Chapter 57: Trinity study group

The warm morning sun streamed through my window as I arrived at the school gates, a nervous flutter in my stomach. And then, a familiar, cheerful voice called out. Mizuki was here first today.

“Ooh~ our Rina-ring! Long time no see~!”

Mizuki, waving from afar, ran towards me, her usual bright smile on her face as she slung an arm around my shoulders. “Seriously, midterms the week after Golden Week?! That’s so unfair~!” she complained.

The post-festival atmosphere in the school was subdued, almost deserted, except for the library, its lights still on despite it being the weekend.

“Aya-ring said she’ll be a little late. Should we head inside?”

“Sure.”

“Hee hee, Rina-ring~ what’s that?” Mizuki asked, grinning and looking at my left hand. I followed her gaze, my mind still foggy from lack of sleep, then remembered…

‘…She saw it?!’ I quickly clasped my hands together, but it was too late.

“So, it finally happened~” she said, knowingly.

“Yeah…”

“I thought you’d reject her.”

“Why would I? Aya is beautiful.”

“A lot of people are intimidated by her.”

Ah, right. Aya, with her elegant, aloof demeanor, her height, her beauty… she was almost… otherworldly.

Mizuki’s lips curled into a mischievous grin. She placed her hands on her hips and said playfully, “Rina~ I’m feeling a bit left out~? Go out with me too~!”

“What?!” I stared at her, wide-eyed, surprised by her sudden “confession.” Mizuki giggled and gave me a playful nudge.

“Just kidding~”

“Ugh… stop teasing~” I whined, and just then, Aya arrived. Mizuki quickly removed her arm from my shoulders and took a step back, sensing Aya’s silent, sharp gaze.

“…What did you just say?” Aya asked, her voice calm, but her eyes… they were cold, a subtle intensity that sent a shiver down my spine.

I also felt a sudden chill, but Mizuki just chuckled nervously, scratching the back of her head. “Just kidding, just kidding~”

“…” Aya continued to stare at her, her eyes narrowed. “You asked Rina to go out with you?”

“Th-That was just a joke… Aya-ring~!” Mizuki took a step back as Aya took a step forward. They began circling me, Mizuki retreating, Aya advancing.

“Aya-ring~ are you jealous?” Mizuki teased.

Aya raised an eyebrow. “Jealous? I’m just… confirming something.”

“Confirming what?”

“That you’re the type to say such things to Rina so casually.”

“Whoa! Aya-ring, you’re extra scary today~” Mizuki giggled, taking another step back.

Aya stopped, sighing softly, then turned to me. “Rina, don’t let Mizuki tease you too much.”

“O-Okay…” I nodded, slightly bewildered. Weren’t they supposed to be close friends? Aya’s wariness of Mizuki was surprisingly intense, and Mizuki’s playful response was equally impressive. It was like watching a battle between masters.

“Let’s go to the library. The school library is open even on weekends and holidays.” Aya took my hand, and I was startled by the sudden contact.

But Mizuki, not to be outdone, followed close behind. Aya didn’t try to push her away. “So, shall we go to the library, then?”

“Sure,” Aya replied, her expression returning to its usual calm composure. My heart still fluttered whenever I was near her, but I tried to act normal as we walked, chatting casually about schoolwork, about what we’d do after exams…

‘Being together like this, the three of us… it doesn’t feel that different from before we started dating. Except for Aya’s occasional bouts of jealousy…’ I thought as we arrived at the library.

Could I actually focus on studying this time?

…Honestly, I was doubtful. But the studious atmosphere inside eased my anxieties, at least for the moment.

****

The library was quiet, the air filled with the rustle of pages and soft whispers. A perfect place to study.

But… Aya kept looking at Rina.

At first, she’d just found Rina cute, endearingly awkward, easily flustered. Rina had become a friend, a harmless, almost pet-like presence.

But the Rina who’d joined the student council… was different. She’d acted as if she knew everything, taking charge, solving problems, even trying to usurp Aya’s role, until Aya had put a stop to it.

Spurred by Rina’s unexpected competence, Aya had poured her heart and soul into the festival preparations, pushing herself to the limit, fueled by a competitive spirit she hadn’t felt since… well, ever, really. Rina was, besides Mizuki, one of the few people who could evoke such a reaction from her.

And now… Rina had changed again. She’d reverted back to her cute, slightly awkward self, but she was also maintaining a certain distance.

Aya didn’t like that distance. She’d pushed Rina, wanting to be closer, and Rina had blushed when Aya had hugged her.

And now…

‘I… like Rina…’

So she’d confessed, wanting to be even closer. Her curiosity about Rina had only grown stronger. The way Rina bit her lip when she encountered a difficult problem, the way she fidgeted with her pen while diligently working through the exercises… She was so endearing, Aya couldn’t help but stare.

“Aya, can I ask you something?” Rina’s voice interrupted her thoughts. She was holding a calculus problem, her brow furrowed slightly.

“What is it?”

“Here… why can you rewrite this equation like this?” She pointed at the problem.

Aya leaned closer to explain. “Ah, this is a Fourier transform problem, simplified for high school level. So, this problem…”

But even as she explained the concept, her mind was elsewhere.

****

Aya recalled last night’s family dinner. As always, it was a quiet affair.

Across from her sat her sister, Reina. And beside her, her mother.

The Yukikawa family had a long and distinguished history. Her father, a prominent figure in the medical field, had led the family’s rise to prominence in recent years, establishing Yuki Pharmaceuticals, a global company. The family had always been involved in equipment research, but her father had expanded into medical devices and pharmaceuticals. He was often away on business.

So, it was just the three of them at dinner. “Aya,” her mother said softly, in Danish, and Aya looked up.

“Who was that girl who came over this afternoon?” Her mother’s expression, as always, was unreadable, her tone calm and even.

Aya had wanted to say, “My girlfriend.”

But she held back. She knew how same-s*x relationships were viewed in conservative, aristocratic circles like theirs. For the heir to a prestigious family like the Yukikawas to be in such a… non-traditional relationship… it could cause problems, both socially and within the family.

‘But I’m not going to deny it either.’

Aya loved Rina. They’d admitted their feelings, and Rina had accepted her confession. That was why she’d given Rina the promise ring.

After a moment of hesitation, she replied calmly, “…A friend from school.”

“A friend from school?”

“Yes. We’re on the student council together.”

Her mother paused, wiping her hands delicately, her expression thoughtful. “Responsibility has always been a core value of the Yukikawa family.”

“…”

“And you’ve always been a responsible child.”

Responsibility. To survive in the Yukikawa family, one had to fulfill their responsibilities, socially, within the family, and personally.

“Are you prepared to take responsibility for this relationship?” Her mother had finally gotten to the point.

Aya blinked. Her mother’s words had struck a nerve. “Taking responsibility” meant… a long-term commitment.

‘…Does Mom… suspect something?’ Aya took a deep breath. No, it was unlikely. And even if she did, Aya’s resolve wouldn’t waver. There were articles about same-s*x couples having children now.

“…Yes,” she replied firmly.

“Then that’s all that matters.” Her mother didn’t press further, returning her attention to her meal. And then, Reina, from across the table, spoke, a playful smile on her face. “I heard you three are the Trinity now, with Kurosawa-san and Asakura-san.”

“That’s wonderful. You’re bringing honor to the family.”

Aya looked at her sister, who smiled serenely. She’d deliberately mentioned Rina, a subtle way of acknowledging that Rina wasn’t just anyone, that she was someone… special.

Aya didn’t question her sister, knowing how perceptive Reina was. She picked up her fork again, but her appetite had waned.