The Best Friend of the Person I Like is Secretly Approaching Me - Chapter 89

Chapter 89

Since Oda had already chosen a partner between the two, I simply advised him that maybe he should just take her side.

“I can’t say anything more than that. It’s not the kind of issue you should be bringing to me.”

“Alright. Well, why has Seko gotten into such a situation?”

“Hmm? Oh, I almost forgot. Oda’s story was too shocking.”

“No, Seko is in a more incredible situation than I am.”

“It’s also what Oda has become.”

“I would never fall over the president!”

“Ah, it’s the president.”

“P-president!? Th-that’s not it! I mean, it’s a play on words… Wait, she’s not even here!”

“…I have a feeling Oda is going to have a tough time from now on.”

“…I think so too.”

(TN: I don’t get this joke.)

We both lowered our gaze and picked up the meat that seemed about to burn.

“In a way, it’s a peaceful outcome, but what about realistically?”

“Well, it’s going to be difficult. Our country doesn’t have a polygamous system, after all.”

“That’s why it turned into such a commotion. But seriously, isn’t my situation exactly like the rumours now?”

“You could’ve denied it again, though. By the way, it seems Koido played a significant role in resolving that incident. I can’t help but regret doubting her; my regret is endless.”

“I don’t think she minds too much. More importantly, you helped me gather information about the situation, so I’m grateful.”

“I’m relieved to hear you say that. However, I can’t quite grasp what motivates Koido. I heard from you before that when Seko confided his troubles to her, she had already been taking action?”

“That’s right. Even when I pointed that out to her, she just kept insisting it’s ‘to repay senpai for saving me.'”

“Could it be that Seko had met Koido before?”

“With that hair colour? No way I could forget someone like her. Even if it was before she dyed it, her character is too memorable.”

“However, isn’t it only in front of you that Koido refers to herself as ‘boku’ and adds ‘ssu’ at the end of her sentences? When I was looking into her, I didn’t come across such information.”

“Ah… so there’s a possibility that I might have met Koido but with a different character?”

Even as I talk with Oda, my questions only keep piling up. But it seems necessary to take another look at Koido.

I realized this thanks to talking with Oda.

“Oh, right. That reminds me, I’ve got this problem.”

“What is it? It’s not about the fact you date the two of them, is it?”

“No, it’s related to that, but it also involves Koido…”

I stuff the charred meat into my mouth.

A bitterness spreads inside as I savor the slight deliciousness of the meat.

Then, swallowing it, I speak.

“Those two said they want to talk to Koido… so the four of us will meet tomorrow.”

“…Seko, don’t die.”

“Maybe this is my ‘last supper’.”

“Seko. It’s lunch right now.”

“Don’t fuss over the small details…”

While grumbling in response to Oda’s retort, I reach for a piece of meat that’s cooked just right.

Lifting it up, I find that while the surface looks perfect, the side facing the fire is burnt.

——I wonder if the best timing isn’t something that can be visibly seen.

I mutter to myself.

***

And then the day arrived.

The day after I went to have yakiniku with Oda. A Monday afternoon after school.

We had come to our usual cafe.

Partly because the soccer club had been suspended, but it seemed that Koido had already quit the club, so it was easy for her to make time after school.

On the sofa booth, Koido sat directly across from me, with Misa and Haru sitting on either side of me.

Although it would have been fine to sit two by two, two of them stubbornly refused to give up the three-to-one arrangement.

“Isn’t it a little cramped to squeeze three people into seats meant for two?”

“It’s fine. This way, I get to be close to you.”

“That’s right. Besides, even if we were to change seats, who would go sit next to Koido-chan? I’m not moving.”

“Of course, I have no intention of moving either.”

“Then I guess I will.”

“That’s not going to happen.”

“Absolutely not!”

Well, it seems like changing the seating arrangement is not going to happen.

With the three of us facing each other, Koido gives a wry smile.

“It feels kind of intimidating. Like an interview.”

“Well then, first, could you tell us why you’re interested in our company?”

“Yes! My (Boku) reason for wanting to join your company is—”

“Boku? Are you making fun of me? You’re not hired.”

“Wow, senpai is so strict—just praise me for going along with the sudden joke!”

“It seems you can adapt to situations on the fly. High marks for that.”

“Whoa, I got a good evaluation! Yay!”

“Hey, are you done yet? Ren, talk to me, okay?”

“What are we even being shown here? I don’t like it.”

They each slipped their arms through mine and pulled me strongly towards them.

It’s a little painful but soft.

“No, sorry. It’s just that it’s always like this with Koido, we end up having silly conversations.”

“Pout. I want to do it too! I can do silly talk too!”

“Don’t you feel sad when you say that?”

“…Ren, would you hate me if I’m silly?”

“There’s no way I’d start hating Haru over something like that.”

“Ehehe. I love you, Ren.”

“Ehh. What am I being shown right now? Are you using me as an excuse to flirt?”

Koido looked exasperated while Haru rubbed her face against my arm with a feigned innocent look.

“That’s right. It’s embarrassing to do such things in public, Haru.”

“Misa-san. You’ve been linking arms with me too.”

“Oh. Do you dislike it, Rento-kun?”

“No, I don’t mind.”

“Are you happy?”

“…Yes.”

“Fufu, Rento-kun is so cute. From now on, I’ll always do this for you.”

“Huh? Isn’t Yosaki-senpai also flirting over there? Could it be that this seating arrangement was designed to make me feel miserable!?”

In front of Misa, who had a mocking look in her eyes, Koido raised her voice in despair.

Feeling sympathy for Koido’s pitiful position, I was about to say something when the shopkeeper came over to take our order.

Having been to this restaurant before, Misa, Haru, and I ordered the same as last time.

Meanwhile, Koido, visiting for the first time, hurriedly scanned the menu.

“It’s on me today, so order whatever you like.”

“Really? Thank you so much!”

“Well, we were the ones who called you out. This place is known for its coffee, but can you drink coffee, Koido?”

“Not really a fan… Hmm, what should I choose…”

Koido is staring at the menu but seems to have a hard time deciding.

Her favourite drink would be strawberry milk, but I don’t think it was on the menu.

Well, might as well ask.

“Shopkeeper, can you make strawberry milk?”

When I asked, the shopkeeper showed a moment of thought before making a circle with his right thumb and index finger.

“Ah, then I’ll have the strawberry milk! Hehe, thank you, senpai!”

“I mean, you always order the same thing, don’t you feel bad?”

“No, no! I really love Senpai’s strawberry milk!”

“That way of saying it could lead to misunderstandings.”

“Eh? What’s that, senpai? Am I making you imagine weird things… Ah, no, never mind.”

“Hm? …Ah.”

Once again, I found myself slipping into the usual silly banter with Koido——I began to feel pressure from both sides.

“I’ve always known that you’re kind, Ren. But right now, I want you to direct that kindness towards me, your girlfriend. I hope you’ll get to know everything I like from now on.”

“Do you really prefer younger girls? Classmates can be wonderful too, I think. Especially those who can handle things like an adult.”

I made eye contact with Koido as I broke out in a cold sweat and decided we would seal away that kind of mood today.

“Hey. Stop talking with your eyes. I don’t like that.”

“You two really get along. It’s a little boring.”

The measures taken with consideration seemed to have become fuel for the fire instead.