𝐃𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐑𝐞𝐝 - [ʜɪᴀᴛᴜs]

𝟎𝟎𝟐: 𝐓𝐢𝐧𝐲 𝐋𝐢𝐞

You were now sitting on a park bench with Tachibana eating ice cream cones she got from her place. You learned she lives a floor above you at the apartment you live in.

She's been trying to plan things out for you to talk to the two guys who popped up at your school. Tachibana was blabbering about how you could meet "him" again through Hanagaki.

"Wait, which one do you like?"

"Uh... Mikey."

STOP GOING ALONG WITH THIS LIE.

Tachibana got more excited, talking about how cute it was if a 'quiet girl like you' were to get together with a guy who seems more social than you were. She then started referencing Shojo manga and rom-com movies with that trope. As you're eating your ice cream it dawned upon you.

Maybe I can prevent Hanagaki and Draken's death if I'm affiliated with them.

But through 'liking' Mikey? You didn't even know him. There are definitely better ways to be affiliated with them instead of you having a fake crush.

Why did I have to panic and say the stupidest thing...

Suddenly Tachibana jumps up from her seat, surprising you. She turns to you with a big smile on her face.

"I know. We could go on a double date!" The pink-haired girl excitedly says, making you sweat. You look at her awkwardly, "You really don't have to-"

"Yes, I do! I'll do anything I can to help a friend!" Tachibana retorts, giving you an excited thumbs up. She doesn't seem like the type to take no for an answer.