Chapter 62

(Kaguya pov)

I believe that love is unnecessary. We humans sometimes harbor misconceptions when it comes to love.

As Shinomiya, people around me are always trying to look good for me, praising how skilled I am, admiring my beauty, and, most of all, loving me simply because I am Shinomiya.

The Shinomiya Zaibatsu is the wealthiest conglomerate, owned by a single family in Japan. Naturally, with this status, everyone tries to connect with me by any means necessary. That's why I believe there are no truly good people out there.

Everyone is biased when it comes to love and greed. Meanwhile, I've grown tired of searching for genuinely good people while still carrying the name Shinomiya.

However, when I was still in middle school, my perspective began to change after meeting Chika—and later, Masamune.

Out of habit, I always wanted to test the people around me. But over time, I found myself ashamed because these two were different. They were proof that my biases had consumed me. So, I decided to open myself up and move forward.

I changed the way I interacted with others. I started greeting people around me. Of course, I wasn't easygoing like Chika—I was still aware that some people would try to take advantage of me.

However...

WHAT ON EARTH IS GOING ON HERE?! Why have they been dating behind my back this whole time?!

"Heh heh~ My bad. I forgot to tell you about that, Kaguya-san. But if you want to be mine, I'll dump this bastard right away," Chika said with a giggle.

In response, Masamune just laughed. "Sure, but I'll dump you first."

I see. I see. So that's how it is, huh? Fujiwara, after all the trouble you've caused me, this is what I get?

"Ka-Kaguya-san, w-why are yo-you giving me that death stare? Eek, scary!" Chika stammered.

"Nothing," I replied, watching her hide behind Masamune.

Hold on—it's not like I like Masamune or anything, but me, Shinomiya Kaguya, losing as a woman? Why did Fujiwara have to date him before me, of all people? Why does it have to be Fujiwara who defeats me? AAAAAAA!

"You two can go ahead and eat without me. I'll head to the library since I'm not that hungry," I said with a smile.

Chika tilted her head and smiled brightly. "Alright!~~~ If you need me to buy something, just call me, okay, Kaguya-san?" she said, and I simply nodded. This girl sure can't read the mood. I glanced at Masamune and caught him looking at me. As soon as his mouth opened, I quickly looked away.

I watched them leave.

Sigh...

Masamune, so this is your true nature, huh? In the end, boys are all the same. There's nothing but big chests on their minds—that's it.

It's not that I want him to notice me, but I don't understand why it had to be her, leaving me aside! In fact, I'm shocked to learn they've been dating since December, which probably started during the middle school culture festival.

So be it. I'll show you that I'm better.

Walking through the school corridor, I was actually looking for my attendant, Hayasaka. I wanted to ask her for some tips to make Masamune regret his choices.

"Ah, Shinomiya, can I have a moment of your time?"

Suddenly, a boy politely addressed me. Judging by his face, he must be a new student at Shuchi'in; I've never seen him in middle or elementary school.

"Make it quick. What do you want?"

Tch. I wasn't in the mood, so I hoped he'd hurry. He simply smiled and continued, "Do you know me? Uh, I actually placed third in the ranking for the entrance exams."

"I see. So?" I replied curtly. "I'm sorry, but I'm in a hurry."

"Then let's make this quick. I'd like to make a bet with you—let's compete for the top spot in the first-semester finals," he said calmly.

His words stunned me for a moment. Who does he think he is?

"I'm not interested," I said, walking past him.

"So, you're scared?"

I stopped in my tracks and glanced back. "Huh? Know your place."

Turning to face him fully, I looked him straight in the eyes. His face wasn't bad, but it still lacked the sharpness of Masamune's tired yet captivating gaze.

"Then, let's do it. I mean, there's nothing to lose here. If I beat you and take first place..." He paused, a confident smile on his face. "You'll have to run in the student council election with me and become the vice president."

I frowned at his audacity. "You've got guts. State your name."

With a confident expression, he replied, "My name is Tenjo Yuuya."

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(Masamune pov)

It's been three days.

I feel like Kaguya has been avoiding me. The reason is most likely because she found out I've been dating Chika for a long time without telling her. I've been acting normal and saying hi, but Kaguya just smiles at me and then ignores me.

Why is she acting so hard to get?

"Oi, let's eat. I made too many octopus wieners, so help me finish them," I said, standing in front of Kaguya's seat.

She stood up, smiled at me—a cold, polite smile—and said, "Makabe-san, I'm on a diet, so you can share them with Fujiwara-san."

"What is it? What is it? Someone just called my name!" Chika's cheerful voice cut in. "Ah! That's so many sausages you have, Masamune-kun!"

Without a second thought, Chika took half of the sausages for herself, completely ignoring the mood.

"Enjoy your meal," Kaguya said coolly. "Then, excuse me. I need to go to the faculty room."

She left the classroom without looking back, leaving me standing there. In the end, I sat down and ate at her desk.

"Serves you right. Kaguya-san really hates you now. Heh heh~" Chika teased, a smug grin on her face as she ate.

"Cut it out. There's nothing good about a good friend hating you. I'm just trying to be considerate."

Chika raised an eyebrow. "Masamune-kun, don't underestimate us women. You should read her mood before spouting nonsense like that. Honestly, what a hopeless boyfriend I have."

She sighed dramatically before continuing with a knowing smile. "Well, it's better to give her some space. I mean, Kaguya-san must be shocked that I'm dating her best friend."

"Fine," I said with a shrug. "Then let's go on a date."

Chika's expression turned sly, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. She'd grown from a shy girl into someone who loved to provoke me.

"But you know," she said, leaning in slightly, "I heard from the girls that there's a guy who's been talking with Kaguya-san."

"Who?"

Chika hummed, tapping her index finger against her jaw. "His name is probably... Tenjo Yu or something? I forgot. Heh heh~"

I frowned, the name triggering a faint memory. Tenjo Yuuya. The guy with a fate similar to mine. So, he's making a move on Kaguya.

Brrrrr!

My phone vibrated. I glanced at the screen.

"Hm?"

The message read: Hey, it's been a while, Masamune.

"What is it?" Chika asked, raising her left eyebrow suspiciously. "Hm, don't tell me it's another girl?"

"It's not."

"Liar," she said, narrowing her eyes. "Hey, look me in the eyes, Masamune. Sigh... Is it happening again?" Chika sighed, pouting as she crossed her arms. "Well, I trust you. It better be a good person—or else I'll kill you."

Thank God Chika's my girl.

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