For Some Reason The Girl Who's Too Popular Only Drinks with Me - Volume 1 Chapter 6.3

Before I knew it, the only ones in the store still clearly conscious were me and Sugino-senpai.

Most people were either asleep, passed out, or had gone home. It was inevitable. After all, Sugino-senpai kept pouring drinks one after another.

“Hey there~ Freshmen, there’s still more to go~”

Sugino-senpai was pushing drinks on one of the barely surviving first-year boys. It was a type of fermented mare’s milk from Mongolia, adjusted to suit Japanese tastes to be more palatable, but even then, drinking it continuously like that would be tough on anyone.

I stood up and headed towards the central table, intending to rescue the first-year boy who was muttering, “No more~” almost deliriously. To be honest, I was nearing my limit too.

“Sugino-senpai, this is basically alcohol harassment.”

I took away the vessel filled with alcohol from Sugino-senpai, who was pretending to be drunk.

Sugino-senpai grinned at me, trying desperately to remain calm. Despite drinking more than anyone there, her face wasn’t red at all.

“Ehh~? Then, Kirishima-kun, why don’t you drink it?”

“I thought you’d say that.”

I responded instantly and downed the drink. The alcohol content wasn’t particularly high, but the sheer volume was overwhelming. It’s not something one should drink towards the end of a drinking session.

“Wow, nice drinking! As expected of my top disciple.”

“Please expel me. Everyone’s splendidly knocked out, so I’m heading home now. Thanks for the meal.”

I said quickly and placed the empty vessel back on the table. The last surviving first-year finally slumped down, face planting into the vessel.

Soon, the sound of his snoring could be heard. The sight of him clutching an empty bottle of alcohol and sleeping reminded me somewhat of Mikami-senpai.

“If you’re looking for Mai-chan, I think she’s in the bathroom.”

I heard Sugino-senpai’s voice from behind. Turning around, she was drinking another type of alcohol, smirking mischievously.

Ignoring Sugino-senpai’s smile, I simply said, “Thanks,” and headed towards the restroom at the back of the store. Along the way, I collected Hamasaki Mai’s coat and bag.

Near the bathroom, I encountered Hamasaki Mai. Her usually pale skin was slightly reddened, and her large eyes looked drowsy. “Are you okay?” I asked, and she looked at me and blinked slowly.

Her droopy eyes captured me. Her languid expression changed, and Hamasaki Mai brightened up with a smile.

“I’m fine, totally fine. Totally fine~”

“You don’t look fine at all. You seem quite happy… Did you throw up in the bathroom?”

“I couldn’t get in! Why would you ask that!?”

“Well, your face looks refreshed… Anyway, let’s go home. It’s late.”

“Mhm, going home. Feel refreshed after letting it all out.”

“So, you did throw up.”

“I couldn’t get in.”

She replied in a childlike voice as she circled behind me.

What’s going on? Weren’t we going home? She better not be planning to wipe her mouth with my jacket’s hoodie. Hey, why are you trying to take off my backpack? Don’t take it off my shoulders.

“Hey, what are you doing?”

Ignoring me, Hamasaki Mai slid off my backpack. This had never happened before.

As if it was the most natural thing in the world, I was relieved of my backpack in no time. Reluctantly, I repositioned it to carry it in front. It’s hopeless now; she won’t get down easily.

“I’m sorry, could you get down, please?”

“Going home. Just to the station will do.”

“Well, thank you for being considerate.”

Quickly giving in, I carried the backpack in front of me. With Hamasaki Mai on my back, I left the store. Just to clarify, I’m drunk too. Carrying an adult, even one as light for her height as her, is honestly tough.

I managed to open the door and step outside. The current time is around 〇 past midnight. From here to the station is about seven minutes, so without any incidents, we should arrive quickly—

“Look over there! Tacos! They’re selling tacos! Let’s eat tacos!”

“Noisy~”

Of course, something was bound to happen.

Hamasaki Mai, riding on my back, began tapping my head vigorously and then forcefully twisted it around. Indeed, there was a taco food truck in my line of sight, with a plump owner chatting and laughing with a customer.

It’s the usual demand for food. She says whatever comes to mind upon seeing it, not really wanting tacos.

So, I ignore this request. There’s no end to complying with a drunk’s whims.

“Hey, what about the tacos!?”

“Yes, yes, next time. Look, there are illuminations over there. The trees are wrapped in bulbs, quite pretty, aren’t they?”

I mumbled something I didn’t believe in a monotone. But it seemed to have distracted her as she shouted, “Where!? Where is it!?” and started shaking violently.

Now’s my chance to move. Focused straight ahead, I walked through the night streets of Tokyo.

Despite it being late, it’s still bustling Tokyo, and there are plenty of people around making noise. Hamasaki Mai yelling doesn’t cause any issues.

But we do stand out. Maybe people think we’re a strange pair. They first look at her, then at me, and then back at her.

Do they think we’re an odd match? I think so too. I still can’t believe it.

“Let’s go to the convenience store. I wanna drink water.”

Just before we reached the station, Hamasaki Mai whispered behind me.

A bad premonition hit me, and when I turned around to see her biting her lip uncomfortably, I grimaced, “Uh-oh.”

“How bad do you need to go? Right now, or just vaguely?”

“I might die.”

“Hey, hey, hey!”

Shocked by her response, I raised my voice louder than I usually would.

Finding my visible panic amusing, Hamasaki Mai burst into laughter.

“Hahaha! You’re so flustered! Hilarious!”

“You’re the one in trouble! Ah, forget it, let’s go! We’re almost home, just hang in there!”

“Carry me on your back to the house.”

“No time for games. If we don’t hurry, I bet you’re going to cry!?”

“If I move any more… you know?”

“Why didn’t you say anything when we arrived at the station! Hurry up and get on!”

Reluctantly, I carried Hamasaki Mai again and started to dash.

The worst-case scenario would be failing to make it in time, resulting in her wetting herself. Hamasaki Mai would end up crying, both of us drenched. The next day, she’d be depressed just remembering it.

That’s right, no matter how drunk she is, Hamasaki Mai always remembers everything that happened. While alcohol helps her forget painful memories from the past, she won’t be able to forget today’s embarrassment.

Despite all the outrageous things she’s done before, we can’t afford to take our time with this one. I have to hurry to avoid a major disaster.

Desperately running through the late-night city, I’m determined to protect the dignity of my girlfriend, who’s too beautiful for someone like me.