I'm in a real religion, why are all the people who confess to me girls?

Because Tianyin doesn't care about the little squabbles in the class at all. Whether it's socializing with everyone or helping everyone get through difficulties, it's all just Tianyin trying to make herself happy. It's just that the result is beneficial to everyone.

However, if you assume that Amane will protect everyone based on this, Karuizawa can only tell you that you are wrong, and very wrong.

Karuizawa believed that if a situation arose where they had to be abandoned in order to overcome difficulties, Amane would abandon them without hesitation.

Even if that day really comes, what do they have to complain about? They should have been prepared to be abandoned while enjoying Tianyin's protection.

Ah, I seem to have gone a bit off-topic. Anyway, Karuizawa believes that Amane doesn't care at all what the students in the class are doing; she only cares about whether they still have value.

Besides her prestige as a leader of a girls' group, Karuizawa possessed something far more valuable in Amane's eyes.

Beauty.

Although it might be a little embarrassing to praise myself like this.

However, having a beautiful face is also her unique advantage. Therefore, even if Sato takes away some troublesome things, her value still exists. In this way, she can enjoy Amane's protection without worry and return to a normal life.

But... can she really take off her mask?

Unlike Amane, who can change her mask at will, Karuizawa has neither the ability nor the means to do so.

For most ordinary people, from the moment they enter school, they subconsciously establish a distinct persona for themselves, which is the first step in creating their own mask.

Hobbies, background, special skills, and dreams can all be used as materials to make masks. For example, Kushida's memorable self-introduction, "I want to be friends with everyone."

Even if you don't like girls like her, Kushida is definitely the one who will leave the deepest impression on you when you don't know other people well.

Then all she had to do was maintain that persona, doing things that fit the persona she had set for herself. For example, she set herself up as a self-centered gyaru (a type of sassy girl), so Karuizawa has always been a troublesome character from the beginning. This is because such a persona is inherently unlikable, and once a persona is established, it cannot be easily changed. This means that even though Karuizawa knows she shouldn't say or do certain things, she still has to bite the bullet and do them in order to avoid arousing suspicion.

Ultimately, this will provoke a lot of resentment, which is why Sato poached all the people around her this time.

She's not only a pathetic wretch, but also an idiot who can't even choose a good mask.

However, there are advantages to being an idiot. Her 'stupidity' has made Karuizawa somewhat famous at school. The advantage is... no advantage at all. What benefits can she expect from such fame when she's already established as an 'idiot' on the school's social stage?

Aside from attracting some superficial guys who are interested in her appearance, Karuizawa doesn't seem to offer any real benefit.

As for the downsides... there aren't really any downsides, whether it's having your partner poached or being talked about behind your back.

She's used to it.

The only thing Karuizawa is worried about now is that the mask has become one with her. Without the strength to ignore other people's opinions and the means to easily convince others, she has no determination to break the mask.

Once the mask is broken, she will be seen as someone who 'lies' to everyone.

It's ridiculous when you think about it. Everyone is lying, but the person who doesn't want to lie and pretend anymore halfway through the story, and wants to tear off the disguise and stop lying, will be condemned by everyone.

It's truly a strange world that a person who lies from beginning to end and can't find a single truth in their mouth is surrounded by people and adored by everyone.

Kushida is now practically a pariah, but what's most ridiculous is that his current predicament has nothing to do with rumors. Just like lies, rumors become accepted as truth if repeated enough.

From Karuizawa's perspective, Kushida was disliked precisely because she spoke the truth to everyone.

That's the most interesting part.

She lacked Kushida's determination to tear off her mask and perish with anyone, which destined her to maintain the image of a 'self-centered, socially awkward gyaru' until graduation.

If she were to show concern for someone one day, that person might suspect that she is ill.

The thought of having to wear this mask for another two years weighed heavily on Karuizawa's chest. It was a feeling of oppression that Amane would never have the chance to experience. Fortunately, with Amane's protection, she hadn't fallen into despair.

Ultimately, however, this was the path she chose herself. Even if others misunderstand and do something excessive, there's no way to blame them. The weak have their own way of surviving, it's just that her way of surviving is a bit ugly.

She, Karuizawa Megumi, a pitiful parasite publicly known as a 'fool,' is currently hiding under Amane's protection.

P.S.: This is a combined chapter of two larger chapters.

Chapter 64: Hui is delicious!

They were supposed to be discussing something as joyful as Christmas, but one of them became awkward and the other looked quite ugly, completely out of place with the festive atmosphere of Christmas.

Just as Tianyin was about to liven things up, the pager beeped at the door.

"So this wasn't just for show."

Tianyin looked curiously at the screen of the pager that she remembered ringing for the first time.

The above shows a call from the first floor.

The first floor... is a bit strange. If it were someone you know, you would probably knock on the door directly like Karuizawa and Matsushita did.

Of course, it's also possible that the boy wants to visit, which would be understandable, since knocking on the door right away would seem a bit presumptuous.

However, if they were really classmates, they should have sent a message to ask if Amane was home first. Even if they were to call, they should have called Horikita next door, not Amane, which has been vacant for a long time.

Unless... the other party knows she is here and is aware that she has guests, so they want to make an appointment politely.

In this way, the other party's identity is pretty much obvious.

Amane was initially reluctant to answer this potentially troublesome call, but now that Matsushita and Karuizawa were both looking this way, if Amane didn't answer or hung up directly, their opinion might see her as trying to cover something up.

This is such a hassle. I wish he could go find Horikita.

After mentally giving the other person the middle finger, Tianyin patted her cheeks to apply blush while simultaneously flashing a professional smile.

After everything was ready, Tianyin pressed the answer button.

The familiar figure appeared on the pager screen. Just as she expected, apart from our Horikita Preschool Student Council President, probably no one else would come looking for her at this time.

"It seems you've already guessed it was me?"

Before Amane could even exchange a few polite words, Horikita Manabu could tell from her expression that she already knew he would be calling; otherwise, her expression would have been far too calm.

"I guess so. After all, if it were a classmate, they probably wouldn't call the pager in this room. Horikita-senpai, is there something you need for your call at this hour?"

Tenon's extremely respectful tone immediately alerted Horikita Manabu to something amiss.

"I have something I want to talk to you about. I was planning to ask you for help with something today, but I also heard from Lingyin that a friend of yours recently came to visit you. If it's not convenient for you, I can reschedule."

Horikita Manabu deliberately raised his voice to ensure that even the people in the room could hear him. As soon as Amane saw Horikita Manabu using such a trick, she immediately bared her teeth at him.

However, they didn't do anything too outrageous.

In this place that values ​​atmosphere, if the host has other important matters to attend to, even if the guests haven't had enough fun, those with a sense of propriety will start packing up to leave.

As expected, Matsushita and Karuizawa got up almost simultaneously and began packing their belongings after hearing Horikita Manabu's voice.

They only came to Tianyin's place for a while because they were bored, but since Tianyin had something important to do right now, they could only make an appointment to go out and play together again next time.

Amane gave the two apologetic winks, and they smiled and waved goodbye. Matsushita left the room quickly before Karuizawa, who was a bit late because he had too many small items with him.

Taking advantage of Matsushita's absence, Amane grabbed Karuizawa and pulled him into her arms. Karuizawa was about to cry out in surprise, but then he saw that the pager screen was still glowing, so he quickly covered his mouth.

If my affair with Tianyin were to be exposed, it would undoubtedly cause a great deal of trouble.

Ugh, why did she have to do this at this time?!

Karuizawa inwardly grumbled helplessly.

"There is now plenty of time."

"Then I'll go up now."

After Horikita finished speaking, he turned off the pager.

"Tianyin, you..."

Before Karuizawa could finish speaking, Amane silenced her with a kiss.

The aggressive attack style defeated Karuizawa in just a few seconds. Because she was by the door, Karuizawa had to hold onto the door frame with both hands to prevent herself from falling backward to the ground. In this way, no matter how much Amane bullied her, she was helpless.

"You seem a little unhappy today?"

Amane didn't give Karuizawa a chance to complain; she spoke first as soon as she finished her attack.

When Amane asked her that question, Karuizawa's expression became somewhat gloomy, because all she could think of were unpleasant things that would ruin everyone's mood. Even if she talked about them, there would be no benefit in it; it would only make her feel sorry for her own weakness.

"It's nothing... I was just thinking about things like Sato has been giving me a bad feeling lately..."

Karuizawa hesitated to meet Amane's gaze, and unconsciously looked towards the wall beside her.

Even the most clueless person could tell from Karuizawa's demeanor that she was being insincere; to put it bluntly, she couldn't even lie properly.

"How about we go out together next time? Just the two of us."

Tenon's hands began to misbehave, unbuttoning a piece of Karuizawa's shirt.

"Would you like to go out and have fun with me...?"

Distracted by Amane's ambiguous words, Karuizawa was completely unaware of Amane's subtle actions. Just as Karuizawa was about to happily respond to Amane, a sudden pain came from his chest.

"Eek! Tianyin, you actually attacked me from behind!!!"

"Karuizawa-kun, the elevator is here!"

Matsushita's urging voice echoed in the hallway. Seeing that time was running out, Karuizawa could no longer bother arguing with Amane and could only glare fiercely at her, planning to settle the score with her later.

Just as Karuizawa hurriedly put on her shoes and had already stepped halfway out the door, an irresistible force grabbed her arm and pulled her into its embrace.

"Don't do this at a time like this, Matsushita-kun will find out... Waaah!"

It wasn't quite what I expected. The sneak attack just now was less about Tianyin expressing love and more about simply venting her desires.

Now, although it was just a fleeting touch, Tenon's movements were so gentle. Hui, who was looking into Tenon's eyes, offered no resistance and stared blankly at Tenon's rare, clear gaze that was not occupied by desire. Her sparkling eyes were like purple gemstones, mysterious and beautiful, and at the same time, they seemed to be a magnet, constantly trying to attract her.

Just as Karuizawa was still immersed in that fleeting tenderness.

The sound of the elevator doors opening brought her back to reality.

"It's all your fault..."

Be careful on the road!

"I'm saying you..."

"I really enjoy being with Hui."

"You...you're committing a foul!! Don't talk to me like that...ahhh!!"

With her cheeks flushed red, Karuizawa Kei angrily scratched her hair, then ran frantically toward the elevator.

Watching Karuizawa Megumi leave in a disheveled state, Amane murmured to herself.

"What a delicious dessert!"

As she spoke, Tianyin revealed a satisfied smile, but the smile quickly disappeared from her face, as if it had never appeared at all.

Chapter 65: I'm entrusting her to you.

Horikita Manabu picked up his teacup and gently blew on the wave of heat mixed with the aroma of black tea that was wafting towards him. After the temperature became slightly more comfortable, he took a small sip.

Suddenly, Horikita Manabu's expression became quite interesting.

"It's Ceylon black tea! And judging from the taste, it's probably quite high quality even among Ceylon black teas. I didn't expect you to be so extravagant as to use it as a tea bag, Tianyin."

Horikita looked at the tea bag next to him with some regret, which had been used once and then thrown away. This seemingly ordinary tea bag was probably worth a lot of money; it certainly couldn't be bought with a month's worth of personal points.

"Huh? You can actually tell the difference? I felt they all tasted pretty much the same. Matsushita and Karuizawa just drank several cups and couldn't tell what kind of tea it was."

Upon hearing what Amane said, Horikita Manabu sighed helplessly.

Such fine tea is no different from ordinary tea in the eyes of those who don't understand tea. Or rather, they care more about whether it can quench their thirst than whether it tastes good.

"I have plenty here. You can have a can if you want some."

As she spoke, Amane went to the kitchen, grabbed a can of liquor, and tossed it to Horikita Manabu.

Horikita Manabu caught it somewhat flusteredly and quickly placed it on the table.

"I dare not accept such a valuable item."

"It's just a tea bag, right? It's not that expensive. This was a gift from someone from Sri Lanka to my grandfather. He told me to use it sparingly, but I prefer milk and tomato juice to black tea, so this stuff is almost moldy. If you like it, just take it and drink it. You're not an outsider anyway."

Horikita looked at Tenon intently. With Tenon's experience, it was impossible that she couldn't see the value of the tea. However, Tenon's reaction was too natural to be intentional. In other words... did Tenon think that such a precious thing was just a stockpile of goods used only to entertain guests?

"Never mind, drinking tea is just a hobby for me. It doesn't matter what kind of tea I drink. Teas that are too expensive would actually take away the fun. But I think Suzune would like this flavor of black tea."

Horikita Manabu checked the tea bags and outer packaging and found that there were no markings at all, not even instructions for use or expiration dates, which are essential labels for any product.

These items can only be described as customized gifts, which, in layman's terms, are probably not for sale. Only Tianyin would take them out and share them with others.

"It seems... she did mention that the black tea has become more delicious lately."

Amane nodded, affirming Horikita Manabu's suggestion.

Then the room returned to silence.

This is the most uncomfortable aspect of the "ball-throwing" social interaction: before any conversation begins, it's essential to create a lively atmosphere to help people with whom you have a casual relationship lower their guard.