The events of today had taken Sakayanagi Arisu by surprise.
Kaoru had actually skipped class with Kamuro, and he did it so publicly, blatantly ignoring school rules in an unusually conspicuous way.
Come to think of it, today was her birthday. Was this a date?
"How outrageous! He completely disregards the class and will cost us points!" Hearing Totsuka Yahiko's complaints, Sakayanagi Arisu surveyed the atmosphere around her.
Perhaps the shock of them skipping class was too great—most people were discussing the incident, with some believing it was simply a young couple's date.
After today, the nickname "Harem Overlord" would undoubtedly be firmly established.
What a headache.
Sakayanagi Arisu took out her phone and saw that the two's location was stationary at Keyaki Mall.
Though she didn't know what he was thinking...
She couldn't help feeling a little irritated.
[Did Mitoma-kun say anything to you?]
Not far from her, Yamamura Miki seemed startled, then quickly typed on her phone and cautiously replied.
[Today is Kamuro-san's birthday. Mitoma-kun said we could have a small gathering tonight.]
Perhaps feeling it was inappropriate, she hastily added.
[Sakayanagi-san... would you like to come?]
Kamuro's social circle was very small.
Aside from Yamamura Miki and Kaoru, she usually only interacted with Sakayanagi Arisu.
Therefore, it was only natural for Yamamura Miki to ask.
However, Sakayanagi Arisu casually tapped on her phone as she responded.
[I have a gift prepared. Please bring it to her.]
Just because she had a good relationship with Kamuro didn't mean Kamuro had a good relationship with her.
Like Kaoru's previous piercing remarks—did she see Kamuro as a tool or as a friend?
One day after school, she had glanced over and noticed someone casually taking beer and gum from a convenience store without paying, which suddenly piqued Sakayanagi Arisu's interest.
That was how their subsequent interactions began.
So, their connection was merely born from her sudden curiosity.
Besides interest, her motivation for controlling Kamuro was indeed because she needed a tool.
Sakayanagi Arisu knew her physical capabilities were limited.
Her health issues forced her to rely on others' strength. If she were alone, she could accomplish nothing—even walking slightly faster would leave her breathless.
She could be considered a textbook invalid.
However, in this school, she had encountered an extremely mysterious individual, something she hadn't been accustomed to before.
Sakayanagi Arisu sometimes wondered what expression he would make if she took his hair and compared its DNA with a certain producer's.
It would definitely be amusing, right?
Because she was so curious, she asked her father to investigate.
Unexpectedly, even her usually calm and gentle father showed an extremely serious expression and warned her not to get too involved.
Although his two-year meteoric rise through the entertainment industry as a producer was legendary enough, it wasn't sufficient to make certain people wary.
What was it then?
Hypnosis, black magic, futuristic technology, aliens, super soldiers, sexual prowess, genius producer, extraordinary musician—all sorts of rumors and gossip converged around him, making people take notice.
On the first day they met, Sakayanagi Arisu saw none of these rumors in him.
She only saw a boy full of youthful spirit sitting in the back, wearing a clean school uniform.
He hadn't buttoned his blazer, revealing the white shirt underneath with the collar completely open.
His slightly immature throat stood out prominently against his pale neck, and his somewhat slender shoulders seemed to hold up the morning sunlight.
With calm eyes, he coldly observed the entire classroom.
When his gaze fell on certain people, it would linger briefly, yet without any unnecessary desire or movement.
The clamor of the crowd only accentuated his aloofness.
What was he thinking at that time?
Sakayanagi Arisu watched his movements: he would occasionally touch his own neck, his breathing slightly hurried.
Although he had brought his own bag, he borrowed paper and pen from Kamuro beside him. Unfamiliar with his surroundings, he showed surprise and unease upon seeing the school's promotional brochure.
During discussions, he suggested self-introductions and used paper and pen to record everyone's comments and names.
When responding to her greeting, he seemed to have some ulterior motive. In crowds, he often fixated on specific targets.
In the first few days, he didn't speak to anyone, often zoning out while staring at a particular spot.
He had no habit of going out and stayed in his room for about a month before returning to normal. His first reaction to concern from others was resistance.
During classes, he behaved normally but frequently let his eyes follow attractive girls...
Clearly, he started with intense self-isolation, but it gradually faded away.
When did it begin?
Sakayanagi Arisu's eyes grew distant.
Without a doubt, it was during summer vacation, especially when Ichinose Honami frequently appeared by his side.
This aligned perfectly with the rumors—he was a lecher.
But what did it have to do with her?
Who he liked to be with, whom he lusted after—Sakayanagi Arisu didn't care. Initially, she was merely curious about him.
Purely curious, like seeing a cat that could do backflips and wondering how it was done, what the reason was, and whether another cat could be taught.
In the end, this backflipping cat only wanted rewards from female cats, which irritated Sakayanagi Arisu.
From her understanding of Kamuro, as long as the other party was a bit forceful, Kamuro would obediently comply—after all, Kamuro was all bark and no bite.
"I heard there are capsule rooms at Keyaki Mall... They wouldn't be there today, would they...?"
Hearing the jealous tone in the boy's voice, Sakayanagi Arisu was momentarily taken aback.
She had almost forgotten—the school had capsule rooms, supposedly for temporary rest.
But everyone wasn't stupid; it was essentially a disguised love hotel.
After all, people had booked them before—like during Christmas and Valentine's Day.
The upperclassmen had many tricks up their sleeves; they couldn't possibly use the dorm, right?
What if someone ran into them? It would be too embarrassing.
In fact, some had already witnessed girls entering and leaving Kaoru's room.
Sakayanagi Arisu walked out of the classroom expressionlessly during the class break.
Navigating through the crowded corridor, she leaned against a corner and dialed Kaoru's number.
Amidst the static, she heard slightly labored breathing.
"What's wrong, Arisu?"
The other party was holding their breath, accompanied by the sound of fabric rustling.
What were they restraining?
"Heh, just checking on a truant student slacking off."
Sakayanagi Arisu smiled. "Kaoru-kun, is Masumi-san with you?"
"She is. Actually, today—"
"Let me hear her voice."
"..."
Sakayanagi Arisu narrowed her eyes, suddenly regretting making a phone call. She should have used video chat instead.
"How troublesome. Is that Sakayanagi?"
Kamuro's voice came through from the other end. "What do you want?"
Though she tried to sound nonchalant, her ragged breathing betrayed her.
Listening carefully, one could even detect faint whimpers.
Sakayanagi Arisu's face remained impassive.
Was she just material for the two of you?
"Masumi-san, your conquest difficulty is really too low."