"President, what do you think of that girl Yukinoshita?"
After thinking for a moment, Yumiko nudged her boyfriend's arm with her elbow, her sneaky cat-like posture somewhat familiar.
Kaito: "..."
She had worn the exact same smile when she egged him on to make a move on Bocchi.
Kaito felt a bit helpless, even a little headache coming on, "What kind of weird idea are you plotting again?"
"I'm sincerely concerned about you!"
Yumiko puffed out her chest, hands on her slim waist, her expression righteously confident, "Besides, Bocchi-chan is definitely curious too, right?"
'R-Really?'
Because of Yukinoshita's visit, the pink-haired girl who always crouched in corners like a mushroom in front of others timidly raised her head, hesitated a little, and still nodded softly.
'Since Miura-senpai says so… it must be right, right?'
"No thoughts."
Kaito tapped her little head again, "There's nothing between me and Yukinoshita. It's just the purest money-based relationship, so stop overthinking."
'Just the phrase "money-based relationship" already sounds completely disconnected from the word "pure," doesn't it?'
'Anyone who knows will understand you're talking about an exorcism commission. But for people who don't know and hear you say that, wouldn't they just assume you're doing compensated dating?'
The blonde girl worked hard to suppress her desire to roast him, but she grew a little troubled.
'The president seems completely uninterested in Yukinoshita?'
She had hoped to use this opportunity to make a comeback…
Yumiko didn't dislike the current Yukino. Although the two had clashed in middle school, it was only verbal squabbles, and it had been so long ago she didn't really care anymore.
Yumiko just felt it was a pity. After all, she had lost to Yukinoshita so many times, she also occasionally wanted to win just once.
If that snow woman really got together with their president, then by order of who came first…
Wouldn't she have to call Yumiko—
'Onee-chan?'
In this world, is there any sweeter pleasure than watching your old rival bow down and address you as "Onee-chan"?
Just imagining that cold, always-iceberg-faced Yukinoshita, awkward and reluctant, yet still forced to call her "Onee-chan," that awkward expression.
'Would definitely be supremely, no, nine times out of ten, delicious!'
'Decision made!'
'There's no such thing as a hard task, only someone not determined enough!'
'Hmph! Even if the president isn't interested, doesn't mean Yukinoshita has no feelings either.'
Though she came under the banner of "repaying a favor for her sister," that kind of excuse would only fool a kid.
But having feelings for the president is a good thing.
In matters of love, as long as you have a pretty face and talent, even if only one side has a budding feeling, it still has the potential to grow into a towering tree.
As a righteous and kind-hearted beautiful girl, the mighty Miura-sama, how could she stand by and watch the second lady fall into a tragic fate of unrequited love and heartbreak?
When it comes to matchmaking, she's a professional.
———
[4:30 In The Afternoon]
Who knows what Yumiko was scheming again…
In any case, her spirit was suddenly reinvigorated. She quickly found an excuse and left the clubroom full of excitement.
Kaito was already used to her erratic behavior and overwhelming initiative. Anyway, with the jade pendant he gave her for protection, she wouldn't encounter any danger.
Seeing that there were still thirty minutes before STARRY officially opened for business, he looked toward the presence-less pink wild hammer snake who'd been silent for a while, and after two seconds of contemplation, asked, "Hitori, are you heading out for grinding later?"
Ever since their most intimate encounter, he and the little social-phobe hadn't had a chance to spend time alone together.
Mainly because there wasn't time. Last Sunday morning he had to rush to meet up with secretary Sakiko, then resolve Yukinoshita Haruno's issue, and ran right into the old man, so his schedule had been packed.
Although they were already in a dating relationship, Bocchi-chan hadn't changed much in front of him.
Still timid, still easily flustered.
Expecting her to take the initiative was clearly unrealistic, so it had to be Kaito who did it.
"Y-Yes…", The pink-haired girl mustered up her courage and whispered, "President, are you coming too?"
It had been a few days since he last went to STARRY. Going with Bocchi to check things out wouldn't be bad either.
Kaito nodded, then stepped forward and held her hand.
"Ugh…", Her soft ivory cheeks instantly flushed red like thousands of maple leaves dyed in autumn, glowing as if she were drunk.
Even her ears turned pink. Gotou Hitori was nearly overwhelmed by the shyness surging in her chest. Her mind became a hazy mess, "P-P-President…"
"Holding hands is totally normal for a couple, right?"
Kaito cleared his throat, "Of course, if Hitori doesn't like it…"
He made a gesture to let go, but couldn't.
The girl kept her head lowered, speechless, but instead gripped his hand even tighter, reflexively.
———
Since school had been out for a while, there weren't many people on campus. Only a few track team members were still practicing near the track.
Holding Hitori's hand, they boarded the train to Shimokitazawa and headed to STARRY.
As soon as they pushed open the doors to the underground showcase hall, a familiar voice called out first.
"So bored… Ryou-senpai, how about we chat?"
"About what?"
"Anything is fine! As long as you like it!"
"Lend me some money."
'Even after a few days, this damn Ryou is still the same as ever.'
Kaito shook his head and led the little social-phobe down the stairs into the showcase hall.
Perhaps because it had just opened, the store was still empty with no customers yet. It looked quite spacious.
The returnee lady was slumped over a small round table not far away, with the ever-useless Ryou sitting next to her.
The doting store manager wasn't around. Only Nijika was behind the counter, diligently cleaning the drink dispenser.
Farther away, PA-san yawned widely, clearly looking low on energy.
Upon hearing footsteps, the one chatting with Ryou-san, Kita, was the first to turn her head. When she saw Kaito's figure, her beautiful golden eyes lit up.
But before she could cheerfully greet him, her eyes landed on the figure behind him.
Pink long hair, that familiar nerdy tracksuit, and the adorable hairpin shaped like a hard fruit candy.
It was Bocchi.
It should've been an ordinary scene, and yet, 'Something feels… off today.'
'Is it an illusion?'
'No! Why did I just see—'
'Bocchi-chan's hand… being held tightly by Kaito-kun?'
The girl's waving arm gradually froze mid-air.
Those cheerful, sun-like pupils… seemed to lose their sparkle.
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