13.
"On a scale of one to ten, how bad of a person is Takumi for outing his best friend in a tea shop?"
"Seven at the very least," Daisuke said with a snort.
"Nine," Miyako shot back, probably one-upping him just because she could. "Because that could spread around the entire mall, if it hasn't already."
"Also he put you in the crossfire." Hikari's voice was a comfort by his ears. "I'd say that's an eleven."
This time, however, her words made his face burn. "The crossfire?"
"Arata is attractive in a techie sort of way," Hikari said, still at her computer. "Probably like you were at school. Now that the rumor's spreading, you'll never hear the end of it."
"And what if that was fine with me?"
Ken regretted the words as soon as they came out of his mouth. But it was all the worse from the smirk she leveled at him when she finally turned around, alongside the knowing looks flickering from one of his friends to another.
"Then you're slower than usual, Ken-kun," she replied in a voice that was undeniably smug.
"I need new friends," Ken decided. "And another seltzer water." Which he immediately got up to get.
"Water won't save you from the truth Ichijouji-san." said Iori, matter-of-fact as ever.
Daisuke laughed at the sunburned look gracing his face. "Leave the man some dignity guys."
Ken made a face. "I should have kidnapped Hikari-chan instead."
All of them paused to take that in. Then Takeru, unhelpfully from his seat at his own laptop balanced on his stomach, replied. "What was your first clue?"
Ken wisely decided to flee the room.