The Best Friend of the Person I Like is Secretly Approaching Me - Chapter 92

Chapter 92

Today, after introducing Koido to the two of them, Koido and I ended up making a certain promise to them.

It was to forbid us from seeing each other alone from now on.

Koido’s face twisted for a moment at this, but perhaps thinking that backing down too much would only make them more suspicious of our relationship, she accepted it surprisingly easily with a ‘I understand.’

I also couldn’t refuse, so I accepted that promise.

Despite making such a promise, she and I were each in our own rooms while talking on the phone right now.

『 It’s safe because we’re not meeting in person, right?』

“It feels like a gray area though.”

『Senpai who is willing to accompany me on the call even while saying such things is really ‘Senpai’!』

“Don’t use people’s titles like adjectives.”

『Hehe. Sorryyy』

I couldn’t help but laugh as I received an apology that was completely devoid of sincerity.

『But still, I didn’t expect the two of them to suspect me that much.』

“I thought Koido could see through everything.”

『The only thing I can see through is Senpai’s matters! I can’t predict anything when it comes to Yosaki-senpai and Hinata-senpai. That includes the suggestion that the three of you should date.』

“Now that you mention it, that’s true. Well, I have a criminal record with Haru, so it’s not surprising that they’re suspicious of me.”

『Hmm, I don’t think that’s the reason though. Well, I don’t actually know what the real situation is, but my woman’s intuition tells me that the cause seems to be on my side.』

“A woman’s intuition huh? I can’t underestimate that.”

『Yeah! That’s why there’s no need for Senpai to worry! It might just be that I was a little wrong in how I measured my distance with Senpai. You see, it seems like I made a lot of people misunderstand too. Maybe the line between the two was getting a bit blurred.』

The misunderstanding she’s talking about must be due to Koido’s suggestive behavior, which led to a series of people confessing to Koido.

In fact, Koido’s behavior was merely part of a strategy to help us, something like a honey trap.

Today, I asked her to refrain from doing such things in the future because it’s dangerous.

She agreed, so probably there will be less of that from now on.

How she and I interact, especially concerning Misa and Haru, will likely improve too.

“That’s true. I need to be careful too. I’d rather not let things get more complicated.”

『Maybe, but Senpai is probably so fixated on those two that worrying about it is pointless. They don’t seem to realize that though.』

“I hadn’t realized it either.”

『Then, can you date girls other than those two?』

“…..”

『 That’s your answer. Senpai is impure—yet incredibly devoted.』

“That’s contradictory.”

『 There’s no one in this world who can be perfect.』

I’m moved by how Koido always has such kind words for me.

But I can’t just keep relying on her kindness.

『More importantly, Senpai. Aren’t you actually enjoying the current situation?』

“…I don’t know. Do you think so, Koido?”

『 It’s hard not to think that way after being shown all that lovey-dovey stuff.』

“Haha, I guess that’s true… Well, I don’t feel bad about being surrounded by two girls I like. Rather, I think I’m happy. But I also think that we can’t go on like this, so I can’t just purely be happy about it.”

『 That’s pretty much what I imagined you’d say. Right… For now, let’s avoid any rash actions.』

“What do you mean?”

『It means that you should refrain from doing anything that you might regret later. Speaking of which, maybe that’s why they see me as an enemy.』

“Not everything Koido says leaks out, so who knows. So, is this for the sake of those two?”

『From my point of view, it’s for your sake, Senpai. Honestly, what I’m most worried about is Senpai’s health.』

“Such a good junior, caring so much about her Senpai. By the way, Koido, you’ve known about my health for a while now. Where did you find out about it?”

When I casually voiced a question that had just occurred to me, Koido, who had been speaking continuously until that moment, suddenly stopped.

『Um…』

As she hesitated, I spoke up without waiting for an answer.

“If it’s hard to say, you don’t have to force yourself. I was just a little curious.”

『… I’m sorry. I don’t really want to talk about it right now… But I think there will come a time when I can share it with you. So, could you please wait until then?』

No matter where she got her information from, it wouldn’t be surprising at this point, nor would I consider her an enemy.

I’ll do her a favor and wait for the time when she’s ready to talk about it.

“Alright. Really, you don’t have to push yourself.”

『 It’s Senpai who’s pushing himself too hard.』

“…Is that so?”

『Yes, it is.』

At that, we both share a chuckle.

The atmosphere became a bit tense because of my question, but it didn’t get too awkward.

The comfort we feel is probably thanks to her kindness.

『Ah, maybe it’s about time to end the call.』

“I don’t mind ending it, but why?”

『 It’s a woman’s intuition! Well then Senpai, good night!』

“Ah, good night.”

Koido ended the call after giving a reason that was both convincing and not.

There was no follow-up message to explain further.

I was about to put my smartphone down, puzzled, when it started to vibrate, alerting me to a notification.

It wasn’t just once; the smartphone kept vibrating regularly.

This wasn’t a message notification. It was an incoming call.

Looking at the screen, Haru’s name was displayed there.

I wonder if Koido anticipated this and ended the call?

Women’s intuition is amazing.

I swallowed various emotions and responded.

『Ren! Are you free right now?』

“Yeah, I’m free, but what’s up?”

『Ehehe. I just wanted to talk to Ren, so I made a call! Is that bad?』

“I don’t mind. But I can’t think of a topic to talk about on the spot.”

『Since I called, I’ll come up with something! Let’s see, oh right! I’m looking forward to the field trip this weekend!』

“Oh, is it that time already? We’re going to Enoshima, right?”

『 That’s right! …You know, Enoshima is said to be, um, a l-lovers’ sanctuary! Ehehe, that’s why it’s perfect for us right now!』

“Ah, I think I’ve heard something like that. It might be perfect for us, I guess?”

『Absolutely! Because we are, um, you know, a couple! And, so, you see, I have something I want to do with Ren! Ren, I want you to ring the bell with me!』

“The bell?”

Just as I was about to ask Haru to repeat her request, my smartphone vibrated with another notification.

Then it kept vibrating repeatedly.

It seemed that she noticed the vibration too, as her attention shifted to it.

『…Is that a message? Who’s it from?』

“Uh… there’s a missed call from Misa. And then a bunch of messages followed…”

『Ahaha. Misa also wants to talk to Ren just like I do. Should we switch to a group call?』

“Sounds good. Also, I don’t understand the bell thing, but sure let’s do that.”

『Really? Ehehe, yay!』

I hear her cheerful voice and feel glad that I agreed.

Then I end the call and start a new one with the three-person group.

“Sorry Misa, I couldn’t respond earlier. I was talking with Haru.”

『 It’s. After all, it just means we’re birds of a feather, right, Haru?』

『Yeah-yeah. Both Misa and I liked Ren, so we called because we wanted to talk with Ren. It just so happens that I was a little bit quicker, that’s all.』

“…Embarrassing.”

『Fufu. Why are you being shy, Rento-kun? But I like that about you, it’s cute.』

“That’s what I’m embarrassed about!”

『Oh? After praising others so much, you don’t like it when it’s your turn? Well, I’ll keep saying it until you get used to it.』

“Misa-san, did you really have to open that door?”

It seems like the femme fatale has evolved into a queen.

I wonder if my sanity can hold up to this.

『Ugh… Ren is so kind. Like today, when I messed up with the coffee, you immediately helped me out!』

“That was just too much to watch.”

『Ugh! Why don’t you get shy when it is my turn?』

“What can I say to that?”

All that comes to mind about helping her is a heartwarming scene.

There wasn’t a single element that could make me blush.

『By the way, Rento-kun. I have a favor to ask, is that okay?』

“What is it?”

『For the upcoming field trip, we’re going to Enoshima, right? There, I want you to ring the bell with me.』

“Ah, yeah. I don’t mind.”

『…Ahaha. I guess Misa and I are really two of a kind~』

『…Right. Haru asked for it too?』

『Yeah, that’s right. I’m looking forward to the field trip.』

『Me too.』

Although they said they were looking forward to it, their voices weren’t light and excited but somewhat heavy.