After Distancing Myself From the Childhood Friend Couple Who Looked Down on Me, I Started Interacting With a Small Animal-Like Beautiful Girl

After showing the morning video, Saitou-san said, “I want to see more of Maru,” so I showed her other videos and photos of Maru.

Every time I show her different Maru’s, Saitou-san’s round eyes sparkle. I thought she was like Maru when it was time for a meal or snack.

“Is it this late already…?”

When asked what time it is and I show the time on my smartphone, Saitou-san murmurs.

Was it already before 5 PM?

“Ah. Oh, right, the notebook.”

Saitou-san said as if she remembered.

“I promised to get it back after school, but I forgot.”

“That notebook… did you take it with you during lunch break?”

“There’s a kid from my class who asked me for help. I was absent recently because I had a cold, so it seems like they’re borrowing notes from various places for the classes I missed.”

“It seems faster to borrow from someone in the same class.”

“Apparently, it’s easier to borrow from someone in the same school.”

“Ah, I see…”

Even Saitou-san, who seems to have no interest in anyone, apparently has some interactions with people in the same group.

But since she doesn’t call each other “friends,” I wonder if her relationship is more like acquaintances.

“Thank you for showing me Maru’s videos and photos.”

“Well then,” Saitou-san said, raised one hand slightly, and headed towards the classroom door.

When the small back disappeared from view, I stared at the smartphone screen that I had been looking at with Saitou-san until just now.

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I got home before 5:30 PM.

I barely greet Mom, who just got home from work, and head up the stairs.

I heard a soft patting sound from behind, and when I turned around, there was a small gray, round creature on the step where I had placed my foot.

“I’m home, Maru.”

When I stroked its head, Maru narrowed its amber-colored eyes.

I climb the stairs with Maru and enter my room.

I place my school bag near the study desk and sit down on the bed. Next to me, Maru hopped up.

“I can’t believe such a thing happened during our first conversation…”

Looking up at the ceiling, I murmur.

My current after-school time was either spent with Kubo or alone.

A new person is joining, and not just anyone, but a high-level beauty among the top students in the school.

–––Adorable. It suits them.

I remember Saitou-san complimenting Maru’s name.

Unlike her usual brusque and cold manner of speaking, her voice had become softer.

Even when she was watching Maru’s video, the sparkle in her eyes was completely different from usual.

She must really love cats.

“The first person I talked to said you’re cute.”

I talk to it while stroking the round spot next to it.

Maru meowed as if to say, “Yay!”

Even though it’s the same male, it’s so cute. Cats are really unfair creatures.

But thanks to Maru, I was able to spend such a special after-school time.

Such an opportunity probably won’t come again in the future.

A certain male classmate, just because Saitou-san spoke to him, got so excited thinking, “Could it be that I have a chance…?! He got so carried away that he went to talk to her later, only to be completely ignored. Saitou-san just happened to pick up the mechanical pencil he dropped and handed it to him saying, “Here you go.”

I won’t go so far as to say that, but I can confidently say that I won’t make a hasty misunderstanding.

I, who tend to have poor communication skills, have only recently found someone other than my childhood friends with whom I can interact properly. Moreover, it was true that my two prominent childhood friends were by my side, and the people who were close to them were the ones who talked to me.

It’s frustrating to admit that I’ve been ridiculed so much, but I really don’t have any notable traits. Really, I have nothing.

“…It was just a stroke of luck.”

Even if we find a common interest in cats, I don’t have the courage to use that as a conversation starter with Saitou-san. I might get glared at by her fans.

…The fact that such excuses come to mind so quickly makes me painfully aware of how much of a coward I am.

A small foot landed on my thigh and I sighed. In the amber-colored eyes that look up as if to say, “What’s wrong?” a pathetic face is reflected.

A face that has been teased by Daiki and Serika since long ago, lacking masculinity and exuding a sense of weakness.

With a small smile, I stood up to get a snack for Maru.

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[Daiki’s Side]

“Thanks for the ride, Daiki!”

Arriving in front of the house, Serika separates from my arm.

While reluctantly recalling the soft sensation that had wrapped around my arm, I replied “Oh.”

“When are we going on our next date?”

“You’re too quick to jump to conclusions! We just did it a moment ago, didn’t we?”

“A date that lasts all day! We haven’t been on a long date recently, and I want to be with Daiki as much as possible…”

Ehehe, Serika laughed shyly.

The fact that my popular girlfriend at school shows this kind of face only in front of me and that the girl with an amazing face and figure is both my childhood friend and girlfriend gives me a sense of superiority.

Being a bit jealous and troublesome is a flaw, but it’s just a minor one.

“Then how about a date at home next time? We can spend more time together, and it won’t cost us anything.”

In response to my suggestion, Serika’s eyes darted around as she said, “Ah…”

“I really want to go out with Daiki, I guess. A home date can be done anytime since it’s close, right?”

“You said that last time too, but in the end, you didn’t do it. I think it would be nice to relax at one of our houses for a change.”

“Eh, but…”

Serika fidgets, looking like she finds it hard to say.

With a glance that wouldn’t be noticed by the slight movement of the vibrating bulge, I wrapped my hand around Serika’s waist.

“Isn’t it okay? I want to be with you too.”

“Hmm…”

When I whispered in her ear, Serika showed a slight sign of hesitation. Serika is weak to my sweet words.

It’s been a while since then, so it should be fine by now.