Keio knew about my standing as Runa's fiancée candidate, so I summarized what had happened earlier to him.

I explained how I had thought it was cancelled, but it turned out that I was the favored candidate. And then, how I was challenged to a match in the bathroom. Everything superfluous about her… Her misunderstanding and how I ended up in the Ozcon.

I'm pretty satisfied by how brief I made my summary, but maybe I did throw in some unnecessary details. I'm involved in this, how could she not ask me for my consent…

It looks like my feelings were properly conveyed to Keito.

"I don't get her at all."

"Relax, I don't get her either."

"I can't find a single ounce of relaxation in me."

I can't help it. I just don't get her at all. Honestly, she was so odd, that I almost suspect it was a dream. It was supposed to be an announced attack, but I feel like a victim to a random attacker.

"Even though I turned down the recommendations… There was no point."

"Eh…"

"They asked me too… You know, Runa asked me. He told me to recommend you if you were fine with it."

No way, that's terrifying. Also, good job, Keito. As expected of my childhood friend. I didn't have to say anything and he understood. Seriously, thank you.

"Apparently there's supposed to be one candidate that is expected to win by a landslide. At this rate, she'll be sure to win, so he said to encourage you to enter."

"What's with that pressure!"

A candidate to win… That's probably Christine-sama. She is the poster girl for the drama club, so she has tons of fans. She's a beauty who can stand next to Runa, after all.

Having me compete with her… Was Runa really thinking? I sense that it was his childhood friend working in the shadows. It was definitely that guy's suggestion.

"I figured you'd hate it so I refused, but it looks like it was for nothing."

"Thanks… and sorry."

Even though he refused for me… Sorry, Keito. Wait, it wasn't like this was my fault, right? I did feel a small prickle of guilt though…

"It's not a big deal that I refused but… It looks like you ended up with something bothersome huh."

"Seriously…"

I can't even sigh anymore. My shoulders drooped and I massaged my temples, though there wasn't much of a point.

Let's pretend that it's fine I'm in a match. If I lose, becoming Runa's fiancée would be less likely… If I think of it like that, it's barely manageable.

However, the problem is the contents of the match. If I were the one deciding it, there wouldn't be any problems but… This time, the contest is based on appearances, and the audience will be voting for the winner. What should I do…? Is there nothing that can be done?

"It's hard to withdraw from things like this… The student council wanted you to enter, so you'll definitely pass the initial judging."

Keito's words were very persuasive, as he had gone to elementary school before. That's why it's hard to look at the facts straightly.

"…!?"

"If you hate it that much then how about I talk to Runa?"

I sank into silence and then, he patted my head gently. Wait, he messed up my hair. Normally, my hair would get knotted easily but, my hair was tied up right now so it wouldn't get too messy. I didn't feel like protesting it today.

It wasn't any different than normal, but I understood the feelings behind it. The one who understands my troubles the most is Keito.

He won't treat me gently or spoil me, but there's no one who thinks of me more than Keito.

"… Thanks, I'm fine."

"Yea, I know… We should return quickly or else we'll miss dinner."

"Is it already that late… I wonder what's today's daily special."

"Are the meals different depending on the dorm?"

"Hmm… They're probably the same."

Keito spoke of the topic lightly. His tone was gentle without being persistent.

When I'm putting up a brave front, he doesn't try to give me advice, but when I'm lost, he properly makes a decision for me. If I say I'm fine, he believes in me. That's because he can see through my lies easily.

That's why, this time, as far as Keito is concerned, I'm fine.

If there's something that I can do, he believes that I'll do it. In other words, there's no one who can tell me "I'm fine" with more confidence than Keito.

With only that, all the hesitation and feelings of loss melted away.

"Seriously, I have such a good childhood friend…"

"Hmm…? What?"

"Nothing."

After we separated to go to our respective dorms, I couldn't think of any other counterplans in the end.

What should I do? What do I want to do? I didn't know. It was thanks to Keito that I could sleep peacefully.

And then, after a few days, in the list of Ozcon participants, my name was there.