Arc 1 – Episode 4: [Behind the Scenes] “The Academy’s Princess is My Prey – Part 1”

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I, Yorifuji Ichigo, discovered a new side of myself after my boyfriend cheated on me.

The thrill of almost losing Kyo-kun, my beloved Kuzuha Kyoichi, to another girl excited me. But more than that, I felt a sense of superiority knowing he ultimately still chose me.

I met Kyo-kun in first grade. I recognized his potential, so I got close to him, dangling little incentives, guiding him in studying, grooming, and sports—teaching him everything I could.

On the side, I learned programming by myself, developed apps, and made enough money to invest, eventually earning big. Since I used my parents’ accounts, the money technically went through them first, but they're good people and didn't let it get to their heads. They let me use it freely.

I bought him skincare products, showered him with the toys and games he wanted, and won him over completely.

As a result, Kyo-kun grew into a good-looking, multi-talented guy—someone who excelled at everything he tried. Yes, he's the handsome man I raised.

I focused so much on Kyo-kun that I let my own appearance become plain. Still, he kept his eyes only on me. In sixth grade, during a wave of love confessions, he confessed to me, and we started dating. That was more than enough for me.

Even now, I rarely feel jealous that other girls like him because his popularity is proof of my efforts. It's only natural for him to be desired, a fitting reward for the work I put in. Though, I guess I do get a bit jealous sometimes. That's probably how I developed this new kink.

After discovering this kink, I suggested Kyo-kun fool around with other girls, figuring he'd enjoy it, and I'd benefit too. But he didn't seem too happy about it.

I've recently come to realize that Kyo-kun is weirdly loyal. Even his initial cheating was only because he was blackmailed. With these “approved” dates, he only goes along with it because I asked him to.

I thought he might secretly want to date someone else, but he turned down every girl who asked him out. Because of that, rumors spread that he's a shallow guy only interested in casual fun. Sorry about that, Kyo-kun.

The one thing I hadn't anticipated was his stubborn loyalty. At first, I was happy about it, but now I'm more desperate than ever to indulge in my kink.

But he won't cross the line with just casual dates. So I need to set him up with someone he can get close to—a relationship that's “more than friends but not quite a girlfriend.”

In that case, I thought I should wait until we were in high school, where new relationships could form. I stayed quiet, letting him relax while I bided my time. Now, a month into our first year at Yusho Private High School, I've already chosen my target: Aria Kakyoin, the class princess.

Aria, with her long blonde hair and emerald-green eyes, is strikingly beautiful. She scored at the top on our entrance exams and is the granddaughter of the school's chairman.

If Kyo-kun is the hottest guy in the class, then Aria is undoubtedly the prettiest girl. When I watch the two of them chat about classwork, they look like a perfect match. Anyone who sees them would agree they look great together.

 Hearing my classmates gossip about how good they'd be together sends a thrill down my spine…

And that's why she's the perfect partner. If Kyo-kun can win over the chairman's granddaughter, our school life could become a lot more convenient.

Besides, I'm sure that deep down, he'd enjoy dating someone as cute as Aria. But getting them together won't be easy. They're in different social circles.

Aria is popular with everyone, while Kyo-kun, partly due to the rumors I stirred up, is known as a flirt and only appeals to girls who don't know about his reputation. So, I realized I'd have to make use of myself as a bridge.

I slipped a note into Aria's desk, asking her to meet me for a private conversation. Despite her high-class aura, she's approachable when it comes to fellow female classmates, so she agreed to see me.

“Thanks for coming, Kakyoin-san. And about the entrance ceremony—sorry for making you handle the class speech.”

I greeted her with a smile. Not that I felt bad about it.

“Oh, no, I'm the chairman's granddaughter, so I'm used to that kind of thing. I should apologize for taking the spotlight.”

Just as I expected, she apologized right back.

“That's okay. I don't like standing out anyway. I mean, you can see how I am in class, right?”

“…Yes, that's true.”

“So, let's call it even and move on, okay?”

“Understood.”

With that, we'd established a little camaraderie.

“Now, you mentioned you had something to discuss?”

“Yes. Actually, I've known Kuzuha-kun since elementary school, and I've liked him since middle school…”

I began spinning my web of lies.

“But by the time I realized my feelings, he already had a girlfriend. When I heard they broke up and he was coming to this school, I decided to follow him here.”

There was never another girlfriend. It's just been me.

“I see. But honestly, I wouldn't recommend dating him…”

She looked hesitant, doubtless due to the reputation I'd crafted for him.

“Is it because of the rumors?”

“…Yes.”

“It's true he's popular, but he's actually very disciplined. Even when he had a girlfriend, he never messed around with other girls.”

Of course, that “girlfriend” was just a front.

“Plus, even now, he's never gone beyond a kiss with anyone he's not seriously dating. Kyo-kun's actually a really loyal guy, you know?”

To my surprise, he's turned out to be even more loyal than I imagined.

“A-a kiss, and more!? What could possibly be beyond kissing~!?”

Oh, she's blushing.

Could she be…innocent of this stuff?

By the way, Kyo-kun and I exchanged our first times after graduation from middle school. We used protection, of course.

“But…since I'm so plain, I'm scared of getting bullied if I openly pursue him. That's why I wanted to ask for your help, Kakyoin-san.”

“I see…”

She looked thoughtful, no doubt concerned about bullying happening in her grandfather's school.

“Yorifuji-san, can you give me a little time? It's not that I doubt you, but I'd like to observe Kuzuha-san and get to know him better.”

“…Of course. Sorry for asking you something like this…”

Sorry to drag you into this farce.

“It's no trouble at all. We're friends, after all.”

Kakyoin-san responded with a warm smile.

“Kakyoin-san… Thank you!”

Yes, we're friends.

The name of this operation is: “I was just trying to help my friend find love, but before I knew it, I fell for him myself!” Or something like that.

It's amazing how easily people move according to plan.

Why does it feel so good?