After less than a second of thought, Kusuo confirmed his answer in his mind.
He really wanted to tell Ayanokōji outright that everything Chabashira said was a lie. That way, Ayanokōji probably wouldn't aim for Class A anymore, and it would reduce some trouble. But since Ayanokōji hadn't revealed all his cards, Kusuo could only speak vaguely.
"Chabashira acts like she doesn't care about Class A, but she's probably desperate for it. She'd do anything to achieve her goal, even make up lies."
"Act tough, huh?" Ayanokōji narrowed his eyes slightly.
Kusuo's good at analyzing people. Chabashira's exactly that type. The info she gave me might just be a lie to get my help.
'Yeah, that's it.' Kusuo replied in his mind.
But it's just a possibility. Can't act rashly or I'll expose myself. Better observe for now.
'Then why ask me?'
"I see." Ayanokōji nodded.
"So, Kusuo, what's your plan for the exam?"
"Go with the flow." Kusuo replied slowly.
After a brief chat, Kusuo returned to his room to rest. It had been a long day.
"Man, this school is full of weirdos…" He sighed, but just as he lay down, his phone buzzed.
Karuizawa: Are you free?
Short and direct. No extra words.
Kusuo was ready to refuse—he didn't want more trouble. But as he typed 'No', a new message popped up.
Karuizawa: I'll treat you to dessert.
Kusuo: Okay, now?
He got up and headed to their meeting spot.
Dessert Area
Karuizawa sat in a booth, waving at Kusuo with a bright smile.
"Kusuo!"
'Uh-oh, this can't be good.'
Seeing her sudden warmth, Kusuo felt uneasy.
'I'm just making up for accidentally mentioning your name earlier. And to prevent surprises. Not because of the dessert.'
Kusuo's the only normal person in class besides Hirata. He's my best 'host' right now.
'Feels weird, but her logic's sound.'
I'll make my move soon… I'm pretty, and Kusuo's a guy. He can't refuse, right? Though Sakura might get mad…
'Why bring up Sakura now?'
Kusuo sat across from Karuizawa.
'Better eat fast and refuse whatever she says.'
"Thanks for earlier, Kusuo!" Karuizawa smiled, her amber eyes sparkling.
"Order anything you like."
"Oh? Don't mind if I do."
Kusuo ordered a lot of desserts—expensive ones.
Kusuo's so into sweets… And he's not holding back…
Karuizawa had already spent a lot on clothes, and now this. Her points were dwindling.
'This'll make her dislike me. She'll give up, right?'
I've come this far… I can't give up! I'll make Kusuo mine!
'Backfired, huh? Oh well, deal with it later.'
The desserts arrived, and Kusuo dug in, savoring every bite.
Karuizawa's eyes widened. She'd never seen someone enjoy sweets like this.
Most guys would focus on me, but Kusuo's only interested in the food…
"Kusuo…"
"Yeah?"
"Thanks again. If not for you, Manabu and the others would've kept bothering me."
"Yeah."
Still 'yeah'… Say something!
Karuizawa was frustrated. She'd never met someone like Kusuo.
I'll have to go all out… I'll confess! He can't refuse!
'Please, no awkwardness.'
Kusuo thought hard for a plan.
"Kusuo, I've been watching you since we enrolled…" Karuizawa lowered her head, acting shy.
'You didn't even know my name till months later.'
"Kusuo, I like…"
"Kusuo, you're here already?"
A familiar voice interrupted. It was Hiyori.
'Who's this?'
Karuizawa was confused. Hiyori was stunning—calm and elegant, the opposite of Karuizawa's act.
Thanks to Hiyori, Karuizawa's confession was cut off. She swallowed her words.
All because of Kusuo.
While eating, he'd used telepathy to contact Hiyori, who was nearby in the library. He asked her to bring some novels to the café.
"Here are the novels you wanted!" Hiyori smiled, handing them to Kusuo.
"Thanks." He nodded.
Kusuo's with another girl? Not the one from last time…
That girl… I've seen her… Oh, it's Karuizawa, right?
I heard about her. She's got a temper, but she seems friendly with Kusuo… He usually doesn't message me, but this time he asked for help and had me come here… So he wanted me to prevent something awkward.
'Nice one, Hiyori!'
I'll help Kusuo out.
Hiyori sat down.
"Kusuo, interested in other novels like this?"
"Yeah." Kusuo nodded.
Hiyori started recommending books—partly to help Kusuo, partly because she wanted to share them. She got carried away talking about them.
She just sat down?
What are they even talking about?
What's with the 'techniques' and 'locked rooms'? Is this even Earth language?
Karuizawa felt utterly awkward and sleepy. She couldn't join the conversation.
Finally, after who knows how long, Hiyori finished her list. The desserts were gone.
"Well, I should go! Talked too much!" Hiyori stood up, smiling.
"It's fine. I wanted to read these anyway."
At least Hiyori's chatter prevented Karuizawa's confession.
Hiyori left, and Kusuo stood up.
"Thanks for the treat, Karuizawa. I'll head out now."
"Oh, okay!"
Karuizawa felt relieved but then remembered her goal.
Wait! I forgot my purpose!
I need a host!
I spent points! Can't waste them!
"Kusuo!"
She stopped him, surprised to see he'd already run five meters away.
'Can't escape yet?'
Kusuo sighed but stopped, turning back.
Who should I call now? Yamauchi's nearby, but I don't want to… Unless…
"Kusuo, I need to tell you something…"
Karuizawa's expression turned serious.
"Yeah." Kusuo didn't use his powers, just followed her to an empty hallway.
"I'm sorry, I was going to trick you, but now I have no choice but to tell the truth."
Karuizawa's voice trembled, despite her efforts to control it.
"I'm sorry for acting tough at school… I was severely bullied… My chair was broken, my clothes vandalized, I was beaten…"
I���m desperate. I have no choice but to tell him… Kusuo's my only protection now…
Tears welled up as she recalled the painful memories.
To avoid more pain, she had to reopen her wounds.
Kusuo knew she was telling the truth. She'd suffered horribly.
"…Kusuo, you're popular in class… So… Could you pretend to be my boyfriend…?"
"Sorry, I can't do that."
Kusuo refused without hesitation.
From any angle, he couldn't agree. It would make him more noticeable and be irresponsible to others.
Normally, he'd avoid this situation, but since Karuizawa shared her pain, he gave her his honest answer.
"I see…"
Karuizawa fell into despair.
"But I can promise you one thing: no one will bully you in this school anymore. I guarantee it."
Kusuo spoke slowly.
'Consider it payment for the desserts.'