After resting for a bit, Amikura breathing gradually steadied, though a sheen of sweat still lingered on her delicate fair neck.
The scent of the girl body drifted over to Kaoru Mitoma from time to time, like a gentle breeze carrying a subtle fragrance—pleasant, never cloying.
Maybe it was the exercise, but her body temperature had risen quite a bit. A faint blush lingered on her pretty face as she clutched a towel to wipe away the sweat, with a bottle of sports drink Kaoru had prepared for her sitting nearby.
Outside, the sky was growing dim. Koenji had already left, so now only she and Kaoru remained in the gym.
"Thanks for today," Amikura broke the silence.
"I didn't really do anything for you, so you can keep that for later," Kaoru replied, sitting beside her, though there was still some distance between them.
"But you waited for me on purpose today, and brought me here. Honestly, I was planning to go back to the dorm and cry by myself"
Amikura suddenly smiled.
"So, no matter what, thank you."
Kaoru turned away, not responding to her words.
Now that she was finally able to relax, Amikura just felt her whole body aching and tingling, with no energy left to think about any schemes or rumors.
"Just working out isn't enough, you know. If you want, I can teach you a bit of taekwondo next time,"
"That way, during sparring, you can pin your opponent down and humiliate them a little."
Amikura face turned bright red. Why did he always say things like that?
"I don't want to learn that kind of thing!"
But as soon as she said it, the girl felt a little regretful. Wouldn't that hurt Kaoru Mitoma feelings?
After all, he was just trying to cheer her up.
"Don't worry, one day you'll want to step on me... i mean step on someone you don't like," Kaoru said casually.
Amikura didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Did he really think she hadn't noticed that little correction in the middle?
But still...
"Mitoma-kun, do you have a girlfriend?"
"I've always been single, never liked anyone."
"Why are you suddenly asking this?"
"You seem really gentle, and you're not bad-looking either. I just thought someone would like you."
"Sorry to disappoint you," Kaoru replied quietly.
"Sorry, I brought up something I shouldn't have!"
"It's fine, really." Kaoru stood up.
"It's about time, we should head back."
Amikura tried to stand, but her legs felt weak. White spots flashed before her eyes and she almost lost her balance, instinctively reaching out to grab something.
The next moment, someone suddenly grabbed her wrist and steadied her.
"Remember to replenish your nutrients after exercising."
She looked up at Kaoru. His face was calm, unreadable, and he even asked again.
"Are you sure you don't want me to give you a massage?"
"I'm really good at it. I can help you relax your muscles and get your blood flowing. It won't hurt much."
Amikura let go of his hand, her pretty face flushing all the way to her ears. She tried hard to hide it, but didn't know what to say, so she just glared at him.
"I'm fine right now, let's talk about massages some other time!"
There was no way she could step on Kaoru, and she couldn't accept that so-called massage either. It just felt too weird.
"I'll always be waiting for you to come step on me... I mean, to come find me for practice."
Amikura wanted to insist again, but then remembered the punishment she might be facing, and pressed her lips together tightly, saying nothing.
"What Class C did to you, one day they'll pay for it too."
"You won't be punished for this. If you are, I'll drop out with you."
It was like a bolt from the blue—Kaoru words left Amikura completely stunned. What the hell was this guy even talking about?
Wasn't he being... a little too weird with her?
Just because of what Kaoru said, Amikura thoughts were all over the place, drifting off to who knows where. All she could do was stare at the ground, her ears turning slightly red.
"Um... "
....
Class B plan against Ibuki Mio had failed. Even though she still looked calm on the outside, Ichinose Honami was actually at a total loss. There was only about a day and a half left of the time Horikita Gaku had given them. If they didn't do something soon, Class B would be facing their first dropout. And that dropout would be her good friend.
Ichinose Honami couldn't help but feel incredibly heavy-hearted, especially after hearing that Amikura Mako had turned down everyone offer to stay with her and left the classroom alone.
She's probably hiding out in her dorm, moping by herself, right?
With that thought, Ichinose called Amikura to check on her, at least to offer some comfort in time. She thought Amikura would pick up right away, but it actually took several calls before she finally answered.
"Mako-chan... "
As soon as she started speaking, Ichinose Honami didn't know what to say next. Was she supposed to tell her that the plan had failed?
"I know, Honami-chan, you really don't have to worry about me. I'm already feeling a lot better." Amikura cut in, almost like she'd expected the call.
Her voice didn't sound like anything was wrong—in fact, she was kind of humming, like she was singing a little tune or something. Also, Ichinose Honami could vaguely hear the sound of running water.
"Are you taking a shower in your dorm right now?"
"Yeah, I just finished working out with Mitoma-kun and got all sweaty, so I thought I'd hop in the shower."
Amikura Mako didn't plan on hiding it from Ichinose Honami, and straightforwardly said SKaoru Mitoma name.
But Honami was stunned for a long time, unconsciously gripping her phone tighter.
"So, um, what's this about working out?"
"Mitoma-kun said it would help me relax, so he took me to the gym. We worked out for about an hour or two, I think?" Amikura voice was full of splashing water.
"And let me tell you, Mitoma-kun got a great body, and he's really gentle. His personality's a bit nasty, though. It's so weird that a guy like that doesn't have a girlfriend." Ichinose Honami felt her brain buzzing.
Wasn't he supposed to be coming after her?
Why did Kaoru Mitoma make a move on her best friend when she wasn't paying attention?
No way, she couldn't let this happen!
If Amikura Mako found out what Kaoru Mitoma was really like… No, she didn't even want to imagine that.
Kids as innocent as Amikura Mako and Shiranami Chihiro were no match for Kaoru Mitoma.
She had to put a stop to this before things went any further!
With that, Ichinose Honami made up her mind.
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