Chapter 86 – Your hobby is quite exaggerated

Kushida wondered what was happening to her, feeling a bit lost as she watched Yukio's back while he went to get water. Initially, she approached Yukio for collaboration, but he was unwilling because the information she offered didn't hold enough value for him to mobilize Class C to help her.

After some thought, Kushida realized that perhaps her own self was the only valuable thing she had left, so she decided to offer everything she had in exchange for Yukio's intervention.

She had intended to treat it as a mere transaction, expecting not to linger on it much, but for some reason, her heart raced whenever she looked at Yukio. It felt like a combustion engine filled with fuel, eagerly awaiting to burst into action.

She hadn't felt this way at the beginning. Was it because she gave him the most precious thing she had?

"Thinking about something? Have some water," Yukio interrupted Kushida's thoughts, handing her a glass of water. Seeing Kushida's dazed reaction, he gently took her hand, not only enjoying the smoothness of her palm but also making sure she took the glass.

Kushida snapped out of her reverie and, without thinking, gulped down the water. She was so thirsty that her throat felt scorched, unable to even speak. Drinking the water felt like a weary traveler in the desert finally finding an oasis, wanting nothing more than to plunge their head into the water and drink deeply.

After finishing the glass, Kushida felt slightly better, allowing her to think again. She looked at Yukio with complex eyes. Every time she encountered him, if he wasn't mocking her real ugliness, he was playing cruel tricks. Had he ever tenderly poured her a glass of water like this before?

Yet, despite the cynicism in her heart, she also felt a warmth and sweetness from Yukio's care, which she found satisfying. She definitely didn't want to be left alone and ignored after the wolf had eaten the most precious thing she offered. If that were to happen, she would find herself pitiful.

Regardless of Kushida's internal turmoil, Yukio appeared relaxed: "What's with that look? Why are you staring at me like that?"

No! Kushida couldn't afford to miss this opportunity. Perhaps, after undergoing a significant, once-in-a-lifetime transformation today, she found herself in a whirlwind of emotions and unexpectedly asked, "Have you ever liked me?"

Maybe this question stemmed from her insecurity after giving herself away, seeking a verbal commitment from Yukio for some reassurance. Perhaps she wanted to gauge his feelings towards her to plan how to interact with him in the future.

There could be many reasons behind her question, but both of them fell silent after she asked. Kushida couldn't understand why she would ask such a question impulsively, feeling a bit annoyed with herself. She had no intention of engaging with Yukio beyond securing his promise to keep her secret and to expel Horikita.

Why then did she ask that extra question?

Yukio was taken aback. He thought it was a straightforward transaction, but now she's pulling this move on him? Yukio isn't the type to be led by the nose by a girl. Instead of directly answering, he cunningly asked back, "Before we talk about me, what about you? Did you give away your most precious thing because you like me?"

"Me...?" Kushida felt lost. Did she like Yukio? She didn't even know her own feelings.

Yukio's counter-question made Kushida's thoughts scatter. She pondered whether she had ever liked this person who always treated her cruelly. Could she possibly fall for someone who always played her for a fool?

Their first encounter was in front of the library during a bright spring day. She was just trying to socialize, aiming to be friends with everyone, which led her to Yukio. Making friends was Kushida's routine; there was no room for romantic feelings.

Then there was the incident at the school lake, where after her true nature was revealed, she tried to threaten Yukio, only to be outmaneuvered and scared back to her dorm. That thrilling experience was unforgettable. Was that love?

Afterward, there was the chance meeting at the stern of the luxury cruise, another cruel joke by Yukio that sent her fleeing in panic once again. Was that considered affection?

Three cruel encounters, logically, should fill her with resentment towards Yukio. Yet, why couldn't she bring herself to hate him? In fact, she found herself missing him.

At that moment, Kushida finally understood. Was it because, despite Yukio's cruel actions, the excitement and adrenaline rush they induced made her feel alive?

In her pursuit of everyone's trust, Kushida often hears many confessions and negative comments from those who trust her, leading to a buildup of negative emotions that she finds nauseating and can only alleviate through acts of violence...

That's why she found herself venting her frustration at the school's lake, where Yukio discovered her true nature.

But upon reflection, during those three instances of cruel pranks, she felt an unprecedented sense of relaxation and excitement, seemingly unaffected by negative emotions, no longer feeling nauseous, and no longer feeling the need to vent through violence.

Yukio's cruel pranks seemed to be the perfect antidote to the black materials and negative emotions filling her heart!

So, was this the main reason she didn't despise Yukio but instead actively approached him? But does this really count as liking him?

When Kushida arrived at such a nearly unthinkable conclusion, her face blushed intensely, and she hurriedly lowered her head, not daring to let Yukio see.

She now realized one thing: no matter whether it counts as liking or not, it's not good at all! Her thought process, fundamentally, seems quite incorrect!

Yukio, noticing Kushida's sudden embarrassment, was curious. He knew how he treated Kushida; such cruel pranks are almost unbearable for any girl, yet Kushida seemed... embarrassed? Really?

Yukio internally debated, wondering, "Kushida, you couldn't possibly enjoy such cruel pranks, could you?"

"Don't say it out loud, you jerk!" In a panic, Kushida quickly covered Yukio's mouth and nose, blocking his words, refusing to let him continue.

Kushida was almost going crazy. Why was this guy's brain so effective? And if he was truly smart, shouldn't he tactfully ignore it now? Why keep digging?

Is she without shame? Without dignity? Even if he deduced it, he should keep it to himself! Who would outright say such a thing?

Yukio chuckled inwardly, knowing there's no need to guess any further. Given Kushida's frantic reaction, it was definitely the case.

It seems like he has opened a rather troublesome door for Kushida...

Stepping back to maintain distance from Kushida's attempted silencing, he commented, "That's a pretty twisted preference, huh?"

"You're still talking?!"

***

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