"So that's how it is. But why would he give me something in return?" Ichinose was completely confused. "Doesn't he want to use me? Why would he give me anything?"
"Do you still remember your original goal, Ichinose?"
"My goal? Of course, it's..." Ichinose suddenly understood. It was as if the clouds had parted, and everything had become clear. "He'll help me join the Student Council?!"
"Exactly. So you still have a great chance." Dongfang Yi smiled even more broadly. "That's the usual situation, though. There are also a few rare, unexpected possibilities."
"Unexpected possibilities?"
"Right. For example, to control you more effectively, he might try to lead you into handing over a Pledge of Allegiance."
"A Pledge of Allegiance?" Ichinose repeated softly, her heart tightening.
"Something he can hold over you. Everyone has secrets, after all. Some people can't let go of a small mistake or something they did wrong in the past. Others have unusual habits they don't want anyone to know about. I'm sure you have something like that too, Ichinose."
"I..." Ichinose hesitated.
She thought of the mistake she had made in her third year of middle school. Guilt, regret, and unease filled her heart.
I wonder if Mom is feeling any better. I'm sorry I let you down. I...
I'll be a good girl from now on.
"Okay, okay. I'm not trash like Miyabi Nagumo. I don't care about other people's secrets. And of course, if you want to tell me, I'll listen carefully. Hehe~"
The guy on the other end of the phone had absolutely no tact. He was making such a racket, like a carefree child. Ichinose could even hear him rubbing his hands together in anticipation.
Are you trying to act like a creepy old man?
Interrupted in her thoughts, Ichinose felt