Chapter 17 - Koukis Reluctance (1/2)
Rio just smiled slightly and watched the exchange of the four close friends in silence. Though they had spoken without his encouragement, they still carried out the intended effect. In the end, they just followed Rio's subtle manipulation by controlling the conversation. With his knowledge of the official materials, Rio had full confidence in his decisions and moves.
After they calmed down, Kouki said something stupid that riled up Kaori.
”Still, should it be Nagumo? I mean, that guy is hopeless, right?”
”Kouki, how could you?! Take that back! I won't allow you to bad mouth Nagumo and calling him names! Besides, Nagumo is not helpless, though he seems very unreliable and always looked sleep-deprived every morning back in our world and always slept in the class!”
”But, that is what makes him no good, right?” Kouki had a troubled expression after listening to Kaori's protest, which had been hurting Hajime's image further.
”I must agree with Kouki this time, Shirasaki. You don't help his case by saying that.” Ryutarou, at Kouki's side, nodded his head in a sagacious manner while giving Kaori a weird look.
Kaori gasped and looked at Ryutarou with a scandalized look. She then said, ”What?! Even you too, Sakagami? Shizuku, please help me! I want them to know that Nagumo's an amazing person!”
”Er... Try to ask Rio's help.”
Rio raised his brows at Shizuku when she threw off the ball of conversation at him suddenly. They immediately fixed their attention on Rio and waited for his response. Rio couldn't help but heave a sigh of helplessness.
'These guys and girls are still kids, though they are already at their second year in High School,' Rio thought without showing his inner exasperation in his face. He then said, ”Well, try to tell them about what makes you fall in love with Hajime. Perhaps, it will help them to understand his good points.”
After listening to Rio's advice, Kaori's eyes lit up like a Christmas Tree and she started telling Kouki and Ryutarou the story about Hajime who helped the old lady and her grandchild from a group of thugs when they were still at the middle school.
Kouki and Ryutarou had a complicated expression when they heard the story of Hajime's embarrassing and undignified moment despite he was trying to help the old lady and her grandson. In one hand, they were impressed by Hajime's guts. But, on the other hand, the way Hajime's begging to the thugs to stop extorting the old lady and her grandson was just too shameful and embarrassing. They couldn't help but feel pity for Hajime. Kaori was too savage without realizing it!