A Genuine Connection

Minami Shouko's eyes narrowed, but she didn't argue.

Instead, she took another sip of the tea, the warm liquid seemingly calming her nerves, "Lonely? You're right, that best describes me. Do you think you're so clever, Onoda-kun?"

"Are we still playing the game? Is that your question?"

Her eyes snapped to me, a hint of surprise and something else in them. But she nodded. "Yes. That's my question."

I nodded before putting my thoughts into words, "I do think I'm clever. However, I'm not here to play mind games, senpai. I'm here to understand you. Your motive. And maybe through this talk. We can help each other out."

At this point, I decided to stop the game. I didn't wait for her response to what I said. Her expression alone was enough.