For Some Reason The Girl Who's Too Popular Only Drinks with Me - Volume 1 Chapter 4.0

Memories Soaked in Alcohol – Part Two

“After the school festival ended, lounging in my room and leisurely sipping alcohol, Misaki, who had just emerged from the bath, suddenly muttered, ‘Maybe he’s not such a bad guy after all.’

Turning my head while still seated, I saw Misaki standing wrapped only in a bath towel, her expression a complex mix of dejection and embarrassment.

I wonder if something happened between her and Kirishima-kun. I chuckled softly and emptied my glass of alcohol.

‘That’s why I’ve been saying, right? Kirishima-kun is a good guy.’

At my words, which I’ve repeated who knows how many times, Misaki made a face like she’d been hit where it hurt and sat next to me.

‘Yeah, maybe, but it’s just that, right? He’s a good guy. That’s all, isn’t it?’

‘What’s gotten into you all of a sudden?’

‘Nothing… Hey, can you do my hair?’

I’m handed the brush with her back still turned. Despite feeling it was a hassle, I responded with a ‘yeah, yeah’ and took the brush.

Back when we were at home, I would often do this. Or rather, I was made to do this. Even though she should be able to do everything on her own by now, her asking me like this must simply be her being spoiled.

It’s nice, to be honest, but also slightly bothersome. Brushing through her long, glossy black hair, similar to mine, the brush glides smoothly, encountering no resistance.

‘…But just being a good guy doesn’t mean we can date, right?’

As I was brushing absentmindedly, Misaki murmured still facing forward.

Suddenly, what’s this conversation about? Dating—who and who?

‘He’s a good guy, but… Eh!? We’re talking about Kirishima-kun!?’

‘Obviously, considering the context of our conversation.’

Misaki turned to give me an exasperated look.

Feeling slightly irritated by her gaze but overwhelmed by my sister’s words, my mind was filled with thoughts.

Kirishima-kun dating me? That’s something I’ve never considered.

Of course, I like him, and I find it enjoyable to be with him, but that’s probably because both of us keep a comfortable distance.

Taking that one step further would undoubtedly change our relationship.

He probably wouldn’t want that either. He’d say we’re fine as we are.

And above all—

‘Dating Kirishima-kun… probably not. I don’t think it would work out.’

If I were by his side, I would surely end up hurting him.

I would put him through terrible things, so dating is out of the question.

Kirishima-kun wouldn’t want to be with someone carrying such a minefield, either.

Seeing my cold tone and expression, Misaki frowned with concern. It was her who said dating wasn’t the vibe, so why does she look so sad?

‘Kirishima-kun is kind and a good person, so he’s better off not being with someone like me.’

‘You can’t know that. He seems oblivious. He’d probably say he doesn’t mind.’

‘So, what do you want, Misaki? To keep Kirishima-kun away from me? To push us together?’

‘I just want you to be happy.’

Her straightforward words made me stop brushing.

Looking up at me with such genuine, sisterly expression, Misaki appealed to me.

‘You’ve always been so beautiful and cute, so I thought happiness would naturally come your way, that others would make you happy. But I was wrong. You’re wrong, sis.’

Misaki’s eyes shimmered. Her words sank into me, urging me to listen.

‘You have to want happiness for yourself. Unless you think that way and act on it, you’ll never be truly happy. You should seek the kind of happiness you envision for yourself.’

Her words, filled with more passion than I expected, warmed my chilled and dried heart.

Misaki is right. No matter how attractive or wealthy you are, doing nothing and just going with the flow won’t fulfill you.

But what form of happiness am I looking for?

Being in a relationship with someone I truly love? No, that’s not it.

It’s a more fundamental issue. Like someone who can wash away my tainted past, that kind of happiness.

Is such a thing possible? Can I learn to trust myself again?

‘Misaki is really kind. Truly kind.’

Patting my beloved sister’s head, I gave a soft smile.

Whether I can be happy, I still don’t know.

I’m still scared. Every time I get closer to Kirishima-kun, every time I drunkenly drag him around, I remember that night.

He might also end up bleeding from his head. With that thought, I couldn’t wish for happiness.