Keyaki Mall.
On the bustling street, Sakura Airi and Kushida Kikyo walked on either side of Hikigaya, one on the left and the other on the right. Hikigaya could feel sharp glances from people around, and many greeted Kushida Kikyo with friendly smiles. She responded with cheerful waves and smiles each time.
Where does this girl’s charm even come from?
Meanwhile, Sakura Airi kept her head down, shoulders hunched, and followed him timidly.
He felt a twinge of guilt. Taking advantage of such a shy and kind-hearted girl was despicable. But he had to do it if he wanted to get rid of Kushida’s persistent attention. Acting as unpleasant as possible was the plan, even if it hurt Sakura Airi’s impression of him.
"Well, what should we eat?" Hikigaya asked indifferently, putting on a cold expression that he hoped would drive Kushida away.
Kushida Kikyo clasped her hands behind her back and continued smiling. "Since this is an apology, you can decide, Hikigaya-kun."
"Eh? You’re asking me?" Hikigaya was genuinely surprised.
Usually, the person inviting would have a place in mind. Isn’t that how this works? But since she put the choice on him, he had two options:
One, he could choose something expensive to teach her a lesson about financial pain. But that could also mean Sakura Airi, who probably had few personal points, would have to spend money. That was unacceptable.
Two, he could choose something simple and unappealing to most girls.
"Then, how about ramen?" Hikigaya suggested, feeling oddly proud of his choice. Ramen shops, especially ones like Jiro Ramen, usually cater to middle-aged men. Definitely not a popular choice for girls.
"Ramen? I like it! Hikigaya-kun, do you have any recommendations?" Kushida Kikyo replied without hesitation. Sakura Airi continued to trail behind, head still lowered.
Wait, did she just say she likes ramen? But she obviously knows nothing about it! This school only has one ramen shop, Jiro Ramen. If she truly liked ramen, she would’ve known that. She’s lying through her teeth.
"No, I don’t like that place," Hikigaya replied flatly. "It’s just the only option available. Jiro Ramen isn’t special at all. That’s just common sense."
"Really?" Kushida clapped her hands with a bright smile. "Hikigaya-kun knows so much. That’s amazing~"
Hikigaya stared at her, his dead eyes full of suspicion. This woman was too good at lying. Her deception was flawless.
"What about you, Airi?" Hikigaya turned to her.
"Eh? I-I’m fine with anything." Sakura Airi’s voice trembled.
He sighed internally. So much for having a quiet meal with Airi-chan.
The trio walked into the Jiro Ramen shop. The establishment was filled mostly with middle-aged men—probably school staff and some students from athletic clubs grabbing a quick meal.
They approached the ticket vending machine.
"Since this is an apology, I’ll cover it," Kushida offered cheerfully.
"No, no!" Sakura Airi quickly waved her hands. "I should be the one to thank Hikigaya-kun for helping me."
The two girls began politely bickering over who would pay.
"Let Kushida handle it," Hikigaya interjected.
Sakura had been dragged here by force. It wouldn’t be right for her to spend money. If anyone should pay, it was Kushida.
"Well, if you insist," Kushida said, her smile stiff but intact. She was cursing him internally, that much he could tell.
They inspected the menu. Soy sauce ramen, tonkotsu ramen, miso ramen—the options seemed overwhelming to the girls.
"What do you usually order, Hikigaya-kun?" Kushida asked sweetly.
"Pork bone ramen." Hikigaya replied.
"Then I’ll have the same."
"M-Me too," Sakura Airi added hesitantly.
Kushida paid for three tickets and handed them over to the waiter. They took seats at the bar, with Kushida and Sakura sitting on either side of Hikigaya.
Now came the final test.
"Are you wire?" the waiter asked Hikigaya, recognizing him as a regular.
"Yeah."
"What about you two?" the waiter turned to Kushida and Sakura.
"Wire?" Sakura Airi repeated, her expression utterly confused.
"Wire" was ramen slang for the hardest noodle texture, popular with seasoned ramen lovers but not something most girls would order.
Kushida kept smiling but was clearly agitated. Of course, she didn’t know the terminology. She hadn’t done her homework. This was Hikigaya’s final trap.
"Umm... I’ll take something softer," Sakura Airi mumbled nervously.
The waiter nodded approvingly and looked at Kushida. "Are you sure you want ’wire’? First-timers usually prefer something softer."
Kushida forced a smile. "I prefer my noodles harder."
Hikigaya nearly burst out laughing. Her pride was forcing her to pretend even when it was obvious she was lying.
The bowls of ramen arrived. Hikigaya immediately started slurping his noodles, his expression unchanged. It was mediocre at best, but it was filling and cheap.
"Ah! This is delicious!" Sakura Airi’s eyes lit up as she took a bite.
Hikigaya couldn’t help but smile. It was unexpected but somehow reassuring. She wasn’t pretending.
"Yeah, it’s pretty good," Kushida chimed in, pretending to enjoy the ramen. But Hikigaya knew better.
She was struggling to eat the hard noodles.
This was far from over. Kushida Kikyo’s lies would be exposed, no matter how good she was at pretending. He would make sure of it.