Even if

'I don't know how he fell for her, but he did express interest in my stories about succhan before.'

There were signs that he was fond of her, but Futaba didn't think it would become this serious. It felt weird for Ran-chan to seriously like someone. Her childhood friend has always shown more interest in basketball and music. It never occurred to her one day that he would take an interest in girls- it still felt strange to her.

Of course, she always considered the possibility that he would get a girlfriend one day. But every time she mentioned it before, he would always say.

'Even if I did get one, I don't think I will care for her as much as I do you.'

Futaba exhaled deeply. Had it been any other guy, she would have found it romantic. But this is Ran-chan, her childhood friend. They are too close for her to see him as a love interest. It doesn't stop others from thinking they are dating, however. The main reason she got bullied before wasn't her appearance. It was because of the girls who liked Ran-chan. The idiot, however, probably has no idea that he was the main cause.

"Ah, I'm beat," Ran said, slumping on the wall beside her.

"Good work." Futaba said, handing him a drink.

He really has gotten better. Suppose that was even possible anymore. Yet, if he could genuinely enjoy himself, then she didn't mind it.

"Is something wrong?"

So he noticed. Even though he is oblivious, slow, and clueless about anything other than basketball and music, he surprisingly understands when she is in upset.

"Nothing. But what will you do about those rumors about you and Su-chan? Idols are prohibited to love, right? It'll be bad if the principal gets wind of it. " Futaba casually asked.

That sentence about the principal, however, was a silly bluff. Their principal was part of the entertainment industry. He understands how it works better than anybody. He is the one who insists that even though they are idols, they must live normal lives too.

"Ha? Even if you say that. Doesn't your cousin control everything?"

"Well, that's true."

Yes, her cousin was amazing. She had heard about the incident during his first year, yet he still became the president. Even though plenty of others could have, too, a flash of glasses appears in her mind. That person has always been in her cousin's shadow, and yet for some reason, it seems like he really doesn't mind it. One other person's image appears in his mind,

"Ran-chan, you should still do something about this, though. Succhan is bothered by it."

"Did she tell you that?" Ran questioned.

"No." Futaba shakes her head.

"Then how do you know?"

Futaba glanced back at the members playing the game. A soft yet lonely look in her eyes.

"Because that person is always like that. Even if something is bothering her, she won't say it. She's always thinking of others' happiness before her own. She's always doing her best for other people, even if she can no longer speak with them anymore. You know Ran-chan, I understand that your curiosity of Succhan is probably more serious than you let out. However, I'll warn you that girl, whenever it concerns relationships - whenever it concerns love of any type, she always pulls that face. An expression that is completely unreadable, like a completely different person." Futaba paused.

How many times has she seen her friend flinch or look emotionless when it concerns love and relationships in general?

"Succhan may be clumsy and space out a lot. But she isn't the type of person you can trick into a romantic relationship. Normal methods of seduction do not work either." She shakes her head. "It's not just romantic relationships. Succhan is cautious about normal relationships too. She won't hesitate to treat you coldly if you approach her.

"For me, Su-chan is very precious, and that's exactly why, no matter what happens, I want to be able to protect her also." Futaba said. "Even if I'm the last person."

'I made my mind up a long time ago. I will do anything for her.'

Ran looked troubled and nodded. "Alright, I get it." He lightly knocked her forehead with his hands. "I will apologize. However, As long as she has me, I don't give a darn shit about others."

Futaba watched as her childhood friend went back to playing. It was like him to say something like that. However, unfortunately, it's not that simple, Ran-chan. She sighed deeply. He claimed to understand but ruined it.

Ran-chan doesn't know Succhan very well. That person can truly be frightening if she wants to be. Yet despite how frightening she gets, there's always that loneliness in her eyes that never seems to go away.

She recalled the image of her friend smiling with Mashima Toh the other day. She does seem happier, and yet Futaba couldn't help but think there was something wrong. Mashima Toh, there is something about him. Something about his background history. She snuck around Aki-san's office one day and saw what was on his computer.

He was the one who adjusted Mashima Toh's background information. It puzzled her. Why would he do something like that? Her thoughts broke off when somebody called out to her.

"Momoi-San, can you look around for the captain?"

Oh, right, now that she thought about it. Nao wasn't around today. Senbi Nao is Succhan's childhood friend and captain of the basketball team.

"Sure."

Sumire left the gym area. After walking for a few minutes, Futaba hears some familiar voices. She turned only to spot two people talking to each other. That's..Daiki and Hamano-San? Futaba immediately understood. Ehhh, that's quick. She always thought that Daiki wouldn't be the type to interfere until he deemed it was necessary. Then again, Hamano-san has made it clear that he returned for Sumire, and yet his approaches to speak to her have failed so many times.

How many times has Hamano-san joined them for lunch? Moreover, Succhan was the one inviting him, she was giving him a chance, and yet he hasn't done anything.

Unfortunately, after that talk they had, Futaba decided to trust his decision. Maybe she is being too trusting. Normally she is one of the ones who react negatively against those who hurt succhan, and yet Hamano-kun is different from the rest.

"I love her. That I'm sure you're aware of. However, as long as she has you on her mind, she won't bother looking at mine or the others way." Daiki said, frustrated.

"You're being considerate for your friends at this stage? You're the one who actually stands a chance, you know." Atushi scoffed.

Daiki seemed taken aback by this outburst. "What do you mean?"

"Sumire is different when she's with you."