Chapter 768 - Fear Not

Among the girls in their circle, only Kikuchi remained nothing more than just a ‘friend’ of Hina in my eyes. Even though her hobby was on the dubious side, her presence in their circle was kinda similar to Arisa-senpai and Shizu. She joined to accompany her friend.

Over the years, if Shizu became somewhat of a leader, both Arisa-senpai and Kikuchi became the voice of reason in their group. They’re not at all attracted to any of the boys there so they could see things objectively.

They’re aware of who likes who. But that was before I showed up and put a wedge in their circle.

When Shizu started coming to their club to walk with them after school in a bid to stabilize their circle, I told this girl and Tadano that they’re going to hate me more when I tell them the truth.

With Kikuchi running after me this time and asking that vague question, she’s probably fed up with being ignorant of what’s actually happening in their circle.

The girl first looked around us and after she confirmed that there was no one else to hear us, she stepped forward. In as low a voice as possible and coupled by her inquisitive eyes, she asked. “Come out and tell me the truth, Onoda-kun. Hina. What do you plan to do to her? It’s too obvious by now. She stopped chasing after Kazuo and instead turned all of her focus on you.”

As expected, it’s about Hina.

Hina refrained from telling Kikuchi the truth. Although this girl fully supported her with her pursuit of Ogawa, she’s not sure if it would be the same when it comes to me.

I still remember that one time when she participated in Hina’s plan in entrapping me with an incriminating photo and using me in her scheme of getting Kazuo.

That failed spectacularly when I cornered Hina.

On the other hand, as the only other person aware of that meeting – she believed that it wasn’t leaked to anyone else – she went and apologized to me on behalf of her friend one time she chanced upon me walking alone in the hallway.

Even with her hobby of pairing boys to each other for her fantasies, this girl had that kind of decency to apologize if she found herself at fault.

“What do I plan, huh? True. I can also see that.” I started. “Are you aware of Hina confessing to Ogawa?”

“… Of course I know.”

“Then you’re also aware that I’m the one who helped her do that.”

“T-that’s correct. I still haven’t thanked you for that.”

“No worries. I did that for her. To open her eyes on what kind of guy Ogawa truly is…” I released a sigh at this point.

Catching that, Kikuchi raised her gaze and inspected me closely.

“As for the answer to your question… I think Hina can tell you about the situation clearly. One thing I can tell you at this moment is that she’s a lovely girl and I appreciate her a lot. More than Ogawa can spare for her. If you’re worried about Hina once again pursuing someone that she won’t be able to reach, fear not.”

After saying that with a smile, I turned around and continued on my way, not waiting for her response.

I heard her confused gasp and how she called out to me to clarify.

Nonetheless, I ignored it.

I told her who to talk to. Even though my message was a little vague, Kikuchi would definitely be able to pick up something from my words after she got out of her confusion and analyzed it.

Hina was only afraid that she’d think differently but clearly, she’s also dying to keep her friend in the loop…

To make sure that nothing goes wrong, I informed Hina about what happened and asked Nami and Saki to watch over her.

If I revealed our relationship to Kikuchi right there, I doubt she would accept that her friends were being two-timed. And given how she’s still on the other side of our abnormal situation, she would just dismiss anything I would say and stick to common sense.

All in all, it would be like preaching using a different language. She’d be unable to understand it.

-

-

Because of the time I spent with Satsuki and in the Student Support Club, my time with my five girls in the Book Club and Poem Appreciation Club was cut short.

I was only able to hear progress on Aya’s side concerning her new association with Wakaba and the other girl, drinking a bit of tea along with Himeko, Mina and Edel.

Mina also updated me on the case concerning Auntie Yayoi.

It appeared to have been going smoothly after the arrest. Mina told me that I might be called to the police station again this weekend for another testament. That will be the final nail in the coffin over that guy who I already forgot the name of.

Too bad for him, he got too hasty with his decision. If he waited a few weeks more, he might’ve gotten a chance.

Mina told her mother that it’s no big deal if she remarries after all. Sooner or later, if that incident didn’t happen, she would eventually say yes.

Anyway, it’s good that it happened. For that guy to have the tendency to plan something like that, it would never be a happy marriage.

Well, there’s no update on Himeko’s status in her father’s eyes. He’s still cold to her even though she’s already assisting Itou in managing their hotel.

I asked her if she wanted any help but as always, she just smiled and asked me to cheer for her instead, no, cheer for the two of them. Her relationship with her sister was now closer than before, after all. And their family was starting to see that. It’s just a matter of time before things start to change.

Edel, on the other hand, just happily snuggled in my embrace again, causing Mina and Himeko to be a little jealous.

In the end, the two asked for the same treatment before I left. Himeko straightforwardly asked for it while Mina, as always, tried to downplay her desire to be in my embrace.

As for the other two seniors in the room… They did their best to ignore me. I guess that’s good for them. Besides, with my hands or attention always occupied by my girls, it’s a lot better to get to know them outside that club, in a chance encounter.

By the time I reached the Literature Club, I was a little surprised at what I arrived at…

“You’re late… If you’re wondering where they are… why don’t you ask me?”

With her fingers rhythmically tapping the table, Ishida-senpai’s lips curved into a rather annoyed smirk. Perhaps, if I parted the fringes covering her temple, I might see a popped-out vein.

Just like she said, apart from her, Kana, Rae and even Otsuka-senpai were nowhere in sight.

And instead of readily telling me where they went, this girl wanted me to ask her.

How troublesome…

No… It’s her way of getting back at me for being a few minutes late again.

I walked towards the table and sat down across from her.. With my eyes not breaking any contact with her, I raised my hands to my side in surrender… “Mhm… I’m at your mercy, senpai.”