Cote : I Just Want to Grant Your Wish!

Chapter 687 - 687: The Shadow Brought by Yagami

On Thursday morning, Kushida Kikyo brought along something strange, feeling somewhat cheerful.After running into a few friends, she greeted them with a smile.

"Hey, sorry to keep you waiting."

The people waiting for her downstairs were, of course, her two closest friends, Wang Meiyu and Inogashira Kokoro.

"We haven't been waiting long. But, Kikyo, you come to school with us every day—don't you have any thoughts of spending time with your boyfriend?"

Given their close relationship, Wang Meiyu's tone carried a playful teasing note.

Kaoru Mitoma—this name was practically known throughout the entire school.

Even if some didn't know about his capabilities, at the very least, they knew he had many girlfriends.

Among them was their good friend, Kushida Kikyo.

Mentioning this, Kushida Kikyo simply chuckled.

"I'm not the type to prioritize romance over friendship. I can be with him anytime, but being with you all also makes me very happy."

Wang Meiyu felt a bit embarrassed, while Inogashira Kokoro on the other side breathed a sigh of relief, murmuring softly.

"That's good. We were worried it might affect your relationship with Mitoma-kun."

Kushida Kikyo smiled. Ever since she hadn't denied her relationship with Kaoru, there had been all sorts of opinions around her.

Although the two of them couldn't fully understand her perspective, they generally chose to accept and respect it, sometimes even secretly suggesting she monopolize Kaoru.

Kushida Kikyo walked with them as usual, chatting about various topics and gossip along the way, as more and more students gathered around.

At that moment, Wang Meiyu noticed a boy.

"Hey, is that guy a new student?"

Her slight surprise made Kushida Kikyo instinctively look over.

There was Yagami Takuya, greeting his classmates with a sunny smile that easily inspired goodwill.

Perhaps it was his overly handsome appearance, carrying a youthful and sunny aura, that gave an exceptionally good first impression.

Now, only in the second week of the semester, Yagami Takuya's social connections had already expanded to the entire grade level, with even some upperclassmen knowing this good-looking junior.

"He's so handsome! I saw him not long ago too—he even looks a bit cute!"

Inogashira Kokoro muttered under her breath, "He gives off a gentle vibe similar to Hirata-kun. I think he must be a good person."

Wang Meiyu was somewhat displeased, though she made sure Inogashira Kokoro didn't notice her expression.

Normally, Kushida Kikyo would have been able to sense what Wang Meiyu was thinking—this lovesick girl had always harbored unusual feelings for Hirata Yosuke, so naturally, she couldn't stand hearing Inogashira Kokoro mention Hirata Yosuke's name, let alone compare him to someone else.

However, Kushida Kikyo wasn't in a much better mood herself.

The moment she saw Yagami Takuya, it was as if she had encountered a filthy ditch—she nearly wanted to take a detour.

If they weren't all in the same school building, she would have turned and left already.

Yagami Takuya claimed to be her junior, and from recent probing, neither Kushida Kikyo nor Horikita Suzune had found any flaws in his story.

Whether it was about the school's situation or her own affairs, Yagami Takuya appeared thoroughly knowledgeable while remaining extremely respectful and gentle toward her.

Thus, after the failed attempt to probe him, Kushida Kikyo's mood sank to its lowest point.

Although her middle school had suppressed the incident from back then and hadn't revealed much, Yagami Takuya likely knew what she had done.

In her view, not even Horikita Suzune deserved to know this secret, let alone Yagami Takuya!

If Kaoru had stumbled upon this secret, Kushida Kikyo would have been mildly annoyed at most.

Even if Kaoru were to threaten her harshly now, she would treat it as mere playful banter—putting on a defiant act to let him have his fun.

But what right did this Yagami Takuya have to uncover her secret?

Kushida was furious.

Even if he truly knew nothing, she now wanted to drive him away—this secret was meant to be a private game between her and Kaoru!

"Good morning, Kushida-senpai."

Yagami Takuya noticed Kushida Kikyo and the others and seemed slightly surprised.

"Ah, it's Yagami-kun. Good morning!"

No matter what she was thinking, Kushida Kikyo wouldn't show the slightest dissatisfaction. Instead, she feigned equal surprise.

"I just saw someone greeting you—were they classmates?"

"Yes, I've made quite a few friends recently."

Yagami Takuya glanced at Wang Meiyu and Inogashira Kokoro beside her and smiled gently.

"Are these two your friends, Kushida-senpai?"

Under his warm gaze, Inogashira Kokoro had already blushed deeply, and even Wang Meiyu seemed somewhat flustered.

Kushida Kikyo gritted her teeth in frustration but could only politely introduce them.

Fortunately, Yagami Takuya showed little interest in the two and instead brought up recent events.

"Speaking of which, I've already shared Horikita-senpai's earlier idea with several classmates. They seemed quite interested—some might be willing to team up with you seniors."

Despite delivering what should have been good news, Yagami Takuya's eyes held a trace of regret.

"So quickly? Yagami-kun, you're really popular." Kushida Kikyo looked somewhat surprised. "I'll inform Horikita-san. Do you have their contact information?"

"I'll have them reach out to Horikita-senpai later."

Yagami Takuya seemed unable to hold back any longer.

With genuine concern, he gazed intently at Kushida Kikyo. "Kushida-senpai, do you have a partner yet?"

"I'm still considering the partner matter."

Kushida Kikyo grew more guarded internally.

The next moment, Yagami Takuya's face lit up with delight as he brought up his suggestion again.

"Would Kushida-senpai consider teaming up with me?"

Even though she had already rejected him once, he brought it up again, making Kushida Kikyo even more wary.

"I'm happy that Yagami-kun, with your high academic ability, would be willing to partner with me."

Kushida Kikyo placed a hand over her chest, wearing an apologetic expression.

"However, I think there are others who need Yagami-kun more than I do. If anyone gets expelled in this exam again, everyone would feel even worse."

"It seems I didn't consider things thoroughly. Kushida-senpai is truly kind-hearted."

Yagami Takuya appeared even more regretful. "I thought having someone else's help would make things easier for Kushida-senpai."

Kushida Kikyo stiffened slightly, then saw the other party smile candidly.

"If Kushida-senpai changes your mind, I'll always be waiting to hear from you."

Yagami Takuya turned to look at Wang Meiyu and Inogashira Kokoro again, his smile unchanged.

"Wang-senpai, Inogashira-senpai, see you next time."

Inogashira Kokoro waved gently, her face flushed red, though no one knew what she was thinking.

"This person... could he possibly like little Kikyo?"

Perhaps because she was a romantic young girl, Wang Meiyu's imagination easily drifted in that direction.

"Eh, really?!"

Inogashira Kokoro suddenly jolted, her eyes widening.

"There's something wrong with his gaze!"

Wang Meiyu declared confidently. "He was staring at little Kikyo the entire time - he must like her!"