Chapter 15: The Man Who Knows All the Rumors

The Man Who Knows All the Rumors

I need to get Ijuin and Onizuka to get along again.

The next day, I was feeling completely back to normal, but I continued to think about it while attending class.

How I, the heroine, can avoid falling in love in this world of shoujo manga.

When I think back carefully, I realize that the 'Original' story was about a young girl's heart being shaken by the conflict between two people who are at odds with each other.

Unfortunately, I hadn't finished reading it to the end, so I didn't know who I would end up with or the twist if there was any...

By mediating between Ijuin and Onizuka, I can't completely rule out the possibility that I could twist the story of the manga itself and shatter the romantic flag that would lead them to fall in love with me.

I think I'll take a gamble on that.

In that case, what I have to do doesn't change.

I need to find out more about what happened between them in the past.

Whoever controls the information controls the battle.

Ijuin is the student council president, and Onizuka is so popular.

They're a celebrity at this school, so I'm sure everyone knows them, but when you learn about their past, it's a different story.

The first person who comes to mind as someone who might know about the two's past is Ayanokoji.

However, from the way she spoke, it seemed she didn't really want to talk about the past either.

If there's anyone else I can rely on...

"It seems like it's easier to have secret conversations in secluded places - you often hear people gossiping about other people, you know?"

Suddenly, Nagumo's words came to mind.

That's right, Nagumo, who seems to be taking naps here and there, might be an insider.

In fact, because he's popular with girls, it seems like his information network will naturally expand even if he doesn't have any intention of asking anyone directly.

I look at Nagumo sitting next to me.

Even though it was during class, Nagumo was asleep with his head on the desk.

The third period was physical education, and now it's the fourth period.

There were many students like Nagumo, and the kind world history teacher continued his lesson calmly.

As soon as lunchtime came, I grabbed Nagumo by the scruff of the neck and dragged him to the roof.

Rubbing his sleepy eyes, Nagumo readily followed along, asking, "What is it?"

When we arrived at the back of the water tower where we had lunch yesterday, Nagumo spoke before I could say anything.

"I don't have any money."

"This isn't extortion!"

Even if a high school girl like me were to muggle someone, the man Nagumo is stronger, so if he resists even a little, I'll lose with one punch.

"So, what? Taking me to such a deserted place...are you confessing your feelings?"

"Yeah yeah, what if I really confessed?"

I couldn't help but raise my voice at the lack of tact, but that wasn't the main point.

I clear my throat and get to the point.

"Nagumo, you said you often hear all kinds of rumors."

"Did I say that?"

"Don't act dumb. Do you know about Ijuin and Onizuka's relationship?"

Oh, I guess you won't understand if I just throw out a name.

I realized after saying it that Nagumo nodded and said "Ah~" as if he had seen through everything.

"The relationship between the student council president and the delinquent? I've heard that. Apparently along with Ayanokoji, the three were childhood friends and a close trio."

...I guess it was the right decision to rely on him after all...!

I can't help but grin.

He seems to be knowledgeable about the relationships not only between Ijuin and Onizuka, but also Ayanokoji.

It would be unreasonable to say not to expect anything from Nagumo.

I leaned forward and approached Nagumo.

"So? What else do you know?"

"You're too close, Saotome-san..."

"Ah, sorry..."

I take a step back to suppress my rising excitement.

Nagumo let out a light sigh.

"Anything else I know? Well, I guess..."

Excited, I wait for Nagumo's answer as he looks up as if remembering something.

"Like the girls in Onizuka-kun's fan club resenting you?