After Becoming a Counselor for Girls, I Ended Up Producing a Lot of Potential Girlfriends Who Became Mentally Ill - Chapter 38

Chapter 38: Sasamoto Wants to Apologize

The day after returning home surrounded by the three girls.

There wasn’t much activity today.

Messages came in, but no one suggested meeting up after school.

Yesterday was a grand declaration of war from the three of them together. Perhaps they were observing how each other would act after that.

I didn’t have any consulting work today. It had been a while.

Lately, I had been trying to fully immerse myself in the role of a consultant. Whether or not I succeeded was another matter.

The only noteworthy thing today was a message from my uncle.

“Have you been doing well? You better not be tricking girls, alright? Actually, I just won some cash in a contest. I’ll take you out to eat soon, so look forward to it!”

My uncle is a surprisingly lucky person.

He attached a screenshot. The amount displayed was quite large for a high schooler like me.

If it’s just the two of us, I’d probably get treated to a pretty fancy place. Something to look forward to.

Other than that, nothing in particular happened, and it was time for me to head home.

Since I’m not in any clubs, when there’s no consulting work, there’s nothing to do.

On my way home after school, I unexpectedly ran into someone.

“Ugh.”

It was Sasamoto. The moment he noticed me, he openly displayed a look of distaste.

Sasamoto is Kujo’s ex-boyfriend. He also used to bother Kotomi quite a bit. After I dealt with him, I hadn’t seen him again until now.

“I-I have nothing to do with Shiraishi anymore! I’m innocent now!”

“You don’t need to be so panicked.”

“How can I trust the words of someone who solved things with his fists!?”

“Well, you’ve got a point.”

That was when I staged a little act to help Kotomi. Under the guise of “dealing with him,” I’d delivered a direct punch to Sasamoto.

From his perspective, it’s only natural that he sees me as a dangerous person.

“Don’t be afraid. I’m a pacifist at heart. I won’t hit someone without good reason.”

“You’re right. I overreacted. My bad.”

Once he calmed down, the conversation resumed.

“Let me say this again.”

“Alright.”

“I was completely out of line back then. I want to apologize for my mistakes. Ideally, I’d do it in person, but I haven’t had the chance to meet her.”

“…I’ll pass on the message.”

Sasamoto seems to have genuinely reflected on his actions. How Kotomi will feel about his apology, I can’t say.

“One last thing.”

“What is it?”

“Take good care of Kotomi. I’m not one to talk, but don’t just show off and then leave her behind. That’d be cruel.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

“You always respond like it’s someone else’s business.”

It might come across that way because I’m not entirely devoted to Kotomi alone.

It’s true that I’ve evoked strong feelings in Kotomi. I must take responsibility for that.

Through Sasamoto’s words, I was reminded that my way of handling things might not be considered normal.

“I don’t know if I can do it perfectly, but I’ll do my best.”

“You sure like being vague.”

“Being a counselor makes you hate speaking in absolutes.”

“Huh? Counselor?”

It was a concept unfamiliar to Sasamoto.

“It’s sort of my job—my way of life, I guess.”

“Not sure I get it, but good luck with that. I’ll try to carry myself properly too.”

With that, Sasamoto turned and walked away. Without looking back, he waved a hand to bid me farewell.

“Maybe he really has changed.”

As long as he doesn’t cause harm to Kotomi or anyone else, I have no complaints.

The past cannot be changed. The outcomes of past actions are irreversible. The only thing that can be changed is the future.

“Time to head home.”

The rest of the walk home was uneventful. I walked alone.

The memory of walking in a formation with the three girls a few days ago popped into my mind. Walking alone now, I couldn’t help but let out a small laugh.

My interactions with the three girls have definitely crossed the boundaries of what a consultant would typically do. In the past, I might not have been able to tolerate this, but now it’s different.

I just want everyone to be happy and enjoy their time together. I don’t think that’s too much to ask for.

If only this country allowed polygamy, I wouldn’t have to worry about all this, I mused jokingly.

“I’m home.”

Though no one was there, I still greeted the empty room.

At that moment, I felt like reflecting on the past.

I opened the photo app on my phone and started scrolling through the pictures I’d taken.

Recently, most of the photos were with one of the three girls.

A snapshot of me and Shizuku on a trip.

Kotomi’s happy face after bowling a strike.

Kujo showing off her feminine side on Christmas.

On New Year’s Day, a picture of Shizuku and Kujo bickering more intensely than usual.

Looking back, these past few months had been incredibly eventful. Enough to change my worldview entirely.

Will I continue being a consultant from now on? Whether or not I grow distant from the three girls, I doubt my resolve will waver.

Being a consultant has become second nature to me. It’s not something I can easily change now.

What would I do if another girl became a candidate? Such thoughts crossed my mind. I guess I’ll handle that when it happens.

I’ve already decided to stay true to myself.

Ring, ring.

My thoughts were interrupted by a call from Kujo.

“Hello, it’s Yasuda.”

“Seiichiro-kun, can you meet me now?”

“That’s sudden.”

“I believe in acting on impulse. I’ve sent the location; please come.”

“It’s close. I’ll head over now.”

“Prepare yourself, okay?”