Note: Yuudachi's catchphrase in Kantai Collection.
Passerby B was amused by Passerby A's intense reaction. She let out a long puff of white breath, touched her side ponytail, and wore a mocking smile of feigned maturity.
"She's nice and all, but somehow... you know, right?"
"I get it, right, Sagamori?"
"Ah—yeah!"
Passerby A nodded repeatedly and sought Sagamori's agreement. Like a toy monkey holding cymbals, Sagamori clapped wildly and doubled over with laughter.
You bastard. I don't care whether you're Sagamori or Okamoto. Yuihama helped you during the sports festival, and you still had the nerve to say that crap? How thick is your skin...?
My hands unconsciously clenched into fists.
Ah, I see.
I had finally experienced it firsthand.
No one could avoid having problems in their relationships with others.
Yuihama was no exception.
It was only because she was considerate and kind that she seemed able to get along with everyone. There had to be cracks somewhere—cracks she had patched over and concealed with thoughtfulness, kindness, and sometimes courage.
But pointless rumors, deliberate gossip, and malicious misinformation would mercilessly pierce those cracks.
The more beautifully they had been patched up beforehand, the more obvious the ugly claw marks became.
Neither Passerby A nor Passerby B probably bore any clear malice or hostility. If Yuihama might hear them, they likely would not discuss such a topic.
But this was simply their cheerful private chat among friends. This topic was no different from yesterday's TV shows or information about trendy desserts—a means of livening up the conversation.
The proof was how frivolous Passerby A's tone sounded.
"Miura-san's little group must be so hard to stay in. One minute they're stealing guys, the next their guys get stolen; one minute they're dumping someone, the next they're getting dumped. They'll definitely fight,