"We're back!"
In an empty classroom, two upperclassmen led the trio inside. The other members of PaB were already waiting.
"You guys took way too long!"
"Hurry up and start drinking already!"
"..."
The senior members urged them impatiently—they had been waiting for quite a while.
At the Door
Shiro looked at Iori, who was crouching suspiciously, with a deadpan expression.
"Iori, what are you doing? Cosplaying as a thief? I don't think a thief would sneak into a room full of burly men to steal things."
"Shhh!!!"
Iori frantically gestured for Shiro to stay quiet.
"Chisa got really mad! I need to lay low for a bit!"
Tokita and Kotobuki, who had just noticed Iori hiding, overheard their conversation.
"Oh yeah, about that whole beauty contest thing where you lifted her skirt."
"Well, as a man, you should take responsibility for your actions. Be prepared."
Iori shot them a deadpan look.
"…So, you guys really don't feel even a shred of guilt for setting me up?"
He glanced back into the room again and, realizing that Chisa wasn't there, sighed in relief.
"Alright then, I'll be making my escape! You guys handle things for me here!"
"Sure, we don't mind covering for you, but… I'd suggest you check behind you first."
Shiro gave him a strange look and pointed behind him.
Iori turned around, confused, only to be met with an extremely cute face right in front of him.
!!!
The atmosphere instantly became unbearably awkward…
"You've got the wrong person…"
"I haven't even said anything yet."
Chisa looked at Iori calmly. A case of mistaken identity? Even if he turned to ashes, she wouldn't mistake him!
"Let me explain, Chisa! That was all part of a plan to bring out your charm! In other words, it was to let more people see how adorable you are—"
Iori started rambling in panic. If he didn't explain himself properly, he might end up in a box tonight!
Chisa, watching him struggle to defend himself, let out a deep sigh.
"…Forget it."
"Eh?"
Iori was stunned. What did that mean?
"Does that mean you forgive me?"
"You owe me a favor."
"Seriously?!"
Iori's face instantly lit up with excitement. He couldn't believe it! He actually got through this life-or-death crisis so easily!
Chisa is the best!
"Thank you, Chisa! Next time, I'll definitely buy you an even sexier set of lingerie!"
"..."
Chisa suddenly felt like she had made a very bad decision. But it was fine, there would be other opportunities later.
"He barely got forgiven, and he's already dancing on the edge of death again."
"I mean, he already saw everything, right?"
"This pervy bastard."
"Hey, what do you think will happen if Nanaka finds out about this?"
Shiro's lips curled into a terrifying smile. Looks like he'd be adding another favor to his list!
"Alright, alright, since he's been forgiven, let's move on."
The other upperclassmen said. After all, this was a party!
"Chisa, what do you want to drink?"
Tokita looked at Chisa—their champion, their MVP!
"I'll take something with a lower alcohol content."
Chisa answered. As a member of PaB, she was used to drinking, though not to the ridiculous extent of the three lunatics over there.
"And you guys?"
Tokita turned to the trio.
"Oolong tea."
"Same here."
"I… whatever, oolong tea works."
Shiro and the other two didn't have any expectations. At this point, it was bound to be hard liquor. Even oolong tea was considered "low alcohol" for them.
They had tried choosing other drinks before, but aside from the color, nothing about them was ever what it seemed!
Oolong tea was fine. At least… it was something they were familiar with.
The three of them took their oolong tea and drank it without a second thought. By now, they didn't even need a lighter, they had already proven through experience that PaB never served normal oolong—
!!!
What was this?!
This texture!
This taste!
The three of them looked like they had just discovered a new continent!
"No way?!"
"It's actual, real oolong tea?!"
"Mom… I think I'm dreaming!"
Shiro, trembling, pulled out a lighter.
Click—
It didn't ignite!!!!
Tears streamed down Shiro's face. Oolong tea! Real oolong tea!
He couldn't even remember the last time he had real oolong tea!
Even though he lived alone, for some reason, he never even considered buying anything besides alcohol at the convenience store. It had been so long since he last had oolong tea!
The two upperclassmen who handed them the drinks looked utterly confused.
"What's wrong with you guys? Of course, it's oolong tea."
"We were just messing with you before. We can't serve you guys that stuff every time. Sometimes, we drink normal things too."
Looking at the oolong tea bottles in their upperclassmen's hands, the three of them felt like they were melting with happiness.
"Eh(?￣?д￣??) It's real oolong teatea"
"PaB actually has some restraint!"
"Even the wildest beasts have their limits!"
"..."
Tokita and Kotobuki stared at them blankly. Did these three misunderstand something?
Shiro looked at the smiling faces of the upperclassmen and the table full of low- and non-alcoholic drinks.
His heart felt healed.
So PaB could have normal drinking parties too!
This atmosphere—aside from the lack of young, beautiful college girls—was exactly like the university drinking parties he had imagined!
Maybe a normal life was finally about to begin!
Ding dong, ding dong—
A sudden chime shattered Shiro's fantasy. He looked up. Before he knew it, it was already 6 PM. By this time, the school festival should be ending.
["The time is now 6 PM. The school is now closed to the public."]
As expected, the announcement signaled the festival's end.
Shiro lazily sipped his oolong tea. His first university festival, though filled with bizarre encounters (zombie cosplayers, CEO Kudou, the rugby club), was overall pretty great!
It wasn't much different from what he had imagined a university festival would be like.
At this moment, he suddenly felt like drinking some beer.
However, something about the atmosphere felt off.
The smiles of his upperclassmen sent a chill down his spine…
The next second, Shiro witnessed something he would never forget for the rest of his life!
"LIMIT RELEASE!!!"
The upperclassmen exploded out of their clothes!!!
In an instant, every upperclassman (except the freshmen) transformed into their most comfortable state!
At the same time, all the low-alcohol and non-alcoholic drinks on the table vanished!
Replacing them were bottles of hardcore liquor—nothing below 40% alcohol content!!!
Even the "oolong tea" in Shiro's hand had somehow been swapped for PaB's special version!
"..."
Shiro stared blankly at the scene, feeling nothing in his heart.
As expected… these wild beasts could never truly change!!!
Oh well… this was normal.
Shiro sighed. Whatever. A drinking party was fine. Let's just celebrate Chisa's victory!
Speaking of which, where was their champion?
BANG!
A loud thud drew Shiro's attention. Their champion had just slammed a 4-liter bottle of raw shochu in front of Iori!
Her eyes were devoid of emotion…
Shiro silently looked away. He didn't need to watch to know what was going to happen next.
He knew it, there was no way the beauty pageant incident would just be let go so easily…
Hope you survive drinking that 4 liters!
"Drink it!"
............…
"Man, Kitahara really got it rough… But I guess this is what youth is all about. Thankfully, Chisa is a natural airhead. Otherwise, that guy would've been buried alive by now."
Shiro muttered to himself as he walked down the hallway. If it were any normal girl, Iori's constant stripping would've already landed him in jail!
"Speaking of which, where the hell is Azusa-nee?"
He looked around. The whole reason he came out was to find Azusa, and by now, she should've arrived already.
Suddenly, he heard voices coming from around the corner!
And for some reason, they sounded oddly familiar. Shiro's eyes narrowed, and he instinctively crouched down like a cat.
Around the corner
A man with a panda-like black eye was cornering a beautiful purple-haired woman, clearly unwilling to back down.
"Hey now, didn't we agree to this in the morning?"
"Ahaha… I already have plans."
Azusa sighed helplessly. She hadn't expected to run into this guy again. Didn't he have enough of an Osaka-style beatdown earlier today?
The panda-eyed man was none other than Kudou, the president of TB. And at this moment, he was seething with rage!
That squinty-eyed bastard gave him a fake phone number! When he called, he was met with the rough voice of some old dude! Kudou was so startled he nearly smashed his phone!
All the bad luck he had today was because of that infuriating squinty-eyed jerk. If he ever saw him again—
"Don't worry about it, it's just that squinty-eyed guy from before—"
"THOUSAND YEARS OF DEATH!!"
"AAAAAHHHHHHH!!!"
Before Kudou could even finish his sentence, he clutched his backside and leapt into the air like his soul had ascended to another plane of existence!
Meanwhile, Shiro was still in a forward-thrusting stance, smugly satisfied with his handiwork.
That strike just now? Pure Kakashi-level mastery!
…Too bad Kudou wasn't as cooperative as Naruto. He didn't go flying.
Hmm. Maybe I should shrink him down first?
But wait—there's already a shrunk-down Kudou. Can't have two characters overlapping, now can we?
"PFFT—AHAHAHAHAHAHA!!"
Azusa burst into laughter, the sight before her simply too hilarious. She nearly collapsed onto Shiro from laughing so hard.
"Poke, poke~ Shiro, you're way too evil."
Shiro looked down at Kudou, who was now on his knees, clutching his rear. He was already thinking about which brand of hand sanitizer to use later.
"Kudou-san, you're amazing. You didn't even bleed~"
"PFFFT—"
Azusa laughed even harder. This guy doesn't just attack people, he goes straight for their dignity! No blood? Just what kind of implications does that have? ( ￣ω￣ )
!!!
Kudou's face twisted in pure rage as he glared at the duo before him. He was so furious he was about to explode!
"You damn squinty-ey—ngh! Ohh~"
He tried to yell, but the lingering tearing sensation from behind immediately shut him up.
…Wait, why does this actually feel kinda—
Shiro's face twisted in disgust as he quickly yanked Azusa away, putting distance between them.
Wait a minute. Is this guy actually a bottom?!
Without hesitation, he pulled out his phone. This moment needs to be recorded.
Meanwhile, Azusa's eyes gleamed as she stared at Kudou.
"Wait… Could this be one of those guys who overcompensate by chasing women just to hide the fact that they're actually a bottom?"
Kudou silently turned his head away as he looked at those glowing eyes and the constantly lighting-up phone.
Damn it! Why isn't anyone passing by this place?!
Isn't this bullying?!
Why is there still bullying in college?! And it's a first-year and a Oumi girl bullying him, a third-year at Izu University!!!
Seeing Kudou's miserable state, Shiro felt like he might have gone a little too far.
Kudou-senpai seemed to have been kneeling with his butt raised for a long time… Could it be…
He's a pervert! He's using this as an excuse to unleash his true nature!
Damn it, he's been using me! I can't let him corrupt the eyes of innocent female college students!
Then, under Kudou's terrified gaze and Azusa's flashing eyes, Shiro took off his shirt!
Oh!
Azusa excitedly covered her mouth. Shiro! Shiro has finally… This is too exciting! But why is the target this guy? If only it were Iori or Kohei!
"Don't catch a cold, Senpai~"
With a kind smile, Shiro placed his shirt over Kudo's butt!
Then, he stepped back and nodded in satisfaction at his work. This way, no one's eyes would be polluted!
The light in Azusa's eyes faded at this scene.
What the heck? I thought Shiro had finally awakened… Looks like there's still a long way to go.
(メ｀ロ′)/!!!
Kudou couldn't hold back anymore!
"You damn squinty-eyed bastard!!! Do you even realize what you've done?! You're the real pervert here! You **** this shirt *** which normal person would *****
****Mmmph!!!"
Due to the high profanity level, Shiro directly stuffed a pink ball into Kudou's mouth, finally silencing him…
Satisfied once again with his work, Shiro pulled Azusa away. The senpais were still waiting for him.
"Man, that profanity level was way too high."
"For real. But Shiro, you were amazing!"
"Of course! By the way, if I hadn't come, what were you planning to do?"
"Uh… Maybe let him enter the pageant and cheer him on?"
"…Do you even believe that yourself?"
"Hahaha, by the way, Shiro, where did you get that pink ball?"
"…Don't ask. If you ask, it came as a set with the handcuffs from before."
"..."
Kudou silently watched the two of them leave.
'pageant,' huh? I wasn't planning to participate this time, but now! Now this is a battle for dignity! I will definitely trample that squinty-eyed bastard underfoot!
Hiss! So painful!
…
"Kiyoko, Kiyoko, it's closing time already. We should hurry up and leave."
In the hallway, a beautiful brown-haired figure was pulling along a girl with a side ponytail.
That side-ponytailed girl was none other than Kiyoko Kamio, who had been looking for Shiro earlier!
And the brown-haired girl pulling her was her friend, Iida Kanako!
Logically, they shouldn't still be at school. They had stayed behind secretly. As for their purpose…
"It's fine, Kanako! We'll just say it's for a club activity! This time, I have to find that scumbag!"
As she spoke, Kiyoko couldn't help but wave her phone case knife!
Kanako's mouth twitched. She knew Kiyoko had been searching for the scumbag who played with her feelings, but… why did it feel like Kiyoko wasn't looking for him just for revenge?!
"But…"
"No buts! Let's go!"
Kiyoko pulled Kanako's hand and headed toward the corner. That bastard Kamishiro Shiro, she had to find him!
However, what awaited them was…
"AAAAHHH!!! PERVERT!!!"
Kanako screamed.
Before her eyes, a human-like figure was kneeling on the ground, slowly crawling forward, with a piece of clothing draped over his butt. And why the hell did the clothing have the words 'Mighty' on it?!
Kudou's crawling body froze, tears of regret rolling down his face.
(?????)
God, just let me die. May heaven be free of squinty eyes!
............…
"So… what's the situation now?"
Shiro asked while holding a washbasin.
The moment he stepped into the room, he saw a bunch of muscular men. The one leading them was obviously the same guy from the rugby club earlier in the day!
Had the drinking party already started? But why give him a washbasin? Was he supposed to wash his face before drinking?
Did the rugby club have such a strong sense of ritual?
"Yo, you guys came back just in time!"
Tokita walked over with a drink in hand as soon as he saw them.
Seeing this, Shiro knew he couldn't avoid it, so he started looking around for a cup. "By the way, is it really necessary to wash our faces before drinking? My face isn't even—"
Before he could finish speaking, he saw Tokita continuously pouring alcohol into the washbasin he was holding.
"(′｀;)? Shiro, what were you saying? Something about washing your face?"
Shiro painfully closed his eyes as he stared at the half-filled washbasin of alcohol. "Nothing. I just suddenly felt like my face is really dark today."
Who the hell drinks alcohol from a washbasin!!!
Looking around, he saw that Iori and Kohei had already been surrounded by a group of muscular men. Their washbasins… were already overflowing!
Shiro trembled in fear as he watched the rugby club members slowly close in on him!
"NOOO!!!"
…
"Hah… I survived."
"Drinking from a washbasin… What kind of medieval torture is this?!"
"I can't take it anymore… I need some oolong tea."
In the hallway, three people wobbled as they stood by the vending machine. If they weren't about to participate in the pageant, they'd probably be passed out inside by now!
The inside was basically a wild beast's feast! Did body size really matter when it came to drinking?!
"You two should thank Chisa. If she hadn't offered an exchange, you'd both still be in there. Hic (ˉ?ˉ;)"
"Even if that's true, your smug face is really pissing me off."
"?_? Can't help it. I was already planning to participate in male category. Oh, right, I just took some really interesting pictures. Wanna see—"
Tremble~
Before Shiro could finish speaking, he suddenly felt a chill down his spine. And that chill… felt incredibly familiar…
Turning around, he saw a drunk beast sitting on the floor, surrounded by empty bottles!
"Makeup Corpse Beast!"
Shiro exclaimed, never expecting to run into her here!
"Hmm? You guys…"
His voice successfully caught the Drunk Beast's attention, and she looked over.
What the heck… It's the Three Musketeers again.
Kohei instinctively took a few steps back the moment he saw her. "W-what's happening this time?!"
He was already traumatized!
"Is she gonna drag you off for another drinking session?"
"Maybe you should just accept your fate?"
"Bastards! Why don't you two go instead?!"
Kohei yelled, harshly criticizing their betrayal!
"Hey, you guys…"
The Drunk Beast staggered to her feet, wobbling toward Kohei!
"!! Beast! Wait, wait, wait!"
Kohei panicked and waved his hands frantically. If he was going to die, he at least wanted to know why!
"Why me?! Can't you just drink with the tennis club guys?!"
"Hah?"
The Drunk Beast wobbled toward Kohei, and he had nowhere left to run, his back was already against the wall.
Meanwhile, Iori and Shiro silently distanced themselves from them. The alcohol stench was getting to them, and… the upcoming scene might be pretty wild!
"Hah~ Still asking why? Why did I choose you?"
The Beast, as if suddenly sobering up, pointed at Kohei and said, "Because you're a handsome guy, duh!"
"…?!!"
Though being called handsome made Kohei happy, this situation was all kinds of wrong!
"How about trying to remove your makeup first?"
The beast continued speaking as if it hadn't heard the three of them at all.
"I taught myself how to do makeup! I even wore uncomfortable clothes! I did my best to cooperate with everyone! What the hell is this about toasting and soso? What the hell is all this? There's no such thing in movies or TV dramas, okay?!"
Watching the makeup corpse beast gradually lose control, the three of them didn't know how to respond for a moment, they couldn't keep up with her pace at all...
"But! But why does everyone treat me like an idiot?!"
"Everyone?"
"Those people?"
"You finally realized?"
Hearing this, the three of them finally understood; the makeup beast had discovered her role as the comedic relief.
"Well, considering you went on stage dressed like that..."
"With such heavy makeup..."
"And such exaggerated movements..."
"That's not it! Everyone was saying I was cute at first!"
Hearing their words, the makeup corpse beast loudly refuted them. She clearly heard people calling her cute!
"That just sounds like they were mocking you outright."
Shiro calmly stated the cruel truth.
Σ(°Д°;
Iori and Kohei looked at Shiro in shock—does this guy not understand the meaning of tact?!
Upon hearing Shiro's words, the makeup beast deflated like a punctured balloon.
So that's how it is… They had been laughing at her from the very beginning…
"I knew it all along. At first, I thought it didn't matter if I became a talking point... As long as everyone was happy, it was fine, but...
But during the after-party of the beauty contest, those people actually said, 'I've laughed enough, you can leave now'!"
!
After hearing what the makeup corpse beast said, the three of them immediately tensed up, putting away their previously casual expressions and becoming serious.
"So I really shouldn't force myself to change...
No matter what I do, in the end, I'll always be the one being mocked, and they'll always be the ones laughing at me..."
"Makeup corpse beast, you—"
Kohei was about to comfort her but was interrupted by Iori!
"What are you even saying? There's no such thing as people who only mock others and people who can only be mocked!"
"Yeah, that's true. Though I hate to admit it, even though I often make fun of Iori, there are times when the roles get reversed."
A dangerous glint flashed in Shiro's squinted eyes, seems like the last lesson wasn't harsh enough.
"But!"
The makeup corpse beast still wanted to argue, but Iori and Shiro cut her off again.
"Here, take a look at something fun!"
"A punishment fitting for scumbags~"
At that moment, Shiro and Kitahara Iori's tacit understanding reached its peak. After all, they had grown up together, they knew each other all too well!
............…
"Great! Those muscles are massive! Absolutely amazing!"
On the nighttime stage, the men from the rugby club were showing off their muscles without restraint!
They had completely turned the "contest" into a bodybuilding competition!
And the ones cheering in the audience were mostly men, the women looked at the muscle-bound competitors with disdain. After all, excessive bodybuilding... tends to attract the same gender rather than the opposite sex!
Tokita and Azusa sat with the rugby club and karate club presidents. They had heard that Shiro and the others were planning something big this time.
"And now, our next contestant!"
As soon as the host finished speaking, a tall man with a slender figure and an androgynous face appeared on stage.
It was TB's president, Kudou! He originally didn't want to participate in this competition, but! This had already become a matter of pride! He had to defeat that squinty-eyed bastard in the competition!
He refused to believe that his two years of popularity at school could be overshadowed by some newcomer with squinty eyes!
At this moment, he greeted the audience cheerfully. The bruises on his face were completely concealed by thick layers of makeup—not a trace of his beatings could be seen!
"Ahhh!! President Kudou!"
"President Kudou, go for it!"
"President Kudou, let's go on a date!"
"…"
Kudou appearance immediately sent the girls in the audience into a frenzy. His two-time championship streak had earned him massive popularity.
Even "Azusa," who was sitting next to Tokita, was cheering for Kudo—the one who had just shouted about going on a date was her!
Kudou looked in surprise at the figure dressed in purple, and an alarm immediately went off in his mind!
Could this be a trap?!
He couldn't be blamed for being paranoid—every time he encountered Azusa, Shiro would appear out of nowhere! His rear end still hadn't fully recovered!
His gaze instantly locked onto Shiro backstage. That squinty-eyed bastard looked completely dumbfounded, staring at "Azusa" in disbelief. Kudou even saw a glimmer of tears in Shiro's eyes!
They had fallen out! His charm was truly irresistible!
At that moment, Kudou felt like his charisma had reached its peak. Y
es, this was how things should be, this was the way things had always been for the past two years!
Later, he would make sure to wrap his arm around that girl and show off in front of that squinty-eyed bastard!
He was already fantasizing about how Shiro would have bloodshot eyes and lose all confidence right in front of him!
Completely immersed in his fantasy, he failed to notice the hidden smile on Shiro's face under the shadows after he turned his head!
Just as the host was about to announce the next contestant, Shiro suddenly snatched the microphone from him—Host Shiro was now online!
"Next up! Please welcome our next contestant, the handsome Imamura Kohei from PaB!"
With stiff steps, Kohei walked onto the stage, repeatedly chanting in his mind, They're all just pumpkins! They're all just pumpkins!
Forcing an otaku to participate in such an event was way too much!
Originally, many people had doubts about the sudden replacement of the host, but when they saw Kohei appear, their focus shifted.
Taking advantage of this, Shiro successfully dodged suspicion! Meanwhile, the original host had already been carried off by PaB's wild senior members.
Shortly after, those same wild seniors brought a large screen onto the stage. The audience assumed it was for some special program and didn't think much of it.
As for Kudou? He had no time to worry about what was happening behind him now!
The moment Kohei stepped onto the stage, he went straight to Azusa.
"Hamaoka Azusa-san! Forget about Kudo from Tinkerbell, please go out with me!"
The audience erupted in an uproar. No one expected such a dramatic confession to happen during this competition!
"So youthful! A sudden confession from contestant Imamura! What will Hamaoka Azusa-san's response be? Wait! Kudou is making a move too!"
Under everyone's gaze, Kudou also stepped forward and stood in front of Azusa.
"No, please choose me instead!"
"My god! Breaking news! Kudou is confessing too! Now, let's see who Hamaoka Azusa-san will choose!"
Shiro passionately narrated, his professional-level commentary making the original host sweat in shame. Meanwhile, the large screen was finally ready!
"She's chosen! She's chosen!"
Before everyone's eyes, Azusa grabbed Kudo's hand!
Feeling the softness in his palm, Kudou's lowered face revealed a victorious smile.
As expected! He was still the most charming one!
"She's chosen! Hamaoka Azusa-san has chosen Kudou!"
Holding Azusa's hand, Kudou looked at Kohei mockingly.
"Sorry, I didn't expect things to turn out this way. But the differences in social standing between people are inevitable. Compared to you—"
Before he could finish speaking, his face suddenly froze.
He had just turned around! He was ready to use his winner's expression to taunt Shiro!
But who could have expected that damn squinty-eyed guy was now holding the microphone with a smile, staring right at him?!
It's a trap!!!
Kudou's eyelids twitched frantically, but he realized it far too late!
Kohei and Azusa's shoulders trembled violently.
"Why stop talking? Compared to you~ shouldn't Kudou take a good look at who he's really compatible with?"
"Hehehehehe, wahahahaha!!!"
Under Kudo's horrified gaze, Azusa ripped off the wig, revealing the face of Kitahara Iori beneath the shadows!
"What a shame! I'm actually a guy! Hahahaha!!"
!?!!?
Kudou's expression instantly froze.
What had he just done?!
"Hahahaha! Unbelievable! Someone like me could actually be worthy of Kudou!"
"Haha, Kitahara! Your cross-dressing charm is on the same level as this guy!"
The two of them laughed hysterically, throwing Kudou's own words back at him!
"We have a special situation on stage! Kitahara Iori from PaB has disrupted the competition with his irresistible charm, winning over two handsome men!"
Shiro enthusiastically explained. Meanwhile, the big screen behind him started displaying a slideshow of photos!
"Not only that! Kitahara Iori has also received a heartfelt confession from our very own Kudou! I know this might be hard to accept, but everyone, please look at the big screen!"
Shiro's words successfully drew everyone's attention. The screen showed multiple photos of Kudou hanging out with his male club members (censored) at various locations.
At first glance, it seemed normal, but after Kudou had just confessed to a man, the audience suddenly felt a chill down their spines!
Several TB club members turned pale upon seeing this. Even though their faces were blurred, they could recognize themselves immediately!
Did this mean their president was really…?!
"Wait! This is all—"
Just as Kudou tried to explain, Kohei and Iori clung to each other, acting all shy.
"What should I do? What should I do? The president confessed to me~"
"Even though I'm reluctant, I should give up. You two are so perfectly matched~"
(′⊙ω⊙`)
Seeing this, Kudou coughed up blood.
The words he wanted to say were stuck in his throat!
At the same time—
The big screen finally displayed its highlight photo!
On the screen, a completely naked Kudou was embracing another naked man (censored) while sleeping by a dumpster!
Snap!
Kudou stood there as if struck by lightning!
Now he understood! That time when he woke up after eating okonomiyaki, wondering why his clothes were missing, it was all that damn squinty-eyed bastard's scheme!!!
Seeing this, the audience that had been doubting moments ago now looked at Kudou in absolute horror.
President Kudou… his preferences are really unusual!!!
However, the photos weren't over yet. The screen froze on the final image.
Kudou was kneeling on the ground with his butt sticking out, and on it was a piece of clothing with the words "Mighty" written on it!
But that wasn't the worst part!
The worst part was that standing next to him was Kitahara Iori, wearing nothing but his underwear!
"This scumbag!!!"
Seeing this photo, Iori felt like his whole life was ruined. Why the hell did this bastard Photoshop him in?!
And why was everyone else's mosaic censoring their faces, but his was on his underwear?!
"Alright! Let's all wish them a long and happy relationship! Now President Kudou doesn't have to hide it anymore and can stop hitting on girls!"
Shiro completely ignored Iori's murderous gaze and continued to hype up the event!
"Bastard! What the hell is this?! President Kudou, you better give us an explanation!"
"He was playing with our feelings this whole time?!"
"Hahahaha, this is amazing!"
"..."
The atmosphere on stage was chaotic—cheers, jeers, and laughter filled the air!
Kudou wanted to say something to defend himself, but before he could, the three demons had already surrounded him.
"By the way, President…"
"We've had enough laughs. You can step down now~"
(′?`)
Kudo's face twisted in horror. That line! That was what he said earlier!
-------
Bonus Clip: After Party~
(ノへ￣,)
"Uuuuu... Why? Why is nobody noticing me?! I wasn't even hiding at the back! I'm such a handsome host, and they still can't see me?! (?????) "
At that moment, the members of PaB were celebrating their double victory in both of the contests!
Shiro looked at Iori and Chisa, standing at the center of the crowd, and tears of envy welled up in his eyes.
That's right! The final champion of the competition was Kitahara Iori, not Kamishiro Shiro!
Turns out, Shiro was too good at hosting, so much so that everyone completely forgot that he was also a contestant!
In the end, thanks to Iori's trolling and the full support of the male participants, he successfully claimed the championship title!
"Well, Shiro, you did great this time!"
Azusa patted Shiro on the head. She had to admit, he was an excellent host. The way he handled the atmosphere was top-tier. Did he do some shady part-time jobs back in high school?
"Azusa-nee~"
Shiro looked at Azusa with puppy eyes. Maybe only her embrace could heal him now.
"I'm here, I'm here. But don't forget—you promised to drink from a vat, okay~?"
Σ⊙▃⊙
Shiro's body froze mid-pounce. His face stiffened as he turned to look at Azusa.
The devilish woman grinned at him mischievously and pointed behind him. Looking down at the floor, Shiro saw a massive shadow.
Shiro slowly turned his head, and sure enough—there was Tokita-senpai, holding a vat that was as tall as Shiro's legs!
Shiro glanced around. Washbasins, buckets, vats…
Even after experiencing so much, tears welled up in his eyes.
Are you guys… seriously here to drink?!
If I drink this whole vat, I'll be sent to the hospital, and they'll be draining pure alcohol from my body!!!
"I think… I can still fight back! Let's settle this with strip rock-paper-scissors!"
Shiro spoke with utmost seriousness as he instantly stripped down to his underwear!
The last stand of the Wounded War God!
As long as his underwear remained, no one could make him drink!
"Hmm, I don't mind, but Iori might have something to say…"
Tokita scratched his head. He actually wanted to duel Shiro. That underwear was legendary! What kind of activation conditions did it have? He was curious!
!!!
Shiro shuddered. Why did Tokita-senpai's gaze feel so unsettling?!
Wait… What did he just say? Iori?
Iori…!!!
Shiro remembered, the photoshopped pictures!
Just as he was about to run, two arms locked around him tightly!
A devil's whisper came into his ear.
"You bastard… your Photoshop skills are pretty damn good, huh?"
Shiro's body stiffened. He turned and met Iori's burning gaze.
"Ahaha… Iori, if you like it, that's great! I made sure to highlight your handsome face!"
"Oh? Is that so? …You bastard! What happened to our 'common cause'?! You backstabbed me while we were on the same side?!!"
Iori grabbed Shiro by the throat.
That damn picture was already trending at the top of the school forums!
(′?`)
"My… my neck's gonna snap!"
"Kohei, get him!"
Kohei grinned maliciously as he carried over Shiro's vat of alcohol. He pinched Shiro's nose, waiting for him to open his mouth.
!!!
Shiro looked at Kohei in horror. Why the hell was he in on this too?!
This had nothing to do with him!
"Oh, it does."
Kohei seemed to read Shiro's mind and smirked.
"Because of you, people now think I'm a bottom too!"
Let's not forget—Iori and Kohei's naked backs frequently appeared in the top-ranked forum posts!
If Iori's preferences were in question… then Kohei…
!!!
Shiro, who also understood Kohei's pain, went limp like a salted fish. He shut his eyes in despair.
Now that he thought about it… he dragged down three people with him!
Not bad!
Σ_(???」∠)
At the entrance, after taking down Shiro, Iori and Kohei finally enjoyed their drinks in peace.
The containers were ridiculous, but whatever, as long as they could drink! However… there seemed to be one lost soul standing at the door.
The two turned their heads and saw a certain mortuary makeup artist sneaking around.
Without hesitation, they dragged her in and handed her a giant washbasin.
Drinking is always more fun with a crowd!
By the time Shiro woke up, Iori and the others were already completely wasted.
Watching the scene, Shiro poured himself a glass of oolong tea and turned his gaze to Chisa.
Her slender back looked so lonely…
Sigh, Kitahara Iori, you idiot… after all this time, you're still the same.
Shiro knew his childhood friend well.
Despite always acting like an airheaded fool, Iori had incredibly high emotional intelligence.
He could make anyone feel comfortable and was great at reading the mood. But this time, he totally overlooked Chisa's feelings.
He forgot that she joined the contest… for his sake.
He didn't pay attention to her emotions at all.
Shiro took a sip of his oolong tea.
"Hah… it still tasted like alcohol."
............…
The next day~
"You're the girl who participated in the beauty pageant, right?"
"You're seriously super cute!"
"We have a barbecue restaurant across the street. Come by later!"
"..."
Because Chisa had won the championship, the PaB stall was now packed with people, a whole bunch of beasts trying to hit on her!
And at the stall, Chisa was the only one making okonomiyaki, so she was constantly being harassed by these guys.
Although there was a squinting-eyed guy at the counter collecting money, he couldn't even protect himself. He was already drowning in the embraces of a group of girls!
"Don't be so ungrateful. Just let the two guys in the back watch the stall."
The "two guys in the back" he mentioned were none other than Iori and Kohei! The two of them had drunk way too much yesterday and still hadn't sobered up.
Seeing that Chisa still had that cold expression, one of the guys hitting on her finally lost patience and reached out to grab her.
But in the next second…
Two arms as thick as their waists wrapped around their necks!
"Oh? You guys got business with our cute junior?"
"She doesn't look too happy about it."
With the arrival of two muscle-bound monsters, all the people trying to hit on Chisa instantly scattered.
After assessing their body sizes, they knew—these two were not to be messed with!
A few moments later, Azusa also pulled out the trapped Shiro from the pile. Thanks to yesterday's drinking spree, he was still in a daze, nearly suffocating in there!
Seeing the annoyed look on Chisa's face, Azusa let out a helpless sigh as she glanced at the two collapsed drunks behind her.
"Seriously, what's the point of leaving them here? Even Shiro is more useful~"
She ruffled Shiro's hair. Even though Shiro couldn't block people, at least he was diligent and still able to collect money—what incredible willpower!
Except…
"Shiro, can you let go of the money? Did you really sit here just to help out?!"
(.-ω-)zzz "My money~ Hehehe, it's all mine~"
Shiro, the ultimate money-grubber~
------------
Competition Stage!
At this moment, the award ceremony was taking place!
Because all three newcomers had passed out drunk, the seniors had no choice but to help transport them.
For some reason, though, Chisa had insisted on placing Iori right next to her on stage.
Well… even if they didn't understand why, that didn't stop them from following through!
Tokita-senpai simply tossed Iori onto the stage and walked away!
At this moment, Iori was barely managing to support himself on a box, purely by his own willpower!
Under the watchful eyes of the entire crowd, he crawled across the stage, struggling to find something to hold onto!
His sheer determination moved many people! Tomorrow morning's headlines were practically guaranteed to change!
"Shocking! A Certain Naked Man Did This Under Everyone's Gaze!"
"Shocking! The Reason This Naked Man Collapsed Yet Kept Crawling Is…!"
"..."
"Chisa doesn't look happy at all."
"Yeah, that doesn't seem like the face of someone who just won a championship."
Two seniors looked at Chisa on stage, puzzled. Why was she like this?
"Come on, isn't it obvious?"
Azusa sighed helplessly as she stroked Shiro's hair, who was resting on her lap.
"Chisa only participated in the beauty pageant because of Iori and the others. But in the end, Iori and the others put in effort for other girls instead."
Azusa continued poking Shiro's cheeks as she spoke, "At the end of the day, Chisa only got tangled up in all this because she joined the competition. And yet, they didn't even step up to get mad on her behalf—of course she's pissed."
Hearing Azusa's explanation, Tokita and Kotobuki suddenly understood. If that was the case, Iori and the others definitely deserved some punishment.
Meanwhile, Chisa had already received the beauty pageant's grand prize on stage. As she listened to the endless cheers and confessions from the crowd, she made a decision in her heart!
"Who would you like to share this joy with?"
Right on cue, the host threw her a lifeline!
Chisa adjusted her breathing, slowly opened her eyes, and revealed a sweet smile!
She pointed to Iori, who was lying beside her.
"That's right, I want to share it with…
My boyfriend."
!!!?
The audience froze in shock.
Boyfriend?!
Wasn't that guy the 'dick joke' comedian?! Wasn't he into men?!
This had to be some kind of cosmic joke! They had just voted for him yesterday!
At that moment, they deeply regretted yesterday's decision! They had voted too early!
If they had known about this beforehand, would they still have voted for him? No way, they would have voted to burn him instead!
Not only was the audience dumbfounded, but the PaB members were also completely stunned!
Were Iori and Chisa really in that kind of relationship?!
The seniors who had been with them the whole time immediately denied that possibility!
But soon, they realized the true meaning behind Chisa's actions.
"Oh, I see. She's using Iori to block all the guys chasing after her."
"Haha, well, now they really are a couple!"
In the distance, a certain figure stood frozen, staring blankly at the stage. She had heard Chisa's words, and the secret resolution she had made in her heart felt like it had been utterly shattered!
Azusa stopped teasing Shiro and looked at the stage with amusement. Things were getting more and more interesting. Speaking of which, Nanaka probably didn't know about this yet, huh~
What would happen when she found out? She was so curious!
"Well, these two might actually make a surprisingly good pair."
—
Love Hotels hold a special place in Japan.
They offer a sense of escape from reality, providing many people with emotional comfort and shelter.
Most people in Japan dream of bringing their lover to a romantic love hotel, expressing their love freely, and letting their feelings deepen even further.
Early morning, Shiro stood at the entrance of a love hotel.
Beside him stood a voluptuous, alluring woman with a gaze that could melt hearts!
She clung tightly to Shiro's hand, her peach blossom eyes radiating endless temptation~
"Shiro-kun! I don't want to part with you! If possible, can't you come back with me? Don't worry, I'll take care of you!"
Her enchanting eyes were filled with reluctance. Though their time together had been short, she had already fallen deeply for Shiro-kun!
Faced with the stunning beauty's offer to keep him, Shiro didn't waver. Instead, he looked at her gently.
"Ma'am, I don't want to part with you either, but this wouldn't be fair to your husband!"
"It's fine! He'll never find out! We can just secretly—"
!!!
Shiro's eye twitched. Stop right there! He had no intention of running away with her! How did this suddenly turn into a Detective Conan scenario?!
"Ma'am!"
Shiro immediately cut her off. He really didn't want to end up dead in some unfortunate incident!
He broke free from her grasp and gently wiped off a tiny bit of red wax from her neck.
"Ma'am, forget everything that happened yesterday. If fate allows, I'm sure we'll meet again. And when that day comes… I won't let you go."
"Shiro-kun!"
Tears welled up in her eyes. She knew this was wrong too. Maybe… this was the best for both of them. Shiro-kun must also be feeling heartbroken!
She gave him one last, lingering look before pressing a kiss to the corner of his lips.
"Shiro-kun… next time, next time I'll definitely come back to take you away!"
"..."
The lady left, her silhouette filled with sorrow...
"Phew... That was terrifying! I almost ended up in a Detective Conan scenario!"
After watching the lady walk away, Shiro let out a deep sigh of relief. In an instant, he dropped the sentimental act and returned to his usual carefree demeanor, there was no trace of the sadness he had just displayed.
That lady was someone Shiro had encountered after the drinking party last night, while wandering the streets.
At that time, she was being harassed by a few delinquents.
Seeing this, Shiro didn't hesitate—he stepped in without a second thought! After all, nothing excited him more than playing the hero and rescuing a damsel in distress.
After the incident, they ended up chatting at a nearby bar.
The lady was actually a struggling writer. Recently, she had felt uninspired and applied for a trip to Izu for inspiration. But even after arriving, she kept wondering if she should just give up on writing altogether. She felt she wasn't cut out for this career.
Until she met Shiro!
She changed her mind, she had to keep writing! And she had to give it her all, with 200% effort! After all, she was a woman who would one day take Shiro away!
As for what happened afterward… well, since it was already very late, they had no choice but to find a place to stay nearby.
"Mm~"
Shiro stretched lazily. Even though he had downed a ridiculous amount of alcohol and barely slept last night, he still felt completely refreshed.
"Ah, married women are the best. The senior girls at school are just too reserved. What's wrong with just maintaining a physical relationship?"
Humming a little tune, Shiro strolled toward Izu University. Finding an M-type married woman was truly a blessing~ (ˉ︶ˉ)
Speaking of which, what was her name again? Hmm... forgot it. Let's just call her Madam!