After Becoming a Counselor for Girls, I Ended Up Producing a Lot of Potential Girlfriends Who Became Mentally Ill - Chapter 2

Chapter 2: Kujo’s Sudden Confession

It was Christmas, and the streets were full of couples. I had heard about the Christmas scenery, but seeing it in person was overwhelming.”Seeing is believing, ” as they say.

I walked alongside Kujo, heading to see the giant Christmas tree.

“What do you want to do today, Kujo-san?”

“I don’t have any plans.”

“No plans, huh?”

“As long as I can be by Yasuda-kun’s side, that’s enough. Do I need any other reason?”

She gently extended her hand, waiting for me to take it or close it.

“Is it okay if we hold hands?”

“I won’t say no.”

I hesitated, my movements slowed by caution. When I slowly brought my hand closer, Kujo tightly took hold of it.

The warm sensation spread throughout my body. Just the touch made my heart race.

“It feels nice, like we’re a couple.”

“But we’re not dating.”

“That’s strange, isn’t it? I was supposed to be next to that person, but…”

It was unlike Kujo to express such vulnerability. At least, when she spoke to me, she always tried to be strong.

It’s hard to stay straightforward. The tension she had been holding on to loosened. A side of Kujo, usually hidden, peeked through.

“Guess I’m just full of lingering feelings. He was a rough person, but in the end, I cared about him.”

Kujo stopped and looked up at the Christmas tree. Her gaze was fixed on the star at the top. I also stopped and followed her gaze.

“I wanted him to return the effort I put in. I was trapped in a childish, arrogant ideal.”

“I won’t make you unhappy, Kujo-san.”

The words slipped out carelessly. But it was what I truly felt.

I didn’t know Kujo’s boyfriend at all. Yet, somehow, I said that.

“That’s why I came to see you, Yasuda-kun.”

Her gaze, which had been directed upwards, returned to me.

“Yasuda-kun, you won’t make me unhappy. I can tell from all the advice you’ve given me so far that you’re a good person.”

“I’ve only been listening.”

“It’s not just ‘only.’ I’ve been really saved. Listening is a great talent. You’re amazing, Yasuda-kun.”

I had once heard that one’s strengths are the things they do without difficulty. It seemed I had been more of a support to Kujo than I realized.

“Thank you for the compliment. But aside from listening, I don’t have much else. I can only follow you, like a dog.”

“Don’t put yourself down so much. Have more confidence.”

“I’ll try.”

We replied and began walking again. We stopped in front of the tree and took a few selfies together.

I wasn’t good at taking selfies. Looking at my photo where I wasn’t smiling well, Kujo, who looked perfect in the shot, laughed.

“I guess my flaw is how I look in photos.”

“In that case, I guess I’m good at photo ops.”

“We balance each other out with our strengths and weaknesses.”

“If it’s just the two of us, Yasuda-kun, we’d be unbeatable.”

We slowly enjoyed the lights as we made our way to a restaurant.

Every place we looked at was either fully booked or too crowded to enter. Christmas outings are usually decided by the plans made the day before.

“Well, the place I made a reservation for earlier should work.”

The restaurant I had reserved was the one I had planned for my ex.

“I’m really reusing this badly.”

“This is efficient use. It’s the efficiency I learned in the student council.”

“You’re talking like it’s a rap.”

“Yay!”

I didn’t care that it was a restaurant I had originally booked for my ex. In fact, I was glad I could finally use the reservation.

It was a fancy place with a great view of the night sky from the window. I was glad I had dressed properly.

“This place feels a bit too fancy for someone like me.”

“Sometimes, it’s okay to stretch yourself a little.”

“Then I’ll try to enjoy myself as best as I can while pretending my legs are shaking under the table.”

When the drinks arrived, we toasted.

As we savored the food being served, I listened to Kujo’s conversation.

Her complaints seemed endless. She mixed in other topics to avoid making the atmosphere too heavy, but it seemed like she had been really affected by everything.

As we continued talking happily, Kujo suddenly fell silent.

“Did I make you feel bad?”

“I’m fine, it’s nothing.”

She sighed.

“Yasuda-kun… no, Seiichiro-kun.”

Hearing my first name made my back straighten.

“Yes?”

“Would you… go out with me?”

It was a sudden confession.