No, Sophia was the one who initiated this, so if she felt uncomfortable, it would be sexual harassment from Sophia to me, but I didn’t feel uncomfortable with it coming from Sophia.
「…Nothing in particular.」
「You don’t feel anything at all…」
「N-No… It was good. It was good, so!」
I wish she would stop acting like that, whether it’s fake sadness or genuine.
When I immediately tell her my thoughts, Sophia smiles.
「Pervert.」
Is it fate that it ends up like that no matter what?
I decided to answer Sophia, who still has her arm linked with mine for some reason, about the cause of this situation, the relationship between Takasaki and Kuki.
「…Well, whether it will progress this far will depend on whether the confession is successful, won’t it?」
They’re both serious people, so I don’t think they’ll try to do anything before they start dating.
「…Confession, huh. What should I do if Kuki-san consults with me? I don’t have any experience of my own.」
「How about passing it on to Totsuka at that time?」
「No… Natsuki has been confessed to, but she’s not that type. She’s loved manga since elementary school, and back then she was seriously saying she would marry a manga character. After she got into that VTuber who debuted in middle school, she’s been completely devoted to her oshi.」
「…I-Is that so?」
「Natsuki is the one who recommends various manga to me.」
…I see.
It seems like Kuki has a considerable influence on Sophia’s familiarity with popular works other than the ones she already knows.
「What are you going to do? If Takasaki-kun consults with you, who will answer him? You, Yuuto? Or Honjou-kun? By the way, what are you going to do about Honjou-kun? Tell him beforehand and get him on our side?」
「I can’t answer him either… so I’ll ask Honjou. It might be better to tell him beforehand.」
Honjou might be surprised if I suddenly tell him. He might have already noticed from his reaction during today’s group formation, though.
Can I call him now? It’s after school, so maybe he’s not in a club or anything?
「I’ll try calling him now.」
Sophia nodded and closed her mouth.
I take out my smartphone and immediately try to contact Honjou through LINE.
After a few rings, Honjou answered.
『Hm? What’s up, Doumyouji?』
「There’s something I want to consult with you about.」
『Consult with me?』
「Yeah… um…」
──Light Novels──
──Read Here──
As I was wondering how to start, I felt a breath on my left ear, the one not against the smartphone.
「!?」
Surprised, I looked over and saw Sophia with a teasing expression.
W-What is she doing all of a sudden? When I stared at Sophia, she was smiling as usual.
『Nn? What’s wrong?』
「N-Nothing. So, I wanted to consult with you… During today’s group formation, did you notice anything?」
『…Totsuka was a pain in the ass.』
Perhaps because I had it on speakerphone, Sophia loosened her lips as if to suppress a laugh when she heard that.
「Did you notice anything about Takasaki and Kuki?」
『They both seemed like good guys? What’s with that?』
「…I see, you didn’t notice.」
『What? What’s with that line like you’ve figured out the mastermind or something?』
「Are you good at acting, Honjou?」
『I don’t get what you’re saying… Well, I’m pretty good at it?』
「Then… I’ll ask you to keep what I’m about to say a secret.」
『O-Ou…』
Perhaps my intensity got through to him, as Honjou responded seriously.
「Takasaki is… interested in Kuki.」
『Wha! Seriously? Y-You mean he’s got a crush on her?』
「…Probably. And Kuki probably feels the same way about Takasaki.」
『Oi oi, seriously. So it’s mutual love…!』
For some reason, Honjou answers in an excited tone.
He’s more into it than I expected. This kind of story may be the most exciting for guys our age after all.
「I heard it from So──Kiryuuin. That’s why I invited Takasaki and Honjou as party members.」
T-That was close. I haven’t called her by her first name today, but if I think about it, calling Sophia by her first name in front of others would be an instant game over.
Perhaps because I called Sophia by her last name, she looks at me with a slightly dissatisfied expression.
『So that’s how it was… I see. …M-My body feels a little hot.』
「…Do you have a cold?」
『I’m embarrassed! …I-I see. So, does that mean we should do something to deepen their relationship? I wouldn’t mind playing the bad guy role or something?』
It might be the right person for the right job, but his face is known…