And he himself... Toudou Shizuka recalled that Ichinose might have seen him talking with Sakura Airi in a corner of the library. (Though he had only been tutoring her.)
And their walk at sunset might have been mistaken for "having romantic experience" or "being good at dealing with the opposite sex."
Watching Ichinose Honami look so awkward she could almost have dug a hole to hide in, Toudou Shizuka weighed the pros and cons.
Refuse? That would seem rather cold-hearted. After all, Ichinose trusted him deeply and had praised him several times.
Agree? Then he'd be dragged into a troublesome "love triangle," and Shiranami Chihiro—or even other people—could easily misunderstand.
[Ichinose Honami Affinity +5 (Current: 70/100 - Trust)]
[Unlocked "Team Encouragement (A-Rank)" scanning authority!]
The system prompt appeared at just the right moment. Seventy points! A-rank skill authority unlocked! The tremendous temptation instantly outweighed the minor trouble involved.
"I understand." Toudou Shizuka's voice remained steady, betraying no emotion. "If this can help both Class Leader and Shiranami avoid an awkward situation, I can go along with it.
"However," he continued, his gaze sharpening, "this 'pretend relationship' is only a temporary measure. The goal is to make Shiranami back off while preserving her dignity.
"After that, Class Leader will need to find a suitable opportunity to talk with her privately and honestly, and clear up the misunderstanding once and for all. Otherwise, it could lead to endless trouble."
"Of course! Of course!" Ichinose nodded repeatedly, as if a great weight had been lifted from her shoulders. A grateful smile appeared on her face. "Thank you, Toudou! I knew I could count on you! I'll take care of things afterward!
"Then... shall we..." She glanced at the time, looking a little nervous.
Toudou Shizuka understood. He naturally stepped beside Ichinose, standing a