Infiltrating The Girl’s Night Out!

“That’s amazing, Isshiki-kun. I didn’t know you were so knowledgeable about this stuff,” Ayaka said, looking impressed.

Kazumi quickly followed up. “Well, Isshiki-kun is in Information Engineering, after all. He knows his way around apps and programs. He always helps me out with my programming assignments.”

“Wait, then could you teach me next time? I’m really struggling with my programming homework too,” Mina said, leaning in even further.

“Then me too! I have a programming class next term and I’ve been so nervous about it. Isshiki-kun, could I ask you for help?” Yuri, the freshman from the Commerce department, added.

“I’d like to ask as well. I’ve never done any programming, so I was wondering what to do,” said Ayaka from Economics.

It was only then that Toko-senpai finally spoke up.

“It would be a help to me if Isshiki-kun could handle everyone’s programming assignments. I’m quite busy with classes this term, and I have plenty of my own assignments to deal with,” she said curtly.

Since I had sat down, Toko-senpai had hardly looked my way. She acted as if she had “absolutely no interest in me.”

“We really have been leaning on Toko for everything, haven’t we? I felt bad making her spend time on us when she’s busy,” Mina noted.

“But if we can ask Isshiki-kun, it’ll take the burden off Toko, right?” Manami added.

I replied amiably, “If I’m good enough for you, feel free to ask anytime. Helping with general ed programming classes isn’t a burden for me at all.” I made sure to appeal my only real selling point.

“Yay! Thanks, Isshiki-kun!”

“You know so much about camera apps too. I wish we’d gotten closer sooner.”

“I was thinking the same thing. I should have talked to you more from the start.”

“It’s a waste to let Karen hog you all to herself.”

“Hey, you shouldn’t say that!”

I breathed a private sigh of relief. It seemed the “Operation: Raise Favorability at the Girls’ Meeting” was a success.

Just then, Toko-senpai glanced at her watch and stroked it twice. It was the signal: Leave now.

According to Toko-senpai, the timing of the exit is crucial. Leaving just when the girls are thinking, “I might want to talk a bit more,” is apparently perfect. Staying too long makes them think you’re a nuisance.

“Well, I should get going.” I stood up.

“Eh? You’re leaving already?”

“You should stay a bit longer.”

I gave a regretful smile to the girls. “I have plans with a friend. I want to buy some books for class before that.”

Of course, this was another lie.

“I see. That’s a shame.”

“Let’s talk more next time.”

“See you in the circle!”

“Bye! And don’t forget—help me with that programming assignment!”

I gave a light bow to the girls and left. I had handled everything exactly as Toko-senpai instructed. I’d call her later to hear the results.

“Today went well.”

When evening came and I called Toko-senpai, those were her first words.

“After you left, we stayed and talked, and everyone gave you a very favorable evaluation.”

“Thank you. But this was all thanks to you, Senpai.”

While I was happy to be praised, I couldn’t boast about it in front of the person who had set the whole stage for me.

“That’s not true. You executed what I told you perfectly, and your targeted conversation and natural smile were what did it. Those factors combined led to the high evaluation from everyone there. You should have confidence in yourself.”

Man, being told that by Toko-senpai is actually pretty embarrassing.

“Also, your follow-up regarding Karen-san was appropriate. You defended her without conforming to the group, but you didn’t overdo it—you used just the right amount of words.”

Well, that was also because she told me to “focus on responding and don’t talk too much” in a conversation with girls. Truth be told, I’m just not great at talking to people I don’t know well—especially women.

“With that, the women are almost entirely on your side. If it ever comes out that Karen-san is cheating, she’ll be completely shunned. They’ll think, ‘How could she betray a boyfriend who defends her so kindly?’”

“That’s a relief. Whether the women are psychologically on my side is a huge factor.”

Actually, I had been worried about that. “Dumping them in the most cruel way when they are most in love” is the ultimate revenge, but I was afraid people around us might think, “That’s too much! He didn’t have to go that far,” and start sympathizing with her.

Since Kamokura “stole his junior’s girlfriend,” few people would sympathize with him.

But you never know with the girls. I didn’t think anyone would agree with Karen’s actions, but I’ve heard women are highly empathetic creatures. If they see Karen crying, some might think, “Maybe he didn’t have to do that? Poor Karen.” If girls start protecting her, the impact of the revenge would be halved.

If possible, I want Karen and Kamokura to be taught a lesson thoroughly.

“Yes. I think most girls will be on our side. I have a few ideas for that too. Let’s discuss it next time.”

She’s even thinking about that? Well, if I leave it to Toko-senpai, I’m sure it’ll be fine.

“Well then—”

“Ah, wait a second.” I hurriedly called out to her before she could hang up.

“What is it?”

“It’s about my previous ‘homework’… I have a bit of a favor to ask.”

“Homework?”

“Yes. About the ‘Conditions for a Cute Girl’ that I have to rewrite.”

“Did you reach a conclusion?” Her voice sounded slightly expectant.

“I have an answer in my mind. But I can’t seem to put it into the right words…”

Toko-senpai remained silent.

“So, Toko-senpai, would you spend a day with me sometime soon?”

“Eh? With me?” she asked in a rare tone of surprise.

“Yes. I think ‘cuteness’ differs from person to person. That’s why last time I only said general things. This time, I want to provide an answer that is specifically ‘cute’ for you, Toko-senpai.”

I was dead serious. This was the result of everything I’d been thinking about.

Toko-senpai was silent for a while. I could tell she was hesitating on the other end of the line.

“Please. If you think I’ve said something completely off-base after that day, you can give up on me then.”

She was still silent for a long time. But finally…

“…Alright.” Her voice came back through the phone.

“Thank you!” I couldn’t help the excitement in my voice.

“So, when should I ‘spend the day’ with you?”

“Anytime is fine for me. Whenever works for you, Senpai.”

“Understood. How about next Sunday? I’m free all day then.”

“Perfect! I’ll see you next Sunday then. I’ll contact you later about the time. I’ll handle the destination and the plan!”

“Okay, got it. See you next Sunday…”

The call ended.

Alright, the stage is set. All that’s left is to execute the plan I have in mind. I have to make her satisfied with my answer and become the person she stays with at the “final moment”!

I reaffirmed my resolve.