So what exactly is a "borderline personality"? In simple terms, it means being unable to manage emotions effectively, acting impulsively and recklessly, and having a tendency toward aggression.
Looking at that definition, it doesn't seem to fit Aizono Moe at all, does it?
Well, that's because borderline personality comes in several flavors—including the silent type.
The most direct symptom of the silent type? Blaming everything on herself. Even when it's clearly not her fault.
Beyond that, people with this personality are terrified of being alone. They'll go to ridiculous lengths to please others, all while hiding their true feelings. Even if their hearts are churning with turbulent waves, they won't show a single ripple on the surface.
Anger, resentment, blame—they turn it all inward instead of lashing out at others.
Deep down, they doubt their own self-worth. They're constantly afraid that once someone gets to know them well enough, that person will "see through" them and realize they're actually flawed and worthless.
Sounds familiar, right? That's Aizono Moe to a tee.
Fortunately, she wasn't beyond help. She had two important friends who gave her relatively stable interpersonal relationships. That said, Aizono Moe probably didn't have any other close friends besides her two besties in the Literature Club. That's why she treasured them so much—willing to play the supporting role, willing to do anything for them.
Speaking of which, the Class Rep had a very heavy definition of "friend," while Shirai Shiori looked down on making friends with ordinary people. Neither of them was the type to have a wide social circle.
I guess it's no wonder these three became best friends. You could call it a triangular journey of mutual support.
And now, Kuroha Akira had joined them—expanding the triangle into a square.
Aizono Moe valued illustrating for Kuroha Akira so much that she'd rather expose her deepest flaw than drag him down. That proved she had already accepted Kuroha Akira as an important friend.
So Kuroha Akira decided on his strategy for Aizono Moe. What needed to be done now wasn't to enter her heart—it was to pull her out of her self-imposed isolation.
Thus, he replied with deliberate nonchalance.
"Who said you'd be a burden? Did I say that?"
"That's because Kuroha-kun, you were being considerate of my feelings and didn't say it outright… Even I can tell that much!"
"That was true back in the clubroom. But not anymore."
Kuroha Akira rubbed the back of his neck, speaking in a frivolous, almost careless tone.
"Moe-chan, I think you might have a slight misunderstanding about me. I'm not a generous person at all. I'm not the type to let myself suffer just to spare someone else's feelings."
"D-does that mean… Kuroha-kun is actually a bad person?"
"Call me a bad person, call me selfish and vulgar—whatever. The point is, if I truly thought your coloring was hopeless, I wouldn't have let you keep trying at all."
"Hmm… Mmm."
Aizono Moe instinctively wanted to lower her head again, but this time, she stopped herself.
Because she caught Kuroha Akira's slightly impatient gaze—and her own eyes got drawn into it.
He doesn't seem disappointed in me… Is it because he never had high expectations to begin with?
If he wasn't going easy on me… then is he letting me continue simply because he doesn't think it matters?
Yes… Kuroha-kun joined the Literature Club because Hitomi-chan invited him. He must be just as amazing as her… He must have a solution!
Seeing a glimmer of hope flicker back into Aizono Moe's expression, Kuroha Akira thought, "She took the bait!" and continued with a straight face.
"So you just need to tell me now—do you want to keep drawing or not? If you do, I'll help you figure things out. If you don't, I'll contact the editor right now and ask him to find other illustrators for the coloring. But a chunk of your payment will get taken. Is that okay?"
High EQ version: If you don't want to draw, you don't have to continue. I won't force you.
Low EQ version: Love it or leave it.
Anyone with a shred of pride would find Kuroha Akira's arrogant attitude unbearable. You're the one who invited me, and now you're suddenly changing the terms? Who do you think you are?
But for Aizono Moe—with her borderline personality—Kuroha Akira's "I don't take you too seriously" attitude actually made her feel right. It gave her permission to speak her true feelings without the usual burden.
Aizono Moe took a deep breath—as if trying to draw all the surrounding air into her lungs, pulling strength from the atmosphere itself.
Her heart pounded violently in her chest, its rapid rhythm like war drums, making her whole body tremble slightly.
But her eyes… her eyes gradually grew resolute. In those orbs that had once flickered with unease, a small flame now ignited.
She straightened her ample chest, lifted her chin just a little. Her fingers slowly relaxed, then clenched tightly again—repeating several times—before finally, with everything she had, she spoke her true feelings to Kuroha Akira.
"I want to draw! I want to keep drawing! I want to complete the illustrations for this work!"
Good! That's the spirit!
Kuroha Akira wanted to shout that out and grab her hands—but he couldn't. He had to hold back.
After understanding Aizono Moe's personality flaws, Kuroha Akira already knew how to handle her.
He couldn't be overly friendly or familiar. On the contrary, he had to keep some distance—even be a little cold, a little heartless.
So Kuroha Akira crossed his arms, leaned back against the side of the vending machine, and feigned indifference to her answer.
"Alright. But you have to answer my question first."
"Yes, okay! Kuroha-kun, just ask! I'll tell you everything I know!"
Really? You'd tell me your measurements and underwear color too?
He almost blurted out that pervy tease. But perversion and coldness don't exactly go hand in hand, so he swallowed it down to maintain his act.
"Both times you colored before, you were trying to match the 'correct colors,' right? So you weren't drawing based on the colors you actually see or matching them to your imagination?"
"Um… yes."
"Then I'll give you one more chance. This time, just use the colors you like. Or try to match the colors you see with the colors in your imagination—one by one."
"But the colors I see aren't 'correct'…"
Kuroha Akira frowned, feigning impatience, and clicked his tongue. The sound made Aizono Moe's little heart jump.
"Tsk… No more 'buts,' okay? Didn't you just say you wanted to keep drawing? Then do as I say. I want to see what your real coloring looks like when you stop holding back."
"…Yes! I understand!"
"Good. Then go back and redo those two color illustrations. I'll tell you later whether they can be used."
"Okay!"
Perfect. He'd successfully reignited her motivation.
Indeed, when dealing with insecure girls who had a latent M-side personality, you couldn't fawn over them. You had to keep them on edge.
Kuroha Akira felt a little smug. He was getting more and more experienced at conquering girls.
His girl-conquering proficiency was steadily increasing.
He'd just taken another step down the path of a scumbag.