Moths fly to flame—seeking light, finding destruction.
People chase fame and money the same way. Self-destruction disguised as ambition.
Love operates similarly.
Some crave what they cannot have. Exhaust themselves trying. Burn out.
Ofo Koachi knew this intimately. Suitors surrounded her—none succeeded. You cannot obtain the unattainable. Trying is ridiculous.
Miko is a moth right now.
Sakurai Saki is not her Prince Charming.
People don't give without reason. Ofo had never met a man willing to give unconditionally. Therefore, Sakurai Saki must want something from Miko.
Her 40% favorability toward him wasn't about protecting Miko.
It's about me.
Miko relied on me. Now she has someone else.
I don't want that.
Did she know this dynamic was twisted?
Yes.
Did she want to change it?
No.
The Confrontation
"Ofo Senior." Saki's voice was soft—Miko slept nearby. "Why are you here?"
"Sakurai-kun." Ofo matched his volume. "Why do you approach Miko?"
"Strange question." He rose, pulling the curtain closed, moving away from the bed. "She's sick. I visit. Simple."
He retrieved instant coffee from the infirmary stores. Began boiling water.
"If pressed for reason..." Thoughtful pause. "She's cute? Senior concern for junior."
Truth. Miko is interesting. Her serious face makes teasing rewarding.
"Seniors don't tease juniors casually." Ofo's voice carried judgment. "You treat her like a toy."
She'd witnessed his pranks. Multiple times.
"You guessed correctly." No denial. "Your grades are mediocre, Ofo Senior, but your judgment of character is sharp."
156th place. Slightly above Ishigami.
"Please." Ofo's request was flat. "Leave Miko alone."
Saki settled into the infirmary teacher's chair, cheek propped, gaze upward.
"Why?"
"You're deceiving her."
"Deceive?" Lips curved. Amused.
Never deceived Miko.
Snacks: genuine concern.
Praise for grades: heartfelt.
Affection: real.
"You're attracting her. She'll fall for you."
"Praised by Ofo Senior." His words remained gentle, but his expression cooled. "Honored."
Strangers commenting on me.
Self-righteousness masquerading as concern.
Speaking for others without permission.
"Miko has her own thoughts." His voice didn't rise, but each word landed. "This doesn't concern you. You're her friend—don't speak for her. That's what friends do, yes?"
After all, you're not Iino Miko.
If anyone treats her as a toy, it's you.
Worse than me.
"I'm doing this for your own good."
That phrase should never exist between friends.
He poured boiling water into a cup. Added instant coffee. Swirled.
"The encouragement she lacks. The praise. The care." His gaze lifted to meet hers. "I'll give her those. As her senior."
He knew about Miko. From Shirogane—the Ishigami suspension incident. The girl who stood up for justice.
Such righteous hotheads are rare.
He didn't want her to change.
The cup swirled. Coffee dissolved.
Ofo Koachi's glasses reflected light—her expression unreadable.
"Ofo Senior." Saki continued, relentless. "Have you ever praised her? Had a heart-to-heart conversation?"
Silence.
"Her reputation in the Disciplinary Committee isn't strong. She has few friends—or rather, no close friends." His voice softened, but the words cut deeper. "As her 'only' friend, Ofo Senior..."
A pause.
"Wouldn't it be better to care for her more?"
Enjoying the feeling of being relied upon.
Not wanting to let go.
Is that friendship?
Ofo said nothing.
The reflection from her glasses revealed nothing.
But somewhere behind them, uncomfortable truths were settling in.
Had Ofo considered Iino Miko's feelings?
Probably not.
But this is speculation. Not necessarily accurate.
"Sakurai-kun~"
Miko's voice drifted through the curtain—fuzzy, cold-muddled.
"Bathroom~"
Ah. Water intake effects.
Ofo turned away from Saki, moving toward the bed.
"Miko."
"Huh? Where's Sakurai-kun~"
"I'll take you."
Saki watched them leave, cup warming his hands, small smile playing at his lips.
Interesting.
Tachibana Chizuru
Halfway through his coffee, the infirmary door opened.
Short silver hair. Excellent figure. White lab coat.
Tachibana Chizuru. Popular teacher. Students visit for "illnesses" that miraculously vanish upon entry.
"Sakurai-kun." Flat recognition. No surprise.
He visits often. First time this school year, though.
"Drinking my coffee." Tone unchanged. "Bad student."
Silent-type older sister. Similar to Miku.
"Tastes good. Want some?" Saki rose, offering the chair.
Tachibana Sensei nodded acceptance.
He promptly stole another coffee packet—skillfully—and prepared a cup with remaining hot water.
"The child?" Curious.
"Bathroom."
"She arrived last period." Face blank, expression adorable in its emptiness. "Didn't take absence. Diligent child."
They chatted briefly. Coffee finished. Saki departed.
Classroom — Afternoon
Saki entered.
Hayasaka Ai sat at her desk, cheek propped, smiling at him.
Chill. Down spine. Unexplained.
He sat.
"What did you do?"
"Bathroom." Pause. "You won't believe me."
"Mmm-hmm~" Cute. Dismissive. "I'm listening. Continue."
Terrifying. Do all girlfriends gain this skill instantly?
"I was caring for a sick junior. Cute one."
Hayasaka rolled her eyes.
Lies: not believed.
Truth: also not believed.
What do you want from me?
Saki ignored her—or pretended to—retrieving afternoon materials.
Hayasaka blinked.
"You actually did?"
"Passed infirmary. Heard Miko. Poured water. Tachibana Sensei absent."
"Ah~" Internal relief. Visible softening. "That's fine then."
Just Miko.
Safe.