While Anon was being drowned by beautiful girls and at a complete loss, Taki's situation was also somewhat delicate.
Because in the previous three episodes she didn't have many scenes, and combined with Taki's own high emotional intelligence personality, the attention she received wasn't that high.
But now the situation was different. After all, episode five was her round.
Although she was the one standing at the side watching, the impression she left on people was in no way lower than Anon's.
So after she arrived at school, she felt that the way people around her looked at her was inexplicably subtle.
There was always a kind of pity… and even—
A feeling of disappointment, like hating iron for not becoming steel?
So what the hell was going on?
And when they saw Taki, the girls around her couldn't help but start whispering.
"That's Taki, right…"
"Didn't expect that Taki-san would actually…"
"Taki lost so miserably."
"Taki-san lost to Anon and got so angry she rolled on the ground, crying and making a fuss, wu wu wu wu, so pitiful~"
Of course, there were also those with less friendly attitudes.
"Taki lost that badly—how can she face us Tomori x Taki fans?"
"Taki, you need to pull yourself together!"
It was obvious that the girl herself did not know that her humiliating crushing defeat in the latest episode had already become the biggest topic at Hanasakigawa Girls' School these past two days.
The always straightforward Tomori x Taki fans had once said that if Taki kept losing like this, she would probably only be able to watch Anon and Tomori getting all lovey-dovey in the future.
Just think about how much earlier Taki knew Tomori compared to Anon—how many days and days and days they spent together—and she still got overtaken on the curve by that pink-haired one?
Of course, the Anon x Tomori fans also had their arguments.
What kind of girl is their Chihaya Anon?
Do you understand the weight of getting lost together?
And what does Taki even have—just because you can talk?
You, Shiina Taki, spend all day just being filial, never once truly delving into Tomori's inner heart. How could you win?
You can't win. You just don't have that ability, you know!
First she lost to Sakiko, and now she lost to Anon.
Next she's going to lose to Soyo. After losing to Soyo she'll lose to Mutsumi-chan, then after that she'll lose to the cat, and after that there'll be no one left to lose to!
They had already said it—someone like Taki-san simply wasn't mentally prepared.
Can she guarantee that in the next episode, without Anon having protagonist-arc buffs, she'll be able to overtake that pink-haired girl?
They originally came to watch Tomori x Taki, and instead got Anon x Tomori shoved in their faces—the two of them holding hands like they were about to get married. How are they supposed to explain that?
Be practical. First understand the concept of conquering Tomori properly. Don't spend all day just thinking about being filial!
"Soyo won't even have any filial piety left to give at this rate!"
"Taki-san just isn't cutting it!"
"Looks like we Tomori x Taki fans really are facing destruction this time."
"The one most upset should be Taki-chan, right?"
"I really want to go hug her."
"Now that you mention it, Taki-san's figure really is… sss~"
"Holy crap, there's a yuri here!"
"How about everyone just joins the Anon x Tomori side with me?"
"Anon snatched Tomori away—Anon is invincible!"
"Heresy!"
"Classmates, the situation is urgent. Let's quickly eliminate all the Anon x Tomori fans!"
"Chihaya Anon's crimes are unforgivable!"
And so, under this somewhat subtle atmosphere, Taki walked into the classroom.
Perhaps because of her personality, no one had come up to talk to her yet.
However, when she saw her seat, she immediately realized something was off.
It wasn't some prank—rather, she saw that her desk was piled full of all kinds of small ornaments and little gifts.
The only problem was that quite a few of them had a bit of green on them.
Wasn't this color ratio supposed to be for Mutsumi?
Wait, why was she being so sensitive about colors?
Aside from that, there were also many cartons of the boxed milk she liked—but the vast green grassland printed on the packaging looked especially glaring.
"These are all…"
Taki walked to her seat and couldn't help but frown.
What exactly were these people stirring up now?
"They're all comfort gifts from everyone,"
Umiri, who was nearby, answered Taki's confusion.
"Do you like them?"
"Comfort?"
Hearing this, Taki silently typed a question mark in her mind.
What did she need comforting for?
"Taki-chan,"
At this moment, someone finally came over—a green-haired girl with an older-sister vibe took Taki's hand.
"You have to stay strong!"
"A temporary win or loss doesn't mean anything. We'll all silently support you from behind!"
"Even though you disappointed us Tomori x Taki fans, we'll still support you!"
"Taki, do your best! Don't lose to that pink-haired one!"
"Taki, be strong!"
"Stay strong, Taki-san!"
"Stay strong!"
"Even if that pink-haired girl is interlocking fingers with Tomori, you still have to stay strong, Taki!"
No, are you deliberately bringing up the one thing you shouldn't?!
Although everyone had their own opinions in private discussions, when facing Taki, the girls all offered support and comfort.
"No, you all…"
What exactly are you even talking about?
Regarding her classmates' comfort, Taki was deeply moved but firmly refused—and at the same time felt a vague irritation rising inside.
The anime—can't be taken seriously!
Just because she lost in the anime, how does that mean she lost in reality?
No matter how much Anon "won" in the anime, it was still fake!
In the real world, the one Tomori liked more had to be her—right?!
"Um, Taki-san…"
At that moment, a petite black-haired girl with long straight hair and adorably chubby cheeks walked over, her face flushed red.
"If things don't work out with Tomori-san, I… I can!"
"Huh?"
That single sentence instantly crashed Taki's brain.
No, what do you mean you can?!
The girls gathered around also looked at each other. The one who had previously marveled at Taki's magnificent physique was internally screaming.
I was just joking—are you actually serious?!
"I might not be as cute as Tomori-san, and I'm not as talented as her, but I'll always keep my eyes on Taki-san!"
The girl clenched her fists and looked at Taki with determination.
"I-If Taki-san likes it, I can cut my hair into her style and dye it gray!"
In truth, she hadn't been very familiar with Taki before.
It wasn't dislike—she just felt Taki was a bit hard to approach and didn't dare get close.
But in the anime, Taki's gentleness toward Tomori had moved her.
Having such a filial—cough cough, gentle—girl protecting you really gives an overwhelming sense of security, doesn't it?
And although she wasn't the type like Ryō-san who had special attack against girls, Taki was genuinely beautiful—and as for her figure, there was no need to even mention it!
Holy crap, there's yuri right beside me!
And as the one being confessed to, Taki finally completely lost it.
She and Tomori were friends—bandmates with pure, impurity-free friendship. Did they even understand that?
What part of her looked like she was into girls?
Had she ever shown any inclination in that direction?
Even if she hadn't thought about dating, her orientation was perfectly normal, okay?!
Absolutely ridiculous!
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