March 1st. 9 am.

Through the blinds in my room, powerful sunlight, so strong enough to open my eyes up, slowly took place.

The scourging morning sun had made its entrance into this first day of March.

A playful harmony of near-by birds was something that had caught my immediate attention. Although I know that there are birds that tend to swarm around this area, it's rare for them to make so much noise.

Given that spring is right around, to birds, it's a season where they would often sing in order for them to find their respective partner. That's right. Even birds have a strong need to feel the embrace of who they find worthy.

However, the birds that were swarming around constantly, concentrated onto one place only.

Curious enough to know where they were all concentrated, I rose my room's blinds to the top and the sunlight instantly blinded my eyes.

Regardless of that, I strongly attempted to look up. In the direction that I was looking at, at the top of the bridge that connected the female and male dorm, stood there, aloof, a familiar striking figure.

I suppose that makes sense. For some reason, there is this high linear bridge at the top of our dorm that also connects to the parallel dorm to ours; the boys' dorm. Nevertheless, since it is so high and dangerous, nobody would dare to cross it.

Falling from it would mean that you'd get injured. Worst case scenario, you'd die. Plus, the bridge is extremely thin. Under my assumption and knowledge, you'd need extreme control and balance of your body movements to walk over it. Hence, no one has tried to climb it, or maybe it hasn't caught anyone's attention.

Except...

"That took you long. Weren't you the one who said that we should make the most out of today yesterday? What happened to that?"

Above my room, on the outside scenery, seating on that linear thin bridge's edge...

His silhouette was visible throughout any realm of light that would fall below him. In a sense, the sun was only supporting his remarkable existence, because, to me, he already is the sun.

Despite this, I simply stood stunned as I analyzed his overall figure. Today, he is dressed in his green blazer and green pants, which are part of his school uniform. His red tie fits him perfectly. Not too tight nor too loosen. Perfect.

It's amazing how even in something so average you look amazing, Hyunda!

"Are you going to stand in daze forever, Arkalee?"

Even his cold-hearted and ruthless toned voice doesn't bother me anymore. There was a time, a not so distant time where I hated you with every fiber of my being, but right now...

It's hard to believe that there was ever such a moment.

By the way, today was...

"The faster we go, the more we can make out of the day. Unless you don't wanna go. It's fine by me if you don--"

"No! I want to go! Ummm!! Wait there!! I-I really need to get dressed properly first!"

In a rush of quick embarrassment, I looked at myself in the mirror and saw my not-so plausible appearance.

My hair was all over the place and I felt like screaming immediately. Plus, I had to close the blinds in order for Hyunda to potentially not see me while I change.

Though... I honestly wouldn't mi---

"No, no! That would be so embarrassing!"

What am I thinking lately?! I know how I feel but is this normal or natural!? These thoughts lately, I've been avoiding thinking about them but...

Am I supposed to deny them when I want them so much? Aren't I just denying how I feel then?

"Umm, what should I dress...?"

In the previous days, we have talked about this... Since we are paired up now we get to talk so much now...

At first, I was scared that he would treat me coldly and he still does... but, he talks to me now! When I ask him questions he responds sincerely and he has taken an undeniable interest in me!

I just didn't expect him to show up like this...! It's bad for my heart if you make me love you more than I already do.

"Ahhhh... Hyunda, I really... I wonder what his parents are like...? W-Wait... Just what are we going to do today...?! Oh gosh... He never specified what we will be doing today...! C-Could it be that he's planning something...?"

O-Ohh... My heart is beating like crazy! I can't even concentrate while choosing my clothes...!

B-Besides... What kind of clothes should I go with...?

"Should I match his outfit...?"

Certainly, I don't exactly like the simplicity in my uniform, but what if while we walk together people see us as a c-c-couple?!

"Wa-aaahhh.....!! I don't know if I can take that! My heart might just come out of my chest!!"

Though, we are certainly closer now. I still have to put my plan of screwing that miserable mundane bitch Ikkiri into motion, but this isn't so bad.

As a matter of fact, it's not bad at all! I'm starting to realize just how wrong I've been about you, Hyunda...

That which I don't believe because it's often unrealistic; you can do it. My happiness is increasing its boundaries further and further every time we share a moment of love.

"Alright, matching outfit it is."

I wonder how cute will we look together?

Without a doubt, I have to take pictures today.

Thus, after taking a short shower and after many preparations, I finalized dressing. Not wanting to wait around anymore, I pushed the blinds up to see if Hyunda was still at the top of the linear bridge but he...

"H-Hyunda?!"

He's not here! W-Why?! Did I take too long?!

I must've! Arkalee, you idiot! Idiot! Idiot! Idiot! Idiot! Idiot!

"No, don't freak out...! Something must've happened! I'm sure! I'll just have to look for you. It's no problem!"

It doesn't matter where he is. I'll look for him.

He's mine, so it really doesn't matter at all. It's trivial, so to speak.

As I worried and rushed downstairs, the whole dorm was silent. Since this is technically a day-off, they must be sleeping, I preassume.

Hopefully, Ikkiri sleeps forever. That would be extremely nice.

Roughly ten minutes after, despite searching all the way up to the places where I thought I would find him, I didn't.

Nevertheless, he suggested that the faster we go, the more we will make out of the day.

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

"I see!"

H-He's trusting me! I just know it! What an idiot I am! I should've listened to his words!

"That took you long. Weren't you the one who said that we should make the most out of today yesterday? What happened to that?"

I did say that yesterday! Because I truly want to spend this day with you and only you. Anyone that gets in my way of doing so will feel my wrath. I'm so so so sorry for not paying attention to your own words!

"Are you going to stand in daze forever, Arkalee?"

Your radiance blinds me and dumbfounds me, Hyunda. It's a natural phenomenon. While I do apologize for standing in a daze, it's beyond my control. The power you have on me far excels that of any other.

"The faster we go, the more we can make out of the day. Unless you don't wanna go. It's fine by me if you don--"

To be honest, I still have trouble believing that you came all the way for me. Did I make you wait or were you waiting for me? Either way, I'm tremendously happy. But your last words, they hurt me slightly. 

What did you mean when you implied that I might've not wanted to go with you? If it's not with you, then that's not right. Don't ever say that, please.

"There you are..."

Standing with his back against the wall of the entrance gate, Hyunda could be seen. Furthermore, he had blue earplugs but he took them off as soon as I spoke.

"You're late. I was going on ahead without you. What took you so long?"

As I thought he is...

"I'm sorry! You're right, I did take too long, but don't go on ahead without me, please..."

"Relax. I was joking. You aren't late. It was my fault for not waiting. I purposely went on ahead, hahaha."

"G-Geez...!"

He's teasing me now...!

"Hey. I got a favor to ask you, Arkalee. Think you're up to the task?"

"Of course! What is it...?"

Without showing any signs of hesitation, I asked what he wanted. I'm super glad he decided to rely on me. Because I will do whatever he so asks. It can't be helped if it is what he wants. Satisfying the desires of who I love is natural, isn't it?

"Nice, you're up for it. It's simple, so listen up. I need you to go on ahead."

...?

"Sorry?"

"I've never left school before, so to speak. All this time, I've been here. It's a known fact. Therefore, I need you to leave first and you will then contact me. Those two guards outside, they are related to this, aren't they?"

"Oh? Hahaha, I thought you meant something else... Yeah, they are. But... how can I contact you?"

I thought he meant that I should go without him ahead. Suddenly, my heart felt a bit shattered, but that was not the case at all. It's his first time leaving school and he wants to know how the process of doing so works.

That's intelligent! I see! He doesn't want to be subjected to situations he doesn't know of and he's already taking precaution...

"Give me your number already."

"H-Huh?"

What did he just... say...?

"What? I need to know your number so I can contact you once you leave the outside perimeter. Though, it won't be immediate. You'll have to wait 15 minutes. But, not here. Walk to any location you want, just not close to the school perimeter."

"O-Okay! I got it. I got it. Um, thanks...!"

"Hm? No need to thank me. I should thank you, instead, for accepting my weird request."

"It's not weird at all, don't worry!"

Previously mentioned, I wanted to take our future-to-be relationship at the correct pace and after making a solid bond with him, I would ask his number, but... that was fast! Not even a week has passed yet I've already obtained it!

It's happening now! I can finally text him or even... call him!

"Also, can I ask you another favor?"

A-Another one?! 

"Yeah! What is it...?"

But this time, instead of standing with his back against the wall, he came to my side with a sudden rush, as he placed his two hands on both of my shoulders.

His face was undoubtedly close.

"Eee-eehh...! Wh-What are you---"

"You see that girl there?"

I'm not sure why, but Hyunda decided that it was a good idea to point his finger at a not so great looking girl that was reading a book on a near-by bench.

Certainly, I will ask just what this is all about, but I have to do his request first. 

"I do...."

"Of course you do. That's obvious. Either way, I need you to tell her a lie for me. Can you do that?"

A lie? Then, he doesn't want anything good to do with that girl, does he? That's perfect!

"Okay. But what is it...?"

He smells so good...

"Tell her I asked her out. Furthermore, tell her that I will be waiting in the shrine that is 5 minutes from here."

Hm? Did I just... hear that...?

No, no. I couldn't have. My mind is surely playing tricks on me. Why today of all days though? What a stupid unfunny joke, hahaha.

"I'm sorry, Hyunda. Maybe I need to clean my ears, even though I already do that constantly, but what did you just say?"

"I said what I said. Don't pretend you didn't listen."

Is he serious?! Does he have any idea how much that hurts for me to do, even if that's a lie?!

"B-But why?!"

"Don't be angry at me. This will all make sense once you finish the requests I asked you. Or do you not trust me? Is that it? Tell me if you don't. It's fairly understandable, after all. I am asking two illogical requests. Illogical because I can't give you the logic yet. But if you are willing to wait and trust me, you won't regret it."

...How unfair of him, to be like this... I can't resist you when you are this close!

I'm blushing like a red tomato at this point! Yet your eyes only speak serenity and your words tell me that you are serious about this.

"I do trust you, but...!"

"I promise to reward you later if you do this."

"...Um, what is this reward that you speak o-of?"

"Secret. Though, in my opinion, it's worth it. Only if you want to do it, though. No one's forcing you."

"That's not fair..."

The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.

It's not fair for you to be like this, Hyunda... Because you know that I can't say a negative answer now...!

You're lucky I love you this much, otherwise, I would not do it.

But for you, I will always.

Ultimately, I took a deep breath before saying my final words to Hyunda, who was almost glued to me at this point.

"...I just have to say that you asked her out, right? And that you will be waiting for her at the shrine..."

"Yes, basically. Although, I've changed my mind about something. Instead of telling the girl that I will only be waiting in the shrine that is 5 minutes from here, tell her in addition that I will go on ahead of her in exactly ten minutes from now. Also, I need you to wait 30 minutes instead of 15."

What? That's...

"That's way too long, Hyunda... Why do I have to wait 30 minutes...? What are you going to do?"

"Arkalee, you can't question my actions if you trust me. If you do, then it means that you don't trust me. I wouldn't question yours, for example. It's a symbol of trust."

But I wouldn't mind if you asked me about my actions. I would never lie to you, ever.

It's just that... why is he making me do this...? It's so painful. I love you this much and you are pretending to ask someone out...?

You still don't know how I feel about you, but... Why a random slut like that, Hyunda?

"Why her?"

With multiple students passing by, the girl that Hyunda pointed, who happens to be extremely lucky right now, is becoming slightly translucent as students pass by.

Her presence is starting to fade but she is starting to eye Hyunda a bit... 

Why? You have a book to read, don't you? Then gobble your eyes out, if you are not reading it.

"It doesn't matter why."

"Yes, it does... I would feel more comfortable knowing the reason for my future actions. I know that you trust me, but I need some sort of logic..."

I detest being this demanding, but if it involves another girl, then it can't be helped. I need to know if I have to add her to my blacklist as well.

Maybe Ikkiri will gain another friend.

"I see. So you can't do it unless I give you logic."

"Sorry..."

"No, it's fine. On second thought... It's fine."

He's stepping away from me while turning his back on me. Furthermore, he took out his phone for some reason.

Hm? 

Why?

"What is fine? You even said it twice."

"I said it's fine because I can probably get someone else to do it. Though, it's going to be five minutes until she gets here, supposedly."

.......What? 

"Who...?"

"Ikkiri. I didn't wanna bother her since it's her day-off, but---"

"Don't be late. I'll call you five minutes after I leave and I will tell you everything I know regarding the process of what happens after I leave the school's parameter."

He said 'probably', which means that I am still an option. I suppose it was my bad for not seeing this coming.

Once I return from today's events, I will put the plan into motion. I thought that it should be fine if I put ahold of it until mid-March but that was naive of me. Super naive. Lesson learned though.

Thus, without any following words, I walked a bit to the girl that Hyunda pointed out earlier.

I'm experienced in acting and I do it constantly. It's a common thing for me to do. Faking reactions has been my thing, but...

This is hard. Because I really just want to pull her stupid hairs out of her head and scourge her brain out and give it to the hounds.

Nevertheless, I will do it, even if it pains me to excruciating extents.

"Um... can I seat here?"

A shy and timid girl reading a literature book on a bench while admiring someone, who should honestly be an idol but for God knows only why isn't. That would certainly be the perfect description.

How typical though. I bet she never had any boyfriends in her whole life. She's one hundred percent going to die alone. Or get lucky and marry some random loser while never knowing the concept of happiness. It baffles me why people like her bother to breathe oxygen in the first place.

Why? You are not going to achieve anything in life. All of those years; for nothing.

"......"

She did not reply, thus I took a seat with a huge smile on my face.

Glasses and acne. The deadly duo. Of course someone like her would eye Hyunda. What an avid dreamer she is.

"My name is Arkalee! What's yours?"

"Oh, umm... Maria."

"Maria, huh? Nice to meet you!"

"Nice to meet you too..."

Gosh, what is this abhorrent dialogue? Be more creative at least. Someone else has bothered to speak with you in your lifetime, show some respect and dignity with vigor at least.

Time to get to the main point. I don't think I can stay here close to her without mutilating parts of her body.

"Maria, do you see that guy over there...?"

I pointed at Hyunda, who was with his back against the wall, with his hands on his pocket.

Casually listening to music, he stood there while reflecting his majestic posture to this unworthy world filled with unworthy humans of him.

I'm an exception, of course.

"W-What about... him?"

Why are you acting minimally embarrassed? Do you actually think you stand a chance in the first place? I'll end you, bitch.

No, no. Calm down. Deep breaths.

"Um... are you okay, Arkalee?"

"Ah? Yeah, yeah. Don't mind me! Just some really trivial problems!"

"I see..."

Extremely trivial.

"Do you like him? You've been eyeing him for a while. It's quite obvious, no need to hide it."

"O-Oh no, please. No way."

Such a bad, bad liar. It's obvious, bitch. Just say it. Or else I'll squash your throat at night.

"Eeeh, it's fine, it's fine! To be honest, he's pretty cool! I'm jealous of you, for the record."

It's way more than just jealous, but there's no way a dumb fucking lucky random cocksucker like you would know, right?

"Why are you jealous...?"

I like how you didn't even deny it. It's that obvious, huh?

"The truth is... the guy that you are eying asked me to tell you something."

"H-He did!?"

She closed her book immediately since she couldn't hide her jubilant wave of happiness.

What are you so happy about? It's a lie. It's just a lie. Nothing more than that.

"You're lucky, Maria! Believe it or not, he asked you out!"

"What?! No way that's true!"

You're absolutely right, Maria. It's fucking not!

"It's truuueee! That's why I said I was jealous! But, I'm just a friend of his, haha. Either way, you know the shrine that stays at the top of the mountain, right?"

Since this school's location is exactly in a mountain, there is a shrine that stays at the top. There's a popular saying that if you go there and make your wish, it will become true.

I'll wish for Ikkiri's death once I go there, I guess.

"Yes!"

"Good, Maria! He said that he would go to the shrine in ten minutes from now! This is a good chance for you!"

"I can't believe a hot guy like him asked me out...! I'm so happy!"

"Awww..."

Why are you crying though? Stop taking Hyunda for someone who is irrational and dumb. Only a person who belongs to the latter stereotypes would commit such an illogical act.

"That'll be all! I have to get going though! See ya!"

"See ya, Arkalee! I'm glad to have met you!"

I'm afraid we don't share the same sentiment. Not even a single drop of it. That peculiar smile on your face is so ugly that even a pig would vomit.

Nonetheless, I made my way to the main gate and before leaving, I made eye contact with Hyunda, who was looking at me.

...........

This doesn't feel right. Even if it contains an ulterior purpose, I still can't support this. Although, I'll let it slide. Just this once. For you. Because I love you.

"You already know what I'm going to say. Wear this and don't remove it. Otherwise..."

"I get it. I won't remove it."

These pesky guards have been telling me the same thing every time I leave school yet I won't do anything.

I'm not dumb. I do know what this is for. My location is tracked down, which means my movements are limited. Essentially, I can only move at a reasonable pace that is within the morals of society.

Although it's something to put on my ankle, realistically, after I pretend to put it there, I simply put it in my skirt's pocket.

Getting rid of it could be an option, but there's no guarantee that there aren't other unknown consequences. There's the possibility of that being bait. Because then, a criminal would resort to immoral actions and if you are caught right-handed, you are screwed.

All in all, it's best to play safe, I think.

"Guess I'll sit in a bench in the meantime..."

After walking down a bit, I isolated myself from the school and went to a park before calling Hyunda.

As I glanced upon his number, my heartbeat increased vigorously.

"This will be... the first of many calls, I'm sure..."

Kinda sad now that I think about it, but it's my first contact. How should I name him though...?

"Ha...ji...me..."

Ahhh, I wonder what feeling would I receive if he called me by my first name? Would I die from happiness?

That's usually a sentence that's said with a sense of exaggeration, but it's clearly not. There's a certain logic as to why that's possible to happen.

My heartbeat would rise so high I would die. It's entirely logical.

30 minutes though. 

"Ahhh --- What will I do as I wai---"

As I was speaking to myself in this lonesome atmosphere, my phone ringed. 

"I forgot to call him!"

How could I forget?! Idiot, idiot! 

In a state of panic, I picked up the call at sight.

"S-Sorry for not calling you, I---"

"No need to apologize. I would call you if you didn't. Which is the case. Either way, time is short. Tell me the process that you went through."

Hyunda, you would call me even if I wouldn't...? If you say such lines, even I won't be able to hold my feelings back...

"There will be two guards. Two bulky black-suited guards. They will hand you an ankle bracelet to track down your location. Otherwise, you'd just be a sitting duck. You can move freely, but you'll have to wear the bracelet on your ankle at the same time."

"How do they know your location though?"

"One of the guards mentioned that it was made to track down your location. However, previously, the other guard mentioned something about not attempting to crush the chip. I'm sure if you crush the chip which is inside it then... there will be consequences to follow. Please, don't do that..."

I'm worried. I don't want him to try anything that might hinder his position. If he's expelled from the program, then I won't have a reason to be anymore.

"Where are you exactly?"

"There is a park as soon as you descend the massive stairway. I'm there waiting."

He hung up as soon as I said those words.

Oh god... He's not going to try anything, right? Wh-What if he does...?

If he tries anything then I can't be there for him. If he screws up then...

But why did he want to know the process? He must be up to something. Why would he tell me to lie to Maria like that?

What are you trying to achieve, Hyunda...?

"Please just play safe... I can't afford to lose you..."

Around 25 minutes later.

"Where is he...?"

It's been more than 30 minutes for sure. I took around 7 minutes to get here and since then, it's been 25 minutes, which means 32 minutes in total...

I'm constantly looking at the bottom of the staircase, but no one is showing up.

In the meantime, I received another call from Hyunda, thus I picked up.

"Hi."

"I can't meet you in the park. Do you know where the mall is located?"

"Are you talking about the one in the main city? Actually, there are plenty, you'll have to be more specific, sorry..."

But why can't he meet me in the park though...?

"Hold on. I'll call you back, I need to do something first."

Once again, he hung up.

Geez....! Why can't he tell me a single thing?! He's too secretive... He could share a thing or two... I'm extremely reliable as I've done all of the two tasks he asked me.

He could, in addition---

"Hi."

That was fast.

"Change of plans. Not the mall. Suzukien Asakusa. It's a gelateria. I'll send you the location via google maps. Be there as soon as you can." 

With fast precision, Hyunda proceeded to hang up once again.

Furthermore, this meant that I would have to walk. Can't be helped...

40 minutes later.

"Oh. Arkalee? That's rare. You told me someone was coming, but I didn't imagine it would be her."

Why is he here?

"You have it with you, right?"

"Yeah, I brought it, Hyunda. But... are you sure about this?"

"I'm positive, Sagasuga. The inner chip can entirely be crushed but that would be dumb. If we crush the chip itself, then, once we return, the person who doesn't have the chip will face the consequences. But, as we discussed, it's not necessary to crush the chip in the first place."

Although Hyunda greeted me with a look, I did not expect to meet Sagasuga here. Right now, they are both eating stracciatella ice cream. 

Alas, I took a seat next to Hyunda, as I heard their ongoing discussion about the chip.

"You haven't put the idea to the test already, have you?!"

"Dude, it's completely fine. Your location can be manipulated, either way. It's up to who is holding the chip. However, it's pretty obvious that if you want to manipulate the chip's location, you have to get it out from the bracelet."

"Really?"

"Yeah. The only problem is; while returning the bracelet at the end of the day, if the bracelet is damaged in any way possible, it will raise suspicion. Meaning, if you decide to dig for the chip via brute force, it will backfire. That's why I asked you to bring it. Though, I'm already way ahead of you."

"Ahead of me? That means if you are indeed ahead of me, then you have done it correctly, right? But how? In order to manipulate the location, someone else needs to carry it. Who would carry a criminal's chip?"

By contrast, Sagasuga is wearing a personal outfit rather than his school uniform like us.

But why is Hyunda wasting time with someone like Sagasuga...? Why is he here...?

So annoying. Go away already. Don't interrupt our sacred day of the month.

"Does it really matter who it is? What matters is getting a person to carry it. Whether they know it or not, matters not."

"I see your point, Hyunda. However, what if the guards are aware of this? Supposedly, according to your reasoning, by giving the chip to another person, that person will have the chip as its location. Yet, the chip only specifies to us from class F. Are you sure you thought this through?"

I understand that they are talking about the chip, but they are not making any sense. Why are they talking about the chip in the first place?

What does it matter, Sagasuga? Just shut up already.

"It is true that if you give your ship to a random stranger out there, then this plan automatically fails. Which is why it's out of the option to give it to a random stranger. But what if you don't give it to a random stranger?"

"You mean... giving to one of us?"

"Simply put, yes. But the likelihood of someone accepting a chip openly is suicidal. Yet, what if you make a total outsider give a chip to a person from our class?"

I'm trying to understand but I just can't. What the hell are they talking about...?

"Be more specific. Isn't it fine if you go straight to the point, Hyunda? You said that you'd go to the point once she got here and here she is."

In a flash, Sagasuga and I traded glances.

Hyunda mentioned me? Which means... He said my name while I was away...?

Strangely enough, that gives me more happiness since it means that I am more relevant to him than the others he doesn't bother mentioning.

"I've put the idea into practice. I managed to take out the chip from my bracelet by unlocking the locks on the bracelet with an English key. I did ask you to bring other tools because I thought this wouldn't work, but it did. The screws are made of hard steel, which took time to come off, but I got the chip out with ease and put back the bracelet structure as it was initially."

Wait...

"Hyunda, you took out the chip?!"

Why would you do that?! Now you'll have to harbor plenty of consequences in return.

"This will all make sense. To you and Sagasuga. Let me continue. As you know, if I got the chip out, then as I've explained previously, I needed to somehow deliver it to a classmate from ours. Because, from the guards' perspective, it would make sense for a chip to be with one of our classmates. The bracelets are random, which means that if you put two chips under one bracelet, it will act like one."

"Wait... How can you be so sure, Hyunda? Isn't that just an assumption?"

"It won't backfire, Sagasuga. Here is why. The bracelet delivery is done later on, right? Therefore, as long as your chip doesn't go missing and it stays within the location of the respective target, then what's the harm? It can be deduced that there are two individuals while there is only one. For example, if a classmate of ours appears as an individual that has two chips, then that's impossible and unlikely. It means that our classmate is together with someone. Take this moment for example. There are two chips here. Yet, there are three people here. Can you see where I'm going with this?"

His intelligence is making me droll honestly. He's just... perfect!

I love how serious he gets when he's explaining his reasonings. It's like he lives in a different world...

"...Are you insinuating that you have managed to achieve the scenario where there is a classmate of ours that has currently two chips?"

"Correct. Nevertheless, I mentioned how unrealistic it would be for us to deliver the chip to another classmate just like that, right? That is why... I didn't deliver it personally."

"What? How is that possible? You are the owner of the chip. Someone wouldn't possibly just deliver the chip to one of our classmates openly. That's unrealistic."

"Assumably. But, let's just say it happened. I got someone to deliver my chip, even though that person does not know that she herself delivered a chip in the first place."

She?

Is he talking about Maria...? Then...

That was all for the purpose of using her as a scapegoat! I see! There was never any romantic intentions behind it! Of course there weren't... My love for him is enough.

Nobody else is necessary.

"You got a girl to deliver the chip a classmate from our class unknowingly?"

"The girl, yes. However, that classmate does know."

"Mind if I ask who it is or can't you tell me?"

"I cannot. It's a secret. However, with that said, the idea only truly works if by the end of the day, when you are about to deliver your bracelet, you have the chip inside it. Right now, I don't have it. But, that's fine because that certain classmate will give me the chip back before 6 pm. And then I just have to put it back."

Hyunda said that he made a girl, which is most likely Maria, deliver the chip to a classmate of ours unknowingly. However, how did you manage to convince Maria to deliver the chip? And how did you make it be 'unknown'?

No, the most important question is his secret. Who is this classmate that he speaks of?

I swear to god... I hope that my assumption is wrong...

"What exactly are the drawbacks of this?"

"There are plenty, but you gotta take the risk. If the bracelets are random, so are the chips. But, this becomes less dangerous if we follow the already-mentioned ideas which are made to counterattack suspicion."

"...You're crazy man. Why do all this? Are you going to murder someone?"

Suddenly, a more dense and serious atmosphere was lifted. Even Hyunda stopped moving his spoon, which made the transition of the piece of the ice cream to his mouth impossible.

"That's certainly possible, right? But, no. I have some places to be that cannot be known by anyone related to the government. Rest assured, I'm not going to commit something outrageous. Though... It's been a while since I've felt this sensation of freedom. Nothing is stopping me from committing what I could desire, you know?"

.....!

"Hyunda, you can't! If you commit a crime and get caught then you will---"

"Chill out, it was just a joke. This was just a test. Nothing wrong with just testing the idea, right, Sagasuga?"

Just a joke?! But if you get caught you'll be in big trouble! As I thought, I must be there for him, otherwise, he will commit something he will regret for sure.

"I doubt you would go all the way just for a simple test. Though, am I even needed here? You called me out here, but if you can get the chip out of the bracelet, then my purpose here is done. Actually, it was never fulfilled, because your English key works, right?"

"No, you had one purpose overall. It would be two purposes if my English key had not worked, but since it did, it only leaves the upcoming one."

"Hm?"

As Sagasuga titled his head in response, Hyunda stopped eating his ice cream with his spoon and looked at me briefly.

Until he decided to dive down with his head under the table.

Furthermore, in a quick motion, I felt his hand on my naked right ankle.

"That's strange. It's an ankle bracelet. It should be here. Hey, Arkalee, where is it? The bracelet."

"Oi, Hyunda! You don't have any tact bro!"

I don't think I'm washing my ankle ever again.

I want to reject this thought but at the same time, I don't.

"U-Ummm...! Not here... pl-please...!"

"Not here what? It's not here? The bracelet? I'm serious now, I'm not being a dense jerk just now. Did you mean the bracelet or...? Oh, what? Did you like it? Was that it?"

D-Don't whisper on my neck like that...! How does he know my vulnerable spots out of nowhere?

Waaaaahhh!!

"The bracelet is here...!"

I had to look in the opposite direction while handing Hyunda the bracelet that was in my pocket.

I can't look at him in the eye when he does unfair stuff like that! Geez, we are supposed to go at our own pace, are we not?

But... I'm starting to think that I don't desire to go at my own pace anymore. How do I say this... Hyunda's pace is hard to keep yet...

It drives me wild....

"You guys... You are in a public space. Behave yourselves, please."

Can't Sagasuga fall off from a cliff already? His comments are so unnecessary, all the time.

"Sagasuga, your other purpose would be to keep her chip."

"What?"

"Eh...?"

My.... chip...?

"I did say that it would be unrealistic, but if it's you, then it works. Keep her chip until 4 pm. Meet her up here at that time, alright?"

Wait... But if I don't have my chip then it means that my actual location will not be known, since it will be with Sagasuga.

This means... Hyunda needs to be in places that no one can know, but if that's the case then why does he want my chip to be removed? Is my actual location relevant?

That would mean that...

"So you're taking her along? All this just for a date? Man, I need to learn from you. You even kept your mouth shut about it. Bravo."

"Think as you like. Can you do it or not?"

D-Date!?

"If we both agree to be here at 4 pm, then I don't see a reason why not. Well, Arkalee, do you ag-"

"Yes! I'll be here at 4 pm! Without a doubt!"

I didn't know! I didn't think that you'd think this far ahead and that you cared so much! 

All of this was for the sake of us being together without no one knowing our actual locations! How romantic!

Hyunda, you are out of this world... How can someone like you exist?!

At this rate, I might just tell him... Oh gosh, oh gosh... This is just... I need to calm myself down.

"E-Excuse me! I need to go to the toilet! Give me five minutes, please!"

Usually, it would take more time to get it started, but since I'm already in this state...

I'm afraid it will be even less than five minutes.

Ultimately, I rushed to the toilet instantly. I couldn't help myself.

"What's gotten into her?" Sagasuga wondered.

"Who knows." Replied Hyunda in a mischievous tone.