Episode 25: Unsavory Rumors
The calm and pleasant moments pass quickly, and before they knew it, it was Monday.
As promised the other day, Ayano, wearing black knee-high socks with her uniform, walked to school with Yuto, who was feeling her intense gaze. As soon as they entered the classroom, there was a momentary buzz before it quickly quieted down.
“What’s going on…?”
As Yuto and Ayano stood there dumbfounded, Mizuhara Kaori and Akimoto Fuyuki pushed through the desks and chairs and flew over to them.
“Ayano-n! It’s okay! I’m on your side, Ayano-n!”
“Hey, Yuto! Don’t tell me you’re actually taking it seriously!?”
Kaori hugged Ayano, while Fuyuki grabbed Yuto’s shoulders and shook him.
“Eh, Mizuhara-san!? What’s wrong?”
“What are you talking about? And you’re strong!”
Unable to grasp the situation, the two were at their mercy.
After a while, Kaori and Fuyuki calmed down and released them.
“…So, what’s with you two so early in the morning?”
Yuto sighed, looking dubious as he straightened his disheveled uniform.
“Please face this way. Your tie is crooked.”
Kaori and Fuyuki felt embarrassed but relieved as they watched Ayano naturally reach out to fix his collar.
“I knew it. Ayano-n really loves Kamijou, after all.”
“W-well… I mean, we’re a couple, so it’s natural, or something.”
Ayano nodded, her face turning red at Kaori’s question.
“You like Ichinose, right? You believe in her, right!?”
“Of course. Ayano is precious to me.”
Yuto stated firmly in response to Fuyuki’s question.
Then, a mysterious small applause was given from around them, making them feel awkward.
“No, seriously, what’s with this atmosphere…? Can someone please explain what’s going on?”
Yuto frowned, and Fuyuki and Kaori exchanged glances and nodded.
“It seems like you two haven’t heard yet, but before that, listen to this carefully. Especially you, Yuto!”
Yuto nodded, flustered by his friend’s unusually serious expression.
“It’s a disgusting rumor. You’re definitely going to get angry, so don’t get angry. If you do anything rash, it’ll only fuel the rumors. Anyway, if Ichinose is important to you, endure it for now!”
He continued,
“Just so you know, none of the people in this class are taking it at face value. At least, Kaori and I believe in you two. So, ignore whatever anyone else says.”
Yuto and Ayano were taken aback by his intensity.
“…So, what is this rumor?”
Ayano asked, holding Yuto’s hand.
“–It’s that…”
Fuyuki said, as if enduring pain.
“Ichinose Ayano is engaging in compensated dating.”