After Distancing Myself From the Childhood Friend Couple Who Looked Down on Me, I Started Interacting With a Small Animal-Like Beautiful Girl - Chapter 8

“You’ve already gone to a place beyond my reach…”

“Is this a line from the friend position when the guy who was always next to you suddenly discovers his talent?”

I can’t help but make a retort at the person staring up at the sky.

During lunch break, as I was being dragged away by Saitou-san, I passed by Kubo, who whispered with an intense urgency, “We’ll talk in detail later,” before returning to his seat.

Now, during the break after the fifth period, I just explained the events of the lunch break to Kubo. Considering the eyes and ears around us, we should just keep our voices down as much as possible.

“I was surprised when we exchanged contact information too, but… Apparently, she just really wants to see pictures and videos of my pet cat.”

“Exchanging contact information just to see the cat. It’s just that her laid-back attitude is taken to the extreme.”

“Haha…”

Kubo seemed impressed after going around once. I glanced at the empty seat to my left.

I’m glad Saitou-san wasn’t here.

“Just make sure you don’t get stabbed by Saitou’s fans… And also, to your childhood friend.”

Kubo lowers his voice and looks at a specific point in the classroom.

The sharp gaze behind the glasses was directed at Daiki, who was laughing with one of the group members, Azuma Kouhei.

Daiki was not only unable to get close to Saitou-san but was outright rejected to his face.

In contrast, my childhood friend suddenly spoke to me and even gave me a morning greeting that no one had ever given me before. Just thinking about what would happen if they found out we exchanged contact information… It makes me feel so down.

It’s about that guy. As soon as he finds out, he will probably try to forcefully connect to Saitou-san’s LINE account.

An interaction with the most beautiful girl in the school had ended in failure once. If that opportunity were right in front of him, Daiki wouldn’t let it slip away.

Including those aspects, I have talked to Kubo about me and my childhood friends to some extent, so he probably gave me a warning.

“…I’ll keep that in mind.”

We exchanged glances with Kubo and nodded at each other.

…If Daiki finds out. Even if I didn’t say anything, it’s possible that Kubo would suspect something and start questioning me.

I have to make sure that Kubo isn’t inconvenienced because of me, even though we’re only somewhat close classmates.

Just as I had secretly made up my mind, the chime rang.

ーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーー

“See you later, Yoshizaki.”

Saitou-san was carrying a school backpack as she waved a small hand in my direction and left the classroom.

Immediately after, I was bombarded by the curious gazes of my classmates.

“That person is getting greeted again…”

“Is this what they call special treatment?”

“But, you know, it’s Saitou-san.”

I pack my school bag and leave the classroom as if I were running away.

“You’ve got a tough time ahead of you, huh?”

Kubo had been in the hallway first as he gave a wry smile.

I also chuckle softly and start walking with Kubo.

After leaving the entrance, I remembered that I hadn’t asked if I was able to buy the latest volume of “It’s Me” yesterday.

However, when I asked how yesterday was, Kubo drooped his head forward.

“Don’t remind me… The shock of you and Saitou was so overwhelming that I completely forgot.”

“I’m sorry about that…”

I unintentionally did something bad.

Even so, Kubo switched gears quickly and was excitedly rewatching the first episode of the “It’s Me” anime to prepare for the next one.

“The next episode is the fifth one, and it’s going to be super intense~. In the original work, it’s around Chapter 9 of Volume 2…”

In a manner that suggests he can’t wait for the anime, Kubo talks about the key points of interest.

Just listening to that was enjoyable, and before I knew it, we had arrived at the fork in the road.

“Not tomorrow… but next week.”

“Yeah, again.”

We wave goodbye to each other and head home.

The next time I meet Kubo will be after the weekend.

The “It’s Me” that I borrowed, I read it during the holidays. So that I can discuss my thoughts with Kubo again.

I feel as if my steps have become lighter for some reason.

Ping!

The sound that came from the left pocket of my pants was a message notification.

The name of the sender displayed on the lock screen of the smartphone I took out was “Ino.”

Saitou-san’s name is on the LINE account.

<I watched everything.>

<Show me the others too.>

“Eh, isn’t it too early…?”

As soon as we exchanged contact information, she said, “Let’s get started right away,” and I sent photos and videos of Maru.

I sent six photos and about four videos. I thought it might be too much to send all at once, but it seems it was an unnecessary concern for Saitou-san.

<Got it. Could you wait a moment?>

I type the text and send it.

Immediately, the message was marked as read, and a stamp was sent.

A stamp of a white cat with a relaxed expression, vigorously giving a thumbs-up.

I couldn’t help but burst out laughing.

Saitou-san has a face that seems indifferent to everything as she is using a cute yet humorous stamp. And of course, a cat.

Despite being caught off guard by the unexpected gap, I sent a stamp to express my gratitude. It’s a stamp of a round gray cat with its hands together, its face shining with joy.

Then, this time, a message was sent.

<You look like Maru. Cute.>

I bought this stamp because it looks like Maru.

I never thought I would notice, and my hands started shaking.

I hastily headed home while covering my uncontrollably grinning mouth with my hand.

I should send Maru’s photos and videos as soon as possible.

I want her to see all the different adorable sides of Maru that I think are absolutely the cutest.