Chapter 405 If?
After Uchimaki Subaru exposed himself, Usami felt a sigh of relief.
At the same time, Kaede and Eriri both saw a fleeting look of disappointment on Imari Maria's face, and exchanged a surprised glance.
Although it was fleeting, both Kaede and Eriri were sure they had seen it.
Kaede was very surprised, because he was certain that today was truly Uchimaki Subaru's first day meeting Imari Maria. But looking at Imari, she really did have a slight crush on Uchimaki Subaru, but because it was only a slight one, there wasn't a very obvious blessing. Kaede and Eriri discovered it entirely because they happened to be observing Imari.
However, no matter what, judging by Imari's current behavior, it was unlikely she would get involved after Uchimaki Subaru and Usami's relationship was discovered.
As for how to handle her relationship later, that would depend on the discussion between Uchimaki Subaru and Usami.
Looking at the two, Imari asked curiously, "Oh~~ I didn't expect Student Uchimaki and Usami-san to be dating! It seems like no one in class knows!"
Blushing slightly, Usami said, "Well, I'm quite shy, only a few friends know. Imari-san, please don't tell anyone!"
"Mhm, no problem!"
Imari gave a thumbs-up and said with a smile, "I'm the best at keeping secrets!"
For now, it seems like they're getting along quite well?
Imari didn't delve into their relationship, but instead walked around the Art Club, looking left and right, and asking many questions, all of which were answered by the president.
After understanding, Imari nodded and fell into thought.
The president said with a smile, "Imari-san, are you thinking about whether to join the Art Club? Actually, even if you don't have an art background, you can still join, as long as you're willing to learn."
"Hmm~~~ My drawing skills are really not good, I'm very clear about that."
After explaining, Imari clapped her hands and said, "I've decided! Although the Art Club is very good, I've decided not to join. It's not my favorite option! Although there are super amazing light novel authors and manga artists here, after careful consideration, I've decided to keep looking!"
Everyone was surprised by this.
Everyone in the school knew that not just anyone could join the Art Club, and the president's question just now had already indicated that if Imari wanted to join, she could actually join directly.
But unexpectedly, Imari still chose to refuse, and instead wanted to find other clubs that she was more interested in.
Since she refused, the president didn't insist, and nodded with a smile: "I see. Well, if you want to join later, you're welcome."
"Mhm, thank you, senpai!"
After thanking him, Imari said to everyone, "Thank you for your time today. I plan to go look at other clubs. See you all tomorrow!"
With that, Imari turned and left the Art Club.
After she left, the smile on Usami's face instantly vanished. She puffed out her cheeks, nudged Uchimaki Subaru, and whispered, "Hmm~ from the look of you, you were having a great time chatting with her just now, weren't you?"
Uchimaki Subaru never expected Usami to change her expression so quickly. He had thought everything was fine, and could only say awkwardly, "Well, I said it too, I just happened to see her, and she's a transfer student who just arrived today. As classmates, we can't just ignore her, can we? Usami, don't overthink it, there's nothing much to it."
"Hmph!"
Turning her head, with her back to Uchimaki Subaru, Usami said, "We'll see how you behave when we go shopping later."
Scratching his cheek, Uchimaki Subaru looked at Kaede for help.
In response, Kaede could only spread his hands helplessly, indicating that Uchimaki had to solve this himself.
Exhaling, Uchimaki Subaru said, "No problem, Usami, I'll go wherever you want to go later."
Only then did a satisfied smile appear on Usami's face.
After club activities ended.
On the way home, Eriri walked leisurely, holding Kaede's arm.
"Kaede-kun, we weren't mistaken before, were we? That Imari-san really seems to have a bit of a crush on Uchimaki? How did that Uchimaki guy manage that?"
"Hmm~~~"
Kaede thought for a moment and speculated, "Maybe it's because they have common interests? You know, for otaku, if two people with common topics and hobbies meet, they can easily become friends. Wasn't it the same with you and Eriri before? After I discovered your hobby, our relationship gradually improved."
"Oh, right..."
Eriri nodded in sudden realization: "Girls are indeed emotional, especially otaku girls. They have few people to talk to in the first place, so when they meet someone, as long as the other person isn't bad, they can easily get along. And Uchimaki isn't bad-looking to begin with, so it's normal for Imari to develop a slight crush on him. Oh dear, what a pity, if Mizuki and Uchimaki hadn't started dating yet, wouldn't it have potentially turned into a love triangle?"
"..."
Kaede looked at Eriri speechlessly, raised his hand and poked her forehead, saying, "You, Usami is your good friend, don't say such things."
"Hehe, I'm just kidding, of course I wouldn't really think that way." Covering her forehead, Eriri laughed, "If it really developed like that, it would be very troublesome!"
"It would indeed be quite troublesome."
After thinking for a moment, Kaede looked at Eriri with a smile and asked, "By the way, Eriri, what if before you and I started dating, a girl who was close to me, had a lot in common with me, and also liked me, suddenly appeared and actively pursued me? In that situation, what would you do?"
"Eh?"
The rapid jump in topic caught Eriri off guard. She frowned and thought for a long time before saying, "I really don't know. At that time, before I was dating you, Kaede-kun, to be honest, I probably wouldn't know how to act. Hmm... Let me think. Most likely, I would secretly observe you and that girl by myself at first? After coming home, I'd sulk alone? When Mom found out, I wouldn't want to talk about it at first, until this situation continued for a few days and I couldn't hold it in anymore, then I'd talk to Mom, and finally Mom would help me strategize. That's probably how it would progress."
"You really understand your past self, don't you?"
Pulling his arm out of Eriri's embrace, Kaede put his arm around her shoulder and said with a smile, "But I think that would probably be a story from another world line; it's impossible for it to happen to us."
"Hehe, I think so too!" Eriri said with a smile, rubbing against Kaede's shoulder, then pointed ahead and said, "Oh, it's Taiga and Takasu! Kaede-kun, let's hurry over. Those two haven't gone home yet, they're probably out playing!"
Kaede also saw Takasu Ryuji and Aisaka Taiga ahead, nodded with a smile, and quickened his pace to catch up.