Honestly, Kaoru was a little surprised.

But upon reflection, Karuizawa did technically have the title of 'someone girlfriend'.

"Don't say that. Sakayanagi-san and I are just friends," Kaoru denied Karuizawa's claim.

"Besides, Kushida-san helped me out before, so I wanted to thank her. We agreed I'd treat her to a meal today."

"That sounds like a reasonable explanation," Karuizawa felt somewhat pleased because Kaoru had denied both relationships, though a hint of dissatisfaction soon crept in.

"Still, it's all too strange, don't you think so too, Hirata-kun?" Karuizawa didn't bother hiding her blatant suspicion, as if she were looking at a criminal.

"I can't really say. Maybe there really is nothing between them. We shouldn't jump to conclusions—it could cause unnecessary trouble for others, Karuizawa-san." Hirata Yosuke didn't side with her, instead gently admonishing her.

Karuizawa Kei turned her face slightly away, clearly not wanting to hear such words from her 'boyfriend'.

Although they had talked about breaking up during summer vacation, on the surface, they were still in a relationship.

This wasn't because Hirata had begged her to stay or because she was unwilling to end things—rather, she realized this arrangement might still be useful to her.

"Actually, it's just as Mitoma-kun said. For now, we're just ordinary friends." Kushida subtly emphasized the words 'for now', implying that the current status didn't necessarily mean it would stay that way forever.

"Really?" Ike's face lit up with emotion. "That's great! Kikyo-chan is still everyone's little angel!"

Kushida smiled bashfully, though inwardly, her irritation grew.

Can't this guy just die?

"Eh? So, Mitoma-kun is still single then?" Karuizawa stared directly into Kaoru's eyes.

"No girl you like?"

Oh no.

She was probably trying to corner him into giving an answer.

Perhaps she wanted to confirm who's his real girlfriend was—which was why Karuizawa hadn't shown up yesterday, choosing instead to observe from the sidelines.

But now, things were different.

Since Kaoru had denied any involvement with Sakayanagi and Kamuro, in her eyes, the most likely suspects now were Ichinose and Kushida.

"Mitoma-kun is definitely single, though I think he once mentioned his ideal type is a girl with a big breast."

A dazzling smile floated on Kushida Kikyo's face.

Karuizawa instinctively glanced at her own chest, her expression stiffening for a moment before quickly recovering.

She replied smoothly, "Not necessarily. Some men might prefer petite girls."

So what if you have big breast?

Kaoru has touched my chest before—he must prefer girls like me.

Kushida also smiled faintly, thinking this girl doesn't get it at all.

Kaoru definitely prefers someone with a big boobs like her—after all, he was so gentle when he touched her.

But then, the thought of Ichinose Honami flashed through her mind, and a shadow briefly crossed her eyes.

"No, no, Karuizawa-san! Every man is a boob enthusiast! Boobs aren't just for squeezing—you can even bury your face in them! It's practically a man's paradise!" Ike declared with utmost seriousness, completely oblivious to the increasingly cold glares around him.

"Idiot!" Sudou immediately grabbed him and dragged him away.

Seeing this, Kaoru swiftly changed the subject.

"Actually, I came here for another reason."

Before Kushida and Karuizawa could react, he explained Katsuragi intentions to Hirata.

At the same time, under the pretense of discussing serious matters, he subtly led Hirata Yosuke away.

And so, only Kushida and Karuizawa were left behind, staring at each other in silence.

The moment their gazes met, they immediately looked away.

"How strange. Karuizawa-san seems quite interested in Mitoma-kun, doesn't she?" Kushida Kikyo took the initiative to attack.

For some reason, the more girls surrounded Kaoru, the more irritated she became.

"Well, with that celebrity-like face of his, it's only natural to wonder who he's dating. I'm sure you're curious too, Kushida-san?" Karuizawa narrowed her eyes.

Did they think she'd be content just being a side chick?

"Who knows? I heard Sakayanagi-san is closest to him." Kushida paused deliberately. "Though I am curious how far their private relationship has progressed."

"The school wouldn't permit improper relationships anyway. Holding hands would be the limit." Karuizawa spoke with confidence—after all, she'd shared intimate moments with Kaoru.

"Oh? But Karuizawa-san, aren't you dating Hirata-kun? Don't tell me your relationship hasn't progressed beyond hand-holding?" Kushida feigned surprise.

"Of course not. Hirata-kun and I haven't done anything." Karuizawa emphasized this point deliberately, not wanting Kaoru to misunderstand.

Kushida narrowed her eyes before smiling sweetly.

"How precious. Most boys can't resist making moves on their girlfriends. You should cherish having such a gentle boyfriend, Karuizawa-san."

Karuizawa froze—she'd walked right into that trap.

As Hirata Yosuke's girlfriend, she couldn't easily refute Kushida's remarks now.

"Oh i'm sorry, did I overstep?" Kushida continued with a fake apology. "You two seem so close normally—an outsider like me shouldn't need to remind you."

Karuizawa bit her lip.

This was a warning.

Kushida had likely seen through her feelings and was reminding her of her place.

Damn it.

Was Kushida actually Kaoru's real girlfriend?

To think it was someone from her own class and she hadn't noticed any signs before.

But—

Karuizawa wouldn't surrender.

She'd prepared herself for long-term endurance anyway.

Besides, Kaoru was already unfaithful—he'd cheated during their very first "transaction."

As the other woman involved, this was her weapon.

What girlfriend could tolerate her boyfriend's infidelity?

Therefore, Karuizawa might be the only girl in this school who could accept Kaoru as he was.

This was her advantage.

"While I agree, the future is unpredictable. We might break up before graduation—I've prepared for the worst."

As she spoke, Karuizawa slowly smiled, her gaze fixed on Kaoru who's conversing with Hirata, fingers unconsciously twirling her hair.

Kushida frowned.

What was this? Instead of retreating, she was advancing further.

How terrible.

That hopeless playboy—when had he even gotten involved with Karuizawa?

Between Sakayanagi, Kamuro, Ichinose, Horikita and herself—was that still not enough to satisfy his lust?

Kushida's mood turned foul.

--------------------------------

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