Huh? You Want Me to Drop Out!

Arisu entered the restaurant, casually picked a seat, and sat down. Her delicate, adorable face immediately drew the attention of most of the boys there.

Of course, quite a few of them were thinking about going over to chat her up. But while they were still psyching themselves up,

a greasy-looking boy in a finely tailored suit sauntered over with a swagger.

Seeing Yamauchi make the first move, Ayanokoji turned to Satsu. "Is it really okay to let him go first? Whether he succeeds or not, this is going to make things harder for you."

Satsu didn't seem worried. "It's fine. I don't think I'll lose."

He said this, then elegantly cut off a piece of steak and popped it into his mouth, watching Arisu with interest.

"Miss, you're so lovely. Would you care to have dinner with me?"

Before Arisu could answer, Yamauchi pulled out the chair in front of her and sat down as if they were already acquainted. He straightened his collar, apparently trying to look more gentlemanly.

Arisu studied Yamauchi, then glanced at Satsu and the others on the other side. She spoke in a gentle voice.

"Won't your friends mind if you dine with me?"

Yamauchi seemed completely unconcerned. He spread his hands and said, "How could they compare to you?"

Then he propped his chin on one hand, flashed a meaningful smile, and raised an eyebrow at Arisu.

Looks like he's an idiot who'd betray his friends without a second thought for a woman. And he knows Kato Satsu, so maybe I can make use of him. (Sakayanagi Arisu)

Reading Arisu's thoughts, Satsu nearly choked. Things really hadn't gone according to plan.

He'd never imagined that Arisu would have a use for Yamauchi—and that it would have something to do with him.

Hey, hey! I don't know what you're planning to use him for, but that's not a great idea. I'd be in trouble if you gave him your contact information. (Kato Satsu)

Seeing the situation drifting away from what he'd expected, Satsu picked up a drink and slowly walked over.

Hmm? He's coming over here. Perfect! That saves me the trouble of finding a way to approach him. (Sakayanagi Arisu)

You want to approach me? Fine. Let's see what you're after. (Kato Satsu)

"My friend seems to have caused you a little trouble~" Satsu said as he came over to them.

"Honestly, we haven't gotten along too badly so far. I admire his confidence in thinking he's irresistible."

"Pfft!"

As soon as Arisu said this, someone at another table let out a mocking snort.

It was only one brief sound, but its meaning was unmistakable.

Yamauchi's face turned green. He sprang to his feet, about to lose his temper, then remembered his bet with Satsu.

I just bought this suit. If I have to pay for dinner tonight, I won't have enough money to get through the rest of the month. (Haruki Yamauchi)

He took a deep breath and composed himself before speaking again.

"Actually, I think a man should care more about what's on the inside. Looks are only skin-deep. I'm not like some people."

His pointed remark was so awkward that even Ayanokoji, sitting at a nearby table, shut his eyes in embarrassment.

Satsu's got this. That was the kind of desperate move you make when you're at your wit's end. (Ayanokoji Kiyotaka)

He really has no brains. (Kikyo Kushida)

He's made his intentions completely obvious, and the way he puts others down just shows how uncouth he is. (Haruka Hasebe)

Sure enough, Arisu didn't even look at Yamauchi again. She chatted with Satsu as if Yamauchi were invisible.

When no one paid him any attention, Yamauchi seemed to try to ease the awkwardness by casually pulling a napkin from the table.

After giving his nose a perfunctory wipe, he refused to give up. He slapped the table and shouted, "Hey! Don't ignore me!"

The loud bang made everyone in the restaurant jump.

"Man, you've got guts. I couldn't even watch. I've been single my whole life, and even I know you can't do that." (A boy watching from the sidelines)

"He went over there looking so confident. I thought he was some kind of expert, but this is all he's got?" (A boy quietly laughing at him)

Still, Yamauchi's outburst did draw Arisu's attention again. She turned slightly to look at him and said,

"Would you mind giving your seat to your friend? He's been standing here talking to me this whole time. He must be tired."

"Oh-ho-ho! That's our little princess Arisu for you!" (Kato Satsu)

Seeing that Arisu had humiliated him in front of everyone, Yamauchi finally snapped. He ignored the eyes on him and shouted in a near-frenzy,

"Who do you think you are!"

"Sir, you're disturbing the other guests."

A waiter hurried over and held Yamauchi gently, in case he tried to hit someone.

"Don't touch me with your hands! If you get this suit dirty, can you afford to pay for it?"

As the situation spiraled further out of control, more and more waiters began gathering nearby.

"Sir, please calm down, or we'll have to ask you to leave!"

To Yamauchi, the waiter's warning was no different from empty talk. He only finally calmed down when security arrived.

"Yamauchi, don't forget to pay the bill~" Satsu teased him as the restaurant staff decided to escort him out.

"Fine, I'll pay! You think I don't have money?"

"What! Fifty thousand points?!"

Yamauchi stared at the bill the waiter handed him, dumbfounded.

"Did you make a mistake? I'm only paying for my own meal."

"It's correct, sir. This is your bill alone. The dishes are all at your seat, so you can check for yourself," the waiter replied.

Yamauchi snatched the bill in disbelief and hurried back to his seat to check each item. It didn't take long for him to reach a crushing conclusion.

He really had ordered that much!

Aaah! I should've known better than to order so much. How am I supposed to get by for the rest of the month?! (Haruki Yamauchi)

After Yamauchi paid and left in a daze, Arisu finally spoke again.

"You really have terrible taste in friends. He's ruined the pleasure of my meal."

"Then do I have a chance to arrange a perfect dinner for you another time?"

As he spoke, Satsu held out his phone. Arisu didn't hesitate. She took it and entered her contact information.

"In that case, I'll look forward to it," Arisu replied with a smile.

Yes! My character-collection progress has advanced again! (Kato Satsu)

I got to talk to him so easily. Now, how do I get him to drop out? (Sakayanagi Arisu)

Huh? You want me to drop out?! (Kato Satsu)