always like this?

＊

"...Phew. ...Alright."

About one hour after parting with Master at the coffee shop.

I, Utakata Tsukino, or rather "Utamaru," had finally arrived in front of the board game cafe "Kurumaza."

Unlike "Itsuki Usa," who disguises even gender using a wig and costume, "Utamaru" today is an extremely simple disguise. Not even a mask—this time, it was simply tying my long black hair with a hair tie and wearing glasses. Among the few patterns of "Utamaru" disguises, this is the simplest and plainest. Moreover, this time I'm even wearing a uniform. But.

(It's a reunion with him as... 'one girl' after a long time. I want to be just a little bit cute, don't I?)

Reasoning completely divorced from logic. While being exasperated with myself... I also find it heartwarming.

Ah, so I had a part like this too. Deep in my chest feels faintly warm.

Coming right up to the front of the shop, a nervousness I had never felt even in matches welled up. I slowly placed my hand on my chest, took a deep breath, and steadied my breathing.

Calm down. Calm down, Tsukino. You are, at least technically, the reigning Female Genryu, aren't you?

I have already investigated that the only staff member today is Banjō-san. And that there are no reservations for other customers.

In other words, today is a day I can play with Banjō-san alone to my heart's content. Of course, playing with three people including Takanashi-san is also very fun. But I wonder why. I wanted to face the reunion with him after a long time as Utamaru... as my true self, alone with him first.

(A woman hooked on a host...)

Suddenly Master's point crossed my mind, but I shook my head vigorously to dispel it. Th-That's not it. I just purely... ...Purely... um... about him...

..................

"Oh, Utamaru-san?"

"Hyowaa!"

Suddenly called out by the object of my affec—no, by Banjō-san from right in front of me, I involuntarily let out a strange squeak. Before I knew it, the door to the board game cafe had opened, and Banjō-san was standing inside.

Seeing me acting suspiciously, he also called out, looking flustered and shaken.

"S-Sorry for surprising you. No, um, I could see a silhouette standing still through the frosted glass of the entrance for a while...!"

"S-S-S-Sorry. It was my first visit in a while, so I got a little nervous...!"

"No, no! I'm the one who's sorry for the stiff reaction! H-Honestly, I was internally pounding thinking it might be a ghost, so to be blunt, I was super nervous too, or rather...!"

"Aah, that's right! It was creepy, wasn't it! For that, I am doubly sorry...!"

"No, no, no, no! What are you saying! I'm the one who's truly pathetic as a staff member...!"

At the entrance of the board game cafe, two people bowing their heads to each other furiously. At such a mutual, somehow "same as always" interaction.

"......"

The two of us involuntarily looked at each other's faces and laughed together.

How long did we do that?

After laughing for a while, he invited me into the store with a heartfelt, gentle smile.

"Welcome, 'Utamaru'-san. I am truly happy to see you visit again."

＊

"No, but really, it's been a long time. Let's see, how long has it been since your last visit?"

Banjō-san asked while placing my order, a "Honey Cafe Latte," and a massive amount of sweetener on the table. To that question... as for me, I was at a loss for an answer.

"I-I wonder."

Because I had been coming and going quite a lot as "Itsuki Usa" recently, I couldn't immediately recall when I last visited as "Utamaru."

With no other choice, I decided to respond with my "feelings."

"In any case, it felt like Ichinichisenshu—one day felt like a thousand autumns."

"Ichinichisenshu, huh."

Retorting like that, Banjō-san burst into a happy laugh.

"Right, right, that phrasing. Somehow it feels exactly like you, Utamaru-san, and makes me super happy."

"Wh-What is that?"

I involuntarily averted my gaze to hide my embarrassment. Banjō-san apologized for it but kept laughing innocently, saying, "But I'm really happy."

.......

"? Oh, Utamaru-san, is something wrong? Staring at me like that..."

"Ah, no, just."

"Just?"

"I love it," I said.

"Huh?"

Time stopped in the store. ............ ...Huh? What did I just say? I was so happy to be able to speak as "Utamaru," close to my true self, that I feel like I just vomited my inner thoughts exactly as they were...

Or rather, why are Banjō-san's cheeks gradually turning red?

What I was vaguely thinking earlier was, surely...

.................. ............ ............!?

"Board games! Yes, board games! Yes!"

"Right! Of course! Board games! Yes! Board games!"

"Yes, board games!"

The two of us voiced excuses with all our might as if to say not a millimeter of any other possibility flickered in our brains. Then, standing up from our seats, we flowed toward the board game shelf and began browsing games.

"Well then, Utamaru-san, what board game shall we play today!?"

"Yes, Banjō-san. What board game shall we play today indeed!"

While having a blatantly transparent conversation, the two of us stood before the shelf. After gazing at the group of board games for a while, we finally calmed down a little.

I cleared my throat with a cough and tried asking him.

"Ah, in the few months I couldn't visit, did you get anything interesting in stock?"

"Yes, definitely. Among them, one that Utamaru-san would seem to like just recently... ...Huh, where was it. Sorry, can I have a moment?"

"I don't mind. I would like to view the shelves in the meantime anyway."

Saying that, I clasped my hands behind my back and gazed at the board game shelves. ...Well, actually, I've been seeing them quite a bit recently as "Itsuki Usa," but that is that, and this is this. Just as a book lover can stay in a bookstore or library forever, a board game lover doesn't suffer at all from gazing at board game shelves.

Then, Banjō-san glanced at my figure from the corner of his eye. When I asked, "Is something wrong?", he responded looking a little embarrassed, "Ah, no."

"I was thinking, Utamaru-san is in a uniform today. I feel like it's unexpectedly the first time."

"Eh, ah, y-yes. Was it... strange?"

"No, no, not at all! Rather, I think it suits you really well and is cute."

"Eh."

"Ah."

Again, a ticklish atmosphere flowed through the store. Banjō-san, looking toward the shelf as if to avert his gaze from me, continued the chat with, "C-Come to think of it."

"That uniform, it's from Eitokuin Girls' High School, right? The school that the female pro, Utakata Tsukino-san, attends..."

"E-Eh, yes, that is right."

Startled, I involuntarily averted my gaze. Then, perhaps misunderstanding that reaction, Banjō-san frantically tried to smooth things over.

"Ah, sorry, I didn't intend to pry into Utamaru-san's personal information..."

"N-No, no need to worry about that at all. Yes. As you say, it is the school Utakata-san also attends."

"Right. Ah, speaking of Utakata-san, I heard a rumor before that 'she likes board games.' Have you ever played with Utakata-san, Utamaru-san?"

What a strange thing to ask.

"...You could say I have, and you could say I haven't. As long as I am myself, surely, forever."

"That's a rather philosophical answer."

"It was a rather philosophical question, after all."

As the conversation settled there, we began gazing at the board game shelves individually again.

"Hmm, it's not in the usual spot. ...Takanashi-san put it back in a weird place again..."

While Banjō-san searched for the target board game, I asked about something that suddenly caught my mind.

"Is the stocking of board games for this store done by you, Banjō-san?"

"Yes. After all, I'm the most knowledgeable. I'm being made to act as the acting manager as usual."

"Fufu, thank you for your hard work. Thanks to you, it is always a very wonderful shop."

"......"

"Banjō-san?"

"...I think that might be the first time I've been given gentle words of appreciation in this job..."

"Did I give you a realization likely found in the opening of a robot rebellion movie?"

"Rest ASSURED. I, will not ATTACK, Utamaru-san."

"Phrasing that implies you'll attack others."

Exchanging conversation mixed with jokes, we giggled together.

Banjō-san resumed his board game search while bringing the topic back with "Well, but."

"Among the many duties, 'stocking board games' is one I enjoy myself."

"Shopping related to hobbies is fun, isn't it? But specifically, how do you do it?"

"In our case, simple online shopping is basically the main method. Since it's a small, privately run cafe, we haven't established partnerships with manufacturers. Ah, but for truly noteworthy titles, they often sell out via reservation on online shops. Even so, since I want to stock popular titles..."

"What do you do?"

"I bet on in-store inventory and go around nearby board game shops. Fortunately, in Tokyo, it's easy to go around real stores. In my case, first would be Shinjuku, then Akihabara, I guess."

"Eh, that sounds tough. Isn't that overtime work?"

"No, no, for me it's more than half a hobby anyway. Ah, but the other day, unusually..."

"Unusually?"

To me asking casually, Banjō-san... with a face full of happiness I rarely see, responded calmly.

"On my day off, Takanashi-san came along with me."

"Eh?"

At those words, my chest tightened in an instant. I frantically piled on another question.

"Th-That, does that mean a da—"

"Ah, this is it, this is it."

Just as I was about to ask, Banjō-san discovered the target board game.

He pulled the box from the shelf in high spirits and showed it to me with a smile.

"Battle Line! This is actually a super classic masterpiece for two players, but we hadn't played it yet, had we, Utamaru-san!"

"E-Eh, first time seeing it. Umm, more importantly, with Takanashi-san, a da—"

"It has a good balance of strategy and luck, and feels like a crackling two-player battle, so I really think it's to your taste, Utamaru-san!"

"That is something to look forward to! No wait, um, going out together on a holiday is..."

"Ah, but please rest assured. Considering the difference in experience, for the first match, properly handica—"

The moment I received such a proposal, my eyes went cold.

"Unnecessary. To propose a 'piece-drop match' against me takes some nerve, Banjō-san."

"Oh, here comes that mysterious champion vibe of Utamaru-san's. Then, I'll play for real, okay?"

"Just what I desire. I shall make you suffer a 'teaching loss' so complete you won't recover."

"Ahaha, I'm happy you remember board game terms. Okay then, regarding the rules..."

"Yes."

Just like that, we flowed from the instruction (rule explanation) of "Battle Line" into the match.

And so.

I realized I had completely missed the chance to ask about the date topic only after the loser of the first game was beaten "completely" and "miserably."

—Well, that was me, though.

"U, uuu..."

At that utterly massive defeat, I, a grown woman, let out a groan like a child.

Attacked by the double frustration of the blunder regarding the date topic and the defeat, I stared at the board with teary eyes.

...This happened before too, but I am the reigning Female Genryu, right? Of course, I'm not arrogant enough to think that being strong at Shogi makes me strong at everything, but even so, even so. In a board game where strategy similar to Shogi is emphasized, is it okay for a Female Genryu to suffer such a crushing defeat?

"A-Ahaha, well, that was just like a tutorial."

While throwing in such a follow-up, Banjō-san tried to quickly clean up the cards and flag pawns spread out on the table in a fluster. I put a stop to that and involuntarily proposed.

"The post-game review hasn't been done yet. Through that, let us connect this to learning."

"E-Eh, that's fine, but... But, you really are amazing, Utamaru-san."

"What is?"

"No, there aren't many people who can take the stance of 'wanting to learn from a post-game review' immediately after a crushing defeat at a board game cafe. It's like you're a shogi player."

"Ugh."

Shoot, before I knew it, I had completely switched to "Female Shogi Pro Utakata Tsukino" mode. Because this board game called Battle Line is just overflowing with the fun of thinking about strategy, I just...

As I involuntarily blushed, Banjō-san smiled gently.

"For me too, having someone play seriously like that makes me happy. You could say it's the greatest joy for a board game lover. It's great, isn't it, post-game review. I really love it too. ...But normally, Takanashi-san won't join me for it at all..."

Banjō-san dropped his shoulders dejectedly. ...Certainly, she might be the type who, rather than engaging in a review, would immediately say "One more match!" or sulk and step away from the game.

Banjō-san turned a warm, glowing smile toward me saying, "That's why."

"Thank you, Utamaru-san. I really love it, after all."

"Eh."

"Playing board games—with you."

"......"

In that instant, I felt a faint, yet certain "fire" light up deep in my chest.

Of course, that wasn't him saying he liked me romantically, as I had hoped for a split second. ...But even so.

He loves playing board games with me.

Having him say that seemed far, far more honorable than any romantic meaning.

That is why I also responded to those words honestly, with sincere feelings.

"I love it very much too."

"Eh."

Smiling shyly, I spun a phrasing slightly different from his.

"Playing board games with you, with you."

"Ahaha, thank you very much. This is the greatest joy for a clerk."

Responding happily without seeming particularly embarrassed. ...Even though I chose the phrasing myself, the fact that only half my intent got across was just a little bit disappointing.

"...I intended to state two things I liked, though."

"?"

"It's nothing. Ah, come on, let's do the post-game review."

"Ah, yes. Let's do it, let's do it. First, looking only at the final result, it ended up looking like my overwhelming victory, but actually, every moment was quite tight-rope walking, and honestly, I feel like I won by card draw luck at the end."

"Certainly, it is a game where the luck element is reasonably significant. However, I think Banjō-san deployed 'moves without unreasonableness' across the entire board well, taking that into consideration."

"Yeah. But this time that strategy just happened to fit well; the 'single-point breakthrough strategy' Utamaru-san switched to midway wasn't wrong at all, rather in that situation it could be called the correct answer..."

Watching him respond to the review so seriously, I felt happiness keenly.

Thinking about it, I feel like this was one of the triggers for me getting absorbed in Shogi. Both my mother and my master, after playing with me in my childhood, would look back on the match fun within a scope that never became too stiff, encouraging my growth. That I still prefer post-game review now is likely thanks to those memories. In that sense, the birth of Female Genryu Utakata Tsukino is also thanks to post-game review...

...And just as I thought that far, I suddenly associated it with a certain thing regarding "Utakata Tsukino." Coupled unfortunately with the timing of a "post-game review"—a place to "state all thoughts flexibly"—I accidentally let "that question" slip out unconsciously.

"Ah, come to think of it, Banjō-san."

"What is it?"

"Are you in love with the Female Shogi Pro, Utakata Tsukino-san?"

"Eh?"

"?"

Banjō-san's words, which had been answering questions about Battle Line strategy with good tempo until now, stopped. Wondering about that, I tilted my head and simultaneously—finally realized I had just asked something incredible unconsciously.

The Battle Line strategy I had been verifying so enthusiastically completely flew away somewhere.

Flustered, I tried to somehow continue with follow-up words.

"Ah, um um, n-no. W-What was that just now, it's not conceit or anything... wait, ah, no, right now, I am 'Utamaru.' Um, um, how should I put it, well, just out of curiosity... no no, that's rude in itself! Ah, geez."

Me, becoming completely incoherent. When that happens, the other party seems to calm down; Banjō-san laughed quietly and then soothed me gently, saying, "It's okay, Utamaru-san."

"That matter isn't such a delicate topic. Please don't worry about it."

"B-But, they say you'll get kicked by a horse if you tease someone's love life...!"

"Haha, Utamaru-san really is a good person. But seriously, you don't have to worry at all. As a practical matter, in this story, my love life isn't being teased at all."

"? What do you mean? Because this was exactly a story about love, right?"

"Uhh... Well, don't worry about it too deeply."

"I am curious."

"Utamaru-san, you really are..."

Banjō-san smiled wryly. Seeing that, I realized my mistake and covered my face with both hands, voicing my reflection.

"Why do I, with the very mouth that apologized for stepping in with muddy shoes, step in with muddy shoes again...!"

"Ahaha. But I think that feeling is very Utamaru-san-like and good."

"No, if such a thing is 'like me,' I should sew my mouth shut."

"Your resolve is brutal every time."

Even if sewing my mouth shut is a joke, this reflection and regret are real. Seeing me blaming myself and getting depressed, Banjō-san scratched his head looking troubled.

"Ah... It looks like I'd better explain the situation properly. Since Mifu... Takanashi-san isn't here right now anyway."

"? Takanashi-san? Does she have some relation to this story?"

"Ah, yes, that's right. Because, and I want you to keep this just between us. This is, in the first place, a 'lie' I fabricated as a countermeasure against her."

"A lie? A lie..."

To my question.

Banjō-san, looking somewhat embarrassed.

With his hopeless depth of mercy.

Slammed that hopelessly cruel truth into me.

"The 'lie' that the person I am in love with is the Female Shogi Pro, Utakata Tsukino-san."

＊

"Wh... What do you, mean?"

While managing to steady my voice, which was on the verge of trembling significantly, I urged Banjō-san to explain.

He, still unaware of the change in my demeanor, continued his explanation completely "with the best of intentions."

"I think you'd understand, Utamaru-san, but our part-timer, Takanashi-san... She's the type who really bites onto love stories. Like, to an annoying degree."

"I understand that."

"So, I decided to go with the story that I like Utakata-san."

"I do not understand that!"

At my strong retort, Banjō-san responded with a wry smile and a "S-Sorry."

"If it's explaining board game rules, that's one thing, but when it comes to my private life, I tend to want to trim the branches and leaves as much as possible..."

"You didn't just trim the branches; you chopped down the trunk just now."

"True."

At that, the two of us couldn't help but laugh. Thanks to that, the atmosphere relaxed a little, and I, in particular, gained enough composure to simply accept the truth.

"However, well, if I may deduce."

I tried broaching the subject myself.

"To dodge Takanashi-san's persistent pursuit of romance talk, would it be correct to interpret that the romantic interest you randomly fabricated happened to be 'Utakata Tsukino'?"

"Yes, that's exactly it. As expected of Utamaru-san, you catch on quick."

"Are you picking a fight?"

"Why!?"

Banjō-san looked frightened, completely unable to understand my attitude of emitting an aura of anger while smiling. However, I offered no explanation. Well, let's just call it even.

Sensing something, Banjō-san hurriedly moved the conversation along.

"As for why the target of the lie ended up being the female Shogi pro Utakata Tsukino-san... well, it was just how things played out."

"How things played out..."

"Yes. There were various reasons convenient for me, like her being a famous person in this circle, or the perfect subtle distance where we might have a connection but don't. But I guess the deciding factor was simply that she was the one who popped into my head when Takanashi-san cornered me."

"...Is that, so."

Although I had already prepared myself to accept this situation, there was definitely a part of me that felt crestfallen. I was a little surprised at myself for that.

(Well, it's not like I seriously thought Banjō-san, who has no connection to me, actually held 'romantic feelings' for the public me—Utakata Tsukino. ...I didn't, but...)

Still, having someone—especially someone I didn't dislike—say they "like" me made me happy no matter what... so hearing it was a lie was inevitably sad.

I didn't know I harbored such illogical emotions within me.

That discovery was both happy and sad. Ah, geez, I'm a mess.

Whether he knew of my inner turmoil or not, Banjō-san continued while picking up one of the Battle Line flag pawns spread out on the table.

"But, this might sound a bit like an excuse..."

"Yes, what is it?"

"I really love her now. Utakata Tsukino-san."

"Yes, is that so. ............ .........Hya!?"

A strange voice slipped out. Thinking back, I feel like I had a similar reaction when I heard his confession before. I haven't grown at all, have I?

Banjō-san asked, looking blank.

"W-What's wrong, Utamaru-san?"

"N-No, nothing. M-More importantly, I—cough. You say you like Utakata Tsukino-san? What do you mean? Are you saying the lie turned into truth?"

"Eh? Ah, no, nothing that dramatic. I mean, even now, there's no point of contact between me and Utakata Tsukino-san that would develop into a serious romance."

There is, though. In fact, on one side, it's developing quite smoothly.

However, Banjō-san, who didn't know a speck of my true identity, continued eloquently.

"But since I started telling that lie, I actually started looking up the Female Genryu quite a bit."

"I-Is that so."

"Yes. Even if it's just a setting, it'd be weird to know nothing about the person I'm supposed to have feelings for."

"R-Right. You were only researching for the sake of the lie, not because you were interested or anything..."

"No, I actually got really interested. A lot. Utakata Tsukino-san is a very charming person."

"...Mo-Chōjō."

"? Why are you saying that, Utamaru-san? Am I misunderstanding the meaning of choujou?"

"The precipice. Of Mt. Fuji."

"Ah, so you were talking about the 'summit' (choujou) just now. No wonder. ............No wonder?"

"Never mind that, continue."

I forced the conversation forward before Banjō-san could pursue the incongruity. He said, "Ah, right," and continued without any particular suspicion.

"This is just based on her personality glimpsed through interviews and such, but... her attitude toward Shogi, her way of thinking about competition, and more than that, her demeanor toward others... I found myself feeling very favorable toward those things."

"I-Is that so."

"Yes. Actually, unlike a certain friend of mine, I don't usually get deeply invested in people through the media. But strangely, with Utakata-san, I felt a sense of closeness."

Well, she is close by, actually. Is this person sharp, or dense...?

He continued innocently with a warm smile.

"What I liked especially was that one internet article. The one where the interview about the Female Genryu title match somehow derailed halfway through, and practically eighty percent of the content ended up being about 'Recommended Convenience Store Sweets.' That was great."

"Ugh. No, surely she didn't intend for that to happen—or so she stated later, I believe."

"I think so too. Or rather, that article was particularly notable, but even in other interviews, she basically does nothing but praise things other than herself."

"I-Is that so?"

"Yes, it is. Even regarding Shogi, she only gives brief, strict evaluations of herself despite winning, while completely admiring her opponent's strategy and mentality."

"S-She sounds like an odd person, this Utakata Tsukino-san."

Ah, geez, I'm so embarrassed I want to crawl into a hole. How much of my disgraceful behavior have I—

"But I think that part of her is exactly what makes her—likable."

"......"

Heat welling up from the depths of my heart warmed my chest, my body, and my cheeks. The coldness I felt upon learning his love for Utakata Tsukino was a lie had long since vanished; far from it...

"And the more I researched with interest like that, the more I became captivated by Utakata Tsukino-san's charm. I see, so this is the feeling of having a 'fave' that my friend talks about—"

"Th-This shop, the heating is rather strong, isn't it?"

I cut in while fanning my face with my hand. Banjō-san looked blank.

"Is it? Um, shall I lower the temperature setting?"

"N-No, I am fine. More importantly, how about you talk more about Utakata-san's charms?"

"Is that really how you prompt a topic?"

Oops, he's looking at me with suspicion. I cleared my throat once and corrected the trajectory of the conversation.

"A-Anyway, in any case, for you, Banjō-san, you intend to continue this lie that 'you like Utakata Tsukino-san' from now on, correct?"

"Correct. Only regarding Mifuru-san, though."

"Understood. If those are the circumstances, I shall cooperate to the best of my meager ability."

"Thank you."

There, I moistened my lips with the Honey Cafe Latte once, exhaled a phew, placed the cup carefully on the saucer, smiled elegantly, and spoke.

"However, there is one point I would like to newly confirm."

"? What is it?"

"'Mifuru-san.'"

"Ah."

I hadn't missed it. That he, who always called her "Takanashi-san," had just slipped and called her by her first name. Banjō-san clearly became flustered and hid his mouth with his hand.

I deduced flatly while staring at him with a gaze of absolute zero.

"Clearly, your relationship progressed during that outing—no, that 'date,' didn't it?"

"Th-That's not...! No, well, the first-name basis certainly started from that outing. But still, there was a flow and circumstances to that too...!"

Banjō-san panicked flusteredly. Honestly, just seeing him like that was enough to lower my raised hackles completely. Originally, I didn't want to corner him more than necessary. I just voiced it because I noticed it. That was all there was to it.

More importantly, what I should be doing now is... something else entirely.

"Well, fine. Right now, it is strictly time for board games, after all."

When I backed down, Banjō-san lowered his head, looking relieved.

"That's true! Sorry, I ended up talking too much. Then, shall we move on to the second match of Battle Line soon?"

"Yes, by all means. — I never fail."

"Yeah, I feel like you shouldn't do that Doc**r-X-ish preamble too much."

(T/N:"I never fail" refers to the hit Japanese medical drama Doctor-X: Surgeon Michiko Daimon. The titular character is famous for her absolute catchphrase, "I never fail”)

Accepting his retort, we began preparations for the second match.

I had joked a little, but in reality, my enthusiasm for the second match of Battle Line was likely stronger than Banjō-san imagined.

Because, since a little while ago, I have secretly harbored a goal—specifically in board games, "to achieve a winning record against Banjō-san."

Of course, factors like my innate hatred of losing and my pride as a Female Genryu play a part.

But the biggest reason is simply that I want to become special to Tokiwa Kotaro. That's all there is to it. And also...

(Special, in a way different from Takanashi-san.)

As I proceeded with preparations for the second match, I tightened my lips. ...I haven't explicitly confirmed his feelings for Takanashi Mifuru in words yet. But interacting as Utamaru, and as Usa, I understand even if I don't want to.

That to Tokiwa Kotaro, Takanashi Mifuru is special.

And that—surely, the reverse is also true.

When I learned that a while ago, I was tormented by an emotion I had never felt before in my life.

It was like heartbreak, like envy, like impatience, like adoration, like loneliness.

—In short, it was likely what is called "Jealousy."

There is a competitor far ahead regarding what I desire.

In such a time, how would the female Shogi pro Utakata Tsukino move? That doesn't even need to be asked.

(First, I go for the Title.)

Whether it's the Oza, the Oi, or the Meijin. First, climb to a rank where I can compete with her on equal footing.

At that stage, there is no necessity to fight on the opponent's home turf. In other words...

(I will become a 'good board game partner' in a sense different from Takanashi-san.)

If she claims to have already acquired the "Casual Board Game Partner Female Genryu" title, then I will simply snatch away the "Hardcore Board Game Partner Female Oza" title.

To do that, it is essential to first match or exceed Banjō-san in board game ability.

"Aaalright, prep finished quickly."

Banjō-san spoke up. Before I knew it, the setting on the table was indeed finished. He continued.

"This is another excellent point of Battle Line. Actually, in board games, 'ease of setup' is a very important factor, especially from the perspective of daily replayability—"

"Let us begin, Banjō-san."

"Eh... Yes. Right. Then, reverse of the first match, Utamaru-san goes first..."

"Chōjō."

I responded flatly and stared seriously at my hand. I could see Banjō-san being slightly swallowed by that dangerous atmosphere, but I had no intention of easing up.

And so, I completely switched my consciousness to Utakata Tsukino, the Female Genryu.

(I apologize, Banjō-san. —I will crush you for real in the second match!)

Like a lion hunting a rabbit with all its might, I attacked ferociously from the very first move.

＊

Ten minutes later. There lay the figure of a pitiful rabbit, torn apart miserably by a wild lion.

────The rabbit being, well, me. ............ ...Huh!?

"Sorry, the second match is also my... I mean. Ya-Yay, ME win!"

Banjō-san was clearly lost in his characterization while celebrating.

While he reflected on his confusing board gamer persona alone, muttering, "No, this is Pegasus now...", I stared at the board in astonishment. ...No matter how many times I looked, a complete defeat lay there.

Battle Line is a two-player card game with an ancient war motif.

It's a game where you fight over flags imitating nine battlefields lined up between two people using simplified poker battles to decide the final victor.

One of the "keys" I noticed this time in such a game. That is "procrastination."

Omitting detailed rule explanations, in this game, regarding battlefields where defeat looks highly likely, you can actually delay a clear judgment of victory or defeat by daring not to advance your hand.

To use a metaphor, it's like saying "Our members are running late, so please wait a bit longer for the game start" against a super powerhouse school in a team sport. Even if it's obvious you'll lose if you play, as long as the match doesn't start, the official win or loss isn't decided.

While buying time like that, you just have to stack up victories in other places.

That's why the utilization of "procrastination" is extremely important in this game—but.

I rushed the match a little this time. Feeling good about the quality of my hand, I initiated action early on a certain battlefield, and as a result, Banjō-san quickly abandoned the contest there. And that "quick cutting of losses" divided the victory and defeat. He utilized the battlefield where defeat was highly likely for him to the maximum as a "dumping ground for unnecessary trash cards," and as a result, I suffered defeats in tatters on other battlefields.

I muttered like a groan.

"Banjō-san, you really are very skilled at strategies that dodge the conclusion."

"I feel like I was just told something incredibly sarcastic!"

Banjō-san made a gesture of clutching his chest dramatically. I don't really get it, but it seems something scored a critical hit somewhere.

I continued.

"Slowly, carefully, stickily advancing moves that give you the advantage, while dodging decisive matters evasively, and only attacking when you've calculated that you can win. ...No, it is magnificent."

"Utamaru-san? Hey, this is talk about Battle Line, right? Utamaru-san? This is, seriously, talk about Battle Line, right? Hey? Um, why won't you answer me?"

"Phew. I, Utamaru, have learned 'procrastination' this time."

"You've learned a nasty skill!"

Banjō-san smiled wryly. While watching him, I tried to drink my Honey Cafe Latte, only to realize for the first time that the cup was empty. Banjō-san asked immediately.

"Ah, would you like to order something additional?"

"Let's see. Then... I'll have Chamomile Tea."

"Certainly. I'll take your empty cup, but the sweetener..."

"As is, it is Chōjō."

"Right. Please wait a moment."

Saying that, Banjō-san returned to the counter. For the time being, I finished collecting the cards spread on the table from the second match and shuffling them, then checked my smartphone idly. Before I knew it, a LINE message addressed to the "Itsuki Usa" account had come in from Takanashi-san.

It's rare for contact to come on a day without work (boyfriend disguise). Opening it casually, a single photo was pasted there. I involuntarily opened my eyes wide in shock.

"This, is..."

What was captured there was a pair of a man and a woman. The man was Banjō-san in casual clothes. Is the location the platform of Shinjuku Station? It's a photo taken from the opposite side across the tracks, looking almost like a clandestine shot. Considering it in combination with the earlier story, perhaps it's a photo Takanashi-san took from the opposite platform on her way home from that date.

So naturally—the woman captured with him was not Takanashi-san.

A woman about our age, with attractive, sporty, tan skin.

That person, of all things—was staring... no, glaring at Banjō-san with upturned eyes from the front at a distance where their chests were about to touch. A composition that even evokes a couple in the middle of a breakup talk. It looks like an intimate relationship, but also like a violently hostile one.

A mysterious photo that seems to have a lot of information, yet little. However, there was one "snag" I absolutely couldn't overlook.

"This woman..."

I zoomed in on the image and focused on her. ...What is this? I've seen her somewhere.

Tan skin, a harsh expression, and above all, a cuteness like an entertainer...

And just as I thought that far and looked at the LINE screen again, an "image" vividly crossed my mind. That's right. This is the person captured together in that image of Takeshi-kun that Banjō-san showed me a while ago...

Just as I thought that far, an additional message arrived from Takanashi-san. Apparently, she followed the same thought process as I did.

<Correct—>

Just as I typed that, I remembered I had to reply in the character of "Itsuki Usa" to Takanashi-san, and retyped the message.

<Yeah. Was it a two-shot of Takeshi-kun and his fave at the time?>

Agreeing with her deduction unfolded over several texts, I urged her to continue.

<Yeah, wasn't it Takeshi and 'Hankui-chan'?>

"That is Hankui-san... In that case, the person meeting Banjō-san on the platform was also..."

I muttered involuntarily and looked at the image sent from Takanashi-san once more.

A tan-skinned woman glaring intensely at Banjō-san. I see, this certainly matches perfectly with the character profile of Hankui-san I heard beforehand. Rather, thinking about it, it would be weirder if this woman were "Takeshi-kun's fave idol." There's no reason for Banjō-san to be involved with her.

And there, an additional LINE came from Takanashi-san.

<Hey, about that Hankui-chan case, u sure u good to take it? Cuz this girl has a pretty legit hostile relationship with Banjō, right?>

Apparently, she also arrived at the same apprehension as I did. She continued further.

Takanashi-san, unusually worrying about him straightforwardly. Indeed, a request where Hankui-san designates Kurumaza as the stage in this situation smells only of harm for Banjō-san.

But that is that... and I involuntarily smiled a little.

(Takanashi-san, normally you don't have a personality that contemplates things this deeply, do you?)

Even though her board game playing is always rough, when it comes to things concerning Banjō-san, she advances her thinking to a Female Genryu level; she really isn't hiding various things well.

To respond to those feelings, I replied with my thoughts firmly.

Real? Ah, "Sorena." She really uses loose phrasing as always. Or rather, my reply text might be too stiff for "Usa." I have to be careful.

While reflecting on that, I looked at the tan-skinned woman captured with Banjō-san again.

Hankui-san. Banjō-san's former classmate, in a hostile relationship, and the person presumed to be the requester of the new fake boyfriend acting job for me.

Certainly, looking at this image, the relationship between these two looks quite dangerous. You can clearly see Banjō-san flinching as she pushes forward on the train platform. ............ ...Yeah.

............ ...Also, more than that, how should I put it, well...

At that exact moment, an additional message arrived from Takanashi-san.

<Tbh, isn't Hankui-chan's visual game too strong? Also, way too close, right?>

I replied immediately with Usa's wording. Indeed, the woman in the photo was truly attractive. Not only the cuteness of her well-defined features, but her figure was also quite toned and shapely, and her vivacity was an appearance that everyone would likely find attractive. It's no wonder we mistook her for an idol at first glance.

...No, if you ask "so what," well, it's nothing in particular. Just, partly because Banjō-san spoke of her as if he truly disliked dealing with her, my impression was extremely negative to begin with, so that "cuteness" was a bit unexpected. ...N-No, really, it doesn't matter at all, though.

By the way, the LINE rally with Takanashi-san stopped there. What exactly was so bothering about the fact that she was unexpectedly a healthy beauty, or that the distance between such a woman and Banjō-san was too close? We both left that untouched.

............ ............ ............

"Utamaru-san?"

"Wahya!"

I was startled by Banjō-san appearing suddenly. However, he was just as surprised, and while bewildered, he placed the tea cup on the table.

"Um, the Chamomile Tea is ready but..."

"Ah, y-yes. Chōjō."

Managing to smooth it over, I smiled brightly while hiding my smartphone screen. Banjō-san seemed a little puzzled but took the seat opposite me without saying anything in particular.

I lifted the teacup, making a gesture of smelling the aroma, but stared at him intensely through the steam.

...Could it be that this person is actually quite popular? After all, he is this charming. Such a thought crossed my mind, and I ended up asking on the momentum.

"Banjō-san, regarding that... D-Do you have any dating experience or such?"

"Huh?"

Banjō-san's hands, which had started preparing for the third match of Battle Line, stopped. He asked back, looking very suspicious.

"You've suddenly brought up a topic like Takanashi-san, haven't you, Utamaru-san?"

Well, I can hardly say I was talking with that Takanashi-san until just a moment ago...

While dumping sweetener after sweetener into the Chamomile Tea whose aroma I had finished enjoying, I responded with a composed face.

"I am also a currently sparkling high school girl. I dabble in a romance rumor or two."

"That phrasing is too far from a currently sparkling person."

While smiling wryly, Banjō-san responded readily.

"At least, dating experience is zero. Truly."

"That is Chōjō."

"Are you making fun of me?"

"Even so, surely you must be popular?"

"You're definitely making fun of me, right? What is that line, like annoying customer service at a select shop? No, thinking normally, do you think someone like me would be popular?"

"I do."

"Eyes unclouded."

Banjō-san was surprised by my gaze filled with conviction. He denied it, looking embarrassed.

"I-I'm grateful you overestimate me so much, but at the same time, it's a bit sad. My life seriously lacks glamour..."

"Oh my, but there is a flower (hana), isn't there? For example, your colleague Takanashi Mifuru-san."

"No, no, she has a boyfriend."

"...How lewd..."

"Isn't your reaction jumping to conclusions too much? There's nothing between me and Mifuru-san."

"Well, fine. However, surely you have female friends other than her?"

Finally, turning the steering wheel toward the core of the conversation. ...This love talk was originally a prelude to naturally extract information about Hankui-san. Thus, Banjō-san fell for it completely.

"Well, certainly before I dropped out, I did. But..."

"Before you dropped out. Then, you aren't meeting that person anymore?"

"Ah... No, actually I ran into her recently. If I recall, on the platform of Shinjuku Station."

This is nine times out of ten the scene with Hankui-san in Takanashi-san's photo. I stepped further in, maintaining the pretense of mere idle chatter.

"Hmph. And so, just like that, the two of you disappeared into the nightlife district..."

"We didn't disappear. Utamaru-san, what do you think I am?"

"A popular gentleman. A rare dandy."

"Right, that was it. Too mysterious."

Banjō-san sighed. Scratching his head looking troubled, saying "This kind of suspicion is a first for me," he continued.

"I just lightly exchanged status updates with her and parted ways. Ah, except..."

"Except?"

"Far from disappearing into the nightlife district, various things happened, and we actually clashed (mometa) a bit."

"Clashed? With a friend? You did, Banjō-san?"

Certainly, a dangerous atmosphere drifted in that photo too. As expected, there seems to be a large rift still between Hankui-san and Banjō-san. However, for him, who boasts tremendous kindness, to "clash" with someone... such a scene, I can't imagi......... .........

"Ah, just to confirm, when you say you 'had a run-in' (mometa), you aren't saying you were able to 'fondle' (mometa) her ample bosom..."

(T/N: A Japanese pun based on the verb momeru. Banjō uses it to say he "clashed" or "had a run-in" with someone. Tsukino intentionally misinterprets it using its homophone, which means to "fondle" or "massage," specifically referencing the other girl's chest. )

"There's no way! Do you think I'm a barbarian who would commit such an act on a station platform!?"

"If there was consent from the partner, perhaps."

"Eh, what is with this person, throwing out bizarre deductions with a serious face the whole time. Scary."

"Certainly, Hankui-san does have a nice chest, after all."

"No, just because of that doesn't mean I'd fondle... wait, Hankui? Why that name..."

"Ah."

Shoot. Thinking about it, the one who heard about Hankui-san from him was strictly "Itsuki Usa," not Utamaru. ...A mistake too elementary. I accidentally stepped in too far...

Banjō-san frowned suspiciously.

"Did I talk to you about Hankui, Utamaru-san?"

"E-Err, well, that, yes, a little while ago Takanashi-san mentioned..."

"? Utamaru-san, it's been a long time since you came to the shop itself, right? Where did you meet Mifuru-san..."

"M-More importantly than that!"

Clearly seeing the tide turning against me, I decided to pull out the family heirloom sword.

"Let's play board games, board games! Because this is 'Kurumaza,' right!?"

"...Eh? B-Board game cafe? ..."

"Exac-tly! Phoo!"

"Wait, did the scenario writer in charge of Utamaru-san change? Is that tone correct?"

"Anyway, let's play Battle Line, Battle Line! Okay!"

"Y-Yes, I don't mind that, but. Um, but, about the Hankui matter just now—"

"Next I'm gonna wiiiin! Phooooo!"

"Oops, the scenario writer definitely quit on this one. I definitely preferred the previous one."

And so, forcing my way through Banjō-san's suspicion and exasperation with brute force.

We tumbled into the third match of Battle Line.

＊

Well, needless to say, I lost the third match too, yes. Sorry for the repeating pattern. But having an active Female Genryu saddled with such a clumsy character attribute—I'm the one finding it most unexpected, so please don't blame me. I'll cry, really.

Staring intently at the board of complete defeat on the table, listing up reflection points in my brain, moving my hands actually like in a Shogi post-game review, I muttered to myself.

"As expected, the cause of defeat is adaptation to luck elements rather than luck itself. While Banjō-san accurately gauges expected values, I trusted luck too little this time, resulting in non-committal moves..."

Completely starting high-speed thinking in Female Genryu mode. After silently examining the strategy alone for several minutes like that, I suddenly realized. That I had completely forgotten Banjō-san's existence.

"S-Sorry! I was just doing something alone for a long time...!"

I hurriedly looked up at his face in the opposite seat. And what was there was—

—Banjō-san, directing a gaze full of affection toward me, just like the one he directs at Takanashi Mifuru-san.

"......"

While I was lost for words at his face, which was too Chōjō , he also seemed to snap out of it and tried to make some excuse in a panic.

"Ah, s-sorry. I ended up staring with a creepy level of warmth...!"

"N-No, nothing of the sort."

"I wonder what it is. Seeing someone face board games... or rather, face what they like sincerely, my chest just, you know, gets warm."

"Hearing you say that... is Chōjō. But, it is embarrassing after all."

"Right. Sorry. Mifuru-san points it out sometimes too. Though, I've never done it to a customer before..."

Banjō-san scratched the back of his head, looking truly embarrassed. At those words, my heart thumped helplessly.

(Toward me... the same gaze as toward Takanashi-san...)

Even though I haven't achieved a winning record, and am actually suffering consecutive losses. Even though I haven't become the "challenging board game opponent" for him that I aimed for.

Even so, this person says he found my attitude toward the game itself endearing, regardless of that.

(Being evaluated in a part completely unrelated to victory, defeat, or results... when was the last time, I wonder.)

That was the warmth given to me by my mother and aunt in days past. And that is exactly what I truly define as "love." That is why.

(I suppose I am helplessly attracted to this part of this person.)

Not something superficial about me. He gazes at and genuinely cherishes the part that is truly me, which even I lose sight of sometimes. That fact is unbearably...

"...Chōjō ."

"? Um?"

Seeming not to understand what I was referring to, Banjō-san looked bewildered. I giggled at that and involuntarily made it into a joke.

"Uhuru Peak. Of Kilimanjaro."

"Ah, you were talking about the summit (choujou). I see. ............I see?"

Banjō-san also smiled happily, making a retort similar to before.

If only this time could continue forever. Without incident, forever. Forever. Just as I thought that—Banjō-san suddenly spoke up.

"Ah, come to think of it, the female Shogi pro Utakata Tsukino-san uses the word 'Chōjō' a lot too, doesn't she."

"Cough, cough!"

I choked magnificently at the sudden checkmate. While Banjō-san stood up asking "Are you okay?", the moment I coughed even more violently, my disguise glasses fell onto the table.

"Ah."

I frantically picked up the glasses and put them back on, but the situation was already too late. For a split second, my bare face was completely exposed to his eyes. Moreover, of all times, right at this timing when the "topic of Utakata Tsukino" had come up.

"......"

Banjō-san was silent for some reason. Perhaps he is in the middle of connecting various information in his head all at once. Surely that's it. Ah, geez...!

I lifted my face fearfully to see the situation. Please, let him be looking away for some reason... I tried praying, but reality isn't a rom-com manga where miraculous follow-ups happen, and my eyes met with a dumbfounded Banjō-san.

"Eh, wait, Utamaru-san is... Somehow, she looks extremely like Utakata Tsukino-san..."

"...Ugh."

"Eh, ah, in other words... th-that means?"

Banjō-san seemed to have completely guessed something. As expected, reality isn't a rom-com. It won't provide a development convenient for me where the male side pulls a dense move even after all this information is out.

I finally gave up, put my hand on my glasses, and while admitting "It is as you guess...", I exposed my bare face to him from the front once again—

"Utamaru-san, you were a die-hard Utakata-san follower!"

—Just before the end, he managed to hold back! He was there! A person like a rom-com protagonist actually existed! Come to think of it, he was that kind of person, this guy! Yeah!

I hurriedly put my glasses back on as they were, made a shy face, saying "Ehehe," and continued.

"A-Ahaha, well, it's true I'm a bit knowledgeable about Utakata-san..."

"Is that so. She's great, isn't she, Utakata Tsukino-san."

"...Yes. That's right."

I stroked my chest in relief. ...Yeah, this is better after all. I like this distance.

He and I are strictly a congenial clerk and customer.

The time we can enjoy board games casually in such a relationship is more precious than anything.

So, how he feels about Takanashi-san, how the boyfriend role as Itsuki Usa is going, the matter with Hagiri Omitora, Takeshi-kun, Hankui-san, and my worries as a female pro... those are secondary.

Using a "procrastination strategy" on all those problems to maintain this fun time.

That is surely, without a doubt, the "best move" for the current me.

Yes, the best move. A move that increases my win rate and, above all, is easy for me to play.

Of course, against a "superior opponent" like Master, it would likely be read easily, and it's not like it couldn't fail to reach.

But I don't mind that. Because I am a "Pro." What I should look at is the overall win rate. It isn't about taking a gamble on an all-or-nothing match on a whim.

So even if I drop a match or two here, that is... ............

...Even if I drop a match or two?

"Oops, Utamaru-san needs to go home soon too, right?"

Checking the wall clock in the store, Banjō-san spoke up.

I snapped out of my superfluous thoughts, responded with "Yes," and stood up from the chair. Then, Banjō-san immediately moved as a clerk.

"Ah, you can leave the cards and such on the table as they are. Cleaning up is also our job."

"Is that so? Then, taking you up on your kind words, I will get ready to leave."

"Go ahead, go ahead."

Urged by Banjō-san, I immediately began "getting ready." However, that was likely completely different from what he had anticipated.

"Wait, but even if you say getting ready, you didn't wear a coat or anything in particular today, Utamaru-san—"

In front of him saying that.

I performed the proper preparation—

—I slowly took off the hair tie and released my long, distinctive black hair.

"Eh..."

Stopping his work, Banjō-san was taken aback.

I took off my glasses as the finishing touch, and finally, completely—stopped being "Utamaru."

Toward Banjō-san, who showed a gesture of finally realizing something saying "Ah" upon seeing my current visual.

Pinching the edge of my skirt as if invoking Master's "sleeve rolling" when switching to the offensive. Just like that, I greeted him elegantly.

"Before leaving the store, allow me to introduce myself properly again. I—my real name is 'Utakata Tsukino'."

"────Howa!?"

Toward Banjō-san, who raised his voice and backed away, looking exactly as if "his liver had been pulled out" (shocked out of his wits), I smiled brightly as my true self.

There is no meticulous strategy behind this action.

But, this is fine. Because.

Right now, with my whole heart and soul, I want to take this King—Tokiwa Kotaro.