As Marin enthusiastically elaborated on the light novel's content, she seemed to have quite a few insights of her own regarding this type of romance story. When discussing how the two female protagonists schemed against each other, she even critiqued their respective tactics.
However, Origami simply remarked, leaving Marin momentarily speechless:
"These two women are too foolish. Only weaklings would resort to such methods."
Origami calmly stated her opinion.
Hearing Origami speak, Kotori, who had been listening with interest, looked at Origami curiously. She was intrigued by Origami's "high insight."
"So, Tobiichi-san, what would you do in that situation?" Marin raised an eyebrow, equally curious about Origami's approach.
Yuki, seeing through it all, already anticipated what Origami would say next.
"If it were me, I'd directly seduce the man, use drugs, stalk him, find out where he lives, sneak in, and slip into his bed under cover of night..."
Origami laid out her methods with a straight face, occasionally glancing at Yuki as she spoke.
Kotori's expression froze upon hearing this, then settled into a look that said, 'I shouldn't have expected anything normal from you.'
Marin, after listening, couldn't help but retort vehemently: "Wait! Tobiichi-san, are you serious?! Most of that is illegal! Hey!!! Why is your mind filled with such dangerous ideas?! You're frantically testing the edge of criminal activity!!!"
Marin felt her moral compass shatter into pieces. She never expected Origami's "high insight" to be so "high"—high enough to be utterly criminal!
"Tsk, what's the big deal? If you like someone but can't even do this much, what kind of liking is that?"
Origami slightly pursed her lips as she spoke.
Hearing this, Marin couldn't help but give Origami a surprised look. She hadn't imagined that in Origami's worldview, liking someone meant being willing to go to such extremes. It implied that once Origami liked someone, she would give everything for them.
Undoubtedly, this moved Marin somewhat.
"Well... what Tobiichi-san said does make some sense. I just don't agree with the methods you mentioned!"
Marin said slowly.
"Hmph! So this is the gap between us now."
Origami couldn't help but show a look of disdain towards Marin.
Feeling Origami's gaze and seeing the slight contempt in her eyes made Marin somewhat uncomfortable. Yet, she was also deeply curious about the "gap" Origami mentioned.
"Gap? Could you explain that, Tobiichi-san?" Marin asked for clarification.
However, the more eager Marin was to know, the less Origami was willing to tell.
"This... maybe you'll find out later!" Origami replied with a light smile.
The "gap" she referred to was naturally the fact that she was now Yuki's rightful woman, while Marin was still someone who reservedly crushed on Yuki without daring to confess. So, she was far ahead of Marin.
Seeing Origami wouldn't elaborate, Marin had no choice but to let it go for now, planning to gather more information from Origami later when the opportunity arose.
The four continued chatting as they walked, soon entering the school grounds. At this point, Kotori parted ways with Yuki and the others.
After watching Kotori leave, Yuki headed to the classroom with the other two.
Just as they were about to ascend the stairs to their floor, a graceful figure descended from above.
From below, Yuki's perspective meant he saw legs first. What caught his eye were a pair of sensuous, long legs, entirely enveloped in smooth, silky black stockings. Sunlight filtered through the dark fabric, faintly revealing the fair and delicate skin beneath, tempting the imagination and stirring an urge to explore further.
Following those long, black-clad legs upward was a tall figure with voluptuous curves. The particularly eye-catching chest was enough to make one exclaim inwardly. Above this curvaceous body was a quiet, beautiful face: delicate features, cream-like skin, and a pair of dark red eyes. Long, black hair flowed smoothly down her back, and atop her head sat a white hairband that emphasized her quiet demeanor.
The girl's quiet aura, combined with her seductive figure, created an irresistible impulse to learn more. This was the girl descending the stairs.
As they passed each other, Yuki glanced at the girl a few extra times.
And the girl, in turn, did the same. As she came downstairs and encountered the trio, her dark red eyes were instantly drawn to Yuki.
Her expression clearly faltered for a moment. She glanced at Yuki a few more times before slowly descending and passing by their side.
Only after the other girl had gone some distance did Marin finally speak up: "If I remember correctly, that woman with the long black hair just now is our senior, Utaha Kasumigaoka!"
Yuki began ascending the stairs.
Origami asked calmly, "You know her?"
"Of course! After all, Utaha Kasumigaoka-senpai is one of the school's most famous beauties!" Marin nodded. "On our school's 'Campus Beauty Ranking,' she's in the top few. Besides her, another senior, Mai Sakurajima, is also on the list."
Marin began educating Origami. "Of course, it's not just the seniors. We first-years have our share too. In fact, Tobiichi-san, you're on the list as well!"
"I see. Who has so much free time to rank such things?" Origami nodded, her expression neither pleased nor displeased.
"Uh... Shouldn't the normal reaction be happiness? How come Tobiichi-san's reaction is so indifferent?!" Marin was somewhat confused by Origami's lack of reaction. After all, when she found out she was on the Campus Beauty Ranking, she was delighted for days.
"Because I don't care," Origami stated slowly.
Hearing this, Yuki chuckled. In Origami's eyes, the only thing that could truly capture her attention was matters concerning Yuki. Everything else held little sway over her emotions.
Marin, hearing this, could only fall silent, not pressing further.
However, Yuki comforted Marin on the side and asked about other details of the Campus Beauty Ranking. Marin immediately regained her vitality, excitedly introducing the others to Yuki, even repeatedly emphasizing that she herself was on the list.
Yuki saw through Marin's intent and praised her repeatedly. Noticing Yuki's praise, Origami quickly chimed in, "What about me? Me? I'm on the list too!"
"Alright, alright! Origami is also amazing! Very good!" Yuki had no choice but to praise Origami as well.
"Mhm, mhm, mhm!" Origami nodded repeatedly, satisfied with Yuki's praise. Watching her, Marin couldn't help but feel Origami's personality was somewhat like a puppy's.