After Becoming a Counselor for Girls, I Ended Up Producing a Lot of Potential Girlfriends Who Became Mentally Ill - Chapter 1

Chapter 1: The “Counselor” Is Invited

If you want someone to listen to you, it’s better to play the role of a listener—this is my personal experience as a “counselor” for girls.

The counselor is me—Yasuda Seiichiro.

What I do is simple. If someone is in trouble, I listen. That’s all.

Why did I become a counselor? It started naturally. As I began receiving advice from my male classmates, my reputation gradually spread. Eventually, the topic reached the girls, and now most of the consultations I receive are about relationships.

As someone who listens, I am well-versed in love matters. I know all the ugly sides—cheating, competition between people of the same sex, and the exchange of jealousy and envy… These are the negative aspects of love that I carry with me.

Though I get to see the sparkling side of girls, I don’t belong to the popular group. I’m neither good-looking nor do I have the assertiveness to make up for my appearance.

In short, I’m a convenient person to talk to. I’m trustworthy, and there’s no worry about information leaking. And I don’t have to worry about people taking advantage of my weakness.

I partly take a self-deprecating view of my situation. Still, I hold some pride.

“…So, why did Kujo call me, the counselor, on Christmas?”

Today is Christmas, the 25th. A day meant for lovers.

Even though I’m someone who is involved in consultations but unrelated to romance, I’m standing at a place with Christmas lights.

“I got dumped by my boyfriend. He cheated on me and dumped me right before Christmas.”

The person in front of me, breathing out white air, is my classmate, who is wearing black hair and glasses—Kujo Saya. She’s the one who invited me here.

“I’m just having a temporary date with someone like me. Do you think it’ll comfort me?”

“Do I need a reason, more than what I already want?”

Her mischievous smile was painful. She was just covering up her own wounds, pretending to fix them.

I’ve received advice from Kujo several times before.

“My boyfriend doesn’t take me seriously.”

That was the first consultation. The guy who confessed his feelings passionately ended up becoming cold toward her almost immediately.

Kujo is responsible and serious. She has a strong desire to contribute to those around her, like being the class representative and running for the student council.

Her ex-boyfriend was the type to become anxious unless he was pampered. With her caring nature, Kujo got involved with him, for better or worse.

…That’s the gist of the story.

“Got it. Whatever the reason, sending a message like ‘Are you free on Christmas?’ would be easily misunderstood if it’s someone like me, so you should be careful.”

“And if it’s not a misunderstanding, what about it?”

She steps closer to me, looking up at me silently.

“That’s not good.”

I avert my eyes. I’m used to looking at cute girls, but when the situation adds to it, it surpasses my tolerance.

“Is it wrong for a girl to make a move right after getting dumped?”

“Kujo, you’re probably mistaken. Your broken heart is making you think there’s love for the person you’re talking to.”

“It’s not a ready-made feeling. I’ve been thinking about you, Yasuda-kun, for a long time.”

Her tone lowers. The usual lively Kujo isn’t there anymore.

I didn’t think she’d be directing love toward me. Wasn’t it just a counselor and consultation relationship?

“Don’t look at me like that.”

“I can’t keep up. I still don’t get it, or rather, I can’t wrap my head around it.”

“It’s an ironic situation. It’s like the saying ‘The darkest place is under the lantern.’ I can see other people’s love clearly, but my own love is blurry.”

The distance between us, which had gotten too close, returns to normal. My heart, which had been racing, starts to calm down.

“Anyway, today, I want you to make me forget everything. It’s selfish, but please.”

“…If it’s Kujo’s request, I can’t turn it down.”

I can’t shake the thought of the convenient relationship.

But, it’s fine.

There’s still a feeling of discomfort. However, since Kujo wants to be with me, I’ll go along with it and think about it later.

If it’s because of some self-destructive desire to be with me, I’ll turn her down firmly. For now, I’ll observe and see what happens.