Several people parted ways in the elevator. When the elevator reached the ninth floor, Juke stepped out and nodded softly.
"Then I’ll head back. See you tomorrow, nlai-chan~"
"Wait a minute."
nlai smiled, walking out of the elevator and grabbing Juke’s arm. "I still want to chat with you for a bit."
"Then co to my room."
Juke smiled, but she felt helpless inside. Everyone was too enthusiastic and never gave her any personal space.
Because of her personality, Juke couldn’t refuse. Hanging out in each other’s dorm rooms was pretty normal among girls.
"Squeak~"
Juke opened the door, and they both walked into her room. Unlike most girls’ dorms, Juke’s was relatively simple, with minimal decorations. After all, girls often ca to visit, and Juke couldn’t buy anything she truly liked that might seem unusual. Even her choice of costics was limited to what was acceptable for high school students.
This was the price she paid for never showing her true self. To fit in with the class, she constantly hid her real thoughts. The only ti she truly felt at ease was when she was with Huko.
"Still drinking cocoa, nlai?"
Juke walked into the kitchen, sighed, and pulled out the cocoa powder. As she prepared two cups, her thoughts drifted.
"What is Huko doing right now?"
Juke preferred spending ti with Huko more than with her classmates. His cheeks would turn red whenever she teased him, and she found that utterly adorable. Thinking of the playful kick under the table earlier, she couldn’t help but smile.
"Yeah... I must be in love with Huko."
Though she’d never experienced love before, she felt certain that her feelings were genuine. Still, the idea of confessing made her feel embarrassed.
"Besides, I’m a girl," Juke murmured, stirring the cocoa. "He should be the one confessing."
But that guy was just too dense. Despite all her hints, Huko never seed to catch on. She’d have to be more obvious next ti.
Returning to the living room, Juke handed the cocoa to nlai, who took it with a smile and laid her head on the low table, looking at Juke with mischievous eyes.
"Xiaoxue," nlai teased with a grin, "Do you like Huko?"
"Eek!"
Juke’s shoulders trembled, and she let out a strange sound, her face flushed.
nlai’s eyes lit up with excitent. "Ah-ha! So it’s true!"
Juke sighed, defeated. It was impossible to hide anything from nlai. Despite her frustrations, Juke appreciated nlai’s kindness. They were close friends, even if she didn’t always enjoy the endless gatherings.
"How did you find out?" Juke asked, feigning innocence.
"Isn’t it obvious?" nlai said proudly. "Back in the library, you asked Setsu if he liked Huko. That’s totally out of character for you. I figured it out right away!"
Juke couldn’t deny it. Her friendship with nlai was so strong that her friend could imdiately sense anything unusual.
"So, when did you start liking him?" nlai pressed, her eyes gleaming with curiosity.
Juke hesitated, feeling awkward about discussing her feelings so openly. "I guess... around the start of school."
nlai’s eyes widened. "Wow, that early? Did you know Huko before?"
"No."
"Then... was it love at first sight?" nlai’s eyes sparkled with romantic fascination.
"Not exactly..." Juke said, shaking her head. "At first, I just thought he was brave when he told Ichinose he didn’t need her sympathy. It felt... refreshing."
nlai thought about it for a mont and nodded. "I get it. Honami-chan was a bit disappointed back then. It’s rare for her to feel that way. What did Huko say to her?"
"He said he didn’t need her sympathy."
nlai blinked, then laughed helplessly. "Yeah, that sounds like Huko. Honami-chan probably didn’t an anything bad, but Huko’s just like that."
"Yes, but Honami-chan wouldn’t just leave him alone. That’s just who she is."
nlai nodded in agreent. "Exactly! She always tries to help everyone, even when they don’t want it."
Juke sighed. "But still, confessing to Huko would be too embarrassing. What if he doesn’t feel the sa way?"
"Are you kidding?" nlai looked stunned. "Huko’s not the type to be surrounded by girls. If you like him, you’ve got to act fast! Otherwise, soone might snatch him away."
"But we’re in different classes. It’s not like anyone will get that close to him."
"That’s what you think!" nlai said with urgency. "What about Sakura-san and Kushida-chan from Class D? They both seem interested in him. Especially Kushida-chan! She’s super popular, beautiful, and has a great personality. You can’t be careless!"
Juke lowered her head to hide her amusent. In her eyes, Sakura was shy and introverted, hardly a threat. And as for Kushida... well, Huko had made his thoughts about her perfectly clear.
"Actually, I asked Huko about Kushida," Juke admitted. "He thinks she’s not genuine and doesn’t like interacting with her."
"Eh?" nlai looked surprised. "But that’s Kushida-chan we’re talking about!"
"Yes, but Huko’s very cautious," Juke explained, briefly describing his reasoning. "And honestly, I think he’s right. I never felt completely comfortable around her, either."
nlai shook her head. "Huko’s really sharp. But if that’s the case, then I guess Kushida-chan’s not a problem."
Juke couldn’t help but smile. "Right. I don’t think anyone else is a threat, either."
"Well, in that case..." nlai grinned and clenched her fists in determination. "I’ll support you! I’ll make sure you and Huko beco the happiest couple ever!"
Juke blinked in surprise. "Eh?"
nlai’s excitent was palpable. "Since you’re both shy, you’ll need soone to push things along. Don’t worry, I’ll be the best wingman ever!"
"Thank you, nlai-chan." Juke whispered, feeling genuinely grateful for the first ti to have such a friend.
The two of them talked late into the night, mostly with nlai doing all the planning and scheming.
"nlai-chan, you won’t tell anyone else about this, right?" Juke asked cautiously.
"Of course! I’ll keep your secret safe." nlai said with a playful but determined smile. "And I’ll make sure Huko confesses to you. Just leave it to !"
Juke giggled. With nlai on her side, this just might work.
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