72 And the Best Actress Award Goes to...

Glancing up at her flustered expression, I realized that Asu herself hadn't realized just how adorable she is, and that made it even more charming.

"W-What's so funny?!" The girl asked, with her chin tilted arrogantly and arms crossed. But even though her pose exuded confidence, her trembling eyelashes gave her away.

My violet eyes flashed as I leaned forward and whispered, "You're too cute, that's why."

Grinning, I stood up straight, enjoying the view of Asu's mental breakdown. Her face was just like a book, and I could easily read what she was thinking.

Why hadn't I noticed this before? Previously, I'd been so concerned over what she thought of me, but now, I knew that it had been foolish for me to worry.

With these thoughts floating through my mind, I yearned to stretch my arms around her and nuzzle my head against hers, performing all sorts of intimacy, but I knew that if I did, I would surely scare her away.

Not to mention, I bet her head would overheat simply because of a kiss.

After all, even though Asu was unparalleled in academia, she was still extremely pure and innocent.

"Hey! D-Do your feet not hurt anymore?!" After being dazed by my suggestive words, it seemed like Asu pretended not to hear. This part of her was adorable as well. "Just so you know, our deal is off! We're not holding hands!"

'Not holding hands?' Those words threw me back to reality.

How can it be?

Asu's really too cruel. I subconsciously retorted, "Noooooooooo!"

"Asu…" I stopped and pondered for a second, before revealing a mischievous smile. "I-If you hurt me again, although I don't mind, you'll be owing me another two favors… and since I know that I'm a petty person, I-I… I don't want you to owe me something! Or else… I…I wouldn't know what I would do to you!"

In the end, it seems that even the gods are helping me. The hardships I had endured today turned out to be a blessing in disguise! I guess, as long as the bigger goal is met, it didn't matter if Asu had stomped on my feet every which way…

I mean, I don't think I would mind if Asu stomped on me even if there were no grand rewards; as long as she is satisfied, I'm fine too. I can bear a little pain for the love of my life. :')

"Wait. What do you mean by *2* favors?" Asu's voice rang out in uncertainty.

I smirked. Though I admit I'd gotten carried away in my self-pity/jealousy (?), I hadn't forgotten my next lines.

"Oh! My Asu… How could you ever… ever think that I would abandon you?!" As I cried out in agony, my fingers reached out to touch her face, but as if being electrocuted, I quickly withdrew my hand, recreating the perfect enactment of the main character in a melodrama.

"Oh! I feel hurt, thinking that you thought I was such a loose person! I would never abandon you… and I tell you that every day… yet! Yet you would lose faith in me after one day! I-I… I feel wronged, my beautiful Asu!"

With the most realistic grief that I could muster, I bit my lip, allowing crystal clear tears to slide down my cheeks… and I spoke with my lower lip quivering in ambiguity, "Don't you think I deserve remuneration, Asu?"

"W-What remuneration?"

"Well…"