Kristen calmed down after I stopped her from confronting Cerise in the cafeteria. I prompted her to confront Cerise outside when they were alone or online.

Since Cerise was weak-willed, then I assured Kristen that she wouldn't tell anyone, "Don't worry about Cerise. She might be a snake, but she's still weak-willed nonetheless," I said. ​ ​

"True," Kristen nodded. She stared at me with her scrutinizing gaze and asked, "You seem to know Cerise well enough."

I shrugged nonchalantly, "I just know what kind of girl she is. When I talked to you for the first time, I just knew that Cerise was lying the whole time. She keeps telling me that you look kind outside, but you're actually a devil inside."

"And you don't believe her, right?"

"Of course not! Where was she when Jessica attacked me?" I tried to convince Kristen that I was by her side. Not that I wouldn't do the same with Cerise later, it was just part of the game until I get that secret.

"You defended me while she just hides and runs away. I just wanted us to be grouped as three because Cerise said that you're evil inside. I want to prove to her that you're a goodhearted person inside."

Kristen seemed to be touched by my words. She nodded and hugged me, "Thanks for trusting me, Em. You know, I would never hurt anyone, nor I will talk shit about you behind my back like what Cerise did."

How was it, Kristen Suite? Did you forget the same tactic that you use to manipulate people? They will think that you're trying to help them while you're actually pushing them down to the cliff.

I am using the same tactic that you used every day.

I patted her back, "Aw, I just don't want anyone to slander or bully you. Remember, you're my friend, right? Cerise has slandered you. Maybe you should stop her as soon as possible before she starts making stuff up. Who knows what lies will she tell to people outside."

"Maybe she will create lies… such as lying that you have a dark secret that will threaten your reputation," I said.

Kristen stiffened immediately. She laughed dryly and then pushed me to separate herself.

"Anyway, thanks for consoling me, Em. I will definitely confront that bitch at night! I will make sure she will listen to me!"

Kristen rushed out immediately. I smirked as I saw the door was closed.

I looked at myself in the mirror, and the smirk only widened.

"Good, it's time for Cerise now."

***

After school ended, I saw that Cerise was walking around in the corridor. She looked sad, so I approached her, "Cerise, what happened, girl?"

Cerise glanced at me. She smiled bitterly, "Kristen doesn't want to befriend me, Em."

"What do you mean? Where is she now? I want us to walk home as three…."

"You don't need to do that. It's no use…." Cerise said. She sighed, full of woe, "I know it'll be like this. She changed after she befriended Ashley. Even after so many things I did for her, she still sees me as an embarrassing nuisance…."

Cerise lowered her head. Her shoulder was shaking. It must've been a hard hit for her. Because she looked so happy in the morning, and everything turned upside down in less than a day.

I bet Kristen said something a few hours ago after I prompted her in the toilet.

I had nothing to add at this point, but I wanted to give Cerise comfort. So she would believe me and spill Kristen's secret to me first.

I sighed deeply and held Kristen's hand, "I'm sorry for trying to group you with her. I just thought that it might make you happier…."

Cerise shook her head, "It's fine. I also had a hope that Kristen would accept me again, but that's just me being pathetic as always…."

"You don't need her, Cerise. There's always me, right? Remember, if you need something, just tell me. I will always be by your side and help you," I promised. I looked around, acting nervous, then I whispered to Cerise,

'Cerise, Kristen actually came to me a few hours ago, saying that she will kill you later. I don't know what that means, but you need to be careful.'

Cerise's already pale face got even paler, and her body shook even more, "W—What should I do?"

"I don't think she'll do anything dangerous to you, but you have to be careful, okay?"

Cerise didn't seem to believe my word, which was expected.

All I wanted to do was to heighten the anxiety in Cerise's heart. The more she got paranoid, the better it got for me. Because all Cerise needed was a little push for her to break down.

Kristen was completely pissed off, and Cerise was paranoid right now.

What more do I need?

Well, popcorn would suffice. I want to watch the world burn in their chats or call.