All Beautiful Girls Want to Stick with Me

That Kotomi Izumi could draw—and draw well enough to be included in an art exhibition—was no surprise to Reishu Hisada.

Not just rich families—even moderately well-off households often liked to enroll their children in artistic extracurriculars like drawing, dance, piano, or guitar.

These hobbies cost money. Without some financial leeway, it’s hard to afford them...

So, to Reishu Hisada, Kotomi learning to draw was perfectly natural. Everyone hopes their child will have some refined talent.

Whether or not it actually improves their temperament, it’s always nice to casually bring up during a business partner’s gathering: ”Oh, my daughter’s into painting.” If your kids have artistic skills, it’s definitely something worth bragging about—regardless of whether the listener is genuinely impressed, they’ll at least offer flattering compliments during the conversation.

Reishu Hisada had both a son and a daughter—the son was three years older. He already had his son learning piano, and planned to enroll his daughter in ballet once she got a little older.

”You’ve always been outstanding, Little Princess. Of course you’d make it into the exhibition. Who knows, maybe the National Art Award has already decided to make you their ’poster child,’” Reishu said with a hearty laugh.

It wasn’t over-the-top flattery, just the kind of praise that made people feel good.

Kotomi loved hearing compliments. Every time someone praised her, her metaphorical tail would wag with joy. Still, in front of others, she had to maintain her composure. Even though she was flying inside, she kept a calm face, as if that compliment meant nothing to her.

”Uncle Reishu, you flatter me.”

Too many words lead to mistakes.

To avoid exposing her proud little heart, Kotomi kept her reply brief.

After chatting a bit more, Kotomi excused herself. Reishu had offered to walk her to the museum’s entrance, but she politely declined.

”Little Princess, there are plenty of Snow Deer City shops here in Kyoto. If you visit, it’ll be a great honor for us!”

”As expected of me!”

Feeling light-headed from all the praise, Kotomi dropped the act—she had never liked being overly modest anyway. With her hands on her hips, she let out a proud little hum and decided she’d drink Snow Deer City’s pearl milk tea tonight.

Milk teas had gotten more and more flamboyant lately, and Kotomi wasn’t sure if they tasted good anymore. So she just didn’t bother trying new ones. She always ordered pearl milk tea.

After leaving the exhibition hall for the first showcase, Kotomi could no longer pretend not to notice the looks from Mashiro Shiina and Hibiki Naegi. With a bitter smile, she turned to them and said:

”So, uh... if I said, let’s just move past what happened earlier, would you two agree?”

”Nope!” Mashiro stepped forward, eyes burning. ”Kotomi, that little girl was looking at you funny! Don’t tell me... she likes you?!”

Why is that the part you’re focusing on?! Kotomi screamed internally.

She had noticed the way little Jasmine had looked at her too—full of admiration and longing. But hey, she’s just a kid. That’s totally normal.

When you’re young, who hasn’t had a crush on someone way older?

Kotomi herself once fell head over heels for an older girl when she was a child—and even boldly proposed marriage!

”You mean little Jasmine? It’d be weird if she didn’t like me, honestly. I’ve practically watched that kid grow up. Back when she was still a baby, she’d crawl into my arms for cuddles and refuse to get off,” Kotomi said with a shrug and a smile.

Little Jasmine had even chased after her before. Every time they met, she’d show up all dressed up, holding a bouquet of flowers bigger than she was.

Kotomi had kept those flowers at home. As for Jasmine’s declarations, Kotomi just brushed them off as childish nonsense. Besides, she didn’t dare take it seriously.

Because seriously? That’d be criminal. A whole new life ahead, only to have it end in prison!

”Mashiro, isn’t that the wrong question?! Shouldn’t you be asking why Kotomi knows the president of Snow Deer City?”

Hibiki quickly cut in. She had assumed Mashiro’s curiosity was the same as hers—but clearly, not even close.

”Eh? You’re curious about that, Hibiki-senpai? Well, it’s simple. Both my grandparents’ families—on my mom’s and dad’s side—are pretty wealthy. Years ago, my grandfather lent him some money so he could start his business. That’s how Snow Deer City came to be. Naturally, my grandfather became their benefactor.”