—We’ve already finished printing the brochures today, so we’re ready to get started — said Hamanami.
It was an autumn afternoon, and I was on my way home after a long day at school. The preparations for the festival had been completed, so all that remained was to wait for the blessed day.
—What do you say we stop by at a convenience store? I’ll buy you some fried chicken.
I decided to accept Hamanami’s kind invitation, so we stopped at the same convenience store as last time. As I ate my fried chicken in the parking lot, I thought about how very different we both are in terms of snack preferences.
Hayasaka-san is the type who prefers to eat steamed meat buns, while Tachibana-san loves ice cream, even on cold days.
—Well, Kirishima-senpai, the thing is….
—You want to know what Tachibana-san said regarding whether she would participate as a prize in her own game?
—Y—Yes.
—She said no.
As soon as Hamanami heard my words, she was very relieved about it.
—Do you like Yoshimi-kun that much?
—I honestly don’t know. I just know that I’ve recently started to feel attracted to him. Until not long ago I thought he was just a jerk… Although deep down, I thought he was kind of cool… However, before I realized it, he was already starting to fall in love with Tachibana-san. Even though he told me he wanted me to be his wife when we were kids…
—Don’t think about it too much, I’m sure your love will be reciprocated.
—Do you really think so? How can you be so sure?
—Because childhood friendship is always the strongest.
—Come to think of it, Kirishima-senpai and Tachibana-senpai also knew each other when they were little.
After finishing our meal, we continued walking to the station again.
—I have a feeling that Tachibana-san has been acting nicer than usual. Do you think she has changed since what happened last time?
—I don’t know. She’s a bit of a hard girl to understand. She’s very capricious, controlling, has good artistic skills, and at the same time, she’s quite feminine. She’s just like any other girl… Although, maybe she’s waiting for Kirishima-senpai.
—Waiting for me?
—Yes. Why do you think she set herself up to be the prize in her escape game? She was hoping that you would participate and claim her as your own. That way, you could both enter the contest for the best couple.
—No way, that’s something….
—Well, this is just a guess… But remember that it was her who gave you that kick through the door.
I know very well that Tachibana-san has a somewhat explosive personality.
—However, I think you know that there’s someone else wishing to have that chance with you…
—Hayasaka-san…
—Exactly. It’s all because of you, Kirishima-senpai. What makes a person want to pursue someone who’s running away from them?
—The snob effect.
—Yes. For Hayasaka-senpai, the fact that you love Tachibana-senpai more is a situation that makes her want to chase after you all the time. And this does nothing but make her become a yandere. It’s a very destructive psychological effect.
Now everything seems to make sense. If things keep getting better between me and Tachibana-san, Hayasaka-san will want to chase after me even more.
—I find it amazing that you got two girls to like you at the same time… Do you think it will work if I use the snob effect to attract Yoshimi’s attention?
—And what are you thinking of doing?
—Hmm, how about this? — Hamanami said, as she wrapped her arms around me.
—Doing this isn’t the right way to go… Instead of wanting to chase you, he’ll think we’re dating.
—You’re right
Hamanami kept hugging me as we walked.
—I wish I could always do this. Not with you, but with that idiot Yoshimi.
—Don’t use me as a training dummy.
—I’m sure Kirishima-senpai won’t even be able to practice with me anyway. Compared to Tachibana-senpai and Hayasaka-senpai, I’m just a child.
We had just arrived at a square in front of the station while playing at being a couple in love. It may have been part of my animal intuition, but I felt a shiver run up and down my spine. As a result, I started looking around.
A girl who was sitting on a bench stood up and stared at me. It was Hayasaka-san, and as she watched me, she noticed the way Hamanami was hugging me.
—Hey Kirishima-kun, aren’t I attractive enough for you? — Hayasaka-san said with an expressionless face.
************************
—How long have you been waiting there?
—It hasn’t been long. Only about three hours.
As soon as I looked at her, she was completely bewildered, just innocently nodding her head, as if she was repeating to herself inside her mind; ‘Why is this happening?’
—Well, this has been very helpful. Thank you very much, Kirishima-senpai, now I know what I have to do with Yoshimi.
After that, Hamanami quickly said goodbye, and disappeared as fast as she could… It seems that she understood the situation perfectly.
—Kirishima-kun, are you cold? — Hayasaka-san said as she tried to put her scarf around my neck.
—I’m fine, don’t worry, I’m sure you must feel colder than me.
Her cheeks were pale.
—Why didn’t you tell me you were waiting for me? If you had texted me, I would have left school earlier.
—It’s okay, I don’t want to be a burden to Kirishima-kun.
While I was talking to her, I bought a bottle of hot tea from the vending machine, and handed it to Hayasaka-san in her hands. She took it, and happily started to warm her hands with it. She looked very cute that way.
—Hehe. Thank you, Kirishima-kun.
—What do you say we head into a store?
—That’s fine by me.
After all, she just wanted to spend some time with me because of our long speration.
—Hamanami-san looked really scared, why?
—Because you scared her with your smile.
—I think I went a little overboard. I really don’t mind, but I must apologize. I decided I was going to be a good girlfriend, yet I’m not acting like one.
—I-I see…
—Besides, it’s not like I’m alone all the time and spend my time with Kirishima-kun.
—Eh?
—Yes. I’m also with Yanagi-senpai.
That’s right, lately the two of them have been talking a lot.
—I’m happy for you.
—Thank you. He often talks to me about his future studies and even some private things.
—That reminds me about how senpai told me Hayasaka-san was cute.
—That’s great!
She clenched her fist with much momentum as she celebrated his victory. But soon after she realized her mistake.
—I’m sorry, I’m sorry… Please, Kirishima-kun, don’t hate me….
In an instant, Hayasaka-san looked like she was on the verge of tears. She’s still an unstable girl. So, I made a decision to reassure her.
—It’s okay, don’t worry. Yanagi-senpai is the best partner you’ll ever have.
—Yes, although… I’m somewhat glad to see the pained expression Kirishima-kun had just now. — She said while hugging me softly and gently.
—I see, but it’s still good that you can get along with Yanagi-senpai.
—You want me to tell you something? The other day I got a phone call out of the blue in the middle of the night, and it happened to be him.
—That’s great. It means you’re already close enough to do stuff like that.
—Not quite… He wanted some advice.
—Advice?
—He saw Kirishima-kun and Tachibana-san walking hand in hand together…
The cold chill invades my whole body, making me freeze for a moment. The nearest train station to my house is the same as the one for Yanagi-senpai. We were very careless that day when I accompanied Tachibana-san to take the train.
It is true that we were holding hands all that time, so I’m not surprised that it happened.
—Is that true? — Hayasaka-san asked with empty, dark eyes. — I told senpai that he must be wrong, that things can’t be as he says. Because Kirishima-kun isn’t capable of doing that. I’ve been doing my best all this time, so I know you wouldn’t be able to betray me, right, Kirishima-kun? Kirishima-kun, Kirishima-kun…
—H-Hey, Hayasaka-san…
—If I make senpai discard that wrong idea from his mind then everything will be fine. Kirishima-kun won’t have any problems with Yanagi-senpai, and I’ll be able to stay friends with Tachibana-san. That’s why I have to make him change his mind as soon as possible, so that no one gets hurt.
Hayasaka-san grabs my arm tightly, I can’t help but feel some pain.
—Kirishima-kun, you’re going to wait until I succeed, right? Then you won’t be a bad person, no one will think you’re doing something so cruel, because if everyone believes it, then Kirishima-kun…
Hayasaka-san probably knows something about it, but she doesn’t want to believe it. She’s trying to hold on to her fantasy. She’s about to break. I can’t stand to look at her like that.
—But what if.… I was to blame for this?
Her words were very different from what I expected to hear. I thought she was going to admit that what Yanagi-senpai said was true, but it was just the opposite. She’s blaming herself now.
—Yes, it’s like that… It all makes sense now, it’s my fault.
—What?
—It’s because I’m not enough. I can’t satisfy Kirishima-kun, that’s why you don’t want to stay with me. It’s because I’m a bad girl… That’s why, I… I have to strive to be a good girl. Then I’ll be able to satisfy you, and then you can wait for me without betraying me. If I can satisfy you and seduce you… Everything will be fine! Right?
Hayasaka-san raised her head, and with a brighter expression than usual expressed in a cheerful voice;
—I’m going to become the perfect girlfriend for you. I’ll be your girlfriend one hundred percent!
**********************************
Since that night, Hayasaka-san began to strive to be a ‘good girlfriend’. Her logic is that if I’m satisfied with her, I wouldn’t approach Tachibana-san, and thus I wouldn’t betray Yanagi-senpai.
—Kirishima-kun, today’s the day we hand in our history homework, do you have yours ready? — Hayaka-san asked as she approached me with a smile on her face.
—I think I’ll skip it. I haven’t had time to do it due to the festival preparations.
—In that case, would you like to have a copy of mine?
—Sure, thanks.
—Well, then… Can I have your notebook?
—Why?
—I’m going to do it for you.
She took my notebook off the desk and ran back to her seat while stumbling over her own feet. And later that day, it was returned to me with the pages written on by her, her nice handwriting all over them, plus they were very colorful.
It seems that Hayasaka-san’s plan in being a good girlfriend is also going to include being very devoted to me. Although I can’t help but think that this is a bit excessive.
Several days have passed, and Hayasaka-san’s plan on being my ‘one hundred percent girlfriend’ started to show signs of life. During lunchtime, I was lying at my desk pretending to be asleep when I overheard my classmates talking to each other.
—Hey, isn’t it weird how Hayasaka-san has been really close to Kirishima-san these past few days?
—Yeah. Whenever she makes cookies in cooking class, she takes them to Kirishima.
—The other day Kirishima was talking about the new gummies that came out on the market, and the next day, Hayasaka-san bought them for him.
—I think he’s taking advantage of her.
The relationship between Hayasaka-san and I is a secret, and we’ve always kept our distance, not even talking in class. Now it’s completely ruined.
Just as I was thinking that I should be very careful, someone tapped me on the shoulder. I looked up, and it turned out to be Hayasaka-san.
—Hey Kirishima-kun, you haven’t brought any food these past few days. What’s wrong? You used to bring a packed lunch with you.
—My sister used to prepare one for me, but suddenly she stopped.
—In that case, I’ll prepare lunch for you tomorrow. — Hayasaka-san replied happily while making a peace sign with her fingers.
The boys in the class look at us from afar and start whispering something among themselves.
—Hayasaka-san, don’t you think you are talking too loud?
—Why do you say that?
—What do you think people will say when they hear you talking like that…?
—I have to satisfy Kirishima-kun first and foremost, I don’t care what others say… I want to be the best.
—Um, Hayasaka-san…
—Relax, everything will be fine! — she expressed with great enthusiasm while clenching her fist -So look forward to my handmade lunch tomorrow!
And just like that, my ‘girlfriend’ started cooking lunch for me.
************************************
The next day at lunchtime we were both in the mystery club room. Hayasaka-san had brought food for both of us, just as she had said yesterday.
She definitely decided to ignore the stares of the people around her, as well as the rules of being the second girlfriend, and did her best to be a good girlfriend.
That included spending time together in front of a lot of people. Talking, joking, walking together… Everything a couple can do in the public eye, we did.
Having a nice girlfriend in high school is much better than I imagined.
If Hayasaka-san and I had been best friends in our childhood, and continued to be together at this age, many things could have been different between the two of us. Like ending up as a real couple… It would have been nice.
—Kirishima-kun, what’s wrong? — Hayasaka-san asked — Are your chopsticks stuck? Is there something you don’t like? Feel free to say what you think.
—No, it’s okay, you’ve prepared all my favorite things. There’s nothing I don’t like and everything is delicious.
—Are you sure? If there’s something I did wrong, please say so, I’ll try my best to change.
—Don’t worry, everything is perfect. You’re an excellent cook, I’m sure you’ll make a great wife.
—Really!? I’m so happy! I won’t only be a good girlfriend, but also a good wife.
Hayasaka-san got up from her seat, which was the sofa in front of me, and sat next to me.
—Hey, we’re at school.
—It’ll only be for a moment.
She rubbed her head on my body, as if she were a little cat who missed me. She’s a very cute and cuddly girl.
—Last night I listened to the radio station you usually listen to. It was very interesting. And I also read a mystery novel. It was a bit complicated at one point, but I was relieved when I read the ending.
It seems that Hayasaka-san has started to take up the same hobbies as me.
—Let me take care of this.
Hayasaka-san put the bento in a cute bag and prepared to leave the club. Maybe we can continue this superficial fun for a while longer… But this is just a facade, a lie, something that could have been if we were really boyfriend and girlfriend.
But this doesn’t make anyone happy, it doesn’t benefit anyone. It will only end up hurting us at some point.
—Hayasaka-san, I like you very much.
—I’m glad you said so.
—So I don’t want you to push yourself too much.
Hayasaka-san stopped in front of the door, looked at me and spoke with a puzzled expression.
—I’m not pushing myself at all.
—You get up early, make lunch, listen to the radio at midnight, read mystery novels, when exactly do you have time to sleep?
—I don’t need to sleep. Because I’m trying to be Kirishima-kun’s ideal girlfriend.
—Hayasaka-san…
—I don’t have anything unique. There’s nothing that makes me different from Tachibana-san. I have nothing that can make Kirishima-kun fall in love with me. So I have to try twice as hard. I want Kirishima-kun to like me. So I’ll try not to look like I’m pushing myself too hard. I’m sorry, I know I’m not very smart. I’m not as good as Tachibana-san, but I will be. Soon, I will be… So please wait for me. If Kirishima-kun falls in love with me, everything will be fine. You won’t become a bad person. I will be the perfect girlfriend.
Hayasaka-san said with a positive tone of voice.
—But this is not good for you and Yanagi-senpai. It’s just a fake thing we have.
—It’s true, I know it’s a little confusing. Tachibana-san is number one for Kirishima-kun, and the same goes for me and Yanagi-senpai. I understand that point perfectly, and it’s something I’ve been trying hard to convince myself of for a long time, but… I can’t help but feel like an idiot because, with each passing day, I fall more in love with Kirishima-kun. And it’s something I can’t help myself with.
*******************
—You broke Akane again. But I guess it’s something she chose on her own.
Said Sakai, Hayasaka-san’s best friend, while standing beside me.
It was a morning of heavy autumn rain. I skipped the first hour of class, and was talking to Sakai in the bike yard.
—Did you hear about what Akane did to that boy?
—Yes, I saw it.
Today, one of the third-year boys tried to persuade Hayasaka-san to be his partner in the school festival. As soon as he tried to put his hand on her shoulder, she pushed him away in a manner that made him look bad in front of the rest of the students, severely humiliating him. That obviously made him angry.
—It looks like she’s trying to grow her hair out. Do you know why?
—She’s trying to look like Tachibana-san.
—Yes. The same person Kirishima is in love with.
Now the whole mystery novels and late-night radio thing is starting to make more sense.
—People often change parts of themselves to suit someone else, but Akane is going too far.
—I know… She said she had nothing to offer me.
—It’s inevitable that she would compare herself that way, since Tachibana and you have many things in common. Akane is someone who has low self-esteem. What was the reason for her to have that kind of attitude again now?
—I was holding hands with Tachibana-san.
—Did she see you?
—No, it was Yanagi-senpai.
—What a mess.
—Hayasaka-san is convinced that Yanagi-senpai was lying.
—So it’s a reality she doesn’t want to see, that’s why she broke. If Yanagi-kun falls in love with Akane, it means everything would be solved. The relationship between Yanagi-senpai and Tachibana would naturally disappear. Although that’s something pretty impossible. I don’t think Yanagi-kun wants to be with Akane.
—I think the same thing
—Akane should be honest with herself and admit that it’s you she really wants to be with. In any case, if you still plan to continue this fake relationship, you should take care of Akane.
Sakai says it’s natural that the closer you get to someone, the more you fall in love with them.
—What do you want me to do?
—Help her, she’s in trouble.
—What kind of trouble?
—The third-year boy Akane humiliated is angry, and he wants revenge.
Hayasaka-san tried to imitate Tachibana-san in terms of attitude with men, and the situation didn’t go so well.
—I understand.
—Well, seems you’re not as dumb as I thought.
—But just because I help her doesn’t mean she’ll stop acting like Tachibana-san. Nothing will really be solved.
—Exactly. That’s why you have to reinforce her feelings. You have to let her know that she’s perfect just the way she is.
—I don’t know how to do that.
—Forget what I said earlier. You’re really the dumbest guy I’ve ever met. — Sakai said, sighing heavily — There is a simple method that works very well. And that is to do what all boyfriends do with their partners…
********************************
Generally, when a person accepts you in their life in every possible and imaginable way, performing intimate acts is one of the most common and the most successful things to show affection and feelings towards her. Doing so is like a way of assurance that you belong to them, that you like them just the way they is.
If it will help Hayasaka-san, then I should seriously consider doing it.
But the implications of such acts are too great to judge just yet. In any case, I had something to do first.
—Where are you headed, Kirishima? — Maki asked, with a puzzled expression on his face.
—To the convenience store.
Sakai told me that a group of men were waiting for Hayasaka-san in the parking lot of a convenience store on her way home, planning to kidnap her. All of this was because of what happened with that third year guy.
—Why do you want to go to that place?
—It looks like there will be a lot of people there.
—Do you intend to start a fight?
—If the opportunity arises, yes.
—Kirishima, you’re really scared.
—You’re wrong.
—Then why are you hiding behind me? — Maki expressed his curiosity as soon as we arrived at the convenience store.
In the parking lot stood three men trying to look like they were just killing time.
—Hey, Kirishima, don’t you think those guys are criminals?
—The guy with the sunglasses seems to be the leader of a gang.
—Did you notice the black van? They’re probably planning to put Hayasaka in there.
—We have to do something.
—You’re the man, I’ll follow you.
I plucked up my courage, and walked towards the three guys… Despite my brave boy facade, my shoulders were shaking, and my voice didn’t seem to come out of my mouth.
—Please go away….
I expressed my small wish with my head down. To be honest, I was very afraid.
One of the men approached me, and with an overbearing and at the same time intimidating tone of voice said something that made me feel deeply disgusted.
—I’m afraid I can’t do that… I’m waiting for someone very special. A girl so erotic that she’s even had sex with a guy behind the curtains at school. I really want to ask her out, she’ll probably refuse, but surely her body will say yes.
After that, the men started laughing vulgarly, while repeating similar things about wanting to do improper things with Hayasaka-san.
Maki looks at me in surprise.
—Huh? Have you had sex with her at school? Or are they the ones who are exaggerating things?
—I haven’t had sex with her! Look, now is not the time for this.
Even though many people at school think that what Hayasaka-san did is fake, there’s still a small group of people who think what she and I did that night is real.
—As you can see, I’m not going anywhere until I see that girl with my own eyes and make her mine.
The men laugh out loud again. If this guy ever talks to her like that, there’s no doubt that Hayasaka-san will break down again.
—You’re wrong… That’s not what happened.
—You, how much interest do you have in Hayasaka? Is she a friend of yours?
—She’s my girlfriend.
—What a perverted girlfriend you have.
—Hayasaka-san is not that kind of girl. Don’t say such rude things.
I couldn’t help but get a little angry, which made the tone of the conversation gradually increase. From their point of view, we were the weak ones, so it was natural for them to make the first move.
—You’re pissing me off already kid, take this!!!!!
The guy punched me in the nose so hard that my tear glands activated. I started to feel a lot of pain, and also something warm under my nose… It was blood. In part, I was glad that this had happened, so they would have no choice but to leave before more trouble came, and abandon their idea of wanting to kidnap Hayasaka-san.
—What the hell is wrong with you? Why are you smiling? I’m going to wipe that smile off your face.
As the next blow was about to hit my face. His fist was stopped right in front of me by someone else.
—Could you stop, Please?
A boy in uniform from the same high school as us interrupted and grabbed the man with dreadlocks.
—Ho, so you want to get beaten up too? Fine… I can take care of the three of you by myself.
The boy had short hair, and a slim body, but at the same time he was fit. He had the body of an athlete, and as expected, he seemed to be someone who trained hard on a daily basis.
From the way he stopped his arm, I could tell he had enough strength to stand up to this man. But that didn’t seem to intimidate my attacker one bit. In fact, he seemed to consider joining the fight with his friends as well.
But to my surprise, the guy from our high school wasn’t alone. Another couple of guys with the same athletic body and looks appeared behind him. They seem to be his club mates.
Now the balance shifted back in our favor. The advantage was clear. And this made the man with dreadlocks and his friends decide to leave.
—Tch… You’re in luck, kid.
The three men hurried into the van and left the place as fast as they could.
—Senpai, are you all right?
That boy… He looks quite familiar to me.
—Do I know you…?
—Yoshimi… Makoto Yoshimi.
Yoshimi… I see. Athletic body, great attitude and by the looks of it, quite attractive. Now I understand what Hamanami sees in him.
—Thank you, you’ve been a great help.
—It’s nothing… Although, there’s something I want to talk to you about.
Yoshimi-kun’s voice makes it clear he’s quite embarrassed about the topic he wishes to discuss. I can already imagine what it is about.
—I understand what you want. I’m sorry, I can’t help you about Tachibana-san.
—No, it’s not about Tachibana-san.
He scratched his head for a moment while trying to find the right words… After a while, he raised his head and said something unexpected.
—Kirishima-senpai, are you dating Hamanami?
—…No, not at all.
If I didn’t explain things now, further confusion would come that could worsen Yoshimi and Hamanami’s relationship, and that would end up having repercussions for me.
So I took my time to explain everything between Hamanami and me, and the reason why we had spent so much time together. I’m nothing special to her, and she feels nothing for me, so it’s best to let her crush know that he shouldn’t worry about anything.
After my explanation, Yoshimi-kun seemed to be much calmer, that’s good.
—Yoshimi-kun, do you…?
—Yes… I like Hamanami.
*********************************
—I’m sorry, this is all my fault — said Hayasaka-san in anguish as she stuffed a rolled-up handkerchief up my nose.
—I don’t have any blood in my nose anymore.
—I’m sorry, Kirishima-kun, I’m sorry, I’m sorry. Don’t hate me.
Again Hayasaka-san didn’t listen to me, and stuffed another tissue up both nostrils.
I was in the infirmary, Maki brought me back to school after the incident at the convenience store. Later, Hayasaka-san found out what happened, and rushed over here to treat me.
—Your face is dirty.
—It doesn’t matter.
—And your nose is hurt too. It needs to be disinfected.
—Could you be careful with that and not spray it in my eyes?
—I’m sorry! Wait, I’ll be right back…
Panicking, Hayasaka-san crashed into the desk, and overturned the first aid kit, causing all the contents inside to fall to the floor.
—Hayasaka-san, I’m fine. You don’t need to worry.
I proceeded to pick up the contents of the first aid kit scattered on the floor, and put it back into the box. As soon as I stood up, I saw that Hayasaka-san was very depressed.
—Is something wrong?
—I can’t do anything right. Even though I try so hard to be a good girlfriend, I always end up ruining everything. I only manage to be a nuisance to Kirishima-kun.
—That’s not true…
—I really want to do well. I want to do everything for Kirishima-kun. But I’m not skilled enough. I can’t be like Tachibana-san… I’m sorry, I tried to treat guys like she does, and all I accomplished was you getting beaten up. I’m such an idiot.
—Hayasaka-san… You don’t have to be like Tachibana-san.
—But Tachibana-san is the best girl for Kirishima-kun, right? I want to get a little closer to what Kirishima-kun likes. I want to be Kirishima-kun’s one hundred percent girlfriend.
—There’s nothing wrong with trying to adapt to your partner’s tastes, but what you’re doing isn’t right.
I also want Hayasaka-san to think well of me, I also want to get closer to her ideals, so I have to do my part in this relationship.
—Are you seriously telling me that you would like me even if I were more normal?
—Exactly.
—So would you love me even if I didn’t listen to your favorite radio station? Or do you think I’m not enough to put up with it all night?
—I’ll love you even if you don’t listen to it at all. Besides, I know you’d fall asleep the moment it started, but I don’t mind, I think it’s pretty sweet of you.
—Really? So, would you love me if I didn’t read the same mystery novels as you?
—That kind of thing doesn’t go with you, Hayasaka-san, you’re a kind and tender girl.
—…I’m still no good. I’m too different from Tachibana-san. I know you don’t like me the way I wish you would.
Sakai is right, Hayasaka-san has low self-esteem. But maybe it was me who made her compare herself to Tachibana-san all this time. So it’s my responsibility to save her from herself.
—…Besides. Don’t you think I’m an annoying girl? I know I’m the second girlfriend, so I should know my limits and try not to bother you enough. But the real me is quite annoying. Maybe Kirishima-kun has noticed that.
—Really?
—Hugging you and kissing you were things I did for the first time with you. I haven’t done it with anyone else, it was something very special to me. And that’s why I can’t help but fall more in love with you, I go crazy just thinking about it. I think of nothing but you. Tachibana-san is an important friend to me… But, sometimes I wish she would disappear. I’m a bad girl because of that.
—It’s okay. I can accept you as you are, Hayasaka-san. It’s lovely that a wonderful girl like you is so in love with me.
—Are you telling me the truth?
—Yes.
—And… Am I still being an annoying girl to you?
—No.
Pretty and annoying girls have the image of being a nuisance, but in reality, they’re every guy’s dream, so it’s not something that bothers me.
—Kirishima-kun, can I be myself?
—Of course. I like Akane Hayasaka.
Hayasaka-san’s expression lit up upon hearing those words. And it’s not something I made up. The innocent glow that’s inherent in Hayasaka-san as I look into her eyes… It makes me like her a lot.
—What a relief…
Hayasaka-san got up from the chair and tried to hug me, but stopped just at the last moment. Normally she would do it without thinking and not caring about anything, going to extremes, but this time it wasn’t like that.
—I can’t do it. — Hayasaka-san said in a low tone of voice. — We’re in school, and Kirishima-kun said he would accept me, so there’s no need to keep pushing.
I guess things are back to the way they were before.
—Although I really wish I could be very close to you.
—You can do it.
—Hehehe, then…
Hayasaka-san intertwines her fingers in front of her face, her cheeks turn red, and a rather sexy expression I’ve never seen before appears on her face.
—I’ll give myself to you completely next time. So don’t run away.
