Nevertheless, as Tobe invited her, Yui didn't refuse, especially when Yumiko and Ebina had partnered up. While she could search for others as a partner, it was a little troublesome, and her personality had always tried to avoid trouble. Moreover, she was also a little curious about Tobe's change, so she thought to have a conversation with him later, since... while she couldn't be truthful, she was a bit envious of his transformation.
As they sat facing each other with a white canvas before them, Yui couldn't help but observe Tobe's appearance. It was said that an impression of someone could change with how they behaved. As he wasn't as noisy and childish as before, she had to say he was handsome, and it was hard to stare at him for so long without feeling hot on her cheeks.
Like a man who couldn't help but gaze at a beautiful woman before looking away as they knew that it was improper to stare for so long, Yui felt the same way as she looked at Tobe, especially when he had a girlfriend, a cute one at that.
"I know that you asked me to be your partner, but I am sorry if my drawing isn't as good as yours, Tobe-kun."
The morning before, Yui had seen his drawing, and it was as impressive as that of a professional.
"It's fine."
"Really?"
"Yes, the teacher will give you a bad score, though."
"...." Yui.
"That said, I will do my best. You don't mind, right?"
"Eh?" Yui was startled by his response; her face grew a little hot once again, especially when he appeared serious, staring at her intently like he was observing her carefully. "Y-You are going to draw me with your best?"
"It's natural, right? I want to get a good score."
"...."
His words misled her, but she wondered whether this was done deliberately or subconsciously.
A part of her thought that it was deliberate since it was impossible for him to be so oblivious as he had a girlfriend, but a part of her also thought that it was done subconsciously as he seduced too many women, so that everything became natural.
Yes, Yui might appear silly or even an idiot, if one had to be cruel, but that was wrong. If she were an idiot, it would be impossible for her to enter this high school, which is renowned for its high standards and competitiveness. She might not be the most outstanding, but her mind wasn't bad at all, especially when she was willing to work hard for it.
However, the most outstanding aspect of her was her EQ, which was extremely high.
It might be a little unexpected, but she could even become Yukinoshita Yukino's first friend, who had never had a friend before, and even be under Yumiko's protection, leading to a smooth and comfortable high school life.
With such an ability to understand the interpersonal relationships among many, it was natural that Yui was the most comfortable partner to be chosen in the art class.
Still—
"Did you seduce Yukinoshita-san this way, Tobe-kun?"
Tobe looked at Yui and asked, "Were you seduced by me, Yuigahama?"
"Of course not!" Yui refuted with a reddened face.
"That's good, then."
"Why is it good?"
Yui felt a bit angry since she was quite popular and many boys often confessed to her, but fortunately, Yumiko was a good wall that could protect her from anything, including the rejection of many boys' confessions.
"I don't want to become a scumbag."
"....."
Yui was speechless, then asked speechlessly, "Does that mean if I confess, you will agree?"
"Will you confess?"
"Of course not!"
"That's good. You won't get killed by Yukino later."
Yui laughed and asked, "Is Yukinoshita-san really that scary?"
"No, she is a cute girl. You should try to be friends with her. She might be a little awkward, but once you know her, you know she is a gentle and delicate girl."
Tobe wished for Yukinoshita to have a friend. He knew it was a bit strange, since for most boyfriends or lovers, they wished for their partners to focus solely on themselves, as if they were their only world.
If he wasn't a scumbag, then he would do so, but he was a scumbag, and had a lot of lovers. He also thought of doing business, too, and did many other things. For him, it was okay even if he wasn't by Yukinoshita's side, but for her, who had no one by her side, and had only him, without a doubt, she would be lonely without him, so he thought to make her a friend, and Yui was that perfect friend.
Still, for Yui, who heard his gentle voice as he told his girlfriend, she felt a little envious since she could see that Yukinoshita was loved by Tobe sincerely in a way that was different from how a romance of a high school student was.
Yes, the shape of a romance for every person was different, but most of the high school students were quite childish in shape.
Yui would be lying if she didn't have an interest in a romance since, like every girl, she wanted to become a princess and have her own prince, yet she didn't think that among all the guys in the high school, someone could be her prince, but—
Shaking her head softly, Yui said, "You really love your girlfriend, Tobe-kun."
"Haha..."
Tobe could only laugh awkwardly.
"But somehow, I understand why Yukinoshita-san confessed to you."
"Oh, you think it was she who made the confession?"
"Yes."
If it were someone else, they would think Tobe was the one who made the first move, but Yui knew well that the one who made the first move was Yukinoshita, the awkward, yet gentle, and delicate girl from his lips. Moreover, she knew well that Tobe had a lot of options, and she felt as if he was serious; it was possible for him to seduce Yumiko, that cold queen, who could conquer the class with her aura.
Still, Tobe wondered whether Yui didn't realize how misleading her words were.
You understood why Yukinoshita confessed to me?
Then, did she mean that he was attractive in her eyes?
Tobe decided not to think too much, but he still reminded Yui. "Still, don't fall for me, okay?"
"Who will?!"
Yui quickly refuted with a reddened face again.
As expected, this guy had changed so much!
But, this also made her curious, and while she knew that asking this question would lead to many problems, she couldn't stop her curiosity as she knew well that he would answer her question softly, and probably lead her into something that might not be good for the two of them.
Yet, in the end, she asked nervously, "T-Tobe-kun... can I ask why you changed?"
Hearing that question, Tobe, who drew Yui's beautiful face, stopped and looked at her with a thoughtful expression.