"...And then, that's how you do it."
"Now I understand. Thanks again, Ayame-san."
"~Fufu, you've improved a lot since the first time we studied together."
Right now, we were studying in the student council room. Since no students came to seek our help, we had a lot of free time.
Ayame-san asked me how my studying was going since the midterm exams were near.
Honestly, I couldn't study well recently, and Ayame-san, knowing that, asked me if I wanted to study with her in our free time.
There was no reason for me to refuse.
"That's all because of your notes, Ayame-san."
"I'm glad they were helpful. By the way, do you want some tea? I'll brew it right now."
"I want."
Then she gracefully brewed the tea. Well, it was instant tea, but I still think she did it gracefully.
Actually, maybe I can do that too. Next time I'll try.
"Here, I hope you like it."
"Thanks, Ayame-san... slurp... it's delicious!"
"Fufu~ Thank you!"
So peaceful. I hope it stays like this for a good amount of time.
Knock, knock.
~Sigh, that was fast.
"Good afternoon, Morikawa-kun, Edomae-san. Excuse me but, Morikawa-kun? Can I ask for your help?" — The same boy from second year who got picked up by a girl last time.
"Sure, how can I help you?"
♦♦♦ Next day ♦♦♦
"Am I really needed to be here?" — Ryuichi asked.
"You're the only friend I have here so... yep."
"Sorry, Satou-kun, I'm the one who asked for help." — The boy from second year.
"Hello, thank you for coming. It's my pleasure to meet you in person, Morikawa-san and Satou-san." — Greeted the silver-haired girl with long hair.
"Hey ya! Such handsome guys being here is a great honor." — Said the blonde-haired girl who looked like a gyaru.
"If you ever need something, just tell me. I'll grab it right away." — Said the short red-haired girl. By the way, she's the same one who tried to pick up the boy.
The request was simple: just to tag along for today's "meeting," so that way the girl who tried to pick him up would give up on him. By the way, we're in the cafeteria now.
"~Sigh... fine, Tomoki. I'll help you this time."
"Sorry for making you tag along with us. To make up for it, we'll pay the bill." — Said the silver-haired girl.
"I... see..." — Ryuichi was clearly uncomfortable being here.
Crap, since he was all fine with Ayame-san and Tachibana-san lately, I forgot about this.
"Then, Satou-kun, what do you usually do in your free time?" — The blonde gyaru asked him.
"I like reading books."
"Incredible! Not only are you good-looking, but you also have sophisticated taste."
"...Thanks."
"Satou-san, if you ever feel uncomfortable, feel free to tell me." — The silver-haired girl assured him.
"It's okay. No need to worry. Thank you." — Ryuichi answered.
"So, Satou-kun, do you have a girlfriend?" — The blonde gyaru asked.
"No, I don't."
"Then what kind of woman do you like?" — The blonde gyaru asked eagerly, wanting to know.
"That's a bit..."
"You shouldn't be this hasty." — The silver-haired girl advised the blonde gyaru. — "Sorry, Satou-san. It's just that we're happy to know more about you. For us, you're like a prince from a fairy tale."
Ryuichi really is popular. That's the "Ice Prince" for you.
But seriously, I'm impressed. Somehow, Ryuichi was handling the whole conversation. As his friend, I couldn't help but feel proud of him.
Let's see how the other one is handling things.
"So, what do you usually like to do? Maybe we can do it together sometime." — The red-haired girl asked the second-year boy.
"Ahaha... I bet it'll be boring." — He laughed out of consideration.
"No, there's no way I'd find it boring. Come on, tell me!"
"That's..." — He looked at me, clearly asking for help.
But then, the silver-haired girl intervened.
"Sorry, my friend is just interested in you. I hope you can forgive her rudeness." — Then she looked at the red-haired girl. — "Don't rush, okay? Anyone would feel uncomfortable if you keep insisting."
"Sorry!" — The red-haired girl apologized, bowing her head.
"It's okay... raise your head." — The second-year boy said.
What a scene. If it was in my world, a guy who was too shy... or rather, trying to avoid a woman's advances... would usually make the woman lose interest in him.
But then there's this boy. Even though he's trying to avoid her, she still wants him more and more.
Man... I wonder if I'll ever find a girl who would be that insistent on me... Nah! Keep dreaming.
"So, is there something you want to eat or drink? Don't be shy, just ask." — The silver-haired girl asked.
Both Ryuichi and the boy were looking at me, expecting me to start making the order.
"I'll have omurice and grape juice."
"Then I'll have the same." — Ryuichi said.
"Me too." — The second-year boy said.
"Okay, I'll get it. I'll be right back." — The silver-haired girl said.
"Let me help you too!" — I offered.
"Don't worry, Morikawa-san. I can't trouble the guest. But thanks for offering."
Gotta say, this girl really was leading the conversation. I'm impressed.
But now there was one problem. An awkward silence fell between us.
Even the cheerful gyaru went quiet.
Well, let me break the ice.
"Are you girls from the same classroom?"
Then both girls looked at each other and gave a faint smile.
"Actually, we're siblings. But yeah, we study in the same classroom." — The blonde gyaru answered.
Huh!? But they don't look alike... Oh, I see, that's how it is.
"Right now, I'm living with my siblings too... Must say, things are more hectic now."
Then both girls looked at each other again and just gave me a polite smile.
Yeah, that's it.
"So, did I miss something?" — The silver-haired girl asked playfully. — "I asked the staff to bring our meal here. In a few minutes, they'll come."
That's Sakurazai Academy for you. They even provide this kind of service.
Just like she said, after a few minutes our lunch was served at our table.
"Satou-kun, do you have siblings too?" — The blonde gyaru asked cheerfully.
"No, I'm an only child."
"Too? Is there someone else who has siblings?"
"It's Morikawa-kun." — replied the second-year boy.
"I see." — She gave me a polite smile. — "I'm the older one, so you can always rely on me if you need something." — She said that while glancing at Ryuichi and the boy.
Ryuichi and the boy nodded while eating their lunch.
"So... what kind of foods do you like? I can cook, so next time I could make a bento for you." — The red-haired girl asked.
"Don't worry! You don't need to bother making a bento for me. I insist!"
"It's not a bother! I swear!"
"Even if you tell me..." — The second-year boy mumbled.
It was clear she wanted to take his attention. She was desperately trying to approach him, but it was obvious it only bothered him.
She needs to realize that her way of approaching only scares him. Actually, why does she like him that much?
"You know what? I'll make one! An omurice just like from this cafeteria." — She said boldly.
"No, you don't need to..."
"I insist! Don't worry, I won't put anything strange."
Then the second-year boy looked at me again.
I don't even know if I should cheer for this girl or tell her just to give up on him.
Anyway, since I'm here to help him, I should do what I was asked to.
"Excuse me, but what about making the bento another time?"
The second-year boy nodded firmly.
"No, that's—"
"You're right, hahaha..." — The silver-haired girl interrupted her. — "So, how about playing a game before class starts?"