Chapter 63

“So basically, you met at cram school back in middle school, got closer over time, and now here you are?”

“Yeah, exactly. It’s not like there was some special event or anything.”

Half of that was true, and half was a lie.

It was true that they met at cram school and that their bond deepened because of it.

“What the hell, man! That just makes it sound like you got lucky!”

“If you put it that way, I can’t really deny it… but aren’t most encounters like that?”

Whether or not there’s an opportunity that alone can define everything. It might be a simple way to put it, but it really does come down to luck.

There must be plenty of people who just happened to be together, got a chance to talk, and ended up dating.

If you don’t even have that chance and try to force it, well, that’s basically hitting on someone.

“So unfair. Why don’t I ever get that kind of lucky connection…?”

“You’re close with Amamiya-san, right? Maybe you already used up your luck there.”

“Ruri doesn’t count! It’s not like we’re dating or anything!”

“But you’re always hanging out together. There are tons of guys who can’t even get that far, you know.”

“Why am I being lectured by you…?”

“Because it’s just the truth.”

Being close to one of the most popular girls in school like it’s normal is not something just anyone can do.

Ruri was approachable enough that someone might be able to have a short conversation with her if they suddenly talked to her.

However, reaching the level of closeness that Seiya had with her? Satoru didn’t think that was possible.

“Oh! Speaking of Ruri, I just remembered—yesterday she already figured out that you and Hatsune-san are dating!”

“Not really surprising, I guess. Other people are picking up on it too, and with Amamiya-san’s social skills, it makes sense she’d notice something like that.”

The real question came after that.

Now that she knew about their relationship, would she stop making moves?

Judging by her dating history so far, Satoru figured she’d give up quickly and just move on to another guy.

“Well… anyway. Just keep being good friends with Ruri, okay?”

“Of course, I plan to stay friendly as a friend, that is.”

“Yeah, I guess that’s fine for now.”

“???”

Satoru couldn’t quite understand Seiya’s muttering, but there was no need to stir up unnecessary trouble.

At the very least, maintaining communication should be enough.

※ ※ ※

During break time, the school became instantly lively with students chatting everywhere.

“Hey hey, Reika! What do you like about Takashima-kun?”

“Foolish question. I love everything about him.”

“How long have you two been together?”

“We’ve officially been dating for about a year and a half. But even before that, it was practically like we were together. We held back during exam season, though.”

As usual, Reika was being bombarded with questions by the other girls around her.

She answered each one patiently, with a faint smile that suggested she was enjoying herself.

Seeing her like that made Satoru feel a bit more convinced that going public wasn’t such a bad idea after all.

“Oh, Ruri’s here.”

“Yahho~ Takashima-kun, you’re feeling better now? All good?”

“Yes. Though I feel a bit pathetic for getting sick back to back like that.”

“No no, it’s a season where people get sick easily—it can’t be helped~”

From the looks of it, Ruri hadn’t changed much.

As usual, her skirt was short, and her cleavage was on display like she was practically saying “Look at me.”

Was this her normal style? Or had she already moved on and was trying to attract a new guy?

Either way, now that she knew about his relationship with Reika, Satoru couldn’t help but think she should’ve toned it down a little before coming over.

Moreover, the atmosphere around her wasn’t exactly welcoming.

Because of how she always came off as flirty toward guys, Ruri had a bad reputation among the other girls.

On top of that, for the girls who were close to Reika, this current situation was beyond annoying.

“Hey. Amamiya-san. Could you back off from Takashima-kun? You know he’s dating Reika, right?”

One of Reika’s friends, having lost her patience, raised her voice at Ruri.

“Huh? What’s the problem? Is there some rule saying I can’t talk to someone just because they’re taken?”

“It’s not about rules or whatever. It’s about showing some restraint!”

“I’m just talking normally. What’s the big deal?”

At that moment, Satoru realized just how incredible Ruri was.

No matter how hostile the atmosphere became, no matter how much antagonism was directed at her, she didn’t flinch in the slightest.

He could see that clearly in her eyes.

Without even glancing at the girl who raised her voice, she kept her gaze fixed on Satoru and responded in a calm, flat tone.