After Becoming a Counselor for Girls, I Ended Up Producing a Lot of Potential Girlfriends Who Became Mentally Ill - Chapter 15

Chapter 15: The Wish of a Potential Lover

“What are you praying for, Seiichiro?”

Kujo asked.

“Good health and success in my exams, I suppose.”

“That’s pretty standard.”

“There’s no point in making unusual requests. What about you, Kujo?”

“Success in love.”

“That’s straightforward.”

“Of course. I’m honest about my desires.”

Kujo’s statements were always so direct.

Since that day we shared a bed, her boldness had been escalating steadily. It’s a bit concerning to wonder how far this will go.

“Choosing a safe wish just means you’ll forget about it eventually.”

“That sounds more like a New Year’s resolution.”

“In my case, I forget both my resolutions and wishes.”

“Well, my wish is something you won’t be able to forget, right?”

“That’s true.”

With Kujo’s persistent attitude, her wish would stick in my mind for a while.

Until our turn came, Kujo kept talking. At this point, my image of her as a serious class representative was falling apart.

The stereotype I’d held of her was just my assumption. Her true nature lay elsewhere.

“And so, I…”

Kujo continued sharing her recent activities.

Being someone who interacts with many people, Kujo’s stories were full of interesting events.

“I went shopping with my cousin’s family, and their kindergarten-aged child begged me for toys.”

“Probably because it was around Christmas.”

“Exactly. They must’ve already gotten something at home. But the moment their parents stepped away, they came running to me, secretly asking for toys.”

“Pretty cunning for their age.”

It seems resourcefulness develops early.

“They even cried. I couldn’t help but feel sorry for them.”

“Kids’ tears are unfair.”

“I thought, ‘Well, it’s only 5,000 yen,’ and decided it was fine. I’ll get my New Year’s gift money soon anyway.”

“So, you bought it for them.”

“Reluctantly. But I won’t do it again. I’m sure they’ll beg me during New Year’s too.”

“They must think you’re an easy target.”

“Exactly,” Kujo said with a nod.

“But I gained some knowledge.”

“What kind of knowledge?”

“…That once you agree to something, the next request becomes easier.”

“Interesting,” I murmured.

“Did you catch on?”

“Of course. It’s quite obvious.”

“Seiichiro, you’re already two steps into my plan. You’ve agreed to my terms twice now.”

“Seems like I’ve been caught up in it.”

“Exactly as planned.”

It was a psychological tactic, reinforcing the image of her as calculated and strategic.

“I’m going to keep devising plans. I’ll never lose to Shizuku.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

“You say that like it’s someone else’s problem. For me, this is entirely personal. And eventually, it’ll be personal for you too, Seiichiro.”

Her gaze locked onto mine. The pressure crept in steadily.

The moment felt like time had stopped until my uncle’s voice broke the silence.

“It’s almost your turn. Look ahead.”

I nodded and turned my attention away from Kujo.

Finally, it was time to ring the bell.

I couldn’t remember if it was one bow and two claps or something else, so I copied the person ahead of me. Tossing in my offering, I clasped my hands together.

I prayed for health and success in my exams, sticking to the basics.

As I was about to finish, an image of Kujo and Shizuku crossed my mind.

With those two fiery personalities around me, would I end up in trouble? A twinge of unease crept in.

Normally, I would have brushed it off. But since I started engaging more with them, such thoughts have been harder to ignore.

…I should probably pray for peace and quiet too.

When I opened my eyes, Kujo was still praying.

By the time I debated whether to call out to her, she finally finished and stepped aside.

“That was long.”

“My wish had a lot of specifics. Once I started, I couldn’t stop.”

“That’s dedication.”

“If you want something, you have to go after it. That’s how I’ve built my position.”

She spoke with a serious expression.

Then, her face softened.

“Let’s draw fortunes.”

“Sounds good.”

To the left was a special corner for charms and fortunes.

“Should we run there?”

“I’d rather not embarrass myself again.”

“Afraid you’ll lose to me?”

“After seeing your athletic performance during sports day, yes.”

Kujo excelled not only in committee activities but also in physical events.

During the sports festival, she was the anchor for the class relay.

How could I challenge someone like her in a race?

“Fine, we’ll walk.”

“Thanks, I appreciate it.”

We joined the line.

There were many people, so it looked like we’d have to wait.

“Last year’s fortune was—”

As I began speaking, I noticed someone familiar in the crowd.

A small figure was waving desperately, but their short stature made them hard to spot in the sea of people.

It was Shizuku.

“What’s wrong? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

“Nothing. I was just spacing out.”

“That’s a lie. Your eyes gave it away.”

Kujo followed my gaze and began scanning the crowd.

“Found her.”

“Ah.”

“Nogami-san is here too. Fate can be amusing, can’t it? But it’s a shame for her. The fact that I’m standing beside Seiichiro-kun right now won’t change. For now, I’m winning.”

“That’s a mean thing to say.”

“Victory is worth celebrating. It’s natural to gloat a little.”

Since our eyes had met, ignoring her wasn’t an option.

Once we left the line, another round of arguments between the two would undoubtedly erupt.

Starting the year with such drama, it seemed like a chaotic path lay ahead.