COTE: Honami Ichinose Childhood Friend

Chapter 6: I'm not a Loli-Con

Miyano Makoto and Ichinose Honami first went to the restroom to wash their bento boxes, then went together to a nearby convenience store to buy something.

Of course, Ichinose Honami paid with her points.

"Thanks, Honami."

"It's nothing, Makoto. You should keep your points up."

Ichinose Honami's smile never faltered, which made it impossible for Miyano Makoto to judge her psychological state.

Just then, the school broadcast announced that a club orientation meeting would be held at the First Gymnasium at 5 PM.

"Are you interested in clubs, Honami?"

"A little, what about you, Makoto?"

"If they're willing to let me join..."

"What does that mean?"

Miyano Makoto leaned his mouth close to Ichinose Honami's ear,

"Because yesterday, I took their points from them."

"Just say it, why are you so close?!"

Ichinose Honami gently pushed Miyano Makoto away. Her ears quickly flushed red, and her delicate face also took on a light blush.

It seemed that Ichinose Honami was more concerned about the distance between them than the information itself.

Miyano Makoto thought to himself, this was another new piece of information about Ichinose Honami.

"I'm sorry."

..."Makoto, you don't need to apologize."

Ichinose Honami came back to her senses; it seemed she had messed things up again.

"Alright."

Miyano Makoto was speechless. He felt like a fish in a pond, but he couldn't see any other fish.

"We'll see about clubs later; there's no rush anyway."

"Hmm, if possible, I'd like to join the Student Council."

"The Student Council? That's a good idea. Honami was even a Student Council President before, so I think they'll welcome you warmly."

The two chatted idly, spending their lunchtime alone together.

After returning to the classroom, Miyano Makoto was immediately sought out by Befu Ryota.

"I heard from Hamaguchi, you really do have a childhood friend!"

"Yeah, I don't lie..."

"Um... in the future, can you ask your girlfriend—oh, no, no, your childhood friend—to introduce me to some girls?"

Beppu Ryota hooked his arm around Miyano Makoto's shoulder, acting like a good buddy.

"I can, but do you really want to have an inter-class relationship?"

"Is there a problem?"

Beppu Ryota asked back strangely. An inter-class relationship isn't an inter-school relationship, so what's so difficult about it?

Isn't there a ready example right in front of him?

"Uh... then I wish you success in advance."

Miyano Makoto really didn't know what to say. Is the grass always greener on the other side?

Ryuji Kanzaki's eyes flashed, and he spoke:

"Actually, I've known Miyano was an honest person for a long time."

"I think you just saw my bento after class."

Miyano Makoto retorted.

Because boys usually don't make their own bento boxes; if they do, it's basically made by their mother or girlfriend.

This is determined by the national conditions of Country.

And here, his bento obviously couldn't have been made by his mother.

So the answer was obvious.

It was made by his childhood friend!

"Ahem, class is about to start, BEppu, please return to your seat."

Ryuji Kanzaki cleared his throat, trying to ease the awkwardness.

The teacher who walked in from outside just helped him out.

The afternoon class time quickly passed...

"Do you want to go to the club orientation together?"

Ryuji Kanzaki invited.

"No, I already have plans with someone else."

Miyano Makoto rejected Ryuji Kanzaki's invitation and turned his back on him.

"He's a normie with a girlfriend, unlike us..."

Ryuji Kanzaki eventually went to the First Gymnasium with Hamaguchi Tetsuya and others.

...

"Have you been waiting long, Honami?"

Arriving at the Class A classroom door, Miyano Makoto asked.

This was a complete piece of nonsense, as class had just ended.

"Class just ended."

Ichinose Honami indeed retorted as he expected.

"Oh, right, my memory."

Miyano Makoto playfully tapped his own head.

However, he quickly saw a lonely figure in the classroom.

"This is...?"

Miyano Makoto asked, though he already knew.

Ichinose Honami turned to look at the person,

"Sakayanagi Arisu. I heard she has some heart problems."

"Oh, it's Sakayanagi-san. Why don't we invite her to come along?"

..."Okay."

Ichinose Honami thought for a moment and agreed.

"Sakayanagi-san, would you like to come to the club orientation with us?"

Ichinose Honami extended the invitation.

"I'd be delighted."

Although she was alone, Sakayanagi Arisu's tone was so composed.

"Mm-hmm."

Miyano Makoto nodded. This child was quite pitiful. He decided then and there to study medicine starting now, striving to cure this congenital heart disease.

"What is the relationship between Ichinose and Miyano?"

"Childhood friends." x2

The two spoke in unison.

...

"I see. Your feelings are truly strong. I wonder how much longer you can maintain them?"

"Sakayanagi-san, what do you mean by that?"

Ichinose Honami frowned, starting to dislike this person.

"Nothing, you'll know later."

Sakayanagi Arisu smiled mysteriously, making Miyano Makoto curl his lip.

"Honami, don't mind her. She's just a little brat, daring to question our relationship."

"What... did... you... say?"

Before Ichinose Honami could respond, Sakayanagi Arisu spoke word by word, like a cat with its fur bristling.

"What? Is your father being the Chairman of this school giving you confidence? Do you want to write an essay on 'My Chairman Father' right now?"

Miyano Makoto continued to mock her.

"I have never relied on my father here."

This sentence indirectly admitted that the Chairman of this school was her father.

Ichinose Honami was stunned, listening from the side.

"Is that so? Then can you explain to me why you were placed in Class A, while I'm in Class B?"

"What do you mean?"

Sakayanagi Arisu calmed down. Although she didn't want to admit it, having been influenced by her father, her understanding of this school surpassed everyone else's from the very beginning.

Except for Miyano Makoto.

"It means that, according to the class assignment results, I seem to be inferior to you, but in reality, you are no match for me at all."

"Alright, how about we compete later?"

Sakayanagi Arisu challenged, not believing she would lose to anyone in any area other than sports.

"You should first overcome the hurdle of Ayanokoji Kiyotaka before coming to me. Oh, no, I almost forgot, you haven't even secured leadership of your class yet."

..."You bastard."

Sakayanagi Arisu's face turned as black as the bottom of a pot. Although she had gained very valuable information, she felt looked down upon.

Did the other party mean that he didn't even put her in his eyes?

So he could reveal information to her without restraint?

"How do you know about Ayanokoji Kiyotaka?"

Sakayanagi Arisu asked directly. Since the other party already looked down on her, she had to make good use of this disdain.

"I know much, much more than you can imagine."

Miyano Makoto tapped his own head with his finger but did not answer the other party's question.

This made Sakayanagi Arisu gnash her teeth in anger.

"Why does Makoto know these things? And who is Ayanokoji Kiyotaka?"

...

Oh no, the little brat was too annoying. These two questions made Makoto freeze.

He spoke without thinking just now and forgot that Ichinose Honami was still here.

"We'll talk about this tonight."

Miyano Makoto's eyes indicated that Sakayanagi Arisu was still there.

"Alright."

Ichinose Honami let Miyano Makoto off the hook.

It was indeed not good to talk about it with Sakayanagi Arisu, an outsider, present. From Miyano Makoto's expression, he didn't want her to know.

...

Sakayanagi Arisu's heart quietly shattered.

The dog couple was showing off their affection right in front of her! Unforgivable!

"Forget it, seeing how pitiful you are, I'll give you a chance to challenge me after dinner. You can choose the challenge, how about it?"

Seeing Sakayanagi Arisu's dark expression, Miyano Makoto ultimately softened. He couldn't stand the sight of a loli looking so delicate and easily pushed over.

"No need, I'll get my revenge myself."

Sakayanagi Arisu smiled without warmth. She would definitely find an opportunity to get her revenge.

"Alright, we've arrived."

To match Arisu Sakayanagi's pace, their movements were very slow, and after chatting for so long, they finally reached the entrance of the First Gymnasium.

The rotation schedule for club recruitment seemed to have ended, and Horikita Manabu was now standing on the stage.

He cast his gaze in Miyano Makoto's direction, seemingly surprised that some students were still arriving so late.

"...We only welcome those who can understand this matter. That is all."

"Oh, it seems to be over?"

Miyano Makoto tilted his head, "Are we late?"

"Are you stupid? What just ended was only the explanation part; the application for joining clubs is just beginning now."

Arisu Sakayanagi thought Miyano Makoto was crazy.

"Can't you tell I'm trying to lighten the mood? You arrogant brat."

"Dare to say that again."

"Brat..."

ヾ( ^▽^*)))

As Miyano Makoto continued to repeat himself, Arisu Sakayanagi's expression began to calm down.

(●_●)

"Since you say I'm arrogant, what about you?"

"Me? I'm just me, aren't I?"

Miyano Makoto was very confused, not knowing what this brat was talking about.

"Forget it, I don't know where you heard about Ayanokoji Kiyotaka, but please don't interfere with my duel against him."

"If you're sick, go get treated. A duel? Is that something a student should say?"

Miyano Makoto felt that this wasn't Ultraman or something else; couldn't she avoid using the word 'duel'?

"It feels like talking to a brick wall."

Arisu Sakayanagi sighed deeply. She now completely understood that this guy was nothing special; he just got lucky and accidentally heard some inside information about Ayanokoji Kiyotaka and this school.

"I feel the same way."

Miyano Makoto nodded in agreement.

Arisu Sakayanagi had already developed resistance to this; she no longer cared about what Miyano Makoto said.

"Makoto, which club do you want to join?"

Honami Ichinose finally got a chance to speak.

"The Student Council, I heard outside just now that people who want to join the Student Council cannot participate in other club activities simultaneously."

"Is that so? Then let's go together. Sakayanagi-san, do you want to come along too?"

"No, thank you for Honami Ichinose's kindness."

Arisu Sakayanagi declined Honami Ichinose's suggestion. She had no intention of joining any club or the Student Council.

Her body didn't support her doing so.

"Alright, in that case, Sakayanagi-san, please wait for us~"

After settling Arisu Sakayanagi in a seat in the gymnasium, the two went to fill out and submit their Student Council application forms.

"Your name is Miyano Makoto, correct?"

Horikita Manabu watched Miyano Makoto fill in the name section on the form and slowly spoke.

Honami Ichinose cast a worried glance at Miyano Makoto.

"Yes, Student Council President, do you have any instructions?"

Miyano Makoto continued filling out the form without looking up.

Reason for joining the Student Council?

Because I want to join.

After fluently writing the rest of the information, Miyano Makoto finally looked up and met Horikita Manabu's gaze.

"Club members told me that you helped them a lot yesterday."

Horikita Manabu's tone was devoid of emotion.

"This is a merit-based school, isn't it?"

Miyano Makoto replied indifferently. Isn't it just acting cold? He could do that too.

"That's correct, but don't you think class unity is also very important?"

"If Honami and I were assigned to the same class, I think I would agree with you."

The two conversed like two emotionless AIs, their tones cold.

"You mean emotions are more important than other things, right?"

"Yes."

Miyano Makoto nodded.

"In that case, welcome to the Student Council."

"President Horikita..."

Akane Tachibana, who was nearby, said worriedly.

She was the Student Council secretary, responsible for recording Student Council meetings.

"It's alright, I have my own plans."

Horikita Manabu motioned for Tachibana Secretary not to worry.

"But I have one condition."

Miyano Makoto suddenly pulled back the application form that was about to be collected.

"What condition?"

Horikita Manabu remained calm.

"Honami has to come with me."

"Of course, welcome both of you to the Student Council."

Horikita Manabu decisively agreed to Miyano Makoto's request, and both of their application forms were taken by Tachibana Secretary.

"Mm, I'll help you."

Miyano Makoto said something nonsensical.

Horikita Manabu's pupils suddenly contracted upon hearing this. He took a deep look at Miyano Makoto.

"I look forward to it."

Finally, the two said no more and left the scene.

"Makoto, what did President Horikita mean just now?"

"I'll tell you tonight, I'll tell you tonight."

Not long after they left, Honami Ichinose eagerly wanted to know the answer, so Miyano Makoto could only put her off until the evening.

Definitely tonight.

"Alright, Makoto seems to owe me quite a few answers."

Honami Ichinose took Miyano Makoto's hand.

"Let's take Sakayanagi-san back first."

"Mm, you're right."

The two returned to the seat where they had just settled Arisu Sakayanagi, who was obediently staying in her seat, unmoving.

"How was it? Are things taken care of?"

"Mm, thanks to Makoto, both of us have now joined the Student Council."

"Already joined?"

Arisu Sakayanagi repeated the phrase.

Honami Ichinose nodded.

"If that's true, it seems my evaluation of you was mistaken."

Arisu Sakayanagi generously admitted her mistake.

"And my evaluation of you has no problems at all. You really should go to Class D for some experience."

Miyano Makoto still had that annoying look, but she had brought it upon herself.

"How so?"

Arisu Sakayanagi paid serious attention to Miyano Makoto's words for the second time.

The last time was when Miyano Makoto mentioned Ayanokoji Kiyotaka and the inside story of this school.

That was not long ago.

"First, dinner. After we eat, let's have a round."

"A round of what?"

"Chess? Isn't that your favorite?"

"...You certainly seem like someone who would know something like that. I agree."

Honami Ichinose looked at Miyano Makoto with a strange gaze, but this time she didn't interrupt. She planned to ask all her questions tonight.

Tonight's dinner was on Arisu Sakayanagi. The three enjoyed a luxurious meal in the cafeteria.

"You're really not holding back, are you?"

Arisu Sakayanagi smiled slightly, watching Miyano Makoto devour his food, not minding such a small thing.

"You can give me anything you can't finish."

"No!"

Honami Ichinose sternly refused Miyano Makoto's request,

"Sakayanagi-san's leftovers can go to me, and my portion can go to Makoto."

"You really are..."

Arisu Sakayanagi was a bit speechless; she wasn't bothered, but Honami Ichinose was!

Miyano Makoto was nine-tenths full this time, feeling incredibly satisfied.

"It seems I'll have to buy Makoto another bento box in the future."

Honami Ichinose made up her mind.

"Alright, now that dinner is finished, shouldn't we begin?"

"No problem, Sakayanagi-san, you should have a chess set, right?"

"..."

"It seems not."

"I'll go to the store and buy one right now!"

Honami Ichinose quickly went and returned, immediately bringing a brand new chess set.

"What about the location?"

"At my dorm."

Seeing Arisu Sakayanagi's gradually strange gaze, Miyano Makoto added,

"Of course, Honami will be there too."

The three arrived at Miyano Makoto's dorm entrance.

Seeing Honami Ichinose naturally pull out her magnetic card from her pocket to swipe and open the door, Arisu Sakayanagi's expression didn't waver in the slightest.

Through what happened today, she had already realized that the feelings between these two were much stronger than she had previously imagined.

"Please come in."

Miyano Makoto made a welcoming gesture.

"Heh heh, I'm starting to like you a little."

"But I'm not a loli-con, so please don't like me."

Arisu Sakayanagi's previously bright expression instantly darkened again.

She had just said the wrong thing.

Sure enough, she still couldn't bring herself to like this guy.