Too Many Losing Heroines! - Volume 2 - Chapter 2.1

Chapter 2 – Chihaya Asagumo Doesn’t Know What to Do

It’s been two days since we accepted Chihaya Asagumo’s request for help.

Yanami and I received her emergency message. She told us to come over ASAP.

The meeting spot is the Kalmia Department Store in Toyohashi Station. It’s at the northern entrance of the station.

I quickly walked inside the station from the outdoor platform and looked around.

There aren’t any familiar faces. It seems like I’m the first to arrive. I caught my breath and stood in front of the entrance to Kalmia.

It’s a bit past 2:30 PM. People are busily shopping or standing around waiting for others. It’s hectic.

I lowered my head feeling a tad uncomfortable and mumbled, “Why the hell did I even say I’d help her…?”

I don’t want to expose Yakishio’s secret.

It’s just that this whole situation isn’t doing Yakishio any favors. To be honest, I feel pretty stumped.

So, I can’t help but think, is this the correct answer to this situation?

I can feel someone standing next to me.

I glanced at her. It’s a girl wearing a sailor uniform.

She’s wearing black-rimmed glasses. There are two fluffy braids on her head. She’s eating takoyaki from out of a red box one by one. What the hell? This woman has so much character.

“Eh, Yanami-san!?”

I couldn’t help but call her name. Yanami raised her head and looked at me chicly.

“You finally noticed me, Nukumizu-kun.”

Yanami took off her glasses and folded them.

“Those don’t have lenses, right?”

“It’s just for show. Don’t I look smart in them?”

She doesn’t give off that impression at all. I nodded anyway.

“Even though I don’t know where you got that idea from, what’s with your outfit today?”

“A disguise is a must if we’re tailing someone, right? I’m wearing my uniform from middle school. How is it? It looks nice, right?”

“Well, yeah, it’s fine for you to wear last year’s uniform...”

I suddenly fell silent mid-sentence. The size of her uniform doesn’t seem to have matched her development…

“What? You suddenly went quiet.”

Yanami shovelled all of the remaining takoyaki into her mouth as she queried me.

“It’s nothing as long as Yanami-san likes it.”

…We’re both here by the way. Yet, the person who called us to this place is nowhere to be seen. Yanami made a call, but no one answered.

“But this is sure a surprise to me. I thought Nukumizu-kun would find this troublesome.” Yanami dialed on Line as she said that.

“What do you mean?”

“I’m talking about our investigation of Remon-chan cheating. You actually accepted my invitation to this investigation.”

I was forced into this. …With displeasure beaming from my eyes I asked her.

“And you, Yanami-san? Why are you helping?”

“…Did you see how Remon-chan looked when she was with Ayano-kun a few days ago?”

I nodded in silence.

When Yakishio was next to Ayano, her face gave away that she just couldn’t hold herself back. It was like a blossoming flower.

Even I noticed it immediately. Ayano must have seen it, no matter how dense he is.

If he’s aware of it, and they are still on the road together like that, …and Yakishio also notices that he knows.

“Don’t show that face to someone who has already given up.”

After saying that, Yanami showed a smile as blinding as Yakishio’s and chuckled.

“That’s why we have to protect Remon-chan at key moments like this.”

“Even if things do go south, we are the only ones who can protect or scold Remon-chan.”

*

Asagumo-san replied to me on Line after some time had passed.

She said she saw them. She wants us to go to Minamiguchi Plaza next to the station.

There is a Takusan booth set up there when we arrive. They seem to sell local produce and food. It’s all hustle and bustle.

“Nukumizu-kun, you can even eat the bones in this. Ah, it’s unbelievably tasty.”

…Yanami. That girl bought grilled fish with salt when I wasn’t paying attention.

Yanami took big chomps out of the grilled fish. I ignored her and searched about for Asagumo-san. I found her. She’s hiding behind the booth looking awfully suspicious. I was going to talk to her, but never mind.

She’s wearing a light orange dress. There’s a massive hat on her head, like the ones worn by actresses.

There’s a cooling sticker on her head. She’s wearing lace sunglasses.

All of these look alright on their own, but it’s really weird when you put them all in one place. Honestly, I really don’t want to let her know we’re here.

Yanami chewed the head of the fish as she stood next to me. She asked.

“Is that girl Nukumizu-kun’s acquaintance?”

“Not just mine, Yanami-san. Isn’t she your acquaintance too?”

Really Yakishio, …how could you even lose to a girl like that?

…I’m grieving over Yakishio’s defeat, but she seems to have noticed us. Asagumo-san quickly approached us.

“Uh, …well, …hello.”

I greeted her stiffly. Asagumo-san chuckled as she tore off the cooling sticker on her head.

“My disguise is amazing, right? Did you know it was me? It’s actually me, Asagumo.”

Wow, I didn’t know it was you, Asagumo-san. I’m Nukumizu.

She carefully put her cooling sticker back on. This is part of your disguise too?

“Did Remon-chan come here?”

Yanami kept a subtle distance from her as she asked.

“Yes, they are on the other side of the plaza. It looks like they are checking out the booths in order. Let’s hide and wait around here for the time being.”

With that, she hid behind the booth. We stood behind her.

Asagumo-san took out a device with antennas. She took off her sunglasses and stared at the dashboard array.

“Uh, …Asagumo-san, …how did you know they are meeting here?”

Wait, is this weird device actually a surprise tool that will help us later?

“I conducted a complete analysis with the data from my investigation. Everything is within my calculation. Today’s the time to cast the net.”

Asagumo-san puffed up her chest. Yanami tilted her head in disbelief.

“You know all of this with calculations alone?”

“Yes, a machine’s accuracy and sensitivity alone aren’t enough. That’s why I compensated with data and calculations. After repeated trial and error, I finally managed to grasp the precise location of the transmitter.”

I think I just heard a pretty worrying noun in there.

“You just said transmitter, right…?”

“Yes, because this is a GPS.”

This girl just said something insane with a carefree, angelic face. …Yanami silently distanced herself again.

“Uh, are we doing something illegal…?”

“Shhhh… quiet now. Mitsuki-san and Yakishio-san are coming.”

Are they really here? Yanami and I exchanged glances before peeking our heads out from behind the booth while trembling. The plaza is filled with people who’ve come shopping.

We secretly glanced at the center of the road. Both sides are filled with food stalls.

“Right-hand side! That Italian gelato shop!”

We looked in that direction. There’s a guy and a girl among the crowd. The guy is tall and handsome with glasses, while the girl has a tan- they must be Ayano and Yakishio.

Ayano is wearing a clean, collared shirt. Yakishio is in her uniform. They look like the MCs in a movie. There is ice cream in their hands as they circulate among the booths happily. The duo is joking and messing with each other sometimes. They must look like a close couple to a stranger.

Yanami saw them and sighed, “Wow.”

“That is Ayano-kun, right? He’s tall and handsome. Remon-chan looks brilliant too. They surely make a fine couple-”

“Oi, Yanami-san!”

Yanami realized what she had said and covered her mouth.

“Sorry, Asagumo-san! That’s not what I meant…”

“It’s fine. I already felt those two made a good pair before we even started dating.”

Asagumo-san squeezed a smile out as she said that.

“…I was already shocked when Mitsuki-san accepted my confession. I thought my love was unrequited.”

She said that calmly, but then she mumbled.

“So, I’m just…getting what I deserve.”

Yanami and I didn’t know how to answer. We could only look at those two in silence.

They chatted happily as they went around the shops shoulder to shoulder. Yakishio is laughing cheerfully. Her perfect smile is sparkling under the sun.

“Don’t show that face to someone who has already given up.”

What Yanami had said played again in my mind. We’re okay with it, but I don’t want Asagumo-san to have to watch this any further.

“Asagumo-san, I think we’ve done enough investigation.”

“They seem to be shopping.”

Asagumo-san’s voice overlapped with mine.

I turned around. Yakishio is dragging Ayano around by the arm. They moved to the next stall. I think it’s selling western snacks. It’s the one where you can put whatever you want in the basket.

They are both still holding gelatos, I wondered how they would be able to shop like that. Then, Ayano took a basket and Yakishio decided on and put the snacks into it.

They are picking snacks so intimately. Ayano smiled and shook his head as he raised the basket mischievously. As for Yakishio, she quickly jumped up and put the snacks in.

…An unknown amount of time passed by.

They finished shopping and disappeared into the crowd. Asagumo-san is still staring at the road without moving.

“Hey, are you okay, Asagumo-san?”

Asagumo-san took off the cooling sticker with her slim fingers and turned around.

“…I’m fine. I’ll go fix my makeup.”

Asagumo-san said that calmly. She walked straight toward the station.

After she disappeared, Yanami and I both heaved a deep sigh.

“I guess she just took a critical hit.”

“Yeah, a girl’s heart is far more delicate than Nukumizu-kun thinks.”

Right, I think somebody has said girls are made of sugar. Yanami is made of carbohydrates and lipids. They should be similar, right?

I became lost in thought. Yanami shook her head and put her hand on my shoulder.

“You really weren’t thinking when you made a fuss over my ‘they make a fine couple’ comment. Relationships are a pretty sensitive issue. You need to be extra careful.”

“…Wait, Yanami-san, are you trying to blame me for what you said?”

“What are you going to do if I say yes?”

She just flipped it on me.

“It’s fine if you think it’s my fault, but are you sure you should just leave Asagumo-san like this?”

“Me? Why don’t you go, Nukumizu-kun?”

“Doesn’t fixing her makeup mean she’s in the toilet? There’s nothing I can do even if I go, right?”

“You’re not really going into the toilet. Why not just wait outside?”

“Uh, …are you sure that that’s okay?”

“Yes, it’s enough as long as she knows someone is worried and cares about her. Right, when I was-”

Yanami stared straight at me.

“-Did someone here care about me when I was like that?”

I see. I didn’t care, and I won’t be.

“Also, now’s not a good time for me to see her, right?”

“Yeah, your ‘fine couple’ comment just then was too much.”

“Fine, it’s all my fault. Anyway, you should check up on her.”

“Thanks, Nukumizu-kun.”

I went back to the station from the plaza. Even though I don’t know where she is, let’s check out the nearest toilet first. Then, I saw a girl with a big hat and a dress in a grocery store. It’s Asagumo-san.

She put her hands behind her back and crossed her fingers. She’s staring at the leather cover of a book.

“Hey, Asagumo-san, …are you okay?”

“Oh, Nukumizu-san.”

Asagumo-san answered without turning back.

There are etchings carved onto the leather cover. She reached her hand to it, but then she hesitated and withdrew.

“The cover is beautiful. It should really suit that person, right?”

“Yeah, it’s interesting. This really matches his style.”

“Yes, Mitsuki-san really loves books.”

Asagumo-san stared at the book cover for a while. She mumbled.

“…Mitsuki-san has said that he wants to work in the book industry.”

“Him?”

That’s the first time I’ve heard about this. But, come to think of it, what are the actual goals of working in the book industry?

Asagumo-san and I barely know each other, yet she starts telling me all about Ayano. This situation feels so abnormal. I’m dizzy.

“Mitsuki-san said that even though his dream is to be an author, that’s entirely different than his future career. He’s planning to study Literature in Tokyo. With that as the basis, he can work as a researcher, publisher, bookstore manager, …as long as it’s related to books.”

Asagumo-san continues as if she’s talking to herself.

“I was shocked the first time I heard it. I didn’t know someone with such similar interests was so close to me.”

“Ah, …I see.”

That’s all I can answer.

“My first wish is to become a librarian, you know? It must be difficult.”

Asagumo-san made up her mind and took the book cover. She stroked the surface.

“Indeed, …everything is within my calculations.”

“Eh?”

“I’ve seen them together.”

“Uh, well, …you’re right.”

She said calculations, but it was a GPS tracking device.

“Actually, he doesn’t like sweets. Are the snacks he bought for me?”

“Maybe. That guy is pretty gentle, after all. …Yep.”

I nodded at high speed.

“Yes, he’s very kind. That’s why he’s eating gelato with her at her invitation. That’s why they are chatting happily. That’s why he’s even showing such an expression…”

Asagumo-san seems to be holding something back. Her tone is pretty gloomy.

“Mitsuki-san looks just as happy when he’s with me.”

Her final words seem to have been swallowed up by the tumult of this crowded department store.

“…Gelato.”

“Eh?”

I exclaimed, caught off guard by this sudden change of topic.

“I’ve never had sweets with Mitsuki-san before. I know he doesn’t like them.”

Asagumo-san took her hat and put it on her head again.

“So, …I’m a bit sad when I see Yakishio and him eating that together.”

“Well, …maybe Ayano’s wasn’t actually sweet? …Aren’t there ones used as salty sides in crepes too?”

“Sides? W-What is that?”

“Like tuna gelato roll stuffing …or something.”

That was a pretty half-assed excuse, yet Asagumo-san’s eyes bulged.

“The ones on the cones come in tuna too?”

“Y-Yeah, …isn’t tuna the most popular in rice balls too?”

Asagumo-san looks like a burden has been lifted off her. She covered her mouth and chuckled.

“Hoho, …his stomach can’t take all that tuna. I have to make salads for Mitsuki-san too.”

After a while, Asagumo-san dropped her head down.

“I’m really envious of Yakishio-san. She can always express her feelings while I just think about not causing Mitsuki-san trouble.”

“Isn’t that nice too?”

Asagumo-san’s eyes bulged in surprise again.

“…Won’t he hate me?”

“Well, I’m not that close to Ayano. However, I don’t think he’ll hate you for just eating ice cream with him.”

These two are much better than a certain girl who keeps causing me trouble despite not going out with someone.

“I didn’t know Nukumizu-san is this kind. It looks like I had a pretty deep misconception of you.”

Is there some weird misunderstanding about me spreading through the entire grade…?

Asagumo-san looks confused. She raised her head and looked at me with watery eyes.

“What’s wrong?”

“I wonder what kind of person likes Nukumizu-san? I want to meet her.”

With that, she chuckled again.

“Ha…”

I like girls like other guys do, but I can’t imagine planting a successful flag and going out with someone.

Even a winning heroine like Asagumo-san has her post-victory troubles, not to mention Yanami, who can’t even get past the dating stage. She’s in pain for being unable to confess her love.

I have been knowing more newbie couples lately, yet I feel that love is more distant than ever.

“It’s time to go back, right? Look, Yanami-san is waiting for you.”

“…Yeah, you’re right. I’m not doing things properly today.”

Asagumo-san smiled.

She was relieved for a moment, but then Asagumo-san suddenly straightened her back in shock.

“Let’s hide, Nukumizu-san!”

Asagumo-san grabbed my hand.

“Ah? Hey, what’s wrong?”

“Quick! Hide here!”

Asagumo-san’s grip is unexpectedly strong. She pulled me into the changing room of the clothing store nearby.

“Oi, Asagumo-san!?”

“Quiet! Mitsuki-san will see us.”

Wait, Ayano is here?

Even though I understand how anxious Asagumo-san is, we aren’t doing anything wrong. It seems that we’re shopping together, but that’s definitely…

“Eh? Isn’t it bad if he sees us like this?”

“That’s why I said we’re hiding.”

I looked up. Asagumo-san’s face is practically plastered up against mine under her hat.

“Uh, it hurts.”

“Oh, sorry. …This place is pretty cramped.”

Naturally, a fitting room is too small for two people. The hat is pressing against Asagumo-san’s hair. It’s rubbing my arms.

Ah, Asagumo-san smells really good. I-I’m in no way a pervert, but why do cute girls always have a pleasant smell?

“By the way, is Ayano not with Yakishio?”

I listened to the noises outside as I whispered.

“Yes, Mitsuki-san is alone. I’ll check the situation outside.”

Asagumo-san peeked out from the gap in the curtain door.

…Isn’t this plot going in the wrong direction? We’re here to spy on Ayano and Yakishio. Why do we look like the cheating couple now? Then, Asagumo-san retreated into the room.

She took a new cooling sticker and put it on her forehead.

“Uh, Nukumizu-san, it’s tough to say this, but…”

“Ha?”

“Mitsuki-san discovered me.”

“Eh!”

Asagumo-san immediately opened the curtain.

Mitsuki Ayano is approaching us with a rigid expression on his face.

Asagumo-san gave up and dropped her head down.

“Hello, Mitsuki-san.”

“Chihaya and…Nukumizu!? Why are you two together?”

I don’t know even if you ask me, bro.

However, I must avoid saying something weird and causing a misunderstanding here. In times like this, let’s leave it to Asagumo-san’s eloquence.

I looked at Asagumo-san for help. Asagumo-san noticed me and nodded. …Great, I guess she can explain our reasons.

Asagumo-san took a step toward Ayano.

“Mitsuki-san, we’re actually…”

She suddenly stopped. I have a bad feeling about this.

Asagumo-san turned around. Her squirrel eyes reflect my image.

“-Nukumizu-san can explain it to you.”

*

West Station.

The name sounds like it’s an actual station, but it refers to the western exit of Toyohashi Station.

Ayano and I walked down the escalators shoulder to shoulder silently.

After Asagumo-san messed up, Ayano and I decided to talk alone.

This is the western exit of the largest station in the city. It’s pretty close to the Shinkansen platform. Transportation is easy.

“Nukumizu, let’s talk in a quiet place.”

“Ah, you’re right. Well, let’s find a quiet area-”

We looked around. Ayano mumbled quietly.

“…It seems this is the quietest place.”

“No one’s around either.”

Unlike the lively east, the West Station is much quieter.

This place is the best spot for talking about difficult topics. Even so, why are there so few people in here…?

Ayano stopped before a red building with the name “Yamasa Chikuwa”. We looked at each other.

He’s not angry. Instead, his face looks like he’s prepared for anything.

“Nukumizu, please explain what happened just then.”

“Well, …uh.”

I put my hand on my chin with a serious, focused look.

Even though I’m pretty calm on the surface, cold sweat is dripping through my heart. …How should I even explain getting into a fitting room with Asagumo-san?

…Come to think of it, I didn’t even do anything wrong. I’m only here because Asagumo-san asked me for help, and we’re here after she messed up. Alright, it’s decided then. I’ll explain honestly.

My face full of determination. I looked through Ayano’s glasses and directly into his eyes.

“Ayano, aren’t you supposed to be the first one to explain?”

“What do you mean?”

Ayano frowned in surprise.

“Didn’t you meet with Yakishio?”

The only reason I’m here is that this guy did something untoward.

“I was just shopping with her today. We also disbanded quickly.”

“Well, then why were you two walking around the city hall last time? There is some other stuff. Do you want me to say everything?”

I made that last one up. Silence ensued. Then, Ayano suddenly chuckled. He raised his hands to surrender.

“…You got me. Have you seen everything? You really shouldn’t be underestimated, Nukumizu.”

“Y…Yes! I’ve already seen everything!”

I didn’t know this guy thought of me so highly. The rest of you should learn from him.

Ayano quickly shook his hands.

“Wait, we didn’t do anything bad. Moreover, you know Remon isn’t like that, right?”

Indeed, Yakishio isn’t someone like that. I know that even if we aren’t close.

That’s why Yanami and I are supporting her.

Yet, I gently shook my head.

“Think about it. Asagumo-san is already your girlfriend, yet you’re hanging out with another girl in secret, and it’s not just once or twice. Even if she’s Yakishio, …no, she’s exactly why we can’t leave you two alone.”

We fell silent. The people who finished shopping in Yamada Chikuwa are streaming out.

…It’s better for Ayano to know where he should stop.

I spoke up again after the customers left.

“Anyway, what were you two doing?”

Ayano seems to find this incredibly hard to explain. His mouth opened and closed. Finally, he gave up and explained.

“I’m- asking Remon for love advice.”

…Love advice?

He has a slightly weird, …no, his girlfriend is very weird, but she’s pretty cute. What on earth does he want advice for? Not to mention we’re talking about Yakishio here.

Ayano scratched his cheeks in embarrassment. He looked away.

“T…This is my first time going out with a girl. I have no idea how I should behave around one. So, that’s why I want to get some advice.”

“Then why did you choose Yakishio out of all people…?”

“Well, even if you ask, Remon is pretty popular, right? She understands a girl’s feeling.”

“I see. That’s why you choose Yakishio, …Yakishio.”

…Uwah, this guy is an idiot. My opinion of Ayano took a jump off a cliff.

“So, what advice are you getting?”

“Well, …it’s a bit hard to say. Don’t tell this to others.”

“Got it. No problem.”

I have no one to talk to.

While he’s handsome, he’s still very inexperienced with love. If he has to ask Yakishio about it, his troubles must be pretty adorable and full of youth.

“Chihaya is always very enthusiastic when we’re alone, …and I should say it’s a bit toward the lewd side.”

“O-Oh…”

No, it doesn’t sound adorable.

“I’m a man as well. Naturally, I don’t hate things like this, but Chihaya doesn’t seem to want to do that. I’m the only one charging forward on things like kisses.”

Ayano looked around. There’s no one here. He continued whispering.

“Even if it’s too early, I’m still terrified of how far I should go. …Will Chihaya hate me if I accidentally hurt her?”

…I see. Even though I don’t understand this feeling at all, I get it.

Even so, I’m much more relieved now. If what he said is believable, this guy won’t cheat with Yakishio. He just asked for love advice. …Hmm? Wait.

“Don’t tell me you asked Yakishio the same thing too!? Are you for real!?”

“Ah, the only female friend I can discuss this with is Remon, after all.”

“…Seriously?”

I remember it now. This guy is denser than a black hole. However, even if you’re unaware of Yakishio’s feelings, will an average person really discuss that with girls…?

My opinion of Ayano went into freefall again. It’s almost at the level as Yanami now.

“Now, it’s time for you to explain.”

I was suddenly put on the spot.

“What do you mean?”

I remained still. Ayano took a step toward me.

“Tell me everything. I’m already prepared for it.”

“Prepared?”

“I know I’m an indecent guy. So, if Chihaya changed her feelings and it’s you, I can also accept-”

“Ha!? No, wait, wait, wait! That’s not the case!”

Is this guy serious? Also, what’s wrong with him? You’re thinking of me too highly.

“Then why were you two together? It’s really like what I’ve said, isn’t it?”

“It’s not! I’m asking for advice too.”

I can’t explain everything. How far should I go? Asagumo-san thinks you’re cheating with Yakishio. That’s why she’s spying on your secret dates…

We barely managed to get back on the right track. I’ll really lose my appetite and sleep if they break up because of me.

“Advice from Chihaya?”

“Yes, yes, yes! I, well, …am also asking for love advice f-from Asagumo-san.”

Ayano dropped his jaw in shock.

Of course, even I’m dumbfounded at what I have said.

“This is the first time I’ve heard you have a girlfriend.”

“I don’t, but I have someone I like. I’m asking her love advice for that.”

“No, you know the girls from the Literature Club, right? Why did you go to Chihaya?”

Ayano fell silent after saying that. He stood still for a while.

“…Hey, are you alright, Ayano?”

An announcement can be heard from the platform far away, signalling the Shinkansen train's arrival.

Then, Ayano finally snapped out of it and clapped when the departure bell rang.

“I got it!”

…Got what?

“It’s fine. You can leave it up to me.”

“Eh? Oh, …okay? I’ll leave it to you. Thanks.”

That was a retarded answer. What did I leave to him?

Ayano’s expression finally toned down. He’s relieved.

“All of you always say how dense I am. Now’s the time for me to correct that.”

“Uh, sorry, what’s going on…?”

Ayano still thought I was playing dumb. He laughed and patted my back.

“In other words, the person you love is also in the Literature Club, right? That’s why you can’t talk to the girls in the club.”

“There are girls who I love in the Literature Club? That doesn’t include the light novel characters on the bookshelf, right?”

However, I can only play along and let this guy misunderstand. I don’t want to be the culprit of them breaking up.

“Yeah, you’re right.”

“Don’t tell me you have a crush on Remon?”

I shook my head as quickly as possible.

“Nope, please don’t trouble yourself. I’ll figure this out myself. You should take care of Asagumo-san.”

My denial was immediate. However, if it’s not Yakishio, my remaining crush is either Yanami or Komari. How should I put it? They are from two opposite extremes, …yet they belong to the same club.

“No need to be polite. Bring that girl, and we’ll hang out together.”

“Eh? T-There’s no need for that. Look, this is just a secret thought, right? I can just keep this to myself until graduation.”

Ayano smiled conspiratorially.

“I’m not telling you to confess. The first thing is to deepen your relationship during club activities. You two need to step out of that club partner bond.”

This guy is suddenly so serious.

“You can leave the arrangements to me. Also, let Remon join in as well.”

“Yakishio? Why?”

How much more trouble does this dense MC want to stir up?

“It’s because you don’t love Remon, right? Isn’t it much easier when there’s another Literature Club girl? Remon can invite her if you can’t.”

Aha, I see. This guy is quite crafty.

“Huh? Wait! Don’t tell Yakishio I have a crush on one of the Literature Club girls! Absolutely not!”

“Oh, I knew you’d say that, but that isn’t actually what you’re thinking, right?”

“Hell no! I’ll do anything! Don’t say unnecessary things to Yakishio! I mean it when I said absolutely not!”

My voice cracked. Why did I have to scream for something like this?

“Got it. I’ll set it up all pretty for you.”

I’m starting to get fed up with how unexpectedly useless Ayano is. At the same time, I realized something.

“…This guy unexpectedly suits Asagumo-san.”

*

That night.

I’m lying on the bed and talking to Yanami on the phone.

“So, Nukumizu-kun fooled him using love advice as an excuse. You even said the girl you love is in the Literature Club?”

Laughs can be heard from the other side.

“It’s not funny. …I was exhausted, you know?”

“Sorry, sorry, Asagumo-san now understands he’s not actually cheating, right? Isn’t that good?”

“Uh, …well, …I guess.”

I also explained it to Asagumo-san. Even though some of the parts were left out for my own sake, she managed to accept it as me asking her for love advice.

It’s Ayano and her problem from now on. Proper communication and mutual understanding are something that only they can do.

“So, where should we hang out?”

“Eh?”

“Didn’t you say it? You have to invite a girl from the Literature Club to hang out, right?”

“Uh, …yeah.”

“I’ll go.”

“…Really?”

What’s with her today? But, honestly, I appreciate her.

Instead of letting Ayano make a mess, it’s easier to just hang out like this.

“I’m quite free, so any time is okay. Well, I’ll leave it to you. Tell me once you’ve decided.”

“Ah, …thanks.”

“…Also, even if I want to hang out, all my friends have boyfriends already.”

Yanami’s voice quickly turned gloomy. Okay, I’ve already said what I need to. I have to end the call before this girl enters complaining mode.

“Uh, well, it’s almost time-”

“Hey, Nukumizu-kun.”

“Eh, what…?”

“Are you not good at phone calls?”

…I can’t help it. It’s because it’s a phone call.