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. Theyre not at all attracted to any of the boys there so they could see things objectively.

Theyre 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 theyre going to hate me more when I tell them the truth.

With Kikuchi running after me this time and asking that vague question, shes probably fed up with being ignorant of whats 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? Its too obvious by now. She stopped chasing after Kazuo and instead turned all of her focus on you.

As expected, its about Hina.

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

I still remember that one time when she participated in Hinas 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 wasnt 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 youre also aware that Im the one who helped her do that.

T-thats correct. I still havent 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 shes a lovely girl and I appreciate her a lot. More than Ogawa can spare for her. If youre worried about Hina once again pursuing someone that she wont 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 shed think differently but clearly, shes 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 shes 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. Shed 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 Ayas 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 mightve gotten a chance.

Mina told her mother that its no big deal if she remarries after all. Sooner or later, if that incident didnt happen, she would eventually say yes.

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

Well, theres no update on Himekos status in her fathers eyes. Hes still cold to her even though shes 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. Its 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 thats good for them. Besides, with my hands or attention always occupied by my girls, its 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

Youre late If youre wondering where they are why dont you ask me?

With her fingers rhythmically tapping the table, Ishida-senpais 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 Its 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 Im at your mercy, senpai.