CH 5

“You became friends?!”

During the lunch break, Kyoya shouted in the class.

Apparently, he’s still a noisy guy.

However, it’s no wonder Kyoya is surprised, so he can’t help it.

“Too noisy…”

“I…before I knew it…that Kusuba…with the Tachibana”

He then exclaimed, “Even I haven’t talked to her properly yet.”

I think you already have a girlfriend you love.

I described what happened in the last few days, twisting the awkward parts a bit.

When you talk with Kyoya, it’s best to tell the whole story and not be bombarded with questions that then cause misunderstandings.

“Ren…you…”

“Hey, what?”

I chewed the bread I had bought while swatting Kyoya’s hand which was on my shoulder.

On the other hand, it looks like Kyoya’s lunch won’t decrease anymore.

“I like-“

“Don’t spout nonsense.”

Kyoya’s eyes had tears for some reason.

I am going to sigh, but still, I can’t help but be amazed at him.

He’s a complete idiot.

“Well, it doesn’t change anything just because I became her friend.”

“It is going to!”

It does seem so.

Kyoya’s idea is different from Tachibana’s and mine.

“Do you even know what friends do? They talk at school, they go to play together, they eat lunch together, they do all that!”

“…I’m doubtful if I will.”

“Just do it!”

“No, it’s too troublesome to do those kinds of things, and I’m not that type of guy either.”

“Haa…then why did you even become friends?”

“…I wonder too.”

“Hey!”

Kyoya seemed disappointed and held his head in his hand in an exaggerated manner.

Now that he mentioned it, I wonder why Tachibana and I became friends in the first place.

It wasn’t a joke, it was pretty serious, and I’m sure neither Tachibana nor I will do or want to do the things Kyoya said earlier.

It felt like a big decision yesterday, but it doesn’t feel our relationship has particularly changed in any way.

“…No, that’s right…I see…”

“What’s with that reaction?”

“There’s no way that Ren can be that good at making friends. And with a girl like Tachibana-san!”

“Hey!”

“Alright! To become better friends with Tachibana, I’ll give you some tasks.”

“Tasks?”

“That’s right, you are going to complete the tasks a give you one-by-one”

“…no, I’ll pass on that”

How do these normies even get such ideas…

“Why?!”

“I don’t want to. The reason I don’t make friends is because I don’t want to waste my energy that way.”

“Then I’ll go play with Tachibana instead.”

“Sure, go ahead.”

“Wow…that’s why I don’t make friends…” 

Probably not.

“…Ah!

Now what…?

I follow his gaze as he leaked out a dumb voice.

There, as I turned my neck, I saw a familiar figure coming here. It was Hinata.

Behind here, was standing Tachibana Rika.

“Kyoya!”

“Hinata! Yeah.”

Hinata, who found Kyoya, came straight over to us.

My eyes met Tachibana, who was standing there as well.

Tachibana gave me a small nod.

Hinata comes next to us and starts talking with Kyoya happily.

Tachibana, looked at them as if to compare them, then moved in the class as well.

With the appearance of two beautiful girls, the guys in the class begin to get hyperactive.

However, one of the beautiful girls was having eye contact with a dark background mob.

That looks strange.

It’s strange to me, anyway.

I’m not sure I can actually do that.

“Hello, Kusuba-san.

“Ah…”

Tachibana said in a small voice.

Tachibana doesn’t usually mind standing out, so that was a bit unexpected that she spoke with a voice almost like a whisper.

This might be because of yesterday’s incident. Seems like yesterday’s embarrassment has yet not passed.

Anyway, even I am feeling like that.

“Is she not here today?

“She? Oh, Chitose? No, she had a student council meeting.”

I took a deep breath and gave a sigh of relief.

I’m not good at dealing with Susami.

“She’s in the student council? Her?”

“Impressive right?”

“That doesn’t look good…”

I was surprised with Tachibana who suddenly smiled, and even my cheeks loosened.

Whenever she laughs, it seems like I broke her guard somehow.

“I had been interested for a long time.”

“Yes?”

“Kusuba-san’s friend was actually Hinata’s boyfriend.”

“Oh, yeah.”

“That’s right. Surprisingly, there was a close connection.”

“Not really, Kyoya’s girlfriend is like a complete stranger.”

“Eh, really?!”

Tachibana suddenly exclaimed, and Hinata and Kyoya looked over.

Hinata put her lunch next to Kyoya. Seems like it’s not going to move for a while.

Tachibana also came and sat right beside me.

There were 4 desks occupied, with 4 people sitting there.

This is way too much of a  normie-ish way of eating lunch.

Even the normies who are sitting here are exceptionally good-looking.

Of course, I am not included.

“Are you eating your lunch here?”

“It seems that Hinata wants to do so.”

Tachibana spread her bento wrapped in a light green cloth I had seen before.

I don’t want to get involved in eating lunch with normies.

“’It’s too awkward.”

“Please stay here. If Kusuba-san leaves, I’ll get awkward.”

“You guys stand out too much.”

“You look too much at your surroundings. You aren’t doing anything wrong. You should be acting a little more dignified.”

“But more weird rumors will come up…”

“I’m fine with that.”

“You are? That wasn’t the case before.”

“Anyway, what kind of rumors?”

“Rika Tachibana is obsessed with a dark mob”

“Is that so? And in reality?”

“…Tachibana Rika and Kusuha Ren are…ah…”

“…Friends. Now, do you get it? The reality is much more shocking than the rumors.”

“…Well, that’s true.”

Tachibana laughed, she looked really happy for some reason.

When I think about it, as Tachibana said, I don’t feel so uncomfortable in this situation anymore.

“By the way, Kusuba-san.”

“…hmm?”

My name was suddenly called as I opened my mouth to respond.

I’m not really used to being called by people.

The reason is too obvious.

“You…”

“Yes? What is it?”

The voice that spoke belongs to Satsuki Hinata who was sitting diagonally in front of me.

She’s a beautiful girl with a composed and confident face.

Right now, her voice is tense. A mob like me can’t help but get nervous.

It seemed like a frog being glared at by a snake.

Please, don’t eat me

“You seem to be on good terms with Rika lately.”

“Well…that’s…who told you?”

It was too direct…

Tachibana, Susami, then Hinata. All normies are always straight forward.

“Kyoya did”

“…Kyoya?”

“It’s great, isn’t it?”

Kyoya just looked at me while grinning happily.

This guy… the privacy of others…

“…Not really on good terms, we just talk a bit casually.”

“Is that so? Rika, do you agree?”

“No, I don’t. We are friends and on very good terms.”

“I…”

I looked at Tachibana but she stayed composed.

I don’t think my stare is enough…

“Tachibana-san…”

“Why are you lying, Kusuba-san?”

“No…I mean…Lying…wait…”

“Forgive him, he’s a bit confused because I was the only friend of this guy for too long.”

What Kyoya said was extremely rude.

But apparently, he’s right.

It’s right on target.

Certainly, I became friends with Tachibana, that’s for sure.

However, I’m not confident enough to proudly say, “I’m Tachibana Rika’s friends”

So that’s why Hinata’s eyes were really scary.

She probably thought, “My friend has a bad bug sticking to her”.

I felt such thoughts coming from Hinata.

“What’s your motive here?”

“Hey, Satsuki.”  (Kyoya)

“No…it’s different…there are many things…”

For some reason, I feel like I’ve been put in court.

I guess she doesn’t like the fact that I am close to Tachibana.

Well, to be honest, I don’t think she’s acting unreasonable.

“If you approached Tachibana with an Ulterior motive, I will not forgive you.”

“Satsuki” (Tachibana)

What’s that logic…”

It seems that I am not trusted.

I’m not going to back down just because I got told something like this.

Aside from Tachibana herself, if people say that I shouldn’t be friends with Tachibana, should I just stop because of that?”

“You are too suspicious; I will not let it be”

“…Satsuki” (Tachibana)

“Oh, I understand now. So, I just have to stay away from her, right?”

“That’s for the best. In the first place, you and Tachibana should’ve never become friends.” 

“SATSUKI”

Suddenly, a cold but sharp voice rang out. Hinata and I froze as it solidified.

Tachibana looked at Hinata with an icy gaze.

“Satsuki. Stop it right now.”

Tachibana’s voice was clearly angry.

With an aura like a cold flame, she looked at Hinata with a piercing gaze.

“Well…because…Kusuba…”

“I was the one who wanted to be friends with Kusuba-san. And he is not the type of person you think he is.”

“I…but…that’s…”

With Tachibana’s angry words directed at her, Hinata looked like a small child being scolded by her parents.

Even I, who the anger is not directed toward, feel like I am shrinking down.

“I can’t forgive, even my friends, for such things.”

“I…yes.”

After Tachibana said all that, Hinata swelled her cheeks and became silent.

She listened patiently and sat back down.

“Yes. Satsuki, you were acting very rude. Kusuba-san doesn’t usually have the courage or ability to act and he thinks too much.”

“Hey.”

Kyoya interrupted and gave a smile, and I noticed that the tense air softened a bit.

As expected of Kyoya. He knows what to do and how.

“Forgive her, Tachibana. She was just worried about you.”

“…Yes. Sorry, I said too much.”

“Rika…”

It seems that it all got settled safely.

Still…Tachibana was very angry.

It may be a bit different for me, but I can’t say I didn’t get happy when Tachibana defended our relationship.

Tachibana seems to think of me as a real friend.

No, it’s just that her personality is like that, so it’s normal.

“I’m sorry, but I’m going now. Satsuki, I’m leaving.” 

“No…”

As Hinata stretched out her hand mid-air, Tachibana left the classroom.

Then I noticed some curious gazes of the guys in the classroom were on me.

Well, it can’t be helped this time.

I shrugged my shoulders while sitting with Kyoya and stuffed the rest of the lunch quickly.

“Kusuba-san”

When I was changing my shoes at the school entrance after class, I heard a familiar voice call my name.

As I looked in the direction of the voice, I saw Tachibana.

Satsuki Hinata was also standing at the back, looking uncomfortable.

“I’m sorry for what happened at lunch” (Tachibana)

“No, I don’t mind.”

Contrary to Tachibana, who bowed her head in a polite manner, Hinata was awkwardly fidgeting.

What on earth does she want now…

Retaliation?

“Satsuki, see”

“Uhh,,,,”

As Tachibana looked to Hinata, she came forward with a heavy step.

Hinata was clutching the hem of her sleeve with both hands and 

“…Umm…Kusuba-san…”

“Uhhh…”

“I’m sorry for saying such rude things at lunch yesterday”

Hinata spoke in a small voice and threw her gaze aside.

“I asked Rika about everything, about how you helped her from a strange guy, and got rid of the cockroaches. I also already knew you weren’t a bad guy as you were with Kyoya.”

“Nono, that was…”

No way, that resolute Hinata came to apologize to me.

No, I’m sure it was Tachibana’s doings.

She must have told Hinata that she wouldn’t forgive her if she didn’t apologize to me.

Still, if you apologize in such a way, some frustration easily got blown away.

Apparently, I’m a simple guy. 

Anyway, it seems that Tachibana didn’t talk about the Thunder incident.

Well… it’s better that way.

That incident is too embarrassing.

“Rika, because you are so cute and popular, I am worried about you… Even the boy you drove away became persistent.”

“Oh, but he got back what he deserved.”

It was probably Hinata and Susami who did it…

Both of them together… it’s scary just to imagine.

“The boys who approach Rika are always selfish, so I don’t like it.”

“Well…that’s right”

“But you are not like that…I’m sorry for my behaviour”

With that said, Hinata backs down.

I know…

I knew everything from the time Kyoya fell in love with Hinata.

Kyoya began to like Hinata’s because of her kindness to her friends and her honesty.

I’ve heard about it a lot, so I know.

So I didn’t want to get angry when I was shouted at yesterday, even though I was not at fault.

“I’m sorry too” (Tachibana)

‘I don’t really care, it’s alright.”

“…is that so?”

“Yes. Alright, I’m going home now.”

I turn around and walk away.

If I stay with 2 beautiful girls for too long, I’ll begin to stand out.

It seems like Tachibana is really loved by her friends, Susami and Hinata.

To be honest, I can understand the feelings of Susmani and Hinata of not leaving Tachibana alone.

But of course, I won’t actually say that.

“Kusuba-san”

I heard the familiar voice again.

My legs stopped moving reflexively as I looked back.

“…what is it?”

“I’m going home too”

“…so?”

“We’re friends now, and our house is next door. So, it’s natural to go home together.”

“Is that so?”

“That’s right.”

It does seem so.

Well…Tachibana has more experience in being friends, so let’s just follow her lead.

…Ah.

No…wait a minute…

“…No”

“Huh…why?”

“Stand out too much”

“You’re worrying too much.”

“I don’t care.”

“Why would you stand out?”

Tachibana had no intention of pulling back. She came and stuck right by my side.

While scratching my head, I go towards the south gate.

Fortunately, there aren’t many students left.

“It’s going to make things troublesome in school”

“It’s much more troublesome to care about the surrounds too much”

“…Well, that may be right…but…”

“Besides, you won’t be pried by someone, just because you have a few friends”

“Ah…I can’t even reply to that”

“Just don’t mind it, in the end, everyone will just get bored with it”

She was completely calm till the end.

Maybe she’s used to being so calm and composed.

I’m sure Tachibana has more opportunities to perfect that than I.

But, to be honest, I thought it would be cool to act so dignified.

What can I be sad at the way I stand out?

(Probs referring to that he isn’t standing out in a bad way, as he did something bad and is guilty, Editor, correct this pls)

With that in mind, I felt my body becoming lighter.

“…I have to go to the supermarket”

“is that so? Well, then I shall do the same.”

Well, alright.

I became friends with Tachibana.

So even if I don’t like it, I will still stand out.

“Don’t be too vague while buying your food”

“Yh…hmm…”

“Oi, you’re not listening to me”

“I’m listening, I’m listening”

“By the way, Kusuba-san, I have a message from Satsuki.”

“…”

“I think I was wrong, I hate you” 

“…Don’t bother to tell me”

“I conveyed  the message”

“That girl…”

The destination, the supermarket, is just between the school and the apartment.

Tachibana and I picked a shopping basket each. We went around the shop looking for the stuff we needed to buy.

“Kusuba-san”

“Hmm…?”

“You’re buying too much cup ramen.”

“It’s necessary for me.”

“No, it isn’t”

Tachibana was glaring at me looking me right in the eyes.

Even if you say that, cup ramen is my lifeline.

If I don’t buy it, I’ll end up dead.

“But I need food…”

“You should have a proper nutrition-based diet. There are many alternatives when it comes to buying proper food.

“Instant curry?”

‘Like vegetables”

“Frozen pizza?”

“Fish.”

“Pre-baked bread?”

“It seems that we haven’t been able to communicate.”

“Is that so?”

Now that I think of it again, Tachibana and I had come to talk to each other quite casually.

Tachibana is even more sociable than I thought, maybe even talkative

But the biggest thing is that you don’t have to worry while striking a conversation.

For some reason, whenever I talk to Tachibana, I don’t find myself trying to adjust to the topic and pace of the conversation going on.

I wonder if it’s because of our similar train of thought and our overlapping values.

Perhaps it’s because we have no desire to be liked or entertained by each other.

I don’t know if that’s a good thing or a bad thing.

I have no idea what Tachibana thinks.

But for me, it wasn’t so easy.

“Let’s buy this too”

“Oi, don’t put it with permission”

‘It’s good for your health. And goes well with rice”

“But I don’t like it.”

“Don’t like it?”

“You hate cockroaches.”

“It’s about food right now. And if it’s psychological disgust, it can’t be helped.”

“Then Tachibana, you don’t dislike a particular item, do you?”

“…I don’t”

“Too bland answer, it’s suspicious”

“AH, I have to buy detergent…”

“Isn’t that cheating…”

After Tachibana’s “AH”, we proceed with the shopping.

After some time, I finish the billing separately from Tachibana and start packing beside her.

Tachibana took out an eco-bag and put what she bought into it.

“Don’t put too much effort into things like this.”

(TN: Using an eco-bag)

“You’re the one who should do it instead”

“A man is like this”

“It’s not about gender, it’s a matter of humanity”

“I wonder if that’s right…”

“It is.”

We leave the supermarket together and go towards the apartment.

Unlike me, who only ate food, Tachibana’s bag was stuffed with daily necessities.

“Umm…”

“…What is it?”

“I’ll carry it”

“It’s alright. It’s as heavy as it looks, but thanks”

“I see”

I retract my hand which was extended.

I will help you if you need help, If you don’t I won’t.

That’s how “friends” are supposed to be like, right?

I’m sure Tachibana also thinks the same.

“Kusuba-san is very kind, isn’t he?”

“…such a thing is…”

“You forgave Satsuki right away, rather, I had gotten angry.”

“Well…she is Kyoya’s girlfriend”

“So, you’ll forgive your friend’s girlfriend?”

“Rather I knew her good points. I could see why she got angry and didn’t mind it that much.”

“…Is that so?”

As we reached near our apartment, Tachibana’s gaze went forward.

As usual, the position of the snipe gives a dignified atmosphere.

Although she seems small, she has a beautiful appearance and dignified aura.

“It was thanks to Kusuba-san that Satsuki and Natsume-san started dating.”

“I don’t think so, Kyoya just said it for no reason.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes, I just listened to him talk. They didn’t date just because I was there.”

“Sometimes, there is more to it than what comes in sight”

“That’s right. But it doesn’t have to be me.”

Just listen to my story and realize that I was not the one.

It could be anyone.

And if it is someone, I would rather it not be me.

“So, the gratitude he feels towards me isn’t that big of a deal. It’s just it happened to be me he talked to…”

“…Is that so?”

“Eh…?”

Tachibana said while looking straight.

She suddenly turned her head a bit upwards and sullenly sharpened her mouth.

“If you had as many friends as Natsume-san, you could have asked as many people for advice as you could. I adore Satsuki as my friends, so I look out for her.”

“…”

“But such a person (Kyoya) chose you for important love advice. I think he clearly knew why, and Kyoya’s choice wasn’t wrong.”

“…Why?”

Tachibana looked back at me as I stopped unintentionally.

We were facing each other in the middle of the road.

“Why…do you think that…? I’m just a dark and selfish guy”

“I just think so. There’s no other reason.”

“…”

“You can give yourself more good points too, you know”

“…That’s impossible”

“…Is that so?”

After all that, Tachibana and I walked side-by-side as we faced in front.

Of course, I didn’t think like that about myself.

But I was happy with Tachibana’s words.

Even if none else thinks like that, Tachibana still does.

That thought alone made me feel really happy that I was contended.

But…

“…Tachibana”

“What is it?”

“I don’t think Tachibana has good eyes for friends”

“Nope, I have. All my friends are good people.”

“…I see.”

But that include me?