Decision and Confession

It’s over.

In that moment, Mana Ochi fully realized how much difficulty she’d added to the real Yurina’s life.
But she had no time to wallow—if she couldn’t explain, others would suspect cheating. That had to be avoided.

Besides, she’d prepared study tips long ago.
Given the school’s deviation value of 52, she chose techniques suited for mid-to-lower students.

“Thank you, Shizuki-san. Your methods are excellent…”
The homeroom teacher, clearly impressed, praised her again.

This outcome wasn’t surprising.
Mana had compiled those tips to earn praise—she was that vain and selfish.

Now she understood: Yurina’s poor grades must stem from housework and part-time jobs for Ryoko.
Only a stupid, disgusting person like her wouldn’t see something so simple.

Back at her seat, Takuya quickly tossed a note.
Mana frowned—this guy had no sense of timing.

Still, she opened it:
【My tutoring worked, huh?】

So Takuya had tutored Yurina.
Mana relaxed slightly.
Even without her, Yurina would improve.
Though she’d overdone it, once things reverted, Takuya’s help would prevent suspicions of slacking.

She smiled, replying:
【Thank you.】

【No need. Actually, your effort exceeded my expectations. Truly impressive.】

【What do you mean?】
She sensed he wasn’t talking about studies.

【That summary—you put a lot of thought into it, right?】

As expected…
She grew irritated, replying quickly:
【It’s nothing special.】

She’d done it to—

【No, even I can tell you prepared in advance, probably more than one… My girlfriend is truly kind and gentle.】

Aaaah—what was he saying to a heinous criminal?

【I’m not as good as you say!】

Furious, she tossed the note, then instantly regretted it.
She was Yurina.
Yurina should be good—unlike her.

But as Mana adjusted her mindset, Takuya sent a bombshell:
【In my heart, you’re the best.】

She nearly spat.
What kind of cheesy line was that?!

But despite the internal roast, his reply relieved her.
Ruining Yurina’s image with her boyfriend would be a grave sin…
Well, she was already sinful, but she didn’t want to add more.

As usual, Takuya noticed her emotional shifts, understanding this Yurina better while growing concerned.
And making a decision.

“Shizuki-san, sorry for doubting you!”

After first period, Mana wanted to find Rie, but the fangirl trio surrounded her, apologizing profusely.

“No, I didn’t mind. No need to apologize.”
Yurina waved frantically.

Not politeness—she genuinely hadn’t noticed their suspicion or exclusion until now.
Subconsciously, the rejections and bullying she’d faced were far worse, far more disgusting.

Of course, she’d deserved it—her misconduct, her filthy thoughts.
Same now…

Escaping the trio, Rie had vanished.
The bell rang before Mana could search.

【Time to give up, right?】
Takuya again.

Why was he so annoying sometimes? Where was yesterday’s groveling boyfriend mode?

Mana didn’t like doormat Takuya, but meddling in her friendships was just as bad.

【I’m just worried about you.】

Whenever she showed anger, he’d say that, turning with a gentle look…
Yurina probably fell for this.

Too bad—Mana’s soul was male. This didn’t work on her!

【Rie and I have always been friends. I don’t want our friendship to end.】

Still, she couldn’t snap at kindness.

【She went to another class after break—Matsura Yuki and Iwajo Kaori, the ones you used to hang with.】

Right—first year, Yurina and Rie had their own clique.
Even in different classes now, chatting with them was normal.

【Thanks.】

Understanding, she smiled gratefully at Takuya.

Another note soon came:
【Anything for my cute girlfriend—even walking through fire.】

Wow—boasting over something minor…
Well, he could do it. Few guys these days would face a pervert head-on.

And she was Yurina now. She should appreciate his intent.

Thanking him again, she stopped passing notes, focusing on class until the bell.

“Ah, Shizuki…”
Mizushima approached, but Mana was already gone.

“Sorry, Mizushima-kun, I’ve got something. See you later.”

She dashed out, faster than Rie.

Not overzealous—she didn’t know Matsura or Iwajo.
She’d wait for Rie to meet them, then join.

As expected, Rie soon appeared in the hallway, looking around before heading to another class.
She met two flashy-dressed girls.

Confirming identities from distant greetings…
Mana took a breath, left hiding, and approached.

“Rie-chan!”

At Mana’s call, Rie stiffened, turning slowly with an icy glare.

“Yo, honor student—what do you want?”

As expected…
Mana’s heart sank, but she forced a smile.

“Rie-chan, don’t be mad. Yesterday wasn’t on purpose.”

“Let’s go.”
Rie frowned, leading the others away.

“Don’t leave me!”
Mana hurried after.

“Hey, Yurina, Rie says you’re a good student now—is it true?”
Iwajo Kaori stopped, seeing Yurina’s persistence.

“I have been studying hard, but that doesn’t mean I’m cutting ties!”

“Really? Feels like you’re mocking us.”
Matsura Yuki stopped too, eyeing Yurina.
Yurina used to be their “goody-two-shoes”; now even more so—no nail polish, lip gloss, accessories, earrings. Like those nauseating model students.

“How could I mock my friends?”
Mana grew anxious.
Lacking social skills and memories with them, she could only repeat they were friends, hoping to maintain the bond.

But this triggered deep disgust in someone.

Rie spun, advancing menacingly.
Her scrutinizing gaze made the guilty Mana step back—fueling Rie’s anger.

“What, scared I’ll eat you? Is this how you treat ‘friends’?”

“Sorry.”
Mana bowed quickly.
“But I really want to stay friends with Rie-chan.”

“Fine.”
Rie smirked sinisterly.
“Just throw the chalk eraser at Black-souled’s head, and I’ll agree.”

The others laughed, egging her on.

“Go Yurina! I’ve hated that guy forever!”

“Get revenge for us!”

What was wrong with these people?
How could they think of such disrespectful retaliation?

Mana was stunned.
Rie frowned.

“What, unwilling? This is a friend’s request.”

“Sorry, I can’t.”
Mana hung her head.

“Then get lost. Don’t bother us again.”
Rie said coldly.
But before she could leave, Mana grabbed her sleeve.

“Rie-chan, don’t… Anything not against rules, I’ll do.”

“Wow, Yurina, you’re gross now.”
Iwajo covered her mouth like seeing filth.

Mana knew her clinginess was pathetic, but she couldn’t give up—if she did, Rie would cut ties.

“Actually, Yurina’s problem is she’s too timid.”
Matsura smiled maliciously.
“Let’s help her build courage, then?”

“Yeah, Rie, have Yurina do that.”
Iwajo caught on instantly.
Seeing Yurina about to speak, she grinned: “Don’t worry, Yurina—definitely not against rules. Just up to you.”

“I’ll do it.”
Mana looked at Rie urgently.

“Think carefully.”
Rie suddenly hesitated.

“I’m fine! I want to stay friends with Rie-chan!”
Mana pleaded, terrified of refusal.

Rie fell silent.
Matsura’s smile turned cruel.

“Then, Yurina… go confess to Kanzaki Takuya!”