"Perhaps Natsukawa simply didn't have the time to deal with complicated interpersonal relationships..." Perhaps because she had once shared the same plight, Yukino Yukinoshita spoke up for Masuzu Natsukawa. "After all, her goal is the University of Tokyo."
Masuzu Natsukawa: "..."
Yukinoshita was such a good person!
"That's right. Rather than spending time on meaningless interpersonal relationships..." She readily took the out the other had offered her. It couldn't be helped—if never having dated in high school was something people might laugh at, then having no friends would make people think there was something even more wrong with you.
"So Natsukawa doesn't have any friends?" Before she could finish, Sogo Doma shot her a sideways glance.
"Hehe, I simply used the time I would've spent managing relationships on studying." Masuzu Natsukawa's smile was exceedingly stiff.
"Is that so?" Sogo Doma asked noncommittally before putting on a tactful air. "But even JoJo has friends..."
Masuzu Natsukawa: "..."
That hurt even more!
"No wonder you came up with such a stupid solution..." Looking at the little white-haired girl who could barely maintain her stiff smile, Sogo Doma continued, "After all, Natsukawa doesn't even have anyone to discuss things with. It's only natural that you'd make a decision on impulse..."
"Enough!" Masuzu Natsukawa couldn't hold back. After snapping coldly, she realized she had done something foolish again. Fortunately, she reacted quickly. Once she had finished shouting, she hurriedly composed herself and returned to a calm expression. "Doma, even if the solution I proposed was unsatisfactory, there's no need for you to keep emphasizing it, is there? Besides, it's not like you lost out..."
"Who says I didn't lose out?" Before she could finish, Sogo Doma retorted.
"What could you possibly lose out on?"
"Leaving aside the risks involved in being a shield..." As