Upon learning of this in the future, Dave would be consumed by anger and frustration directed inward. He berated himself for extending a helping hand to Leo instead of pushing him away as he should have.
Zhane, who had observed the unfolding events in silence, seemed to grasp Hera’s intentions. He sensed her attraction to Leo but also her efforts to maintain a distance from him, for reasons unknown. Whether this was advantageous or detrimental to their group remained uncertain to him. However, upon hearing Dave’s words, Zhane felt an urge to kick him for the first time in years, frustrated by the unintended consequences of Dave’s actions.
He understood Dave’s intentions but foresaw the potential for it to backfire in the future. Despite this, since Dave had already spoken and he noticed Hera’s surprise tinged with a hint of happiness, Zhane suppressed his disapproval and maintained his silence. He couldn’t fathom why Hera was adamant about keeping Leo at arm’s length, but he recognized that by ying fair and square to win her over, they might unravel the truth in due time.
Zhane nodded in agreement with Dave’s statement. "That’s right, Hera. You probably already know this, but I’m very interested in you and want to court you. My friend Dave feels the same way, and we can both tell that our other friends share these feelings too. Rather than fighting among ourselves for your affection, we n topete for you fair and square. Adding another man into the mix doesn’t change anything. So, I hope you won’t run away from us after hearing this," Zhane stated inly.
This was the first time Hera had heard such a straightforward deration, and it left her feeling embarrassed. Even in the novel, thepetition for Alice’s affection is never so openly acknowledged. In the story, the male leads silently vied for Alice’s attention, gradually bing ustomed to each other’s presence. They developed a tacit understanding, allowing one another to protect and keep Alicepany when one was busy. Though they initially experienced misunderstandings and conflicts in their pursuit of Alice, everything ultimately turned out fine.
But now, they were openly dering their intentions to her? Seriously? Hera was beyond speechless. She didn’t know whether tough or cry at what Dave and Zhane had agreed to do and how things hade to this point. She had been ready to turn down Leo, hoping he could start a new life away from her and avoid the drama and dangers that seemed to follow her, like the incident at the hotel. Yet, Dave had taken matters into his own hands and even invited his rival topete fairly.
Hera opened and closed her mouth several times, trying to find the right words but ultimately failing, utterly taken aback by the unexpected turn of events. Just a moment ago, Dave and Zhane had been ring at Leo with hostility, viewing him as a rival. Now, Dave was inviting Leo topete fairly for her affection. What would they do next? Agree to take turns sleeping with her, or perhaps organize schedules and share day-to-day chores? The absurdity of the situation left her speechless and bewildered.
Hera couldn’t think straight, feeling as if her brain was about to explode. It seemed like her life had just taken a dramatic turn, yet she hadn’t even had the chance to voice her opinion.
"Alright then, I hope that none of us resorts to underhanded tactics or treats this as a mere game," Leo said, his tone carrying an unmistakable hint of menace. It was clear he meant that thispetition for Hera’s affection was not a frivolous contest to see who could win and then discard her like a trophy. He continued, "If that timees, don’t me me if I turn against you all when you hurt her." Though he didn’t raise his voice, the authority andtent threat in his words made Zhane and Dave perk up, their brows furrowing in response.