Chapter 90

As they walked towards the café, Keitaro led the way, with Yuki following behind in a pair. Keitaro occasionally glanced back, but halfway through, he slowed down and walked alongside Yuki, speaking in a low voice so that the others couldn't hear.

"Man, I've got it. How about it? With this look, I can really pull it off, you know."

"It's just an act... What are you going to do? They're following us..."

"You thought it was impossible from the start, didn't you?"

Keitaro looked smug, but Yuki felt only a sense of discomfort. He wondered if there were really women in the world who would follow a brash middle school student like this.

On the other hand, the woman following them was a beauty who seemed to have no trouble with the opposite sex, and Yuki was inwardly wary, thinking she might try to lure them into something suspicious. It could also be that they were just being teased.

Keitaro, chatting with the two who were following, leaned in and whispered to Yuki.

"Got it? When I say something, you respond with 'That's right! Wow, that's hilarious!' and go along with it. And when she talks, just nod and say 'Yeah, yeah, I understand. That's right~' without saying anything extra."

He seemed desperate, but it was uncomfortably close. When Yuki tried to push Keitaro's shoulder away, saying, "I get it," Maki's cheerful voice came from behind.

"Oh, you two are so close, aren't you?"

"Uh, yeah... Well, as you can see, this guy doesn't have many friends."

"That's right, that's hilarious."

When Yuki said this, an awkward silence fell over the group. Keitaro forced a smile and leaned in again to whisper.

"You need to sound a bit more cheerful. You sound like a real creep."

"That's right."

Keitaro received a look that seemed to say there was more to say, but they had just arrived at the café, and the situation became vague. Upon entering, they were seated at a four-person booth, with the men and women facing each other. Maki sat across from Yuki.

Although it was outside the peak hours, the café was still quite busy, with about 80% of the seats occupied, as it had just opened. It was a place that was often talked about at school, and Keitaro had already decided to come here.

As soon as they were seated, Keitaro eagerly spread out the menu on the table.

"Go ahead, I'll pay, so don't hesitate."

"Hmm... I'll just have an iced coffee."

"I'll have the same."

They seemed to be on guard, and their interest was weak. As Yuki was looking at the menu, Keitaro quickly called the waiter.

"Four iced coffees."

"Understood. Is that all for your order?"

"Also, a melon soda and a chili hot dog."

When Yuki added this, the three others suddenly looked at him. Yuki looked back at them, saying, "What?" When the waiter left, Keitaro immediately pulled Yuki's arm and whispered.

"Who said you could order whatever you want? What's with the chili hot dog?"

"You said you'd pay... Do you not like spicy food?"

"No, it's not the right time for that, read the room."

"Thank you for the meal."

"You should pay for it yourself, seriously."

After saying this, Keitaro made a show of clearing his throat and turned to face the two women across from him.

"Um, well, can I ask your names?"

His smile was slightly strained, which was amusing. The woman with short hair sitting in front of Keitaro said without changing her expression, in a rather blunt tone,

"...Haruka."

Then Maki, sitting next to her, smiled brightly.

"Yes, I'm Maki~"

She stared intently at Yuki for some reason. Yuki looked back at her blankly, and she suddenly said again,

"Maki!"

For some reason, she said it again. Haruka narrowed her eyes and looked at Maki,

"Why did you say it twice just now?"

"I thought you didn't hear me."

"I heard you."

They started a strange exchange. Keitaro, seeing this, seized the opportunity and raised his voice.

"Hahaha! Maki-san, you're so funny!"

"Wow, that's hilarious."

Following Keitaro's lead, Yuki muttered, "That's right," and Maki suddenly glared at him.

Her gesture made Yuki think of someone, but just then the drinks arrived, and his attention was drawn to them.

Maki's DEATH button is now marked with a ★.