Hitomi Ayame didn't even think of shaking my hand. It's understandable as she won't shake hands with a scum like me.
In the end, I retracted my hand and said,
"Sorry Miss. Seems like I've forgotten my place."
Aki and Kinoshita was looking at me with their eyes wide open. Hitomi was also surprised but was eventually overcome with pride as she truly thinks that I knew my place.
Well, she was from a wealthy family and me from a normal one so, it can't be helped.
I decided to extract some Infos about the ones concerned with this love matter.
"So...Who's Ryusaki Aiza?"
Everyone, including Kinoshita, looked at me with shock again. What's so shocking about it, I wonder?
I felt a slap on the back of my head. An unbearable pain was spread across my whole head. That familiar pain was definitely Aki's doing.
"You're really forgetful. He is the class representative of our class. He introduced himself on the first day, though you ignored it."
"I'm not forgetful! Just a bit uninterested in those type of things."
"Anyway, continue doing your little interview with her."
I obeyed at what Aki just said to me. I observed Hitomi's way of talking and scanned for any weaknesses. In the meanwhile, Hitomi was giving information on Ryusaki.
"Ryusaki Aiza is the captain of the soccer club. He has great leadership and good relationships with all his teammates and friends."
"In other words, he's the hardworking type, right?"
"...Yes, you could say that. He's also in love with Miyake."
"How can you be so sure about that? Can you guarantee that he is truly in love with Miyake? And are you sure that Miyake is also in love with Ryusaki?"
"I've observed those two when they are together. Ryusaki's behaviour was different from usual when with Kyoko. He seems gentler and kinder compared to when with others. Kyoko seems like at ease with him."
Is Hitomi some kind of stalker? She's going to an extent for those two. That's not something she would do for a stranger.
"What's your relationship with those two?"
She was hesitating on this very question.
"...Is it important to know that?"
"I need to know the situation of this matter very well so, yes."
She sighed and then resumed to answering my questions with a serious face.
"Kyoko is my childhood friend."
"Oh?....Even though you were a loner."
She glared at me with an intent to kill. So I backed away a little from her. Seeing my behaviour, she let me off this time.
"She was the only one who would talk to me."
She had a smile on her sad face, making her helplessness visible to us. After letting her true feelings come out a bit, she went back into business mode.
"The problem is that those two doesn't have the courage to confess. That's when you enter."
"Hmm, I get the gist of what you're saying."
"Is that all you need to know or do I have to tell you about their hobbies or favourite food?"
"No, that's all. Just one condition."
She looked like she was enough of us but was enduring it.
"What is it now?"
"We do the job in our own way and you won't interrupt us when we are doing the job. Object it and the negotiation is cancelled."
"Tsk."
She clicked her tongue which showed that she was very displeased. But she didn't try to reject the condition, instead, she accepted it.
"I'll give you the reward after completing the job."
"Sounds good to me."
After those last little communication between us, she left quietly without looking back at us. While I silently glanced at that figure leaving, I thought that there was one more thing to do.
"Kinoshita."
Kinoshita, who was keeping his mouth shut during the negotiation, was startled a bit upon hearing his name.
"You're probably wondering about why I accepted Hitomi's request, right?"
"..."
"We're doing it for Miyake's well-being, not for her ill-being. So don't get me wrong."
Kinoshita still didn't say anything. His head was looking down at the ground.
"Can you promise that Miyake won't be hurt in the process?"
I looked at him with a helpless face.
"That...I can't guarantee that. You heard what Hitomi said. I am a scum. So we are doing it the rough way. This is also a test for you Kinoshita. If you fail, then all you've done will be meaningless."
Kinoshita remained silent for a moment then after some moment, he looked at us with a determined face.
I smiled at him as a response to his resolve.
"If you have so much energy left to be so determined, then I guess that you should practice a little more."
"No problem."
Kinoshita continued to practice while I and Aki were discussing something very important.
"You already have a plan?"
"Of course. I already feel bad for Miyake for what is about to come."
A small chuckle sound came out from my mouth.
"...What are you going to do?"
"Not me, YOU...will do it."
"Me!?"
"That's right. Just think of it as a way to relieve your stress."
"...I'm already feeling chills right now. What exactly are you going to make me do to her?"
"You'll know...very soon."
.....
The next morning, I waked up a bit earlier than usual. Seeing me this early, Reika was a bit surprised.
"It's unusual to see you wake up this early in the morning."
"I have my own reasons."
"...Girlfriend?"
"Nope."
After our little exchange, I got ready for school and went out.
10 minutes later, I was standing outside near Aki's house. I also told Aki to get out a little bit early and meet me.
She did as expected. I greeted her and started to discuss the plan for the improvement of Miyake's and Ryusaki's relationship.
"Are you sure we are doing this!?"
"There's no turning back now. More importantly, are you fine after hearing about what are you going to do to her?"
"...I told you before. I hate nice girls, so I won't feel guilty about doing it." A slight curve on her lips could be noticed as she said that.
"That's good then."
We arrived at our classroom and sat on our designated seats. Kinoshita was also here after some time. We were just waiting for Miyake to come into the class.
And at last, she finally arrived. She sat on her seat, which is in the front. She turned around to check on Kinoshita. In doing so, she met her eyes with Aki's by coincidence.
Miyake was staring at her and Aki also did the same. Seeing those two reminded me of one fascinating quote.
'If you stare into the abyss, the abyss stares back at you.'