"I remember your weekends are free."

The moment she stepped into the room—before she could even clearly see the figure near the air conditioner—Alan’s voice greeted her.

Nozomi blinked, then felt a small flutter of excitement bloom in her chest.

Is he asking me out again?

Date equals new clothes plus good food.

The equation formed instantly. Dating Alan really was the best.

Still, a girl had to keep some dignity. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, walked over, and sat beside him.

"I think I should be free..."

"Good." Alan glanced over, lifted the remote, and set the air conditioner to twenty-two degrees.

Running the AC for just two people felt extravagant, but Nozomi didn’t mind the luxury.

"So?" she asked. "What’s the plan?"

"If you’re free, start taking acting classes this weekend. I’ve already arranged everything. Fifty-six sessions in total. You won’t finish this term, so you’ll continue during the break."

Halfway through his explanation, the shy smile on Nozomi’s face slowly faded.

"...?"

She immediately regretted every wish she’d made a minute earlier.

"Um, actually, I just remembered—I promised some friends I’d—"

The excuse died the instant their eyes met.

"Finish the course and pass the final exam," Alan said calmly, "and I’ll give you one million yen."

Nozomi’s fingers tightened around the hem of her skirt. She bit her lip.

"It’s not about the money..."

I want a break too. Weekdays are already exhausting. Weekends as well? This feels more like a job than dating.

Seeing her hesitation, Alan added, "Two million."

"Okay. Understood."

Her eyes lit up immediately. Suddenly, the extra workload sounded completely reasonable.

Alan nodded in satisfaction. "Good. I’ll attend the classes with you."

Then, as if recalling something, he studied her face. "By the way, didn’t you say your friends wanted to meet me? What time? I’ll clear my schedule."

"Ah... about that..." Nozomi’s gaze wavered. "Some of them can’t make it this week. Maybe we can skip it for now..."

She’d already confirmed Alan’s past through Hojo. There was no need for a meet-up anymore. Still, a faint guilt tugged at her, as though she were manipulating him.

He probably wouldn’t notice. But it didn’t sit quite right.

Alan looked at her flimsy excuse for a moment, then nodded. "Alright. I understand."

Meeting his calm gaze made her panic.

"I’m not hiding that you’re my boyfriend! I’ve already told them—"

"Okay."

His expression didn’t change.

That unreadable calm unsettled her even more.

Biting her lip, she scooted closer and raised her phone. "I’ve wanted to post about us, but I didn’t have proof. Some annoying guys keep asking for my LINE... If we took a picture together, everyone would know."

Alan disliked photos. He rarely took any, even with Hojo. But Nozomi’s request was hard to refuse.

He leaned closer.

Nozomi slid naturally into his lap.

Warmth spread through her chest. It was the first time she’d been this close to a boy. Blushing, she pressed the shutter.

Click.

She studied the photo and smiled. He looked good on camera. With a few taps, she opened Instagram, added a caption, and showed him.

"You’re wonderful, and I really like you. Let’s stay together."

Simple. Sincere. Clearly prepared in advance.

"It’s nice," Alan said, starting to pack his books.

Halfway through, he noticed Nozomi staring at him with clear resentment.

He paused. "What’s wrong?"

"Um..." She lowered her gaze. "I know we’re not that close yet, but... could you post it too? So everyone knows..."

The unspoken question hung between them.

Do you have another girlfriend?

After a brief pause, Alan replied, "I don’t have many contacts, but sure."

It would also force Hojo to give up.

He posted the photo, blocked his aunt, and showed Nozomi the screen.

Her smile bloomed. "Thank you."

Hojo would see it now.

Nozomi didn’t know why that thought pleased her, but it did.

Remembering the question she’d meant to ask, she glanced at Alan’s profile. "Alan, do you know Friend A—"

"Speaking of that, I just remembered something—"

They spoke at the same time and fell silent.

"You go ahead," Alan said.

"O-okay... Do you know why Friend A suddenly stopped writing songs?"

"He mentioned it online. Writer’s block. He just doesn’t want to compose anymore."

"He’s really just one person?"

"What else would he be?"

"I didn’t mean it like that... People online say he’s actually a whole team."

"It’s one guy."

"Oh."

"So... a man?"

"Yes."

"Aren’t you jealous?"

"No."

Unless someone had multiple personalities, it would be strange to be jealous of oneself.

Nozomi hid a small smile.

"So you’re done?" Alan asked.

"One last thing. Do you think Akari Hojo will stay popular now that Friend A’s gone?"

"Why wouldn’t she?" Alan replied flatly. "She’s genuinely talented. She could sing anything and still succeed. And while Friend A’s songs are solid, they’re hardly irreplaceable."

"Right..."

Still pretending he isn’t jealous.

If he truly weren’t, he wouldn’t be dismissing the guy like that.

Nozomi smiled anyway. "Okay. What did you want to tell me earlier?"

"I’m taking Wednesday off to celebrate my younger sister’s birthday."

"...?"

Her smile froze.

The way he said it felt less like consideration and more like a notification.

After a long pause, Nozomi asked quietly, "Is she your actual sister?"

Alan paused.

"No, it’s Akari Hojo’s younger sister."

"...?"

Every trace of expression vanished from Nozomi’s face.

"If people see that," Nozomi said evenly, "it won’t look good for us, right?"

Alan considered it.

"Then come with me."

"..."