Chapter 80

"Rin'ou-chan!"

At the sound of that voice, Rin'ou's steps came to an abrupt halt.

Eri stood up from the sofa, walked over without a glance to the side, and blocked Rin'ou's path.

"Rin'ou-chan"

Eri looked straight at Rin'ou and called her name again.

However, Rin'ou kept her head down and refused to meet Eri's eyes.

Eri extended the game controller she was holding towards Rin'ou's chest.

"Here, take this. I won't let you go home until you lose to me today."

Eri took Rin'ou's motionless hand and tried to force the controller into it.

But Rin'ou stubbornly refused to take it, instead biting her lip hard and glaring up at Eri.

"What are you... You didn't listen to me, Eri!"

"I did listen. You were just saying something strange."

"Strange? What do you mean by that!?"

Rin'ou pushed Eri's arm away as she shouted, and the controller fell to the floor with a dull thud.

The emotion that had returned to Rin'ou's usually calm voice was evident. She continued in a strong tone.

"Can't you understand what I'm saying? I've been telling you for a long time, I... I hate liars!"

"Right. Because you're a devil, you're a liar."

"What are you... Don't joke around! That's how you...! I, I really... I hate you, Eri! I've always hated you! Ever since we were seatmates..."

Rin'ou's voice trembled as she forced out the words.

Her usually composed and cold expression was now wavering, almost unrecognizable.

Though she was the one making the accusations, it seemed as if she was the one being cornered.

To escape Eri's steady gaze, Rin'ou shook her head vigorously and looked down.

"I like being alone. So... I've always thought it was a hassle! I've been pretending to be friends on the surface! So, don't involve yourself with me anymore! Don't talk to me!"

Clasping her hands tightly and closing her eyes, Rin'ou shouted loudly.

But Eri didn't move, and she looked straight back at Rin'ou and said,

"Then it's no good, even more so."

"What do you mean!?"

"I'm a super competitive person."

"What do you mean by that... So what!?"

"Because, I am—"

For the first time, Eri lowered her gaze and hesitated slightly.

Rin'ou immediately furrowed her brows and glared sharply at her.

Eri met her gaze head-on and said,

"I'm a seatmate killer."

Rin'ou's eyes widened in shock.

Looking directly at her, Eri spoke with determination.

"I make every person who sits next to me fall in love. I've always done that, so I won't let Rin'ou say she hates me. I won't let you go. I'll completely win you over and make you love me more than anything. I'll stick with you until then. Even if you try to run away, it won't be that easy."

She said this clearly and firmly.

Rin'ou's lips trembled as she listened to Eri's words, and a hoarse sound escaped them.

"Eri..."

Rin'ou covered her distorted mouth with her hand.

At the same time, she crumpled to the ground, crouching there.

"Why do you have to go this far..."

Tears spilled from her lowered eyelids. Rin'ou was crying.

Still, she shook her head from side to side, desperately trying to deny it.

"Because... Because, it's not like that for me...! It was just a coincidence! Being seatmates with Eri...!"

"Rin'ou, you're saying something strange. Being friends starts with a coincidence, right? Since you ended up next to a seatmate killer, you should just give up."

With her head bowed, Rin'ou began to sob, her shoulders heaving.

Eri squatted beside her and placed a hand on Rin'ou's back, speaking in a gentle tone.

"Sorry, Rin'ou. You know, I'm not good with harems or managing flags, so sometimes I can't see what's around me... I didn't know you were eating alone... I still don't really understand why you're angry."

"It's not that I'm angry. It's all my fault, everything is my fault..."

"It's not just your fault, Rin'ou. Don't say that."

"It is my fault! I'm the real liar! That's why I hate myself!"

Rin'ou finally broke down and started crying loudly.

It was a complete loss of composure, something unimaginable from the usual Rin'ou.

Surprised by the sudden change, Eri froze, looking bewildered.

This time, she didn't think.

Before she could, her body moved on its own, driven by instinct.

Eri's final transformation.

The book version will be released on the 30th of next month!

Thank you very much!