It was noon and, as expected, the school canteen was busy. Kazuo and Mabuchi were eating at a table with some of the other boys from class. Kazuo had bought himself a sandwich for lunch and he sat leaned back listening to the various, loud, discussions going on between the boys. Even Mabuchi seemed to be deep into a discussion as well. Suddenly a new topic started which was probably way too common by now.

“- Hey, guys, what's the view on the girls now after we've had a term to consider? Eh? “ One of the boys named Ryuji had leaned in over the table with a smug look like some pirate sharing his treasure plans. The other boys immediately started to throw out names such as “Kayano” and sharing nods of agreement or disagreement, even debates started. Kazuo didn’t feel like taking part in the topic and made it clear with an overly bored look. Suddenly Mabuchi gave him a look and grinned.

“- Oh! I know! That new one! Ain’t she pretty cute? “ Mabuchi made everyone listen with a gesture.

“- Ahhh, you’re right! She does seem to be a little aggressive however… Kazuo, didn’t you have run in with her just the other day? “ Ryuji gave Kazuo a look and suddenly everyone around the table was giving him the same look as well.

*- Damn you Mabuchi…. * Kazuo sighed.

“- Umm, yeah, I guess… “ Everyone gave him a strange look.

“- Well…? “

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“- Well what? “ Mabuchi had played him again.

“- What else? Have you talked to her any more?? “

“- Ohh… “ Kazuo suddenly had awkward flashbacks from what happened between him and Haruka which instantly gave him away in front of everyone.

“- What was that Kazuo? Is there something going on? Eh? “ Mabuchi had really put him on the spot.

*- What should i say… * Kazuo got a bit nervous.

“- About that new girl… “ One of the guys called Hiro suddenly took a bit of attention.

“- Me and a friend saw her yesterday by the school gates with someone. We were pretty far away though so we didn't see who it was, I however could see it was a male uniform. “

Everyone seemed intrigued.

“- Huh… You didn’t see who it was? “ Ryuji stroked his cheek. Kazuo felt a little relieved as he didn’t seem to be the centre of attention anymore then he realized what would happen next.

“- Wait, isn’t the main suspect Kazuo then? “ Ryuji glanced towards Kazuo.

*- Shiiit, gotta make ‘em think it was not me… * Kazuo scrambled.

“- What! I’d never hook up what that crazed girl! “ Kazuo managed to sound convincing but he, of course, didn’t manage to fool Mabuchi who gave him smug grins.

“- Huh, really? “ Ryuji and the others looked at him.

“- Yeah, of course. “ Kazuo held the act.

“- Then you won't mind if any of us takes a shot at her then, right? “ Ryuji laughed.

“- Well, we’ll believe you for now... let’s go “ Mabuchi suddenly stood up.

“- Aight, you better not be hiding anything from us, Kazuo~ “ Ryuji and the others stood up as well.

*- Phew, I managed to keep Haruka's secret for now, gotta be more careful… * Kazuo watched as the others left.

*- I hope no one hits on Haruka thought… Geez, whatever… *

*- I wonder what she’s doing now however… Not like I could talk to her anyways, especially after what happened yesterday… * Kazuo stretched his arms and and rose from his seat.

*- Better catch up to the others… *