Chapter 123: Operation: Understand the Enigma

The Aiwa Situation, as Kenji dramatically calls it, has become the primary obsession of our little group. Rina and Haruka have temporarily paused their Rui-centric hostilities, united in their shared mission to figure out what the heck is going on with the transfer student.

"Okay, let's analyze the data," Miki says, standing in front of her whiteboard, which now features a complex flowchart titled 'AIWA MATSUKI: PERSONALITY ANALYSIS.' "We have observed two distinct behavioral patterns. Pattern A: 'Shy Aiwa' - characterized by avoidance of Rui-kun, general timidity, blushing, and stammering. Pattern B: 'LUNA-Lite' - characterized by sudden confidence, articulate speech, lower vocal register, and occasional acts of surprising assertiveness, often triggered by injustice or discussions of niche anime."

"So she is bipolar?" Kenji asks, munching on chips.

"That is not what bipolar means, you idiot," Haruka snaps, though she looks intrigued by the theory. "It is more like… controlled bursts of confidence. Almost like she is accessing a different part of herself."

"Like a transformation sequence!" Kenji gasps. "Maybe she IS a magical girl!"

"She is not a magical girl," Rina says, rolling her eyes, though she too looks deeply perplexed. "But she is hiding something. And it is driving me crazy." Her eyes narrow as she looks at me. "And you know what it is, do you not, Onii-chan?"

"I have no idea what you are talking about," I lie smoothly, my practice paying off. "I am just as confused as you are."

My denial, however, only fuels their determination. They launch "Operation: Understand the Enigma," a series of increasingly absurd attempts to trigger Aiwa's "LUNA-Lite" mode under controlled conditions.

Their first attempt involves Kenji "accidentally" bumping into Aiwa in the hallway and knocking her books over, hoping to provoke an assertive reaction. Instead, Aiwa just bursts into tears, overwhelmed by the clumsiness and the sudden attention. Kenji spends the next hour apologizing profusely, looking utterly ashamed. Mission failure.

Their second attempt involves Haruka trying to engage Aiwa in a high-level debate about fabric sourcing during lunch, hoping her passion for cosplay will trigger the change. Aiwa just gives polite, noncommittal answers, clearly intimidated by Haruka's intense questioning. Mission failure.

Their third attempt is Rina's brainchild. "We need to recreate the conditions of the photoshoot," she declares. "The annoyance factor! That is the key!"

Her plan is implemented during study hall. Rina and Haruka position themselves near Aiwa's desk and begin a loud, fake argument, deliberately trying to get on her nerves.

"My interpretation of neoclassical art is clearly superior to yours, Ito!" "Your understanding of chiaroscuro is rudimentary at best, Hinamata!"

They are practically yelling. The entire study hall is staring. Aiwa just puts on her headphones, turns up her music, and completely ignores them, her focus absolute. Mission failure.

Their attempts are becoming increasingly desperate and embarrassing. I try to stay out of it, but I am often dragged in as unwilling bait or collateral damage.

"Rui, quick, pretend to be bullied by me!" Kenji whispers one day, shoving me playfully. "Maybe Aiwa-chan will transform and save you!"

"Get off me, Kenji!" I hiss, shoving him back.

Through it all, Aiwa remains an enigma. Her shy, clingy-but-avoidant behavior towards me continues. Her sudden bursts of "LUNA-Lite" confidence remain unpredictable. Rina and Haruka's frustration grows. And my own internal conflict deepens. I am the only one who knows the truth, the only one who understands the 'why' behind her strange behavior. And keeping that secret, watching my friends stumble around in the dark, is starting to feel less like self-preservation and more like a betrayal.