Chapter 27

"Generous? That word doesn't really apply to me, Kushida-san." "Is that so?" "Yeah, ever since I inexplicably ended up on some rich person's ranking list, I've had to be a bit more generous! Actually, it's all thanks to Kushida-san..." I cut straight to the chase to probe her. After my repeated questioning earlier, Igari-senpai had admitted that she had only spoken to Kushida about it, so I was fairly certain the information on that so-called ranking list was related to her. "Eh? Is Kitazawa-san misunderstanding something?" Kushida's expression of shock and confusion looked incredibly authentic. "Are you the one misunderstanding something?" I trusted my own judgment. "If I've offended you in any way, Kushida-san, I can apologize." "Kitazawa-san, why would you say that..." Kushida made a show of being on the verge of tears. Damn it, I can't stand seeing girls cry! Being a lecher is a debuff at times like this; even though I know I'm being played by a girl, my body is still being way too honest. "Well, if you insist on saying I just blindly believed the rumors from the third-year seniors... then let's just drop it. I don't have any evidence anyway. Don't actually cry; I'm the one who's losing out here..." After all, I didn't have any real grudge against Kushida, and there was no need to create one here, so I had to give up on the idea of pressing the issue. My purpose for bringing it up was something else entirely. "Really?" Kushida's acting paused for a moment, but she had already attracted quite a few gazes from those around us. "Really, I'm not angry about this." "Wuu... Kitazawa-kun is so mean, you scared me just now." I had to scare you; otherwise, you'd think I'm a pushover! Since this girl already knew about my relationship with Koenji from the senior, I had to warn her to keep her mouth shut. Although, she was definitely just pretending to be pitiful just now. Of course, besides showing her my methods, I also intended to make her feel guilty about leaking the information. Because when people feel guilty, they tend to have a compensatory psychology, making them more likely to agree to my other conditions. "Sorry about that! Since Kushida-san isn't the type to go around talking nonsense, I'm relieved. Almost forgot, you were the one who invited me, right... Is something the matter?" "Actually, it's nothing... I just wanted to make friends with the famous Kitazawa-kun. It was a pity we didn't meet last time." Kushida wiped the pearl-like tear from the corner of her eye and said. "Friends, huh... that's tricky. My standards for friends are very high. Can you guarantee that you won't betray me and will always look out for my best interests, Kushida? Otherwise, let's just forget it..." Just in case, I made things clear beforehand. "Don't underestimate me! Kitazawa-kun, I can do that. But for the sake of fairness, you have to do the same." This Kushida is really going all out to make friends; she's willing to accept any condition! "Alright, it just feels a bit strange..." "Heehee." Having added a friend, Kushida became happy again, and the events from just a moment ago vanished into thin air. "Then, Kushida-san, as a friend, you wouldn't mind providing me with some information about someone in your class, right? Don't worry, it has nothing to do with class competition, and I won't go around revealing it to others." I took advantage of the situation immediately, using her as a new friend without the slightest hesitation. You say that owing her a favor might mean I get used by her in return? Naive! I'm someone who can refuse and is quite eloquent, after all! "But, they are my friends too..." Kushida feigned hesitation. "It's not like I'm asking for any secrets... just trying to get a feel for the person." "Then that's no problem! Who does Kitazawa-kun want to ask about?" "Kiyotaka Ayanokoji." "Eh? Why Ayanokoji-kun?" Of course, it's because of Koenji, but it's better not to tell Kushida that. It's a different matter if she guesses it herself. "Just pure curiosity. Don't worry, I won't do anything to him." "Alright, but I need Kitazawa-kun to do me a favor too..." "What is it? It has to be something I can do and something that won't harm the class!" "No, no, it's just... I also want to make friends with Ryuen-san... look, can you help me?" "Ryuen? He has a bad temper and is quite the lecher! Are you sure you want to meet him?" I said bluntly. You're delivering yourself to his doorstep; if Ryuen can keep you in check, that would be great! It would save you from blabbing about Koenji everywhere. "Mm! It's fine!" Kushida really has a big heart. Is she playing some kind of high-difficulty collection game by trying to make friends with everyone? Does that make me an NPC? The kind that triggers the main quest, Gate of Opening... "Alright, I'll find an opportunity to help you." Since I'm the NPC and Kushida is the protagonist, I have no choice but to agree. "Great! Then I'll tell you all about Ayanokoji-kun! Of course, talking behind people's backs isn't good, so this is a secret between us!" "Got it. Tell me about Ayanokoji-kun then." Kaneda really sold me out back then! Why are you so practiced at this, Kushida? How many times have you done these kinds of shady deals!? "How should I put it? I first noticed Ayanokoji-kun because of Horikita-san." "Hm?" "Kitazawa-kun might not know this, but in our class, no one can actually get a few words in with Horikita-san." I see. With Kushida's collecting habit, she must want to achieve 100% completion, right? So Ayanokoji is the Gate of Opening NPC for the boss, Horikita... "Except for Ayanokoji? Could it be they've known each other for a long time?" "I thought so at first too, but it doesn't seem like it. They both say it's just a simple desk-mate relationship." "But what's so special about Ayanokoji that Horikita would be on such good terms with him?" "I'm not sure about that either, but I suspect Ayanokoji-kun is quite smart. Otherwise, Horikita-san wouldn't bother with him, right?" Kushida hesitated. "Smart, huh... I hadn't thought of that. I initially just assumed he was clinging to Horikita because he liked her... So they actually have a mutual appreciation for each other... Hmm, Kushida, you've been a huge help." Kushida says he's smart; how did she find that out? There must be something I don't know yet... No, I can't let him know about Koenji until I've fully investigated Ayanokoji's background. Perhaps I should change targets? Like this person right in front of me who already knows about Koenji? Sigh, but I can't trust her! A girl like her is too hard to deal with; she's even worse than Ayanokoji. "I'm glad I could help... Does Kitazawa-kun like Horikita-san? It was the same last time..." Kushida's curiosity was suddenly piqued. How could that be? Although I like elegant beauties, I don't like self-torture. It's no fun chasing someone who gives you the cold shoulder... But you reminded me, Kushida, why am I looking for a guy? Maybe I can find someone on the girls' side too? "Indeed, I admire that kind of elegant girl... but it's far from liking her. After all, we haven't even spoken; it's just pure curiosity... If I actually interacted with her, my impression might drop significantly. After all, she's someone without any friends."