"I really wanted to see you two chatting in real-time, though... Too bad."
"Miyama, why are you so intent on hooking me up with your friends? You were the same way with Ichinose."
"Well... this time, it's partly because Rui-chan seemed like she might actually like you, Ryouta."
"But?"
"I guess I just wanted everyone to get along."
G-get along with everyone?
"I figured if you got closer to Yuria and Rui-chan, Ryouta, we could all have a fun school life together. When you're at school, you're always reading light novels and don't really look like you're having much fun. Since our seats are so close, I wanted you to enjoy yourself with us, too."
Miyama spoke bashfully, then went back to sipping her frappe.
(M-Miyama...)
Correcting my earlier assessment, I realized Miyama wasn't just some airhead; she was actually a really kind person.
It was that very kindness that made her go out of her way for others in such a peculiar way.
"Don't worry about it, Miyama. Even if I don't force myself to be friends with Ichinose or Kuroki, I have fun just talking to you."
"Really? You have fun hanging out with me?"
"Yeah. I can't really explain it specifically... but it is fun."
It probably wasn't the kind of "fun" she had in mind, but watching her massive breasts jiggle right next to me definitely qualified as a good time (in more ways than one).
"I see... In that case, let's just forget what we were talking about before."
"Huh?"
"About LIME. You don't have to force yourself to message Rui-chan, Ryouta. We'll just let her feelings remain a mystery. From now on, you can just keep hanging out with me! You have fun being with me, right?"
"That's true, but..."
"So from now on, I'm going to make your high school life fun!"
Miyama declared with a smile as bright as the sun.
I found it honestly impressive that she could say something so earnest without any hint of embarrassment.
"Besides, we're in a 'special relationship' since we share a secret. It's only natural that we'd be close!"
"Uh... y-yeah."
Still, there probably weren't any romantic feelings behind those words.
If I weren't such a cynical, gloomy otaku capable of overanalyzing everything, I'd have definitely fallen head over heels for her sincerity.
"You keep my secret, and I keep you entertained. It's a total win-win!"
No matter how I looked at it, I was the only one getting anything out of this... but fine.
"Hey, let me try some of your melon one, too!"
"Mine? Hey, wait—"
Miyama snatched the Matcha and Melon Frappe I’d been nursing and took a sip without a moment's hesitation.
Wh—! Hey! That's an indirect kiss!