Arc 1 – Episode 8: [Behind the Scenes] “The Academy’s Princess as a ‘Friend’ (LOL) – Part 1”

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It had been a month since the three of us became friends, and going out together had become our routine.

Despite having lots of other friends, Kakyoin-san didn't seem to mind spending time with us.

This pace is perfect.

While pretending to get closer to Kyo-kun, I'll help Kyo-kun and Kakyoin-san grow closer instead.

After all, Kyo-kun and I are already zero distance.

“Ah, missed it!”

Today, the three of us were hanging out at the arcade, watching Kyo-kun play a rhythm game. Kakyoin-san and I stood behind him, cheering him on.

“Almost had a full combo.”

“Well, whatever. Ichigo, want to take a turn?”

“Huh?”

Kyo-kun casually called me by my first name, which surprised Kakyoin-san more than it did me.

Seeing her reaction, Kyo-kun realized his slip-up and hurried to explain.

“Oh, sorry. I thought we were close enough to be on a first-name basis.”

“It's fine. Can I call you Kyo-kun, then?”

“Of course.”

Now, even in front of Kakyoin-san, we could call each other by our usual names without raising suspicion.

Switching how I called him in front of others had been kind of annoying.

And now, Kakyoin-san was fidgeting, feeling a bit left out.

“Kakyoin-san, you can call me Ichigo too, if you want.”

“Thanks. And please, call me Aria. Ichigo-san.”

“Alright, Aria-chan.”

Then she glanced at Kyo-kun again, clearly wanting something more.

Kyo-kun, being as dense as ever, finally caught on and gave her a reluctant look.

“I don't think we need to call each other by first names, do we?”

“Yeah, you're probably right…”

Aria-chan's disappointment was obvious.

“Kyo-kun! Don't leave her out like that!”

“Exactly!”

With my support, Aria-chan perked back up, and Kyo-kun finally gave in.

“…Fine. How about Aria-san?”

“Yes! Thank you, Kyoichi-san!”

Aria-chan beamed at him.

Almost there, huh?

Oh, right. I need to remind Kyo-kun not to do anything stupid like confessing to Aria-chan in front of her or telling her we're already dating. Gotta make sure that doesn't happen later.

---

“Hey, Aria-chan. I was hoping to hang out with Kyo-kun one-on-one sometime. I know it's a lot to ask, but could you maybe cancel on us next weekend?”

During one of our regular “strategy meetings” in an empty classroom, I decided it was time to take things to the next step and asked her that.

“Just the two of you…? You mean like a date?”

“Well, yeah…”

I added a playful little wiggle, pretending to be all shy.

Aria-chan's face darkened instantly. I could pretty much guess why, but still.

“…You're not okay with that?”

“No, no, it's fine. Really… fine.”

She nodded, but who was she really trying to convince? Herself?

Who knows.

“Thanks! I was thinking of going to the planetarium next. Kyo-kun's not really into that kind of thing, so could you help me push him into buying the tickets with us? Don't worry, I'll cover the cost for your ticket since it'll go to waste.”

I showed her the planetarium page I had saved on my phone. It's a classic couple's date spot. No way she could ignore that.

Aria-chan, that is.

“No, I've got enough money. Don't worry about me.”

“Really? Thanks!”

I accepted her help without hesitation.

---

On the day of the date, Kyo-kun and I left separately and pretended to meet up at the arranged spot.

“Sorry to keep you waiting, Kyo-kun.”

“No worries. I just got here too… or so they say.”

Aria-chan canceled on us, but I wasn't about to let my guard down. In fact, she was here.

I'd had a feeling, but she actually showed up.

She was trying to disguise herself with sunglasses and a hat, but her familiar clothes and bright blonde hair gave her away instantly.

I mean, I get it. She probably just wanted to see if things worked out for her friend or was worried about wasting her money on the ticket. There were plenty of reasons for her to come.

“Kyo-kun, don't look now, but see the person in sunglasses and a hat over there? That's Aria-chan.”

“What?”

“Don't turn around. Here's a photo I just took with my phone camera.”

When I pointed out Aria-chan's tailing, Kyo-kun was surprised at first but quickly lost interest.

He's probably thinking it's best to just ignore it.

But that wouldn't be any fun.

“Let's pretend you noticed and invite her to join us.”

“…Why?”

“Because I want to hang out with Aria-chan too. We can have a two-person date anytime, right?”

I gave him some random excuse, and after a moment of hesitation, he reluctantly agreed.

“…Alright.”

So, we “discovered” Aria-chan and ended up going to the planetarium as a group.

Along the way, I pretended to be all upset about having our date ruined, occasionally shooting (betrayed, huh?) glares at Aria-chan.

Aria-chan would look away awkwardly every time.

Maybe she really wanted to sabotage us, or maybe she was just curious. Either way, once she got caught and ruined our date, her actions spoke for themselves. It was a betrayal.

Not that it mattered. If she showed up, I'd follow through with my plan. If she hadn't, I'd have enjoyed the date regardless.

Now, what excuse should I use to scold her next?