After Becoming a Counselor for Girls, I Ended Up Producing a Lot of Potential Girlfriends Who Became Mentally Ill - Chapter 4

Chapter 4: This Is a Story About a Friend, But…

I parted ways with a sense of confusion. When I got home, I reflected on today.

I had broken a rule I had been following as a counselor.

The rule was not to become conscious of the person you are consulting with.

Since many of the people I advise are often focused on romance, the ones who come to me for advice are usually cute. If I don’t stay neutral, distracting thoughts overwhelm me. I have to suppress my emotions.

I can no longer ignore it. It’s a problem.

“I’m concerned about Kujo, but… next, I also have Shizuku waiting for me.”

Shizuku and I have known each other for a long time. We talk normally, but this is the first time she’s come to me for urgent advice.

Shizuku’s personality is completely different from Kujo’s.

To put it simply, she lives for her “oshi” (idol). She is a hardcore fan who focuses all her energy on a chosen person.

I assume her problem has something to do with her oshi—maybe something about a possible relationship or a scandal. Shizuku tends to exaggerate things, so that’s what I’m guessing.

“I got your message, Shizuku. I’ll keep my schedule clear.”

I reply to Shizuku’s message.

The notification chimes immediately. It’s an acknowledgment message.

Without much delay, another message follows. It’s from Shizuku again.

…No, this time, it’s from Kujo.

It seems like a fairly long message.

Saya: “Thank you for today. Talking about my confusion really helped me feel better. I might have upset Seiichiro-kun, sorry about that. I ended up spilling all my emotions without warning.”

The message continues.

Saya: “I’m glad we could become friends first! Even though being lovers is still not possible, I’ll make sure to win him over one day. I’ll be watching Seiichiro-kun. Always by your side, as a friend. I believe love can reach you. Please take care of your health.”

…It’s heavy.

No matter how polite the tone, the weight can’t be masked. I feel it more strongly now than when we were talking.

Maybe the reason her boyfriend turned away was because of her intense, overwhelming love. I can’t help but think that way.

“Did I distort Kujo’s feelings? Is this my fault too… No, I should stop thinking like that.”

I mutter to myself, feeling more anxious.

The bright and straightforward facade Kujo shows hides such emotions underneath. What I knew about Kujo was only the tip of the iceberg.

From here on, maintaining a distance as friends seems like the better choice. I need to figure out whether Kujo’s current behavior is just a temporary outburst.

Sometimes, seriousness can bring out a terrifying side. Her unyielding beliefs are surprising.

“Watching over Kujo in this state is part of my duty as a counselor.”

I tell myself. Kujo can handle things at her own pace, and I just need to observe.

For now, responding to Shizuku’s worries is my priority. I’ll handle other consultations as well, all at once. The topics are more tangled than usual. I have to make sure I don’t get too mixed up.

“I’ll ask Shizuku about her concerns in advance.”

It’s easier to respond to a problem if I have some idea of what’s troubling the person. Like preparing ingredients before cooking—it makes things smoother.

I ask her what’s bothering her.

Shizuku: “It’s a love problem involving a friend of mine. I know you’re the expert on these things, Seiichiro-dono.”

I see.

She’s trying to hide it, but it’s probably Shizuku’s own problem. I ask her if it’s about someone she’s into.

Shizuku: “It’s not exactly about my ‘oshi,’ but more about someone close to me.”

A relationship issue with someone nearby. Has Shizuku finally started to realize that she can love people other than her oshi?

Shizuku: “This is about a friend of mine. It’s the first time she’s had feelings for someone so close to her, and she doesn’t know what to do with her feelings.”

Someone too close to her.

That’s strange.

Shizuku: “Once she started noticing, she couldn’t stop thinking about them. She wants to meet them so badly and just can’t help it. She wants someone to stop her.”

Shizuku: “That’s what she says.”

It’s really Shizuku’s own issue after all!

She wants to meet the person she’s in love with, so she comes to me to consult.

I’m not very perceptive, and I’m not good at handling romance, but because of Kujo’s situation, an unsettling thought crosses my mind.

…Could Shizuku also have feelings for me?

Could it be? We’ve spent so much time together as fellow fans. We’ve always been able to talk freely, without thinking about gender.

I often listen to her problems, and it’s become part of my everyday life.

When did Shizuku’s “normal days” start to change?

If I overthink it, my suspicions just keep growing.

Kujo’s and Shizuku’s situations keep racing through my mind at the same time. My brain is overloaded, and it hurts. I can’t think about this anymore. I need to sleep and clear my head.

From experience, once one plan starts, other plans tend to follow right after.

It seems like that’s what’s happening now.

“What should I do?”

What if Shizuku confesses to me?

What will Kujo do?

Will I just make a vague excuse and avoid the issue?

I can’t find the best solution, and it seems like I’ll have to settle for what seems like the better option.

Maybe God is testing me. Testing the counselor by not letting me stay as a mere bystander.