Ayanokouji What If: Popularity Time

V7.5 Chapter 4: Blooming Flowers In The Freezing Snow

                           Kiyotaka Pov

"That movie really was excellent," I said as we all stepped out into the sunlight. Following the end of the movie, Sato said she needed to go to the bathroom.

Beside me, Kikyo nodded, "It was a bold decision to have Shrek leave the movie so early, but I think it ended up working out."

"Right? That movie involved a lot of risks in the storytelling, but it definitely paid off."

"How are you enjoying this little date?" asked Kikyo, a cold look in her eyes directed toward the women's restroom.

Taking this clear sign of jealousy as an opportunity, I said, "Very fun, to say the least. She's a lot more interesting than she would make you think when she hangs out with Karuizawa all the time."

Kikyo rolled her eyes, "There's nothing behind those eyes of hers, she's an idiot. Hell, you've agreed with me on that same fact before."

"She's managed to turn my opinion of her into a more positive one. Sato has some very interesting opinions when you actually talk to her one-on-one," I insisted.

Kikyo scowled, "You know she only acts that way to impress guys, right?"

"What do you mean?"

"It's pretty obvious what I mean. Sato told us girls that she researches what guys are into and adopts that persona to try and seduce him," clarified Kikyo, her nose wrinkling as she spoke.

Kikyo is clearly lying about Sato to paint her in a negative light so I wouldn't like her as much. If she had told me this before I would have believed it, but due to the recent events, I don't trust her lies one bit.

"Lying about Sato isn't kind," I continued, "She's a very smart girl, maybe you should get to know her more. You'd also be pleasantly surprised."

"I'm not lying about anything," she said with a shrug, "You don't have to believe me, I'm only trying to help you out."

Textbook manipulation. I've been trained to see through and counter it.

Sato returned with a smile, stuffing her phone into her pocket, "Ayanokouji-Kun, let's go out to eat!"

She came back from the bathroom with her phone out. Was she calling somebody?

Also, she discluded Kikyo from when she was asking if we wanted to go out to eat.

Her phone call must be related to her intrusion on the date. Was she asking for help? Emotional or physical?

Before I could ask, Kikyo said, "Can I come along as well, Sato-Chan?"

"Well, I made a reservation," replied Sato, a smug look on her face, "A reservation for only two. The restaurant is rather busy because there are so many couples there! So I could only get me and Ayanokouji-Kun a seat in there."

I looked over at Kikyo, and I could tell she was angered extremely by this. Was she mad at Sato's grammar or the fact that she wasn't included in the restaurant? Unfortunately, I hadn't seen this part of the plan coming, even though I certainly should have.

"Aww, don't worry," said Kikyo, maintaining her facade, "I'll see if I can squeeze myself in somewhere!"

"Are you sure? You shouldn't waste your time, it's a busy place. They're probably all booked."

"Hmm, but you said that a lot of couples eat there? Then that surely means they surely have a place for one in there, right?"

Most restaurants have booths and bar stools, for groups and single seatings respectively. Kikyo's logic isn't flawed per se, but she's clearly pushing things with Sato.