Ding dong dong—make-up exam over~
With the sound of the bell marking the end of the test, the seven-member make-up exam squad let out a collective sigh of relief.
That was terrifying. Absolutely terrifying!
The seven of them exchanged glances, all wearing looks of utter exhaustion and panda-like eye bags.
"Why… what the hell was that foreign guy thinking? Why on earth is the make-up exam the day after the actual test?!"
Yamamoto's face twitched uncontrollably.
After 20 years of academic life, it was the first time he had experienced a make-up test immediately after the final exam!
"I heard it's because some idiot disrespected that foreigner and handed in a cheat sheet on purpose. After that, to stop us from cheating again, he moved the make-up exam up…"
Iori looked completely drained—he hadn't slept a wink last night.
What the hell is wrong with that foreign guy's brain?! How is anyone supposed to review an entire subject overnight? This was clearly a trap, like they wanted them to cheat so they could fail the course!
And the bastard who turned in the cheat sheet—what the hell was he thinking?!
Whoever it is… better pray we never find out!
While the others were fuming with exhaustion and rage, Shiro silently thanked that foreigner in his heart.
Looks like he unknowingly dodged a life-or-death situation…
"Ugh, at this rate, I won't have the energy to go to Okinawa. My sweet little mermaid (´д｀)"
Kouhei moaned dejectedly. He felt like his soul had been sucked out—no amount of Okinawa sunshine could bring him back to life.
"…Why are you linking Okinawa with mythical creatures again?"
"There's still some time before the holidays, right?"
The four outsiders looked at the PaB trio with disbelief. They didn't know why, but… those three always seemed to live life on a whole other level.
"Hey, you three—since we all just finished the make-up exam, how about we go have a drink to celebrate?"
Yamamoto suggested, and although they were all exhausted, the idea of a post-test celebration was still tempting.
"Drinking?!" ×3
The moment that word came out, the three of them basically sprang back to life, their eyes gleaming. Because of the exam, their club activities had been on hold, after all!
"…Weren't you guys dead tired just now?"
The four outsiders were frozen in place. Had they accidentally flipped some kind of switch?
"If that's the plan, then it's decided. Let's go to Kamishiro's place."
"True, true. Let's just head to Kamishiro's."
"OK! To Kamishiro's place!"
"Hehe, I've been waiting for this day."
"No problem, I'll lead the way!"
"Should I tell Azusa-senpai to whip up some snacks or something?"
?!!?!
{{(°△°;")}}!
Shiro looked at the six of them in horror. Why had they suddenly decided this?! Are we even that close?! Is this seriously okay?!
And Kouhei and Iori, those traitors—why did Azusa-nee ever tell them where he lived?!
If those four animals find out, he's doomed!
"Kitahara-kun, just now you mentioned Azusa-senpai—is she that older-sister-type upperclassman? Tell me more about those snacks."
Shiro hadn't even had time to refuse before Yamamoto started pulling Iori aside for more details.
They were so close to finding out!!!
Shiro immediately pulled off an over-the-shoulder throw and launched Iori away, then nervously rubbed his head and laughed,
"Ahahaha, Kitahara's just joking! There's no way I'd make Senpai cook for us! Also—why are we even going to my place? It's way shabbier than you think…"
I absolutely can't let these guys come over!
There are certain "activities" that have to happen at night!
WHAM!
Yamamoto and Nojima's demon-like faces loomed in front of him.
"Kamishiro-kun… now that you're part of our circle, we should all be honest with each other."
"We've been hearing quite a few glorious tales about you lately."
Nojima held up his phone in front of Shiro. On the screen was the school forum, and the #1 trending post was…
"SHOCKING! First-year student hosts chaotic house parties and hits on girls nonstop! Though his name is unknown, he's described as a handsome guy with slanted eyes!"
Kudou!!!
The second Shiro saw that post, he knew who was behind it. That bastard was getting revenge!
This post reads like a smutty novel—no way they don't know who the main character is!
Even if he had such desires, there's no way he'd hold a party in his own house, right?!
He needed to explain himself—urgently!
But then…
Looking at those demonic faces, Shiro suddenly felt like explanations were pointless.
These guys were already consumed by jealousy!
There was only one option left—find a scapegoat!
Nothing a good scapegoat can't fix!
Shiro lowered his head, hiding his expression in the shadows.
"You guys… you've been deceived!"
Yamamoto and Nojima paused, sensing something shift in Shiro's aura. Was there a twist?
He broke free from their grip, eyes sharp, and pointed at Mitarai.
"Slanted eyes! Pretty face! It's clearly Mitarai! Even if we both have squinty eyes, mine are handsome squinty eyes!"
Scapegoat, your time has come!
"..."
Everyone's face turned dark. Come on—the post obviously meant you! After that forum thread, everyone on campus knows you're a playboy!
And now you're throwing your friend under the bus?! For real?!
BAM!
Yamamoto and Nojima, faces pitch-black, grabbed Shiro again.
"Kamishiro-kun, give it up. Our friendship with Mitarai can't be shaken!"
Σ(?д?|||)??!
Shiro stared at them in disbelief.
Wait… could he have been wrong?
Are these guys actually… serious about their bromance?
He felt a twinge of guilt. Was it really that low of him to try and turn them against each other?
"…We were studying at Mitarai's place last night. We've already inspected his home!"
Nojima adjusted his glasses, his eyes shining with terrifying wisdom.
"..."
(;´Д｀)
Shiro swore—he would never trust any of them again. These guys were certified garbage human beings!!!
"Kamishiro-kun! I trust you understand what this means!"
Gulp…
Looking around at the group now wielding shovels, Shiro swallowed hard.
It seemed… he no longer had the right to refuse.
I have to get Azusa-nee out of the house!!!
If they find out, I'm dead meat!!!
How the hell did I end up surrounded by people like this?!
…