"I accept your challenge."
Horikita Suzune confidently chose to accept the challenge.
However, her heart was not as confident as her exterior.
First, she had no idea what happened to Kushida in junior high.
If she made up stories and was exposed, not only would she be unable to maintain her standing in the class, but Amane-san would also completely break off their friendship.
In other words, not accepting the challenge was the best option.
But at the moment, she couldn't lose face.
That's why Horikita chose to accept the challenge.
It could be said to be a classic example of suffering for the sake of pride.
If her relationship with Amane-san had been good, accepting the challenge wouldn't have mattered.
She wouldn't have believed that Amane-san would one day be led astray by someone like Kushida.
But now, Amane-san seemed to be closer to Kushida.
It was inevitable that she would be influenced by Kushida.
So, this challenge seemed like a losing battle no matter how you looked at it.
"I admire your courage. Well, we'll see about that."
Kushida first went to the restroom to change into her dry clothes.
Then she picked up her toiletries, patted her cheeks slightly, and transformed into that gentle facade right in front of Horikita.
It made Horikita feel a bit disgusted.
From how smoothly Kushida switched expressions, Horikita knew that the hypocritical facade must have fooled many people.
Kushida opened the door and saw Amane-san squatting on the ground, poking at the ground with a small twig she had found somewhere.
She looked as if she was teasing ants.
But this was the twelfth floor, and the ground was cleaned every day.
There was no way there could be ants.
"Kikyo-chan, are you done talking?"
Seeing Kushida open the door and come out, Amane-san threw the twig away and happily went up to her.
She was so bored by herself outside.
Her phone was still on the table, and she couldn't do anything.
"Yes, Horikita-san and I had a friendly exchange and an in-depth discussion of our opinions. This exchange was very effective, and perhaps Horikita-san and I can become good friends in the future."
Hearing Kushida say this, Amane-san also smiled happily.
"That's good. I thought you two would start fighting in there."
"Pfft, Amane-san, your imagination is too rich. Unfortunately, I don't fight. Thank you for your trouble today, Amane-san. Next time, I'll treat you to bubble tea."
Kushida leaned forward slightly and gave a cute smile.
"It's a promise."
"Mm-hmm, then I'll head back now."
"Bye-bye, Kikyo-chan~"
After seeing Kushida off, Amane-san, who had just entered the room, saw a gloomy-faced Horikita.
Was this a friendly exchange?
It looked more like the two of them had had a fierce argument.
However, she hadn't heard anything outside the door.
Perhaps Kushida had said something harsh?
"Horikita-san, are you alright?"
"Can you call me Suzune?"
Horikita finally overcame her evasiveness.
She was scared.
Scared that Kushida would really take Amane-san away from her.
If that happened, she would completely lose her only friend.
"Eh, I thought Suzune didn't like me calling you that anymore."
Amane-san hadn't even finished speaking when Horikita hugged her tightly.
"Suzune, what's wrong? Don't scare me…"
It was her first time seeing Horikita so proactive.
It seemed she was still a little unaccustomed to it.
Amane-san let Horikita hug her for a few minutes before reluctantly letting go.
"I'm sorry. I should have apologized to you sooner. My original intention was to help you get rid of those bad rumors, but because I didn't communicate with you beforehand, I arbitrarily changed our relationship to what it is now."
Horikita lowered her head.
"I'm very sorry. I want to take back the words I said that hurt Amane-san."
Seeing Horikita apologize so formally, Amane-san couldn't help but curl her lips.
"Words spoken are like water splashed out; there's no way to take them back."
Amane's single sentence plunged Horikita into despair.
"Amane, are you still angry? I can..."
"Unless it's, hm~"
Amane pointed to her own face.
If it were before, Horikita would have unhesitatingly pinched Amane's face.
Then she would have told her the price of getting carried away.
But now... Horikita's face turned a little crimson.
She slowly leaned towards Amane.
Unlike their usual playful roughhousing.
Horikita's actions would determine Amane's attitude towards her.
So Horikita had to treat it seriously.
But just as they were about to touch.
"Amane... can we change it? I'm still a bit..."
Horikita, blushing, wanted Amane to change her request.
"It seems Horikita-san, your sincerity isn't quite enough."
Amane's words left Horikita speechless.
However, Amane was right.
Horikita, who wasn't even willing to do such a small thing.
What reason did Amane have to believe her words were true?
Horikita didn't know what to do for a moment.
"Then you can stay and accompany me tonight. If you refuse again, I really won't be able to believe Horikita-san's words, especially since we used to sleep together."
Amane finally showed her little claws.
Horikita thought for a moment.
This request didn't seem to have any difficulty.
At most, Amane's hands might not be too well-behaved... but it was better than letting herself... Horikita, blushing, nodded.
Amane had a look on her face that indicated her plan had been approved.
"Since Suzune you've agreed, then no backing out, okay?"
Amane was even afraid Horikita would go back on her word.
"If I promise to stay, I'll definitely stay."
Horikita rolled her eyes at Amane, annoyed.
Seriously.
Did they not even have this much trust left now?
Isn't it just sleeping, sleeping for one night?
Between girls... it's a very normal thing, isn't it?
Although Horikita was a little uneasy about what would happen tonight.
She still didn't choose to back out.
Amane also didn't mind Horikita's attitude.
She ran straight to the bed and lay down, then quickly patted the mattress with her little hands.
Horikita, knowing what Amane wanted to do.
Could only move step by step to the side of the bed.
This was the first time she would be spending the night in Amane's dorm.
Horikita felt a little nervous inside.
Even though when she was in her dorm.
Amane almost squeezed in with her every day.
And she could treat Amane however she wanted.
But she didn't expect.
How long had it been?
Their roles had already reversed.
Amane, as the owner of the room, gave the poor Horikita a chance to mend their relationship.
But she might have to endure some excessive things.
Even so.
Horikita still agreed.
"Suzune."
Amane called her name.
Then she reached out and pulled Horikita directly into the covers.
"Wait, Amane... can you turn off the light first? I, I'm a bit..."
Amane blinked her eyes.
It was just sleeping, why was Horikita's face so red?
However, Amane could still understand turning off the light for sleep.
Amane quickly got out of bed and turned off the light.
The room instantly became pitch black.
Amane could vaguely see Horikita, her eyes tightly closed.
She looked like she was waiting for an approaching storm.
Amane thought for a moment.
She felt like something wasn't quite right?
Never mind.
It's better to sleep first.
"Suzune, I'm coming~"
The next second, Horikita, who had her eyes tightly closed, felt something soft bump against her face.
Why was Amane still playing 'ball-and-run'?