Another Like Me - Part I (CoTE x OC) ?

Chapter 61 - Suspicion

"A grand total of 300,000 Points," I said admirably. "He doesn't entertain bargaining."

"That much....." Karuizawa droned off, lost in thought. "I'll split the money with you, Keisuke. I don't want you to bear the burden." She pulled out her phone to pay me.

"It's not required," I replied quickly, grabbing hold of Karuizawa's hand. "I already have it settled out. I have enough Private Points to last me quite a while. Besides, this was my idea, and no one else needs to be involved in bearing the expenses."

"But you'll go bankrupt if you spend so much all the time!" Karuizawa pouted cutely.

"Don't worry about it," I assured her. "I'll handle it." I couldn't possibly tell her that Kushida was the one who paid for everything.

"Well, if you say so," she replied hesitantly. "But it's strange that Kouenji-kun agreed to this. To be honest, I did not expect him to come even if you offered him Points. You really are a sneaky one, Keisuke."

"I, well, kinda threatened him," I replied airily, much to Karuizawa's surprise. "But hey! It's not like he was helping us in the first place. Some threatening was required."

"Fair enough," Karuizawa said. "Hey, does Kouenji.....?"

Karuizawa drifted off into an uneasy silence, and she looked at me apprehensively.

I shook my head.

"I didn't tell him anything directly," I replied. "Besides, Kouenji isn't the type to dig out other people's secrets. It doesn't suit his style. As long as he gets what he wants and is happy with it, he won't bother you."

 Karuizawa nodded, seemingly relieved that Kouenji did not know of her past.

But this was only wishful thinking.

Ryuuen had screamed out on the rooftop that day, 'I'll expose your past to the entire school.'

In other words, Kouenji knows that Karuizawa's past is something that is hidden under wraps, and something that she would not like the school to know about.

However, Kouenji was exceedingly shrewd and clever. I wouldn't be surprised if he has already figured out that Karuizawa might have been a victim of bullying.

Karuizawa was on the rooftop too, so she must definitely know about Kouenji's possible information. However, as long as Kouenji does not do anything with this tidbit, which I doubt he will, there is no need to panic.

As they say, let sleeping dogs lie.

Suddenly, I received a call on my mobile phone, and I took it out of my pocket.

'Ishizaki'

I narrowed my eyes. Why was he calling me?

"I need to take this," I told the group, and I excused myself from the room, and ran into my room. I didn't need anyone to overhear this conversation while I'm out on the corridor.

I picked up the call on the last ring.

"Hello?"

"What took you so long!?" Ishizaki screamed from the other end. "It took..... let's see, 30 seconds!"

"Shut up Ishizaki, before I come over to kick you," I replied nonchalantly, and that seemed to shut him almost immediately. "What do you want?"

"What do I want? You know why I called you!" he beamed. "Thank you, Takeyama-kun!"

"What are you talking about?"

"It's alright, Takeyama-kun! No need to be humble!" Ishizaki said from the other end. "Thank you for helping Ryuuen-san!"