The Best Friend of the Person I Like is Secretly Approaching Me - Chapter 17

Part 3: Things That Change

Chapter 17

Although we’ve become sophomores, the members of our usual group remain in the same class as always, so not much has really changed.

It’s not just those two; Oda is also with us.

Classes haven’t gotten significantly harder compared to last year… so it’s just the same as usual as well.

People say that everything is impermanent, but some things never change.

For instance, my declarations of love continue unabated today.

“The cherry blossoms may have fallen, but I know a flower far more beautiful! Yes, Yosaki (夜咲), I’m talking about you! You’re beautiful today as well!”

“Nighttime cherry blossoms have a special charm, don’t they?”

(TN: Just like in chapter 2, I’ll assume this was a wordplay based on her name.)

And being dismissed is also a constant.

But of course, some things have changed. Or maybe I should say, have been irreversibly changed.

“You really never learn, do you? I don’t even feel sorry for you anymore”

While Hinata’s demeanor towards me hasn’t changed, we’ve formed a complicated relationship in the dark.

Her motivation seems to be to prevent me from losing control and attacking Yosaki…she’s too concerned for her own good.

For continuing such a relationship… I’m well aware that I’m a scum.

That’s why I once told her that I was going to end this relationship.

『Why would you say something like that?』

『I mean… doing this is unfair to you, Hinata…』

『Bit late for that now, isn’t it?』

『Ouch, that hurts to hear. But I can at least suppress my desires, so you don’t have to do this anymore——』

『Do you really think I’d believe that when you’ve been lusting after a girl you don’t even love?』

『…ugh, maybe you have a point.』

I ended up getting talked into it.

Ultimately, this relationship was established the moment I lost my self-control for the first time.

The ideal resolution would probably be for me to start dating Yosaki, but if that were possible, this twisted relationship wouldn’t have happened in the first place.

Besides——

What changes isn’t limited to visible things like the weather or human relationships.

Even if we can’t see them, things inside us are also changing.

As the three of us are engrossed in trivial conversation, the bell rings to signal the beginning of class.

Hinata and I, who had been gathered around Yosaki’s desk, returned to our own seats.

“Hey, Seko-kun.”

“Hmm?”

As I was about to return to my seat, Yosaki called out to me.

“About tomorrow’s Saturday, can I ask for a favor again?”

“Of course, but what about Hinata?”

“As for Haru… let’s wait for another opportunity. I think it’s still too soon.”

“Ah, okay. It’s not my place to comment on that anyway. So, the usual time is fine?”

“Yes. Thank you.”

And so, I ended up having plans on my precious day off, but it’s with Yosaki, so I don’t mind.

In fact, I’m happy… but I can’t help feeling a little guilty.

For the past few months, Yosaki and I have been going out more and more without Hinata.

It’s not that we want to exclude her; there are reasons for it.

Still, keeping it a secret from her feels wrong.

It feels hypocritical though, especially since I’ve been secretly involved with Hinata behind Yosaki’s back.

In the end, it seems most things in this world are bound to change——

***

It was during last year’s summer vacation.

Both Yosaki and Hinata had family plans, leaving me by myself.

I had taken care of my family matters and had no intention of doing any homework. So, I aimlessly wandered around outside.

“Come to think of it, the new volume of ‘Torupani’ was released.”

‘Torupani’ is a shonen manga I’ve been reading since middle school.

I prefer the volumes, while Oda, another ‘Torupani’ fan, reads the magazine version.

He’s eagerly waiting for me to get the latest updates. That’s why I need to get and read the new volume soon for his sake!

I hop on the train and head to a larger town nearby.

It’s a common destination for locals, and with the summer holiday and the Obon festival, it’s quite crowded.

People are there with their families, friends, or as couples.

Being alone at times like this makes me feel out of place.

Maybe I should just buy the book and head home…Hmm?

A young girl stands still, looking around anxiously. She appears lost.

These days, even if you approach someone out of kindness, you might be seen as suspicious.

It’s best not to meddle… but something about her seems familiar. That’s why I couldn’t ignore her.

I crouch down to meet her gaze and ask,

“Are you okay?”

“Eek! Wh-who are you?”

She just said ‘eek!’ to me…

I’m totally treated as a suspicious person.

…No, no, if you give up now, that’s where life ends. There’s still a chance to redeem myself.

“Sorry for suddenly approaching you. My name is Rento. It looked like you were in trouble, so I called out to you.”

“I-I know that line. Isn’t this some kind of pickup line? Wait, are you hitting on me right now?”

“You’re raising my suspiciousness level, huh? I genuinely asked out of concern. Are you really not lost? If that’s the case, I’ll go.”

“I’m not lost… No, wait, I am lost. After all, all of us humans are lost in life in some way…”

“You’re escalating things too quickly…where are your parents?”

“You’re trying to meet my family already? They say momentum is important in love, but this is way too fast…!”

“You’re making a big deal out of this…I mean, do you still think I’m hitting on you?”

Whether she’s overly cautious or just making fun of me, it’s hard to tell.

I’m not used to dealing with younger kids since I don’t have siblings, but she seems unique.

“Where were you planning to go?”

“Um, to Onee-chan’s house.”

“Onee-chan’s house…? Isn’t that your house?”

“It’s not my house. Onee-chan’s… Ah, it’s my cousin’s house.”

“…Oh, I see.”

“Today, I’m heading to Onee-chan’s house all by myself. Amazing, right?”

“So that’s how you got lost.”

“Hey, it’s amazing, right?”

“Ah, yeah, really amazing. I don’t know what grade you’re in, but you made it this far on your own…That’s impressive.”

“Hehe. I walked all the way here!”

“Is it nearby? Do you want to take the train?”

“Pout. I usually get rides from my dad or mom. It’s my first time coming here by myself!”

Hmm, I see.

Given that, it does feel like she’s accomplished something.

Somehow, I feel like I know someone around me that was similar to her.

“So, did you come here to take a train?”

“Yes. I want to go to 〇〇-station. Once I get there, Onee-chan will come pick me up.”

“Ah, that’s the station closest to my house.”

“Huh? Don’t tell me…am I going to be taken to your house, Onii-san?”

“We’re going to Onee-chan’s house.”

“Wait, is Rento a woman’s name!?”

“It’s ‘your’ Onee-san’s house! Remove the idea that I’m hitting on you already!”

I accidentally raised my voice, drawing stares from the people around us.

I don’t want to risk getting reported, so I’d better wrap this up quickly.

“I’ll buy you a ticket to that station and show you how to get there, so let’s move away from here…Wait, didn’t that sound super suspicious just now?”

“Really? Thank you!”

“Oh? That’s the best reaction I’ve gotten from you so far. I can’t even tell what’s right anymore.”

While I was trying to wrap my head around it, the girl grabbed my hand and urged, ‘Let’s go!’

“My name is Saki Yosaki! I’m in the sixth grade! Nice to meet you, Rento-san!”

“Yeah, nice to meet you too, Saki-chan…Wait? Yosaki?”

The girl in front of me suddenly looked familiar.

Her hair is short, her face innocent, and her eyes are soft, but the beautiful black color is the same.

This girl’s cousin and Onee-san is Misa Yosaki.