Alright, time to show Hotaka who's boss! I'm gonna deny his plead of desperation right in his face!
Wait, wouldn't attending this meeting show that I'm a little intrigued by his request? Wouldn't just not showing up show that sign for me?
I was lost in thought... But I remembered a thing my dad used to say.
"Now, Akari, when boys are being pushy towards you, you tell them you don't like them and you refuse, alright sweetheart?"
So I have to tell him I hate him? I mean, I don't precisely hate him, I just don't want to help him...
He's a man! He's gotta walk the dangerous path to a maiden's heart!
...
At least, that's how it goes in romance novels...
Back to the point, not showing up would be extremely rude! So the most polite way to do this is to show up, deny his offer, and split the coffee bill 50/50.
Alright! Let's do this!
"Hey Haruka, I'm leaving now!" I bid farewell to Haruka and left the house.
This sounds very odd like I'm leaving on a journey or something. But in reality, I'm just gonna go get coffee.
Moving on, I arrive at the school gate just in time! Don't judge me! It's not my fault I can't attend any meetings before 12! School is an exception!
"Hey Akari! Over here!" Hotaka waved at me.
"Hey..." I said as I walked over to him.
"Hey Akari! Thanks for taking the time! Before I go on, let's sit down first, I know an incredible cafe nearby!" Hotaka barraged me with words.
"Oh, ehm, alright then..." I quietly replied.
Come on, Akari! You got this! Just tell him you can't help him! It's that simple!
"Alright, here we are!" Hotaka stopped and showed me the cafe.
The cafe was huge! It had two stories, a lot of customers, and a wide menu to choose from! This could be the group's hang out spot! The lit sign said 'Tina's Cafe' at the center of the large venue.
Hotaka and I sat down at a table near the giant wall made of glass. Why do people sit here? I feel like I'm being watched.
"Alright, let's talk properly now." Hotaka finally started talking. Oddly, he dropped the cheerful voice.
"Alright..." I gulped.
"As you know, I need you to help me get closer to Ms. Sayuri, right?" he asked.
"Right." I replied.
"I only really need to get into the club, you know? So, please! Can you recommend me to the group?" he said as he bent down and begged me.
"Please stop what you're doing! Fine, fine! I'll do it!" I said.
This man certainly has the nerve! He actually knelt down just for a woman! I wish I had one of those. Kana, this one's a keeper. If you'll take him.
"Really? Thank you so much!" as Hotaka said that, people started clapping their hands and cheering.
Why? I don't know.
"What's happening?" I asked.
"Congratulations, you two!" a man in the crowd shouted.
"Such youth!" a woman screamed.
Did they think he proposed? Oh no...
Wait, this is too well scripted! What's going on here?
-I don't know, hehe...
Did you do this, Narrator?
-Did I? Hahaha! Don't be such a fool.
"Free orders for the newly proposed!" a man in a uniform screamed. Judging from that statement, he's probably the manager.
-Why don't you just think about why he's holding you like that.
What? Before I realized, Hotaka held me in his embrace.
Wait! No! Don't end this just yet! I haven't cleared the misunderstanding yet!
-Reader! Stay tuned for the next volume! Hahaha!
Narrator you sneaky basta—