"Sorry, sorry, got off-topic there," Iwanaga Kotoko apologized, then brought the conversation back on track.
"Now, let's talk about the proper way to resolve this request."
"First, Hayama-san, are you sure you just want to calm things down?"
Hayama nodded silently, afraid to say more in case this frighteningly insightful first-year student would drop another bombshell.
"In that case, I'll give you two options."
Iwanaga Kotoko raised her index finger. "First, the workplace internship is organized in groups of three. This mess started because they're fighting over you, the 'prize,' so just tell them you've already teamed up with someone else."
"Without you, the 'prize,' their infighting will naturally die down."
"Second, if you want to resolve things quickly, have the three of them drop their pride, make a fool of themselves, and dispel the slander in the emails."
"For example, that 'something-or-other' guy... the email says he's a delinquent who got into fights, right?"
"To make a fool of himself, he could act all weak and unsteady in front of everyone, then pretend to be knocked out during some playful scuffle."
"After hitting the ground, he could smile bitterly and say, 'Ah, I'm such an unfit delinquent, getting taken down so easily. I really wish I had the kind of fighting prowess they talked about in that email.'"
"When people see how weak he is, they'll naturally doubt the rumors about him being a delinquent or getting into fights."
"As for the other two, that's even easier!"
"Being a triple-dater takes some serious charm! You think just anyone can be as good-looking as Hoshimi?"
Everyone turned to look at Hoshimi, their eyes filled with a mysterious meaning.
With Yukinoshita on the left, Kotoko on the right, and Yuigahama standing beside him, Hoshimi maintained an awkward yet polite smile.
Hoshimi had already decided that tonight's dream would involve Kotoko practicing her splits. With her being so cheeky, her flexibility must be pretty good, after all.
Unaware of the hardship awaiting her, Iwanaga Kotoko continued her confident explanations.
"And the last one is the easiest to clear up. Star athletes from other schools are big deals, so how could someone as weak as him ruin them? If he really did, he'd probably be in the hospital right now, not in school. You think the other members of the sports club wouldn't seek revenge?"
"Oh, and if you want them to become real friends, maybe you could try having them team up for the internship. Friendship takes time, and maybe they'll fit together after working at it."
"Alright, I've given you the solutions. It's up to you now, Hayama-san."
"Take care, goodbye."
Hayama Hayato stared at Iwanaga Kotoko and then bowed his head in thanks. "Iwanaga-san, thank you very much."
With that, he picked up his sports bag from the floor and left the Service Club.
"Clang—"
The clubroom door closed, and Iwanaga Kotoko turned her head to ask Hoshimi, "Hoshimi, does the workplace internship take a long time?"
Hoshimi shook his head. "I'm not sure. I transferred here not too long ago, so I don't know much about the internship at Sobu High. Maybe you should ask Yukino."
Hoshimi leaned back, clearing the way for Kotoko and Yukinoshita to communicate.
Iwanaga Kotoko looked at Yukinoshita, "Yukinoshita-senpai?"
Yukinoshita gave Kotoko a sidelong glance and replied coldly, "At Sobu High, the workplace internship is just a formality. It's over by the afternoon, and you get a half-day off. It's more like a workplace tour than an actual internship. It's nothing compared to the three-to-five-day internships at other schools."
"Hmm~ I see~" Hearing Yukinoshita's explanation, Iwanaga Kotoko couldn't help but retort, "Are they elementary schoolers?!"
It was obvious that Kotoko's comment was aimed at the three boys who caused this whole mess over a half-day workplace tour.
"Indeed, it's quite childish," Yukinoshita added, delivering another blow.
Smiling gently, Hoshimi didn't join in on the criticism. Instead, he turned to Yukinoshita and asked, "Yukino, our class hasn't been notified about forming groups yet, right?"
"No, not yet."
"Oh, that makes sense. Our homeroom teacher is Hiratsuka-sensei, after all. She's busy with other things and probably forgot to inform our class."
"...," Yukinoshita remained silent, thinking that might indeed be the case.
Hoshimi thought for a moment and then asked, "By the way, Yukino, who would you prefer to pair up with?"
"Anyone is fine." Yukinoshita replied indifferently.
Aside from Hoshimi, she didn't have any close friends in the class, so it didn't matter who she ended up with.
"Alright, we'll decide later then. It doesn't really matter who it is."
With the request resolved, Hoshimi raised both arms and stretched comfortably.
"Mmm~"
Accompanied by a soft moan, the back of Hoshimi's left hand seemed to brush against something soft.
He turned his head to see Yuigahama blushing deeply, protecting her chest as she took two steps back.
"Hoshimi, what did you do?"
Seeing this scene as she turned her head, Yukinoshita's expression darkened, and her icy eyes locked onto Hoshimi.
Hoshimi's mouth twitched as he innocently explained, "I was just stretching. I didn't mean to do anything."
"..." Yukinoshita said nothing, but her icy blue eyes were filled with a piercing coldness as she continued to stare at Hoshimi.
Seeing the situation, Hoshimi placed his hand on Yukinoshita's chest, speaking earnestly, "Yukino, you know me. I like what I can hold in my hand."
As he spoke, Hoshimi's fingers gently tightened.
"?!"
Yukinoshita's pupils contracted, and her composure crumbled in an instant. She couldn't maintain her cold demeanor any longer.
Her face flushed as she slapped Hoshimi's hand away, gritting her teeth in anger, "Hoshimi, you jerk!"
Before she could finish speaking, Yukinoshita clenched her fists and started pounding on Hoshimi's chest.
"You're too predictable, Yukino! I knew you'd react this way!" Hoshimi, smugly, caught Yukinoshita's fists with both hands and looked down at her triumphantly.
"Oh, really? Hoshimi, have you forgotten I'm still here?" Feeling a sense of betrayal, Iwanaga Kotoko leaned in close to Hoshimi's ear and whispered hotly.
Watching Hoshimi and Yukinoshita fooling around in front of her made her mad.
So, she decided to remind him of her presence by pinching his sides and tickling him furiously.
"Stop, stop, hahaha~ Okay, I give up~ Kotoko~~ hahaha~ Yukino~~ hahaha~ stop it~~"
Unable to fend off the combined attack from Kotoko and Yukinoshita, Hoshimi could only laugh and beg for mercy.
Meanwhile, Yuigahama Yui, watching the three of them playfully messing around, felt a pang of envy in her heart.
And over on the couch, Hikigaya Hachiman was left with nothing but admiration.
What a master! A true master! To turn an impending storm into a scene of harmony like that...
No wonder Hoshimi can date three girls at once.
Wait! Three girls!! Who's the third one?!
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