"It's still early. Why don't you accompany me to the mall? I don't know much about girls' cosmetics. Kei, I could use your advice."
"The... the President doesn't know about cosmetics?" Kei glanced at Kaguya.
Run, run, run, run!!!!
Kei felt every cell in her body screaming. She could feel Kaguya's eyes on her like she was a bug; she wouldn't be surprised if the President pulled out a knife.
Why me? Why is this happening to me? I heard the last student council president's family was sent to Siberia to dig potatoes by the Shinomiya family! Am I going to be expelled and sent to dig potatoes too?
While Kei panicked, Kaguya gave a gentle smile.
"Hayasaka prepares all my cosmetics. I don't know much about them myself."
Looking closely, Kaguya thought Kei was indeed very cute. She wore light makeup, and her skin looked translucent and soft to the touch. Her eyes were serious, and she had come here specifically to return the money... she had a good character.
Even Kaguya found her charming, let alone Moeha and Rin. Since Moeha wanted her to learn the "dangers of the internet," Kaguya decided to lend a hand~
"Good afternoon! How can I help you? We have samples for trial if you'd like, ladies."
Rin led them to a high-end cosmetics counter. The sales clerk greeted them warmly.
"I'm looking for some gifts for my girlfriends. We'll just browse," Rin said, turning to Kei. "I'm counting on you."
"Okay... President Shinomiya has great skin, even without makeup," Kei started, her voice trembling, but Rin cut her off.
"It's not for Kaguya. Just pick out a few things you like."
Kaguya acted slightly miffed, but she nodded, stating she had plenty at home.
Kei was speechless. I thought the President was his girlfriend, but he has 'girlfriends' plural!? Then what is he to her!? This is so messy...
Actually, it doesn't matter! Just return the money and get out of this war zone!
"Uh, if it were me, I'd like this cream. It's good for girls with clear skin..."
Kei pushed her thoughts aside. Under the intense gaze of Rin and Kaguya, she explained various skin-care products and makeup tips. Both Rin and Kaguya listened intently.
"You're quite the pro, Kei. That's enough for now," Rin checked his phone. "This one, this one, and that one. Wrap up four of each."
"Four sets?" Does he have three girlfriends?
After paying, Rin handed two sets to Kei and Kaguya. Kaguya didn't need them, but Rin couldn't give one to Kei and not her—that would be asking for a disaster.
Kaguya accepted hers with a shy smile. Kei, however, waved her hands frantically.
"Eh? No... I can't. This is too expensive."
She was here to return money. How could she take a gift? These products cost more than the 100,000 yen he had "lent" her!
"Think of it as a fee for your hard work today," Rin pressed them into her hands. This was all part of the plan; the "buying for girlfriends" line was just an excuse to give her high-end gifts.
"Kei is so cute, it would be a shame to ruin that skin with cheap products." Rin leaned in, his face close to hers, as if catching a scent. In truth, Rin couldn't tell the difference between scents, but Moeha had told him exactly what to look for.
The sudden proximity made Kei's face explode in a scarlet blush. Even though he wasn't touching her, the thought of him "smelling" her made her heart hammer against her ribs. She took two steps back.
Along with the embarrassment, she felt a flicker of annoyance. He has no sense of boundaries! We just met, and he's being so bold! I'm definitely giving back that 100,000 yen and these gifts right now!
It was getting late. Rin had booked a nearby sushi restaurant. Since it was a first meeting, he chose a place that was high-quality but not overly intimidating—just a step above a family joint.
They were led to a private tatami room. Rin and Kaguya naturally slipped off their shoes and entered.
Kei hesitated at the door. After Rin had leaned in to "smell" her, she was terrified that if she took off her shoes, they'd smell her feet. She was wearing full-length tights, which tended to get sweatier than regular socks.
"Uh..."
"Rin-kun."
Kaguya interrupted before Kei could speak. Seeing Kei's hesitation, Kaguya smirked. She knew from Rin that Kei wanted to return the money. But... how can I let her pay it back so easily?
She was jealous, but as Moeha had said, Rin had many girls around him. If she wanted to keep him, she needed more "allies." This girl was cute, and her desire to return the money proved she had strong self-esteem. She wasn't like those "sows," Chika and Moeha. She was exactly Kaguya's type.
But first, this innocent child needs to learn about the 'darkness' of the world~
"Rin-kun, how much were the cosmetics? I'll transfer the money to you."
"...?"
Rin was confused. Kaguya never paid when they went out. It wasn't that she was cheap, but because Hayasaka usually handled all her finances, Kaguya literally didn't have the "habit" of paying.
Why now?
Wait... is she trying to compete with Kei?
According to the plan, today was just about building rapport and showing off his wealth to slowly corrupt her. It wasn't time for the "big reveal" yet. If he went too hard now, it would just feel like a lecture.
But Kaguya... he hadn't cleared any plan with her. He'd have to wing it.
"Here. Open your QR code."
"Fine..." Rin handed his phone to Kaguya.
"I don't know the exact price for four sets, but a million yen should cover it, right?"
Kaguya, whose bank account was linked by Hayasaka, casually swiped and transferred 1,000,000 yen. Kei nearly choked.
After the transfer, Kaguya's gaze traveled down Rin's chest, eventually settling on his lap. She shot Kei a provocative look.
"Before the sushi arrives... let me have a little dessert~"
"???"
Rin was stunned. The dessert... is me!?
Before he could react, Kaguya reached for his waist and grabbed his zipper.
"Wait, wait, wait—"
Rin tried to stop her, but Kaguya fixed him with a cold, piercing gaze—the same one she had when they first met. The temperature in the room seemed to drop.
She looked at him like he was an insect.
"Shut up."