Kushida and Suzune's conversation

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Faced with Kushida Kikyo's smiling greeting, Horikita Suzune merely replied flatly:

"Hello, Kushida."

Suzune seemed to have no intention of talking further with Kikyo, and she gave Natsukawa a puzzled look. Her eyes seemed to ask whether he had done this on purpose.

"Little Kikyo, sit here. The food's ready."

Natsukawa beckoned Kushida Kikyo to sit down, easing the awkward atmosphere.

At the same time, he made a deal-completed gesture to Little Kikyo under the table, meaning that whatever happened next had nothing to do with him. This successfully earned him an eye roll from her.

Kushida Kikyo was furious inside.

That damned bitch!

What's with that flat tone? Do you hate running into me that much?!

If I didn't need to confirm that...

I'd never approach a loner freak like you!

Damn it, damn it!!

That icy expression again. That haughty act is so irritating!

But Kushida Kikyo was not driven back by Suzune's cold aura. Still smiling, she spoke again:

"Hi! This is great! I never thought you'd prepare my favorite dessert, Natsukawa!"

"Oh, did you get the same food, Horikita? We have something in common!"

Horikita Suzune responded in an icy tone:

"It's just the same standard food I ordered because I didn't want to think about it."

Then, looking as though this was giving her a headache, Suzune calmly asked:

"Sigh! This really is unpleasant. What exactly are you two trying to do?"

"Natsukawa, I didn't realize you were friends with Kushida, too."

Fortunately, it seemed that because they were at least friends, Suzune was not as rude to him as she had been to Ayanokoji in the original story.

Natsukawa answered with a smile:

"Haha, more or less. Little Kikyo is gentle and likes making friends. It's hardly strange that we'd become friends, right?"

Horikita Suzune nodded with an icy expression.

Looks like this guy isn't much, either!

My brother thinks too highly of him.

Although I won't judge other people's behavior.

Personally, though, Kushida feels very fake...

Ding! Kushida Kikyo's affection rating +3

Kushida Kikyo gave Natsukawa a grateful look, then picked up the conversation and explained quietly:

"Horikita, I'm sorry. I made a few arrangements beforehand."

"I asked Natsukawa to arrange this because I wanted to be friends with you. Please don't blame him. It was all my idea."

There was a fragility to Little Kikyo's voice that made people unconsciously want to forgive her.

Of course, Natsukawa knew she was pretending, but what was with that sickly-sweet speech...?

And Suzune did not seem to be buying it, either.

Suzune spoke icily:

"I believe I've told you several times that I want you to leave me alone. I have no intention of causing trouble for the class, either. Is that not enough?"

"... Spending your school life all alone is too lonely. I want to get along with everyone in class."

"I'm not trying to reject what you want to do. But it's wrong to drag other people into it, because I don't find being alone lonely."

"B-but..."

Suzune continued in the same flat tone:

"Besides, suppose we forced ourselves to become friends. Do you think that would make me happy? Do you think a relationship forced on someone like this can produce friendship or trust?"

Little Kikyo tried again, speaking firmly:

"I want to be friends with you no matter what, Horikita. I keep feeling as though this isn't the first time we've met. I was thinking how nice it would be if you felt the same way."

"For example, Natsukawa is my friend. I've noticed that you're usually alone in class, Horikita, and Natsukawa has become your friend, too. I think we can definitely become friends. With Natsukawa as a bridge, we can slowly try to build a friendship, can't we?"

Natsukawa nodded. Most people would probably be moved by such an earnest speech.

But why drag me into this?

Natsukawa did not think Little Kikyo could succeed. He knew Suzune's personality made it difficult for her to consider other people's feelings. She had only one goal...

Natsukawa really wanted to say, Little Kikyo, stop probing. Suzune may be aloof and taciturn, usually looking as though she doesn't care about anything around her, but she actually knows you used to attend the same school as her, and she knows your secret, too! It's just that, with her personality, she wouldn't bother with other people's business.

Sure enough, Suzune continued coldly:

"Continuing this conversation is just a waste of time. I don't need friends, because they wouldn't help me."

Horikita sighed deeply and looked Kushida straight in the eyes.

"Kushida, as long as you don't insist on pestering me, I won't say anything. I promise. You're not stupid, so you understand what I mean, don't you?"

Natsukawa noticed that when Suzune said this, Little Kikyo's hand visibly tightened around her fork.

Keeping her emotions under control, Little Kikyo smiled and answered in a quiet, uneasy voice:

"Ah, I don't know what you're talking about, Horikita."

"I understand now. My insistence on making friends has been troubling you. In that case, I'll try again once we know more about each other. Perhaps someday you'll come to me wanting to be friends."

She! She really does know!

Damn it! I have to get something on this bitch!

I'll get her expelled, no matter what!

Go die, you damned bitch! You knew we went to the same middle school, and you knew the rumors about me! Yet you pretended not to know me in class before!

That haughty attitude was definitely meant for me!

Now that I think about it, was that the look of someone watching a clown? She could expose my past at any moment!

I'll never believe a word you say!

You scheming bitch!

Someone who threatens me like this can't be allowed to stay at this school. I'll get you expelled, no matter what!

Damn it! Damn it! Damn it!

Natsukawa prepared to speak up and ease the atmosphere. After all, both of them were his targets, and relationships could be developed slowly.

Suzune was not the sort of person to expose someone else's secrets, and the two of them would develop a peculiar, awkward relationship later.

Besides, once Suzune had grown and realized that she could not reach Class A alone, she would definitely recognize her need for Little Kikyo, an important piece who could bring together the leaders of Class D's cliques.

Although his affection rating with Suzune had not reached a significant level yet, he could still try talking her around. After all, Suzune had not chosen to leave.

Natsukawa said with a smile:

"Haha, Little Kikyo, Suzune, stop arguing. Let's have dessert!"

"I more or less understand what both of you are thinking, but everyone has their own troubles. Let's put those pointless things aside for now."

"Even if you can't be real friends, being pretend friends who can exchange a few words on the surface isn't bad, either."

"Do me a favor and stop thinking about all that for now. Focus on the food!"

With someone offering a way out, Little Kikyo was the first to smile and speak:

"Sure! Let's eat!"