Hiyori Asks Ichinose

Was this a promise of full, personal assistance from Kujo?

Ichinose could not see the expression on Kujo's face at this moment.

The music in the karaoke room was loud, synchronized with the flickering lights of the private booth.

Even in such an environment, Ichinose's thoughts did not falter for a second.

Because right now, Ichinose only had two choices: either say she would consider it, or refuse him outright.

The option of a direct refusal had never existed from the very beginning.

Because if Kujo was willing to help Class B with all his might, it would be equivalent to Class B gaining a lifeline; if used properly, it might even prevent any expulsions from occurring.

As the one who had been communicating and chatting with Kujo all along, Ichinose understood this better than anyone.

To have such an opportunity just by lending 2.5 million points.

There was simply no reason to refuse him, no matter what.

The only question was, did Kujo have the ability to repay the debt?

No.

What she should be considering was that even if Kujo didn't pay it back, he could use other methods to settle the debt.

From this perspective, those 2.5 million points were simply too good a deal.

Ichinose chose to agree immediately.

After a long while, Ichinose feigned an expression of wanting to think it over carefully.

Ichinose would go back to her class later to consult the opinions of her classmates.

Kujo didn't say it out loud, but he already knew the outcome in his heart.

Ichinose had never asked them for anything before.

As long as she spoke up, everyone in Class B would certainly agree, and they might even give her the last of the points they had on hand.

Confirming that the most troublesome matter had been settled, Kujo turned off the music, leaving only the instrumental backing track playing from the machine.

Making an excuse to go to the restroom, he left only Shiina and Ichinose in the room.

"Ichinose, you trust Kujo-kun a lot, don't you?"

Hearing Shiina's words, Ichinose realized that her gaze had been fixed on the door.

Afraid of being misunderstood by Shiina, Ichinose waved her hands frantically in front of her chest, speaking rapidly:

"I, I... that's, that's because our goals are aligned. Both he and I want to protect everyone."

"It's just that I've realized recently that protecting everyone doesn't mean indulging everyone."

"Uh, that, well, anyway, Kujo has given me a lot of help, and I'm very grateful to him, yeah, that's just how it is."

In the back of her mind, Ichinose kept recalling the words Kujo had said when he scolded her back then.

Watching Ichinose's hesitant expression, Shiina took the initiative to close the distance between them and replied softly:

"I understand. Ichinose and Kujo-kun have similar qualities, so I can understand."

"I'm not doubting you, Ichinose, but there is one thing you said that isn't quite right; Kujo-kun has also received a lot of help from you. Let me thank you on his behalf."

"Alright, let's not talk about class matters anymore. Shall we sing, or is there something else you'd like to talk about, Ichinose?"

While they were speaking just now, Shiina had been positioned between the two of them.

Therefore, Shiina could understand that there was no relationship beyond friendship between her Kujo-kun and Ichinose.

If anything, Kujo-kun and Ichinose were actually very much alike.

They were both equally kind and equally intelligent.

Shiina had her own little thoughts recently as well.

Shiina wanted to help Kujo; she wanted to take the initiative to share some of the burdens Kujo-kun carried.

That was why Shiina wanted to get closer, little by little, to someone with talent like Ichinose.

If Ichinose was a girl who knew how to read the atmosphere and a leader who understood the ways of the world, then Shiina, by her side, was a girl who could amplify the strengths of others and always look toward the light.

Ichinose looked at Shiina, and finally, she thought of a topic—a question that perhaps only the other girl could answer for her:

"Actually, I've been troubled by something lately."

Upon hearing this, Shiina felt puzzled.

Would a girl like Ichinose really have troubles to share and seek relief from someone like her?

"There is a classmate in my class who probably likes me."

To this, Shiina blinked, signaling that she didn't understand.

Does anyone like Ichinose?

Isn't that the most normal thing in the world?

If anything, Ichinose is so beautiful.

Could there even be anyone who hates Ichinose?

Hiyori didn't quite understand; this question was a bit beyond her scope.

However, Hiyori probably never would have imagined.

The person Ichinose mentioned who liked her was actually a girl in the same class as Ichinose.

The other party was even Ichinose's best friend.

Ichinose felt extremely troubled by this.

Because Ichinose had absolutely no idea how to reject her.

And when it came down to it, the current atmosphere was also very awkward.

Normally, she should have found a boy to help her pretend to be her boyfriend to reject Chihiro.

But for now, it seemed she could only trouble herself by using Chihiro's situation as a shield for the time being.

"I'm afraid that rejecting her directly will cause her distress, but I can't agree either. It's not that I dislike her, it's just that we're really not a good fit..."

Listening to Ichinose's words, Hiyori couldn't help but think back to when she confessed to Kujo.

Was the other person's mood at that time the same as Ichinose's?

If Kujo had rejected her back then, what would she be like now?

Hiyori could more or less empathize with Ichinose's feelings at this moment.

With that in mind, Hiyori organized her thoughts and spoke to Ichinose bit by bit:

"Before I confessed to Kujo, I never thought that Kujo would become my boyfriend. At the time, I just wanted to start as friends with Kujo, but I was also afraid. I was afraid that in the end, I wouldn't even be able to be friends with him anymore."

Hearing this, Ichinose was a little surprised.

Was it actually Shiina who confessed first?

While Ichinose felt surprised, she also felt it made perfect sense.

Although it was a bit embarrassing to say this about Kujo, he really was the type who didn't know how to talk to people.

Someone who could call others "tools" the first time they met—how could anyone think he was a good person?

If Shiina hadn't taken the initiative to express her feelings, it was likely that Kujo would have had a very hard time making friends of the opposite sex.

Ichinose thought of the name Kujo called her after he got angry.

Ichinose still held a grudge about that to this day.

Hiyori didn't know about these specific details, so she looked at Ichinose and continued:

"If Kujo had only agreed to my confession out of concern for me, or if he had made up some awkward excuse, I don't think I would ever forgive him for the rest of my life."

As she said this, Hiyori forced herself to put on an angry expression.

Seeing Hiyori pushing herself, Ichinose smiled.

She understood what Hiyori meant.

"I understand what I need to do now. Thank you, Shiina. It really was the right choice to consult the grade's model couple about this kind of thing."

Model couple? Hiyori was shocked by this sudden label.

Her little face turned bright red instantly, though it wasn't clear if the flush was obvious due to the lighting in the private room.

Who came up with such an embarrassing title?!

Model couple?

Ugh.

Watching the shy Hiyori, Ichinose pressed her advantage and continued to add:

"Because in the whole grade, there's no one else who is inseparable like Kujo and Shiina."

"The students in our class are all very envious of Kujo."

"Of course, everyone is also very envious of you, Shiina."

Hiyori curled up her legs, peeking out with her small eyes from behind her knees.

Looking at Ichinose, who had turned the tables, Hiyori asked tentatively:

"Does Ichinose not have any thoughts about dating while at school?"

Ichinose followed Hiyori's lead and took off her shoes, resting her knees on the bouncy cushion of the sofa, and helped Shiina comb through her hair.

"Relax~ You know what? Your Kujo is always talking about you when he's out, because you're his cutest girlfriend."

Hiyori buried her head in her knees again, saying nothing.

Seeing Hiyori's lack of reaction, Ichinose seemed to recall the question Kujo had asked earlier and asked her curiously:

"Do you know what Kujo plans to do after graduation? Is it really what he just said?"

Hiyori answered Ichinose honestly this time:

"I don't know."

Ichinose seemed to recall his previous actions, then thought about his character.

She nodded, feeling that this answer was the most logical one.

However, Ichinose seemed to think of something else and began to say to Hiyori:

"Did you know? It seems like Manabe from your class and Karuizawa from Class D had an argument a few days ago."

Ichinose started gossiping with Hiyori, although it was entirely Ichinose doing all the talking.

But as they chatted, Hiyori would also provide appropriate emotional feedback.

Ichinose and Hiyori talked about many things, as if both of them wanted to fill the void left by Kujo's departure with conversation.

Kujo returned to the private room.

Looking at the two of them getting along well on the sofa, Kujo scratched the back of his head and asked them:

"So, who is going to sing a song first? Otherwise, it'll be a waste."

Ichinose and Hiyori were stunned for a moment, then pointed at Kujo in unison and said in one voice:

"You."

Afterward, Hiyori was surprised to discover—Kujo was unexpectedly good at singing.

His emotions were very rich, and his expressions were spot on.

Unfortunately, the score on the software was very low.