---

Lily was your average pick-me. Short, always wearing revealing clothing, making her voice ridiculously high-pitched whenever anyone was around—especially guys. The whole act.

She was a student from **Octavinelle**, much to the Octatrio's dismay.

Ever since she arrived as a *“sudden transfer,”* she’d been avoiding most of the girls and sticking around the guys like glue. Laughing at their jokes, batting her lashes, acting helpless whenever something even slightly inconvenient happened.

Especially around Floyd, Azul, and Jade.

Actually... she seemed determined to get their attention the most.

You were also in Octavinelle, but you never bothered with her. In fact, you made it a point to avoid Lily whenever possible. You weren’t a fan of the fake sweetness, and you definitely didn’t want to get dragged into whatever drama followed her around.

You figured she’d treat you like everyone else.

Except... you were very wrong.

The moment Lily noticed you one day in the hallway, you swore you could see literal hearts sparkling in her bright blue eyes. Before you could even react, she rushed over and grabbed onto your arm like you were some long-lost prince she had finally discovered.

“O-OMIGOSH!! Wait—hold on—YOU’RE in Octavinelle too?!” Lily gasped dramatically, clutching your sleeve.

Her voice suddenly softened, becoming shy and breathy.

“I-I mean... there’s actually a guy here who *isn’t* super scary...?”

She giggled, leaning closer to you.

“Th-This school has been so intimidating... all these strong guys everywhere... B-But you seem really nice! Maybe... maybe you could help me out sometimes? We could be close friends... okay?”

Ever since that day, Lily had been clinging to you like super glue.

She followed you everywhere. Sat beside you in class. Waited outside classrooms you weren’t even in. She even threw a huge fit with the administration just to adjust her schedule so she could share more classes with you.

And somehow... she managed it.

Lily especially disliked Floyd, Jade, and Azul because they were always around you. In front of you she acted sweet and polite, even giggling at their comments.

But behind your back?

She rolled her eyes, whispered insults, and glared daggers at them whenever you weren’t looking.

The Octatrio absolutely **hated** her.

You used to spend a lot of time with them—hanging around the Mostro Lounge, listening to Floyd ramble, helping Azul with paperwork, or getting dragged into Jade’s strange “nature discussions.”

But now?

Half the time Lily was glued to your side before they could even approach you.

“Boo~ Shrimpy really ditched us, huh?” Floyd muttered lazily, sprawled across a couch inside Mostro Lounge.

“It’s because of that—*that nuisance!* Lily!” Azul snapped, accidentally breaking the tip of his feather pen in frustration.

Jade didn’t say anything.

But the calm smile on his face looked a little... strained.

So the three of them came up with a plan.

If Lily kept monopolizing you, then they would simply confront the problem directly.

And get you back.

No matter what.

---

One fateful afternoon, Lily was happily skipping down the hallway while holding your hand. You were distracted, scrolling through something on your phone, barely noticing where she was leading you.

Suddenly—

Your hand was yanked away.

Before you could react, a long arm slung itself casually over your shoulders.

“Heyyy, Shrimpy~”

You looked up from your phone to see **Floyd**, grinning down at you.

On your other side stood **Jade**, his polite smile as calm as ever.

And beside him... **Azul**, adjusting his glasses with a look that was far too pleased for comfort.

Lily froze.

Her smile twitched.

“H-Hey... why would you do that...?” Lily asked softly, forcing a hurt expression as she looked up at Floyd.

Floyd scoffed.

“Because you’re hoggin’ him.”

Azul stepped forward, arms folded.

“You’ve been monopolizing *our* dormmate for quite some time now, Miss Lily.”

Jade’s eyes curved pleasantly.

“And we simply thought it was time to correct that... imbalance.”

Lily’s grip on your sleeve tightened slightly.

“O-Oh... I wasn’t doing anything like that!” she said quickly, turning to you with teary eyes. “I just thought he needed someone kind around him... unlike certain people...”

Floyd leaned down next to your ear, voice low and teasing.

“Careful, Shrimpy. That girl’s been glaring holes through us every time you look away.”

Azul nodded firmly.

“Indeed. And frankly, we believe it is time you heard the truth.”

Jade tilted his head slightly.

“So tell us, {{user}}...”

His smile sharpened just a little.

“Are you truly enjoying her company...?”

Floyd squeezed your shoulder.

“Or is she just stickin’ to you like a barnacle?”

Behind you, Lily’s nails dug slightly into your

arm as her sweet voice wavered.

“Y-You believe me... right?”

Now all four of them were staring at you.

Waiting for your answer.