Apocalypse Chat Group: Conquering the Heroines

"So, you brought them into the club just to make it easier for you to 'hunt beautiful girls'?"

For some reason, Yukino's voice carried a distinct chill, both in tone and temperature.

"So cold!"

Yui Yuigahama and Megumi Kato, standing nearby, couldn't help but shiver.

Tatsuki, however, nodded with an air of seriousness.

"Of course."

Just as Yukino was about to say something, Tatsuki smirked and shifted his tone.

"The other reason, of course, is to help my adorable clubmate Yukino make some friends. You don't have any friends, do you?"

"?"

That comment struck a nerve in Yukino. She quickly retorted, "I remember the names of everyone in the school."

Tatsuki raised an eyebrow, "But do you have friends?"

"…"

"That depends on how one defines the word friend. If we were to say—"

Tatsuki immediately cut her off.

"Stop!"

With an exasperated expression, he mercilessly interjected, "Anyone who says things like that definitely doesn't have friends."

"You…"

Yukino glared at him, feeling more belittled than ever.

Tatsuki remained unfazed and turned to Yui and Megumi, slapping two sheets of paper onto the table. "Alright, write up these club application forms, and you'll officially be members."

"Mm."

"Got it!"

Yukino, still fuming, shot him a venomous glare, but Tatsuki returned it with a cheerful smile.

"This guy!"

While Yui earnestly filled out the form, Megumi's gaze quietly flitted between Tatsuki and Yukino, as if she were deep in thought.

…

After collecting the forms, Tatsuki submitted them to Shizuka Hiratsuka.

Hiratsuka took the papers with a strange expression on her face. "I really don't know how you managed to rope anyone into this bizarre club of yours."

Tatsuki chuckled. "Maybe it's my charming personality."

Hiratsuka rolled her eyes, stamping the forms with approval. "Get out of here, you narcissist."

Tatsuki gave her a cheeky grin. "Thanks, Hiratsuka-sensei. If you ever need help with anything, just call me. I'll take care of it."

"You? I'm a teacher."

"Even teachers have their limits. Like, for example… getting married?"

Before Hiratsuka could respond, Tatsuki darted out the door, closing it behind him as he made his escape.

"…"

"You little brat!"

Hiratsuka's frustrated shout echoed from the office.

…

"Still need one more person," Tatsuki muttered, walking down the hallway while pondering who to invite next.

Just then, a flash of gold caught his eye.

"Hm?"

He looked closer.

Blonde hair? Twin tails? A beautiful girl?

"Eriri!"

Tatsuki raised his hand in greeting.

Ahead of him, the blonde twin-tailed beauty turned around—it was indeed Eriri Spencer Sawamura herself.

A childhood friend and former classmate from elementary and middle school, Eriri was now also his high school classmate. Though they were in different classes, they often saw each other during their first year. However, with the new semester and Tatsuki's recent busyness, their encounters had been sparse.

"Tatsuki!"

Eriri stopped and waited for him to approach.

When Tatsuki reached her side, he gave her a quick once-over and immediately noticed something off.

Despite the light pink makeup masking it, he could still spot the faint dark circles under her eyes.

As a good friend, he instantly understood what was going on.

Teasing her, he said, "Don't tell me you pulled another all-nighter because of deadlines?"

At his words, Eriri bared her small, sharp canines, glaring at him with mock ferocity.

"D-don't call it missing deadlines! It's just… the life of an artist!"

Her tone, however, betrayed her guilt.

Missing deadlines was indeed the truth. And she also felt a pang of self-consciousness about calling herself an "artist," especially in front of Tatsuki, who knew her secret.

On the surface, Eriri was the star of the school's art club. But in reality, she was the well-known doujin artist "Eri Kashiwagi," specializing in lewd illustrations.

Tatsuki's awareness of her secret made her even more flustered. Not wanting to let the awkwardness linger, Eriri quickly changed the topic.

She stared at him with an exaggerated pout, her expression full of mock indignation.

"Why haven't you contacted me lately? Don't tell me you've been hanging out with shady people!"

She sounded almost like a jealous wife.

"I wouldn't dare," Tatsuki chuckled. "The new semester's been hectic. Once things settle down, I'll visit you again. I'm still looking forward to seeing Master Eri Kashiwagi's masterpieces."

He reached out and patted her head affectionately.

Eriri glanced around the hallway to ensure no one was nearby before letting him continue.

Not that she wanted it, of course!

Her cheeks flushed red as she tilted her chin upward, trying to look proud and haughty.

"You better be ready to be amazed."

In truth, her heart felt warm and sweet.

Tatsuki still cares about me. He noticed my condition right away and even remembered our promises, she thought, reflecting on all they'd been through together.

Maybe they really were the kind of friends who could talk about anything.

…

Ring ring ring!

The chime signaling the start of class echoed through the halls.

Tatsuki withdrew his hand, leaving Eriri feeling an unexpected pang of loss at the absence of his warmth.

"Eriri, let's walk home together after school. There's something I need to talk to you about."

With that, Tatsuki waved and headed back to his classroom.

"Mm."

Eriri smiled brightly, her heart filled with anticipation.

…

"Those two…"

By the trash bin, a bespectacled boy watched them with a dark and brooding expression.

...

200 power stones = 1 extra chapter

300 power stones = 2 extra chapter