In truth.
Hitori was nowhere near as cunning as Yamada Ryo imagined.
The only reason she was holding Toru's arm right now was because… she had tripped a moment ago. As a shut in with zero athletic ability, Hitori fell quite often. During the days they practiced at the live house alone, she had fallen at least five times.
"Bocchi-chan, are you okay?"
"I-I'm fine, I just twisted my ankle a little." Hitori turned her head away, unable to meet Nijika's eyes.
Injured? Not even close.
Bocchi-chan was simply trying to take advantage of the moment.
She found a flimsy excuse so she could cling to Toru.
If one were to use an unflattering metaphor, it was like a little mouse sneaking oil from a jar. Eat too much and you die, so you only nibble a tiny bit each time.
You do not fear a thief stealing, only a thief remembering there is something to steal.
Watching this scene, Yamada Ryo quietly thought that the old saying really held true.
Bocchi was too scared to make a frontal assault. Instead, she made her moves in places Ryo did not see.
Good thing Toru-kun's first kiss should still be safe. Yamada Ryo muttered inwardly.
At this year's cultural festival, there would be a bonfire event running until 7:30 pm.
The atmosphere would have been perfect for her to do something bold.
Unfortunately…
Kessoku Band had a tradition of going out to eat after a successful performance. Because of that, her plan died before it even started.
Forget it. I will just keep an eye on Bocchi today and make sure she does not sneak off again.
No one else was making moves, and with her simulator, she knew many of Toru-kun's little secrets…
With everyone standing in place, she had the advantage.
Victory, a grand victory.
Yamada Ryo nodded to herself, then walked toward the group.
"Ryo, Bocchi-chan seems to be hurt." Nijika said.
…Lies.
With her master level medical eyesight, Ryo instantly saw that Hitori was full of nonsense.
Faking an injury… you really are something.
There is a saying. Use the enemy's tricks against them…
Maybe I could…
A bold idea flashed through Yamada Ryo's mind.
Take sick leave, invite a boy to visit her room. A plot that had never failed, the classic of classics.
A few seconds later.
Yamada Ryo shook her head inwardly.
No. It would worry Toru-kun. Deceiving his feelings would not help her conquest. It seemed Yamada Ryo's conscience only existed when it involved Toru.
"Nijika."
After approaching, Ryo said "Let's bring Bocchi to the infirmary."
"Ah…" Hitori froze.
She had been faking it. If they went to the infirmary, she would be exposed instantly.
"Bocchi-chan, if you are hurt, you should not be walking around." Nijika said with heartfelt concern.
"I…"
"What is it?"
Overwhelmed by panic, Hitori failed to control her volume and shouted "Ryo san, my leg is healed!"
The words had barely fallen when the nearby students who had been watching murmured in awe
"That blue haired girl is basically a miracle doctor."
"Exactly. She said a few words and the leg healed."
"Is it possible she was faking it?"
"No, impossible."
Toru ignored the chatter. He simply lowered his gaze to Hitori, who reluctantly released his arm, her eyes shimmering pitifully as if she were about to shed pearls.
It was just letting go of his arm, so why did she act like someone had taken her life?
Of course Toru knew she was faking the injury, but seeing her flustered and shy like that was too cute, so he could not bring himself to refuse.
Holding onto his arm was nothing.
Besides, last time at her house, he had already enjoyed her lap pillow. This level of contact was nothing at all.
As long as she did not push him down, Toru could remain calm and immovable.
————
Hitori pretended nothing had happened and looked around for Kita.
Bocchi-chan, have you seen Kita chan? Nijika was also looking.
Normally, it should have been Kita coming to meet them.
Instead, it was Hitori and Toru who had arrived.
A few minutes later.
They finally saw, not far away, someone waving desperately while running toward them and gasping for breath.
Stopping in front of them.
Kita braced her hands on her knees.
"Kita chan, what were you doing just now?"
Kita took a breath. "Helping… helping another class carry stuff, so tired…"
"Ikuyo, as punishment for being late, buy me a crepe." Yamada Ryo said naturally.
Kita's eyes lit up. "Ryo-senpai, the crepe shop is close by. I will take you there right away."
Nijika could not stay silent anymore.
"Ryo, you just got paid. Where is your money?"
"It's gone."
"Huh? We were paid last week." Nijika froze.
Why did Ryo burn through her money so fast?
Even if she paid something toward the band's expenses… impossible.
"I went to the movies with Toru-kun, bought tickets, ate dinner, went shopping." Yamada Ryo replied honestly.
"…A movie?"
"Yes. Apocalypse Zombie Battle. A disaster film." Ryo nodded and commented expressionlessly "It was terrible. Absolutely terrible."
Nijika had not wanted to ask about the movie. She wanted to know why the two of them had gone to the cinema alone together.
"How bad was it?" Kita joined the conversation.
"Super bad. It is supposed to be a disaster film, but there is no disaster, only the male and female leads dating." Toru rolled his eyes.
He had never seen something so boring.
"Eh? Really? I want to watch it too. Toru-kun, go with me." Kita's eyes sparkled with full kita energy.
Toru sighed helplessly. "If you want to watch a terrible movie, I don't mind."
"Hehe, it's a promise."
Nijika watched the two of them talk.
Something felt wrong inside her.
Yamada Ryo being close to Kitahara was understandable…
But Kita? What was going on?
Just a week ago, she had looked like she had transcended worldly desires and sworn off romance. Nijika had thought she was finally over Toru.
…
This story was complicated.
A few days earlier.
At the end of the eighth simulation.
Kita had already made up her mind to give up on Toru.
But the moment she turned to walk away, Kitahara suddenly acted out of character and invited her out to play…
On one hand, she thought I should not taint him. Kitahara-kun deserves a better woman.
On the other hand, going out once does not count as tainting him. As long as I do not marry him, it is fine.
She ended up going out with him again and again.
After waging war within her own heart…
Kita reached enlightenment.
Kitahara-kun seeking a better woman did not conflict with her wanting to date him.
She could just enjoy herself and have a go afterward.
Become a heartless femme fatale.
And she could NTR the other rivals too, savoring the thrill of stealing someone's man.
A double victory.
She won twice.