"…yes, I get that it's better for the story, but I just don't want to see Suzuha die. Couldn't the writers think of something else?" said Hilda.
"She didn't test well with several core demographics. Himekawa TV isn't some sort of charity," replied Himekawa. "Besides, what happens if she survives? It's all the same debate over again. Nobody would watch it."
The discussion had been going on for more than an hour now, ever since Hilda learned who was behind her favorite soap operas. Teachers had come and gone into the classroom, but none of them had managed to have the slightest impact on the Ishyiama special class.
"You still owe us something for allowing you to help in the retrieval of the Demon's Portrait", said Hilda, although she was just grasping at straws here. Part of her wondered whether she should draw her sword, but doing that would probably do nothing to prevent the coming fictional tragedy.
"Me? It's you guys who owe me something. I let you in thanks to the kindness of my heart, and what thanks do I get? Now, listen here — oh, what's that?"
Hilda followed his gaze. Kunieda was standing at Oga's table, talking quietly. After a second, both of them left. After a ten second waiting period, the entire class raced to the door. All except Hilda.
"Are you not coming?" asked Himekawa. "Aren't you, like, worried that Aoi will confess?"
"Confess what? Did she kill someone?" replied Hilda.
"What? No. I don't think she could. What I mean is…"
At that moment, Oga and Kunieda returned. Oga looked incredibly confused, while the girl was blushing and smiling at the same time. And they were holding hands.
"…that," said Himekawa quietly. He looked at Hilda, waiting for a reaction. Apparently he had not expected her to smile.
"Kunieda and Oga… that is going to be interesting."
Authors note: Wohoo, new story started! I've actually written this one back to front, so all other chapters are already done (although I may do some touch-ups before posting). Note that while this story features AoiXOga, it isn't about that, and designed to be enjoyable for people who don't like that pairing, too.
If you're wondering about The Debt, well, so am I. I've rewritten chapter five three times now, but it never works like I want it to. I'll first finish this one, and then rethink my approach there.