Just before cleaning time, Ayano placed a note in Hina's locker. She had done the exact same for Osana that same morning, but she had actual intentions of helping this time. After all, Hina was in a relationship already, she likely wouldn't want anything to do with her senpai.

She turned around and spotted Raibaru talking to Senpai.

"Have you seen Osana since this morning? She wasn't in class." Senpai asked. Ayano's heart ached. She wished he cared for her in that way.

"No, I haven't. I'll text her. Maybe she was feeling sick and went home." Raibaru replied. She fiddled on her phone for a moment. "Okay, I've texted her. I'll go get on with cleaning."

"Alright. See you tomorrow." Senpai replied.

Ayano stared at him from afar, feeling that tickly feeling all over her body. She smiled, gazing at everything about him, and thinking of the day that he'd finally be hers.

She turned and saw Hina at her locker. She read the note she had left her, checked her watch, and headed in the direction of class 3-2. Ayano followed behind at a slower pace, and watched as she waited patiently for her in the classroom. She entered.

"Hi, Hina." she said lightly.

"Did you want to meet me here?" Hina asked, tucking some of her long, red hair away nervously. Ayano looked at her pretty face and saw how uncomfortable she was.

"Yeah. Look, I don't want to overstep any lines here, but I was passing by this room at lunch and I heard you talking to Budo."

Hina's eyes widened. "Oh, God. You didn't tell anyone, did you?!"

"No, of course not. Your business is your business. I just wanted to know if there was any way I could help you."

"Oh, no... I couldn't ever place the burden on you. I'm sorry, can we just forget about this?"

"I can't just forget about it, Hina." Ayano thought of all the things Hina could do for her. Perhaps even Senpai would look at her and come to the conclusion that if her and Hina were friends, she must be cool. "Please, let me support you if nothing else."

"Well... oh, I feel horrible for even asking. But I ideally want an abortion. My dad controls my bank account, so I can't just buy the pills outright, and Budo can't afford them either..."

"I'll get them for you." Ayano said.

Hina looked at her in surprise. "Really? Are you sure?"
I'd owe you huge time if you did."

"Yes, of course. I'd be happy to help." Ayano replied.

Hina smiled then, and threw her arms around Ayano. "Oh, God, thank you so much! I'll make sure everyone knows how amazing you are. If you ever need anything in return, it's done, no questions asked." She smiled.

Ayano nodded, hugging back before pulling away. "I'll bring them to you the moment I receive them."

"You're a life saver. Thanks again, Ayano!" she smiled again, waved, and headed out of the classroom, presumably to share the good news with Budo.

After Ayano returned home, she found the things she needed online and ordered them, paying extra for next day delivery. And she considered what she could ask Hina for in return.

Anything that needed paying for seemed to be out of the question. Hina naturally would make stupid amounts with her modelling career. She was the most attractive girl in the school, perhaps only rivalled by Megami, alongside one of the most popular. Every boy was into her, and half the girls too. Even Ayano herself admittedly felt charmed by her.

Even just being friends with her would make Ayano infinitely more popular. Surely when she finally confessed to Senpai it would be automatically accepted. Perhaps Hina would give her little tips to make her all the more attractive.

Hina smiled at Ayano the next day as she handed her the pills discreetly. Budo, who was sat next to her, gave her a friendly nod. She knew things were going well as Hina took the rest of the week off with the flu.

Then, she received a text message.

Hina: Hey, Ayano. Just wanted to thank you again for everything. I was wondering if you'd like to come over this weekend for lunch? My parents are out of town.

Ayano: That would be nice.

Hina: Great! Here's my address, see you then.

And so, Ayano gained her most valuable ally.