That was the gist of it.
Natsuki Subaru had provided more than enough analysis and hints.
Any more than that, and what would be the difference between that and Subaru befriending Suzune Horikita himself?
The reason Subaru was interested in the affair between Kikyō Kushida and Suzune Horikita was precisely because he wanted to see if the final outcome between the two would be any different from his own back then, wasn't it?
If he got too involved, it would lose its meaning.
As for whether Kikyō Kushida could successfully understand and apply it, successfully displaying her value in front of Suzune Horikita, that was Kikyō Kushida's own business.
"Okay, I understand!"
A smile even brighter and more splendid than before blossomed on Kikyō Kushida's face.
It was as if the clouds had parted to reveal the sun; her entire demeanor became lighter.
"Thank you so, so much, Subaru-kun~"
Kikyō Kushida clasped her hands in front of her chest, her body unconsciously inching closer to Natsuki Subaru.
Her sparkling eyes were now filled with a smiling intent, carrying an undisguised gratitude and a hint of indescribable intimacy and ambiguity.
Looking at Natsuki Subaru, Kikyō Kushida smiled and said gratefully, "If it weren't for your analysis, Subaru-kun, I really wouldn't have known what to do. As expected, you're the most reliable, Subaru-kun!"
"It's good that you understand, Kikyo-san."
"Next, I'm heading to the library, so I wish you the best of luck, Kikyo-san."
Faced with Kikyō Kushida's series of smooth moves, the expression on Natsuki Subaru's face didn't change at all. He casually picked up a napkin to wipe his mouth, stood up, and maintained his formulaic smile.
"Mhm, mhm!"
"You go on ahead, Subaru-kun~"
Seeing that Natsuki Subaru was about to leave, Kikyō Kushida stood up and waved at him.
Natsuki Subaru nodded without another word, then turned and walked toward the location he made sure to visit every day if he had the chance—the library.
And Kikyō Kushida, watching Natsuki Subaru's departing back, felt the brilliant smile on her face gradually fade.
'Subaru-kun.'
'Compared to Suzune Horikita, I'm also very curious about what your standard for a friend is.'
Kikyō Kushida's eyes held a look of contemplation and inquiry.
If Kikyō Kushida had encountered her first setback in making friends with Suzune Horikita, then with Natsuki Subaru, she felt a different kind of setback.
It was a sense of powerlessness, of their relationship making no progress whatsoever.
No matter what method she tried, Kikyō Kushida couldn't feel their relationship advancing even a single step.
Furthermore, compared to Suzune Horikita, the sense of failure Natsuki Subaru gave Kikyō Kushida was perhaps even stronger.
Unlike Suzune Horikita's overt rejection, Natsuki Subaru felt to Kikyō Kushida like a deep, bottomless lake. The surface always rippled with a gentle weariness, seemingly within reach.
But in reality, no matter what kind of stone she tossed in—enthusiastic approaches, hints at sharing secrets, even slightly crossing boundaries with ambiguous thanks and contact—
there was no feedback at all.
Natsuki Subaru accepted her approaches, responded to her conversations, and was even willing to analyze difficult problems for her. His attitude was always gentle and polite, but… this feeling wasn't right.
Kikyō Kushida couldn't put her finger on it, couldn't describe it, but it just felt wrong.
If she had to describe it, it was like a married couple treating each other with mutual respect, with only politeness and courtesy remaining, no familial affection.
"Oh, well!"
"Becoming friends with Horikita-san is still the more important thing!"
Kikyō Kushida sighed softly, but quickly pulled herself together.
The impeccable, sweet smile returned to her face. As she ate her now slightly cold lunch, which she hadn't touched since a while ago, she muttered to herself, "But, even though Subaru-kun explained it clearly, and I roughly understand what to do..."
"But…"
"How can I show Horikita-san the value of becoming 'friends' with me?"
Kikyō Kushida was somewhat troubled.
Just as Natsuki Subaru had thought, just talking about it was simple. A brief observation of Suzune Horikita was enough to roughly understand her overall logic.
However, understanding was one thing; practical application was another.
Just thinking about how to display her own value was already giving Kikyō Kushida a huge headache.
Of course, headache or not, Kikyō Kushida's mood wasn't as irritated as before.
It had only been a week since school started; Kikyō Kushida had plenty of time and opportunities.
With that, Kikyō Kushida quickly finished her lunch, left the cafeteria, and began to scheme in her mind about how she should display her own 'friend value' in front of Suzune Horikita.
Perhaps, if her value was great enough, Suzune Horikita might even get on her knees and beg her?
At this thought, the smile on Kikyō Kushida's face became even more brilliant.
...
At this academy of meritocracy, the curriculum wasn't packed; it could even be described as relaxed.
For instance, this afternoon, there were no classes. All students could arrange their time freely.
Whether they continued to study, went to the commercial district for a spending spree, or leisurely wandered around the school.
No one would care.
So, Natsuki Subaru planned to spend another afternoon reading in the library.
The only slight regret was that it seemed something was going on with Year 1, Class C today.
According to Hiyori Shiina, all students of Year 1, Class C were required to be present, so she probably wouldn't have much free time in the afternoon. Therefore, Hiyori Shiina couldn't come read with Natsuki Subaru today.
'A full class meeting, huh... A brawl in the classroom last time was to decide the final leader of the class, wasn't it?'
'It actually took a whole week... Hmm... found it... Natsuki Subaru picked out the mystery novel Hiyori Shiina had recommended, The Murder of Roger Ackroyd.'
As fellow novel lovers, Natsuki Subaru and Hiyori Shiina's interactions this past week had basically revolved around recommendations. Hiyori Shiina would recommend all sorts of excellent classic novels to Natsuki Subaru.
And as Hiyori Shiina's favorite, mystery novels were naturally her top recommendation.
Natsuki Subaru had finished The Mysterious Affair at Styles in the past two days, and this was the second book Hiyori Shiina had recommended. Natsuki Subaru had to admit, the quality was quite high.
"Good day~"
"Natsuki-kun, you're surprisingly carefree."
Natsuki Subaru had just sat down when a figure sat down directly across from him and greeted him.
___
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