That One Selfie Changed Everything

“Wow, she’s never posted anything on Moments… Could it be she doesn’t have any friends?”

The idiot had arrived at the same thought.

But he quickly found an explanation.

“Well, it’s not surprising. Since you’re into her, she’s definitely gorgeous. Usually, really beautiful women don’t have many friends, and the ones they do have are fake anyway.”

“You can’t say that so definitively…”

“When it comes to real-life women, I know a lot more than you do, bro.”

“The way women interact is way more complicated. On the surface, they’re besties, but behind each other’s backs, they’re tearing each other down. They usually befriend others with selfish motives and agendas.”

“Is it really that extreme?”

“Heh, the reality is even more intense. Like fighting over a man… Hmm… I’ve seen them tear each other apart more than once or twice.”

Coming from you, that’s pretty convincing.

Honestly, I’m amazed the idiot hasn’t been stabbed by a woman yet.

A scumbag like him getting offed with a kitchen knife a few times wouldn’t surprise me at all.

Well, money and influence probably make those problems go away.

“So women rarely have a bond as strong as ours, unless…”

“Unless?”

“Unless they’re actual lesbians. You know, into other women.”

“Lesbians, huh? That’s pretty rare.”

“Yeah, these days, there are plenty of gay guys and plenty of cross-dressers who’ve been turned, but actual lesbians? Not that many.”

“…”

“Bro, don’t look at me like that. My orientation’s perfectly normal, and I have zero interest in your backside.”

Phew… If the idiot actually had feelings for me, this friendship would be over.

But I knew he wasn’t gay. If he were, I’d probably have a cracked tailbone by now.

He kept coming over simply because he could relax here, feeling free and unrestrained.

The idiot raised a finger and continued.

“From what I know about you, bro, the type of woman you’d fall for is definitely the pure, innocent type. With that kind of personality, she probably just doesn’t want to get involved in that kind of cutthroat social scene.”

“Plus, given her family background, her relatives probably limit her social circle too. Her parents would vet her ‘friends’ and ‘backup options’ for her.”

“That’s how high society works. The social networks of children and parents are all tied to interests, interconnected.”

Listening to the idiot analyze so thoroughly, I felt a wave of emotion.

Usually, I was the one analyzing and giving advice. This time, he was the one explaining things to me, and it sounded so convincing.

It was probably due to our different environments. He was constantly around high society elites, so naturally, he understood that world.

The strange part was that someone like him would be friends with me in the first place.

After thinking it over, all I could say was four words.

“That’s so you.”

Especially when it came to women, he really had done his research… Well, he’d had plenty of reference material.

“Anyway, without a selfie, I can’t tell if she’s the blind date or not… Just ask her to send you a picture, bro?”

“Are you crazy! There’s no way I’m asking for a selfie out of the blue!”

“Then let me send it.”

Before I could react, the idiot snatched my phone and bolted, typing as he ran toward the door.

“Hey, hey, hey! You idiot! Don’t do anything stupid!”

I lunged after him to get my phone back, but he ducked under my dive and grinned at me.

“Hehe, I’m helping you out, bro.”

“Helping my ass! Who asks for a selfie right after starting a conversation?! Do you think I’m some sleazebag who hits up girls on WeChat just to hook up?!”

“Don’t worry, I’m an expert at talking to girls. I guarantee I’ll get her selfie without losing any gentlemanly charm, okay?”

“Gentlemanly charm, my foot! You’re a pervert! Give it back!”

I tried my hardest to get the phone back, but he was way too agile. He’d dodge, sweep my legs, and I’d hit the floor… Rinse and repeat.

The idiot had actual martial arts training. Taekwondo black belt, I think. I was no match for him.

Five minutes later, I was sprawled on the floor, gasping for breath, while he looked like he hadn’t even broken a sweat.

Damn it…

Finally, the idiot tossed my phone back, flashed his gleaming teeth, and gave me a thumbs up.

“Done. Now we wait for her reply.”

I grabbed my phone and checked… No message.

He’d even deleted the message he’d sent.

But since it wasn’t recalled, Kaori must have still received it.

Gaaaah! What the hell did this idiot send?!

I was going insane!

Damn it, I worked so hard to leave a good first impression, and now it’s ruined.

She’d definitely think I was some creep with ulterior motives, like those guys who throw money at streamers just to see private photos.

No, it’s not too late!

I couldn’t recall the message, but if I explained right away that my friend was messing around, she’d understand!

I started typing as fast as I could. After ten seconds, I’d written a 200-character explanation and was just about to hit send when…

A message popped up.

[Ah, sorry to keep you waiting…]