Chapter 9: Classmate Kushibiki-san
Thanks to the protagonist, Hiroto Takahashi, the strange rumors have subsided. I’d like to commend Takahashi, but I’ll hold off because I don’t want to encourage him too much.
The problem was resolved through Takahashi’s somewhat forceful methods. As expected of a protagonist, he managed to eliminate the noise, which benefits me as well. So, for now, I’ll express my gratitude to my friend Takahashi.
As originally intended, the distance between Takahashi and Ayase has also narrowed. Let’s consider that a positive outcome.
Things have settled down around me, and I can breathe a sigh of relief. But when I relax, I tend to get sleepy, even during class.
However, as I’ve realized over the past few days, I’m still quite close to being a loner. If I don’t take notes, passing the tests becomes precarious. Come on, couldn’t I just ask Takahashi to show me his notes?
No, no, no. A true loner like me prefers to study alone. I don’t want to associate with those who skip classes and rely on others. So, I diligently attend all the lectures and take notes.
Honestly, I’d love to escape from this world right now, but I haven’t found any leads. For now, I have no choice but to continue living as if this world were real, whether it’s an illusion or a dream.
I lightly slap my face to shake off drowsiness and run my pen across the paper. As long as I avoid getting entangled in trouble, things should be fine. I’ll set that flag and continue attending classes.
Lunchtime arrives, and I share my desk with Takahashi to eat.
By the way, Ayase sits quietly at the neighboring desk. Having Takahashi as her support allows her to relax and enjoy student life.
However, she rarely joins our conversations. Instead, she’s often engrossed in her smartphone or a book. Maybe she’s perfectly fine on her own. Takahashi and I don’t interfere too much; we have our own interactions, and that works for us.
Now, let’s eat—I’m getting hungry.
I take out a regular-sized bento box from my bag, while Takahashi’s lunchbox is more than twice the size of mine. Seriously, does he have an insatiable appetite? Is that why he’s so tall? Maybe he should share some of that height with me.
“What’s wrong, Tachibana? If you’re not hungry, can I have your lunch?” Takahashi asks.
“I was just spacing out. And no, I definitely won’t give it to you,” I reply.
“Eh~”
He pouts like a child. Seriously, is he in elementary school?
Well, I relent and give him one mini hamburger.
Takahashi gleefully devours it in one bite. “Thanks! Can I have more?”
“You’re getting one, and that’s it,” I say.
“Aw, stingy!”
“Whatever. Stingy suits me fine. By the way, how’s it going with Ayase? Are things going well?”
I subtly inquire about Ayase. Takahashi answers matter-of-factly without changing his expression.
“Well, nothing special. We’ve exchanged a few messages, but that’s about it. Why are you so curious? Jealous?”
“Not really.”
No progress, huh? This could be a challenging path ahead. We finally made contact and exchanged contact information, but it seems complicated.
That’s how we spend our typical lunchtime. But then, a female student approaches us, interrupting our routine.
“Hey, Takahashi-kun. Um, can I talk to you for a moment?”
What’s with this girl’s fluffy and overly sweet way of speaking?
I glance at the girl who approached us—Asuha Kushibiki. She wears a ponytail and has a modern twist to her uniform, along with various accessories. I vaguely remember her appearing in the first volume, but she only showed up at the end. I have no idea what kind of character she is.
However, one thing is clear: she seems to have a hidden side. Her distinctive soft and sweet demeanor, akin to a dessert, makes me suspect that she’s wearing a facade. Behind that facade, she probably has a twisted personality and might gossip like a pro.
Of course, this is just my initial impression of Kushibiki. The current Kushibiki might be completely different from what I imagine.
“Kushibiki-san, do you need something?”
I leave it to Takahashi to handle her. Her purpose is clearly related to him. If she’s approaching him, it’s probably because she has feelings for him.
It’s none of my business. Like a pebble lying by the roadside, I fade into the background.
“Um, it’s not really a big deal, but… I have a concern, or rather, a problem…”
Kushibiki glanced briefly in my direction. She’s probably signaling that she can’t talk because there’s an obstacle (me) around. Well, my eyes can see through her intentions. Girls like Kushibiki are especially transparent.
“I see. What kind of problem is it?”
Takahashi is clueless. Indeed, he tends to be dense when it comes to romance, as if he’s a character from a light novel or romantic comedy. I sigh, but as his friend, I should be the one to read the mood.
“Takahashi, sorry, I need to use the restroom.”
I announce my departure casually. If I leave, Kushibiki can talk to Takahashi. I’ll play my role as a supporting character. It’s a win-win situation for both of us.
“I’ll come with you!”
“Huh? Don’t follow me.”
“Aw, it’s just a restroom buddy system. Oh, by the way, Tachibana, are you the type to mind that?”
“Ugh, fine! Just be quiet!”
//Kushibiki maintains her smile, but I can read the expression behind her iron mask. She’s probably glaring at me with angry expression.
Seriously, what’s wrong with this guy? Is he naturally dense, or is he intentionally playing dumb?
Listen up, Kushibiki. Don’t forget that it was Takahashi who ruined my best effort. It’s not my fault, okay?
While shifting responsibility, I quickly finish in the restroom and return. We need to create an opportunity for them to talk.
“Kushibiki-san, I’m going to the restroom. Can you wait for me?”
“Sure♪ I’m totally fine,” she replies with a smile.
She's lying. Underneath that smiling mask, she's probably clicking her tongue.
So, Tachibana and I head to the restroom, swiftly take care of business, and return to the classroom.
I still have some tricks up my sleeve, so let’s execute them.
“I’ll grab a drink.”
Even though my water bottle is still more than half full, leaving my seat to buy something seems like a reasonable excuse. Plus, I want some orange juice. Surely Takahashi won’t follow me this time.
“Hey, I’ll go with you. What about you, Kushibiki-san?”
“Eh? I’m fine here~ ehehe.”
Hold on a second!!!
What is this guy even thinking!?
Is he naturally oblivious, or is he doing this on purpose!?
Look, look—Kushibiki’s eyebrows are twitching. She must be really annoyed on the inside.
Scary, scary, scary. Her fists are probably crackling with anger!?
But now that I’ve started saying I’m going, I can’t just say I’m not going anymore.
“Alright, let’s go then.”
“Yeah. Kushibiki-san, sorry, okay?”
“It’s fine~ Don’t worry about me, go ahead~”
Kushibiki’s face is twitching. I need to hurry and buy the drinks.
I grab Takahashi by the scruff of his neck and leave the classroom.
We dash to the nearest shop and cafeteria building by the school grounds.
I buy orange juice, and after some hesitation, Takahashi buys coffee. I wish he’d hurry up and choose, but I keep my mouth shut. Once we’ve bought our drinks, I push the protagonist’s back and hurry back.
“You don’t have to rush that much, do you?”
“Shut up! Lunchtime is limited! If we dawdle, our precious break will be over!”
Is it a staple for the protagonist of a romantic comedy to be dense or clueless?
I get it. If they were too perceptive, they’d end up with the heroine right away, and it would be the end.
The real thrill of a romantic comedy is the process leading up to the relationship. The twists and turns, conflicts, and misunderstandings, the journey through the highs and lows, all leading to the goal of a satisfying ending—that’s what a romantic comedy is all about.
“Ah, welcome back~”
Kushibiki had been waiting patiently without moving from her spot.
I’m curious about the expression she had while waiting, but I push Takahashi forward and forcefully bring him in front of Kushibiki.
“Well then, see you later.”
I can’t think of any more excuses to leave, so I’ll just disappear quickly.
Now they can talk. Kushibiki is also one of the heroines in “I Can’t Stop Loving You!”
I’m not meant to be involved as a side character like me.
I quickly leave the classroom and start walking aimlessly, looking for a quiet place. Ah, finally, I’m away. Now that the interference is gone, they can talk—
“What happened? Why did you suddenly disappear?”
“…Are you doing this on purpose?”
“Huh? What do you mean?”
No good… This guy, Hiroto Takahashi, can’t read the atmosphere or pick up on things.
Where do the heroines find something to fall in love with in this guy? Please, someone tell me. It’s just causing me stress.
I feel sorry for Kushibiki, but she’ll have to give up on him for now.
I guess I have to do something to set things up for them.
Ugh, I don’t want to.
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