"Oh, what? Is my request beyond your power? Can't you just be friends with her and gather some valuable information out of her?"

"No... That's not it, Hyunda..."

He's not joking about this... Looks like I'll have to ask him to ban another name.

Actually... Banning every girl's name from our class that isn't mine just seems like the most reasonable thing to do here.

"Then what is it? You seem reluctant about this. What's your doubt? And remember to be honest."

He's really insisting on that, so...

"I would very much like to know why you want to know this... There, I was honest!"

While I'm glad he's relying on me at long last, why does it have to be about another girl!? Why, out of all the people in this world, another girl?

No... Why other people in general? Why can't it be outside of that......

Subconsciously, I started to stomp on the floor constantly and progressively. My anger was rising subtly further and further.

"I need to know if Daniel's being cheated on. It would help if I knew some things about her. Since you are a girl and the only one I can possibly rely on, I thought that I would ask you."

The only one I can possibly rely on...

Well then...

"O-Oh I see! I guess I could do something about that... Well, what exactly do you want to know then?"

"Everything. Every detail. No matter how trivial. It doesn't matter if you think it's irrelevant or not, once you are done, tell me. But don't force yourself. If this is something you can't do it, then don't do it."

"I can do it! You can count on me!"

"Is that so? Perfect then. Thank you very much."

Although I smiled widely at him, I wasn't pleased. When he said 'every detail' I almost had a heart attack. I don't know if this is enough to be qualified as dramatic but am I supposed to act another way?

How am I supposed to act calm and collected when you want to know every detail about someone else and not me?

Ask me that instead....

"Oh, right. Something else I should mention is that I want to know her past very specifically. Insist on that matter greatly, please. Also, her crime is important. I need to know that."

But why does he want to know this? He said that Daniel might be getting cheated on but what do all these details have anything to do with it...?

If you want to know if she's cheating on him, then knowing all of this shouldn't matter, my love...

"But why do you think Daniel's being cheated on...?"

And why him? He's even present in our conversation despite not actually being here!

"He's the type of person to never take any direct action unless he absolutely has to. People like that are bound to get cheated on. Under my assumption, that might as well be the case."

I see... But that's his problem...

Unless...

Unless you are showing kindness to him. Yet, why him and not me? Aren't you caring for him way more than you are caring for me? What if I get in trouble? What will you---

Ahhh, but you are have cared for me by proposing to me that one-night in your room! How could I possibly...

"You care a lot about him..."

"Hold on. I haven't explained to you the reason why I'm showing this great deal of care. Or did you think that I had no reason behind doing this whatsoever?"

You mean... There's actually a reason and you aren't just teasing me indirectly?

"Well... I did think that was the case... Sorry..."

"You gotta stop apologizing. It's annoying."

I can't help it... You make me feel submitted instantly.

But of course, there's no way I can just tell you that. You'd probably think that I'm weird or something. Or just extremely perverted.

I'm not perverted though. This is just normal, I think.

"Either way, let me explain. Don't you think it's weird that you got into the dorm without any interruptions whatsoever?"

"Now that you mention it..."

I knew that he did something regarding that, but I didn't think that he would be open about it, honestly...

I'm glad that's the case though!

"A concentration was formed in one of the rooms in the dorm, henceforth, every member of the dorm was concentrated under that spot. In that time gap, I was able to get you inside the dorm with ease. Didn't you find it strange that no one was there?"

"I see! I see now! You made that possible?! Wow, that's really impressive!"

It really is! But, just one question, my love...

How is that trash can otherwise known as Daniel somehow supremely relevant to this as you labeled him to be?

Are you sure you aren't giving that waste of flesh a little bit too much credit?

"The one that helped me out with that was Daniel. It was a great deal of work, no matter how you look at it, because we had to gather all the members into a single room. Considering our members in general, I would say that's pretty hard to do. Without his help, it might've not been possible. Therefore, this is my way to repay him."

H-How generous! Even someone like Hyunda can be kind...! I see, I see!

But still, I don't agree that you should repay him. It was the least Daniel could have done after he had interrupted several of our moments! I don't understand how someone like Daniel can just abuse my sweetheart's kindness like this...!

Evil!

"You shouldn't have to repay him though...."

"Why not?"

Why.....?

Because you can use that kindness on me instead. Other human beings aren't worth it... Plus, I would be extremely happy.

I'm sure Daniel will just view this as an act of 'companionship' while it's something more.

"Because I'll do it regardless of whether you own him or not... I appreciate you telling me why that's the case, but if you need a favor, then you shouldn't hesitate. I don't really mind..."

Though, knowing the reason behind the favor is extremely important. Especially when it comes to other girls.

If my heart is this badly treated then it needs to heal somehow.

"Sorry. I didn't want to abuse your kindness. You're very kind, Arkalee. I might've judged you to be arrogant to an oblivious extent, but it appears I was wrong. And besides, I don't really like to ask anyone favors, so if I do, then you should know it's something I usually wouldn't do in the first place."

.....!!!

O-Oh god...

"Don't say stuff like that please..."

I can't look at him in the eye now... This always happens... You don't know this yet but your words really mean a lot to me. I find myself repeating this to myself all the time, but it can't be helped alright?!

It's just proof that I am massively and utterly in love with you...

"It's the truth though. Also, you gotta stop looking away and face me when I'm talking to you..."

"It's not that easy......."

If I look at you in the eye in a vulnerable moment like this, even you'll be able to see how weak I am in your presence...

Hence, I have to look elsewhere just so our eyesights don't collide...

"Really now... Guess I'll have to resort to this."

Disarrayed, I didn't notice. The constant avoidance of my eyesight didn't allow me to take even a small glimpse of what he was about to do.

Midst this crowded place, no one would dare to do something as straight forward as this.

Only did I notice what he would do to me as a consequence of not looking at him in the eye.

"G-Gyaaa!!"

M-My neck! Ahhh!

"That's what you get. So, will you still refuse to look at me in the eye? Or do I have to keep on biting you in your vulnerable spot? I don't mind when people don't talk to me. But, I sincerely hate being ignored."

Midst this semi-public crowded restaurant, Hyunda openly took a small bite out of my neck's left side...!

And just like the last time he did that, I couldn't hold back my shout, so that came out rather loud...

"B-Bully..."

Not being able to resist him anymore, I looked into his deep white eyes subsequently and was absorbed into its elegance in a moment of sheer jubilance.

It's not as if I was ignoring you though! And he's a real bully... I never knew that my neck was this vulnerable to his bites...

Does he plan on doing this forever...? I don't mind but in public...?

"It's getting late. We should go back to class now. Unless you want to get punished by Basara-sensei."

Looks like our lunchtime was over. This was... well, it could've been great.

Had he not mentioned another girl's name in our conversation....

Receiving a similar punishment as those idiots who arrived late last time is certainly out of the question.

"You're right! Let's go then!"

As we exited this public restaurant, I kept on admiring his striking figure...

If only we could hold hands... I've been trying to reach out, but the possibility of failure is eating me...

March 12th.

The next day, we kept on studying the festival's themes. It wasn't much of an option to fail here and considering that I was one exam behind...

"Arkalee."

"Yes...?"

Hyunda called out to be in the middle of the serious study session. It was still before lunchtime yet I was curious.

Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

We were close to Basara-sensei so talking wasn't much of an option, therefore, we had to talk extremely low...

"I hope you don't mind but I want to go somewhere else today. Will you come along?"

"Okay..."

Somewhere else...? Well, it's fine.

As long as it's just the two of us, it shouldn't matter that much. Besides, the place doesn't really matter.

Only you do, Hyunda.

1:15 pm.

"Yo, you're here. That took you long."

Ugh.

Just...

Why...

Drop dead, you meaningless creature.

"Sorry about that. Block A's cafeteria is still far away, respectively."

Well, I suppose it's better to explain what's going on.

Silly me thought that Hyunda was being gentle and wanted to propose a date indirectly but he ended up guiding me all the way to block A instead. Naturally, I thought that this was just another one of his surprises but...

This is bad taste, Hyunda.

What did I do to deserve this?

Have I not spoken to you about how much I dislike others?! So why did you bring me to a cafeteria where not only Daniel but Sana and of course, the girl you mentioned yesterday for whatever reason, Yulia, are here?!

"Hello! How is everyone?!"

Awkwardly, I threw that question at the three of them as I sat beside Hyunda.

Furthermore, to increase the awkward atmosphere, they refused to answer initially without staring at my soul first.

This is why I hate everyone that isn't you, Hyunda... It's just not the same feeling... I have to force myself when I'm around them yet when I'm only with you, it's completely different...

"Fine..."

Spitefully, Sana gave me that sour answer.

She's looking at me with a heavy expression. Doubtful eyes and a short stance.

"Good. You?"

"I'm fine! Thanks for asking, Yulia! But my, what a coincidence! I thought we would be here all alone but fancy meeting all of you here!"

I'm starting to suspect that this wasn't a coincidence. I seriously hope it's a coincidence. My heart will be mortified if it's not a coincidence and this was all planned.

My love, please tell me it's not a coincidence. Please tell me that you don't support this type of event.

"Likewise! I didn't expect to meet you and Hyunda here!"

Please don't speak his name, you whore.

You nor anyone else has that right. There should be a mortal tax to those who speak his name. For example, if you speak Hyunda's name, then you should die.

No...

Even then, that feels so soft. Essentially speaking, the problem would be that everyone else will at least get one chance of speaking his name before dying. Therefore, prevention needs to happen.

Only I should be able to speak his name!

"Since we are all here, why don't we all have lunch together? Is that fine with you, Sana?"

"...Sure..."

Sana, reserved and timid now, answered Yulia's proposition with hints of reluctance.

She looks like she doesn't like our presence in general... No, not 'our', but rather, my presence.

From time to time, she trades vicious glances with me. Does she think that I don't notice how she perceives me?

"What about you two?"

Yulia, now directing her question to Hyunda and me, asked that.

However, an unnecessary existence interrupted before we could speak with our grand synergy.

"Yulia, Hyunda and I have to go somewhere else actually."

Um, excuse me?!

"We do?"

Yes, tell him! You don't have to go anywhere else!

"No! You agreed! You can't back off now..."

Yulia's insisting with Daniel now, but realistically speaking, this doesn't make the situation any better. If Hyunda stays here, then the situation is just less bad.

"Dude, don't you remember? Yesterday?"

What happened yesterday? Why didn't Hyunda tell me?

Is he keeping secrets from me!? Why!?

"Oh... I remember now. You're right. We should get goi--"

No way.

"Where are you two going exactly?"

Obviously, I didn't even allow Hyunda to get up from his seat. Not a chance. I'll go insane if I can't be with you.

What the hell is your problem, Daniel!? Why are you always here!? You're almost as annoying as Ikkiri!

God!!

"That's right! Daniel, you said nothing about this?! What is this all about?"

Sincerely, Yulia's doing a good job, but this doesn't change anything. A sin is a sin.

Perplexed, however, both Hyunda and Daniel formed controversial expressions. As if to say that we were being a bother.

What?

"Actually, it's regarding the exam we will have. We both forgot something back in our dorms. Hence, we will be taking our leaves shortly. Enjoy the lunchtime, ladies."

Please don't call those whores by ladies, Hyunda. Don't do something like that.

Also...

"No, no. Hyunda, I don't approve of this. Stay here. Daniel can go by himself."

Breaking my image, I stepped in. Keeping my image doesn't exactly hold much of a meaning anymore.

Of course, I'll try to keep it at all costs, but when something like this happens? It's hardly worth the effort.

"Except I can't Arkalee. I need Hyunda's help with this. It's really important..."

What the hell. Stop arguing back. Realize your place, you slime.

Daniel, the day you die, is the die I rejoice, I swear!

"Can't this come later?! You said that you would be here today..."

"Sorry, Yulia. And sorry, Arkalee. Besides, isn't this ideal? If we boys leave, you girls will be able to have girly conversations."

Screw that.

I want Hyunda.

You are trying to take him away from me. I won't let you.

"Hyunda, stay here, please. This is a favor."

I noticed how Hyunda and Daniel were trying to leave in all of this. Necessarily, I took ahold of Hyunda's arm and dragged him back.

Daniel. Daniel. Daniel.

I was being nice to you. I tried to not care about your existence much because you have been absent the past few days, but you aren't making this easy.

"I'll have to pass. This is actually important. I'll get back to you later, Arkalee."

I can understand if it's important, but you are literally implying that whatever you have with Daniel is perhaps more important than what we have.

I can't accept that. No way. I refuse.

"No... St---"

"You guys are annoying. Go away already..."

Sana, shut up. What are you talking about?! Daniel can go for all I care, but Hyunda?! Cut your tongue off, please.

How dare you propose something as unreasonable as that?!

"Well, you heard her. Without further ado, we'll take our leave. ...Arkalee, let go..."

You're asking the impossible.

"I don't mind going along!"

"No way in hell. This isn't even that important as you think it is."

Oh, but I don't think it's actually that important. I just want to be with you, my love. Because that's what's actually important.

But I guess you have no way of knowing it. Sincerely, this sucks. If there weren't many people here and just the two of us, I would just say it, but you are making this quite impossible for me to cope up with.

"Please."

I insisted, but Hyunda kept on looking me with careless eyes instead.

"Rejected. I'll compensate later on. Stop making a fuss about this. Let go."

Compensa--- No, no. That doesn't matter! I really won't let go!

Nor will I get fooled! What? Did you honestly think that I would just let you go if you threw sweet words at me, honey?

No way, no way.

"I reject your rejection!"

I smiled, of course. It's fine if I get rejected. I just have to reject that rejection. Extremely trivial, if you think about it.

Why concede, when you don't have to concede?

"Do you want me to do it in public like yesterday?"

"H-Huh!? What are you talking about...?"

There's no way that he couldn't possibly be thinking of......

Hah, you really can't expect me to believe that you will----

Oh, he's serious. He's not showing any visible reluctance. His confident posture and stern assertiveness right now tell me that much. He really will do it.

.......................

"Looks like you understand. Will you let go or will I have to tear you apart from me?"

God, why did you have to put it like that!? Out of all the words to choose you chose 'tear you apart from me'?!

Do you have any idea how sad that makes me....?

Well...

"That deal still stands... You'll have to compensate."

"Yes."

Not saying anything else, he left with Daniel and left me alone in here.

Suddenly, my heart felt shattered just like a piece of broken glass on the floor. Scattered throughout every possible section, endless pieces of my heart could be found.

Why am I alive right now? I should just....

"Um... Hello? Arkalee? Are you okay?"

Interrupting my sulking session, Yulia talked to me.

I really don't want to talk right now though. I only want to think about him. Please don't force me to interact with you people. It's crystal clear that I don't want to...

"Yeah! Super fine!"

Where is he now?

Will he still return or will I only be able to see him back in class? Right now it's 1:20 pm. So, 40 minutes?

40 minutes? 40 minutes....? 40.... minutes?!

I can't take all of this!

"I don't think that's the case. Sorry for speaking in your turn, Yulia."

"Oh, that's completely fine, Sana."

They were eating already, but I wasn't feeling hungry.

Nervously, I started to text him. But no text came back in return.

"See? You're not fine, Arkalee. It's related to that insensitive bastard Hyunda, isn't it?"

It's true that he is somewhat insensitive but he has started showing a great deal of caring for me recently, so I won't allow those words to be spoken like that.

"That's not true, Sana! Hyunda's not insensitive... He's just busy right now, right?"

"That's what they always say. I don't agree with what you said though. It's one thing to be busy and another to not give you priority. And it's not just Hyunda. I'm talking about the other heartless bastard too!"

No way... There's just no way that what Sana just said is true... I am his priority right...?

But...

If I really was his priority then why did he chose to spend time with Daniel instead of me...?

"I'll have to agree with you, Sana... This is unforgivable. Our boyfriends treat us quite rudely, don't you think so, Arkalee?"

What is Yulia talking about?

"Boyfriends...?"

I know that Yulia and Daniel are supposedly in a relationship, but Hyunda and I, unfortunately, are not.

"I'm talking about Hyunda. He's your boyfriend, right?"

"H-Huh!? No. No. No. We don't have that type of relationship..."

Unfortunately, again. What I would give for that to be the case...

However, despite my simple answer, both Yulia and Sana looked at each other simultaneously almost dumbfounded too.

What? Did I say something strange?!

"No way..."

"Are you serious...?"

Eh...? Why are they looking at each other like that...?

"I am being serious... Why would you two think otherwise...?"

Also, I didn't expect to be able to communicate with them so easily. This is surprising, I suppose.

At first, I thought that they would be obstinate and obnoxious due to their personalities but...

"Arkalee, you are totally over him. Anyone would assume that you two are in a relationship. Actually, how are you two not in a relationship yet?!"

"Yulia, they don't match quite well, to be honest. A heartless bastard like Hyunda can't possibly nurture Arkalee's feelings well..."

"That's alright! It was the same at first with me and Daniel, but we managed to work it out! Somehow, he began to be really open to me and it happened! I believe that it can happen to you too, Arkalee!"

Oh...

They are being really open about this... How do I say this... It's strange. They are usually so reserved during class so I really didn't think that they would share their thoughts on this.

"A-Ahh... It's really not like that... You two are imaging things, hahaha..."

Despite my interjection, Sana wasn't pleased as she begged to differ.

"No way we are. It's fine, you know? We won't tell anyone. You like him, don't you?"

This is a bit too sudden... Are they attempting to manipulate me or are they genuinely attempting to know my situation...?

I don't know them well enough.

"Nah. I really hate him!"

Please forgive me, Hyunda. I would kill myself if you were here right now. This is obviously a lie. Yet, it's fine.

You'll soon know that this was all a lie and that it was only for the purpose of fooling them.

Yet...

"Liar... It's obvious you are lying! Come on, it's so obvious! The way you clung onto his arm gave it away."

"Sana's right. If you really wanted to lie about that, then you should've just let go of Hyunda yet you didn't do that. I also did the same with Daniel, but sigh, it didn't work. They must've had something really important going on, I guess."

..........

Was that what made it really obvious? Is clinging onto someone that much of a romantic sign? Well, it makes sense at least.

Clinging is a sign of dependence and I do need Hyunda.

"Ah... Um... Sorry for lying..."

Somehow, I felt slightly guilty. Because I don't think that they are manipulating me...

They are genuinely caring about my situation.

"Don't worry about it... It's pretty natural not wanting to admit it. But, for how long has this been going on for?"

Sana's excessively asking me questions right now... But, don't misunderstand.

This is my romance. Others are completely partial.

"........Not telling... It's a secret, please understand."

I'm not trying to be rude, but this is my own problem...

"Let us help you! Sana here is a pro at romance! She'll be able to tell you anything when it comes to romance! Give her a try!"

Yulia's oddly positive about this, even when I just told her that I wouldn't tell her anything.

Ah, wait.

More importantly...!

What is Hyunda doing right now!? Has he crossed paths with another girl or has any of them talked to him!?

I'm not there so I can't possibly know...

"Arkalee, you seem so stressed. But you are not willing to tell me why, I bet. So... Shall I picture a guess...?"

"Sure, Sana..."

There's no way she'll guess what I am thinking though.

Yet she looks massively confident. Sana's smirk is spelling confidence from a mile away.

"You are thinking about his whereabouts, aren't you? If he's talking to some other girl, for example?"

H-How did she...

"Quite simple, but do you want to know why it's simple...? Because every girl in love has these exact same thoughts at least once. However, realistically speaking, it's way more than just once!"

....

Amazing... Or...

No, more importantly...

"How do you know all this?!"

Enthusiastically shocked, I couldn't help but say that out loud. Sana's accurate guess surprised me greatly.

Just how exactly does she have this type of knowledge!?

"See? I told you Sana would know. She gave me some tips as well, hehe."

"It's the duty of someone like me, experienced in the art of love, to help those in need. How I know this, you ask? Because I've been in your place and I know how you can get through this!"

Wait, what? In my place...? My exact place? No way... My situation is quite complex, isn't it...?

Or is it just that simple? No, I don't think it is.

This could just mean that Sana is experienced even in complicated relationships that involve complex situations?

"But before that..."

Somehow, Sana didn't continue and once again looked towards Yulia.

Why do they keep doing this...?

"We can only let you into the circle if you stop defending a certain person. I'll be honest now. Can you stop defending that attention whore known as Ikkiri, Arkalee?"

Unexpectedly, Sana requested something that instantly created a smile on my face yet at the same time, I had to suppress it without a second thought.

But this reminded me of something. These two originally voted against Ikkiri back then.

"May I ask why...?"

Accordingly, I attempted to defend Ikkiri a few times, but that was obviously fake. I do plan to approach her eventually, but right now, it's fine.

She'll need to be more broken than she already is first.

"Are you kidding me? I've known her stereotype for centuries. I hate her stereotype. The type of girl who makes up absurd scenarios just for the sake of attention. I hate, but seriously hate her stereotype!"

Oh... Sana, you... You hate her too? For completely different reasons, but you also hate Ikkiri too?!

"Yeah, she's just pretending, Arkalee! You don't have to side with her. Don't get fooled by her act!"

Initially, I was thinking of keeping up this act of defending Ikkiri, but if I know that there are people that also hate her, then...

Even if it's for reasons completely different from mine, even if it's based on a scenario that didn't actually happen, this is perfect.

I couldn't ask for a better opportunity, honestly.

"But... What if Ikkiri isn't pretending?"

"No way she isn't. Think about it. Wouldn't the whole event be a lot easier if she had done it all by herself, Arkalee...?"

"Eh, you think so...?"

"I don't think so. I am certain of it!"

That's really nice, Sana.

But, the truth is, Ikkiri's being framed unfairly and she has absolutely no clue who did it. Accordingly, since I hate her, I planned this. However, I didn't have any direct involvement with the actions that were made.

Firstly, I made Tatsu do all the work. Although, I told him to write those messages in a way that no one would be able to easily decipher them. Tatsu is friends with Susaga, who is a hacker.

Essentially, the order is the following.... Tatsu wrote the messages and Susaga hacked the systems to disable the security camera's activity.

Nevertheless, there is a crucial factor here. Who exactly broke all the cameras?

Naturally, anyone would think that it's someone from our class, but the truth is...

It was someone from outside of our class. Someone that no one knows who it is.

This is why it's impossible to frame me and additionally why everyone else will be in endless circles when it comes to trying to discover who did this.

Furthermore, this will only keep on happening. This pattern of indirect action is unbreakable and I'll utilize it to make sure Ikkiri never sees the light of happiness in her life.