-Monty's POV-
The final bell rang, signalling that classes had ended for the day. As soon as the teacher left the room, Hirata took to the podium.
But, before he could utter a word, the loud speaker sounded.
"Ayanokoji Kiyotaka of class 1-D. Please report to the teacher's office immediately."
All eyes turned towards the apathetic teenager as he got up from his seat, curious as to why he of all people was summoned.
Horikita looked to her left, "Ayanokoji-kun, did you do something?"
"Uh...no, not that I know of." Ayanokoji answered nonchalantly, "Maybe it has something to do with my grades?"
"I see." She nodded. "Well, I was heading there as well, so I suppose I'll tag along."
Nodding, Ayanokoji and Horikita left. I eyed the duo while contemplating in silence.
Given what was revealed earlier by Miss Chabashira regarding this class as defects, I could infer from Horikita's reaction at that time that she wanted to know the reason she was sorted into a class of failures.
For Ayanokoji, on the other hand, I saw no reason for him to be called to the teacher's office.
I took on a contemplative expression, and, before long, my lips curled upwards slightly.
How odd.
Clapping his hands together, Hirata captured everyone's attention. "Alright everyone, we'll now be sorting everyone into study groups that will be led by either myself, Mii-chan, Yukimura-kun or Monty-kun." He informed, "Monty-kun has requested to choose his group himself so he will go first." Hirata gestured towards me.
"Monty-kun, if you would." Everyone's gaze found my solitary figure as I stood up and surveyed the class. Throughout the day, I'd already determined who would be a part of my group from the results and behaviour each of them exhibited.
"I choose Inogashira Kokoro, Sakura Airi, Hondo Ryotaro, Onodera Kayano, Matsushita Chiaki and Sato Maya." I stated calmly, looking at each of the individuals I had called out. A few of them stared at me incredulously while Sakura and Inogashira fidgeted in their seats, nervous.
Matsushita regarded me with a peculiar gaze, she was probably wondering why I had picked her, who had the least likelihood of failing among the aforementioned six.
"Are you guys alright with that?" Hirata asked, looking to them for approval. They all nodded. Sato Maya, though in agreement, seemed perplexed that she had ended up as a member of my group.
Hirata and the others then sorted everyone else that was willing or needed to study into one of their three groups.
"Great. Now, study sessions will be kept during lunch and/or after classes everyday until the Midterm exams commence." He said, "Each group can adjust their schedules and choose their venues as they see fit. The goal is to ensure that every one of our classmates pass their exams, however, that doesn't mean we should neglect our own studying." He finished.
The classroom responded with a series of nods and verbal agreements. Koenji and Sudo had already taken their leave before Hirata began his speech. There were no interruptions or objections.
Stepping down from the podium, Hirata rounded up his group, most of which consisted of girls. Ike and Yamauchi joined him as well. It was obvious they'd joined in more for lustful reasons than to study. Nevertheless, Hirata accepted them.
I don't expect them to remain for long, however.
My eyes were soon drawn to my group members as they all gathered before me.
"So, when will we start studying?" Sato Maya asked, clearly disinterested. She'd passed the special exam with a total of 48%.
Getting up, I picked up my bag, "Study sessions begin tomorrow. I'd like each of your contact information. With it, I'll tell you when and where to meet."
"I'll only text each of you in regards to the study group. Afterwards, if you wish, I'll erase your contact information from my phone."
Pulling out my phone, I handed it to Onodera who swiftly added her number before passing it on, "That's alright. You can keep it." She said, smiling at me.
She passed my phone to Matsushita who eyed me with a curious, almost skeptical gaze.
After a moment of silent deliberation, she spoke up, "Monty-kun, I have to ask. Why did you choose me? I mean, I scored pretty well on the test, so I'm not exactly struggling or anything."
I met her gaze with an even expression. "Unlike me, you're acquainted with everyone here, so your presence will make communication easier." This was partially true, I had another reason for choosing her.
"Hmm, but Kushida is the same, isn't she? Wouldn't she be a better option?" She asked again.
"Unfortunately our personalities aren't that compatible."
She quirked a brow with a seemingly amused expression, "And ours are?"
"Somewhat."
"What makes you think your personalities are incompatible?"
"Her enthusiasm can be hard to deal with."
Maintaining her gaze, Matsushita nodded thoughtfully. "I guess you're not wrong." She entered her number and passed the phone to Sato Maya who was still visibly unenthusiastic.
"Don't expect me to suddenly care about studying. I'm only doing this because I have to." Is what she said. Had I been Hirata, I'm certain that her reaction would've been drastically different.
Closing my eyes, I adjusted my glasses with a nearly imperceptible sigh, "You have to, but I dont. I have no intention of wasting my time on someone that isn't committed." Reopening them, my sharp golden orbs found her startled blue ones, "If you won't study, you're free to leave."
She seemed taken aback by my bluntness. However, she didn't argue and simply typed in her information before passing on the device with a scoff.
Inogashira took the phone nervously, her hands shaking slightly. "Um, Monty-kun, I... I'm not really good at studying with others." Her voice was soft, almost apologetic as she lowered her head, "I'm afraid I'll end up holding the group back." Sakura seemed to share her sentiment as she had averted her gaze with a dejected look.
They didn't like being around multiple people, so a group study session wouldn't really do much for them. However, they had another option.
"That's fine." I answered, "I'm willing to tutor both you and Sakura one on one so there's no need to agonize over it."
"R-really? You'd...do that?" Inogashira asked, fidgeting as she glanced at me shyly. I nodded. They both seemed relieved by my affirmation and seemed more willing to participate.
"Why do they get preferential treatment, huh, Oum-san?" Sato said, glaring daggers at me.
I slowly turned my gaze to meet hers before speaking, "It's Monty." my tone laced with a slight edge, "I see no need to elaborate on the obvious, Sato." Even a blind man could see that they were uncomfortable among crowds.
"Whatever." Sato grumbled with a flush while Matsushita looked as if she was suppressing a giggle.
After inputting their contact information, they passed the phone over to the last person, Hondo.
He took the phone and entered his number without much fuss, "Uh, just so you know, studying isn't exactly my thing either, so bare with me okay?"
I nodded, accepting my phone, "I'm aware."
Tucking it into my pocket, I began walking away, "I'll message you with the details of our first session. Be prepared."
I left the classroom and made my way down the corridor littered with students.
Taking out my device, I tapped the message app. It opened to reveal 7 contacts. Six of which I'd received just now.
Adding them to a group. I briefly thought over what I'd have them do before typing up the topics I'd be going over tomorrow. I finished typing by the time I'd reached the end of the corridor and stepped out into the sun.
The golden light glared at me through my green tinted glasses as I pressed the send button, sending the information to all of them in the group chat I'd just created.
I checked to see if the message had been sent successfully. It was.
Clicking off my phone, I made my way towards Keyaki Mall to restock for this month.
Now that stuff related to my class was out of the way, I finally had time to ruminate on the information I'd gathered on the other classes.
First, Class A. They were split into two factions. The Sakayanagi and the Katsuragi Faction.
Apparently, their differing stances and leadership styles had caused a massive rift within the class. From what I could ascertain during the last three weeks, Katsuragi Kohei seemed to be diagnosed with paranoia. I'd observed him both during lunch and after school hours which enabled me to analyze a few of his interactions.
He only had one classmate that was constantly by his side, whenever someone that wasn't that classmate handed him anything he would either decline immediately or inspect it thoroughly before accepting it.
Sakayanagi, on the other hand, was physically inept. Personality wise she was a mystery though. However, judging by her dispute with Katsuragi, I don't suppose she fights her battles fairly.
Glancing to the side, I briefly eyed a group of male students as they walked by and returned my gaze to the path before me a moment later.
For class B, however, they were the complete opposite of A. They were an extremely tight knit and friendly bunch. It was easier gaining information on them compared to the other classes. Ichinose Honami, who happens to be one of the most popular girls in the school alongside Kushida, had taken charge of the class on the very first day without much fuss.
Like all the others, I haven't met her personally, but I have seen her from time to time. She was kind and friendly with everyone she interacted with and had no complaints lending a hand to anyone that asked.
I'd heard she applied for the student council a month ago with Katsuragi but both of them were rejected. In hindsight, it might seem that they were simply deemed inadequate in some academic capacity but, the council president, Horikita Manabu, had mentioned in his speech that those with a naive outlook would not be accepted. So that should be the reason.
On another note, Kanzaki Ryuuji was also an influential figure within Class B. Apparently he attempted to become their class leader but was ruled out in favor of Ichinose. But despite that fact he didn't seem to hold a grudge and settled for secondary leader whenever Ichinose was absent.
He was friends with Shibata So of the soccer club. Quite a few girls in both of our classes had their eyes on him from what I could tell.
Information on Class B students was marginally easier to come by since they were more social and openly talkative about their Class affairs compared to the rest. Everything I've stated thus far was sourced from eavesdropping on their talks over the past month.
My eyes narrowed slightly as I approached the convenience store. Now, onto the final class, Class C—or rather, Class D.
Truthfully, I knew next to nothing about them aside from them adopting a duarchy, or duumvirate of sorts. There was nothing else I learned that was particularly noteworthy.
Also, I never did find that red haired individual. As I haven't seen or heard of anything having to do with him in any of the other classes, he should be a member of the current Class D. He might even be one of their leaders judging by his apparent brazen behavior.
Entering the store, I made my way towards the isle that contained canned foods and picked out a few before surveying and snatching items from other isles as well.
Even though I was currently in possession of more private points, I'll still budget myself. There was no telling whether the government would still be able to churn out this much money in the future so they were too important to waste on indulgent acts.
Collecting what I needed, I approached the cashier and paid for them. It costed me 10,420, bringing my total private points down to 143,000.
Stepping out, I was about to return to my dorm, however, I spotted a tuft of red hair in my peripheral. It was Sudo.
"Sudo." I called out. His gaze shifted from the cup ramen in his hand and lifted to me. He sat on the bench, glaring, "The hell're you?"
His reaction was expected. I'd never bothered to make my presence known except for the first day and today. The latter of which he was absent from.
"Monty. I'm a member of your class." I informed, walking a few steps closer.
"Oh, whaddya want?" He asked averting his gaze and slurping the soup from the noodle cup.
Taking a seat next to him, I leaned back, "Do you really not plan to study?"
He paused, "I already told you guys, I'm not interested." His tone was slightly elevated and faintly irate.
From what I recall, Sudo was rather athletic. He was also a member of the basketball club which meant that even if he wasn't aware, he was capable of contributing to the class. The context of the special exams weren't elaborated on or made clear by any of the faculty or upperclassmen.
I could purchase that information, but I already have a general idea of what those exams might entail. Considering the school doesn't evaluate us solely based on academics and instead observe how we conduct ourselves as well as assess our physical capabilities; the latter of which Sudo had in spades— our next special exams will feature something along those lines.
For this reason, Sudo was a valuable asset to our class.
"Why?" I asked.
"What?"
Shifting my gaze to meet his eyes, I expounded, "Not only will studying ensure your stay, you'll also be able to contribute to class points in the future. Which, in turn, helps you." I added, "So why?"
Sudo snorted, downing more of his noodles. "That's the best you could come up with? There's no evidence that says me studying increases class points."
I shook my head, "I never said it did, Sudo." I clarified, pointing towards him, "I said it helps you. Afterwards you'll have ample time to contribute to points when the possibility arises."
He clicked his tongue and glared at me, clearly irritated, "Listen. I'm just not gonna study a'ight? I'll just cram the night before and hope for the best."
"That's inefficient." I continued, "There's no guarantee that you'll recall any of the information. And, even if you did, how many times do you think that will work? We haven't even gotten the topics so how will you be sure you've looked over the correct material?"
Sudo's fist tightened. He glared at his cup with a deep knitted frown. He couldn't refute.
I waited patiently, allowing him time to calm himself. From what I could gleam, Sudo disliked being told what to do. Hirata's confrontation earlier this morning made him feel like he was obligated to do as he was told. So, even though he knew he should, he still chose not to listen.
My approach was different. I waited for his replies and countered each of his arguments to make him understand the downsides to his thinking instead of making him feel cornered. Doing so makes the conversation flow without unnecessary interruptions while also giving him a chance to view things with a new perspective.
Taking a deep breath, he released a heavy sigh, "So what?" His eyes lowered to the broth on his chopsticks, a hint of uncertainty lingering within his voice.
Placing it back into the cup, he got up and began walking to the trashcan, "Whether I study or not is none of your business."
"It certainly isn't." I nodded, "However, if you're expelled, won't that jeaprodize your chances of going pro?"
Hearing my words, Sudo flinched, stopping by the bin as he was about to discard the unfinished cup.
"With skills like yours, I'm sure a goal like that is attainable. That is, if you choose to remain here until graduation."
"Tch...what do you know?" He grumbled, dropping the cup in the bin and stuffing both hands into his pockets.
I stared at his stationary figure for a few moments as a wave of silence washed over us. He's conflicted about what to do.
Sudo took basketball more seriously than anything, one could even say it was the only thing he cared about. He was definitely skilled enough to realistically make it as a pro, however, despite that, his continued refusal to improve academically will lead to that goal always remaining just out of reach.
He knows that as well.
"I don't know anything. But, I do know this, not studying won't do you any good." Rising to my feet, I leisurely strolled by him, "...Despite that I won't force you to. Though, I hope you don't come to regret your decision later on." With those words, I made my way towards the dormitory without looking back.
It's better to have him ruminate on the thought, for now.
As I walked back, my phone pinged. It was Manda Hagakure.
[Monty-kun...how are you?] The message read.
[I'm quite alright, and you?] I replied. I hadn't spoken to her in a while, seeing as I had nothing I particularly wanted to discuss.
[I'm fine....Are you free this afternoon?] -Manda
The time read 14:59.
[Yes, I am. Is there something you need me for, Manda-senpai?] I typed and after a while she began formulating her response.
After around twenty seconds of her typing, my phone pinged again. [Not in particular...I was just wondering if you'd be willing to visit Pallet with me this evening.] -Manda
That took a while. I'm certain that took all the courage she could muster. She told me she hadn't spoken with any males outside of myself due to her introversion so she might be feeling anxious or even embarrassed enough to delete her message.
[Hah. That wasn't so hard now was it?] Typing that, I clicked the send button as I boarded the elevator and clicked the button that took me to the 8th floor.
[Not funny, Monty-kun😤.] Her message read. My phone pinged once more, [So...will you accompany me?] -Manda
[I'll be there in a few minutes.] I accepted her offer. I had nothing to do currently and I should keep relations with her at the moment, she's still a useful connection.
[Great! I'll be waiting for you at the entrance.] -Manda
[Alright, see you then.] -Monty (You)
Exiting the elevator, I entered my room and sorted out my items inside the cupboard and refrigerator before taking a shower. After finishing, I donned a new pair of clothes before putting up my glasses and untying my hair; fixing it to the style I had when I met with Manda for the first time.
My attire consisted of a pastel yellow undershirt covered by a long-sleeved white button up. I wore a Persian blue plaid pants along with slippers of the same shade. I didn't waste points buying these. I simply took them off the rack in the free section of the clothing store.
Unbuttoning the first two buttons, I half untucked it and rolled up my sleeves to just over my elbow before adjusting my voice to match my current looks. Looking in the mirror, I flexed my facial muscles.

Even though it's been a month, Manda was neither aware of how I looked normally, nor was she in the know of my class ranking despite my knowledge of her's. I'd ensured that that was the case. It was both a precautionary measure and a personal preference.
Releasing a breath, I turned around and made my way towards the door.
My phone pinged as I opened the door. This time, the messenger was Chiaki. She had texted in my inbox.
[You work fast, Monty-kun. It wasn't even five minutes since you left and you already sent a whole boatload of topics. Are you always this efficient? XD] -Matsushita
[I suppose. Did you need something?] I texted. I saw no reason for her to contact me in private. That is, unless she wanted to know something in regards to me.
[Actually, no. Not really.] -Matsushita
She continued typing.
[I was just curious since we've never actually spoken before, outside of today lol.] -Matsushita
[...Come to think of it. I've never seen you speak to anyone besides Horikita-san and Ayanokoji-kun. Are they your friends?] -Matsushita
[You could interpret it that way. Though I doubt we are.] -(Monty) You
[Hahaha, hey, are you free right now? I'm at karaoke with Kushida-san, Mori-san and Haruka-san. Would you like to come?] -Matsushita
[I don't believe we're that close, Matsushita. Also, I've got things to do.] -(Monty) You
[Ah, I guess you're right. Maybe another time then?] -Matsushita
[Perhaps.] I waited a while and received no response.
[If that's all, then, I'll get going.] -(Monty) You
[Yeah. See you tomorrow at the study session Monty-kun.] -Matsushita
With that, I slipped my phone into my pocket and stepped into the empty corridor. I made my way towards Pallet for my rendezvous with Manda.
The journey was brief. It took me around 10 minutes to reach the entrance to Keyaki Mall. Unlike most shopping complexes that had different sections throughout the interior, this one was an open air mall with multiple buildings and enough space to while away.
Given the already exorbitant sum needed to run these facilities, the government's decision to not create a shopping complex consisting of only one building saved them the time of having to deal with the cost of a multitude of escalators, A/C's and other expensive equipment that would required maintenance.
With the mall being open air, it had the advantage of exposing us to the natural elements and allowed for an easier time if ever they decided to construct another facility.
I looked around a bit and spotted Manda waiting while fiddling with her thumbs, nervously shifting from foot to foot.
She was clad in a simple outfit. She wore a short sleeved white top and a blue skirt with floral patterns. The skirt stretched all the way down to her upper calves. Her attire complimented her looks.
As I neared, she looked up and visibly brightened when she saw me.
"Monty-kun! You came."
Her expression upon seeing me was a mix of relief and mild excitement.
"I said I would, didn't I?" Turning my body, I gestured to the mall while regarding her with a warm smile, "Shall we?"
She nodded, and we began walking side by side toward the café.
We made our way through the crowded area in silence, my eyes drifting to the passers-by.
"A-ano, Monty-kun, how many private points do you have?" Manda spoke, averting her gaze between the ground and myself.
"Hm? Why do you ask?"
I glanced at her, tilting my head in mock puzzlement.
"N-no reason. I was just...curious." Her voice pittered out as she pinched her skirt, "Seeing as it's a new month and all..."
I touched my chin thoughtfully before nodding, "Well, right now I have 143,000. I spent a little over 10,000 earlier for necessities."
She took a deep breath and heaved a sigh of relief, "That's...great." Her expression lightened a bit, but she still looked rather downcast.
She must be feeling guilty for not informing me that overall class conduct determined how many points was allotted each month.
This is a good sign. If she feels bad for not telling me something, the likelihood of her doing so again drops significantly the next time.
"You don't need to feel bad, senpai." I boarded the escalator while gracing her with a small smile, "I don't blame you for not telling me, afterall, it wasn't your choice to make."
Her eyes widened for a bit before she suddenly looked away, her freckled cheeks tinted a soft red. "I...I guess you're right." Her lips lifted up into a small smile.
My gaze lingered on her for a moment longer before stepping off the escalator, "Now that I think about it, you're rather cute."
"E-eh?!" She seemed flustered by my comment and her face reddened even further as she struggled to form coherent words.
In most cases, complimenting a girl's looks would more likely than not increase her opinion of that person, that is, if you had one or all of the following attributes: Charisma, a sense of humor, respectful, kind and empathetic, to name a few.
An example of this would be Hirata Yosuke, my class leader. The reason he was constantly surrounded by girls was due to him possessing most of the aforementioned traits.
His looks already played a big role in drawing attention to him, so with the addition of those, he was guaranteed to be attractive to most girls and gain their trust with little to no effort.
In that regard, he was similar to Kushida who was widely seen as one of the most attractive girls in school due to her bubbly personality and bodily proportions.
But, as above, so below.
While Hirata and Kushida were attractive to most people, they weren't attractive to all people.
If Hirata were to compliment a girl like Mei Yu Wang, she would likely begin fawning over him.
However, if it was Horikita, who disliked talking and interactions, his words would only foster feelings of disgust and prompt her to actively avoid him. The same could be said if Kushida were to approach me.
For someone like Manda, who's barely spoken with any boy outside of myself, words like these were akin to hail in a desert. It never happens.
So, inevitably, her affection towards me will increase.
I chuckled, regarding her with a teasing grin, "I take that back. I must've been seeing things since I'm not wearing my glasses today."
At that, she suddenly froze in place as if she was a stone statue. I chuckled at her reaction.
"Haha, It's a joke, senpai." I reassured her.
She recovered before her freckled cheeks puckered into a pout, "Geez, you're so mean, Monty-kun. Playing with a girl's feelings like that..." She mumbled the last part as she turned away.
She probably didn't intend for me to hear, but even though I did, I wasn't going to comment on it.
We continued walking with Manda continuing the conversation after I'd broken the silence. She spoke about matters in regard to her club and conversations she'd overheard while in her class.
Though I wasn't particularly interested in knowing how her day went, I still leant her an ear.
As we talked for a while more, we eventually reached Pallet and took our seats at one of the tables by the window. Manda had ordered a cappuccino, while I opted for a herbal tea.
I chose this table specifically because it would draw the least amount of attention, while giving me a clear view of my surroundings.
The room was packed with individuals across all three year groups. It was a prime hotspot for the girls. I only spotted a few males wandering about the place; all of which were attached to a girl of some sort.
If I were to provide a rough estimate, the ratio of girls to boys was at an overwhelming odds of 20:1.
A few of those were members of my class, namely: Shinohara Satsuki, Mori Nene, Sato Maya and Karuizawa Kei.
The only boys present from my class were Hirata and Koenji. Hirata was with Karuizawa and co while Koenji was engaged in conversation with a few senior girls.
None of them seemed to notice me.
But, even if they did, I doubt they would recognize me as I've refrained from interacting with any of them. The only people that would are Sato and Hirata since I spoke to them today.
My eyes flitted to meet the still orbs of Manda. For a while now, she had been staring at me intently.
It was to the point that she forgot to drink the cappuccino she'd ordered.
"Senpai."
"H-huh?"
"Can I ask a question?"
Her cheeks reddened a bit as she slowly reached for her straw with a cute nod.
I'd already known what she expected me to ask, but at the moment I had no reason to go that route. Instead, I should make use of her seniority, as any good junior should do.
"Do you have any of your past exam papers?"
Tilting her head a bit, she looked up with a slightly disheartened yet thoughtful expression, "I think I do. Are you preparing for midterms, Monty-kun?" Manda asked.
I nodded, "Do you think you could send them to me? I haven't gotten the exam topics as yet." That wasn't a lie.
I had only procured the ones for my study group via process of elimination, not because I knew beforehand.
She looked as if she was going to speak, but paused before the words came out.
The school has a rule against giving out information. To be more accurate, it was to prevent free information disclosure.
This wasn't to say that the school was cracking down on us to follow the rules, just that it was the preferred option since bartering could come in handy in most real world during negotiations.
But know her, she would view the rule as being literally unbreakable.
Retrieving my phone, I held it up while grinning. "If you can't give them for free I wouldn't mind buying them y'know?"
Manda's eyes widened.
"I-I-I can't possibly allow you to do that, Monty-kun! It wouldn't be right." She vehemently waved away the suggestion with a panicked expression.
My head tilted downwards, shoulders slumping as I smiled to myself, "I see...That's fine then I guess."
The freckled girl looked at me with a torn expression as she subconsciously tightened her grip around her cup.
"I-It's not that I don't want to give them to you...It's just... The school only allows it if points are traded. B-but, I'd feel bad for taking your points after what you've done for me."
A soft chuckle escaped me. "So that's how it is."
Gently reaching for her hand, I stared into her eyes, "If it bothers you that much, how about you consider it as you holding onto it for me instead? Besides, how will the school know you gave me for free if neither of us reports it?"
She looked at me for a while, seemingly contemplating whether to accept or not. "I guess that's true..." Slowly, her grip loosened and she gave me a resolute nod, "Alright, I'll send them to you tonight."
I felt my face lift into a wide grin as I took her hands in mine, "Great! Thanks, senpai~!" I chuckled gleefully.
Her face slowly reddened as she stuttered out, "Th-there's no need to thank me, I-I'm just glad to be of help to you." averting her gaze with a shy whisper.
I originally came with the sole intent of gaining and solidifying her trust in me. But, I ended up doing so while also gaining something else of significance.
If the topics were identical, having these exam papers meant that the chances of passing the midterms was still higher than it would be in the event that academically inept students like Sudo Ken, Sakura Airi, Ike Kanji, Yamauchi Haruki, Inogashira Kokoro, Ryoutaro Honodo and Kikuchi were still incapable of catching up.
Should our exams be the same, that would mean that students from every year group will go through the same academic evaluations without any deviations—atleast up to year 2.
Additionally, transferring a portion of my points to Manda could prove beneficial to me later down the line. For example, if I were in need of a phone or some form of cosmetics but didn't want it to be purchased under my name, I could have her buy it for me.
Considering her current lack of social relations, the likelihood of the purchase being traced back to a request from me was close to nonexistent.
Maintaining my cheery demeanor, I gently set her hands down and interlocked my fingers, using them as a hammock for my chin as I gazed into her eyes.
She met my gaze for seconds at a time before looking away with a face so red even a tomato seemed blue.
I looked around, calmly observing the room when suddenly, I felt my lips quirk up into a flirtatious smile as I leaned forward, "Senpai, what type of boys do you like?"
She perked up with an even deeper blush.