Why is Makoto Nishikado so bad!

Yuki Himeno opened her mouth, but not a single word could escape.

She could only glare at Makoto Nishikado, who stood before her with an expression that screamed "I'm doing this for your own good." The frustration in her chest felt like a blockage, unable to rise or fall.

The images from last night flooded into her mind, uncontrollable.

Honami Ichinose's laughter still echoed in her ears, and the enthusiasm of the Class B crowd had washed over her like a tidal wave.

For three and a half hours straight, one gathering ended only for the next to begin, and then the one after that.

When she finally returned to her dorm, she collapsed onto her bed, lacking the strength to even move a muscle.

If she had to live like this for the next three years, she truly wouldn't be able to take it.

It seemed that only by accepting Makoto Nishikado's invitation could she steal a moment of peace for herself.

"Think about it. If you just agree, then from now on, you'll only be pestered by me."

"Whenever I don't have errands for you to run, you'll be completely free."

"When the time comes, you can use my name as a shield to get some rest for yourself. Wouldn't that be wonderful?"

Makoto Nishikado continued to coax her gently.

The system notifications proved that his rhetoric was highly effective.

"What do you mean by 'only be pestered by me' from now on?"

Yuki Himeno couldn't listen anymore; her cheeks flushed slightly, her tone laced with a mix of shyness and annoyance.

That sounded far too suggestive—the tire tracks were practically running over her face, yet he claimed he wasn't driving!

What was even more infuriating was that she was actually tempted.

The mere thought of being able to openly decline those activities she didn't want to attend made her waver.

Besides, Makoto Nishikado was indeed quite impressive—Yuki Himeno was referring specifically to his complete lack of regard for reading the room.

Yesterday, when Class B was having their gathering, they had naturally invited Makoto Nishikado as well.

She still remembered the scene: Honami Ichinose had smiled with her eyes curved into crescents, warmly inviting him, "Ximen-kun, come play with us! Everyone is here."

Makoto Nishikado, however, had refused quite casually, without a hint of apology on his face. "No thanks, I have other things to do."

With that, he turned and walked away, giving Honami Ichinose and the others no chance to press the invitation further. His composure and decisiveness made Yuki Himeno incredibly envious.

Yuki Himeno wanted to learn how to be like that—to stop caring about others' opinions and bravely refuse the things she didn't want to do.

"Fine, but you can't order me around for more than two hours a day."

Yuki Himeno finally relented, holding up two fingers as she spoke earnestly.

If a boy pestered her for more than two hours, it would start to get annoying.

"It's a deal, then."

"Wait a second, you don't actually have feelings for me, do you?"

Yuki Himeno suddenly thought of something and asked with a frown.

"Yuki is certainly quite charming, but this is truly for business."

Makoto Nishikado smiled, not entirely denying it.

"...Ximen, you look like a total playboy." Yuki Himeno pursed her lips, her tone certain.

She wasn't good at dealing with boys like him.

"Don't slander me; I've never even been in a relationship."

Makoto Nishikado's expression changed instantly.

How could this little sidekick accuse him of such things out of thin air?

He was just all talk, rich in theoretical knowledge, but his practical experience was truly zero.

"For real?"

Yuki Himeno's deadpan eyes widened.

"...No, is this really that shocking to you?"

Makoto Nishikado looked at her, speechless.

You're giving me this many emotional points all at once for such a trivial matter—what's that supposed to mean?

"Forget it, I'll forgive you this time. Come on, let's exchange contact info."

In the end, Makoto Nishikado didn't hold a grudge against Yuki Himeno.

After all, she was a sidekick he had chosen himself, and even if she was infuriating, she was still useful.

Having settled things with Yuki Himeno, Makoto Nishikado turned his head to search for his next target.

Soon, he spotted a girl with long, black hair.

Horikita Suzune stood in the corner, her posture straight and her face devoid of expression, as if the surrounding bustle had nothing to do with her.

"Hi, Suzune!"

Makoto Nishikado immediately walked up to her.

Not far away, Yuki Himeno watched this scene unfold, curled her lip, and muttered under her breath, "And he says he's not a playboy? He just finished with me and is already off to find someone else."

On the other side, Makoto Nishikado was naturally unaware that Yuki Himeno was still slandering him, and he approached Horikita Suzune with enthusiasm.

If he were looking for a girlfriend, he certainly wouldn't choose someone of Horikita Suzune's type.

But when it came to earning emotion points, Horikita Suzune was truly an excellent experience pack.

"Hmph."

Horikita Suzune noticed Makoto Nishikado approaching and merely let out a cold snort, not even sparing him a glance.

She still remembered how Makoto Nishikado hadn't answered her question last time, teasing her and then walking away immediately after.

Now was the perfect opportunity to pay him back.

Her attitude was a clear case of "you don't bird me, I don't bird you!"

Even though Makoto Nishikado had somehow learned her name and deliberately called it out so affectionately, she ignored him entirely.

However, since Makoto Nishikado dared to approach her, he naturally had ways to provoke her emotions.

"The Student Council president also has the surname Horikita; is he your brother?"

Good heavens!

The amount of emotion points this time was the largest single transaction he had ever received!

After reading the system prompt, the look in Makoto Nishikado's eyes as he gazed at Horikita Suzune softened instantly.

Horikita Suzune was truly a precious treasure who loved her brother dearly!

"You, what are you spouting nonsense about!"

The Zen of Silence that Horikita Suzune had been practicing was instantly broken, and she turned to glare fiercely at Makoto Nishikado.

Upon noticing the softness in Makoto Nishikado's eyes, she felt quite bewildered.

Wasn't this guy just provoking her a moment ago? What was the meaning of this look?

"Don't worry, I won't tell anyone, and I certainly won't use this relationship to threaten you."

Makoto Nishikado waved his hand, his tone sincere, as if he were truly looking out for her.

"So you're saying you intend to use my affairs to threaten my brother?"

Horikita Suzune thought she had caught a loophole in Makoto Nishikado's words and stared at him with sharp eyes.

"Hm? So that means he really is your brother?"

Makoto Nishikado asked, feigning surprise.

"..."

Only then did Horikita Suzune realize that Makoto Nishikado hadn't been certain of her relationship with her brother Horikita Manabu and had been testing her just now.

The reason she had been exposed was that she had been hooked by Makoto Nishikado, the fisherman.

How could this person be so wicked!

Horikita Suzune didn't speak, but her glare was incredibly fierce.

"Looking at that temper of yours, your brother must be quite worried about you."

Makoto Nishikado ignored Horikita Suzune's gaze, his tone relaxed.

Based on his experience, Horikita Suzune hadn't reached her breaking point yet and could be provoked further.

"That's none of your business, and change how you address me."

Horikita Suzune lowered her voice, filled with resentment.

She truly didn't want her relationship with Horikita Manabu to be exposed.

In her current state, she felt that her existence was an embarrassment to Horikita Manabu, the Student Council president.

If others were to find out and cause trouble for her brother Horikita Manabu, she would even consider dropping out of school.

"It's time for the Student Council president to take the stage."