Tuesday, 9th June.

During homeroom, I was showing Matsushita and Sakigamiya the rough draft of the English exam I was working on last night. Having access to a thesaurus was very useful, as it allowed me to look up more complicated and obscure vocabulary for A Class to translate.

Of course, I had to keep in my mind I couldn't make my text overly complicated, since it needed to be abide to the syllabus. However, Matsushita and Sakigamiya were impressed by what I had done so far. Similarly, I was also impressed by their start on the Japanese and history exams.

Despite everything we've been through, it felt like E Class was slowly coming together.

The atmosphere had grown brighter as everyone worked hard to study within their respective revision groups. Even the biggest slackers like Mitsuba was putting in effort, and his tutor was Taiga, someone who was more laidback and lenient with this kind of stuff.

However, it also felt like we were losing more people than ever before. Today, neither Nora, Katsumi, or Kouji came to class. Not only that, but Kawaguchi also walked out midway through homeroom again.

Obviously, it was a bad thing if Nora wasn't at school, so I wanted to check up on how he was doing after yesterday. Just like me, Mikitaka was also going to pay him a visit, so we decided to go together to his house.

I was hoping he was taking time off to rest and heal his injuries, rather than avoiding going to school out of fear because of what Machida did to him. Though, if he didn't come in because of that, I don't blame him.

As me and Mikitaka approached his house, we saw Fujimura standing outside. She was leaning underneath the door's canopy while tapping away on her phone. Spotting us draw closer, she looked up from her phone.

"Ah? What are you two doing here?"

Without hesitating, Fujimura questioned us. Mikitaka laughed.

"To do the same thing as you. We're seeing if Takayuki-san's okay!"

"Eee, I already did that yesterday. I'm here because Takayuki-chan offered to help me study today."

It looks like Sakigamiya's plan of getting Fujimura to take the finals seriously was working. Although, I didn't see Suzuki with her.

"Woah, same here! Does that mean we're in the same revision group?"

"Hah?!"

"Hey, I ain't that bad! I'm a changed man, I swear!"

"Mikitaka-san, you're slipping back to your delinquent speech." I pointed out.

"Oh shoot, I mean I'm not that bad! Heh, thanks brother."

Recently, Mikitaka has been referring to me as "brother". His demeanour was much more friendly and accepting than before. It was hard to believe that he used to be the delinquent of delinquents that constantly terrorised others.

"If you're here to study with Nora-san, what are you doing waiting outside?"

"None of your business. I was about to go in."

Turning her back on us, Fujimura flipped her twin tails before knocking on the door. I was hesitant to get closer, but Mikitaka shrugged at me and fearlessly walked underneath the canopy.

Since I didn't want to cause any trouble, I stood a bit away from them and looked in the distance to see if anyone else was coming. However, it seemed like it was just going to be us three.

After awhile, Nora opened a sliver of the door. Even though he tried peeking through the gap, an assertive Fujimura grabbed the handle and fully opened the door.

Upon seeing Nora, both Fujimura and Mikitaka broke into wide smiles.

"My best friend!"

"Takayuki-chan!"

There was no way I'd be able to barge in between those two, so I simply waved a little at him.

"Hello, Mikitaka-san, Shouko-san... oh, Takanori-kun is here too?"

Since he didn't go to school today, Nora was still in his pyjamas. The design reflected his namesake rather cutely, as it was ice blue with snowflakes on it.

"Oh hey, everyone's here!"

Popping out from behind Nora was Katsumi, who was in her gym outfit. Since it was getting more hot recently, she switched from her usual red and cream tracksuit to a same coloured sports bra and black stretchy spats.

Of course, seeing her crush, Mikitaka, made Katsumi stop working immediately. Even though she was bouncing around like a spring moments earlier, she suddenly froze in place when her gaze met his.

"Yo, Katsumi-san."

Mikitaka didn't notice her strange behaviour though, as he casually greeted her like nothing was wrong.

"Oh, Katsumi-san. Hiya."

In comparison, Fujimura's greeting was wholly passive aggressive. Since Katsumi lived with her crush, she probably saw her as competition. It didn't help that Katsumi's outfit was inadvertently very revealing, even more so than Fujimura's loose fitting uniform.

"Shouko-san, heya!"

However, Katsumi was too dense to understand that Fujimura had those sorts of feelings towards Nora. To make things even more complicated, the girl Nora had a crush on was Katsumi, not Fujimura.

At the very least, Mikitaka doesn't have a crush on Fujimura... I think. I should probably ask. In any case, this was the most weird love square I've ever seen in real life.

"You weren't at school either. Is this where you two have been?"

"Yeah... Kou-san was helping me out, since I can barely move my body."

"Oh... is that so?"

Even though she tried to hide her jealousy, Fujimura looked at Katsumi with a envious glare. Katsumi didn't think anything of it.

"It's a surprisingly good workout helping Takayuki-kun walk around the house."

"You help him walk around the house?!"

"How do you think he got here to answer the door?"

Katsumi tilted her head innocently. Fujimura pouted.

"Jaa, then you won't mind if I help him too then!"

"A-ah?! S-Shouko-san, my arm!"

Nora yelped as Fujimura pulled him over to her side, propping him against her body.

"It's okay Takayuki-chan... you can rely on me from now on."

Katsumi blinked obliviously at Fujimura's obvious display of affection.

"Huh... I mean, sure."

"Ow... i-it hurts... y-you got my shoulder..."

Nora winced as Fujimura had grabbed him too hard while pulling him over.

"Oh my god, I'm so sorry! I forgot you hurt your arm as well..."

Fujimura panicked, rubbing his arm to try and ease the pain.

"I can't believe I messed up... I'm so sorry, Takayuki-chan..."

It was the first time I've ever seen the domineering Fujimura act flustered before.

"I-it's okay... um, please stop holding onto me so tightly... i-it hurts too..."

"Oh, sorry, sorry!"

Fujimura loosened her grip around Nora and held him more gently.

"I-I hope it heals soon... i-it hurts so much..."

As Nora moaned, Mikitaka pat him on the back while laughing reassuringly.

"You'll be stronger when those bruises get better, trust me. I've been through some damn painful fights, but I always came out tougher than before, ya ha ha ha!"

"Ah... o-ow!"

Instead, Nora winced in pain as Mikitaka had patted his sore bruises. Fujimura shot a glare at him.

"Hey, watch it."

"What? Like you were any better."

"Hmph, that was an accident. I was just trying to help him."

"You did a pretty bad job then."

"Hah?!"

Just as Fujimura was about to dig into Mikitaka, Nora tugged on her shirt to get her attention.

"Umm... i-it's fine, really! P-please don't fight!"

To try and avoid an argument between them, Nora shook his hands to show everything was fine. Fujimura squealed, infatuated by his cute reaction.

"Fine... I guess I can let Takenaka-san off the hook."

"If my best friend says things are good, then it is."

Somehow, Nora was the glue tying this mismatched group together. He sighed, but managed to smile, seeing everyone show concern over him.

"You guys should come in! I'll brew some tea."

Katsumi ushered everyone inside. Mikitaka entered first, followed by Fujimura, who was supporting Nora. I followed soon after, closing the door behind me.

However, as I entered inside, I realised something.

I was the third wheel, no matter how you sliced it.

"...today's going to be a long day."

I mumbled to myself, wishing there was someone else here with me right now.

We all made our way to their living room and sat on the couch. Nora was sandwiched between Fujimura and Mikitaka, while I awkwardly placed myself next to Fujimura to give Katsumi a chance to sit next to Mikitaka.

Since he hadn't greeted me yet, Nora leaned forward to talk to me.

"T-Takanori-kun, I thought you were in the creator group... what are you doing here?"

It makes sense why Nora would ask that, since Sakigamiya had informed him about the plan yesterday night. Since I wasn't in his revision group, whereas Katsumi, Mikitaka, and Fujimura were, he probably didn't expect me to be here.

"Like Mikitaka-san, I wanted to see if you were alright, since you didn't come to school today."

"Ah... I-I'm doing better now. Sorry for making everyone worry..."

Nora tried to laugh a little, but clutched his chest when he did. I guess even trying to do that hurt.

"Takanori-kun! Could you help me out?"

Katsumi popped her head into the living room, beckoning me into the kitchen. I got up and followed her.

"What do you need?"

"I need your help."

"Let me guess... with talking to Mikitaka-san?"

Once I mentioned her crush, Katsumi began blushing.

"Shhh! Lower your voice, they might hear...!"

Katsumi put a finger to her lips, telling me to hush.

"Sorry..."

"But... yes, that's exactly what I want help with. You're friends with him now, aren't you?"

"I guess? We're not particularly close or anything."

"I want to try talking to him, so please help me set up some chances to do so!"

Essentially, Katsumi wanted me to talk to Mikitaka so she could organically insert herself into our conversation. This would have the added benefit of me being there to cover for her, in case she started struggling.

"I see... I'll try my best to make it happen then."

"Thank you Takanori-kun, you're the best! Help me bring the tea to the living room so we doesn't look suspicious."

I nodded, carrying two cups to the living room while Katsumi carried three.

"Thanks for waiting!"

Katsumi began handing out drinks to everyone. When Fujimura took a cup, her hands fumbled, and she dropped it.

"Ah!"

Nora screamed as the hot tea spilled on his lap, soaking through his pyjamas and scalding his legs.

"Oh my god! Takayuki-chan!"

Once again, Fujimura had been careless and accidentally hurt Nora. She buried her face into her hands in disbelief, profusely apologising to him again and again. I guess even she could be nervous around her crush.

Seeing this happen, Katsumi swiftly avoided trying to give Mikitaka a cup of tea out of fear she'd do the same thing, so I handed him a cup instead. Regardless, I couldn't help but feel bad for Nora. He was being really unlucky this week.

"Mou... I don't trust myself around Takayuki-chan anymore... Katsumi-san, can you help him upstairs?"

"E he he... can do. C'mon, Takayuki-kun!"

Katsumi laughed awkwardly seeing Fujimura admit defeat in this matter. Katsumi swept Nora off his feet and carried him upstairs. Either she was really strong, or he was really light.

Now that it was just us three in the living room, the atmosphere became stale with awkwardness. Fujimura lightly cleared her throat to get our attention.

"You two... can we talk?"

Fujimura begrudgingly talked to us.

"Hm? Sup?"

Mikitaka was the first to listen to her. Fujimura twirled the ends of her dyed hair, becoming bashful.

"I don't really hide it well, and I'm sure you two have already guessed... but I really like Takayuki-chan."

"More like love."

"You don't have to spell it out so plainly..."

Fujimura mumbled, becoming flustered when Mikitaka said that.

"Honesty saves everyone's time."

"I know that I like him that way... but I'm not sure if he likes me that way as well."

"Takayuki-san's not a dense man. I'm sure he's caught on that you have feelings for him."

"It doesn't feel like it, though. I've been really forward towards him, but he always responds so... timidly. I don't hate it... in fact, I find it really cute, but, like... it makes me feel unsure about whether or not I should keep trying."

"Just ask him outright. It might take some prodding and pushing, but Takayuki-san's an honest man."

"Eh? No way, no way, I don't want him to get the wrong idea about me!"

"Huh? He's not dumb, you know."

Mikitaka didn't understand the issue with it, making Fujimura sigh.

"I know he isn't, Takayuki-chan's probably the smartest person I know."

"Then what's the problem?"

"I guess some of it's my own fault, but... as you can see, I'm a gyaru."

"Yes, I have eyes."

"Hush. We don't have the greatest reputation when it comes to dating... most boys see us as slutty and easy to go out with. I hate it, because I know that I'm not like that. It's wrong!"

"Ah, that's totally your fault. You chose to dye your hair and get tanned, don't blame this on him."

"What? I'm not, and I never did. Let me finish first before you jump to conclusions."

"Sorry, that was actually pretty rude of me. Continue."

"I'm just worried that... that's what Takayuki-chan sees me as, and that's why he doesn't wanna date me. We've only known each other for a few months, so I feel like asking him out now would be really bad timing. It would make me look like someone who gets into relationships for fun, even though I'm serious about my feelings. Not only that, but the way I've been acting towards him recently doesn't really help my case..."

"What did you try to do, tickle his pickle?"

"I can't believing I'm telling you two of all people, but... well, last week, I..."

Fujimura pulled up her legs and buried her blushing face into her knees.

"Huh, did you actually—"

"I-I tried to kiss him..."

"Oh, thank god. Wait, you went in for the kill?!"

Mikitaka suddenly exclaimed excitedly, but Fujimura shot him an embarrassed glare.

"O-of course not! I'd ask for consent before kissing him properly! I was just trying to peck him on the cheek... that's all."

"I know I'm being pedantic, but isn't that nonconsensual as well?"

"People in Europe do that all the time, what's the big issue?"

I was suddenly reminded of the time when Kurosaki accidentally kissed me on the cheek due to that same misunderstanding.

"We live in Asia."

"Then I say we change societal standards."

"You know what, I can get behind that. I'd like to live in a world where I can kiss my homies goodnight without having to say no homo."

Fujimura raised an eyebrow at Mikitaka's outlandish statement, but he continued.

"Anyhow, were you successful with it?"

"No... he avoided me and we laughed it off. But ever since then, Takayuki-chan's been acting more distant around me. Even if we aren't dating, I still like being around him. I don't want him to feel uncomfortable around me..."

Hearing Fujimura talk about her plight was difficult, since I knew Nora had a crush on Katsumi. That was probably the reason he was acting so hesitant towards her, but I couldn't tell her that, since it wasn't my place to expose him either.

"Especially after today... I can't believe I hurt him twice now... how could I be ever his girlfriend?"

"The more I hear about your situation, the more I think you've dug yourself in a hole, Fujimura-san."

"Yeah, I know... I know I have! It's frustrating, but I really want to get out of it."

"Then quit being a gyaru."

When Mikitaka said that, Fujimura looked shocked and offended.

"As if it was that easy!"

"It is. I stopped being a delinquent over night."

"Well, that's you. I'm not prepared to give up a part of my identity that I treasure. I like who I am right now."

"I don't get what's so special about being a gyaru. You like fashion more than others and get a pass to act like a bitch. So what?"

"A guy like you wouldn't understand. You became a delinquent for a superficial reason."

"I still have a reason, even if it is shallow. So, what's yours?"

"I don't wanna tell you, it's stupid."

"You're talking to the guy who became a delinquent to get a senpai's attention. Whatever it is can't be more dumb than mine."

"Mou... don't make fun out of me when I say it."

"I won't. Neither will Takanori-san."

I nodded in agreement with Mikitaka.

"Just go for it."

"...I like it because it gets me respect."

"Ho? That's actually a pretty thoughtful reason. I thought gyaru had bad reps though?"

"I mean... yeah, that side exists. But I like being a gyaru because it makes me feel stronger."

"True, when I was a delinquent, everyone was scared of me. I guess it's a similar thing to being a gyaru?"

"Yeah, yeah, sort of! For me personally, I did it because back in middle school, I usually hung out with my older brother and his friends, since I didn't have any at school."

I was surprised to hear that Fujimura was a loner like me in middle school. She doesn't give off that impression at all now.

"I felt like... to fit in, I had to act that way. Especially because we went to arcades and parties all the time. When I dressed and acted like this, it felt like... all the boys paid attention to me. All the girls would look up to me. And most of all, everyone thought I was fierce and fun."

The stereotype and expectations that came from being a gyaru empowered Fujimura. That's why she couldn't give it up over her crush on Nora.

"Besides... if Takayuki-chan really did like me, then he wouldn't be bothered by this. He'd love this part of me as well... right?"

Despite acting so headstrong and mean in class, Fujimura was actually quite a sensitive girl.

"I'm sure he would. Takayuki-san actually prefers girls who are strong and independent."

"Does he?"

"Yeah. We talked about what kinda girls we're into once. Our tastes are the exact same."

"Jaa, what's his type?"

"A tall woman with big boobs and a ponytail!"

Immediately, Fujimura looked down at her chest and pulled at her twin tails. She bit her bottom lip, realising that she didn't meet Nora's type at all.

"If the question on your mind is, "are my boobs big enough?", then the answer is—"

"Mikitaka-san, wait."

Before he could say something that would either upset or anger her, I put my hand out to stop him. However, Fujimura cut in.

"No, Takanori-san... it's fine."

"But this kind of thing shouldn't..."

"Takenaka-san. You can say it."

Fujimura ignored me and ordered him to tell her the truth. Mikitaka nodded, respecting her bravery.

"Your boobs aren't big enough. Compared to Katsumi-san, or Kazuraba-san, or even our own homeroom teacher... your chest just falls flat."

"Honesty really does save everyone time..."

Fujimura sighed, covering her breasts. Even if they weren't as large as other girls, they were still fairly big.

"Don't fret! Compared to Takayuki-san, you're tall, and you can easily wear a ponytail. It just depends entirely on how much he loves boobs."

"I know Takayuki-chan isn't that perverted, so I'm not going to give up. That's why... since you two are his friends... can you help me get closer to him today?"

As she talked, Fujimura undid her hair and started to tie it into a high ponytail. She was serious about this. 

"Yeah, can do. I'll use my powers as his best friend to get an answer out of him!"

Mikitaka was on board, but I was reluctant to help, since Katsumi had asked the same thing from me earlier. He could handle things better than I could, so I tried to get out of it.

"I'm not that close to Nora-san, actually. If you want help from his friends, someone like Yukimura-san would be better."

"That's impossible... me and him hate each other. Actually, come to think of it... I've basically made enemies out of all his friends..."

Fujimura chewed on her nail a bit, realising that she had dug herself a hole even deeper than she imagined.

"...fuu, I think I've even said some horrible things to you in the past too, Takanori-san."

"Before, you didn't even use a honorific in my name. So, we're making progress."

In particular, Fujimura threatened me once when we visited the pool. During that time, she told me to stay away from her and Nora, despite him being my only male companion I felt comfortable around with.

"If you want to go out with him, shouldn't you start by making up with his friend group?" Mikitaka suggested.

"Well... I guess that's true. But it's hard, since I don't even remember what I've done to most of them to get them to hate me."

"Try your best to remember, because if you two become a couple, you'd probably have to hang out with them time to time. It'd be awkward if you're on bad terms with them. Plus, I think he'd like you more if he sees that you're trying to make up for your past mistakes. My best friend is someone who likes to give people second chances."

"That's something I really admire about Takayuki-chan. He's so kind and forgiving to others, he's such a sweet soul. Even though I used to bully him and call him horrible names, he forgave me for it and still wanted to be friends with me. It really surprised me back then... I wish I could be that openhearted."

"Make a start by apologising. I got Yukimura-san's and Mitsuba-san's numbers, want to call them now?"

"Let's save it for another time, they'll be downstairs any minute now."

"Wonder what's taking them so long."

"Same... all she needs to do is help him upstairs. Don't tell me, she's also helping him change?!"

"Heh, jealous of Katsumi-san?"

"...yes."

"Daaaaaaaamn!"

Albeit with reluctance, Fujimura put aside her pride and answered honestly. I guess she was getting used to this, since she had revealed so much to us already.

"I mean... she gets to live with him! Of course I'd be jealous!"

Fujimura tried to flip one of her twin tails, but forgot she had tied it to into a ponytail moments ago. She started going red from embarrassment as Mikitaka laughed at her.

"Oh man, you got a rival in love!"

"I don't think Katsumi-san has a crush on Takayuki-chan... she doesn't, right? Right? Right?!"

"I wouldn't know, I've only been in E Class for less than a week."

As Mikitaka shrugged, Fujimura turned to me for answers.

"Katsumi-san was in your group, so what do you think?"

"Well... I don't think she does."

Truthfully, I knew she didn't, but I answered vaguely to give the impression I didn't know a thing.

"I'll have to ask Alice-chan then..."

Just as Fujimura took out her phone to message Sakigamiya, both Nora and Katsumi returned downstairs. Nora changed from his pyjamas to his casual clothes, which consisted of a plain shirt and sweatpants.

"S-sorry for taking so long... Kou-san was helping me get some clothes..."

"Oh... so that's what took you guys so long."

Fujimura looked relieved when she heard Nora's explanation. However, being a fashionista, she pursed her lips seeing how styleless Nora's appearance was.

"Katsumi-san, couldn't you have, like, chosen some more nicer clothes for him to wear?"

"This was all I could find in his closet! The rest was school clothes or sleepwear."

"Eee?! We have to go clothes shopping for you some time, Takayuki-chan! This drab is unacceptable!"

Fujimura, who couldn't bear to see her crush look so scruffy, wanted to expand his wardrobe. She should've seen this coming really, since he was an introvert. Nora didn't go outside much, so he didn't have many casual clothes for the occasion, like me.

"Ah, um... S-Shouko-san, your hair..."

"Hmm? Do you like it?~"

Fujimura smiled temptingly, showing off her ponytail. Nora blushed a little. Seeing her this way must've awoken something inside him.

"I thought I'd change up my style a little. It'll get less in the way when I'm studying."

"I-it looks good on you!"

Hearing him compliment her, Fujimura squealed happily. Katsumi nodded in agreement.

"You look beautiful, Fujimura-san!"

"He he he, thank you."

Fujimura felt quite proud of herself for even getting Katsumi, who she perceived as a rival, to acknowledge her.

Katsumi tried taking a sip of tea, but since they were gone for so long, it had become cold.

"Wah, my drink!"

"You can always brew some more."

"Goku?!"

Hearing Mikitaka speak to her, Katsumi made a strange noise in surprise.

"I-I mean... y-you're right! I-I'm going to do that! Be right back!"

"B-be quick, Kou-san! I want to start our study session soon!"

"Al~right!"

Nora sighed as Katsumi rushed back into the kitchen again.

"Man, that tea went straight through me. Where's the toilet? I gotta pee."

"It's upstairs, Mikitaka-san."

"Thanks. Takanori-san, come with me."

In an attempt to help Fujimura out, Mikitaka told me to go with him to set them up to be alone together.

"Uh... alright."

"W-wait, but we only have one toilet..."

"It's chill, we can shoot in the same bowl. No homo."

Either this was normal for delinquents or I was the weird one. However, considering that even Nora seemed disturbed by the idea of two guys peeing in the same toilet, I think it was the former.

"Just let them be, girls go to the toilet together all the time." Fujimura said.

"B-but don't they go together for strength in numbers...?"

"Don't overthink it, Takayuki-chan! Just go, Takenaka-san, Takanori-san!"

Me and Mikitaka rushed upstairs into the toilet.

"Phew, that should give them five minutes or so to talk."

"I'm surprised you're taking this seriously, Mikitaka-san. I thought you'd try protecting him from her."

"I could've, but I want to see my best friend be happy. Even someone as reserved as him wants a girlfriend, you know?"

"Yeah, but... you know who he has a crush on, right?"

"Yeah. And?"

"Isn't it a problem trying to help Fujimura-san hook up with Nora-san then?"

"You aren't thinking far ahead enough, brother."

"I'm not?"

"Takayuki-san has a crush on Katsumi-san, but it's obvious Katsumi-san doesn't have a crush on him back. So, it'll inevitably end in heartbreak and leave him in pieces. That's where Fujimura-san comes in."

"...are you saying that she'll pick up the pieces from there and they'll become a couple?"

"Correct. However, for this to work, we need to lay the foundations. Takayuki-san will never fall for Fujimura-san without these early romantic experiences with her. Essentially, we're keeping his options open. If the Katsumi route fails, then we can fall on the Fujimura route."

"But what happens if the Fujimura route fails?"

"That— I did not think that far ahead, brother."

"In any case, you're not wrong about needing to set the groundwork for their potential relationship... Nora-san will be more likely to go out with Fujimura-san if he also likes her."

"Basically, we just gotta make Takayuki-san have a crush on both girls."

"How are we going to do that?"

"Heh, brother. I have many connections. One being with a certain French woman."

"Don't tell me..."

"My ability to speak French is finally paying off, monsieur Takanori. We're getting Sakigamiya-san involved!"

"This sounds like a terrible idea..."

"Ya ha ha ha! I can't wait to play wingman for my best friend!"

And so, Mikitaka's plan to make Nora fall in love with Fujimura began.

We went back downstairs, where Fujimura and Katsumi was pouring over some past exam questions that Nora had printed out for them.

"Here you go, Mikitaka-san, Takanori-kun."

Nora handed us the same set of papers. It seems we're studying maths first, since both girls weren't good at it. I sat next to Mikitaka in preparation to help out Katsumi.

"So, my best friend."

"D-do you need help, Mikitaka-san?"

"Yeah, I got a question."

"What is it?"

"Who do you have a crush on?"

I was astounded by his straightforwardness. Fujimura choked up hearing Mikitaka's question, whereas Katsumi began laughing.

"...e-eh?"

Nora, who was trying to keep composed from such an outlandish and unexpected question, looked bewildered.

"T-this isn't the time for that kind of question... we have to focus on studying."

To avoid answering, Nora evaded the question and switched the topic back on track. Not having any of it, Mikitaka shook his head.

"I refuse to study if you don't tell me."

Crossing his arms and taking a firm stance, Mikitaka stared down at Nora.

"Yeah Takayuki-chan, tell us! Who do you have a crush on?"

Despite looking like she was was having a horrible time watching Mikitaka try to help her, Fujimura played along with the scenario, using her assertiveness to gently push Nora into answering.

It seems she accepted Mikitaka's clumsy way of doing things because she wanted to know who Nora's crush was more than anyone else.

"N-not you too, Shouko-san... how about we ask these sorts of questions later? A-after we do some work."

"Will you promise to answer me then?"

"Well... i-if its only you, Mikitaka-san. I don't want to tell anyone else..."

In truth, Nora probably didn't want to say the answer here, since his crush was sitting across him. Fujimura glanced at Mikitaka and gave a subtle nod. Mikitaka noticed and backed down.

"Yeah, that's fine."

"Aww, that's a shame. Hey, Katsumi-san, how about you? You got a crush?"

Fujimura was probably banking on Mikitaka telling her Nora's answer later. She also smartly capitalised on this chance to gather intel on her rival, pivoting the question to Katsumi.

"Ehhh?! Of course not, of course not!"

Immediately denying it, Katsumi's face went red as she hit the table frantically.

"Really? I always see you hanging out with that C Class boy though."

Hearing this piece of information, Nora perked his head up slightly. I guess even he was interested in his chance with Katsumi.

"You mean Shibata-kun? E he he, we're just gym buddies. There's nothing going on between us."

Katsumi's answer, while sounding clumsy, was truthful.

"Isn't it, like, kinda weird he's hanging out with you though? Since you're in E Class."

"I don't think C Class and E Class are that different. We're just friends. I have no crush!"

Katsumi stressed the importance of her not having a crush on Shibata, probably because she wanted to improve her chances with going out with Mikitaka, since he was here right now. However, this only made Nora look relieved.

"Fair enough. I don't have a crush either, by the way."

Fujimura must've picked up on this, since she made a comment like that to make herself look better in front of Nora. I looked over to Mikitaka, who tried his best not to make a face when he heard her blatant lie.

"I thought you liked Takayuki-kun?"

However, the one who threw a wrench into everything was Katsumi. She absentmindedly spoke without thinking, before realising what she said and covered her mouth. Fujimura's face turned bright red as Nora innocently looked up to her.

"H-huh?! What makes you think that, Katsumi-san?"

Fujimura tried to play it cool, but her obvious feelings were leaking out. Judging by the lack of surprise on Nora's face when he heard this, it was safe to assume he already knew. He was acting innocent to not step on Fujimura's feelings.

"A ha ha ha... you know, you're always... uhmmm..."

Before Katsumi could make the situation any worse or awkward, I stepped in to clear up the situation.

"That's just a rumour, isn't it? I mean... not to be rude, Fujimura-san, but I hear you go after a lot of guys."

If she recognised what I was trying to set up, Fujimura could make herself look better by also denouncing those impressions of her.

"What, of course it's a rumour! I'm not the type to go sleeping around with anyone."

Either Fujimura picked up on it or this was her natural reaction to my provocative words. Regardless, I played it to my advantage.

"I mean... you're a gyaru, so..."

"Takanori-san, what the hell? I already told you I don't like it when people judge me on my looks. I'm not like that, seriously!"

Fujimura huffed, crossing her arms. Katsumi, who didn't understand the subtext of our conversation, chided me slightly.

"Hey, maybe you shouldn't say this kinda stuff about her, Takanori-kun..."

"Yeah, but his point is there's a lot of rumours about Fujimura-san having a crush on someone, Takayuki-san being one of them. You shouldn't be believing this kind of thing either, Katsumi-san."

Mikitaka added, making Katsumi realise I was trying to cover for her mistake. At the same time though, since her crush was talking to her, Katsumi's mind went blank as she nodded rapidly at his words.

"A-a ha, you're right, Takenaka-san! T-totally right, my bad!"

This is more stressful than it should be...

"You can call me Mikitaka, by the way. Both you and Fujimura-san, I don't mind."

"Ah, cool. You can call me Shouko if you want too then."

"Aight, Shouko-san!"

"Oh, Takanori-san too. Shouko's fine."

Being a popular type, Fujimura didn't mind at all if people called her by her first name. I guess I'll start calling her Shouko too then.

However, when Katsumi received permission to call Mikitaka by his first name, her face went dark red and her mind exploded.

"M-Mikitaka-san?! Eek?! I-I need the toilet, be right back!"

Katsumi rushed upstairs to escape the situation she was in. I don't know who was worse at hiding their crush, her or Shouko...

Shouko scooted closer to me and whispered into my ear.

"Nee, does Katsumi-san have a crush on Mikitaka-san?"

Since it wasn't my place to expose Katsumi either, I gave an indifferent answer.

"I don't think so."

"The way she just reacted right now... it's something you'd see out of a gag manga."

"You read manga?"

"Who doesn't?"

"I'm surprised... I thought you wouldn't be into that kind of stuff."

"You have a terrible perception of me, don't you?"

"I mean... I won't lie, all I know about you is based on first impressions. I can tell it's wrong, though."

Shouko laughed slightly.

"Same. I think we got off on a bad start, Takanori-san."

"I agree. You're not a bad person... Shouko-san."

It felt a bit awkward calling her by her first name, but she didn't seem to mind one bit.

"Neither are you. Actually, can I call you by your first name as well? It's weird calling you Takanori, since... well, that's also my brother's first name."

Her older brother's name was Fujimura Takanori, huh? That's an unfortunate coincidence. I forgot Takanori can be a first name too, like Katsumi's name.

"Yeah, that's fine."

"Cool! So, what was your first name again?"

"Yuuto."

"Woah, that's a cool sounding name... too cool for you, actually. Hmm, how about... Yuu-yuu?"

"Yuu... yuu?"

"Yeah, as your nickname! Yuu-yuu."

"But why? That sounds kind of childish."

"Ho, but you let Kazuraba-san and Demiza-san call you things like "Yuu-kun". What's so different about this?"

"I've never had anyone give me that sort of nickname before."

"It's got a fun vibe to it. You need fun vibes, Yuu-yuu."

"No I don't... do you do this to everyone?"

"Ehh, sometimes I do, sometimes I don't. For example, Takayuki-chan's nickname is Yuki-chan!"

"That's relatively simple compared to mine."

"You can't do much with a name like Takayuki, unfortunately."

Come to think of it, her older brother's name also starts with "Taka". That was kind of funny.

"If you don't want me to call you Yuu-yuu, I can think of something else."

"No, it's fine. I don't mind how people address me."

"If you say so. But if I think of something better, I'm calling you that."

"Sure. Actually, if you have a nickname for Nora-san, why don't you call him that?"

"I do! He finds it embarrassing when I do it in public though, so I only call him that when we're alone."

"Ah... you two are closer than I thought."

"He he, I've been trying."

I admired Shouko's dedication and determination to go after what she wants. She scooted back over to Nora's side to ask him how to answer a question. Meanwhile, Katsumi returned downstairs after refreshing herself in the bathroom and went back to studying.

Since things began to calm down and everyone started to revise for the finals, I decided to as well.