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

Chapter 39: Kujo and Me

I was called by Kujo to a chain café near the school’s nearest station.

“Do you want to talk?”

“Yes. It’s an important conversation.”

Kujo was still in her uniform. I had changed into something more comfortable on my way here, so I wouldn’t exactly call it fashionable.

“Is it about what’s going to happen from now on?”

“Correct. I wanted you to hear my feelings once more.”

Kujo had shared her feelings with me before. Since she invited me here today, I wondered if there were stronger feelings than before.

“Do you understand why I called you here?”

“Because it’s close and a place where we can talk slowly?”

“If that’s the case, I’d choose a place perfect for young men and women.”

“That’s a bit of a punch in the gut.”

Kujo laughed, saying she wouldn’t hold back.

“This is Seiichiro-kun’s home ground. He used to use this place when consulting with me, remember?”

“You know quite a lot.”

This was before I met Kujo and Kotomi. When I acted as a counselor, I occasionally came to this coffee shop.

“I got to know Seiichiro-kun here.”

“You saw me consulting, didn’t you?”

“I happened to see you while I was investigating other students.”

Kujo had told me she investigated each student in detail for her role as class president. This must have been part of that.

“What did you think?”

“He’s an interesting person. I wonder why.”

“Today you really like asking questions, don’t you?”

“It’s just my mood. And I already know the answer. He seemed to shine for some reason.”

“He seemed to shine, huh?”

Being told something like that is a bit embarrassing since it’s not something I hear often.

“I’ve said this before, but Seiichiro-kun isn’t a super handsome guy, and he doesn’t have the power to dominate the class.”

“Yeah.”

“Still, when he was consulting with me, Seiichiro-kun was different. It was like this place existed just for you.”

“That’s a romantic way to put it.”

Even when I pointed it out, Kujo continued.

“At the time, Sasamoto-kun was there, so I ignored the feelings I had. Looking back now, it was the start of my feelings of love.”

“And it bloomed when…”

“It was probably around the time I invited you to Christmas. Once I get interested in someone, I can’t stop.”

At that time, Kujo was full of momentum. I could feel her strong will to get everything in her hands.

“In the end, my rival’s rise was remarkable, and my presence dropped to the ground.”

“That’s not true.”

“At least, that’s how I feel.”

Thinking back on it, I guess the momentum I had at the beginning has faded somewhat.

“Like the other day, I declared that we should all fight together. But deep down, I still want you to only look at me. I don’t want you to look at any other girls.”

“I understand. But—”

“It’s fine. I know that. It’s just a big monologue.”

Even Kujo has wishes. Whether they can come true is another story, but now that I’m aware of them, they could be factors that affect my decision.

“I’ve been working behind the scenes to get what I want. This time, I plan to accomplish it as well. It’s the highest difficulty level yet.”

“You’ve built quite a high wall.”

“Back on Christmas Day, it was a low hurdle… But, there’s no point in saying ‘what if’.”

Opportunities come around at irregular intervals. Whether you can seize those opportunities depends on your situation at that time.

“Alright! Enough of the sticky talk. Sometimes I have to make my presence known like this.”

“Your inner voice is leaking out.”

“I’m doing it on purpose. This way, Seiichiro-kun will have me etched in his mind.”

“You’re sharp.”

“That’s me, Kujo Saya.”

After saying that, Kujo licked her dry lips and drank the cocoa in one go.

“My business here is done.”

“Don’t you want to talk about something else?”

“Well, there are a lot of things. I’ll tell you next time when you treat me.”

“Treat?”

“I saw it, you know.” Kujo said and continued.

“Seiichiro-kun’s uncle will treat you, right? Let me join you.”

“When did you see that?”

“I didn’t mean to peek. But I couldn’t miss the valuable information that entered my sight.”

The one-on-one meeting with my uncle was a change of plans. And now, with the addition of Kujo.

—

Chapter 40: The Final Chapter

A few days after parting with Kujo.

The news that my uncle would treat us to a delicious meal had spread to Shizuku and Kotomi.

Apparently, the information about the meal came from Kujo.

“It wouldn’t be fair if I were the only one to get ahead, right?”

She wanted to monopolize love. However, she wanted competition. She preferred monopolizing after winning.

It seems that conflicting thoughts drove Kujo.

“So, what kind of situation is this going to be?”

The four of us, including myself, arrived at the yakiniku restaurant.

Kujo, Shizuku, Kotomi. My uncle, who had suggested it be just the two of us, was absent.

“You all should go ahead and do it alone. I was planning on that from the start.”

Over the phone, my uncle couldn’t hide his happiness.

Thanks to this thoughtful arrangement, the meal was effectively free, with my uncle picking up the tab. When we met last time, he had slipped me a few bills.

It felt a bit awkward, but since everyone was in a good mood even before eating, I decided to let it slide.

“Seii-kun, you can only order the most expensive one today, right?”

“You can order whatever you want, but I hope you know your limits.”

“Yeah. If my order alone goes over the budget, I’ll be laughed at!”

Shizuku was already eager to eat. Her eyes were shining as she looked at the menu.

“That’s right. Even Yuri-sama said, ‘If you’re choosing, go for the high-end stuff!'”

“As expected, Kotomi-dono understands well.”

“For both of you, Yuri-sama is like your deity, huh?”

“Of course.”

When the topic of anime came up, Shizuku and Kotomi completely united. Shared hobbies are great for bringing people closer. This was a good example.

“For dessert, should I feed you, Sei-chan?”

“Starting with dessert before the meal? You’re in a hurry, aren’t you?”

“Really?”

“Hey, Seii-kun, this Saya girl just casually said, ‘I’ll feed you.'”

“Is that not okay? We’re close, after all.”

“Well…”

She didn’t want to get ahead. Kujo had said that a few days ago. Her thoughts were the complete opposite now.

Having secured the best spot next to me, there was no excuse.

“You’re going to act like this? In that case, I can’t lose either. I’ll dive into the dessert at the same time.”

“Newcomer, you’re getting too cocky. Do you want me to show you the scary side of being a veteran?”

I imagined the scene of all three of them reaching for the food at the same time.

“Looks like I’m destined to be fed, huh?”

“Fed, exactly. This is all part of making Seii-kun my subordinate.”

“Saya-dono, ‘subordinate’ is a little intense. For me, it’s more like a finishing touch to corrupt Seii-kun.”

“Both of you are wrong. One-sided subordination is barbaric. The times call for co-dependence!”

It seemed each of them had a different belief about subordination.

“Everyone acts like they’re the normal ones.”

“I’m not weird at all! Just like how Yasu-kun, who’s deepening his bond with all three of us at the same time, is fine with it!”

“… It’s hard to be objective.”

Kotomi, sitting diagonally from me, hit the nail on the head.

“Now that everyone’s declared their stance, let’s start the yakiniku party!”

She raised her glass.

“Let’s give our full, heartfelt thanks for this free meal! And also, thanks to the indecisive counselor, Seii-kun, for bringing us together!”

Across the table from me, Shizuku said this smoothly, like a devoted follower reciting scripture.

“Cheers!”

We repeated her words and clinked glasses.

Without any time to soak in the moment, we moved on to grilling the meat.

Shizuku didn’t mind eating meat even if it was undercooked. On the other hand, Kujo and Kotomi preferred to cook it thoroughly.

As a result, most of the meat was consumed by Shizuku.

“This is the secret of the master of yakiniku. Hahaha.”

She started strong, but her fast pace backfired.

Her pace slowed quickly, and she became quieter.

“This is what happens when you’re reckless.”

“Impulse can’t be stopped. Especially when there’s delicious meat in front of you.”

“Then we’ll savor the good stuff slowly.”

“That’s right~!”

“Ugh, ugh, ugh…”

Shizuku. Even though she wanted to eat more, her body was protesting. Tough luck.

“Other meat, side dishes, even desserts have disappeared. I’m such an idiot…”

“Don’t put yourself down. Your stomach will settle down soon enough.”

“I see. It’s not too late to give up.”

Shizuku usually eats a lot. Normally, she’d still be going strong. It depends on the mood, but this wasn’t her limit.

“I want Seii-kun to eat some meat. Here.”

Suddenly, chopsticks appeared in front of me, holding a piece of meat.

I didn’t refuse the meat. In the time it took for me to be surprised, I had already started chewing.

“It’s delicious.”

“Mission accomplished. Surprised?”

“Of course! That came out of nowhere.”

“I’m glad. It went according to plan.”

“Kujo, was this your plan from the start?”

“I’m always calculating.”

Shizuku’s grinding teeth and Kotomi’s rapid blinking told me the shock Kujo had given us.

“I’m fine. Really, I’m completely calm. Even if Yasu-kun’s attention shifts to another girl, I can pull out a knife or use the scissors on the table…”

“That’s far from calm!?”

I feel like I just caught a glimpse of Kotomi’s dark side.

“By the way! Seii-kun, I want you to stop calling me Kujo already.”

“That’s sudden.”

“My actions are always sudden. Like Shizuku and Kotomi, just call me Saya, okay?”

“Saya… I’ll probably need some time to get used to it.”

“I’ll make it stick without you even realizing.”

While I was talking with Kujo, now Saya.

Shizuku and Kotomi had snapped out of their daze.

“The strategist excels at long-term, careful plans. But don’t forget! Someone like me, who acts impulsively, might just topple you.”

“If you find the chance, feel free.”

“Of course, I feel the same way. Strong feelings, like poison, spread and control everything.”