The night deepened, and moonlight filtered through the sparse shadows of the trees, casting a silver glow upon the winding mountain path.
There were no torches or lamps along the way. Aside from the glow sticks used as markers, each group had only a single portable flashlight, which offered minimal security in a night like this.
—This really was a "test of courage." Chika might seem unreliable, but when it came to games, she was remarkably serious.
Rustle~
Ruri and Chika walked side-by-side, their feet crunching softly on the fallen leaves, creating a subtle rustling sound. The chirping of insects and the distant whisper of the wind intertwined, adding a touch of mystery to the tranquil night.
The two girls had different things on their minds. Chika was simply excited; she loved these kinds of slightly thrilling extracurricular activities.
Ruri, on the other hand, was still thinking about how the groups were formed earlier:
Yotsuya Mieruko, that woman is not simple!
Normally, when an ordinary person meets Ryu, they're bound to be nervous and uneasy for a while. Few would approach him willingly (unless they had ulterior motives). It takes time and getting to know each other well before one can ignore the many rumors and truly understand Ryu's excellence and kindness.
But this Yotsuya Mieruko seems to have adapted way too quickly!
She doesn't look like a gold digger trying to curry favor with Ryu, nor are there any signs of insincerity...
Could it be that she's just incredibly compatible with Ryu?
Fujiwara Chika knew Master even before she did, and her family background and personal history were flawless. Ruri had never considered her an enemy.
But if some random gyaru high schooler they just met dared to covet Master, that was a different story for Ruri~
Is she an enemy or... I'll just watch and see for a while!
In any case, I spend far more private time with Master than any of these other women!
"Ruri-chan? Why do you look so unhappy? Don't you like this kind of activity?"
"Ah? No, sorry, I was just spacing out." Ruri forced a dry laugh to cover it up. "I was just thinking about some company business."
"Goodness, you're so diligent all the time~
Just like Ryu-chan. He's been this busy since he was little. The things in his head are completely different from ours~"
"Speaking of which... what was Lord Ryu like as a child?" Ruri suddenly asked, her voice soft and tinged with curiosity.
Chika was surprised. "As a child?"
"It just occurred to me... The two of you are childhood friends, so you must have a lot of wonderful memories together, right?"
She turned her head to look at Chika beside her, her eyes twinkling with anticipation.
Chika blinked, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. "Ryu-chan? Oh, he's been a weirdo since he was a kid!"
She deliberately drew out her words, as if recalling something amusing.
"A weirdo?" Ruri wasn't surprised. "That actually fits my image of his childhood perfectly—a genius who was both mature and aloof, suffering because no one could understand him, right?"
"..."
"Chika-san?"
"You don't need to be so formal in private."
Chika gave Ruri a peculiar look as they walked. "You really have quite the image of Ryu-chan... But it wasn't as romantic as you think. He's been a 'leader' type since he was little, with plenty of people flocking around him.
He was aloof, that's true, but it was more like he was isolating the entire class by himself..."
"Chika... you've been by Lord Ryu's side ever since then, haven't you?"
"He'd say I was a pain and be completely merciless in arguments, but whenever I needed him, he'd always pop up out of nowhere saying 'You're hopeless' and help me solve my problems~"
Chika said with a grin, "So I know he's actually a very contrary person. He always acts calm and rational on the surface, but deep down, he's more sensitive than anyone."
"You two are so close~"
Ruri nodded thoughtfully, her gaze drifting toward the hazy shadows in the distance. After a moment, she asked softly, "Chika, how do you... see Lord Ryu?"
"How do I see him? As a childhood friend?"
"I mean in the future... Do you see him as a man you could date?"
"Date?"
Chika froze for a second, then burst out laughing. "Oh my, Ruri-chan, you're not jealous, are you?"
Ruri's cheeks flushed slightly as she quickly shook her head. "No, I'm just... curious."
Chika gave a playful wink, leaned close to Ruri's ear, and whispered, "Don't worry, I don't have those kinds of feelings for Ryu-chan!
He's certainly exceptional, but to me, he's more like... hmm, a little brother who'll always need me to look after him."
"A little brother?" Ruri was a bit surprised.
"That's right!" Chika placed her hands on her hips, looking proud. "Ever since we were little, I've been the one taking him out to play and teaching him how to relax. Otherwise, he would've turned into a heartless work robot long ago!"
"Does... Lord Ryu think so too?"
"Of course! He might not say it... but he definitely does!"
Chika lifted her chin proudly, then her mischievous smile returned. "Buuut, if you like Ryu-chan, Ruri-chan, I'll support you with everything I've got!"
I've been found out~!
Ruri's face instantly flushed red to the tips of her ears, and she shot Chika an embarrassed glare.
Chika laughed heartily, her laughter ringing out crisply in the quiet mountain forest.
The two continued walking forward, the moonlight casting long shadows behind them. The atmosphere on the mountain path seemed to have become more lighthearted and cheerful because of their conversation, as if even the night's chill had been dispelled a little.
—All according to plan.jpg!
Since Fujiwara Chika has no romantic feelings for Master whatsoever, it means my biggest rival has taken herself out of the running!
Ruri seemed to be laughing along demurely, but in reality, she was covering her mouth to hide the irrepressible smile.
On the other hand, after answering Ruri's questions, Chika was in a rather good mood.
Just as she'd thought, her "Love Detective" instincts were right. The maid likes Ryu!
This is great! I've helped make a couple. It's practically a meritorious deed~
—Hopefully, the karma I've built up will pay off in my gacha games~
Chika smiled at Ruri with satisfaction, while also imagining Ryu's "post-romance" life in her mind.
That guy is a workaholic, so his career will definitely be his priority, but it just so happens that Ruri is his capable assistant;
The two of them are together day and night, so they might just eat the forbidden fruit before graduation;
Since they're such a good-looking couple, their children are sure to be beautiful;
—From work to personal life, they're a perfect match no matter how you look at it!
Maybe in a few years, when she visits, she'll be greeted by an adorable, doll-like child calling her Auntie Chika~
Ahhh, how wonderful~
"Huh?"
Why do I suddenly feel a little flustered?
Chika froze, and while Ruri wasn't looking, she touched her chest, feeling a strange palpitation.
Then, as if a switch had been flipped, a bitter taste filled her mouth...
My nose stings, it hurts~
What's wrong with me?
'Why... Huh? Could it be... that I don't want to see Ryu-chan with another girl?'
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