Arc 1 – Episode 16: “Falling into the Abyss – Part 1”

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Kyo-kun and Aria-chan's relationship officially began. I heard about the details from both sides—Aria-chan openly, and Kyo-kun in secret. I gave him advice, sent him money for dates, and quietly used the thrill of almost losing him to Aria-chan as fuel for my fantasies. It was an exciting time.

Even though Kyo-kun was only “pretending” to date Aria-chan, they still kissed multiple times. I got insanely excited every time he told me about it. And later, when we'd sneak into my room to kiss and make out on the bed, erasing Aria-chan's presence from his lips thrilled me even more.

“Hey, Kyo-kun… do you plan on going all the way with Aria-chan?”

After we finished fooling around, I asked him during pillow talk.

“Well… I…”

He hesitated, trailing off.

“I don't mind, you know? If she asks for it or if you feel like making a move on her first.”

Kyo-kun stayed silent.

That's his reaction when he's unsure. If he had a firm answer, yes or no, he'd say it right away. I know that if I push just a little, he'll eventually give in to what I want.

The only real issue is whether Aria-chan's sense of purity would even let her consider premarital sex, but honestly, I'm fine either way. If they do sleep together, it's hot. If not, we won't have to deal with the hassle of her being “damaged goods” when Kyo-kun finally dumps her.

I'll keep nudging things along just enough to make it interesting. And if nothing happens, I'll just write it off as Kyo-kun's frustration and make sure they break up, handing him back to me.

Aria-chan can go back to being a good friend (and test subject).

The sports festival rolled around, but I faked being sick and bowed out early for a relaxed day instead. Meanwhile, Kyo-kun and Aria-chan were the stars of the event.

Aria-chan, as the school director's granddaughter, delivered the opening speech, represented the student council, and won every event she joined, gaining popularity among both the boys and girls. Some people got jealous, dismissing her accomplishments as just her family's influence, but that's typical.

Kyo-kun, as a regular student, didn't have as much of a role, but his looks and athletic skills carried him through, winning every event he entered and drawing cheers from the girls and envious glares from the guys. At one point, some boys tried to rough him up, but he brushed it off, winning anyway. His popularity skyrocketed. Even girls in the audience—family members of other students—were talking about enrolling in our school just to be near him.

By then, the negative rumors around him had nearly disappeared, and during every break, girls crowded around him like ants to sugar. He handled it smoothly, just like I'd advised, though he looked a bit pale. He might end up puking from the pressure later.

Aria-chan must've gotten jealous because she showed up, dispersed the crowd, and told the girls to stop being a nuisance. Their relationship was still a secret, though, so she couldn't talk to Kyo-kun about anything beyond official student council matters. Watching her glare at him from a distance as he ate lunch with those girls was pretty amusing.

After the sports festival came final exams. Kyo-kun, Aria-chan, and I had been studying regularly, so we weren't worried about our grades. When the results were posted on the day of the closing ceremony, along with the rankings from midterms and finals combined, it all felt way too easy.

I didn't want to stand out, so I avoided first place on purpose. But I also didn't want to be below the average students, so I aimed for fourth place and got it.

Aria-chan missed first by the slimmest of margins, landing in second. Well, she was busy with her romance, after all. If I'd gone for first like usual, she probably would've glared at me, so dropping down was the right call.

As for Kyo-kun, he came in at tenth—not too high to attract attention, but still impressive.

With the closing ceremony over, summer vacation was just around the corner.

“So, neither of us got first place, huh? I don't mind, but won't your family say something about it?”

I chatted with Aria-chan casually in our usual empty classroom. People might wonder how I could get along with the girl who “stole” my crush, but really, we're just keeping up appearances to maintain the illusion of friendship.

“I'll be fine. They said as long as I don't drop out of the top ten, they won't make a fuss.”

Being expected to stay in the top ten is a bit strict, but at least they're not demanding first every time. That's something, I guess.

“That's good. I kind of thought your family would give you a hard time about slipping from first, but they sound pretty reasonable.”

“Yes, I think so too.”

“You're going on a trip with your family during summer break, right?”

“Yes, and I won't be able to see Kyoichi-san during that time. If I could introduce him to my family, maybe he could come along, but…”

“Kyo-kun still has some bad rumors floating around…”

Sorry about that. Kind of my fault.

“…Ichigo-san, just so you know, if you make a move on Kyoichi-san while I'm away, I won't forgive you.”

Aria-chan glared at me with cold eyes, trying to warn me. But, well… I was with him yesterday, doing all sorts of things behind your back.

“Are you that worried? Don't you trust Kyo-kun?”

I teased, poking at her insecurities. Yeah, I know—I'm the last person who should be saying that.

“But I get it. I still like Kyo-kun, after all.”

Aria-chan froze at that.

She lied to me, saying Kyo-kun confessed to her, but she knows full well he had feelings for me before she snatched him away with her threats. If Kyo-kun still has lingering feelings for me and I haven't given up on him yet, I'm a real threat to her, aren't I?

“By the way, Aria-chan, I've heard a lot about you and Kyo-kun getting close. But have you two… done anything I don't know about?”

“…What do you mean?”

I leaned in close and whispered.

“Sex.”

“Wha—!?”

Her face turned bright red as she recoiled. Still a virgin, huh?

“That reaction tells me you haven't.”

“O-of course not! Premarital sex is improper!”

So, she sticks to her principles, huh? Hearing that, I couldn't help but grin.

“Is that so? Then I guess I still have a chance.”

“Huh?”

Her face turned serious as I kept taunting her.

“Boys this age are constantly thinking about sex, and it's hard for them to control their urges, you know? And Kyo-kun even had a girlfriend back in middle school, so maybe he's already experienced. Maybe he even wants to do it with you, Aria-chan, now that you're his girlfriend. But if you keep holding back, he might get frustrated. Then maybe he'll dump you. Or, who knows? If I tempt him with my body, I could steal him away—”

“Stop it!!!”

She couldn't take it and cut me off with a shout.

“Why… why would you say something like that?”

Her eyes filled with tears. Aw, she's so cute.

“Why? I'm just giving you a heads-up. Even if it's not me, someone else could steal him.”

“Steal… Kyoichi-san from me?”

Her face turned pale. She must be imagining Kyo-kun getting close to me or those other girls. The thing is, their relationship is still a secret. Kyo-kun doesn't have any guy friends, so he's still around those three girls in class.

From Aria-chan's perspective, it must be frustrating seeing him with other girls. But since he's keeping things respectful, she can't exactly demand he becomes a loner—not in public, anyway.

Those three girls originally approached Kyo-kun hoping to date him. If Aria-chan lets her guard down, one of them could swoop in and steal him away. I wonder if she’s finally realizing it now.

Just because you're dating Kyo-kun doesn't guarantee a happily-ever-after, you know? If you get too comfortable, you might lose him.

Just like you stole him from me.