Kagura Hikaru and the others had already reached the school.

But just as they got to the entrance.

They were persuaded to leave by Teacher Yamazaki who teaches PE.

"No need for classes today, everyone go home."

Teacher Yamazaki said, waving his hand.

Just at this moment.

A text notification about the vacation also appeared on their phones.

There was a 4.2 magnitude earthquake in Tokyo.

Considering the risk, the school decided to take a day off.

No choice.

They could only turn back.

Five people, one male and four females, walked down the street together.

The atmosphere was slightly silent.

Mainly because they didn't know what to say.

This kind of atmosphere.

If compared to a detective drama.

It's like the male detective and female assistant,

being dragged along by three criminals.

It's practically filled with danger.

Despair!

Despair at such a terrifying world!

...thoughts like these swirled in Ai Cheng Karen's mind.

She surprisingly has a bit of an otaku side.

Occasionally, she would immerse herself in fantasies.

The specific plan for the Christmas confession she had just decided on.

Just like the current situation, completely without a clue.

After all, would Little Hinata allow such presumptuous behavior?

Though who she confesses to is her own business.

If the confession is to someone else's boyfriend.

That would be very inappropriate.

Once revealed, their relationship would become super awkward, right?

...Maybe I should just forget it?

Ai Cheng Karen shamefully gave birth to thoughts of avoidance.

But soon shook her head and denied it herself.

No matter what.

She wants to know the answer.

Even if the final result is failure,

it would be a conclusion to her love.

So that ten years down the line, she wouldn't regret repeatedly.

This must be the right choice.

Right?

The five of them met at the station.

And parted ways in front of the station.

Due to the earthquake, the trains stopped running.

They all had to switch to buses to go home.

But for some reason.

This time Ai Cheng Karen didn't go along the same way as Kagura Hikaru.

"Sorry Kagura, and Little Hinata.

I just remembered something I need to do, you guys go ahead!"

"Hmm?"

"Sorry!"

"Wait--"

After Ai Cheng Karen finished speaking.

She quickly caught up with Hina and the others, holding her backpack tightly.

Kagura Hikaru felt a bit concerned.

He felt like Ai Cheng might be hiding something from him.

But had no chance to ask.

He could only watch them walk away.

Well, they were just friends.

No matter how close the relationship, there would still be personal secrets.

Even so.

Kagura Hikaru still felt a bit lonely.

If Ai Cheng was troubled by something.

She could definitely talk to him about it.

He could help with most things.

Now in this situation.

It felt like he had been excluded by her.

Making him feel uncomfortable.

Suse tugged at his sleeve.

Signaling him to come back to reality.

"Let's go as well."

"...Alright."

Meanwhile.

On the other side.

Ai Cheng Karen caught up with Kiryu Hina and Ayakoji Chiyoko.

"President Kiryu, President Ayakoji!

Can I walk with you all?"

"Ai Cheng?"

Hina turned around, looking puzzled: "Your way home is different from ours, isn't it?"

"Um... I have a few things I want to ask you."

"Perhaps you're worried about your future career as you graduate soon?

If you want information about universities, I can assist.

The Student Council offers consultations."

Ayakoji Chiyoko spoke as she walked.

Her impression of Ai Cheng Karen was quite good.

If the other party had difficulties.

She wouldn't hesitate to help.

"No, it's not related to that..."

Ai Cheng Karen awkwardly scratched her face.

Thinking about the topic she was about to discuss next.

Her cheeks blushed unconsciously.

Hina saw something in her expression:

"Is it about Kagura?"

"...Yes."

Hina and Chiyoko fell silent.

Perhaps because of their bond as women.

Seeing Ai Cheng Karen's expression, they suddenly had a hunch.

The other might say something quite explosive.

So, will it come true?

It will.

"You Presidents probably don't know yet."

Ai Cheng Karen nervously clutched at her skirt.

"Act—actually, I'm like you Presidents too... I also like Kagura!!"

She raised both of her hands to cover her face, tightly closing her eyes.

Her face scrunched up.

As if she was worried Hina and Chiyoko might punch her.

She waited a few seconds for no reaction.

Then slowly put down her hands.

Cautiously opened her eyes.

Only to see Hina and Chiyoko staring at her with a strange expression.

Kiryu Hina: "We saw that a long time ago."

Ayakoji Chiyoko: "Do you think we're blind?"

"Uh, huh?... Huh???"

Could it be.

Made a big blunder?

Ai Cheng Hua Lian's face was completely red.

Her face was so hot it was about to start steaming.

"I-I knew it all along... What does that mean?"

"You're the only one who thought it was well-kept secret."

Hina looked at her with a mix of disdain and helplessness.

Then, as if she thought of something, she added:

"Oh, wrong.

Kagura probably doesn't know."

"That guy can be pretty slow in strange places."

Ayakoji Chiyoko pondered, touching her chin.

"Um...

Do the Presidents not mind?"

Ai Cheng Hua Lian shrank her neck and asked timidly.

She thought they would be very angry when she said it.

Unexpectedly, their reaction was so calm.

"Hmph, there's plenty of people who like Kagura.

Back in middle school, he was even more popular than now.

Could I even get mad."

Kiryu Hina waved her hand, acting nonchalantly.

Ayakoji Chiyoko always felt this guy was smugly bragging.

She glanced at her sideways.

Then said to Ai Cheng Hua Lian:

"Your feelings are your own problem.

Besides, from the current standpoint, I can't blame you for anything.

But why are you telling us this?

There must be some reason, right."

Ai Cheng Hua Lian remained silent and hesitant.

When she decided to confess on Christmas Eve.

She was already aware of one thing.

She didn't have enough reason,

to make Kagura set aside time for her on Christmas Eve.

On Christmas Eve, he would definitely spend it with his girlfriend.

If she suggested they go out as a trio.

Anyone would find that strange.

Moreover.

Even if Kagura really made time for her.

She might encounter obstruction from Little Hinata.

The latter always treated Ai Cheng Hua Lian nicely.

But after the fruit photo incident last time.

Ai Cheng Hua Lian understood long ago that Kohinata Motoyo is not easy to deal with.

One must not be deceived by appearances.

She is a dangerous person like President Hina and President Ayakoji.

Her possessiveness towards Kagura is unfathomable.

With just herself.

It's probably impossible to confess smoothly.

So, Ai Cheng Hua Lian desperately needed strategists to advise her.

But when she thought about it.

Among her close friends, there was no reliable one.

Even if Zhen Chun and the others were all tied together, they couldn't fight Little Hinata.

To succeed.

She had to ask President Hina and President Ayakoji for help.

Yes, that's why Ai Cheng Hua Lian sought them out.

Of course.

She could completely give up confessing on Christmas Eve.

Changing to another time and inviting Kagura Hikaru out alone wouldn't be difficult.

...Probably.

But whether it's a sense of ceremony or sheer stubbornness.

If she were to end her love affair.

She hoped to end it on a meaningful day.

That was Ai Cheng Hua Lian's thought.

The three of them walked past the next corner.

It was a rather quiet street.

Troubled for a long time, Ai Cheng Hua Lian finally looked up.

She stopped in her tracks and spoke softly:

"This Christmas Eve, I plan to confess to Kagura.

So, I hope the two presidents can help... Please!"

Ai Cheng Hua Lian bowed deeply towards them.

Kiryu Hina and Ayakoji Chiyoko turned back in surprise.

They exchanged a look.

"Do you know what you're saying?"

"Of course I know!"

Ai Cheng Hua Lian stood up straight.

Gripping the strap of her school bag tightly.

She said firmly:

"I want to confess to Kagura!"

Hina knit her brows unhappily.

Crossing her arms.

"Do you think we'll help you? Help you, our rival in love?"

"I-It really won't work..."

Ai Cheng Hua Lian's momentum weakened.

Her whole body slumped down.

"...Just this once."

Hina suddenly said.

"Huh?"

"Just this once! Don't make me say it a second time!"

Hina turned her face away.

Her expression was awkward.

"Someone did me a favor.

The truth about Kagura and Suse's relationship, you're the one who told me."

"Really?!"

Ai Cheng Hua Lian was overwhelmed with joy.

"Count me in too."

Ayakoji Chiyoko also nodded and said.

"The last time Suse came, you helped a lot.

And the matter of the candid photos too.

Now it's time for me to repay the debt."

"President Ayakoji..."

"Alright, don't look at me with those puppy eyes."

Ayakoji Chiyoko averted her gaze, a bit uncomfortable.

To both of them.

Ai Cheng Hua Lian was an enabler in some sense.

There was no reason to refuse her request.

Besides.

Dealing with Kohinata Motoyo.

Was originally their plan as well.

With knowledge comes strength, without it comes vulnerability.

Time passed by in meaningless moments.

Finally, the day arrived.

December 24th.

Christmas Eve.