With the help of Shiina Mahiru and Ogiwara Sayu, Eriri Spencer Sawamura easily integrated into the circle of girls in Class 2-F. A few curious classmates, like Sagami Minami, came over to ask a few questions before automatically drifting away.
There was no other choice. Eriri Spencer Sawamura was simply too beautiful, clearly not the kind of person an "ordinary" girl like Sagami Minami could hope to 'subdue.'
That's right. You heard correctly—'subdue.'
Sagami Minami, while ordinary in many respects, was adept at acting cute and reading social situations. She cared about her image and had cultivated her own small clique in class. It was clear to her now that Eriri Spencer Sawamura knew Shiina Mahiru and was so stunningly pretty; she definitely wouldn't be joining her group. Eriri was essentially part of Miura Yumiko's orbit now, the popular girls' inner circle.
So, Sagami redirected her attention to Katou Megumi, whose presence was so low it was practically subterranean.
"Um, Katou-san, are there any clubs you're interested in joining?" Sagami asked, putting on her most natural, friendly smile.
"Clubs? Not at the moment," Katou Megumi replied, looking at her with mild curiosity before gently shaking her head.
She was here as an exchange student. Her stated purpose was to study, to experience the different learning atmosphere and methods of a prestigious school. That's what she told people. But in reality, it was mostly about earning credits. Participating in school-organized exchange events could net her special bonus points at the end of the term, and a positive evaluation could be a useful line on her future resume, giving her an edge in job hunting.
Therefore, Katou Megumi didn't think she should join any clubs. She would only be here for a few weeks. If she joined, she'd just have to leave again, so what was the point?
"Katou-san, would you be interested in joining our swimming club? I'm telling you, in the swimming club, you can attract a lot of attention from handsome guys," Sagami pressed, her smile unwavering.
"Uh, well… I don't think I'll have time for club activities," Katou Megumi tried to refuse. She didn't want to attract attention from handsome guys. Besides, it seemed she had already been… 'sampled' by a particularly scoundrelly handsome guy, and he might not be done with her yet.
Sagami Minami hit a brick wall with Katou and returned to her seat with a livid expression. She had seen Katou as plain and seemingly pliable, the type without strong opinions of her own. That's why she'd thought of recruiting her as a convenient errand-runner. She hadn't expected to be completely shut down. Even the swimming club, which could showcase one's figure and enhance femininity, held no appeal for her.
Katou Megumi, for her part, didn't give Sagami's invitation a second thought. While she was often lonely and easily overlooked, she had no desire to become someone else's lackey. This Sagami Minami clearly had ulterior motives. Moreover, attracting handsome guys' attention was the last thing Katou Megumi wanted.
Compared to that, she was far more curious about Hozuki Nozomi's attitude towards her. Think about it—he had just stolen her first kiss. Yet this scoundrel seemed utterly unperturbed, happily chatting away with Eriri Spencer Sawamura and the other girls as if nothing had happened.
As if sensing her gaze, Hozuki Nozomi took out his phone and sent her a message.
Hozuki Nozomi: Megumi, why are you staring at me like that?
Katou Megumi: Oh, I'm just a little curious. You did that to me, and now you're acting like nothing happened. How are you so thick-skinned?
Hozuki Nozomi: Didn't you call me a scumbag? A scumbag needs a thick skin by definition.
Hozuki Nozomi: Speaking of which, you don't want to join the swimming club. Is it a lack of confidence in your figure?
Katou Megumi: No, you're overthinking it. I just genuinely don't like the idea of being seen in a swimsuit.
Hozuki Nozomi: Fair enough. Next time, you can just wear one for me to see.
Katou Megumi: Somehow, it feels like you're talking to me in a boyfriend's tone.
Hozuki Nozomi: Am I not your boyfriend?
Katou Megumi: Definitely not. We've only met a few times. Why would you have such a misconception?
Hozuki Nozomi: But we kissed. Doesn't that make me your boyfriend?
Katou Megumi: That was a forced kiss. Does that even count?
Hozuki Nozomi: I think it can.
Somewhat speechless, Katou Megumi rolled her eyes in his general direction. This guy's logic was infuriating. One forced kiss wasn't enough? Did he think that by becoming her 'boyfriend,' he could kiss her whenever he wanted? What wishful thinking!
"Um, Katou-san," Eriri Spencer Sawamura's voice suddenly cut in, friendly and bright. "We agreed to explore Soubu High together at lunch to get familiar with the campus. Would you like to come with us?"
Katou Megumi was immediately taken aback, even a little flustered. "Sawamura-san… are you inviting me?"
"Is that not allowed? We are classmates at the same school now, after all," Eriri replied, staring at her intently. Her gaze held a certain intensity that felt almost fierce, as if a refusal would be met with a sharp flick from one of her golden twin-tails.
Katou Megumi quickly waved her hands. "Of course! I'd like to get familiar with it too, so I don't get lost again." She had a vivid, recent memory of getting lost, disturbing Hozuki Nozomi's intimate moment with another girl, and consequently losing her own first kiss. She felt like the world's biggest fool.
"Sawamura-san, I'm just a little surprised you finally remember me and won't ignore me anymore," Katou added softly.
Hearing this, Eriri Spencer Sawamura couldn't help but roll her own eyes. "I wanted to ask you—do you have some kind of special skill? Why do you keep disappearing?"
"That's so hurtful," Katou said, her tone flat but earnest. "I've been following you all this time, except for when I went to find the restroom earlier." It wasn't a skill she wanted. She remembered several times her own parents had forgotten her existence, accidentally locking her outside alone in the middle of winter, or forgetting to prepare her a meal.
Eriri Spencer Sawamura scratched her cheek awkwardly, her tone softening. "Well… then it's settled. Let's hang out together later."
"Okay."
Hearing the two girls' conversation, Hozuki Nozomi turned around with a smile. "Eriri, do you need a guide? I know Soubu High School better than anyone."
Eriri Spencer Sawamura immediately raised a palm in a clear, rejecting gesture. "No need! And please don't talk to me so casually at school, you heartless succubus!"
Rejected outright, Hozuki Nozomi could only sigh in feigned helplessness. "Alright then. I hope you both have fun. If you run into any problems or difficulties, please feel free to call me anytime." Even though he was rebuffed, his attitude had to be made clear. He needed both Eriri Spencer Sawamura and Katou Megumi to understand he was there for them.
As expected, hearing this, Eriri's expression shifted to one of mischievous delight. "Hmph, don't worry. I'll definitely make good use of you if I need to!"
This hateful guy, she thought, glancing at Katou Megumi. He was even flirting with her just now over text. Does he really not plan to let go of any cute girl he comes across? The thought was equal parts exasperating and, she had to admit, a tiny bit thrilling.