That's right, we're already dating

"Shinomiya, why did Kushida come out of your room? I take it she wasn't looking for something she'd lost this time."

Outside the dorm, Ju Ji ran into Ayanokoji. Ever since the two of them had been caught in his room together, Kikyo had made sure to return to her own room early after waking Ju Ji.

Although they lived on the same floor, nobody had noticed that Kikyo came to wake Ju Ji every day... probably. Knowing Ayanokoji, even if he had noticed, he wouldn't say anything.

"Why would you think that, Ayanokoji?"

"No, you two have a completely different vibe now. If I'm wrong, then... sorry in advance, but are you two dating?"

Even now, Ayanokoji's voice showed no change in emotion. He seemed to be asking only because he was curious.

"No... Ju and I—"

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

Kikyo had seemed about to deny it, probably to spare Ju Ji's feelings. But though Ju Ji had a nasty personality, he wasn't a scumbag. He had agreed to those conditions, so he would take responsibility for them. He might regret it someday, but if he didn't say it now, he would probably keep running away from it. That wouldn't be fair to Kikyo.

"Ju Ji... I'm sorry, Ayanokoji. I was so embarrassed that I wanted to keep it a secret. We really are dating, but could you please not spread the word? It would definitely cause trouble for everyone."

"Okay, I understand, Kushida. I'll do my best to keep it quiet."

Even Ayanokoji knew how popular Kikyo was in class. He could already imagine how much people would talk once the news got out. But could the two of them really keep it a secret in their current state? Ayanokoji couldn't help wondering. That was why he had said he would do his best.

Kikyo's expression, how close she stood to Ju Ji, and the casual, affectionate gestures all showed how deep their feelings were. It hadn't been so obvious before, but now it was probably all out in the open. Even now, Kikyo was unconsciously tugging at Ju Ji's sleeve. Was there something wrong with these two? Ayanokoji couldn't help wondering.

"What is it, Ayanokoji?"

"Nothing. The elevator's here. Let's go up."

The moment the elevator doors opened, Ayanokoji spotted someone familiar. Her sharp gaze and unapproachable air brought a thought to his mind: Oh no. Of all people, I had to run into her. All he could do now was pray she hadn't noticed.

"Ju Ji, Kikyo, Ayanokoji. It's unusual to see you all together."

Since Ju Ji and Kikyo had deliberately avoided Ayanokoji, the three of them had almost never ended up together. There was simply no need for them to avoid him anymore.

"Is that so? Maybe it just happened by chance today. Since we're here, Horikita, why don't you join us?"

"Sure. I happen to have something I want to talk to Ju Ji about."

Suzune readily accepted Kikyo's warm invitation. To her, it was probably just an ordinary invitation. There was nothing unusual about it, but Ayanokoji's mouth began to twitch. He couldn't wait to get out of there.

"Sorry, I just remembered I have something urgent to take care of. I have to hurry to the library, so I'm afraid I can't go with you today."

As soon as they left the dorm, Ayanokoji came up with an excuse on the spot and sprinted away, as if something terrifying were chasing him.

"That's strange. Is Ayanokoji usually like this?"

"I don't know. He doesn't stand out in class."

"Maybe he really had something urgent to do."

Because of Ju Ji, Ayanokoji hadn't been singled out by Teacher Chabashira and forced into taking on extra work. As a result, he had gotten the ordinary first-year life he had been hoping for. He had even made friends, but his presence in class was surprisingly faint—like Sakura before she had changed. No, he stood out even less than Sakura. Maybe most of the class hadn't even remembered his name.

"By the way, Suzune, what did you want to talk to me about?"

"Oh, right. Ju Ji, are you free in a couple of days? My brother said he wanted to meet with you to discuss something. It won't take too long, just half a day."

Suzune seemed a little embarrassed that her brother kept imposing on Ju Ji. She fidgeted, a rare sight from her. It was a nice little change of pace.

"Um, Horikita, could I come along too? If it's something important, I could help come up with ideas."

"Well... I suppose so. I'll ask my brother about it."

Since Ju Ji had helped smooth things over between them, Suzune and Kikyo—who could never have become friends in the original story—had unexpectedly gotten along well. They weren't particularly close, but they were closer than ordinary friends. So Suzune didn't turn down Kikyo's request. And just like that, the three of them settled on plans for the weekend two days later.

"By the way, have you two always been this close?"

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

"Sorry, I forgot to tell you... Ow... No, it's nothing. Anyway, in a few days we're going on a trip to an island surrounded by the sea. I'm really looking forward to it."

Ju Ji had been about to tell Suzune that he and Kikyo had started dating. Since Suzune was his friend, there was no reason to hide it from her. But Kikyo pinched him on the waist, cutting him off with a burst of pain. Then he saw her shake her head. He didn't know why, but Ju Ji decided to follow her lead and change the subject.

"I don't think this school will be kind enough to let us enjoy our vacation in peace."

"That's true. This school never lets things get boring. I just hope they don't take things too far. I want to really enjoy this island trip."

"Really enjoy it? I think you just want to see all the pretty girls in swimsuits."

Horikita still remembered how Ju Ji and the other boys had shouted when Teacher Chabashira told them they were going on a trip to the island. Their fervor had made their desires perfectly clear.

"Suzune, you've got the wrong idea. With cute girls like Kikyo, Sakura, and you around, I don't need to look at anyone else."

"So you're not denying that you want to see girls in swimsuits. I think I understand what you're after."

Ju Ji had been ready for Suzune to hit him without mercy or stab him with a compass. But to his surprise, nothing happened this time...