There was a reason Ichinose Honami had asked that.
Recently, she'd heard some girls in Class B talking about Sakayanagi Arisu pursuing Chihaya Rei.
She'd also seen different girls around Chihaya Rei several times.
That was why the thought had occurred to her:
Chihaya probably had plenty of experience with romance.
"..."
Chihaya himself was rather taken aback by Ichinose Honami's sudden question.
So much so that his gaze toward her grew a little complicated.
How had Ichinose gotten such a mistaken impression of him?
He hadn't even gotten laid since coming to this school. He was still a good boy.
"Honami, what made you think that?"
Chihaya asked sincerely.
"Um..."
Having asked such a question, Ichinose's cheeks had taken on a slight blush.
"Because... I've seen you getting along well with lots of girls, Chihaya."
"Actually, I've never been in a relationship."
Chihaya shook his head and told her the truth.
"Huh? You've never dated anyone, Chihaya?"
A look of surprise appeared in Ichinose's eyes. "Then I misunderstood you. I'm sorry!"
She quickly bowed, the soft curves of her chest rising and falling.
"It's fine."
Chihaya chuckled. And, in order to earn Ichinose's trust so she'd let him handle the problem, he slowly added:
"But don't worry. If you want advice about romance, feel free to ask me anything."
"I've never been in a relationship, but that doesn't mean I lack experience."
Chihaya glanced into the distance, the corner of his mouth lifting slightly.
"Don't forget, I'm in a band. There are all kinds of messy relationships between men and women in bands. Even if it's not romantic, I've seen some pretty niche preferences."
"I'm best at handling complicated relationships like these."
Chihaya spoke with confidence.
Back then, there had been a blond guy in his band whose views on romance had gone badly off track.
But without a doubt, Chihaya had tortured him back into shape.
"Really?!"
Ichinose's clear eyes lit up, and her voice was filled with delight.
"Then... I'll get straight to the point."
She made up her mind.
She thought she couldn't go wrong by talking this over with Chihaya. What he'd just said had sounded truly professional to her!
"Actually, a few days ago, I received a special love letter."
Ichinose pressed her lips together and began to explain what had happened, her voice gentle and a little embarrassed.
If it had been an ordinary confession, Ichinose was confident she could have handled it herself.
She'd turned people down before.
But this time was different.
By comparing the handwriting on the confession letter, Ichinose had guessed who wanted to confess to her...
"The person who wants to confess to me this time is different from the others..."
"So I've been hesitating for a long time. I don't know how to handle it without hurting her."
"If only there were a way for everyone to be happy."
Ichinose let out a soft sigh, her face clouded with worry.
"The person who wants to confess to you is Shiranami Chihiro, isn't she?"
Beside her, Chihaya revealed the answer without hesitation as soon as she finished speaking.
"Eh??"
"How did you know, Chihaya?"
Ichinose was startled. Her pretty face filled with surprise.
If she could resolve the problem without revealing Shiranami Chihiro's name, she'd wanted to keep Chihiro's secret.
But now...
Sorry, Chihiro...
Could Chihaya have seen Chihiro putting the love letter in her shoe locker?
Ichinose kept her eyes fixed on Chihaya, blinking as she considered the possibilities.
Chihaya's gaze swept calmly over her face as he replied:
"From the first time we met, I knew Shiranami had unusual feelings for you."
"..."
Ichinose's lips parted, and her beautiful eyes forgot to blink.
For a moment, she didn't know what to say.
But she couldn't help thinking how impressive he was...
So she really had picked the right person to ask for advice?!
"Since the start of the school year, you've always looked after Shiranami, haven't you, Honami?"
Chihaya continued, gazing into her eyes. It was as if he could see his own reflection in them.
Ichinose came back to herself and explained gently:
"Yeah. Chihiro's a little shy, and she's pretty sensitive, too. I was worried she wouldn't be able to fit in with the class."
Chihaya nodded in agreement and shared his insight:
"It was while you were helping her so warmly that Shiranami's feelings for you changed into something else."
"But that's not what we need to focus on right now."
Chihaya suddenly shifted gears and asked:
"Let me make sure. You definitely aren't into girls, are you, Honami?"
"Of course not!"
Ichinose shook her head with a sweet smile. Her pink hair swayed from side to side.
It seemed she didn't want Chihaya to get any strange ideas about her.
She was rather conservative, and still couldn't accept this kind of niche relationship.
"So you need to turn her down."
Chihaya stated it matter-of-factly.
"That's what I thought, too."
Ichinose nodded in agreement and tidied the hair that had fallen in front of her face.
Her expression turned troubled.
"But how should I turn her down?"
She looked up at Chihaya, hoping for a perfect answer.
"Shiranami worked up the courage to tell you how she feels, so you should give her a serious answer."
Chihaya said this lightly at first.
But soon, his tone grew firm, even stern.
"When you answer her, I think you need to reject her clearly, Honami. Don't leave her the slightest hope."
"Huh?"
Ichinose froze. Biting her moist lower lip, she hesitated.
"But... wouldn't that be too harsh?"
"What if Chihiro gets hurt because of this..."
"That's your weakness, Honami."
Chihaya cut in suddenly, his deep gaze seeming to see right through her.
He spoke with a hint of regret:
"You're too kind. Even the way you handle things reflects that kindness, and kindness is a wonderful quality."
"But not everything can be solved by being kind."
[Torture Ichinose Honami, obtained 2500 Torture Points] [Current torture progress: 92%. Reach 100% to unlock reward.]
"Like this."
"..."
Ichinose listened, momentarily stunned.
Since coming to this school, this was the first time anyone had seriously criticized her for being too kind.
She gave a somewhat sheepish smile and said softly:
"I can't really argue with that."
Chihaya had his reasons for saying this, and he explained:
"Think about it. If you don't turn Shiranami down clearly, firmly, and seriously this time..."
"She might still cling to hope and keep thinking of you romantically..."
"Then tell me, what will you do when she confesses to you again? And again after that? Even a third time?"
Chihaya went straight to the heart of the matter:
"You're not someone who easily changes her mind, are you? Especially when it comes to choosing someone to date."
"Mm..."
Ichinose nodded instinctively.
Even if Shiranami Chihiro confessed to her again later, she would still turn her down.
"So instead of letting Shiranami get hurt again and again, it's better to help her face reality once and for all."
"That's the only way to put an end to it."
Chihaya declared this with a serious expression.
Ichinose fell silent, her expression complicated. After a long moment, she raised her fingers, which she hadn't realized she'd clenched, and looked at Chihaya.
"You're right, Chihaya. This isn't something I can solve by being kind. I'll firmly reject Chihiro."
"By the way, what should I do so Chihiro won't hold on to any hope?"
Ichinose asked seriously.
Chihaya let out a breath and said meaningfully:
"You can use me for this, Honami."
"Eh?!"
Ichinose's blue eyes trembled as she immediately thought of a possibility.
Before this, the thought had crossed her mind, too.
She could pretend she already had someone she cared about and use that as an excuse to turn Shiranami Chihiro down.
"Do you mean you'll pretend to be my boyfriend, Chihaya?"
She spoke softly, her face flushed as she lowered her head. She couldn't see the tips of her shoes.
"Exactly." Chihaya nodded.
"But what about Classmate Sakayanagi...?"
Ichinose's expression turned a little strange. She was clearly concerned.
"Sakayanagi and I have nothing going on. Those are just rumors."
Chihaya shook his head and explained casually.
He couldn't help wondering how many people believed the rumor that Sakayanagi Arisu was pursuing him.
How far had the rumor spread?
When would it turn into a rumor that Sakayanagi Arisu had been rejected by Chihaya Rei again and again?
Hearing Chihaya say this, Ichinose lifted her head again, seeming relieved.
She instinctively patted her chest.
Since she didn't have to worry about causing a misunderstanding with Sakayanagi Arisu...
And Chihaya himself had agreed, she could indeed use him as her pretend boyfriend.
Ichinose took a deep breath, then said gratefully:
"Okay. Then I'll be counting on you this time, Chihaya."
"Mm."
After answering, Chihaya asked:
"When is Shiranami planning to confess to you?"
"Today..."
Ichinose tilted her head in embarrassment.
She'd actually put off such an important question until today. She felt awful about it, too.
"What time?"
"Six o'clock."
"Then we need to hurry over now, right?"
Chihaya Rei glanced at the time and said.
"Yes."
A slightly embarrassed smile appeared on Ichinose Honami's face.
"I'll have to trouble you to come with me, Chihaya-kun. I feel a little bad about suddenly dragging you into such a troublesome situation."
"It's no trouble."
Chihaya Rei's lips curved slightly. "Friends should help each other."
Besides, he had his own reasons for going.
Shiranami Chihiro, I'll make sure you don't come back!
Before you continue