A high-pitched voice, vibrating with an excitement that was impossible to miss, was met by a reply that sounded utterly, profoundly exhausted.
"I mean, can you believe it? It's horrible! I'm a laughingstock, Shizuku! A total laughingstock!"
"...That's the fourth time you've said that."
The temperature difference between the two girls on the call was like the height of summer versus the dead of winter. Perhaps it was unavoidable. Honoka had every reason to be worked up, and Shizuku had every reason to prioritize her desperate need for sleep.
The cause of Honoka's agitation was simple: her most private, cherished feelings had been forcibly dragged into the light. It wasn't just a simple crush or a case of puppy love; it was a devotion so absolute she was willing to offer her entire self—an intensity that even Honoka realized was perhaps a bit archaic, if not "heavy." To have those unspoken sentiments voiced by someone else was mortifying enough, but to have them broadcast not just to the object of her affection but to a crowd of onlookers had left her writhing in shame. The fact that her "spokesperson" hadn't been human, but rather a domestic robot possessed by a Parasite, offered her zero consolation.
"Well, I can't help it! You have no idea how embarrassing this was!"
Honoka's voice was a pouty whine, seeking the indulgence of her best friend. On the screen, Shizuku let out a faint sigh.
"I get that. I really do. But I need you to understand my situation, too. Do you have any idea what time it is? I wish you could have waited at least two more hours."
"I did wait an hour before calling..."
"You really haven't changed a bit, have you?"
"I'm sorry... I'm always causing you trouble."
"It's not trouble," Shizuku replied, her voice softening slightly. "Just... watch the clock."
"Ugh... I'm sorry."
Honoka had called at 9:30 PM Japan time. With the seven-hour time difference to Berkeley, where Shizuku was staying, it was currently 4:30 AM.
Shizuku sighed one last time, seemingly exhaling her drowsiness along with it. Though her eyes remained half-lidded, her expression sharpened.
"But in the end, maybe it was for the best."
Her voice remained as monotone as ever, but her articulation was now crisp.
"Best? How?! What about this is good?!" Honoka barked back, her previous wilting shame replaced by sudden indignation at Shizuku's dismissiveness.
"Because you were never going to say it yourself, right? You know you have a dependency streak. You're aware of it, aren't you?"
"I wouldn't call it—"
Honoka started to object reflexively, but the words died in her throat. She couldn't truly deny it. Her eyes darted away, unable to meet Shizuku's steady gaze through the screen.
"Honoka, how many years have we been friends?"
"...I mean, I can't help it. It's in my blood. I'm from the 'Elements' lineage."
"I'm not saying the desire to depend on someone is good or bad. If the world were full of nothing but 'leaders' who refused to lean on anyone and always insisted on taking the initiative, society wouldn't function. All I'm saying is that Tatsuya-san is the perfect person for you to lean on."
"You... you think so?"
"I do."
Shizuku nodded without a hint of hesitation.
"Tatsuya-san is the kind of person who generally only gives as much as the other person asks for. But in exchange, if you do ask for something, he responds to it properly."
"So you're saying if I don't speak up clearly, he'll never get the message?"
"Exactly. Besides, he's... well, he's 'pale.'"
"Wait, by 'pale,' do you mean...?"
"I mean even if you become his 'obedient' follower, he isn't going to force you into doing anything... lewd."
Honoka's face turned a vivid shade of crimson at the blunt phrasing. Yet, even through her blush, a flicker of something that looked suspiciously like disappointment crossed her features.
"We talked about this before, didn't we? About what Miyuki feels for him."
"Yeah... I heard the details. But why bring up Miyuki now?"
"Because she's your rival, obviously."
Honoka's eyes went wide. "But... they're brother and sister..."
"Yes, they're siblings. What of it?"
"What? But... I mean..."
"Blood relations only get in the way when it comes to... well, 'that' sort of thing. If it's just about being by his side, being his sister is actually a strength. It's not like you're dating him just because you want to sleep with him, right?"
"Of course not! I mean... it's not that I'm completely uninterested, but..."
Honoka turned an even deeper shade of red. However, she didn't look displeased—likely because she had briefly allowed herself to imagine exactly what being held by Tatsuya would be like.
"Besides," Shizuku continued, "I have my own request in with him."
"Wait, what? What request?"
"I asked him to be my exclusive CAD engineer."
"Oh... that. There were rumors about it during the Nine Schools Competition. So they were true?"
"He seemed to think I was joking, though."
A fleeting emotion passed over Shizuku's face—something beyond the simple regret of a rejected proposal—but Honoka was far too preoccupied to notice.
"If someone like me makes a move, he takes it as a joke. But you've already confessed once. I think you should be more aggressive with your feelings."
"Really? You don't think I'd just be a nuisance?"
"Tatsuya-san isn't that narrow-minded. You know that better than anyone, Honoka."
"I do."
"Then look at this as a plus. Since it's basically public knowledge now, it won't seem strange if you start being more forward."
"But... I wonder what Miyuki or Erika would think..."
"You won't win if you're always holding back out of politeness. Besides, I don't think it's just your classmates you have to worry about."
"Now that you mention it... I heard Mayumi-senpai gave him chocolates..."
The realization of just how many rivals she had hit Honoka like a physical blow, plunging her into a momentary pit of despair.
"That's why you need to put yourself out there more. Be as bold as you can without being overbearing."
"Okay... I get it. Thanks, Shizuku. Goodnight."
"Yeah... Goodnight."
Shizuku had forgotten her fatigue in the face of Honoka's energy and her own exasperation, but the moment the call ended, the weight of sleep returned.
"Honestly, Honoka... Miyuki and Erika aren't the only rivals you have to worry about..."
She had intended to step aside for the sake of her best friend. But having put physical distance between herself and Tatsuya, Shizuku had realized just how difficult that was going to be. She whispered the words to the empty room before finally letting sleep take her.
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