Yes

Sonobe considered it for a second, but realized this time he didn’t need the hypnosis app. “The truth is Rui, Asuka is selling his body.”

Rui’s cheeks ran bright red. “What?! That’s ridiculous! He’s been sleeping with other girls!?”

“No Rui. He sells himself to men.”

Rui shrieked. “Impossible! Asuka’s not gay! He’s been hitting on me since middle school! He was hitting on me in home room! You’re lying!”

Sonobe stepped back a step, held verbally against the wall by Rui. “I know it sounds crazy, it still feels crazy, but I know he’s doing it.

“I made him start doing it.”

“How? What could possibly make someone like Asuka do that?”

“About a month ago, after he called me the benchwarmer, an app downloaded on my phone that could hypnotize and change people. I used it on Asuka.”

“Hmph! That’s insane! I should’ve known that you’d lie about what’s happening. You were always jealous of him. I’ll figure out what happened on my own.” Rui turned away to start heading downstairs back to the classroom. Reflexively, Sonobe grabbed her wrist before she got down the first step.

“You’re right…” He admitted. “My whole life I’ve always been jealous of someone. But I promise you Rui, this time it’s different. I can give you anything. I’ll give you the nationals, anything.”

“What are you… why? Why are you talking to me like this?”

“Because Asuka never did.”