"No worries, Yui, just sit down," Miura interrupted Yui's explanation, gently pressing her shoulders and making her sit.
Then she looked over her shoulder and casually called, "Yoko, isn't it your turn to sing?"
"Huh?" The short-haired girl called Yoko looked momentarily confused.
She paused for a second before realizing, quickly stepping up to take the microphone from Miura.
"Haha~ Yes, it's my turn now~" Yoko giggled goofily.
She walked over to the karaoke machine and moved her chosen song, "Snow Flower," to the top of the list.
Previously, the top song had been "Dream Song," which Yuigahama had originally chosen...
"Ahem, ahem," Yoko cleared her throat as the accompaniment started, then began singing the slightly melancholic winter love song.
"The elongated shadows side by side on the asphalt road..."
As Yoko's voice filled the room, Miura Yumiko casually sat down beside Yui.
"You were just chatting with that white-haired guy from Class J, right?" Yumiko asked coldly.
"Huh? White-haired guy?" Yuigahama froze for a moment before realizing that Yumiko was referring to Hoshimi.
She pursed her lips, wanting to deny it, but the thought that Yumiko might have seen her phone screen made her feel hesitant.
Lowering her head, she nervously twisted her fingers together, replying softly, "Um... yes, it was Hoshimi-kun..."
"Hmph! I knew it," Yumiko replied coolly, "Yui, you've been feeling down lately because of that white-haired guy, haven't you? What did he do to you?!"
"Huh?" Yuigahama was stunned; she never expected Yumiko would think like that.
This whole thing had nothing to do with Hoshimi at all...
"Um... Yumiko, it's really not like that. My mood has nothing to do with Hoshimi-kun," Yuigahama explained awkwardly.
"Hmph! Yui, there's no need to defend him. That white-haired guy is no good," Yumiko said seriously, turning to look at Yuigahama. "Yui, listen to me."
"Everyone at school knows that guy is two-timing!"
"Um... Yumiko, it's really not like that..." Yuigahama, her face flushing as she realized how far Yumiko had misunderstood, tried hard to clarify.
"Yui, stop talking! Just listen to me!" Yumiko interrupted firmly.
"Mmm," intimidated by Yumiko's almost lion-like demeanor, Yugahama bit her lip, not daring to say more.
"Yui, I know that white-haired guy is good-looking, but that's no reason to fall for him. You need to distinguish right from wrong."
Yumiko advised her earnestly, "His situation is already so messy; you shouldn't get involved."
"Besides, aren't you friends with Yukinoshita? That white-haired guy is your friend's boyfriend—you can't go after him."
"...," Yuigahama wore a troubled expression, feeling like she couldn't defend herself.
She truly hadn't been thinking of Hoshimi in that way... Why would Yumiko assume so?
Did people around them think she liked Hoshimi-kun?
She didn't remember having any close interactions with him that would lead to misunderstandings.
"And also..." Yumiko leaned in close, lowering her voice, "You know how Yukinoshita and that first-year are both... well, flat. That white-haired guy probably likes that type, so someone like you, Yui, wouldn't have much chance."
"So, Yui, just give up while you can—it'll save you trouble!" Yumiko concluded decisively.
"...," Feeling increasingly mixed emotions, Yuigahama gave up on explaining further.
Since Yumiko seemed so convinced, nothing she said would help; she'd have to prove her lack of connection with Hoshimi through her actions.
Beep—Beep—!
At that moment, Yui's phone, resting on her lap, vibrated twice.
Yuigahama blinked, suddenly remembering that Hoshimi was still waiting for her reply.
"Um... Yumiko, sorry, I need to go to the restroom," she mumbled, biting her lip, and quickly grabbed her phone before hurrying toward the door.
"Sigh~~" Watching Yuigahama's hurried back, Miura Yumiko let out a frustrated sigh.
"Didn't manage to talk sense into Yui, huh?" Ebina Hina, with her red half-rim glasses, approached Yumiko with a slight smile.
"..." Yumiko shook her head, clearly displeased.
"I see..." Hina pushed up her glasses, smiling, "Yumiko, could it be that you misunderstood? Maybe Yui's recent mood has nothing to do with Hoshimi-san."
"There's no way I'm wrong! It's definitely that white-haired guy's fault!" Yumiko insisted emphatically.
She was absolutely certain! That black-hearted white-haired guy had even mocked Hayama during the sports festival!
Mocking someone as nice as Hayama! What wouldn't he do?
He was probably using his looks to manipulate Yui!
Yui's so innocent, so naive! She'd never go after her friend's guy! It must be that playboy Hoshimi who led her on!
No doubt about it!
"Is that so?" Ebina's glasses flashed a brief white light.
"It's definitely that white-haired guy! No question about it!" Yumiko affirmed once more.
"..." Ebina remained silent, just listening to the others sing.
…
In the restroom, Yuigahama locked herself in a stall, sitting on the toilet lid, and pulled out her phone to reply to Hoshimi's message.
But just before she opened it, a thought struck her.
Why did she feel the need to answer Hoshimi so obediently?
Why should she answer right away just because he asked? She wasn't anyone special to him, so why did she have to follow his every word?
No, she wasn't going to tell him so easily!
She needed to make Hoshimi earn it.
She tapped on her phone with determination.
"Hoshimi-kun! If you want to know the whole story, you'll have to answer a few questions from me first!"
"Oh? Sure, but Yuigahama, are you alone right now? In the hallway? Or the restroom?"
"Huh?!" Yuigahama's eyes widened slightly.
How did Hoshimi guess she was in the restroom?
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[30 Bonus Chapters: https://www.patreon.com/cherryblooming]