Hanatemari's heart instantly leaped to her throat, and she feigned composure, "What do you want to do?"
Hanatemari Kazura was not entirely ignorant; she had some understanding of the "dark side" of society and school.
She had heard that some men would use photos, chat records, or past relationships with women to gain leverage, forcing the other party to constantly comply.
Through continuous coercion, they would gradually corrupt the other person, turning them into a tool that could only obey.
Hanatemari Kazura had always thought Ayanokoji was a good person. She never expected that Ayanokoji Kiyotaka would also want to use such despicable methods.
Just as she was overthinking and her eyes were gradually filled with disappointment and sorrow, Ayanokoji flicked her forehead and said speechlessly, "What are you thinking? I just want you to help me find out some information."
Hanatemari Kazura's expression changed several times. How could Ayanokoji not guess what she was thinking?
Hanatemari's personality was too soft. Ayanokoji had several ways to make her obediently listen to him.
If Ayanokoji really wanted to lay his hands on her, Hanatemari would have no way to escape his grasp.
Ayanokoji Kiyotaka was confident he could sweet-talk Hanatemari Kazura until she was dizzy, making her willingly come to his bed every night while also keeping his secret.
However, using threats to make a girl comply was the most demeaning behavior, and Ayanokoji would not do that.
"Eh? You just want me to help you find out information?"
Hanatemari was stunned, her face instantly turning crimson, ashamed of her wild thoughts.
That's right... Ayanokoji's words just now were clearly out of concern for Meari. How could she think so much?
Seeing that the misunderstanding was resolved, Ayanokoji spoke his mind, "Hanatemari, Meari chose to gamble because she was short on money, right? I hope you can inform me whenever she mentions any financial worries."
So, Ayanokoji Kiyotaka wanted her to be a "spy," hoping to get information about Meari from her to prevent her from doing anything irrational?
Hanatemari let out a sigh of relief, then she gently shook her head and said softly, "But wouldn't I be betraying Meari by doing that? No, I can't do that."
"You're not betraying her; you're saving her!" Ayanokoji placed his hands on Hanatemari's shoulders and said earnestly, "Do you really want to see Meari go astray, lose in gambling, and become livestock?"
"I will stop Meari." Hanatemari's eyes flickered, but she still shook her head resolutely, "If she's short on money, I'll pay it back for her."
She knew Ayanokoji meant well, but she didn't want to reveal Meari's privacy.
Although Hanatemari Kazura's personality was very soft, she also had her own principles. She didn't want to "betray" Meari.
Although he admired Hanatemari Kazura's persistence, Ayanokoji truly needed an "insider" to provide him with information about Meari.
Ayanokoji hadn't wanted to say this, but at this moment, he had no choice but to "play hardball."
Ayanokoji sighed lightly and said in a deep voice, "I understand that financially, perhaps you can pool your money together to pay off Meari's debts. But... what if the stakes aren't money, but your bodies?"
"Hanatemari, don't tell me you also want to see Meari lose her body in gambling just like you, but because she doesn't want you to worry, she keeps it hidden from you, putting on a brave face?"
Ayanokoji's words were like a heavy hammer, smashing Hanatemari's already fragile defenses.
This was Hanatemari's biggest secret—during that pairing gamble, she secretly repaid the "winnings" without Meari knowing.
At that time, Ayanokoji had given her a choice, but she still chose to share a bed with Ayanokoji.
Since then, she had acted as if nothing had happened, maintaining her gentle smile as usual, showing no flaws in front of Meari, and Meari had never suspected her.
Hanatemari had never told anyone about this.
Her "debt" should be repaid by herself. She didn't want Meari to bear unnecessary worries.
Other than herself and Ayanokoji, she hadn't let anyone know about this. She planned to keep it a secret and not tell anyone.
Another reason was that she knew Meari liked Ayanokoji Kiyotaka.
As trusted good friends, Hanatemari didn't want to "betray" Meari, so she intentionally kept a certain distance from Ayanokoji.
She had always been behind the scenes, silently supporting her friend's romance.
Now, hearing Ayanokoji talk about these things, her first reaction wasn't to worry that Meari would also put on a brave face like herself, but to ask the question she had always suspected: "...Ayanokoji, why are you so good to Meari?"
"Because I like Meari," Ayanokoji smiled, answering without hesitation.
He was clearly a rich second-generation who wasn't short on money, yet he was willing to hang out with them to open a casino and generously gave them high bonuses.
He cared deeply about Meari and didn't want her to gamble. Whenever Meari became withdrawn from losing a game, he would always offer her a helping hand.
Hanatemari Kazura had long been guessing the reason for his actions, and now she finally had her answer.
Sure enough... Ayanokoji liked Meari.
Hanatemari Kazura was momentarily lost in thought.
What was she agonizing over here? Everything she did was futile.
They clearly liked each other, just a thin veil separating them from breaking through this relationship, yet she was still thinking of helping to hide Meari's "privacy."
If Meari found out, she might even blame her for meddling and urge her to "report" to Ayanokoji.
Her thoughts tangled into a chaotic net, tightening around her, making it hard to breathe. After a dull ache, it finally subsided.
Hanatemari Kazura suddenly laughed self-deprecatingly.
She had always been an idiot, always causing trouble for others, for her family, for Meari...
If on the day of the pairing gamble, she hadn't presumptuously chosen Ayanokoji as her pairing partner, allowing Meari to choose Ayanokoji as she wished, would they have successfully paired up much earlier and become a pair of foolish lovers?
Then... would she have been abandoned by Meari long ago?
After all, she had always been a useless person.
Thinking of this, Hanatemari Kazura fell into an unprovoked panic. She couldn't imagine the scene of being strangers with Meari again.
No, that must never happen... She absolutely must not be abandoned again.
Suddenly, an idea popped into Hanatemari's mind.
Perhaps she wouldn't be abandoned; she just needed to pay a small price.
After Ayanokoji finished speaking, Hanatemari Kazura fell silent. Ayanokoji Kiyotaka didn't pressure her, patiently waiting for her reply.
Hanatemari Kazura cared deeply about her friend Meari. She probably didn't want Meari to lose everything and become livestock, so she would definitely agree to his condition.
Ayanokoji was very confident about this.
"Okay, of course I'll help you relay Meari's messages. After all, Meari and I are friends..."
Hanatemari was silent for a long time, then finally gave the answer Ayanokoji wanted.
Before Ayanokoji could reply, the next moment, Hanatemari Kazura looked up, a somewhat melancholic smile on her face: "Then what about me? If I lose in gambling and can't repay my debts, will you help me?"
Note:
Dear readers,
The Lunar New Year is approaching, and I wish you all a new year filled with success, good fortune, and prosperity!
Holiday Announcement:
I'm writing this to announce that I will be taking a short break from posting to celebrate the holiday from February 15th to February 22nd, 2026. I will officially return to work on February 23rd.
Don't worry though! During this break, I'll be busy prepping a bunch of new chapters so I can post them consistently once I'm back. I promise the upcoming parts will be even more exciting, so please stay tuned!
Thank you so much for your understanding and for always being such a supportive community.
Happy Lunar New Year!