After Horikita left, Bai Ye looked at Kushida, who was sitting beside his bed with her head bowed, seeming somewhat uneasy. His thoughts were in turmoil.
There was only one reason he had kept Kushida behind: based on what he knew of the original story, there was a 90% chance that she was on the breakup list.
And Kushida was one of the hardest people to win over. So he would rather let Horikita grow suspicious than miss this opportunity. After all, chances like this were hard to come by, and there wouldn't be many more later.
Having settled on his next move, he spoke softly. "Kushida, we finally get to be alone together."
Hearing the meaningful tone in his voice, Kushida turned to meet his eyes, looking a little uneasy. "Doesn't Jingu-kun seem a bit different from usual?"
"Don't talk as if you really know me."
"Even though I don't know you very well, I... don't think Jingu-kun is the kind of person who's so... frivolous," Kushida said hesitantly. "Otherwise, you wouldn't go out of your way to keep your distance from the girls in class."
"People have two sides. There are very few people in this world who are the same inside and out. Once you say what's on your mind, kind words are one thing, but if you say something hurtful, people will hate you for it."
Just like Horikita Suzune.
He could put up with Horikita, but other people were different. Her outward arrogance wasn't an act; she really was arrogant.
But she also had an insecure side.
Pride and insecurity weren't mutually exclusive. The root of both emotions was caring too much about one's value in society.
Because they cared so much, they felt superior when they saw someone weaker than themselves, and inferior when they saw someone stronger.
The true opposites of both were people who wanted nothing and were indifferent by nature.
"Then what's the other side of Jingu-kun... Can you let me see it?"
Kushida couldn't help stroking the back of his hand, her voice gentle.
"That won't do. Not unless you're willing to tell me about yourself first."
"I'm not hiding anything. Jingu-kun, you really do love to joke." Kushida pulled her hand back and shot him an annoyed look. "Forget it, I don't want to see. You wouldn't tell me anyway."
"It's getting late. I should head back for today... Huh?"
Kushida had just stood up to make a quick escape when she was pulled back by the hand. A lovely little moan escaped her.
A tremor entered Kushida's voice. "What... are you trying to do..."
"We haven't finished talking. What's the rush?"
"..."
Neither of them spoke.
He waited quietly, waiting for Kushida to lose patience.
The minutes ticked by. Nearly half an hour passed, and he was just about to yawn when Kushida finally spoke.
"Did Horikita tell you anything?"
Her gentle voice had vanished, leaving only a hoarse, cold tone.
"Horikita didn't tell me anything. She might not even remember who you are."
"Then how can you be so sure?" Kushida lowered her head, her hair covering her face and hiding her expression.
Bai Ye didn't answer right away. Instead, he asked, "Do you know what kind of person I am?"
"What kind? Don't tell me you're a prince from some country."
"How could that be?" Bai Ye raised his hand, about to flick her forehead, but then remembered the mood and held back.
"Actually, I'm..."
He gave her a rough outline of his background.
There was nothing much to hide, and it could even strengthen his bargaining position with Kushida.
But even after listening, Kushida still didn't believe him.
He could only show her a photo of himself with his father, then have her look the man up online.
"So you really are the son of a financial magnate... and the heir to the yakuza. Why does this feel like a TV drama?"
"To be honest, I feel the same way."
"Hmm?" Kushida's cold gaze swept over him.
"...Just saying."
"All right, I believe you. But what does that have to do with me? Do you want me to be your secret... lover?"
Kushida, you really are a genius!
He shook his head. "To be honest, I came to this school to find useful talent. My goal, after all, is to restore my family's fortunes."
Maybe he had thought about that once in a dream.
"And I think ordinary relationships are too easy to betray. So I want to turn outstanding girls into my girlfriends."
"Like Horikita?"
"That's right."
Kushida stared deeply at him, then suddenly said, "You didn't just make up a respectable excuse so you could build a harem, did you?"
Kushida, you really are a genius!
"I don't think so..."
"What are you hesitating about?"
"All right... Ahem. I've looked into all the capable students at this school, so it's no surprise I know about your past."
"Do I count as capable, too?" Kushida furrowed her brow, her voice growing even colder. "Since you already know about my past, you still think that? Aren't you afraid I'll stab you in the back?"
"Of course I am. That's why I want you to be my woman."
Bai Ye was surprised to see the tips of Kushida's ears turn a little red. He smiled and continued, "I'll tell you a secret. I may not be the heir to the yakuza anymore, but I have dirt on the shareholders and executives of many major companies. A lot of them are also related to me by blood. Once the time is right, I'll be able to make a comeback. And as my assistant, you'll be able to get whatever you want. I don't think anyone else is more worthy of your loyalty. What do you think?"
He didn't try to persuade Kushida with feelings. Given their relationship now, the chance of success was zero.
Only tangible benefits could form the most stable partnership for the moment.
And Kushida's abilities were worth that much. Back in middle school, she had known almost everyone's secrets in her class, and she had plenty of acquaintances throughout the school. With someone like her helping him, his plans would be much easier to carry out.
"I'll think about it... Give me two days." Kushida finally relaxed, her expression returning to normal.
"I'll wait."
He could see what Kushida was thinking. After all, she was a girl; agreeing too eagerly would make her seem cheap.
Considering how many secrets they had already revealed to each other, the fact that she hadn't rejected him outright was practically an agreement.
The two days were just a formality.
He didn't give Kushida any more trouble and let her leave right away.
When she reached the door, Bai Ye suddenly remembered something else. "By the way, you can tell the others in class what Horikita said. You don't have to mention me. Just say you found out yourself."
"Really?" Kushida stopped and glanced at him.
After all, this was a huge gift. If she told her classmates, their trust in her would increase many times over, making it far easier for her to get along with them in the future.
"Horikita's set on doing it no matter what, so I don't have any reason to object."
"You're awfully good to her. Do you like her that much?" Kushida said wistfully.
"If you're willing to become mine, I'll treat you the same way... Besides, you're the one who benefits most from this. Horikita worked hard, but you get all the credit. What's there to be unhappy about?"
"Then... all right."
Kushida finally seemed satisfied. She gave him one last quiet look, then left.
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