Male Best Friend vs. Boyfriend: The Inequality Settled It Instantly

Saturday.

"Let's go together, Haruo."

Kushida Kikyo took Kamigami Haruo's hand and led him outside.

By the time she dragged him over to a group of girls, Kamigami Haruo was completely confused.

Hadn't she said it was only a few people? Why were there so many?

Damn, Karuizawa, Shinohara, and the others... They aren't going to make me pay later, are they?

He turned to look at Kushida Kikyo, but she merely tapped her head and went, "Ehehe," pretending to be cute to brush it off.

Fine. Don't regret it when I get the chance to make you leave a handprint someday.

"Ahem. Hello, everyone. I'm Kamigami Haruo."

Although none of them were particularly familiar with Kamigami Haruo, his looks passed the test, so they all greeted him before returning to their own conversations.

After all, the gloomy impression he had given before was already deeply ingrained in their minds. Who knew what might happen if they suddenly went up to talk to him?

Now that everyone had arrived, aside from himself, the only other boy was Hirata Yosuke, who was surrounded by Karuizawa's group as they chatted with him.

He felt someone gently tug at the corner of his sleeve, and before he could turn around, a voice came from beside him.

"Um, Kamigami, do you know your uniform is torn?"

That voice belongs to Wang Meiyu, right? Shouldn't she be talking to Hirata Yosuke?

Then he looked at Kushida Kikyo, who had wedged herself between them, and understood.

"Oh, Mei. I know. I'm just troubled over how to deal with these clothes."

"I see. Looking at it, it should still be wearable if it's sewn up."

There was a bookshelf at the entrance to the school building, with a nail sticking out of it. He had not noticed it that morning and got snagged on it.

Kamigami Haruo had then pulled out the nail and beaten its corpse, spat on it after using the restroom, then thrown it into the toilet and flushed it away. It could go off with the shit.

That counted as a good deed. Fortunately, Kamigami Haruo, who had been the first to reach the classroom, was also the first victim, so no one else was hurt. A good deed a day, right there.

But when he noticed Inogashira beside Wang Meiyu, he struck his fist into his palm.

Then he turned to Inogashira Kokoro, pressed his hands together, and pleaded with her.

"Um, Inogashira, I heard your sewing skills are top-notch. May I boldly ask you to help sew up this tear?"

Inogashira Kokoro interlaced her fingers, took a deep breath, and only then spoke to Kamigami Haruo with difficulty.

"Um... y-yes, I can. Th-then, Kamigami, remember to give me your uniform later."

"Thank you so much, Inogashira. You're such a nice person. By the way, since you like sewing so much, have you ever considered becoming a fashion designer? It feels like it would suit you."

"And Mei, where in China are you from? I know China really well. As long as you name a place, I can tell you its landmarks."

The three of them began chatting like that, talking about popular things in China from time to time and asking Inogashira Kokoro about sewing.

With common topics to share, the three gradually became more familiar with one another. In the end, even Kushida Kikyo joined in.

Inside the KTV room.

Kamigami Haruo sat upright, slowly sipping the juice in his hand.

There was a girl seated on either side of him: Wang Meiyu on his right and Inogashira Kokoro on his left.

They had just evolved from strangers into friends, and now their relationship was gradually moving toward that of male best friends.

Male best friends were great. A male best friend did not have to worry about becoming an outlet for the other person's emotions, while a boyfriend had it rough—he had to become that outlet every day.

Watching his classmates radiate the stench of youth as they took turns queuing up songs, Kamigami Haruo found it especially boring, not even as fun as singing in the shower.

"By the way, Mei, aren't you going to chat with Hirata? Look, Kikyo's having a great time talking with everyone. You don't need to worry about Inogashira and me—we both prefer a little peace and quiet."

Kamigami Haruo noticed Wang Meiyu's gaze drifting toward Hirata Yosuke from time to time, so he gave her a push.

"Eeeeeeh?!"

Wang Meiyu was first startled by Kamigami Haruo's words, then voiced her confusion.

"Am I really that obvious, Haruo?"

Just now, Kamigami Haruo had said he understood Chinese forms of address and asked Wang Meiyu to call him by his given name directly, since he was more used to being addressed by name as well.

Although Wang Meiyu found it embarrassing, calling someone only by their surname was too distant in China, and she accepted in order to show friendliness.

But Inogashira could not do that yet. She was too introverted—simply put, socially anxious—and needed to take things slowly.

"Mei, you're way too obvious. And if you don't seize the chance soon, it'll be too late. You've noticed too, right? Karuizawa and Hirata are getting closer and closer. Isn't that right, Inogashira?"

"Y-yes. Mei, if you don't go now, it'll be too late."

Inogashira Kokoro said this timidly from the side. She understood the situation too.

"Is that so... Then thank you. I'll go now!"

Wang Meiyu said, putting on a brave front.

"Wait, Mei. Joining them directly would be too abrupt. First, you need to find a suitable opening and naturally work your way in."

"Besides, there are too many girls around him. You can wait until they're singing and take advantage of the opening. Even if they come back after they finish, Hirata's personality means he won't ignore you."

"Finally, there's the topic. What does Hirata care most about? It's everyone getting along. You can talk to him about that, and offer some suggestions from time to time."

"That's all the advice I can give. Good luck, Mei."

"Me too. Good luck, Mei."

Inogashira Kokoro also gathered her courage at the right moment to cheer Mei on.

"Thank you, Inogashira and Haruo."

Wang Meiyu smiled at the two of them, then turned to look for a chance to approach Hirata Yosuke.

Although he knew Wang Meiyu could never succeed, at least she had tried. And saying that would leave a good impression on her.

"Inogashira, do you have time later? If you do, please let me treat you to a meal to thank you for your help."

"N-no, there's no need. I-I was only helping out."

Inogashira Kokoro hurriedly waved her hands and explained in a fluster.

"Look, we have to eat later anyway. We can go with Mei and Kikyo. Besides, if I don't repay the favor, my conscience won't let me rest. I might not even be able to sleep tonight. Could you bear that, Inogashira?"

Kamigami Haruo helplessly played the victim, and finally obtained her agreement.

"Hey, aren't you two going to sing?"

After chatting with the others, Kushida Kikyo returned to her seat, picked up a drink, and took a sip.

"Oh, Kikyo, that's my drink."

The joking Kamigami Haruo saw Kushida Kikyo nearly turn to stone and immediately explained.

"I knew I remembered where my drink was. Haruo, you're awful."

Kushida Kikyo put on an act and lightly punched Kamigami Haruo.

"You were the one who encouraged Mei to go after Hirata, weren't you, Haruo?"

"I just gave her a little push. At least she can say it before it's too late and won't be left with regrets."

"That's true. Hirata is so popular, after all. And Karuizawa is guarding him too, hahaha."

"Yeah. I just hope they don't clash while competing for Hirata."

"Don't enjoy their misfortune, Haruo. I can see the corner of your mouth curling up."

Kushida Kikyo complained as she looked at the mischievous smile on Kamigami Haruo's face.