With a 'ding', Shikime Natsu took the baked desserts out of the oven, skillfully performed the final decorations, and then walked out of the kitchen carrying two exquisite plates.
"Sorry for the wait."
He gently placed the plates in front of the two girls.
On the plates were two freshly baked soufflé pancakes, drizzled with a layer of golden honey. Beside them were a few fresh raspberries and a small sprig of mint leaves as garnish, with a dusting of powdered sugar on the edges of the pancakes. They looked just like works of art.
A rich and tempting sweet aroma instantly filled the living room.
"Wow... it smells so good!"
Ichinose Honami couldn't help but lean in closer, sniffing gently, her eyes full of pleasant surprise.
"Just looking at it makes me feel it's delicious!"
"It really does!"
Kushida Kikyou also revealed a surprised expression, and this time there was a bit of sincerity in it.
"This presentation completely rivals the master chefs at those high-end dessert shops!"
"Try it."
Shikime Natsu smiled and made a 'please' gesture.
The two couldn't wait to pick up their forks, gently cutting off a small piece of the pancake and sending it into their mouths.
The next second.
The eyes of both girls lit up simultaneously.
The fluffy texture melted on the tip of the tongue like clouds. The sweetness of the honey and the slight tartness of the raspberries blended perfectly, coupled with the warmth of being freshly baked; it was simply irresistible.
"So, so, so delicious!"
Ichinose Honami covered her mouth, her eyes narrowing into slits from happiness.
"It's really too delicious! Shiki-san, your skills are amazing!"
"Mhm-mhm! It's really delicious!"
Kushida Kikyou also nodded repeatedly.
"What Natsu made is even better than the desserts at the shop we were going to go to!"
Although in her heart she wished she could stab Shikime Natsu, at this moment, her taste buds were honestly conquered.
"You flatter me."
Shikime Natsu smiled humbly and naturally sat on the chair next to Ichinose Honami.
He looked at the two who were enjoying the desserts, his gaze seemingly sweeping over Kushida Kikyou casually, and then spoke nonchalantly.
"By the way, when I was in the kitchen just now, I seemed to vaguely hear you two mentioning my name in your chat?"
Kushida Kikyou's hand holding the fork paused slightly.
Does this even need a "seemed to"?
This living room is only so big in total. The place where we are sitting is less than ten meters away from the kitchen, and it's a semi-open design.
As long as one isn't deaf, trying to eavesdrop on our conversation is simply too easy, okay?
To actually play dumb here...
Although she was roasting him furiously in her heart, since Shikime Natsu had actively brought it up, there was no need for her to hide it.
"Ah, it's like this."
Kushida Kikyou put down her fork, wiped the corner of her mouth, and revealed that signature sweet smile.
"Wasn't I just asking Ichinose-san for some small tips on class management?"
"But those experiences of Ichinose-san don't seem quite applicable to me."
"So Ichinose-san suggested that I ask you, Natsu."
Speaking of this, she leaned her body forward slightly, hands clasped on her knees, those large, watery eyes looking at Shikime Natsu hesitantly and expectantly.
"Since Natsu can manage Class A so methodically and is also welcomed by everyone in Class A, there must be some unique secret recipe, right?"
"If there is... please be sure to tell me!"
"I also want to be as amazing as Natsu!"
Looking at her appearance of 'humbly seeking advice', the smile at the corner of Shikime Natsu's mouth deepened.
That kind of look made Kushida Kikyou feel inexplicably creeped out inside.
This guy... is thinking of some bad idea again, right?
"A secret recipe... there is indeed a little bit."
Shikime Natsu did not answer directly but asked back in a meaningful tone.
"However, Kushida-san, are you sure you really want to hear it?"
"Some words are very cruel."
Kushida Kikyou's heart went thump, and that uneasy feeling became stronger.
But things having reached this point, with words already spoken to this extent, she could only bite the bullet and proceed.
"Of course I want to!"
She nodded vigorously.
"As long as it can help the class, no matter how difficult it is, I will work hard to overcome it!"
"Please don't hesitate to teach me, Natsu!"
Shikime Natsu held up two fingers and smiled.
"It's very simple. You just need two conditions."
"Which two conditions?"
"The first one is 'Benefit'."
Shikime Natsu said slowly.
"You must possess the ability to bring enough benefits to the class, or rather, be able to let others in the class see tangible advantages from you."
"Only in this way can you win over a certain amount of people's hearts in the class, and then it is possible for them to listen to you."
Kushida Kikyou froze for a moment, then fell into deep thought.
Benefit, huh...
She remembered those past exam questions.
Indeed.
When those past exam questions were placed in front of everyone, even the eyes of those troublemakers who usually didn't listen the most became different.
She nodded, looking at Shikime Natsu with some surprise.
She didn't expect that this guy with a terrible personality would actually be willing to say something substantive.
Seems he isn't completely toying with me.
"Then... what about the second point?"
Kushida Kikyou pressed on, a trace of expectation added to her heart.
"What is the second point?"
Shikime Natsu looked at her, his eyes becoming somewhat playful.
"As for the second point..."
"You need to guarantee that the vast majority of people in the class... are normal people."
"?"
Hearing this sentence, Kushida Kikyou was directly stunned.
W-What does that mean?
Need the vast majority of people in the class to be normal people?
Is this hinting... that in the current Class D, the vast majority of people are not normal people?!
Although deep in Kushida Kikyou's heart, she also felt this way, and even felt that they were simply a bunch of hopeless trash.
But!
Now she was in front of Ichinose Honami!
As the "Little Angel who loves the class," how could she agree with this kind of viewpoint to his face?
"Um... Natsu?"
The smile on Kushida Kikyou's face was somewhat stiff as she asked cautiously.
"What do you mean... by what you want to say?"
"It's very simple."
Shikime Natsu leaned back on the sofa, explaining in a calm tone.
"If they are normal people, as long as you can bring benefits to the class, or can lead everyone to profit together, then based on the instinct to seek advantages and avoid disadvantages, they will definitely listen to you, or at least they won't openly oppose you."
"This is the so-called community of interests."
"However..."
His conversation took a turn.
"For those abnormal people, this set of logic won't work."
"No matter how many benefits you bring to the class, no matter if you run your legs off for them, in their eyes, this is all taken for granted, or even something that should be done."
"They won't be grateful to you; instead, they will feel this is your obligation."
"And once one day, you can no longer bring them benefits, or encounter a slight setback."
"Those people might not only not help you, but will serve as the first to jump out and kick you when you're down, mocking your incompetence, and even actively dragging the class down."
"In summary..."
Shikime Natsu stared into Kushida Kikyou's eyes, saying each word with emphasis.
"No matter how well you do, no matter how much benefit you bring to the class, that kind of person will never be able to approve of you."
"Even when you try to lead everyone forward, he will become the drag who pulls you into the quagmire."
Listening to these words, Kushida Kikyou's pupils trembled slightly.
Too real.
It was simply like he had read out her inner voice directly!
In this instant, several figures that made her want to vomit involuntarily surfaced in her mind.
First was that famous "Three Idiots Trio"—Yamauchi Haruki, Ike Kanji, Sudou Ken.
These three guys were simply the typical representatives of "abnormal people"!
Usually, apart from bragging and talking nonsense, creating noise, they were good for nothing. As long as something slightly didn't go their way, they would start making a huge row, completely disregarding the class's interests.
Especially that waste Yamauchi Haruki; apart from having delusions and dragging others down, what else could he do?
Then there was that stinky woman Horikita Suzune.
Always with a high-and-mighty appearance. Even if she took the initiative to show goodwill, she was ignored by her, and she even mocked and ridiculed her.
And that freak Kouenji Rokusuke.
Although his ability was very strong, he was completely uncontrollable, simply a ticking time bomb.
In Kushida Kikyou's view, these guys were all not normal people!
If Class D didn't have these few people...
If she only faced the remaining ordinary classmates, relying on her own social skills and methods, wanting to become the absolute core of Class D would simply be too easy!
But...
Why did there have to be these few cancers!
Especially those three idiots. On the surface, they obeyed her every word, but in reality?
They were simply uncontrollable waste!
Thinking of this, the resentment in Kushida Kikyou's heart almost overflowed.
She subconsciously glanced at Ichinose Honami beside her.
Ah... how nice.
If only she could swap places with this stupid woman.
If I were also in Class B...
After all, that group of people in Class B looked so simple and easy to cheat. Even someone with a personality like Ichinose Honami could easily become the class leader.
If it were me going there...
Relying on my own means and schemes, ruling Class B would absolutely be a walk in the park—
I could even do better than Ichinose Honami!
This brainless woman, Ichinose Honami, simply isn't worthy of staying in that superior environment of Class B. She should be thrown into Class D to experience the suffering of the human world!
Although she was already frantically cursing that group of classmates in her heart, Kushida Kikyou's face still maintained that smile full of tolerance.
"I feel... everyone in Class D is a normal person!"
"Although everyone might have some small personalities sometimes, essentially they are all very good classmates!"
When saying this sentence, Kushida Kikyou herself felt her stomach churning, disgusted to the point of almost vomiting.
What bullshit am I saying?!
Actually feeling that group of trash are normal people?!
Even I don't believe it, okay?!
Shikime Natsu naturally saw through her duplicity.
He also knew that this was because Ichinose Honami was present, so Kushida Kikyou had no choice but to say this.
Otherwise, once this "Little Angel" personally admitted that some classmates in Class D were "abnormal," the persona she had worked so hard to build would collapse.
Even if this got out, her situation in Class D would become very difficult.
"Is that so?"
Shikime Natsu looked at her with a smile that wasn't quite a smile.
"Since Kushida-san is so confident..."
"Then I wish you good luck."
"Mhm!"
Kushida Kikyou clapped her hands, forcibly ignoring Shikime Natsu's annoying gaze, and summarized with a smile.
"As long as I work harder next and bring enough benefits to everyone, I can definitely unite everyone!"
"I believe everyone will definitely understand my intentions!"
Just then.
An abrupt ringtone rang out.
It was Kushida Kikyou's phone placed on the table.
She glanced at the caller ID.
"Sorry, I'll take a call."
"It's okay, you can go to the balcony over there to take it."
Shikime Natsu pointed in the direction of the balcony where clothes were drying and said thoughtfully.
"Ah, thank you, Natsu!"
Kushida Kikyou picked up the phone, smiled apologetically at the two, and then walked away quickly.
After Kushida Kikyou left, only Shikime Natsu and Ichinose Honami remained in the living room.
The air seemed to suddenly become quiet.
"Kushida-san... is really a quite warm-hearted person."
Ichinose Honami couldn't help but sigh with emotion.
"Clearly it's break time, yet she has been thinking about everyone in the class, and even specially came to ask me and Shiki-san for advice."
"I hope she can resolve the problems she encountered as soon as possible."
"Yeah."
Shikime Natsu nodded noncommittally.
Ichinose Honami quickly shifted her attention back to the dessert in front of her.
"Speaking of which..."
She forked up another small piece of pancake and sent it into her mouth, a happy smile overflowing on her face again.
"This dessert made by Shiki-san is really, really delicious!"
"I should say... it's the most delicious dessert I've ever eaten!"
"Aren't you eating, Shiki-san?"
She raised her head, those clear, large eyes looking at Shikime Natsu. Her gaze held a trace of expectation, mixed with a trace of imperceptible regret.
If...
If the relationship between the two were just a little bit closer...
Maybe she could openly cut a small piece of cake now, then bring it to his mouth and say "Ah—" with a smile, right?
What a pity.
We are currently still just... a friend relationship, maybe a classmate relationship?
And the current her also lacked the courage to cross that boundary.
Ichinose Honami's fingers gently rubbed the handle of the fork, a faint bitterness rising in her heart.
Suddenly, as if she thought of something, she hesitated for a moment but still asked.
"Um... Shiki-san."
"Those words you said just now... do you feel that some classmates in Class D are... having some problems?"
She chose her words carefully, not directly using the term "abnormal," but euphemistically saying "having problems."
"Oh?"
Shikime Natsu looked at her with some surprise.
"Why would Ichinose-san think that?"
"Because..."
Ichinose Honami analyzed seriously.
"Didn't Shiki-san stay in Class D for a week before? So you should have a certain understanding of Class D's situation."
"So I feel Shiki-san should be giving very targeted advice."
"And also..."
She lowered her voice slightly.
"Recently I also heard some things about Yamauchi-kun from Class D... I feel that what Shiki-san said just now seems to be somewhat related to Yamauchi-kun."
"Heh..."
Shikime Natsu couldn't help but laugh.
"I guess so."
Shikime Natsu did not deny it.
"After all, it's a class with distinct personalities; there will always be a few special existences."
Speaking of this, he remembered something and asked casually.
"By the way, regarding the matter of Himeno-san... how was it handled?"
Mentioning this name, Ichinose Honami's expression immediately became much more relaxed.
"Mhm! It's already resolved!"
She nodded vigorously, a grateful smile appearing on her face.
"After going back that day, I found Yuki-chan privately to chat and told her my thoughts."
Speaking of this, she seemed afraid that Shikime Natsu would worry, and hurriedly added.
"Ah, right! I didn't mention that it was Shiki-san who told me!"
"I just said... this was what I discovered through my own observation."
"Then we chatted a lot... After chatting, Yuki-chan's whole person seemed to really relax a lot."
"I feel the distance between us has also closed a lot."
Ichinose Honami looked at Shikime Natsu.
"All of this... really is thanks to Shiki-san."
"If it weren't for you, I might never have noticed Yuki-chan's true thoughts, and might even have inadvertently hurt her."
"Thank you so much! You helped me so much... I don't even know how to thank you properly."
"That's good then."
Shikime Natsu smiled gently, his gaze soft.
"No need to be so polite."
"After all, Ichinose-san is a very gentle and kind girl. I am very happy to help a good person like you."
"?"
Ichinose Honami was stunned.
G-Good person?
Is this... being given a Good Person Card?
Shiki-san... really is a quite gentle person.
So gentle to everyone, so considerate.
Even if he is just a little bit good to her, willing to listen to her thoughts a little bit...
Ichinose Honami felt that originally calm heart seemed to beat uncontrollably.
[Ichinose Honami.jpg]
That kind of feeling...
Should be the so-called heartbeat of love, right?
But.
This heartbeat could only be suppressed deep in her heart, with no way to express it to him.
After all...
A person as outstanding as Shiki-san is always surrounded by so many outstanding girls.
Looking at Shikime Natsu's handsome side profile, Ichinose Honami suddenly had a strong sense of crisis.
If I don't go to confess...
If I don't take the initiative...
A person as outstanding as Shiki-san will definitely be snatched away by other girls, right?
Once this thought appeared, it lingered in her mind.
Although the current time, location, and so on were not very suitable.
But...
Ever since she revealed her secrets to him completely that day, she had cared about Shikime Natsu very much.
Especially that day, Shikime Natsu clearly knew her disgraceful past, yet did not reveal a single shred of disdain. Instead, he specially prepared a very delicious meal to comfort her.
That gentleness, that tolerance...
Really made her completely fall for him.
If it wasn't Shikime Natsu...
Ichinose Honami couldn't even imagine who else could be the partner to accompany her in the future?
Moreover...
Usually at school, Shikime Natsu was always surrounded by people, and it was hard for her to find a chance to be alone with him.
Now... Kushida-san happened to be away.
Isn't this a rare opportunity for solitude?
Ichinose Honami's fingers pinched the corner of her clothes tightly, her breathing becoming slightly quicker.
She wanted to probe.
Even if it was just probing a little.
Wanted to know...
In Shikime Natsu's eyes, what kind of existence was she exactly?
Is it... also a little bit special?
The girl did not plan to treat the confession as a charge; she just wanted to understand the enemy situation first and judge how much of a winning chance she had.
Un, just like when she talked to Himeno Yuki and knew the other party's feelings, she also wanted to know a little bit of Shikime Natsu's thoughts.
"Um... Shiki-sa..."
Mustering all her courage, Ichinose Honami finally opened her mouth and called out.
However.
Before she could say the words that followed.
"Sorry, sorry~ kept you waiting!"
Kushida Kikyou walked out holding her phone, a smile on her face.
"It was just a small matter just now, it's already been handled!"
Looking at Kushida Kikyou who suddenly appeared, the courage Ichinose Honami had managed to build up in her heart disappeared completely.
Clearly it was courage built up with great difficulty...
Why did Kushida Kikyou come over so coincidentally?
If it were earlier, she wouldn't have had this thought. If it were later, at least she would have been able to express her thoughts to Shikime Natsu.
But... it just had to be when she planned to speak!
____
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