You can’t cheat on me, okay?

TL/ED: Bogdi

Asuka’s face reddened as she looked flustered.

It is understandable that Asuka is surprised when she is suddenly asked if she likes Toru. But even so, she is upset.

“Oh, I’m …….”

“Which one?”

Aino repeated her words and looked at Asuka.

(Why does Luthi-san think that Sakurai-san likes me?)

Toru wondered. He was also surprised that Asuka didn’t laugh it off and deny it. Asuka turned her head down and fidgeted with her fingers hesitantly.

“I don’t like …… Renjo.”

“Really?”

“Really, of course I don’t!”

Asuka shouted adamantly.

They were in the reading area of the library, where conversation was allowed. Toru thought it would be better to keep their voices down a bit, but he was in no mood to interrupt.

Aino’s face lit up and then she giggled.

” I see. …… Then there is no need to be hesitant with Sakurai-san. I want to marry Renjo-kun.”

Aino said it plainly like it was a natural thing.

Toru was a bit surprised, but Aino had been saying that since yesterday. The only problem was that she said it in front of Asuka.

Asuka seemed to be shocked and stared at Toru and Aino.

Are you serious?”

“I’m serious.”

“Why? You’re not in a relationship with him and you don’t love him, right?　Yet it’s strange that you would marry Renjo.”

Aino was silent for a moment and then she smiled strangely.

“I don’t think it’s that strange. I choose the best option for me to be happy.”

“Are you saying that you want to get engaged to Renjo?”

“Yes. It’s much better than being forced to marry someone else.”

“But that’s just using Renjo! That’ s crazy!”

“That’s why I’m asking Renjo-kun to marry me. I want him to marry me. If what I want becomes what he wants, there will be no problem, right?”

“But …”

“And I don’t dislike …… Renjo-kun either.”

Aino said, her cheeks slightly red, and glanced up at Toru. The small Aino was looking at Toru like she was sulking, which made him unconsciously agitated.

Asuka was stunned, looking like she had been completely short-circuited.

It is true that you would be surprised if your classmate suddenly got engaged. However, it seemed to Toru that Asuka’s agitation and frustration was not limited to that.

Toru had spent a good amount of time with Asuka. Even though it’s for Asuka’s goal of overthrowing Konoe Chika, she’s closer to him than most girls.

That said, Asuka doesn’t seem to be in love with Toru. Aino seemed to suspect this, but Asuka herself denied it.

If that’s the case, what in the world is making Asuka so uncomfortable?

Aino grabbed Asuka’s hand and held it. Asuka shivered and Aino smiled like a blossoming flower.

“Will you support me?”

Asuka stared at Aino’s small hands. Then, she didn’t say anything for a while. Toru watched the two of them with a sense of dread.

Eventually, Asuka shook off Aino’s hand. She mumbled a small “I’m sorry” and ran away from the scene.

The hem of the skirt on Asuka’s school uniform flutters softly behind her. As Toru was vaguely watching the distant figure of Asuka, Aino tugged on the sleeve of his uniform.

Aino then puffed out her cheeks and glared at Toru.

“Sakurai-san is beautiful, isn’t she?”

“Well, so what?”

“I know you’re attracted to her, but even if you marry me, you can’t cheat on me, okay?”

Aino looked like she really liked Toru, almost as if she was jealous of something.

This made Toru feel a bit nervous.

What does Aino really think of Toru? And what does Toru himself think of Aino ……?

“I haven’t decided yet, whether I’m going to be engaged or married to Luthi-san.”

“You’re right. But until you make up your mind, I’ll ask you again and again. …… Will you marry me, Renjo-kun?” Aino’s sapphire eyes sparkled and she giggled, looking very happy.