Chapter 71

Throughout the time we've spent together, the only person Izumi has ever been able to talk to is myself.

But everything changed after high school started.

Izumi suddenly became so dazzling that her radiance even overshadowed everyone in Shuchiin.

Damn it, it's clearly just a case of chuunibyou (middle school syndrome)!

Why are you all so enthusiastic about it?

They can't even find a place to use their skills anymore...

"Eriri, what's wrong? You look so gloomy first thing in the morning."

Suddenly, a familiar voice rang out.

"... spring?"

She looked up and saw the very person she had been thinking about. She felt embarrassed and blushed.

At the crossroads below Detective Slope, Childhood Friend unexpectedly meet.

Because of her established persona as a kind and gentle Young Lady, Eriri takes the train to and from school instead of her family's car, so there is actually a certain chance that the two of them will meet in the morning.

However, for various reasons, this was the first time the two had run into each other while attending high school.

After intersecting, the two tracks become parallel and continue in the same direction.

"You haven't answered my question yet, Eriri."

A gentle breeze ruffled her bangs, Hasegawa Izumi spoke again.

"It's nothing, I just didn't sleep well last night, ah~"

Eriri stretched her waist and then yawned.

"If you always say one thing and mean another, you'll only end up hurting yourself, Eriri."

He raised an eyebrow.

"Don't talk like you know them so well. We've just known each other for a little longer."

The girl gave a soft hum and turned her head away.

"Really? I consider myself to understand Girlish Heart quite well."

"Huh? Don't joke around. Don't think you know everything just because you know a few girls. It's ridiculous for someone who's never even been in a relationship to say something like that."

The girl closed one eye and looked at him with the other, her expression mocking.

"Who says you can't understand something if you haven't done it? Eriri, you didn't either when you were drawing your doujinshi..."

"That's completely different, okay!? I'm talking about reality!"

"Ah, we've arrived. Let's not talk about this anymore."

Hasegawa Izumi looked up.

Inside the tram.

The two sat down in the corner.

"By the way, I haven't even asked Izumi about his purpose in forming the Far East Magic Society yet. Is it just for fun? After all, only an idiot would blindly follow another idiot in doing those silly things."

Her eyes flickered, Eriri pinched a stray strand of golden hair from her cheek, and took a deep breath.

"Anyone who initiates a conversation with an idiot is an idiot too."

He added sarcastically, then explained, "My goal is very simple, just as you think: to become a mutually supportive organization, to go further and further on the path of seeking truth, and to witness the ultimate end of the world!"

"That sounds really silly."

Eriri couldn't help but laugh every time she heard these words.

"So, what's your opinion of Natsukawa?"

She then asked another question.

Why did you specifically ask her? Is she an acquaintance?

He didn't answer; instead, he asked a question.

"I've met her before, but we're not close. I just feel that someone like her couldn't possibly join you; she must have ulterior motives!"

The girl's expression became more serious.

Although she and Natsukawa were not close, she could clearly sense that they were similar in some ways and had a kind of inexplicable understanding.

That woman was definitely not as gentle and kind as she appeared; she was a far more wicked person than she seemed.

"I saw through her intentions the day she applied to join the club. She just wanted to use our reputation to scare away potential suitors. It's nothing special."

Hasegawa Izumi waved her hand dismissively.

"You could have refused, couldn't you? Why insist on helping that girl? She might cause trouble."

The girl's cheeks puffed out.

"Because... she is a 'Stand User,' someone we can count on. Our Far East Magic Society is also short-handed, so I really can't find a reason to refuse. Besides, a bad personality isn't a big deal, as long as she doesn't make any major mistakes. A prestigious mysterious organization can't possibly lack this much tolerance, can it? Suppressing one's nature is suppressing potential, and I won't do that."

He gave a clear and logical answer.

There's also the confidence of a strong person; even if the other party tries to rebel, they can suppress them with one hand!

"They really have a set of rules."

The girl stared at him fiercely.

However, that woman is supposed to be Stand User...

I did get some interesting information.

The two walked out of the tram station and came all the way to the entrance of Shuchiin.

The students' attention was unconsciously drawn to it.

"Could this be official confirmation? Hasegawa-kun and Sawamura-san's relationship has actually reached another level?"

"Hey... it's not that dramatic, is it? Aren't they Childhood Friend? It's normal for them to bump into each other on their way to and from school, right? It would be abnormal if they hadn't had much contact before!"

"That's true, but it's really not worth it to leave it like this. Why don't you go ask around?"

One is the strongest student at Shuchiin, and the other is one of the most famous beauties among the freshmen. If these two go to school together, it will definitely be a hot topic.

"Are you alright, Eriri?"

Noticing the commotion around them, Hasegawa Izumi suddenly spoke up.

"What are you saying? I don't understand at all."

Eriri looked puzzled.

"That's all."

He smiled slightly and continued forward.

Turning her head away, Eriri quietly clenched her fist, remaining silent as if she were mouthing "yes".

This way, those flashy, cheap women will understand that she was the one who came first!

The bond between Childhood Friend is something that no one else can match!

"Huh? Did something like that happen this morning?"

"We don't know if it's true, Fujiwara-san, could you help us find out?"

"No problem! I, the LOVE Detective Chika, will handle this kind of topic!"

As if she had an antenna on her head, Fujiwara Chika immediately responded after hearing the rumors among her classmates.

At the end of class.

"Izumi-chan, have you and Eriri officially announced your relationship?"

She ran to the back of the classroom, bent down slightly, covered her mouth with her right hand, and asked softly.

"What official announcement? Don't believe the rumors. We just happened to bump into each other on the way to school."

Hasegawa Izumi had already heard their chatter and calmly glanced at them.

"That's no fun!"

With her hands hanging limply and her head bowed, Fujiwara Chika seemed to have suddenly lost all her vitality.

There's still a chance!

Hearing his voice, many of the waiting girls were filled with energy, and their eyes lit up again.

"Chika, you seem quite interested in topics related to romance?"

Hasegawa Izumi lowered her voice at the opportune moment, making sure only those nearby could hear her.

"Because it's so much fun! Watching couples being all lovey-dovey and sweet gives me that 'shipping' feeling! Especially those really unique couples, just thinking about them is exciting!"

Fujiwara Chika crossed her arms, swayed her body, and looked completely absorbed in the moment.

"In my opinion, you're just a bit gossipy."

He was expressionless, and there was even a hint of disdain in his eyes.

"That's not true at all! Izumi-chan has a huge misunderstanding about me!"

The girl puffed out her cheeks, like a little squirrel.

"So, Fujiwara-san, haven't you ever thought about dating?"

The girl in front of him turned around and started teasing him.

"That kind of thing feels a bit too early for me."

"You must have a type of guy you like, right?"

"Hmm... let me think about it."

While thinking, Fujiwara Chika began to count on her fingers, "First of all, they have to be hardworking, gentle, and smart. Ideally, they should be dog-like, with an older brother-like quality. Then they should like playing games, be good at making sarcastic remarks, not too cheerful, and be able to play soccer... That's about all the requirements, right?"

She didn't lower her voice, so many people in the classroom could hear what she said, which drew a lot of complaints from them.

Are you playing a DIY game?

That's asking for way too much!

"Oh~"

The girl in the front seat drew out her voice, then leaned closer to her ear and continued.

"Isn't that Hasegawa-kun?"

"Huh...?"

Fujiwara Chika's body stiffened, her eyes changed drastically, and sweat suddenly streamed down her face uncontrollably.

A chaotic storm was raging in her mind.

Izumi-chan is indeed very smart. She can play games with her, occasionally complain, and gently deal with her bad habit of cheating. She has super athletic ability, which must have come from very rigorous training. She also meets the criteria of being hardworking and dog-like. As for playing soccer, it is definitely no problem for the athletically gifted Izumi-chan. Then there is her older brother attribute. Kōko takes such good care of Izumi-chan, so of course she is also a good older brother!

How could they possibly match to such an extent!

Could it be that her requirements for a romantic partner are actually based on Izumi-chan's template...?

Feel sorry!!

Eriri, Kaguya-chan, and Rikka... I'm so sorry! How could I have such inappropriate thoughts!

I'm such a bad girl!

"Aaaaaah! I'd rather die once!"

The girl rushed out of the classroom amidst everyone's bewildered gazes.

Today's outcome... Fujiwara Chika's defeat!

"It was just a joke, why is it suddenly like this?"

The girl in the front seat was still at a loss.