Even though she'd just been playfully "threatened" by Hayashi Maki, Kato Megumi was actually feeling… kind of happy.
It was the first time in her life that a boy had initiated a conversation with her, let alone asked for her number.
And the one who asked?
None other than Hayashi Maki—her longtime back-row classmate from elementary school to now.
Megumi felt her heart flutter as she looked down at her phone.
I wonder how he'll 'bother' me?
She'd always been ignored, overlooked—
Being teased was… actually kind of new.
Of course, Hayashi Maki had only been joking. He didn't actually plan to pester her.
At most, he might call her once in a while for a chat.
Because relationships grow through interaction—through communication.
No contact, no progress.
And as far as Hayashi Maki was concerned, Kato Megumi was a follower he absolutely had to recruit.
…
Mid-morning break.
Miura Yumiko approached Shiina Mahiru's desk, flanked by Ebina Hina and Yuigahama Yui, and casually struck up a conversation.
"Shiina, is there someone you've got your eye on? Like… a guy?"
Yumiko asked curiously, eyes locked onto Mahiru's face.
Mahiru was caught off guard by the question, and Hayashi Maki's face popped into her head uninvited.
If it had been before, she would've answered without hesitation—
"No. I'm focused on school. No time for romance."
But now...
She glanced at Yumiko—tall, pretty, and with a great figure—and remembered how that jerk had peeked at her and Yui more than once.
A faint jealousy flared in her chest.
So she smiled and replied sweetly,
"Yeah, there is someone."
Yumiko's heart skipped a beat. Her whole face tensed.
No way… Please don't say Hayato… Please…
I really like Mahiru—I want to stay friends! Not rivals!
"Who is it?" Yumiko leaned in with a forced smile. "Come on, tell us! We won't spill, promise. And in return, I'll tell you mine too!"
Girl-code. Secrets for secrets.
If only one person shares, it feels unfair—and it could even strain friendships.
Yui and Hina also leaned in with sparkling eyes, full of curiosity.
"Who could've caught our angel's attention?! I need to know!" Yui said eagerly.
Hina nodded emphatically, pushing up her glasses.
I'm the most tight-lipped of us, promise!
Mahiru's cheeks flushed as she nervously glanced toward Hayashi Maki.
Yumiko noticed the glance and her heart sank.
Please… Please tell me it's not Hayato…
Please don't make me compete with an actual angel…
Mahiru hesitated, then mumbled softly,
"It's Hayashi Maki. I feel like we're kind of similar… Please don't tell anyone."
The other three girls' eyes went wide.
"Hayashi Maki?!" Yui gasped.
She was shocked. She hadn't even seen Mahiru and Hayashi Maki interact that much.
So that's Mahiru's type...?
Sure, Hayashi Maki was cute—but he totally gave off loner vibes. The guy pulled out a laptop the second class ended to play games.
Ebina Hina narrowed her eyes thoughtfully behind her glasses.
There's a story here… There's definitely a story here.
Yumiko, on the other hand, let out a huge breath of relief.
Then she smiled brightly.
"Ohhh, Hayashi Maki? That's fine, then! I totally support you two!"
As long as it's not Hayato, Mahiru can like whoever she wants.
Thank god. Our friendship is safe!
Mahiru's face turned even redder.
Truthfully, part of why she said it was to stake her claim.
He's mine. Just putting that out there, girls.
Don't even think about it.
"So then, Yumiko—it's your turn. You know my secret. Fair's fair, right?"
If this had been the old Mahiru, she would've let Yumiko dodge with a perfect smile and moved on gracefully.
But not today.
Today, she was just a bit possessive.
Yumiko froze under Mahiru's curious gaze. Her cheeks flushed.
"I-It's Hayato… We've known each other since middle school, and we've gotten close over time…"
"I knew it."
Mahiru smiled knowingly.
She'd long noticed how much softer Yumiko was around Hayato.
She could be snappy and aloof to other boys, but around Hayato?
Playful. Flirty. Constantly inviting him out.
A total personality shift.
But Mahiru didn't think Yumiko stood much of a chance.
Why?
Because Hayato, like her, was always managing his public image.
He was kind to everyone—never said a bad word, never took sides.
He played the peacemaker. The "nice guy."
A walking air conditioner.
And someone like that? You can't expect him to give up his carefully crafted image just for one girl.
Love was selfish.
Even Mahiru didn't want other girls getting close to Hayashi Maki.
So she knew—deep down—Hayato would never treat Yumiko any differently.
"Don't tell anyone, okay?" Yumiko added, voice serious.
All three nodded… but silently, they all thought the same thing:
Girl. Everyone already knows.
And now—
Three pairs of eyes turned toward Yuigahama Yui.
"Hehe~ Yui, your turn!"
Yui's face turned pink. She nervously fidgeted with the hem of her uniform.
"Um… I don't really have anyone I like, so… can I skip?"
"NOPE!" Yumiko cut in immediately. "Shiina and I already answered. No backing out!"
"If you don't have someone specific, just tell us your type! What kind of guy do you like?"
Yui paused to think, tapping her chin.
"Hmm… well, first, he can't hate animals. I have a little dog at home named Sable."
"He should be strong, someone who can protect me. And he can't be less good-looking than Hayato or Hayashi. Also… he should be gentle."
Both Mahiru and Yumiko tensed up.
Why?
Because Mahiru thought Yui's type sounded just like Hayashi Maki.
And Yumiko thought Yui's type sounded exactly like Hayato.
"Uhh… Why are you both looking at me like that? Did I say something wrong?"
Yui shrank back a little under their intense gazes.
"Nope! Don't worry. You pass," Yumiko said quickly, waving her off with a smile.
We'll keep an eye on her. For now, she's still a good friend.
"Okay, next—Hina! It's your turn!"
Three sets of eyes turned to Ebina Hina.
Hina covered her face, shy for a moment—but then smiled boldly.
"Rather than guys I'm interested in… I'm more interested in guys who are into each other!"
"Like Hayashi Maki and Hayato~ Just imagine it: Hayato's so friendly, he totally has bottom energy. And Hayashi Maki's quiet and intense—once he falls for someone, he'd absolutely spoil them rotten."
"Now picture those two together—"
"STOP!" Yumiko clamped a hand over her mouth.
"Okay, okay, my fault for asking. You pass! Just—please stop before you traumatize us any further!"
"You're still a cute girl when you're not speaking, okay?"
We asked what type of guy you liked—not your entire fanfiction folder! Our poor ears!
~~~
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