634 - I Was Genderswapped and Reincarnated as a Villainess, but I’m Making this My Personal Yuri Game

**Chapter 634: Our Promise** The moment everyone arrived at school and greeted me, they immediately noticed the ring threaded through my necklace. It's puzzling how they could spot it so quickly, especially since even knowing it was there, I couldn't make it out when I looked in the mirror myself... But that aside, explaining the situation to each person individually would require me to go through the explanation six times. Our group in class consists of seven members, excluding me. Since Satsuki and Seri were already together in the morning, if the rest arrived separately, I'd have to repeat myself six times. To avoid such hassle, I asked the early arrivals to wait a bit until everyone was gathered. Once everyone was together, I explained the exchange of accessories made from silver clay between Shion and me... "It's unfair that only Shion Hagiwara gets something like that!" "That's right, Sakuya!" "Do you have some kind of leverage on Shion Hagiwara?" "Now, now, everyone... please calm down..." Everyone crowded around me with intense curiosity. I managed to calm them down and continued speaking. "It's not that Shion has any leverage over me, and it's quite ordinary, isn't it? Haven’t I done similar things with all of you several times in the past? Can Shion not be the only exception?" "Well..." "That's true, but..." It seems they understood my point as they began to calm down. Indeed, Shion was the only one I invited over this time, and we made accessories from silver clay together, exchanging them as mementos. On the surface, it might seem like special treatment, but that’s not the case. Whenever we hang out as a group, we often buy matching items as souvenirs or exchange things among ourselves. I always buy a keepsake whenever I go out with Azami, and we exchange handmade items. The same goes for Satsuki and the other girls. This time, it just so happened that Shion and I tried making silver clay accessories together, but I’ve had similar fun with everyone. It's not fair to say it's unfair only to Shion. In fact, the others have more experiences of creating memories with me. This was Shion's first time making and exchanging accessories with me. By sheer number of times, it would be Shion who could claim it's unfair that everyone else had more opportunities. "I’ve bought countless memorable items with you all and exchanged various things. Saying Shion is unfair for doing this once is unreasonable, don’t you think?" "..........." Though they seemed unsatisfied, they nodded in agreement. Good, that's settled. "We understand now..." "It's okay about the accessory exchange with Shion." "But in return, let's create more memories together with us too!" "Uh... sure, but... when, where, and how?" Despite their intensity, I nodded honestly. I’m completely open to making memories with everyone. The issue is that our schedules are usually packed, and having everyone gather is rare. Even meeting individually requires careful plan adjustments. When, where, how, and why—these aspects are crucial. If it's for an occasion like an anniversary or party, we still need a purpose. If not, there has to be a reason why we're gathering or doing something together. "Let’s do this then. If the second semester grades improve even more, Sakuya can reward us like before." "I see... Is that so?" Well, that makes a certain amount of sense. In the past, if someone improved their grades, they’d get a "reward." Though, it was usually something like a tea party at the Kujou family, so whether that counts as a reward is debatable... Anyway, it's something we’ve done before. They must be using this as an incentive for the next gathering. I worry a little about what they might make me do, but based on past rewards for improving grades, it shouldn’t be anything too strange. "What do you plan to have me do?" "Well..." "I see..." "In that case, even more..." "That could work too..." The group began whispering amongst themselves, excluding me. They're plotting something to ask of me, and I don’t mind if it's a secret from me. Though it feels a bit lonely to be left out, it's only natural not to interfere in their plans. "Alright! We’ve decided!" "So, what is it?" "It’s a secret until the day!" "We’ll prepare it, so Sakuya, just be ready and excited!" "...... Okay." Not knowing what will happen is a bit daunting, but they insisted it remain a surprise until the day arrives. I’m not so uncouth as to try to pry it out of them. Since the plan is to celebrate improved grades with another gathering, there might just be a little surprise in store… Not exciting, but not unbearable either. "Let’s sort out our winter break schedules!" "Yes! Well, I’m free anytime for Sakuya-sama!" "Azami, you're always like that, right? If I’m free, I’ll make time too..." "I can’t on this day..." "Oh, I’m unavailable on this one..." They seem confident their grades will surely surpass their past achievements, as they all started discussing potential dates as if everyone’s participation is a given. --- Ever since Monday, everyone has become more earnest in their studies. Even after school, they’re diving into study sessions with newfound passion. The atmosphere that once emphasized doing one's best without worrying too much about the outcome has shifted to an eagerness for excellent results in upcoming tests. Study sessions are extending, and everyone is diligently preparing and reviewing even outside of school. At this rate, more of them might rank within the top ten or twenty. But seeing such dedication makes me wonder just what they'll have me do. A sense of uneasiness creeps in. Nonetheless, it’s wonderful to see everyone earnestly striving in their studies, and clearly improving. Surely, they'll achieve excellent results. A week flew by, and soon it was Saturday. Today held an important plan: swimming at Grande with Suiren and Kaya. After Kaya had approached me during the cultural festival, we agreed to help with Suiren’s diet. Although quite some time had passed since the promise, it took this long to align everyone's schedules. First, we had to handle the membership process for Grande, secure available slots, and arrange for a trainer. Additionally, it was necessary to choose a day when both Kaya, Suiren, and I were free. Managing all these details led to us finally scheduling it for today. "Sakuya-sama... it's about time." "Yes, I'm coming." Called by Momiji, I stepped out of the room. I never imagined I'd return to Grande after once leaving it. But I didn't quit because I disliked it, and I'm actually a little excited to see the barrel ladies again. And besides, who wouldn't want to catch a glimpse of Kaya in a swimsuit, now that she’s become such a graceful lady? No man would miss out on this! Not a single one! "You seem quite cheerful, Sakuya-sama." "Oh? Not at all, really~?" As we headed to Grande by car, Momiji gave me a peculiar look, her expression a bit stern. I'm not sure why she's so displeased, but arranging everything for this required quite some effort on my part too. Fitting this into an already packed schedule was no easy task. Adjustments needed to be made everywhere—rescheduling events earlier or pushing them back. Speaking of which, "pushing back" is a term people have begun using recently, though it didn't exist originally. It makes things clearer through parallel phrasing with "pulling forward." But formally speaking, it’s not proper to call the opposite of "pulling forward" as "pushing back," though I use it anyway! Well, the schedule adjustments were truly challenging, especially convincing my mentor, among others... After much persuading, my mentor granted permission, though now I have to make up for it on other days. The already intense training is only going to get tougher to accommodate my time at Grande. I can't complain since I brought this upon myself, but... "Welcome, Kujou Sakuya-sama. Trainer Furuhori has been eagerly awaiting your arrival." "Thank you." Upon arriving at Grande, many familiar faces warmly greeted me. Some people I knew were gone, and there were new faces, but I felt a nostalgic sense of returning home, warmly welcomed by those who remembered me. "Oh my! Sakuya-chan! We've been waiting for you!" "It’s really been ages since we last met here! But I always believed you'd return someday!" "Ladies, it’s been a while. It seems I'll be coming back regularly again, so please take care of me." The moment I entered the familiar changing room, the barrel ladies welcomed me warmly. This place truly hadn't changed, and I mean that in the best way. Usually, someone returning after years away might not receive the warmest welcome. Sure, fitness clubs accept returnees as they're businesses, but among patrons, it might not always be so pleasant. However, my fears were unfounded. The barrel ladies received me with the same warmth as before, leaving me feeling simultaneously shy, comforted, and oddly reassured. "Sakuya-chan, would you like a candy?" "Swimming uses a lot of energy, so take some sugar for quick energy!" "Uh... hahaha..." While it’s not entirely incorrect, isn't consuming sugar non-stop conflicting with dieting intentions? The ladies are as lively as ever. "You’re here already, Sakuya-chan." "Greetings, Kaya-san." "Suiren is here too~!" "Hello, Suiren-chan." As I chatted with the barrel ladies in the changing room, Suiren arrived with Kaya. Since the purpose was Suiren’s diet, her presence was imperative. Her arriving with Kaya suggests she might have been reluctant to come, persuaded by Kaya. That would make sense. "Oh my! This must be Oogimachisanjo's daughter!" "This one is from the Hanazono family, right?" The barrel ladies are incredibly knowledgeable, akin to the gossiping ladies in the West but with an impressive grasp and spread of information. They likely know detailed info about people they're not even close to, and their word can spread swiftly across aristocratic society, making them as formidable as my mother. "Pleased to meet you all. I am Kaya Oogimachisanjo. I look forward to our time together." Wow! Kaya is elegantly introducing herself to the ladies! The Kaya of the past might have clashed with them at the very first word, yet this shows her growth… Kaya has truly matured... "I’m Suiren Hanazono..." Contrastingly, Suiren... Despite her usual spunk, even with me, she seemed subdued in front of the ladies. Shyly hiding behind Kaya, her introduction was tentative. But the ladies took no offense, simply giving Suiren warm smiles. "Suiren-chan... we understand..." "Dealing with stubborn belly fat is quite a challenge, isn’t it?" "But even when you resolve to fix it, sweets find their way back into your routine, don’t they?" "Yes, that's exactly right!" Oh!? Suiren, who’s usually so prickly with me, is quickly bonding with the barrel ladies!? Could their shared experience with stubborn belly weight be resonating? "Suiren-chan, candy?” “If you're going to exercise, sugar intake is crucial for energy!" "Yes, thank you very much!" And there she was, quickly accepting candy, a sugary temptation from the ladies, smiling as she popped it into her mouth. This is going to be a long road...