Archive of Our Own ^beta

Usually, inspection days don't mean anything in otome games. First of all, it's pretty boring. You have teachers or disciplinary committee making rounds to check on students' belongings and appearance. As long as you don't break any rules, inspection day is just like any other day.

Although back in middle school, I was once get called to the counseling office and got a one-on-one counselling session for forgetting it's inspection day. Thankfully, I managed to nip that romance flag in the bud pretty fast. I have no interest in older men no matter how dandy they look.

Even though Lugnica Academy is pretty lax on rules, it's still a normal school. Inspection days are usually held some times after midterms and finals here, or so that's what I heard from Julius-senpai. I remember him also telling me that students have tendencies to bring entertainment goods to school after exams to "let loose". 

He assured me that I wouldn't get into trouble because I'm a good student—unless my Divine Protection messes up like it did back in middle school. Thankfully, it didn't this time.

After all, from now on, romantic drama is not my problem anymore!

"Good morning!"

"""Good morning."""

I greet everyone in the student council room cheerfully and three voices greet me back with various enthusiasm. A smiling Reinhard-senpai, a Julius-senpai who drinks his tea, and a Feri-senpai who twirls a cute pen lazily. In the middle of the table there was a strawberry cake, divided into 6 slices, and the appropriate numbers of plates and utensils.

Noticing one missing person, I sit at my usual desk next to Reinhard-senpai, "Where's Subaru-senpai?"

Reinhard-senpai's smile turns worried, "That's—"

Feri-senpai sits up straight as his ears twitched, "Nya?"

Along with his reaction, we all turn to look at the door to the student council room as we hear heavy footsteps running closer. The door slams open, and Subaru-senpai appears with a large cardboard box in his arms. He's sweating and breathing heavily as he carried the box, yet Subaru-senpai grins like a villain when he looks at Julius-senpai.

Reinhard-senpai looks genuinely awed by Subaru-senpai for who-knows-why, but that's part of the norm. Meanwhile, Feri-senpai looks delighted because he knows that the infamous President vs. Treasurer Argument will start again.

Oh no, here it comes.

"See here, you bastard?! Hand over your tea set!!"

Julius-senpai elegantly drinks his tea and let out a small huff of amusement, "I should not be surprised that you'll bring that box here."

[Julius → Subaru Affection Up!]

"Are you making fun of me?!" Subaru-senpai snarls with teeth bared.

[Subaru → Julius Affection Down!]

Julius-senpai is easily impressed by Subaru-senpai... Also can they please stop arguing?! Subaru-senpai's affection meter to Julius-senpai is on the line here!

"Subaru, you're amazing! What did you tell Clind-sensei?" Thank you for distracting Subaru-senpai, Reinhard-senpai.

Subaru-senpai put down the box between me and Reinhard-senpai. Our desks tremble from the sudden added weight. "I told him, "I need to confiscate Julius' tea set in the student council room" and he gave me this! So, hand over your tea set, Julius Euclius!!"

I get up to pour down a cup of tea for myself. I need to prepare myself for the inevitable one-sided battle.

Julius-senpai brushes his bangs with a confident smirk in front of Subaru-senpai's challenging grin. "Oh? What makes you think you have the right to take these items away from me, Natsuki Subaru?"

Subaru-senpai crosses his arms in front of his chest, "Simple! Personal tea sets don't have any educational purposes and are not necessary for school life! So, they are not allowed to be brought to school!"

"I see, a perfect reasoning. But I think you have one oversight, Subaru."

"Huh?"

Julius-senpai raise his point finger in the air, like a teacher ready to impart a great wisdom to his student. "Can you prove that these tea sets belong to me and not the school?"

"—HUUUH?!?!?"

Geez, this is super dumb. I put one slice of the cake to a plate and take my own fork. The tea is too bitter without the cake to balance it out.

Can they stop their passive aggressive flirting as soon as possible?

"By your implication, you assume that I brought all these tea sets from my home, but where is the physical proof of your accusations?"

"That freaking tea cup on your hand is brand new!!"

"It is new, yes, but can you prove it is mine without any doubt?" Julius-senpai brings the tea cup to his mouth and sips his tea calmly.

"You brought them this morning!! I saw you putting them in the cabinet—AND I TOLD YOU TO BRING THE OTHERS BACK HOME, DIDN'T I?! LOOK AT HOW CRAMPED THE CABINET IS!!!" Subaru-senpai furiously sweeps his hand to a small, ancient cabinet in the corner of the room. Still chewing my cake, I follow his gesture and glance at it like everyone else.

The cabinet was black, and there are traces of paints in some of its relief that looks like vines or butterflies. It's supposed to be filled with documents related to student council activities, yet it's filled with tea sets, cutlery sets, and plates to eat cakes, sweets, and other kinds of desserts. It honestly looks like a cabinet prepared for an English nobleman tea party and should not belong in a student council room.

"Subaru, let me correct you again." Julius-senpai looks at Subaru-senpai with a prideful smile, "We can ask for a new cabinet to replace this old one if it's proven insufficient for storage."

Looking at Subaru-senpai's thunderstruck shocked face, I know Julius-senpai wins this round, just like every time they argue.

He knows Subaru-senpai has been waiting to replace the old decrepit cabinet for a while. The reason why it's still used is because we have two skillful handymen in the room, Reinhard-senpai and Subaru-senpai, to fix it. They always notice when the cabinet needs fixing before all of Julius-senpai tea sets and plates are broken into tiny pieces.

Subaru-senpai grits his teeth and finally turns towards us spectators. "Urgh...!! Ferris, Reinhard, Mofuko!!"

"Nya...Sowwy, Subaru-kyun, Feri-chan has already become Julius' prisoner..." Feri-senpai wipes a nonexistent tear from his eyes as he put a forkful of cake into his mouth.

[Don't worry, Senpai. I'm with you!]
[Sorry, Subaru-senpai. Me too.]
[Feri-senpai, don't leave him like that.]

I nod, agreeing with Feri-senpai and ignoring the positive choices. The cake is really just that good. Julius-senpai really knows what he's doing when he brings this cake and his new tea set today. "Sorry, Subaru-senpai. Me too."

Honestly, Subaru-senpai should learn that resistance is futile.

Reinhard-senpai spreads out his arm, "Don't worry, Subaru. I'll try to make the cabinet bigger with the budget we have."

Subaru-senpai flops into Reinhard-senpai's waiting arms and rubs his hands all over Reinhard-senpai's fluffy red hair in aggression, "I don't want that shitty thing anymore! I know that thing's been there since the A. Mathers time!! We have to get rid of it!!"

Feri-senpai snickered at the dramatic display and Julius-senpai pushes his glasses, "Now, you understand why the tea sets are necessary, aren't you? We have to do this so Principal Fellow let us buy a new cabinet."

"Fine, fine! You win this round, Julius bastard!"

I hear a 'click' of a CG moment in my mind as everyone beams at Subaru-senpai's sticking his tongue out at Julius-senpai. Oh, I really like this kind of ensemble CGs!

Before I enroll to Lugnica Academy, I rarely get ensemble CGs like this, so I'm glad that everyone gets along so much that I have so many group CGs by now!

"But why the sudden need to confiscate them, Subaru-senpai? You never said anything about it before." I ask Subaru-senpai after he has his fun playing with Reinhard-senpai's hair. Is it because today is inspection day and he just has the urge to cosplay a disciplinary committee?

Feri-senpai chews on his fork as he grins, "Subaru-kyun is just jealous that Julius gets away with bringing his new tea set today~"

Ah... Now that makes sense. Julius-senpai always preaches about upholding the school rules (especially to Subaru-senpai) yet he's the one who brings the most personal belongings to the school. Of course Subaru-senpai is pissed at his double standards.

"I did not break the school rules, Ferris."

"Technically."

"Ferris, I know you're my ally!!" Subaru-senpai runs towards Feri-senpai to give him pats on the shoulders. Feri-senpai hums in delight before turning around and poking Subaru-senpai's cheek with narrowed eyes.

"Feri-chan just says the truth, but Feri-chan still thinks that Subaru-kyun is a huge idiot for bringing a game console on inspection day."

Subaru lets go of Ferris to slump down face-first on his desk, "Ugh... I forgot it's today, dammit..."

"Seriously...?" Now why I understand why Feri-senpai and Julius-senpai looks so exasperated by Subaru-senpai. What is the student council president doing, breaking the school rules in the first place?

Reinhard-senpai peers into the box that Subaru-senpai brings in with curiosity. Subaru-senpai raises one of his eyebrow, and makes a waving motion with his hands to say 'sure, go ahead'.

No, Senpai. You're the one bringing it here. Don't just pawn it off to others. Take responsibility.

Reinhard beams as he thanks Subaru-senpai. "Thanks, Subaru."

With a small "excuse me", Reinhard-senpai opens the box. Feri-senpai walks over to Reinhard-senpai and leans on Reinhard-senpai's back to peek inside the confiscated item box, Feri-senpai's tail and ears twitch as Reinhard-senpai continues to rummage through the box in curiosity.

Feeling the healing aura from the cute atmosphere between those two, I glance away to ask the pile of dark matter on Subaru-senpai's desk. "So, what happened today?"

Subaru-senpai raises his face and puffs his cheeks in annoyance. "Hear this, Mofukooo!! There's this item I wanna trade from Otto's island, right? So I told him to bring his console today!! I seriously forgot the inspection is today, but that guy Otto blames me!! He goes "I don't want to talk to Natsuki-san today!" and refuses to talk to me on recess!! What the hell?!"

[No, you should apologize...]
[I'm sure he's not that mad.]
[Do you want to trade with me?]

"No, you should apologize to Otto-senpai..." I sigh at Subaru-senpai's childish rant. His imitation of others is as spot-on as always.

So that's the reason why Otto-senpai is in a bad mood today... At least the mystery of why Otto-senpai refuses to give me an update today is solved. Seriously, the informant should not be able to do that in the first place. Otto-senpai really is a mysterious bug.

"See? Feri-chan said the same thing too." Feri-senpai comments drily.

By the lack of reaction from the others, they might have already heard this story before I arrive. Most likely, that story is the reason why Subaru-senpai is so adamant on not letting Julius-senpai get away with his crime.

"Otto's an idiot..." Subaru-senpai flops back and mumbles to the desk.

Judging by how gloomy he is, he probably knows that he's the one completely in the wrong this time and feel worried about Otto-senpai's hostile reaction. Most likely, he's ruminating in his head about how he should apologize properly to Otto-senpai.

Don't worry, Senpai. Both of your affection meter are already at MAX. I don't think getting his expensive console sacrificed for a week would lower his affection for you.

Julius-senpai puts a cup of tea on Subaru-senpai's desk silently. Subaru-senpai grimaces as he takes the cup and drinks it one big gulp before groaning at the bitter taste of the tea.

"Bleh!"

Julius-senpai puts a plate of cake on Subaru-senpai's desk silently. Subaru-senpai perks up as he takes a giant forkful of the cake and eat it. His eyes sparkles at the sweet taste of the cake.

"Oooh!!"

[Subaru → Julius Affection Up!]

[Julius → Subaru Affection Up!]

It's so easy to raise Subaru-senpai's affection meter... He really is an easy guy... But it's not like I didn't understand why. In his own way, Julius-senpai wants to cheer up Subaru-senpai who has a small fight with Otto-senpai.

"Subaru, look! What do you think?" With a bright smile, Reinhard-senpai takes out a magazine with a busty, naked wo—WAIT WHAT?!

"Kyaaa!!" Subaru-senpai covers his eyes—

"Wait, Subaru-senpai, there's no need for you to close your eyes, right?!" Also, what's with that cutesy scream?!

"Are you crazy?! My cute little sister would kill me if she knows I set my sights on something unholy like that!!"

"Reinhard! There's a young woman in here!! Put that down!!"

"Kyaaa~ Reinhard, you're a perv!!"

Reinhard-senpai puts the magazine down after Julius-senpai's reprimand and Feri-senpai's cute squeal. He looks at me with a sad frown. "I apologize, I didn't mean to make anyone uncomfortable."

I hurriedly wave my hands in a hurry. "No, it's fine! I think it's normal for boys to have that kind of conversation. And girls can be pretty hardcore about those kinds of things, so don't worry."

"Whoa... really?"

I forgot. Before I came here, there are only boys in this room. Of course there will be moment where they forget there's a young woman in the room when they're in the moment. I know it because I still remember the student council arm wrestling tournament a few weeks ago (Reinhard-senpai is obviously the undisputable champion). So, The best option to do here is—

I stand up from my seat. Good! I can do a free action!! "I'm going to go buy some juice. Is there anything you want, everyone?"

"I want orange juice!"

"Feri-chan wants a strawberry milk~"

"Got it! I might take a long time though, so please wait."

"Mochizuki-jou—"

I put out a hand to stop Julius-senpai from rising from his seat. "I want to buy it himself. Please don't worry about me and wait here together."

It takes Julius-senpai a second to understand why I want to leave. As he does, he closes his eyes with a smile. "...I see. Please take care."

[Julius Affection Up!]

I don't want to raise your affection meter, though.

Yes, this is best option, going away from the room and make space for the boys to talk!

Honestly, this is pretty common tactic in otome games too. Once the protagonist leaves, the love interests will talk about her. It can lead to various happenings, so I'm also familiar with this type of event.

Usually, I'm blindsided by what happened in events where I'm not present. There's a time in grade school where two of my love interests get reprimanded by the teachers because they're fighting over me.

After waving to everyone in the room, I close the door to the student council room behind me. I walk away from there without looking back, pretending that I don't care about the interesting development behind me.

You think I'm leaving? It is I, the matchmaker!

I make a U-turn to go inside the empty room next to the student council room. I make sure not to make any noise when I enter the room and find a comfortable position as I lean my head to the wall. I close my eyes, and suddenly my view opens up like there is no wall between me and the student council room.

Ever since I unlocked matchmaker gameplay mode, this is one of the skills that Divine Protection of Maiden System gave me, Spying Mode. When I activated this mode, I can see and hear what happens behind a wall. However, this skill is limited to spy on Subaru-senpai and the other love interests.

I don't care if anyone calls me a voyeur, this advanced peeping technique is the best!!

I'm glad it doesn't take long for the conversation to continue once I leave the room. "So, Reinhard has interest in porn?"

I give Subaru-senpai a silent thumbs-up. Thank you for being an insensitive person who can't read the room, Subaru-senpai!

Julius-senpai frowns as he closes his eyes and shakes his head in disappointment. "We shouldn't continue this uncouth topic, especially at school."

However, not even his protest can faze the others' attention away the porn magazine. Reinhard-senpai picks it up again and flips through it like it's a book he finds in a bookstore shelf, "Oh, I see. So this is what everyone likes."

Julius-senpai gasps, scandalized. "Reinhard!! You shouldn't just open it like that!!"

Subaru-senpai pocks at Julius-senpai's arm with a mischievous grin. "Hm? What, is the great Julius-sama interested in that kind of stuff too?"

Feri-senpai nudges Subaru-senpai's shoulder so they can lean towards each other like they're sharing a conspiracy. "Did you know Subaru-kyun? They say that prudes like Julius usually have the wildest imagination…"

Julius-senpai looks at the cackling Subaru-senpai and Feri-senpai in horror. "Ferris!!"

Honestly? I agree with Feri-senpai's judgment too...

But Feri-senpai has nothing to worry about. It's that Julius-senpai, after all. He'd rather cut off his hands than do anything that will betray his knightly ideals, for better or worse.

"Oh? Is Julius interested in sex too?" Reinhard-senpai asks with no malice at all.

Noticing that Reinhard-senpai is just genuinely curious about the topic, Julius-senpai finally relaxes a bit as he brushes his bangs. "You're very frank about this... Well, I don't think I do, at least not as much as the other boys around us."

Bull. Shit. Don't think I've forgotten the archive incident, you chicken!

Subaru-senpai looks at Julius-senpai in surprise and indignation, "Huh? But you—"

They both look at each other with wide eyes before looking away with a noticeable blush on their cheeks. See?! I'm not the only one who remember that!!

Subaru-senpai quickly turns back towards Reinhard-senpai with a slight panic in his voice, "So-so-so Reinhard, you have an interest in this kinda stuff? that's unexpected!"

People with eyes would know that there's something going on between the two of them. Feri-senpai watches the two of them with narrowed eyes, his tail flicking slowly.

Reinhard-senpai replies with a light-hearted tone. "I'm hurt, even I have normal interest about sex like boys our age, Subaru."

Well, he's a good person so he must have noticed that Subaru-senpai wants to get away from teasing Julius-senpai about that topic. Tch!

Feri-senpai sighs, most likely choosing to trust Reinhard-senpai's judgment. "No, even Feri-chan is surprised… Reinhard looks like the type who won't be interested in lewd stuff, right Juli—aah…"

Feri-senpai's sentence trails off as they all look at Julius-senpai who looks like he's just seeing the vast space of the universe. "Reinhard, you broke Julius…"

"But Reinhard.. and carnal desire….?"

Julius-senpai, is Reinhard-senpai having worldly desire shocks you that much...?

Poor Reinhard-senpai just looks genuinely confused by now. "Uh… Is that wrong...?"

"Well, i think it's the same thing when someone knows their favorite Idols also poop like normal humans." Subaru-senpai most likely feels sorry for Julius-senpai as he doesn't even mock Julius-senpai for his frankly dramatic reaction.

But it's not like I don't understand his reaction either. Julius-senpai admires the strong Reinhard-senpai that can do anything, like a boy admiring a hero in the storybook. So knowing that his admired hero is the same beast like all men are must have dealt a huge damage to his mind.

Poor Julius-senpai...

Reinhard-senpai tilts his head in confusion. "But all humans poop…?"

READ THE ROOM!!

"Reinhard… Saying poop…?!"

[Julius → Reinhard Affection Down!]

Aaaah, poor Julius-senpai!! It's like hearing your favorite idol talking about their bowel problem on stage!!

Ferris-senpai flaps his hands around. "Nyaaa, stop it you two! Julius is already dead!!"

Yes, you should stop! Look at how pale Julius-senpai has gotten! His HP is already zero!! This is a massacre, I can't stand this anymore!!

Reinhard-senpai who doesn't hear our pleas smiles brightly "Well, if it can ease Julius, I have a divine protection that lets me not excre—"

NOOOOO!!!!!! I crouch down and shake my head in fear. I refuse, I refuse to entertain that thought!! I don't need to imagine the handsome and refreshing Reinhard-senpai poo... poo—!!!

"Geez Reinhard, stop teasing Julius!!" I look up to see Feri-senpai cat-punches Reinhard-senpai cutely. I can feel my own HP slowly heals from the sight of Reinhard-senpai apologizing with a quiet laugh to Feri-senpai. Thank you, Feri-senpai.

Subaru-senpai, the playground brat that he is, bursts out cackling as he slings an arm around the shocked Julius-senpai. "Hear that Julius? Reinhard poops!!"

I feel my affection meter for Subaru-senpai goes down. Subaru-senpai, I hate you.

Julius-senpai sighs sighs, covers his face with both hands, and groans into his palms in clear exhaustion. "Subaru, you… Stop infecting Reinhard with your juvenile habits, please."

I nod multiple times, fully in agreement with Julius-senpai. While I like the occasional playful Reinhard-senpai, I don't think I want him to play along with Subaru-senpai's childish jokes and mischiefs.

But it's amazing how even his worldview is turned on its head by Subaru-senpai's toilet humor, Julius-senpai's affection meter towards Subaru-senpai isn't affected at all... That just means that he thinks it's just a part of Subaru-senpai.

Julius-senpai, you like Subaru-senpai too much... How is he this much of a simp even though Subaru-senpai isn't in his route yet?

"I... I think I need a moment to cool my head, please excuse me." Julius-senpai slowly stands up from his seat and walks towards the door with a weak gait.

Feri-senpai frowns. "Poor Julius. Well, this kind Feri-chan will help Julius recover, so have fun you two~"

Oh, OH?!

I perk up as Feri-senpai walks towards Julius-senpai and supports his back as they leave the student council room.

Wait, wait, wait. What do you mean now Subaru-senpai and Reinhard-senpai are the only two people in the room?! I press my face to the wall and braces the wall with both of my hands, trying to take a closer look of what will happen in the student council room.

This is it!! This is the long awaited Reinsuba bonding event that I've been waiting for!

I have a hard time of making a situation where they can be alone because they're surrounded by people most of the time. Annoyingly, being the people-pleaser that they are, they don't mind that.

Subaru-senpai who sees Reinhard-senpai as "a reliable yet slightly wacky friend" is another matter, but there's something clearly wrong with Reinhard-senpai.

Aren't you being way too carefree, Reinhard-senpai?! Don't you think of Subaru-senpai as a "precious friend and [censored]"?! I don't even know what that [censored] even means!!

Reinhard-senpai's information that I get from Otto-senpai Info is always full of missing data ever since the start. It's really noticeable because all those missing data are only about himself and his relationship with Subaru-senpai.

From what I can infer, Reinhard-senpai is holding himself back from feeling more about Subaru-senpai. No wonder, with such a strict life since young, he's probably afraid to make Subaru-senpai getting more involved with the Astrea family.

That's why, if there's an event where Reinhard-senpai is alone with Subaru-senpai, I bet everything that it'll be the one where he'll make his feelings for Subaru-senpai clear!

Ugh, why can't I get a closer view than this?!

I try to improve my vision by rubbing my face to the wall, but alas, it's no use. All I got for my effort is dust in my face. Dammit!!

It's okay! Don't panic, Mofuko!! Let's hope that CG skill will give me a good view to draw with later!!

"Still, though, why do you ask for my opinion?"

"Mhm... I was just curious about Subaru's preferences. You saw Julius, right? He looks like the world is ending when I started talking about this..."

Subaru-senpai's preferences?! Back up, Reinhard van Astrea!! You wanna go there, right? You definitely wanna talk about ******* material, right?! Is that what your [censored] means, you hidden beast?!

"And if it's Subaru, I think you'd go along with that kind of conversation..."

More like because Subaru-senpai is YOUR preference but go on, ask Subaru-senpai about his.

Subaru-senpai looks at Reinhard-senpai's troubled smile with a frown. "Reinhard..."

Um, excuse me, Subaru-senpai, please ask him about what he means by your preferences. Don't just shrug it off!! 

I hold back a growl of frustration at Subaru-senpai's reaction. That part of him where he dismisses what people say about him to laser-focus on someone else's trouble makes me want to shake him like a rag doll.

Does he even know how much trouble it causes me?! I miss out on so many dialogue branches because of that!!

And because I'm using Spying Mode, there's no way I can ask for clarification from Reinhard-senpai later because he'll notice I've been peeping on them!!

"Oh, but I feel sorry for showing that to Mochizuki-san. I hope she didn't see that..."

That regret is too late, but I don't mind that at all, Reinhard-senpai. It's a meager price for an exclusive Reinsuba event, after all.

"It's just, I'm happy I can have fun with Subaru and everyone else."

My, Reinhard-senpai looks just like a big puppy, so cute...

Ugh, I get pulled into his orbit. I shake my head slightly. I guess that preferences conversation is not something that I can hear in this event.

Maybe it's a flag for a later event in Reinhard-senpai's route? That's possible.

But the start of this conversation is not anything beautiful though.

Echoing my thought, Subaru-senpai looks bewildered. "....But we're talking about porn?"

Reinhard-senpai smiles cheekily, "And also poop."

Both of them look at each other before bursting into laughter. Looking at how relaxed they are, I can't help but smile along.

Really, what am I thinking? That them talking about porn will lead to a spicy scene? This is Reinhard-senpai the big puppy and Subaru-senpai the oblivious idiot, you know. There's no way that can happen without divine intervention.

Hm... But if it stays fluffy like this, can I really make Subaru (BL) harem ending come true...?

...Wait a minute, I need tension to make Subaru-senpai's feelings toward Reinhard-senpai changes, don't I?

Oh no! I have to stage an intervention!! Divine Protection of Maiden System, please give me a Reinsuba affection rising event quick!!

"Subaru, can I ask something from you?"

Hm?

"Sure what is it?"

"Can you give me a nickname?"

SO FAST?! ALSO, A NICKNAME EVENT?!?!

Honestly, I forgot that event exists because everyone in this school calls each other by first names, especially because Subaru-senpai calls me by my nickname from the get-go, but that traditional event still exist after all...

THANK YOU, MAIDEN SYSTEM!!

"Wow, that's kinda sudden. Why me?" Subaru-senpai tilts his head in confusion as he crosses his arms in front of his chest.

"Remember when you call Julius by a nickname, back in first year?"

"Oh, you mean that Yuri thing? Something about "the one who is here is not Julius Euclius, but a passing young man named Yuri". What a dramatic bastard." Subaru-senpai rolls his eyes in annoyance as he perfectly mimics Julius-senpai's pompous attitude.

They must be talking about the time when Feri-senpai was still a delinquent. I got some Special CGs when I heard about it, so I can say I'm familiar with the Yuri nonsense that they're talking about.

Apparently, Julius-senpai used a fake name because he didn't want anyone to know he broke the school rules outside of school hours. He's the opposite of Subaru-senpai, who didn't care about his reputation, and Reinhard-senpai, who was asked to help with cleaning up the delinquent brawls around the neighborhood.

"Subaru also calls Mochizuki-san by a nickname, so I also want a special nickname from Subaru too, just for me."

Ah... me too? Well, it's a default nickname I set in the Divine Protection of Maiden System, so it's not an exclusive nickname from Subaru-senpai alone.

It's just that no one calls me by my nickname in this school except Subaru-senpai...

But I wonder what nickname Subaru-senpai will give to Reinhard-senpai? I know he calls Emilia-senpai "Emilia-tan", so... Rein-kyun?

Subaru-senpai tilts his head thoughtfully before he points a finger at Reinhard-senpai's nose with a grin.

"Then... You're Haruo!"

Seriously?

I facepalm at the nickname Subaru-senpai chooses.

Haruo—Haru taken from har in Reinhard and -o as a common ending for a boy's name. It's simple and honestly a little stupid, something that 10 out of 10 people would say doesn't suit Reinhard-senpai at all, but...

"Haruo... That sounds wonderful!" Reinhard-senpai beams, flowers practically blooming around him.

Somehow, it looks like Reinhard-senpai really likes it.

"See? That's a good name, right, Haruo?" Subaru-senpai ruffles Reinhard-senpai's hair with both of his hands. Reinhard-senpai obediently lowers his head so Subaru-senpai doesn't have to stretch upward.

[Reinhard → Subaru Affection Up!]

A 'click' in my mind give me a different angle of the situation in the student council room. Thank you, CG skill!

Subaru-senpai laughs brightly as he ruffles Reinhard-senpai's red hair. Reinhard-senpai, hair messy, also laughs with a smile so dopey it looks like he's melting at Subaru-senpai's praises. If he were a dog demi-human, his tail would definitely be wagging like crazy by now.

It's amazing how the most beloved person by the world looks the happiest when he's treated like a kid by a friend his age.

"You're such a good boy, Haruo!!"

You know what? Maybe that kind of silly nickname is exactly what Reinhard-senpai wants the most.

Reinhard-senpai is charming and friendly to everyone. He doesn't realize how popular he actually is yet he always tries to maintain the image of "Reinhard van Astrea" in front of everyone.

And yet, the only person he shows such a sloppy, adorable expression to is Subaru-senpai. Well, it's that Subaru-senpai, after all.

"Hey, Subaru, did you realize that your name also has haru in it?"

Subaru-senpai stops messing Reinhard-senpai's head in confusion. "Haru...?"

Although the kanji for Subaru-senpai's name is the kanji for the Pleiades constellation, the haru would be taken from the baru pronunciation, isn't it? It's a unique pun, I give him that.

"Yes, I think it's a very fitting name for Subaru. Because whenever I'm with Subaru, it's always feels like spring. So I think it's really great that both our names have haru in it."

Reinhard-senpai, that's too smooth!! Huh, where did he learn that from?! That's so unexpected!

I clench my fists in excitement, ready for the affection meter pop-up to announce that Subaru-senpai's heart is flutte—

Ooooh.... it didn't land at all. My shoulders slump in disappointment.

Looking at how unimpressed Subaru-senpai looks as he raises an eyebrow, I feel sorry for Reinhard-senpai.

"Spring? Reinhard, I think you need to get your brain checked. People usually say they feel scorched when they're with me, you know?" Subaru-senpai pinches Reinhard-senpai's nose with narrowed eyes.

"Um... but I think I can agree with that, too. I mean, Subaru's presence is so bright it can be dazzling." Reinhard-senpai admits with a slight blush on his face.

In return, Subaru-senpai blushes at the straightforward compliment.

Of course he is, Reinhard-senpai isn't letting up at all! He's going full steam ahead!! If this keeps up, I can see a breakthrough in their relationship!!

"Ge-geez, stop flattering me like that!! You're always talking this, Haruo. What, do you want me to fall for you or something?!" Subaru-senpai tries to play it off as he moves away to slap Reinhard-senpai's shoulder heartily.

This is it!! Go, Reinhard-senpai!!!

"Of course that's what I want."

AND HE'S GOING FOR THE KILL!!!!!

Subaru-senpai's face exploded in red at that firm declaration.

[Subaru → Reinhard Affection Up!]

Yes! I know I can count on you, Reinhard-senpai!!

I was right! They only need a trigger to breach on something more than friendship and a moment where they can be together. As long as Reinhard-senpai feels safe and comfortable enough with Subaru-senpai, he'll say it honestly.

Reinhard-senpai carefully takes Subaru-senpai's hand on his shoulder. A 'click' in my mind tells me that this is a CG moment.

Reinhard-senpai turns to look at Subaru-senpai, as he gently grips Subaru-senpai's hand with both hands. His eyes shows nothing but sincerity and adoration. "I want Subaru to fall for me, and you don't need to worry because I'll catch you properly."

What, no way, huh, seriously?! We still haven't entered Reinhard-senpai's route, right? The system would've told me!

Subaru-senpai's mouth opens and closes in confusion, trying to say anything. His eyes dart around Reinhard-senpai's face, looking for something that indicates that what Reinhard-senpai says is just a joke. But Reinhard-senpai only smiles softly.

"It's not a lie, Subaru."

That's right, of course Subaru-senpai won't find any traces of deception in it. Because I know, and I'm sure Subaru-senpai also understands as well, that Reinhard-senpai is being his honest self.

Subaru-senpai's mouth shuts. He gazes at Reinhard-senpai in confusion.

Senpai, please notice it! Please, please take this step forward...!!

This is different from the "heat of the moment" with Julius-senpai in the archive and the "is it true or not" with Ferris-senpai in the infirmary. Subaru-senpai could brush those moments as a one-time thing, but he couldn't do the same for this one.

This is Reinhard-senpai baring himself to Subaru-senpai.

I clasp my hands together. Please don't deflect, please face Reinhard-senpai properly...!! Please...!!!

Subaru-senpai gulps and weakly grips back Reinhard-senpai's hand. There was a blush on his face as he looks up at Reinhard-senpai in astonishment.

He notices it?!

"Um... That means..."

YES!! YES, SENPAI!! YOU'RE RIGHT!! IT MEANS JUST THAT!! L-O-V-

"We're back!!"

DAMN IT, FERI-SENPAI!!

Do you really need to come in right at this timing?! You're doing this on purpose, aren't you?!

Subaru-senpai jumps away from Reinhard-senpai in a panic as the loud slam of Feri-senpai opening the door without care startles him. He grips the hand that Reinhard-senpai's held closely moments ago to his chest with a flushed face.

Calm down, calm down, Mofuko...!! If you punch the wall right now, they'll notice you're just next door!!

"Oh, is Feri-chan interrupting something? Sowwy~"

Feri-senpai hugs Reinhard-senpai's arm with a big smile, but his laugh doesn't reach his eyes at all.

[Ferris → Reinhard Affection Down!]

Oh, he did that on purpose, that little shit.

Julius-senpai walks into the room and smirks like a proud noble, "Reinhard was probably talking about something interesting with Subaru, wasn't it?"

Julius-senpai, are you not noticing the awkward atmosphere in the room?! Look at how Subaru-senpai's face—

[Julius → Reinhard Affection Up!]

He did that on purpose too, that noble prick!

I can't help but grit my teeth in frustration. Of course, this is the difficulty of building a harem, especially because Subaru-senpai hasn't entered any of their individual routes yet. Their emotions will be very volatile because there's no certainty on Subaru-senpai's feelings for them.

Also, Julius-senpai, you're also easily impressed by Reinhard-senpai!! Get jealous, will you?!

Subaru-senpai blinks at the sudden liveliness of the student council room. HIs shoulders loosen up as he answers Julius-senpai. "O-oh, it's just about nicknames—"

"Subaru," Subaru-senpai turns his head towards Reinhard-senpai who presses a finger to his lips and winks, "Let's keep it between us."

Subaru-senpai spluttered with a bright blush on his face.

[Subaru → Reinhard Affection Up!]

WHO IS THIS SUAVE MAN AND WHAT DID HE DO TO THE PUPPY REINHARD-SENPAI?!?!

"What?! That's unfair!! Feri-chan wants to know too!!"

"I'm sorry. I only want it to be our secret." Reinhard-senpai doesn't even look sorry as Feri-senpai shakes him around with a pout.

Julius-senpai puts a hand to his chin with a serious face. "Nickname... Subaru, will you call me Yuri again?"

"Me, me! What about you call Feri-chan as Feri-chan too?"

"That's right, even if it's Reinhard, it's not fair of you to only give him preferential treatment. So please call us by nicknames, too, Subaru."

Feri-senpai and Julius-senpai close in towards Subaru-senpai with blazing eyes. Subaru-senpai backs away from them with a blush right back on his face.

Hm? Wait...

Reinhard perks up in delight, "Then, what about I make a nickname for Subaru too?"

"Do-Don't gang up on me, all of you!!" Subaru-senpai puts on his headphones in a hurry with a flushed face. He quickly walks towards the confiscated item box and glares at them with a scowl.

"I'm going to return this to Clind-sensei!! Don't follow me!! Also..." Subaru-senpai lowers his voice as he looks at Reinhard-senpai. There are hesitance in his gaze, yet he looks at Reinhard-senpai firmly. "We'll talk about that... sometimes."

Oh.

Reinhard-senpai's eyes widened in disbelief, before he nods with a gentle smile. "Of course, whenever Subaru is ready."

[Reinhard → Subaru Affection Up!]

I open my eyes as I hear the slam of the student council room door and Feri-senpai's demands for Reinhard-senpai to tell them what happened. It looks like the event is over for now.

Actually, Subaru-senpai can just take his and Otto-senpai's consoles before he returns the box to Clind-sensei, right?

But I know that thought will never cross that simple-minded Subaru-senpai. In a way, Subaru-senpai is a pretty honest person. 

Wait, but he took his headphones from the confiscated items... right? 

...I can't remember seeing that. Well, he probably did it before he brought the box to the student council room.

It looks like the coast has cleared. I stand up and go out of the room to buy the drinks like I said I would.

"But that Reinhard-senpai..."

Honestly, I didn't think that Reinhard-senpai has it in him to be that straightforward.

Reinhard-senpai may be friendly and has no sense of personal distance, but that's because he puts everyone else in the same category. He's usually more reserved about himself and his relationships with other people. While he has no sense of distance, even with Subaru-senpai and me, he has a wall that he puts between himself and other people.

For him, there should be no one that's special for him—except Subaru-senpai.

That was Reinhard-senpai finally stepping over his own boundaries.

That's why Subaru-senpai is so shaken. If there's someone in the student council that will talk to him with no pretense him, it's Reinhard-senpai.

That's why Subaru-senpai is willing to talk about it more with Reinhard-senpai. He wants to answer to Reinhard-senpai properly, and Reinhard-senpai is grateful for that.

Because even if it takes time, Subaru-senpai will also answer him with the sincere truth.

But is talking about porn really the trigger for that event or is it something else...?

I shake my head. Even if I think about it, I probably won't get any answers. In otome games, it's the norm to have all the mysteries of the love interests revealed at the climax of the route. So I have to be patient and cautious in guiding Reinhard-senpai and Subaru-senpai.

But wait, Subaru-senpai's reaction to Julius-senpai and Feri-senpai... What was that? Reinhard-senpai is one thing, but why did he also act feel so awkwardly around them all of a sudden, just because they asked him to call them by nicknames?

...Does that mean he's become more conscious of them too...?

Okay, I need to make a pit stop to Otto-senpai Info because finally, everyone has make a move on Subaru-senpai!