Arc 1 – Episode 13: [Behind the Scenes] “The Academy’s Princess is a ‘Thieving Cat’ (LOL) – Part 2”

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Aria-chan suddenly kissed and confessed to Kyo-kun, then ran away before he could respond.

Well, she probably knew she'd be rejected if she pushed for an answer, so I guess it's understandable.

Still, if she was expecting that, why even kiss him or confess in the first place? But I suppose Aria-chan is just a girl in love and logic doesn't apply to girl in love like her.

“Kyo-kun, I heard you fell down the stairs! Are you alright? Did you get hurt?”

I couldn't help but feel genuinely worried when I heard about him falling down the stairs. So, I casually appeared in front of him and took him to the infirmary.

After the nurse treated his injuries, we headed home together.

“So, what are you going to do about Aria-chan's confession?”

Kyo-kun stopped in his tracks when I asked him that.

He knew exactly how I found out about Aria-chan's confession.

Back when I asked him to go on a date with another girl, I'd wanted more excitement, so I installed an app on his phone that shared his location with me and let me listen in on his conversations. It was a special one I'd made myself.

“Of course, I'm going to turn her down. I can't be two-timing.”

“I'm fine with it, though.”

“Neither Aria-san nor I would be happy about it. It's just not right.”

“Not right, huh? That's what makes it fun.”

“Besides, why did she even fall for me? I remember she was wary of me at first.”

“Well, obviously, it's because you're handsome, Kyo-kun.”

After all, I crafted Kyo's face to be an irresistible sweet mask. Spending time with such a handsome guy, it's only natural she'd fall for him, right?

We continued walking side by side, and I skillfully coaxed Kyo-kun into reconsidering.

“Wouldn't it be sad if Aria-chan gets rejected like that? This is probably her first love, you know? And I was the one who gave her that push.”

I did it as a reward for Kyo-kun. Really, I did it for him. Well, half for him. The other half was for me, but together that makes it for both of us, so it's fine.

Still, words weren't enough, so I added a bit of pressure.

“If I told Aria-chan everything—the truth—she'd be crushed, right? She might even shut herself away. Her grandpa would be furious, and we'd get expelled. But if you keep playing her, no one gets hurt.”

“Kyo-kun, don't you think there are times when ignorance is bliss? Maybe you could just date Aria-chan for a while, make some good memories, and then end things peacefully before she figures anything out?”

I whispered in his ear, feeling like a devil tempting him.

“If you're worried about cheating, I'll allow it. And once Aria-chan is none the wiser, you can break it off smoothly. Isn't that a good plan?”

I could see Kyo-kun was wavering after hearing my seemingly peaceful solution.

“…I'll think about it.”

He didn't outright agree, but he didn't reject it either.

Now, it's all up to Aria-chan.

I can't wait to see how this plays out.

The next day after school, in our usual empty classroom.

“I'm sorry, Ichigo-san. Kyoichi-san and I have started dating.”

Aria-chan and Kyo-kun stood together and informed me of their new relationship.

Yes! Finally, Kyo-kun and Aria-chan are together!

Ahem.

“Wha—? Kyo-kun and Aria-chan? …Why?”

Feigning shock, I asked even though I already knew.

“During lunch, Kyoichi-san and I were talking about you, Ichigo-san, and then… Kyo-kun confessed to me. I know it's wrong, but I couldn't say no…”

Liar.

I know it was you who confessed and pressured him into it.

Still, I'll play along.

“That's so cruel… You betrayed me! Waaaaah!”

I glared at Aria-chan, faking tears, and dramatically ran out of the school.

I'm impressed by my own acting skills.

From that day on, I made sure to act more gloomy at school, keeping my distance from Kyo-kun and Aria-chan. I also didn't forget to shoot Aria-chan a hateful glare from time to time.

Aria-chan's uncomfortable reactions, like avoiding my gaze, are adorable.

Nobody at school knows that Kyo-kun and Aria-chan are dating yet.

I made sure to tell Kyo-kun that revealing their relationship would harm Aria-chan, considering his bad reputation. Aria-chan agreed to keep it secret for now.

But, since she's grown more possessive, calling Kyo-kun by his name and trying to keep other girls away from him, it's only a matter of time before people start noticing.

“Hey, Ichigo-san. Can we talk?”

A few days later during lunch, Aria-chan caught me wandering around the school.

“…Sure.”

I pretended to give in and listened to her.

All she wanted to do was apologize.

“I'm so sorry, Ichigo-san. I betrayed you. I know you've liked Kyoichi for so long, and I was even cheering you on, but when he confessed to me, I couldn't help how I felt…”

Lies don't make for a good apology, Aria-chan.

But I'll forgive you. After all, this was my plan all along.

Aria-chan's becoming quite the little schemer, isn't she? Smirk

“Do you really love Kyo-kun, Aria-chan? Enough to betray me?”

“I do! I love him so much, I'd do anything for him!”

Anything… like blackmailing him with me as a hostage?

“Well, I guess I can't do anything about that. You're still my precious friend, after all.”

I smiled through my fake tears.

“So, can I ask a favor?”

“Of course, anything for you, Ichigo-san.”

“Can the three of us still hang out together, like before?”

“Of course! You're my dear friend, Ichigo-san!”

Then don't steal him. Or… I guess it's okay if you do.

“Will you be mad if I still call him Kyo-kun, like always?”

“No, it's fine. You and Kyoichi-san are just friends, after all.”

Then don't steal him. (Take two.)

“Can you tell me all about your dates with Kyo-kun? I want to imagine them, putting myself in your shoes.”

“If it'll make you feel better.”

Yes! Now I can hear all about their lovey-dovey moments!

“And, lastly…”

I know I'm asking for a lot. But just this one last thing.

I pulled Aria-chan in close and whispered in her ear.

“Don't forget, Aria-chan. You took Kyo-kun from me.

…And I won't forget it either.

Kyo-kun's just on loan to you.