Ryunosuke went to the minimarket and reluctantly spent 193 Yen to buy a pack of instant noodles—and not even cup noodles at that, but regular packaged noodles.
This made him feel even more desperate.
193 Yen if converted to his original currency was about 12.3 Yuan. In his previous country, that much money could buy 6 kg of potatoes or sweet potatoes, enough to eat for several days. Even if buying cheap instant noodles, he could get 12 packs. Or if wanting to be slightly luxurious, he could get 5 cup noodles that were almost expired.
The more he compared, the more Ryunosuke felt the value of Yen was very small. Money flowed out too quickly, and he found it hard to accept.
Ryunosuke carried that pack of instant noodles and shamelessly asked for a free plastic bag. At that time, the cashier stared at him with a strange look, but he didn't care. To him, not taking available benefits was a loss.
He returned to the dormitory in a bad mood. The cause was that the 193 Yen expenditure had destroyed the "zero spending" record he had maintained for these five days.
Upon arriving at the dormitory lobby, he ran into Ayanokouji who was going out to buy drinks. He greeted him.
"Yo, Ayanokouji, good evening!"
Ayanokouji, who was taking a can of drink from the vending machine, nodded slightly with a flat stare. "Good evening, Akasaka. Just back from the student council room?"
"Something like that..."
Ryunosuke answered in a listless but polite tone. "Student council work is very busy. If it weren't for the additional points, I'd be too lazy to take it."
"Oh? Is Akasaka short on money?" Ayanokouji asked. His tone of speech sounded casual, when in fact he was gathering information.
Through his observations over the past two days, Ayanokouji knew that Ryunosuke really needed money. This was evident from his very frugal lifestyle. What normal student would eat only free menu items every day and not want to spend a single penny? Even for daily necessities, he only took the free ones. From his movements, he looked very short on money.
Ryunosuke admitted it honestly. After all, he never hid it; anyone with a brain could surely realize he was broke.
Seeing his conversation partner was honest, Ayanokouji didn't ask further. Everyone had privacy, and if wanting to establish good relations, it was better not to interfere too much in other people's affairs.
The two fell silent for a moment. Then, Ryunosuke made a suggestion. "How about we go out for a walk for a bit?"
"Ehh, but I want to go back to sleep," Ayanokouji answered with a hesitant face, but he didn't refuse.
After all, formally, Ryunosuke was his only friend at this school. Because Ayanokouji already had a friend, he didn't wander around with the "Idiot Trio" like in the original story, which was something to be grateful for. Those three people usually only gave Ayanokouji trouble.
The two walked together without a clear destination. Ayanokouji glanced at Ryunosuke beside him with a look that was hard to read.
He knew this young man was a great talent. From the interactions over the past few days, Ryunosuke's actions and movements very much caught his attention. Not romantic interest, but a feeling like meeting someone with a similar fate. This conversation partner of his was struggling hard for a goal—perhaps debts in the outside world.
As for himself? He just wanted to live peacefully. And if anyone dared to disturb his peace...
Ayanokouji squeezed the can in his hand until it was dented. Anyone who disturbed his peaceful life had to be eliminated, and Ryunosuke beside him was a "tool" that could be utilized. Because he needed money, most likely this young man would be willing to do anything. He could control him from behind the scenes.
(As long as I give him money, he surely won't mind me making him a tool) Ayanokouji thought.
On the other side, Ryunosuke was also thinking inwardly.
(Ayanokouji is a figure who can be utilized, but he is a double-edged sword. If used wrongly, I myself will be in trouble. However, judging from the original story, this young man just wants to live normally.)
(As long as I fulfill his wishes, he surely won't mind me making him a tool to find money.) Ryunosuke thought.
Both had the same thought: wanting to use each other. Truly full of schemes.
Suddenly, a commotion was heard from the direction of the barrier fence, followed by the sound of impacts and cursing. And surprisingly, the object of the cursing seemed to be Ryunosuke himself.
"Damn Akasaka! Don't think I don't know you occasionally steal glances at my chest! Damn it! Acting all cold too!"
"I'm talking to you! How dare you ignore me!"
*BAM!* *BAM!* *BAM!* *BAM!*
A beautiful and stylish girl was seen kicking the barrier fence hard while cursing.
Ayanokouji glanced at Ryunosuke with a strange look. He didn't say anything, but his gaze seemed to be asking everything.
Hearing that commotion, Ryunosuke's eyelids twitched heavily. He remembered in the original story there was indeed a scene like this.
Damn unlucky. Kushida Kikyo's scandal hit him instead. He had already tried to stay away, why were they always involved with each other? Was fate playing with him?
"Who's there?!"
The girl who was kicking the fence realized there were people near her. She immediately became wary with a very cold eye stare. Very different from herself during the day.
During the day, she was like a blooming flower, cheerful, beautiful, and the dream of all male students. But at this time, her gaze was very cold and sharp.
Ryunosuke and Ayanokouji came out from the shadows with hands in their pockets, staring at Kushida calmly.
Seeing the two of them, the sharpness in Kushida's eyes instantly disappeared. She returned to being the smiling "Little Angel Kushida," then stepped closer to them step by step.
Ryunosuke and Ayanokouji stepped back step by step.
Seeing that, Kushida quickened her pace and ran lightly in front of them. She grabbed both their red ties, stopping their steps that wanted to escape, then said while smiling sweetly.
"You saw it... right?"
Ayanokouji answered with a flat face, "If I say I didn't see, is it still in time?"
Ryunosuke also felt helpless. "I didn't intend to see it, I just happened to pass by. Can you let me go? I swear I won't tell anyone."
Kushida of course didn't believe verbal promises. She pulled the two of them toward her room, intending to talk more seriously.