Apologies, Questions, and Hirata's Concerns

N At this moment, outside the coffee shop--

"Ichinose, Shiina, have you found where Hoshino-kun is?"

Standing in front of that familiar coffee shop, Sakayanagi Arisu a mix of relief and helplessness.

Fortunately, this wasn't a coffee shop with private rooms, so eavesdropping wouldn't be too difficult for them; but this place was basically only frequented by girls with big spending power. Could the person Hoshino Shiina Hoshino En and come here alone for a date really be a boy?

According to her information, the only people who are on good terms with Hoshino-kun and have the spare money to spend here are herself and Ichinose from Class A, Kamuro Shiranami Class B, and Shiina from Class C.

But most of these people are here. Kamuro was sent by her to make arrangements for Sakura, and Shiranami —according to Ichinose, she is currently attending a study session at the library.

So, who exactly invited Hoshino-kun? And who is this Stealing Cat who came along this time??

Could it be that third-year Student Council senior?

"Found it, Classmate Sakayanagi."

The taller Ichinose Honami was the first to find Hoshino En, but when she looked at the [Stealing Cat] opposite Hoshino En, her expression was very strange.

"But... Hoshino-kun probably has something on his mind today, so it's best if we don't bother him."

Following her gaze, Shiina Hiyori also saw Hoshino En's current state, and the worry on her face immediately lessened considerably.

"I think so too. Hoshino-kun seems pretty busy. We can talk about my business another day."

Their immediate change of heart left Sakayanagi Arisu speechless.

"Huh? Ichinose, Shiina, what do you mean by this?"

Because she was small, she couldn't see what was going on inside, so she was still confused.

"Why did you suddenly change your story? Who is that 'Stealing Cat'?"

Ichinose Honami & Shiina Hiyori: "..."

"The person who invited Hoshino-kun was Hirata from his class; they were probably talking about the dispute with Class C."

To prevent Sakayanagi Arisu from causing trouble, Ichinose Honami explained, her words causing Shiina Hiyori's eyes to dim slightly.

But instead of fading away as Ichinose Honami had expected, Sakayanagi Arisu became even more excited.

"Are you talking about the dispute? Is Hoshino-kun really going to get involved in class affairs??"

Her expression was even more animated than when she was catching the mistress.

Moreover, Ichinose Honami also heard her mutter a soft "beep".

"His phone call at noon was definitely a cover-up. Was he trying to launch a sneak attack while I wasn't paying attention? Interesting."

Sister, what are you thinking about?!

But before she could say anything, she heard Sakayanagi Arisu instigating Shiina Hiyori in this way.

"Shiina, Hirata- kun knows about your close relationship with Hoshino-kun. Now that such a big thing has happened in Class D and Class C, what if Hirata- kun is trying to persuade Hoshino-kun to keep his distance from you? What do you think he should do?"

"Right now, Hoshino-kun might still be struggling with this, but if Hirata -kun keeps relentlessly persuading him, then to avoid trouble, he might really distance himself from you, or even cut off all contact—because the reason would be perfectly legitimate, and you wouldn't even have a chance to argue."

"When that time really comes, will you still be able to say 'we'll talk about it another day'?"

These words struck a chord with Shiina Hiyori, and a clear wavering appeared on her face instantly.

"Then we can ask Hoshino-kun later!"

Ichinose Honami immediately interjected, trying to correct Sakayanagi Arisu Shiina Hiyori.

"Even if he is persuaded by Hirata to stop associating with the people in Class C, he wouldn't cut off all ties with me—my Class B helped Class D before, so Hirata can't possibly stop him from associating with me. I'll clear things up for you then."

Are you sure Hoshino-kun will still believe Shiina then?

Sakayanagi Arisu looked at Ichinose Honami, refusing to back down in the slightest.

"The Dragon Boy went so far this time, how do you know Hoshino-kun won't label the entire Class C as having 'malicious intentions' because of it? What if he thinks you were 'deceived' by Shiina?"

After saying that, she looked at Shiina Hiyori and delivered the final blow.

"What if he thinks that your previous interactions were also a deliberate attempt by you to get close to him with ulterior motives?"

Upon hearing this, Shiina Hiyori's face showed a look of fear.

Taking this opportunity, Sakayanagi Arisu, leaning on her cane, slowly leaned against Shiina Hiyori, her lips close to her ear, uttering her last sharp words.

"Once suspicion arises, the charges will be established, and you will lose Hoshino -kun forever~"

Her words, like the whispers of a demon, instantly shattered Shiina Hiyori's last line of defense.

Shiina Hiyori: "..."

"Why don't we go inside and take a look?"

She looked at Ichinose Honami and asked, as if seeking her opinion.

Ichinose Honami: "..."

Since you've already wavered, what's the point of me objecting? Classmate Sakayanagi just wants someone who can go in with her!

However, well, Hoshino-kun's current state is partly due to Classmate Sakayanagi's guidance and indulgence. Why don't we take advantage of their presence and have a proper talk about it?

If a girl as gentle and delicate as Classmate Sakayanagi were to set her mind to seducing him, even if Hoshino-kun were as pure and innocent as he is, he wouldn't be able to resist, right?

Educating Hoshino-kun alone is not enough!

Under this kind of [self-hypnosis], Ichinose Honami also vaguely followed Sakayanagi Arisu and Shiina Hiyori into the coffee shop.

First Semester of First Year:

Chapters 122 and 114: Apology, Problem, Hirata's Concerns

Because she was sitting with her back to the store entrance, Hoshino En didn't notice the three people who had sneaked in.

He waited quietly for Hirata Yosuke's question.

After a long while, once the three of them had sat down diagonally behind Hoshino En, ordered their desserts, and even after all their food had arrived, Hirata Yosuke finally asked his [question].

He braced his hands on the dining table and bowed his head toward Hoshino En.

"First of all, I apologize for what happened to Yamauchi. I'm sorry, and I hope you will stop targeting him."

Lin's initial apology left Hoshino En in a bind.

"Why are you apologizing for his mistake? And why are you apologizing to me? I haven't lost anything."

However, Hirata Yosuke did not speak or look up; he remained in the posture of bowing his head in apology, clearly not believing Hoshino En's explanation.

Hoshino En: "..."

"Okay, I admit I'm a bit biased against him. But as long as he doesn't cause trouble or randomly target others in the future, I won't do anything to him."

"You see, before he jumped out today, I didn't do anything to him, did I?"

Upon hearing this, Hirata Yosuke straightened up again, and the gloom on his face dissipated somewhat.

"I will keep him in check from now on, please don't worry."

Wu was extremely worried.

"It's easier to change mountains Hoshino En than to change one's nature," Hoshino En thought that Yamauchi would settle down afterward.

As long as the other party continues to make moves, he can't guarantee that he won't retaliate against them.

But for now, let's just go along with Hirata's wishes; it wouldn't be good if he started targeting us.

"No problem, as long as you keep him in check, I won't bother with him for no reason. I'm very busy every day."

"However, the person he should apologize to the most is Sudo. You'd better try to mediate and prevent them from arguing again."

"I see!"

A happy smile appeared on Hirata Yosuke's face.

I'm so glad that Hoshino -san doesn't mind this!

After the issue of Yamauchi Haruki was resolved, Hirata Yosuke fell silent again.

He held the coffee he had ordered in both hands, his gaze lingering on the latte art on the surface, as if carefully considering his next words.

Meanwhile, the three people eavesdropping—

What were Hoshino-kun Hirata- kun talking about? Who is [Yamauchi]?

Although the fact that they weren't talking about [cutting off ties with other classes] relieved the literature-loving girl, she still couldn't help but be curious about it.

Meanwhile, Sakayanagi Arisu and Ichinose Honami each sent messages to their [hands and feet] and [good friends].

Sakayanagi Arisu: [Ask Sakura, what happened in Class D this morning? What did that guy named Yamauchi do?]

Ichinose Honami: [Kushida, I think I heard a really loud [bang--] sound downstairs this morning. Was it something that happened in your Class D this morning?]

Soon, before Hirata Yosuke could start the second topic, they received a reply from someone connected to them.

Although the responses they received had slightly different focuses due to the subjective impressions of the relayers, both replies conveyed the same meaning— Hoshino En was angry, extremely angry, because of that Yamauchi.

Sakayanagi Arisu: No wonder Hoshino-kun was so aggressive at noon, it turns out he was holding back his anger.

Ichinose Honami: Hoshino-kun is such a nice guy, it must be that [Yamauchi] did something wrong to make Hoshino-kun angry and annoyed, it must be the other person's fault!

Shiina Hiyori: Is Hoshino-kun in a bad mood today?

The three who had reached their conclusions exchanged glances, and although they had different thoughts, none of them made any concrete moves on the surface.

They continued eavesdropping.

"Also, there's the matter of Karuizawa."

After taking a sip of coffee, Hirata Yosuke looked up at Hoshino En, his expression shifting to a calm and serious one.

"Was it your idea for her to step forward this time?"

As expected, such misunderstandings can occur.

Hoshino En felt a wave of weariness wash over her.

That's true. After all, he and Karuizawa worked together to deal with Yamauchi that morning. While Yamauchi was certainly in the wrong first, from Hirata's perspective, there's also the suspicion that he and Karuizawa were manipulating the class, one openly and the other covertly.

But regarding Hirata's concern, he could assure him—he absolutely did not mean it that way.

"This is her own idea; I have no intention of interfering in class affairs." Lin

"Tsk." Qi

"But you in the morning—"

"I'm simply annoyed by [Yamauchi's attack on Sudo], but that doesn't mean I'm willing to go to great lengths to help Sudo. Besides..."

Wait, didn't someone just click their tongue in annoyance?

The sound was quiet, but the timbre was very familiar. It came from behind... Ba

Hoshino En abruptly turned her head, looking in the direction from which the sound had come. (Umbrella)

Then--three

Shiina Hiyori, with long, silver-white hair, stared blankly at him; Ichinose Honami, her cheeks puffed out as if she were holding her breath, also looked in his direction; and Sakayanagi Arisu, her face slightly gloomy...

Hoshino En: "..."

What's going on? Why are these three completely unrelated people involved?

Noticing his movement, Ichinose Honami immediately turned her gaze away, her cheeks slowly flushing red; Sakayanagi Arisu stared at him without any attempt to hide it, even glaring back at him; Shiina Hiyori, on the other hand, belatedly snapped to attention, her cheeks turning bright red in an instant.

Seeing their reaction, Hoshino En immediately looked away.

Shiina and Ichinose seem relatively normal; they've probably been misled by Sakayanagi. But Sakayanagi... did she get shot? Did he go too far at lunch?

But he had asked her beforehand, and she didn't object, did she?

No, no, we need to deal with Hirata now, we can't let anything else interfere.

He shook his head, banishing the three people who were secretly spying from his mind.

"In short, Karuizawa's desire to lead the class was not authorized by me. If you are dissatisfied, please go directly to her."

Hoshino En picked up the glass and took a sip of ice water; the cold sensation cooled down her agitated mood.

"I didn't mean to object, I just... I just didn't want anyone in the class to get hurt."

After much deliberation, Hirata Yosuke finally revealed his true thoughts.

"We're all classmates, it's wrong to hurt each other. Karuizawa doesn't get along well with most of the boys, so I'm a little worried about having her lead the class."