Several people parted ways in the elevator. When the elevator reached the ninth floor, Juke stepped out and nodded softly.
"Then I'll head back. See you tomorrow, Menlai-chan~"
"Wait a minute."
Menlai smiled, walking out of the elevator and grabbing Juke's arm. "I still want to chat with you for a bit."
"Then come to my room."
Juke smiled, but she felt helpless inside. Everyone was too enthusiastic and never gave her any personal space.
Because of her personality, Juke couldn't refuse. Hanging out in each other's dorm rooms was pretty normal among girls.
"Squeak~"
Juke opened the door, and they both walked into her room. Unlike most girls' dorms, Juke's was relatively simple, with minimal decorations. After all, girls often came to visit, and Juke couldn't buy anything she truly liked that might seem unusual. Even her choice of cosmetics was limited to what was acceptable for high school students.
This was the price she paid for never showing her true self. To fit in with the class, she constantly hid her real thoughts. The only time she truly felt at ease was when she was with Huko.
"Still drinking cocoa, Menlai?"
Juke walked into the kitchen, sighed, and pulled out the cocoa powder. As she prepared two cups, her thoughts drifted.
"What is Huko doing right now?"
Juke preferred spending time with Huko more than with her classmates. His cheeks would turn red whenever she teased him, and she found that utterly adorable. Thinking of the playful kick under the table earlier, she couldn't help but smile.
"Yeah… I must be in love with Huko."
Though she'd never experienced love before, she felt certain that her feelings were genuine. Still, the idea of confessing made her feel embarrassed.
"Besides, I'm a girl," Juke murmured, stirring the cocoa. "He should be the one confessing."
But that guy was just too dense. Despite all her hints, Huko never seemed to catch on. She'd have to be more obvious next time.
Returning to the living room, Juke handed the cocoa to Menlai, who took it with a smile and laid her head on the low table, looking at Juke with mischievous eyes.
"Xiaoxue," Menlai teased with a grin, "Do you like Huko?"
"Eek!"
Juke's shoulders trembled, and she let out a strange sound, her face flushed.
Menlai's eyes lit up with excitement. "Ah-ha! So it's true!"
Juke sighed, defeated. It was impossible to hide anything from Menlai. Despite her frustrations, Juke appreciated Menlai's kindness. They were close friends, even if she didn't always enjoy the endless gatherings.
"How did you find out?" Juke asked, feigning innocence.
"Isn't it obvious?" Menlai said proudly. "Back in the library, you asked Setsu if he liked Huko. That's totally out of character for you. I figured it out right away!"
Juke couldn't deny it. Her friendship with Menlai was so strong that her friend could immediately sense anything unusual.
"So, when did you start liking him?" Menlai pressed, her eyes gleaming with curiosity.
Juke hesitated, feeling awkward about discussing her feelings so openly. "I guess… around the start of school."
Menlai's eyes widened. "Wow, that early? Did you know Huko before?"
"No."
"Then… was it love at first sight?" Menlai's eyes sparkled with romantic fascination.
"Not exactly…" Juke said, shaking her head. "At first, I just thought he was brave when he told Ichinose he didn't need her sympathy. It felt… refreshing."
Menlai thought about it for a moment and nodded. "I get it. Honami-chan was a bit disappointed back then. It's rare for her to feel that way. What did Huko say to her?"
"He said he didn't need her sympathy."
Menlai blinked, then laughed helplessly. "Yeah, that sounds like Huko. Honami-chan probably didn't mean anything bad, but Huko's just like that."
"Yes, but Honami-chan wouldn't just leave him alone. That's just who she is."
Menlai nodded in agreement. "Exactly! She always tries to help everyone, even when they don't want it."
Juke sighed. "But still, confessing to Huko would be too embarrassing. What if he doesn't feel the same way?"
"Are you kidding?" Menlai looked stunned. "Huko's not the type to be surrounded by girls. If you like him, you've got to act fast! Otherwise, someone might snatch him away."
"But we're in different classes. It's not like anyone will get that close to him."
"That's what you think!" Menlai said with urgency. "What about Sakura-san and Kushida-chan from Class D? They both seem interested in him. Especially Kushida-chan! She's super popular, beautiful, and has a great personality. You can't be careless!"
Juke lowered her head to hide her amusement. In her eyes, Sakura was shy and introverted, hardly a threat. And as for Kushida… well, Huko had made his thoughts about her perfectly clear.
"Actually, I asked Huko about Kushida," Juke admitted. "He thinks she's not genuine and doesn't like interacting with her."
"Eh?" Menlai looked surprised. "But that's Kushida-chan we're talking about!"
"Yes, but Huko's very cautious," Juke explained, briefly describing his reasoning. "And honestly, I think he's right. I never felt completely comfortable around her, either."
Menlai shook her head. "Huko's really sharp. But if that's the case, then I guess Kushida-chan's not a problem."
Juke couldn't help but smile. "Right. I don't think anyone else is a threat, either."
"Well, in that case…" Menlai grinned and clenched her fists in determination. "I'll support you! I'll make sure you and Huko become the happiest couple ever!"
Juke blinked in surprise. "Eh?"
Menlai's excitement was palpable. "Since you're both shy, you'll need someone to push things along. Don't worry, I'll be the best wingman ever!"
"Thank you, Menlai-chan." Juke whispered, feeling genuinely grateful for the first time to have such a friend.
The two of them talked late into the night, mostly with Menlai doing all the planning and scheming.
"Menlai-chan, you won't tell anyone else about this, right?" Juke asked cautiously.
"Of course! I'll keep your secret safe." Menlai said with a playful but determined smile. "And I'll make sure Huko confesses to you. Just leave it to me!"
Juke giggled. With Menlai on her side, this just might work.
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