As I watched the pair leaving, one of the older Pivoine members approached me.
"Enjou-sama, was that Kaburagi-sama and Kisshouin-san I saw leaving together?"
"Kisshouin-san is helping him with some studying, so they left early," as I gave my best charming smile.
She blushed "Studying together, how sweet." I excused myself, and watched her head back to her group and relay a few words. Sorry Kisshouin-san, I don't think this one will stay quiet...
The rumors that Kaburagi Masaya and Kisshouin Reika were a couple have been going since primary. Both were outstanding children of outstanding families, and with the same age it was an obvious match. It helped that Reika was the only girl Masaya paid attention to other than Yurie; though not "like", there was definitely "interest."
It started since Reika was the only high class girl who didn't actively chase him as the most eligible bachelor; if anything she was almost too passive. (I had expected that she wouldn't help us today either, to avoid getting involved.) She also rarely used her name and status, despite holding the highest position.
Then in middle school she insulted Masaya, declaring that he was unfit to inherit and lead the Kaburagi group. After calming down, he responded by ... using physical violence like he would with a guy our age. Of course, this was the most attention he had given any girl other than Yurie (not that it should count). It also proved my theory that the idiot has no idea how to deal with women.
Regardless of reason, today would probably be evidence that Masaya and Reika were an item. Rumors already existed that Masaya's "illness" were due to Reika turning down his confession. If he showed up happy tomorrow everyone would know why.
I left the salon early to avoid getting dragged into the gossip. I needed to call Masaya's mother - I was under her orders to keep him in my sights until he made it home, but this was a reasonable exception.
"Gokigen'yoh, Shuusuke. How is my idiot son doing today?"
"Same as always. However, I sent him off this afternoon to hopefully fix that."
"Are you not with him now?" There was definite worry in her voice, as expected considering the idiot in question. Sometimes I wish she took a more active role in disciplining Masaya rather than her sink-or-swim attitude.
"We asked Kisshouin Reika to talk to him, and they left together. She will bring him by later."
Silence for a bit. Madame Kaburagi was rumored to be quite fond of Reika, and considered her the leading fiancee canidate for her son. Of course, this was true of most mothers with sons our age; Reika was the perfect noble lady in her few public appearances, and her mature humility was highly coveted.
"Ah, Kisshouin-san. Hopefully she is able to help Masaya come back to normal. Did she say how long she would be?" An approving tone, as expected.
"The only instructions I gave were to take him home after she was done. I trust her in this."
"I trust her as well. In fact, I wish we had brought her in to help with this sooner."
"Well, we didn't realize it would be this bad. Please let me know when he makes it back."
"Of course. Thank you, Shuusuke."
I pondered what to do with my first free evening in ages, while hoping that my freedom wasn't leaked. I should just study; once Masaya is back to normal, I needed every advantage I could get on our tests. I really wanted to go out and relax though...
So long as I wasn't dragged into a dinner date now that I didn't have an excuse.
As for my feelings towards Kisshouin Reika? ... Lets just say "complicated."