The other Class A members stared at the interaction between Himeno and Ryunosuke with strange looks.
"Are the two of them really that close?"
Everyone was thinking the same thing, including Honami. There was an indescribable feeling creeping through her heart; she touched her chest which felt somewhat tight, not knowing the reason.
Meanwhile, Hachiman secretly gave a thumbs up.
(Role model for all men!)
(I hope you get "axed" soon and die!)
Jealousy can drive people crazy, and Hachiman felt very envious at this moment.
After that small commotion ended, the two of them began getting into the main topic. With the dignified style of a boss, Himeno folded her arms in front of her chest and announced the result.
"From now on, you must help our Ichinose with all your might!" Himeno exclaimed while pointing at Ryunosuke's nose.
"Eh?" Honami made a cute sound, then pointed at herself in confusion. "Me? Why?"
Honami really didn't understand the situation; she rubbed her head with an innocent confused face. However, Himeno didn't care; she was waiting for Ryunosuke's answer. If that man dared refuse, she wouldn't hesitate to beat him black and blue!
(You already took my first kiss, don't expect this matter to end just like that!!!)
Ryunosuke nodded resignedly and agreed. Actually, this was the result he wanted—to have a logical reason to interfere in Honami's affairs to prevent interference from Nagumo.
Because in the original storyline, Honami had once sacrificed herself for the class by agreeing to Nagumo's conditions. Even though that man had explicitly said he didn't love Honami and just wanted to toy with her. However, for the sake of her class, Honami would still choose to agree.
Ryunosuke didn't want that to happen. That's why he tormented Nagumo so much until that man ran out of points, to prevent that possibility. His action was part of an interconnected plan; he even trapped Koenji into owing him three favors as a backup in case Ayanokouji couldn't be relied upon.
Because Ryunosuke might have to use Honami once more to rake in a large number of points, there was a bit of guilt in his heart. That's why he agreed to Himeno's condition which looked like a child's whining, but actually both parties already understood the situation.
Himeno was aware that Ryunosuke wanted to help Honami rationally, not help all of Class A. However, because Ryunosuke didn't have a proper reason to step in, she deliberately snatched that lollipop and triggered that small commotion earlier.
Moreover, when Himeno bit his arm and Ryunosuke stroked her head, the man had whispered instructions about what she should do.
Himeno gritted her teeth in annoyance.
(You're indeed helping Ichinose, but what about me? Do I just have to be sacrificed like this?? That was my first kiss! Even if not direct, it was still my first!)
Her heart raged, but on the surface she had to hold back her anger. Once negotiations were over and they were about to disperse, she turned back and kicked Ryunosuke's leg with all her might.
Because he felt guilty, Ryunosuke didn't fight back and accepted the kick full of Himeno's fury.
"Hmph!"
Himeno snorted, flipped her twin-tails, then strutted away. "Don't think this matter is over, just wait for my revenge!"
She left with aggressive steps radiating bloodthirst.
Ryuji approached Ryunosuke, patted his shoulder lightly, then said in a teasing tone. "You really have a unique way of approaching girls... even Himeno-san can't hide her true nature in front of you."
Ryunosuke: "Are you praising me? Why do I feel like I'm being cursed?"
"That's just your imagination." Ryuji answered while immediately changing the subject and extending his right hand. "Well then, pleasure working with you, Akasaka."
Ryunosuke looked at the extended hand and shook it without hesitation, but his mouth still wouldn't back down.
"Who's cooperating with you guys? I'm cooperating with Ichinose, it has nothing to do with you all."
Seeing his stubborn attitude, Ryuji didn't expose him and instead gave him an honorable way out.
"That's fine. As long as you can protect Ichinose, that means you're also protecting all of our Class A."
"Ichinose is too kind, so kind it's excessive. She's also excessively naive. But it's precisely because Ichinose is like that that we like her and are willing to follow her."
Ryuji's face showed an expression full of admiration, but a second later changed to serious.
"Ichinose is like white paper that's very easily stained black. We don't want to see that happen. So..."
Ryuji extended his right hand again. This time the meaning was different; this was a symbol of trust to entrust Honami to him, a promise between men.
"Can we entrust Ichinose to you? Please protect her, can you?"
"We're asking you... Only you have this ability."
Ryunosuke didn't shake that hand again. He turned and prepared to leave the KTV area with a calm gaze.
Ryuji's eyes dimmed slightly, thinking his request was rejected. But at that moment, the sound of Ryunosuke's assurance was heard from the distance.
"I don't know why you all are so convinced I have that ability. But rest assured."
"As long as I'm here. Nothing bad will happen to Ichinose. And all you need to do is serve me and obey my orders."
"Heh~" The corner of Ryuji's lips lifted into a smile.
He too turned to leave. His words were also carried by the wind to Ryunosuke's ears.
"As long as you can protect Ichinose and not let her be tarnished, and let her keep smiling happily as usual... Then our Class A will help you with all our might! You're free to command us!"
Ryunosuke, who was almost out of the KTV, raised his hand and waved, signaling that he had heard.
🎇Keep reading and support this story on Ko-fi:
📎Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/lovefanfiction or bit.ly/4sbFiOM
✅More early access chapters from WebNovel
✅5 translated fanfic chapters & 1-2 new original fanfic chapters every day (Monday-Saturday), exclusive on Ko-fi.
Thank you so much for your incredible support!