That morning, Cruz was a bundle of nerves long before she even stepped out the front door.
"Clothes: slightly more revealing than usual. Accentuate the bust. Makeup: light and natural. Accessories: subtle enough to be classy. Keep a smile on your face and keep your tone gentle."
She repeated the mantra like a prayer, checking off each item in her mind. She had bathed first thing in the morning, making sure her hair was blow-dried to a silky, shimmering finish.
"It's just a light interview, so don't get too worked up."
Hachiman had told her that just before logging off the night before, but Cruz wasn't about to take any chances. She wanted her first impression to be flawless. Following the "Manual for Meeting Hachiman" she had written for herself, she finished her preparations and finally left the house.
On the way to the university, she felt the weight of more gazes than usual. It gave her a small, much-needed boost of confidence.
"Whoa, Cruz! You're really fired up today, aren't you?"
"Y-you think so?"
"I know so! You're dressed to the nines. Don't tell me you finally found a guy?"
The voice belonged to Anzu Umino, the only girl Cruz considered a true friend. They had run into each other just as the morning lectures ended.
"U-um, well, I do have plans to meet someone today…"
"Wait, really? I was joking, but is it actually a guy? Is he your boyfriend?!"
"Ah, well… it's not exactly like that."
Cruz's face turned a brilliant shade of crimson, sending Anzu into a minor panic.
"You're not denying it's a guy?! I didn't see this coming at all… but then again, I've never seen you put this much effort into your look before."
Anzu began to circle Cruz, inspecting her from head to toe.
"Wow, your hair is so soft and shiny! And is it just me, or is your chest looking a bit… enhanced? Your makeup is different, too. And wait—are you actually wearing jewelry? Is this the legendary 'Man-Slayer Mode'?"
The surrounding male students, unable to ignore such a conversation, began to swarm. To Cruz, these weren't friends—they were barely even acquaintances—but that didn't stop them from crowding in.
"Mamiya-san, I know a great place nearby. Want to grab lunch?"
"No way, Mamiya-san should come with me…"
"Step aside, I'll take her!"
"You look incredibly cute today, Mamiya-san!"
"Mamiya-san!"
"Um… I really…" Cruz stammered, overwhelmed.
"Hey, back off!" Anzu snapped. "Can't you see you're bothering her? Give it a rest—"
"Excuse me. Would you mind clearing a path?"
A cool, sharp voice cut through the clamor of the crowd.
"Oh, it's Yukinoshita-san!"
"S-sorry!"
"The two great beauties of the campus, side-by-side…"
It was Yukino Yukinoshita. Judging by the reaction of the crowd, she and Cruz were apparently regarded as the university's two reigning queens. Cruz recognized her face but had never spoken to her. She stepped aside to let Yukino pass, offering a nervous greeting.
"I'm sorry, Yukinoshita-san. Please, go ahead."
Cruz bowed slightly, but for some reason, Yukino didn't walk away. Instead, she stopped directly in front of Cruz.
"I suppose this is the first time we've spoken properly," Yukino said. "I am Yukino Yukinoshita. It's a pleasure."
"Ah, I'm Cruz Mamiya."
"Well then, shall we go? The background noise here is quite grating. Your friend is welcome to join us, if she likes."
"Wait… what?" Cruz blinked, confused.
Yukino gave her a skeptical look. "…Has he not told you anything?"
"He? Oh!"
The realization hit her. Hachiman had mentioned there was an ally in her same year. Nyangoro—that was the name—was supposed to be a student here. It was unexpected, but given the circumstances, it had to be the woman standing before her.
"I see you've put it together. Let's move."
"Yes, ma'am!"
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