That's Right, We Have Already Started Dating

"Shinomiya, why is Kushida coming out of your room? I assume this isn't about looking for lost items again."

Outside the dormitory, Ju Ji ran into Ayanokoji. Ever since the two of them had been caught together in the room, Kikyo would always return to her own room early after waking Ju Ji up.

Although they lived on the same floor, the fact that Kikyo came to wake Ju Ji up every day had still gone unnoticed... probably. Given Ayanokoji's personality, he likely wouldn't say anything even if he had figured it out.

"Why would you think that, Ayanokoji?"

"No, the atmosphere between you two is completely different now. If I've guessed wrong... I apologize in advance, but are you two dating?"

Ayanokoji's voice remained devoid of any emotional fluctuation, even now. It seemed as though he was simply asking a question that had crossed his mind.

"No... Ju Ji and I..."

"That's right, Ayanokoji. Kikyo and I are dating."

Kikyo seemed to want to deny it, likely to spare Ju Ji's feelings. But while Ju Ji had a wicked personality, he wasn't a scumbag. Since he had already agreed to those terms, he would shoulder the corresponding responsibilities. Perhaps he would regret it later, but if he didn't say it now, he would likely keep running away forever. That would be incredibly unfair to Kikyo.

"Ju Ji... I'm sorry. Ayanokoji, we were just too shy and wanted to keep it hidden. We are indeed dating, but could you please not spread it around? It would definitely cause trouble for everyone otherwise."

"I understand, Kushida. I'll do my best to help keep it a secret."

Even Ayanokoji knew how popular Kikyo was in the class. He could already imagine what a massive topic of conversation this would become if it got out. But could they really keep it hidden in their current state? Ayanokoji couldn't help but feel skeptical. That was why he had said he would try his best.

Kikyo's expression, the distance between her and Ju Ji, the inadvertent intimate gestures—all of these likely reflected the depth of their feelings. It hadn't been very obvious before, but now, it was probably fully exposed. Even now, Kikyo was subconsciously tugging at the corner of Ju Ji's shirt. Is everything really okay with these two? Ayanokoji couldn't help but wonder.

"What's wrong, Ayanokoji?"

"No, nothing. The elevator is here, let's go up."

The moment the elevator doors opened, Ayanokoji saw a familiar face. That sharp gaze and the "stay away" aura she radiated made a thought flash through his mind: Crap, I ran into the one person I didn't want to see. Now he could only pray she hadn't noticed anything.

"Ju Ji, Kikyo, Ayanokoji. It's truly rare to see you three together."

Because Ju Ji and Kikyo had been consciously avoiding Ayanokoji, it was basically impossible for the three of them to end up together. Now, there was simply no need for that anymore.

"Is that so? Maybe it's just a coincidence today. In that case, Horikita, let's go together."

"Sure, I actually have something I wanted to discuss with Ju Ji anyway."

Suzune accepted Kikyo's warm invitation without hesitation. From her perspective, this was just a normal invitation. There was no problem at all, but the corner of Ayanokoji's mouth began to twitch. He couldn't wait to leave this space.

"Sorry, I just remembered I have an urgent matter to attend to. I need to head to the library immediately. I'm afraid I can't join you today."

As soon as they stepped out of the dormitory building, Ayanokoji made up a random excuse and ran off at full speed, as if something terrifying were chasing him.

"Strange, is Ayanokoji usually like this?"

"I don't know, he doesn't really have much of a presence in class."

"Maybe he really did have an emergency."

Because of Ju Ji, Ayanokoji hadn't been dragged out by Teacher Chabashira to do manual labor. As a result, he had successfully lived the ordinary life he yearned for during his first year. He had also managed to make friends, though his presence in the class was unexpectedly low. It was just like Sakura before she changed. No, even lower than Sakura's. Perhaps most of the students in the class didn't even remember his name.

"Speaking of which, Suzune, what did you want to talk to me about?"

"Oh, that. Do you have any time in two days, Ju Ji? My brother said he wanted to meet with you to discuss a few things. It won't take too long, just half a day."

Suzune seemed a bit embarrassed about her brother constantly bothering Ju Ji. Her movements were a bit fidgety, a rare sight for her. It was a nice bit of daily flavor, all things considered.

"Um, Horikita, could I join in on that too? In case it's something important, I might be able to help offer some advice."

"That... I suppose that's fine. I'll mention it to my brother when the time comes."

Come to think of it, thanks to Ju Ji's mediation, Suzune and Kikyo—who would have been unable to become friends in the original story—were getting along surprisingly well. While they weren't exactly intimate friends, they were better than mere acquaintances. That was why Suzune didn't refuse Kikyo's request. And just like that, the plans for the three of them for the weekend two days later were set.

"Speaking of which, are you two usually this close?"

"How could that be? This is just how we always are. You're overthinking it, Horikita."

"Sorry, I forgot to tell you... ouch... no, it's nothing. Speaking of which, we're going to an island surrounded by the sea for a trip in a few days. I'm really looking forward to it."

Ju Ji had originally intended to tell Suzune that he and Kikyo had started dating. Since Suzune was his friend, there was no need to hide it. But halfway through, he felt Kikyo pinch the flesh at his waist, and his words were cut off by the pain. Then he saw Kikyo shaking her head. Although he didn't know why, Ju Ji chose to follow her advice and changed the subject instead.

"I don't think this school is kind enough to let us enjoy a vacation in peace."

"That's true. This school never lets you feel bored. I just hope it's not too excessive. I'd like to fully enjoy this island trip."

"Fully enjoy? I think you just want to see those pretty girls in their swimsuits."

Horikita still remembered the shouts Ju Ji and the other boys had let out when Teacher Chabashira announced the island trip, as well as the intense, overwhelming aura they had projected. It had fully displayed their desires.

"You've misunderstood me, Suzune. With such cute girls as Kikyo, Sakura, and you around, I don't need to look at anyone else."

"In other words, you didn't deny the thought of wanting to see girls in swimsuits at all. I've pretty much figured out your intentions."

Ju Ji had been prepared for Suzune to strike him mercilessly or stab him with a compass, but to his surprise, nothing happened this time...