The tension in the room was thick enough to slice with a knife. Takabana—arms crossed, glare fixed—stood there, waiting for a response. Her eyes flicked between Ao, Frostina, and me, as if daring us to suggest something useful. I leaned back in my chair, resting my head on my palm and wondering how I could sneak out of this conversation unnoticed.
"I need a fake boyfriend," Takabana repeated, her voice laced with irritation, as though even admitting it had been a massive burden. She clicked her tongue, her eyebrows twitching in frustration. "Like, ugh, why am I even doing this? I swear, it's so stupid."
Ao exchanged a look with Frostina, her brows furrowed in genuine concern. Ao's pink hair fell messily over her shoulders, and she gave Takabana a warm, if slightly nervous, smile. "Maya... That sounds tough. I mean, maybe we can help, but..." she trailed off, her gaze shifting to Frostina as if to pass the baton.
