Rina

In the evening, Shōgo returned home and jumped into the swimming pool, swimming for about two hours. When he emerged from the water, he saw his elder brother waiting for him with a towel in hand.

Taking the towel from his brother, Shōgo wiped off the water droplets from his body. After half a year of living together, he had become accustomed to his mother and elder brother. They were the two people he held dearest in the world, and he respected and admired them greatly.

"Brother, is there something you want to talk about?"

"No, I just wanted to chat with you. Mother said you went to a new school and your grades have improved, which is good for the reputation of the Hazaki family."

"...," Shōgo was speechless. Did better grades really have something to do with the family's reputation?

Upon further reflection, he realized that it was indeed related. Whether it was Seijūrō from the prestigious Akashi family, Midorima Shintaro, or the recently acquainted Rina, all of them were from noble backgrounds and pursued perfection and excellence in both academics and hobbies.

"How is your new sports training in fencing and mixed martial arts going?"

"It's going okay!"

"What does 'okay' mean? Do you have any thoughts about pursuing it as a career? Mother said your fencing is already at a professional level."

"A professional level? Haha, it's still far from that. I'm still just a junior high school student, so it's too early to talk about a career."

"That's true; it is a bit early. But regardless of what you choose, big brother will support you!"

"That's a given! If you don't support me, who else in this world will?"

Hearing this, Shōten felt a pang of sadness in his heart, but he forced a smile to hide it.

"Yes, it's a given. I must support you!"

Having this conversation with his brother, Shōgo felt warm and content. If life could always be like this, he thought, the world would be a great place.

The next day was filled with activities: visiting the fencing gym in the daytime and going to the mixed martial arts gym in the evening. It was a packed schedule.

At the fencing gym, Shōgo encountered Rina, who seemed surprised to see him there.

"Shōgo-kun, you really are here! I thought you were joking."

"Well, Rina-chan, you made a wise choice coming here to practice fencing."

As they chatted, Shōgo couldn't help but admire Rina's appearance. She was around 175cm tall, with an elegant figure, delicate facial features, and a perfect body shape that balanced well between slim and plump.

Indeed, she was a beauty of top-tier level, perfect in every aspect.

Seeing Shōgo eyeing her, Rina playfully turned around and showed off her outfit, asking, "How do I look?"

"Rina-chan, haven't you been approached to be a model? Are people blind or something?"

"I have been approached, but I declined. Besides, my family wouldn't allow me to become a model."

Shōgo realized that in Japan, the stricter the family's background, the more they would interfere with their children's lives, hobbies, and even friendships. Though they might not say it directly, their actions would reveal their intentions.

Shōgo admired Rina's refusal to compromise and thought she had a mature and sensible personality. He couldn't help but imagine some inappropriate things, but he quickly shook off those thoughts.

Rina's gaze suggested that she knew what he was thinking, and she playfully kicked him. Shōgo couldn't retaliate physically, so he teased her verbally.

"Be careful, or I'll poke you! I'll poke you to death!"

Embarrassed, Rina turned away, ignoring Shōgo and walking off with a blushing face.

...

In the coffee shop, the serene atmosphere, relaxing music, and lovely company of two beautiful women made Shōgo feel quite content. Though occasionally his mind wandered into inappropriate territory, he mostly enjoyed the peaceful ambiance.

As for the plan to be beaten up at the mixed martial arts gym in the evening, he decided to forget about it for now!

"Rina-chan, Coach Miyazaki, I have something to take care of, so I'll leave first!"

"Goodbye, Shōgo-kun!"

As for Miyazaki, she didn't even bother acknowledging Shōgo. Instead, she focused on flipping through her magazine, though the corner of her eye betrayed her curiosity about Shōgo's departure.

Anyway, everything is fine. At least I have become a variable.