Arc 1 – Episode 5: [Behind the Scenes] “The Academy’s Princess is My Prey – Part 2”

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Kakyoin took my request and began by tracking down people from the same middle school as Kyo-kun and asking around.

Since this school is run by her grandfather, who serves as the chairman, and she's a member of the student council, she justified her inquiries under the pretense of investigating Kyo-kun, who had a bad reputation.

“Kuzuha? Yeah, I remember he used to hang out with a lot of girls back in middle school.”

“So it's true he didn't do that when he had a girlfriend?”

“Hmm… now that you mention it, that seems right.”

“I see. Thank you.”

The responses Kakyoin received matched what I'd told her, which she hadn't entirely expected.

After wrapping up her inquiries, Kakyoin approached Kyo-kun directly.

“Kuzuha-san, do you have a moment?”

“Sure, what's up?”

“The student council is short on hands, so I'd like to ask the class representative, Kuzuha-san, for help.”

Kakyoin pulled Kyo-kun into student council duties to check on his seriousness. But, as expected, he worked diligently; I'd trained him well.

That same day, I also asked him to “Get along with Kakyoin-san, okay?”

This way, he wouldn't feel distant from her.

Meanwhile, Kakyoin continued asking around about Kyo-kun, including talking to the girls who often hovered around him.

“So, are any of you dating Kuzuha-kun?”

“Nope, but are you two together or something?”

“Not me. Honestly, he doesn't even make a move, which is kind of disappointing.”

“Same here. He's handsome, kind, and has helped me out a lot. I'd like to get closer to him, though.”

None of them had anything negative to say about him. If anything, it seemed like Kyo-kun was just someone they found convenient.

And that's pretty accurate.

Even when I watched those three clowns hanging around him, I'd slip him some pocket money, but he never did anything substantial with it.

Apparently, they did have their eyes on Kyo-kun, but they weren't that serious about it. Just hanging out with a cool guy seemed to be enough for them.

Come on, be more ambitious.

This is a rare chance to get close to a good-looking guy, you know?

Hmm? How do I know so much about Kakyoin's actions?

That's a secret.

Kakyoin repeatedly roped Kyo-kun into student council tasks, and gradually, her perception of him improved.

“Sorry, Yorifuji. I had a mistaken impression of him. He's genuinely different from the rumors and very sincere.”

Later, Kakyoin apologized to me during a discussion.

“It's fine. Could you help me with something?”

“Of course, but what do you need?”

“Before I approach Kuzuha-kun, could you ask him about his favorite foods, hobbies, and… um… what type of girls he likes?”

I acted bashful at the mention of his type. My performance was top-notch—I could be an actress!

“Understood. Leave it to me!”

Since she'd already promised to cooperate, she agreed readily, possibly feeling a bit obligated due to her previous assumptions.

Honestly, it's so easy, I can't help but laugh.

Afterward, Kakyoin continued to call on Kyo-kun for minor student council tasks, gradually chatting him up about his interests.

Kyo-kun's favorite food is fried chicken. His current hobbies are watching dramas and online videos. And his type? Someone who's plain-looking but loyal to him (meaning me).

I knew all this already.

So why did I have Kakyoin find out? The point is for her to get to know Kyo-kun through this charade.

Building these connections will help raise her opinion of him.

I want Kakyoin to fall into the swamp that is Kyoichi Kuzuha, a guy I've molded over the years.

Time to move to the next step.

“Kakyoin-san, I'm ready. I've learned to make delicious fried chicken, I'm up-to-date on the latest dramas, and I'm prepared to dedicate myself fully to Kuzuha-kun.”

Half of that is a lie.

I can only make prepackaged fried chicken. But if I get the good stuff, it tastes great.

The dramas? I just throw on whatever's trending when I'm hanging out with Kyo-kun.

I've been devoted to him since elementary school, though.

If you knew how much time, money, and effort I've poured into Kyo-kun, you'd be shocked.

“But… I'm still a little scared, so could you introduce me to Kuzuha-kun? I'm not fully ready yet.”

“Understood. I'll call him right away.”

Kakyoin immediately called Kyo-kun on her phone.

When he arrived, we exchanged greetings, and I became acquainted with him from Kakyoin's perspective.

This whole scenario was so absurd—Kyo-kun looked uncomfortable, and I was struggling to hold back my laughter.

He probably thinks I'm scheming to make Kakyoin approve of us dating.

It's funny how Kyo-kun is assuming the normal thing, whereas I have entirely different plans in mind.

But letting him misunderstand for a while suits my purposes just fine.