The Best Friend of the Person I Like is Secretly Approaching Me - Chapter 47

Chapter 47

“What is the relationship between Senpai and Hinata Senpai?”

Just when I thought I had rescued a junior who was being pestered by the person she rejected, she dropped this bomb on me.

They say a pet dog never bites the hand that feeds it, but I never expected to be bitten by a turtle I had just rescued. It feels like she’s biting hard.

They say a pet dog may bite the hand that feeds it, but I never expected to be bitten by the turtle I rescued. It seems like it’s almost biting my hand off.

(TN: Probably referencing Urashima Taro, who was rewarded with a long life for rescuing a small turtle.)

I was so surprised that I was left speechless for a moment, but realizing that any further pause would only lead to more suspicion, I quickly answered.

“She’s a very important friend of mine. You know about Hinata too?”

“Yes. You, Yosaki Senpai, and Hinata Senpai are a famous trio.”

“Ah, I see. Hinata too, huh…”

“Well, it’s an unusual combination, and Hinata Senpai is cute. That’s why there’s a rumor.”

Haru is cute? This junior understands well.

Haru is often compared to Misa because she often hangs out with her.

That’s why few appreciate Haru’s charm; everyone says she can’t beat Misa’s charm.

In this context, Koido has properly acknowledged Haru, and that alone raises Koido’s stock in my eyes.

Still, she’s someone to be wary of.

“So, why did you ask about my relationship with Hinata?”

“Really, you want to know?”

Her response was somewhat provocative, but I had to ask or else it would bother me later.

“Of course I’m curious.”

“Well, it’s fine by me. Hmm, what should I talk about? Like how you go home with Hinata Senpai after school?”

“…Sure, we go home together every day, but Yosaki is also with us, at least halfway.”

“That’s not it. I mean, you and Hinata Senpai going home together, just the two of you… to Hinata Senpai’s house.”

“…How much do you know?”

“Hmm, how much should I tell?”

Koido speaks in a teasing tone, seemingly enjoying this.

Then Koido takes out her smartphone, looks at the screen, and lets out an ‘Ah.’

“It’s already this late. You haven’t eaten yet, right, Senpai?”

“I haven’t, but that’s not important right now.”

“Food is the source of energy! You must eat properly, especially since you’re not feeling well right now, Senpai.”

…How much does she really know about me?

“Then, Senpai, should we exchange contact information?”

“…Alright, sure.”

“Yay! But please don’t try to get information out of me through chat. Let’s meet here again at this time tomorrow. I’ll tell you then! Ah, but casual chats are welcome!”

“I don’t think I’ll do that.”

“That’s mean!”

After exchanging contact information, we decided to part ways for today.

I grumble to myself about yet another worry added to my head.

Maybe this backyard isn’t just a confession spot, but a place where juniors bring troublesome matters.

***

It’s finally after school.

Despite a headache, I managed to get through the classes and decided to head home immediately.

Of course, the other two are with me.

We walked through the street where I usually separated from them, and the three of us headed for the station.

“Seko, you don’t have to push yourself if you’re feeling unwell.”

“Don’t worry about it. I promised, didn’t I?”

“…Yeah, thanks. But please don’t overdo it.”

Considering the possibility of a threat from Arahira Senpai, Misa and I decided to escort Haru to her home.

First of all, I promised Haru yesterday over the phone that I would accompany her home.

Then today, when I told Misa about it, she said, ‘I’ll join you.’

I told her that I could handle it alone, but she was persistent, so the three of us ended up going to Haru’s house together.

Riding the train to Haru’s nearest station after school must be the first time since last November.

Not the day Haru feigned illness and I visited her, but the last time Haru and I were intimately close after our relationship started to twist.

At first, I thought we could just take the train to her home, but realizing the potential of running into classmates in the train or station, and we decided to walk ever since to avoid any suspicion about our relationship.

Fortunately, it wasn’t too far to walk.

Feeling a bit nostalgic, we were swayed by the train and arrived at Haru’s nearest station, and without stopping anywhere, we headed straight to Hinata Family’s house.

“It was fun at Seko-kun’s house, but it also seems like it would be fun to go and play at Haru’s house next time.”

“Ah, sure! I’d love that! I’ll get my photo albums ready!”

“Fufu. That sounds fun. We’ve been friends with Haru only since high school, so we don’t know anything about her before that.”

“It’s fun to discover surprising things about a friend’s childhood! Next time, let’s go to Misa’s house too!”

“That’s fine. Maybe we’ll invite Saki then.”

“Saki-chan! I’d love to meet her!”

Listening to their light-hearted conversation, I felt relieved in the background.

I thought their relationship might be more strained after what had happened, but it seems the bond of best friends isn’t so fragile.

We arrived at Hinata’s house in no time, and it was time for us to part ways.

“See you tomorrow, Haru.”

“See you.”

“…um, it feels a bit lonely.”

“We’ll see each other again tomorrow. Right, Seko-kun?”

“Yeah, and don’t hesitate to call me if anything comes up.”

“…Okay! Thanks, both of you! Have a safe trip back!”

Seeing Haru’s smile at the end, I felt relieved as I walked back the way I came with Misa.

With the lively one gone, our conversation became a bit calmer but not any less engaging.

“Rento-kun, that Arahira guy seems to be quite a tyrannical Senpai in the soccer club.”

“I figured as much. Considering how obedient our class’s soccer club members were, it’s easy to imagine how he behaves within the club.”

“Right. It must be difficult having someone like him in a higher position just because he’s older.”

“He’s supposedly the ace striker, but I don’t think our soccer team was very strong…”

“Rento-kun, even if it’s true, saying that out loud is disrespectful to the other members.”

“Misa’s saying it too, though.”

“Fufu. Well, they did put us through a lot. I think a little bit of venom is justified.”

I agree with that.

So, chatting in our usual manner, we made our way back to our nearest station.

“Now that we’re back, where does Misa usually part ways with Haru?”

“Let’s see… a bit further ahead. Will you come with me?”

“Of course.”

My house is a decent walk from the station, so I’ll probably have to go that way anyway.

I follow Misa to walk the usual single road that connects the school and the station, but Misa turns off the road.

I wonder how far Haru usually walks home with her.

After walking for a while, Misa stops and says, ‘Here.’

It wasn’t at a crossroads but in front of the biggest house in the area.

I check the nameplate in front of the house——It reads 【Yosaki】

“This is your house, Misa?”

“Yes. It’s my house, for real.”

“So Haru usually walks home with you all the way here?”

“No. Haru and I parted ways at the crossroads we passed earlier.”

“Huh?”

Seeing my confusion, Misa chuckled softly.

“I wanted to show Rento-kun my house. Is that bad?”

“Not bad at all, but why?”

“I want Rento-kun to know about me. Starting with my home… and also…”

Pulled by the arm by Misa, I entered the premises of the Yosaki house from the road.

The impressive gardening made us couldn’t be seen from the neighboring houses.

Wondering what was happening, I looked at Misa, who was blushing with moistened eyes——and as I was mesmerized by her expression, suddenly Misa’s lips met mine.

Unlike before, it didn’t go any further, and Misa quickly moved away from me.

“I wanted to kiss you…”

To no surprise, Misa’s face was now red up to her ears, showing no signs of composure.

However, her shyly smiling expression seemed incredibly enchanting, making my heart beat wildly since a little earlier.

“…No. This is not enough.”

With that, Misa embraced me. I naturally wrapped my arms around her back in response.

“…Sigh. As I thought, I feel very calm when I’m like this with you. I wonder why.”

“It’s because hugging releases oxytocin known as the happiness hormone or something like that…”

“I don’t need scientific knowledge right now. Rento-kun, you’re talking nonsense on purpose, aren’t you?”

“My heart feels like it’s going to explode if I don’t do something like this. Forgive me.”

“Fufu, I see. Well, I guess I don’t have a choice. I’ll make a special exception this time.”

Misa’s hold on me tightened even though she had given her forgiveness.

“Misa-san? How long can we keep this up?”

“What’s wrong, Rento-kun? You’re the one who said it. Hugging releases the happiness hormone, right? Then it’s best to keep doing it.”

“You have a point, but we’re outside…”

“I don’t mind. No matter who sees us or what they think of our relationship… right, let’s make this a daily routine. Then we can spend happy days together.”

“I feel like I’m being persuaded to join a cult.”

“It’s the Hug Cult. Where you and I become Adam and Eve.”

“You’re trying to do more than just hug!”

“Do you dislike doing it with me?”

“…I don’t dislike it.”

“Fufu, honest as always, Rento-kun. You deserve a reward, so I’ll stroke your head too. By the way, it’s said that stroking the head also releases oxytocin known as the happiness hormone.”

“You’re overusing the happiness hormone. My brain’s going to be soaked in oxytocin.”

Humans might be surprisingly easy to make happy. People are simple.

Maybe it’s not squid but humans that should be marinated in oxytocin.

(TN : Original: Maybe it’s not squid but humans that should be ‘oki-marinated (oki-dzuke)’.

‘Oki-dzuke’, a pun combining Oki from Okitokishin (Oxytocin), and Dzuke (漬け), which means to marinate (soaked). cmiiw.)

Misa giggled happily in my arms, saying,

“Fufu, let’s both get soaked in happiness.”

She was saying something quite unlike her usual self.

——But I found that side of her adorable too.