Chapter 14: The Crazy Three Who Digs Walls
"Satoru, Honjo, what's going on? Wasn't this already resolved?"
"I was about to ask the same thing. So... Kurumi, is there something else?"
Faced with the question from the long black-haired girl before him, Satoru himself was somewhat puzzled. He directly addressed the smiling black-haired twin-tailed girl across from him, choosing to call her by name.
After all, they might be interacting long-term from now on. Might as well use first names to slightly improve their relationship. He was just a bit curious why she had come here directly.
However, this casual address didn't faze Nia at all, but Ayano and Mei both showed subtle looks of "disdain" in their eyes.
Hadn't it only been a short while? And they were already on first-name basis?
Their relationship was progressing really fast.
No wonder she had made that kind of "request"...
"Ara~ Satoru-kun isn't being forgetful, is he? You did those things to me not long ago~"
"Eh?!"
"..." x3
At this point, Mei couldn't help but exclaim in shock, while the expressions of the other three became quite peculiar.
The way she said it made it sound like he'd done something improper to her!
"So what do you want now? I already told you about that matter—it's impossible to fulfill your request right now."
Satoru explained with a headache, keeping it vague since Kurumi would understand.
While he had promised to reveal information about the Origin Spirit's identity, that was something planned for after their graduation.
In his view, given Kurumi's personality, if they got to know each other over time, she might develop some degree of affection and wouldn't actually harm them.
Of course, this was just a stopgap measure. Relying solely on whether someone might spare you seemed quite dangerous.
During this year and a half, it would be safer to improve their combat capabilities if possible.
So there was no way he could tell her now.
"I know, I haven't forgotten what Satoru-kun said~"
"Then what else is there to discuss? The request should already be completed, right?"
"Yes, but I have a new request~ Since I just transferred here, I'm not very familiar with the school and surroundings. I'd like someone to guide me~ It would be wonderful if I could make more friends and get along better with everyone~"
"..." x2
She was blatantly asking to "get along better" with him.
Looking at the smiling Kurumi, both Satoru and Nia felt somewhat helpless.
It was clear she was genuinely trying to "get along better" with Satoru.
If their relationship improved, Satoru might trust her more and possibly reveal the answer sooner.
...Sigh. Her determination was truly something else.
"Mhm mhm~ Don't worry, Kurumi-san~! With us around, you'll fit right into school in no time! We're already friends! Do your best~!"
However, Mei, who had been listening nearby, became excited and happy upon hearing this. She enthusiastically grabbed Kurumi's hand to express her welcome.
...This level of enthusiasm left not just Satoru and the others, but even Kurumi herself feeling things had gone too smoothly.
But seeing Mei's pure, wide eyes and cheerful smile, Kurumi could only smile wryly in response.
This overly naive girl was quite pleasant to look at, but being too naive isn't necessarily a good thing—it makes one easily deceived.
Just like how she had been too trusting of others back then, which is why she now regrets it...
Of course, that was all in the past. Right now, there were more important things~
"Thank you, Mei~ Actually, compared to same-sex friends, I'm much more interested in finding an opposite-sex friend~"
"Eh? You mean..."
"Ara~ Isn't it obvious? After all, I'm a girl, and I'm already in high school. If I could experience love, I'd be even happier~ Does that sound strange?"
"No, no, not at all! That's a wonderful thought! I think love is a great thing!"
Upon hearing Kurumi's words, Mei immediately shook her head excitedly, then grabbed her hands with sparkling eyes, as if cheering her on. The enthusiasm made the others around them speechless.
This girl had always been particularly interested in these kinds of topics—one could say her head was full of flowers.
Though it wasn't really a problem—as a girl, it might even be considered an endearing trait...
"By the way, Kurumin-chan, what kind of boys do you like?"
At this point, her way of addressing Kurumi had already shifted multiple times, reaching an affectionate nickname level.
But she didn't pay it any mind, as the curiosity in her eyes was practically overflowing.
"If it's someone as outstanding as Satoru-kun, I might just fall for him right away~"
"..." x4
Wow, she's straight-up trying to steal him!