"Kawasaki-san is actually pleading on behalf of that little bug?"
"No, no, no! It's not pleading, really!" Kawasaki waved her hands frantically, worried Yukinoshita might misunderstand. "I just don't want there to be unnecessary conflicts between you two because of me."
"Ah... you're worried about us having conflicts?"
Oh my goodness! Kawasaki, you're just too good-hearted.
Despite her tough appearance, beneath it lies such a kind soul.
Yukinoshita smiled warmly. "Kawasaki-san, you don't need to worry. It's just a minor punishment for him. Hachiman-kun won't mind at all. In fact, he might even—"
"... Even what?"
"He might even willingly cooperate with my punishment."
Yukinoshita cleared her throat, avoiding Kawasaki's confused gaze.
Kawasaki let out a startled noise, blinking in surprise.
"Anyway," Yukinoshita continued, "what I want to say is that in my eyes, Kawasaki-san, you're a good person. A really good person. I trust you completely."
"Ah? I..." Kawasaki avoided Yukinoshita's gaze, feeling flustered.
Yukinoshita gently took Kawasaki's hands again, her expression sincere, her voice soft.
"Kawasaki-san, you're a good girl, and as your friend, I feel truly honored. It's my privilege to be your friend."
"T-this is too much, Yukinoshita-san..." Kawasaki stammered, her face turning red as her heart raced in confusion.
"Really, Kawasaki-san, you're also very cute."
Yukinoshita couldn't help but laugh lightly as she watched Kawasaki's embarrassed expression.
Kawasaki's shoulders trembled. She wasn't used to being called "cute" and immediately shook her head in denial.
"There's no way someone like me is cute!"
"In my opinion, Kawasaki-san, you're both beautiful and charming. You're definitely a girl with lots of potential. I'm sure there are plenty of boys secretly admiring you!"
"W-what? No way! Most boys are scared of me. Who would even like a girl like me..." Kawasaki's voice trailed off, growing softer with each word.
"Well, my Hachiman-kun seems to like you quite a bit."
"H-huh??"
Kawasaki's eyes widened in disbelief. Her heart thudded wildly, like a malfunctioning engine, while her face flushed bright red.
"See? Kawasaki-san is truly adorable," Yukinoshita teased, her laughter soft and amused.
"I—I..." Kawasaki quickly covered her burning face with her hands, her voice rising in panic. "Hachiman-kun is your boyfriend! There's no way he would like me! Yukinoshita-san, stop teasing me already!"
"No, it's true," Yukinoshita said with a shake of her head. "If he wasn't interested in you, he wouldn't have mentioned you to me every now and then."
"What?"
Kawasaki was utterly dumbfounded.
Normally, if a boyfriend brought up another girl, wouldn't the girlfriend be furious?
But Yukinoshita didn't seem bothered in the slightest.
If anything... she seemed happy about it?!
Could it be...?
No, no, no!
What am I even thinking?! Yukinoshita must trust me wholeheartedly! She truly considers me a friend!
I absolutely cannot betray her trust in the future!
Kawasaki took a deep breath, steadying her nerves. Her expression grew serious, which caught Yukinoshita slightly off guard.
With a determined look, Kawasaki exhaled and said, "Please thank Hachiman-kun for me. And thank you too, Yukinoshita-san, for your trust. As your friend, I... I'll keep an eye on Hachiman-kun and the girls around him. If any woman tries to seduce him, I'll report to you immediately!"
That was the least she could do as a friend.
"Huh? Kawasaki-san, you..."
Yukinoshita's shoulders trembled slightly.
She let out a soft sigh. "As expected, Kawasaki-san, you're such a people-pleaser."
"I-I am not a people-pleaser!!"
Kawasaki's face turned red again as she hastily let go of Yukinoshita's hands, embarrassed by the praise.
"I have to study, so I'll take my leave now."
Yukinoshita gave a small nod, watching Kawasaki's hurried and slightly flustered retreating figure. For some reason, an indescribable emotion welled up in her heart.
She felt... an urge she couldn't quite suppress.
"I really want Kawasaki and Hachiman-kun to get close..."
For some reason, seeing such a kind girl, Yukinoshita found herself wanting Kawasaki to bond more with her Hachiman-kun.
"Ugh!"
The next second, Yukinoshita slapped her hands over her mouth. After glancing around to make sure no one had overheard, she let out a relieved breath.
What is happening to me? I'm becoming so strange!
Never mind. I'll deal with Kawasaki later. For now, I should check on Hachiman-kun's group.
Thinking about the earlier mishap with Sawamura, Yukinoshita couldn't help but wonder how things were progressing. Could that tsundere still develop feelings for her Hachiman-kun?
Quietly, Yukinoshita crept toward Hachiman's study group, pretending to browse books while discreetly observing them.
Hmm... Sawamura's face is a bit red, and she keeps sneaking glances at Hachiman-kun. Good, good. Even though they didn't kiss earlier, it seems she's left with a strong impression of him.
Wait, is Senpai still using her foot to mess with Hachiman-kun?
Their dynamic looks promising as well.
Even though I can't see their affection stats, I'm confident both of them hold quite a bit of fondness for my Hachiman-kun. Things are looking good!
Finally, Yukinoshita's gaze landed on Katou, who was silently working on her assignments.
But just as Yukinoshita glanced at her, Katou suddenly raised her head and, as if by coincidence, looked directly in Yukinoshita's direction.
"?!"
Yukinoshita flinched, quickly turning away and pretending to focus on a random book.
Wait. Did Katou notice me spying?!
No, no, no! That's impossible.
Taking several deep breaths to calm herself, Yukinoshita cautiously peeked back at the group. Katou had already returned to her work, her movements calm and deliberate, blending seamlessly into her surroundings.
Phew. As expected of a key figure in the main storyline. Compared to these side characters, she's on an entirely different level.
"Such a terrifying woman..."
Yukinoshita sighed inwardly.
Oh well. I'll take my time. Sooner or later, Katou will also fall for my Hachiman-kun, just like Senpai and Sawamura.
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