After Becoming a Counselor for Girls, I Ended Up Producing a Lot of Potential Girlfriends Who Became Mentally Ill - Chapter 22

Chapter 22: Kujo Wants to Give a Light Kiss

“I’m so excited! A confession response… Seiichiro-kun, you must be popular.”

“This is just the suspension bridge effect. By saving Shiraishi-san, I probably just appeared to be a dependable person.”

I think that’s an obvious excuse.

It was expected that people would find out I played the role of Shiraishi’s boyfriend.

However, I wanted to avoid anyone finding out that I was confessed to.

“Based on the tone of this message, it sounds like you’ve put Shiraishi-san’s confession on hold. Is it a ‘keep’ situation? You used another sneaky tactic.”

“I didn’t have a clear reason to reject her.”

“Oh, so your kindness was just indecision in disguise.”

She really hit a sore spot.

I don’t want to make decisions on my own as much as possible. A counselor adapts to the other person’s requests. They make suggestions but leave the final decision to the other person.

I can’t deny that I’m drawn to the position of a counselor because it can feel somewhat irresponsible.

“As a counselor, I also receive consultations from people other than Kujo. With the number of people increasing, accidents like this are bound to happen.”

“It’s troublesome when more people notice Seiichiro-kun’s charm. When the competition rises, there are more people to crush.”

“Crush? That sounds dangerous.”

“I want to be the best. I want to stand out among the girlfriend candidates. It’s natural to wish for that, right?”

Shizuku would probably say the same. Living passionately, she might say something like, “I’m aiming to be number one in the world,” inspired by Kujo.

In contrast, Shiraishi-san would probably take a step back and say something like, “I’d be fine being the second girlfriend candidate.” This modest side of her is probably one of her strengths.

“My beliefs won’t change. I want to know what you want to do from now on.”

“I won’t completely stop seeing Shiraishi-san… But if she invites me, I might meet her if it’s convenient.”

“Are you going to leave me out of it?”

The argument seems to be that if I have time to meet Shiraishi, I should have time to meet Kujo as well.

“Just because Shiraishi has free time doesn’t mean I do.”

“If you’re free, Seiichiro-kun, I’ll make time, even if I have to force it. I’m ready for that.”

“That’s some intense determination.”

“Think about it. If an emergency arises, you cancel other plans, right?”

“So, our plans are an emergency to you?”

“Of course.”

I never thought I’d hear “of course” in that context.

“I intend to stick to this style.”

“I understand.”

“When Seiichiro-kun meets other girls, I want to meet you in the same way. I won’t let anyone get ahead of me. That’s why I made plans for today, too.”

Our physical distance shortened. Kujo got up and sat down closer.

“What do you want from me, Kujo? I’ve already slept with you once. Don’t ask for more.”

“Not right now.”

“A counselor isn’t a lover… but you’ll argue that a counselor could become one, right?”

“You understand well.”

I knew she’d say that.

The future is hard to predict. Often, things progress in ways you never expected.

If someone had told me a month ago,

“You’ll be confessed to by three girls in a short period,”

I wouldn’t have believed it. I’d probably have given them a suspicious look and thought it was a lie, then immediately forgotten about it.

“For today, I’ll hold back. I couldn’t have imagined being confessed to. But I could imagine how easily a girl would fall for you if you showed your cool side.”

“It’s cruel to call Shiraishi ‘easy.’”

“That’s what I heard from Sasamoto. I’ve also checked other sources. She’s innocent and pure, someone who lacks the kind of calculations I have.”

“That’s pretty harsh. But you’re quick to investigate.”

“I just make an effort to learn what I don’t know.”

When it was revealed that I had played the role of Shiraishi’s boyfriend, I realized just how exceptional Kujo’s investigative skills were. Her wide network really comes into play at times like this.

“I forgot to ask what you want. May I ask now?”

“Sure.”

“Well…”

Then, Kujo kissed me on the cheek.

The warmth that spread on my cheek, and the sweet scent, made my head spin.

“…!?”

“This is what I wanted.”

“You should have told me earlier, so I could prepare my heart, and be ready.”

“But now I’ve gotten my first kiss. Of the three girlfriend candidates, at least.”

“…Yeah.”

I couldn’t say it.

That this wasn’t actually my first kiss. It wasn’t my first kiss on the cheek, at least.

“You’re looking like something’s bothering you. Was that not enough?”

“No, it’s not that.”

“Then, you don’t want me to kiss you.”

“…That’s a tricky question. No one would hate being kissed by someone like you, Kujo.”

“See? I knew the answer already.”

This time, she kissed me on the other cheek.

It was longer and deeper than before. I could feel her determination not to let go.

“Ah… You should look happier.”

“It’s just that I can’t process the situation. I’m sure I’ll be agonizing over it after you leave.”

“You want me to show you how much I suffer in front of you, right?”

When Kujo is around, everything feels off. When I space out, it feels like she’s going to take everything from me.

I’m quickly sinking into the swamp that is Kujo. I can’t help but realize what a strategist she is.

“After being so close to you, Seiichiro-kun, I feel energized. I want you to become mine as soon as possible.”

“Unfortunately, I don’t plan to quit being a counselor for a while.”

“Then, while you’re still a counselor, I want to be with you.”

“…You confess so casually.”

Though indirect, her feelings were conveyed clearly.

“Of course. Because Shiraishi-san confessed to you too. If I confess, it cancels out, right? A zero-sum game.”

“Kujo logic is at full force.”

“Using this logic, if you end up developing something with another girl, I’ll get a piece of it too. The downside is that I’ll keep feeling a little jealous.”

“I hope you’re careful not to get banned from seeing me.”

“Of course. I’m sure you’re too kind to ban me.”

“You’re really underestimating me.”

Then, she looked at me intently, trying to touch my skin before she left.

She must really hate the idea of being overtaken by another girl. She’s so competitive.

The kiss still lingers in my mind. Though it happened smoothly, the impact was significant.

And at the same time, memories with Shizuku come flooding back.