Next Bonus, 200PS!!
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"Speaking of which, what's up with Tobe?"
Noticing something unusual, Kai suddenly looked over with a curious expression.
Kakeru Tobe, who was usually bouncing off the walls, was currently sitting at his desk, glued to his phone and smiling like a fool. Judging by his expression, anyone would think he had just fallen in love.
And speaking of love…
Kai inexplicably thought of Hina Ebina. After all, it was common knowledge that Tobe had a massive crush on her.
With that thought, Kai instinctively turned his head and glanced at Hina.
"Hmm?"
As he looked over, he realized that Hina was also secretly watching him.
When their eyes met, Hina was the first to react, hastily looking down. She had merely been curious about what kind of irresistible charm this guy possessed to make both Yui Yuigahama and Yumiko Miura fall for him at the same time. She hadn't expected him to suddenly turn around and catch her staring.
'That look...' Kai arched an eyebrow slightly, a faint, knowing smile dawning on his lips.
He had never really paid much notice to this girl with the thick-rimmed glasses before. He certainly wasn't narcissistic enough to believe that every woman who looked at him was secretly in love with him.
Especially with that probing, analytical gaze she just had. 'So, she knows about my relationship with Yui and Yumiko? She's quite sharp.'
However, Kai wasn't worried.
Since she hadn't immediately blabbed about it, it meant Hina wasn't the gossiping type. He figured he'd find some time to test the waters with her later.
"What else could it be?"
Over by Yumiko's desk, hearing Kai's question, she replied with a casual shrug:
"He's in love."
"In love?"
Kai was momentarily surprised and couldn't help but look back at Hina.
"It's not Hina!"
Seeing him look at Hina, Yumiko knew exactly what he was thinking. After all, Tobe's crush on Hina was practically an open secret within their popular clique, even if Tobe himself thought he was hiding it perfectly.
"As expected, men are all fickle and unfaithful!"
"…"
That's a pretty aggressive statement coming from you!
Catching Kai's look, Yumiko didn't back down—instead, she rolled her eyes at him. 'What? Am I wrong? You're exactly the same. You're the last person who has any right to complain.'
"Haha! So, do you guys know who Tobe is dating?"
Truth be told, Kai was genuinely curious. He wondered if this was another domino effect caused by the crossover anime world.
"No idea. It seems like it's just online dating. I really don't get it. Why ignore the real people around you and go for an online romance? What's the point?"
Yumiko, for one, did not believe in online dating. Who knew who was actually on the other end of the screen? It could be some massive catfish for all they knew.
"Online dating?"
Well, that was something Kai hadn't expected.
In reality, Kai held a bit of a persistent fear toward the term "online dating." Don't ask why—he just had history... However, that was all from his past life, before he transmigrated. Nowadays, Kai firmly believes in the authenticity of physical, real-world connections.
"Do you know what she looks like?"
"Who knows? When we asked for a picture, he refused to show us. He guards his phone li ke it's some precious treasure."
Speaking of this, Yumiko actually experienced a surge of relief. Thank goodness Hina hadn't gotten together with Tobe. Otherwise… if he could be sweet-talked away by a few text messages from a stranger online, who knew what kind of disastrous boyfriend he would be in real life?
In comparison, Kai was pretty great. Sure, he was a massive player, but at least he took responsibility. He didn't just sleep around and abandon people.
It really was a case of beauty being in the eye of the beholder.
"I see!"
Glancing one last time at Tobe—who was still giggling foolishly at his phone, completely submerged in the river of love—Kai just shrugged and dropped the subject.
'If he wants to date online, let him. I just hope the 'girl' on the other end doesn't turn out to have an unexpected extra appendage. Now that would be tragic.'
"By the way, I've noticed Hayama paying a lot of attention to you lately. Don't tell me he's planning to ask you out?"
Hayato Hayama, as the top-tier 'normie' of their popular clique, always commanded a massive amount of attention in the class. Kai didn't even need to actively keep an eye on him. Furthermore, Hayama wasn't a hypocrite—his actions and intentions were usually displayed openly and candidly.
"Tch!"
The current Yumiko couldn't care less about what Hayato Hayama was doing. On the contrary, after experiencing Kai's dominant, forceful nature, she began to find Hayama's constant hesitation and indecisiveness rather unmanly and frustrating.
"What's wrong? Are you jealous?" However, Yumiko was more than happy to use this to tease Kai. She leaned in close and whispered:
"You should hurry and act soon, or I might one day decide I've waited long enough."
It sounded like a threat, but her manner made it clear she was just flirting.
Kai wasn't annoyed in the slightest. Instead, he smiled and countered: "It seems you're begging to be disciplined. Wait for me in the woods behind the school after class—"
"I spent a lot of time on my makeup today. I want to go shopping after school."
"It's fine. I'll help you apply a facial mask."
"…"
However, Yumiko didn't refuse. She just shot him a coy, blushing glare before turning back to her seat.
Sometimes, saying nothing was the best answer of all.
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After school.
Yui Yuigahama and Hina Ebina were waiting by the school gates.
Seeing Yumiko approaching, they smiled and waved.
"Yumiko!"
"Yui, Hina!"
Spotting the two of them, Yumiko quickly smoothed down her hair and neatened her uniform before walking over.
"Hey, Yumiko, did you redo your makeup?"
Girls were naturally far more observant than boys when it came to makeup. Yui could tell at a glance that Yumiko had just reapplied it. And perhaps because she had been in a rush, the corners of her eyes were still slightly smudged.
"You noticed, huh?"
"Haha!"
Having already prepared an excuse, Yumiko laughed it off casually.
"Well, I was helping the teacher with some heavy lifting earlier. It was exhausting, and I sweat a lot, so my makeup got ruined."
As for the real reason…
Well, Kai really hadn't lied. He genuinely did help Yumiko apply a "facial mask." She had no choice but to redo her makeup afterward.
Thinking back on it, Yumiko couldn't help but curse him in her head. That jerk did it on purpose! She specifically told him to be careful, but he didn't listen!
Yet, frustratingly enough, she found she couldn't hate his dominant attitude. In fact, she loved it.
"I see!"
As expected, Yui didn't suspect a thing.
Hina, on the other hand, looked at Yumiko, then at Yui, and quietly asked:
"By the way, Yui, aren't you going on a date with Kai today?"
"Kai-kun said he had some errands to run today, so we're not hanging out. But hey, it's been a while since the three of us went shopping together!"
Yui smiled brightly. Being able to go shopping with her best friends was still a wonderful way to spend the afternoon.
"I see!"
Case closed! Hina couldn't help but cast a meaningful look at Yumiko. She had to admit, Yumiko was really impressive.
"Ahem!" For some reason, that look made Yumiko feel incredibly guilty.
'Did she figure it out?' But then she quickly reassured herself. 'I hid it so well! There's no way she could know. I'm definitely just overthinking it.'
"Alright, alright! It's getting late, let's head out!"
"Yeah!"
Yui happily took the lead. As for Hina, she quietly followed behind, perfectly content with her role as the group's silent observer.
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While Kai was getting ready to meet Shizuka Hiratsuka and Sonoko Machida…
Elsewhere, Sakiko Togawa was busy running her own errands.
"KAI-KUN WILL DEFINITELY LOVE THIS PLACE!"
After days of searching, Sakiko had finally found a stunning property in an upscale residential area near Sobu High School.
Not only was it close to the school—eliminating the need for a miserable subway commute—but the surrounding environment was also peaceful and beautiful.
The villa she chose wasn't overly massive. Since it would just be the two of them living there, she felt a sprawling mansion would feel too cold and empty. This size was perfect.
Imagining the future in which she and Kai lived together in this house, Sakiko couldn't help but break into an excited, joyful smile.
With that happy thought, she moved out of the villa, intending to officially sign the papers and secure the property before someone else snatched it up.
However.
"SAKIKO!"
The moment she walked outside, an eerily familiar voice called out to her.
"Nagasaki?"
Sakiko immediately froze upon realizing it was Soyo Nagasaki. 'Good grief. She's like a persistent ghost! Did she really follow me all the way here?'
Perhaps due to severe sleep deprivation, Soyo's eyes were shadowed by heavy, dark circles.
However, upon seeing Sakiko again, Soyo seemed extremely frantic and overwhelmed with emotion. "Thank goodness! Sakiko, I finally found you!"
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