The visitor was none other than Yui Asou—Ayumu Kuro’s so-called childhood friend. She couldn’t let go of how coldly he’d treated her that morning. She’d planned to ignore him until he apologized. Yet simmering with resentment, she kept stealing glances. And that’s when she noticed it: Ayumu and Hinano Minano laughing and chatting unusually close. Everyone knew their “couple” act was pure farce. But did they really have to be so cozy? Compared to his icy attitude toward her earlier, Yui simply couldn’t stay put anymore.
Yui was certain she didn’t like Ayumu—and never could. He was a thoroughly detestable delinquent. Even his pointless flattery had always earned her contempt. But today, undeniable changes emerged. The Ayumu who once fawned over her ignored her completely. The one who never studied now paid sharp attention in class. The one who scorned Hinano now chatted with her warmly. If forced to justify confronting him, Yui would say it was just irritation—like someone reaching for a toy she alone cherished.
“Kuro, are you bullying Hinano again?”
Flustered after impulsively cornering him, Yui blurted her usual line—but this time, without the old disdain or scolding edge.
Ayumu was stunned. Deliberately ignoring her that morning was deeply rude in Japan. Anyone would be angry—especially someone who hated him. Yet Yui approached him again. Could she really think he was bullying Hinano? He had reason to wonder. Recalling the past, he realized his old bullying of Hinano was tied to Yui. He’d never expected her to be such a courageous, responsible class rep—the textbook anime heroine. Back then, he’d escalated his “attention” toward Hinano just to grab Yui’s notice, or hear her scold him. Thus, the trio fell into clear roles: perpetrator, victim, protector.
Ayumu had no idea where to even start complaining. One phrase summed it up: *Desperate devotion never ends well.*
“Class Rep, you’re mistaken. Kuro hasn’t bullied me at all!”
While Ayumu pondered, Hinano stepped forward to clear his name. This only confirmed Yui’s suspicion—their bond had genuinely shifted.
“Hinano, don’t be afraid. If Kuro pressured you to say that, tell me. I’ll have your back.”
Yui gently coaxed, hoping to hear Hinano accuse him—so she could openly intervene. To Ayumu, her disbelief was clear. Fine. Let her misunderstand. He had nothing to defend.
“You’re misreading Kuro, Class Rep. He’s actually kind. He apologized for past mistakes… and even shared his bento with me.”
Watching Hinano flusteredly defend him, both Yui and Ayumu were surprised by her fervor. Ayumu inwardly marveled: all the prior bullying erased by one apology and a bento? Hinano truly was quick to forgive and remember kindness. How could anyone bear to hurt such a girl? Then he recalled—Hinano always had Yui standing up for her. A faint hint of fondness stirred in him.
Unlike Ayumu’s quiet relief, Yui’s mind tangled into chaos. This Ayumu felt like a stranger: attentive in class, apologetic, generous with his bento. She couldn’t even muster dislike anymore.
*Was he changing… because of me? Or because of Hinano?*
The thought startled her. She actually hoped for the former—and recoiled at the latter. Just imagining him changing for someone else sent a sharp pang through her chest. Deeply unsettling.
“Yui, I won’t bully anyone again. You can rest easy.”
Hinano’s words had softened Ayumu’s view of Yui. Acknowledging her diligence as class rep, he chose to ease her worries. Still, he only respected her role—not their childhood friend history. The current distance felt perfectly fine.
Hearing his promise, Yui’s heart lifted. His sincere smile felt warm… even handsome. That blond hair she once despised? Now she thought the warm tone suited him.
“Class Rep, Hinano—if nothing else, I’ll take my leave.”
No one stopped him this time. Ayumu left freely. But after he vanished, Yui turned to Hinano.
“Hinano, when Kuro said ‘be my girlfriend’ the other day—it was likely a joke. Don’t dwell on it. If he uses it to pressure you, tell me immediately!”
Yui had been in good spirits after Ayumu’s promise. Uncertain why, she’d wanted to gently hint Hinano wasn’t his real girlfriend. But Hinano’s reply shattered that mood completely.
“Kuro mentioned it too—and apologized! Today, he even took the initiative to befriend me. We exchanged emails. He said he’ll bring me a bento he made himself tomorrow!”
Naive Hinano simply hoped Ayumu and Class Rep Yui would clear the air. She’d forgotten he was once the “perpetrator.” Eager to share her hard-won joy with the girl who’d always protected her, she never noticed the heavy blow she’d just dealt.
*How? I’m his childhood friend—I don’t even have his email. Ayumu cooks bento? First I’m hearing it… let alone tasting it. Yet Hinano, mocked and bullied in class… what right does she have?*
Unaware, jealousy began twisting Yui’s thoughts.
