After Picking up a Runaway Girl From the Same University on My Way Home From Work, We Started Living Together in Secret - Chapter 15

“…Minato. Am I, after all, strange? I’ve been getting a lot more attention than usual.”

Outside, the gentle rain tapped against the umbrella, and the sound of the rain filled the air.

As soon as we entered the university grounds, Kototori Risa trailed behind me, hiding her body with mine.

Normally, she wouldn’t care about the attention and would calmly walk beside me, but there was a reason she was acting this way today.

The clothes Kototori Risa wore today weren’t the usual modest style she favored. Instead, she had gone for a cute, lolita fashion that emphasized her charm.

Apparently, she had designed the clothes herself.

At the university, Kototori Risa was sometimes called “Snow White,” but today’s outfit made her look like a princess who had stepped out of a fairy tale.

She had also styled her hair with braids and other arrangements, matching the outfit.

Even though her outfit stood out, if I were asked whether it didn’t suit her, the answer would be a different story.

Because of that, it was obvious that the number of gazes directed her way had noticeably increased.

“You’re being stared at because Kototori Risa is cute, right?”

“…Really?”

“I wouldn’t lie with something so trivial. If you’re worried, you can ask someone else.”

I’m pretty sure the answer will mostly be “It suits you” or “You’re cute.”

After a brief pause, she shifted her thoughts, deciding, “If Minato says so, then it’s fine,” and we headed toward the lecture hall for the first class.

By the time we reached the classroom, students had already mostly filled the seats.

The previously noisy chatter in the classroom quieted down a few notches when Kototori Risa entered.

Though people, both men and women, were looking at her, I didn’t feel any unpleasant atmosphere being close by. Perhaps it was because I could faintly hear mutters like “She’s cute” or “That really suits her.”

But that was only because I was an outsider. Kototori Risa, who was being exposed to numerous gazes and emotions, felt differently.

Though her expression didn’t change much, her movements were awkward.

She had an anxious look in her eyes, like a lost child separated from her parents.

“Kototori Risa.”

Noticing her unease, I called her name. Surprised, she jerked her shoulders slightly and turned around.

“…Minato?”

“It’s okay, let’s just sit down.”

After hesitating a little, I gently held Kototori Risa’s hand and pulled her toward the back of the classroom, where our friend, Mayuzumi, was beckoning us with a smirk.

We usually sat together when we had the same class, so Mayuzumi must have saved us seats.

Since Kototori Risa started staying at my house, she had also started sitting near me during classes. Though this would be normal for most friends, it was a big change for Kototori Risa, who had never let anyone close before. People could easily notice that change.

The reason we sat at the back was that Mayuzumi wasn’t an enthusiastic student, but also because it would make it easier to avoid the gazes of others.

“Showing off hand-holding from the morning, huh? You two are so lovey-dovey.”

“It’s not like that.”

I brushed off his teasing, and naturally, Mayuzumi’s gaze shifted to Kototori Risa.

“By the way, Kototori Risa, what’s up with your outfit? It’s super cute. Is it lolita fashion? My ex-girlfriend used to wear clothes like that.”

His compliment came easily, and I couldn’t help but think that this was typical of a popular guy. The fact that he knew about it because of his ex was also very much in line with him.

“…Does my outfit look strange to you, Mayu?”

“Strange? Is there any word other than ‘cute’ to describe it? Also, I think it’s Yuki’s job to tell you that, don’t you think?”

“I’ve told her many times, but she still seems to lack confidence.”

“That’s such a waste. With that outfit, you could easily be scouted as a model if you were walking in the street.”

“I’ve been scouted before, but I declined.”

She’s been scouted before?

“Anyway, back to the point. Do you think Yuki would lie?”

“I don’t think Yuki would lie with ill intentions.”

“Then believe it. He’s saying it suits you and that you’re cute. Aren’t you friends?”

With that, Mayuzumi flashed a wide smile.

He was really good at making people feel confident. Even though it seemed emotional, his words had enough logic behind them to make you believe them.

On one hand, it felt like the manipulation of a con artist, but on the other hand, I felt like I couldn’t say those words myself.

“If you’re feeling too proud to be encouraged by me, you could ask Yuki. I’m sure he’d say it over and over, all excited.”

“Are you passing the buck to me?”

“Of course. I have many women I love, and besides, it’s rude to mark someone else’s woman.”

He said that casually, even though he’s the one casually juggling multiple relationships.

Also, don’t call Kototori Risa someone else’s woman.

Kototori Risa and I were just friends.

We had been staying together recently, but we were still just friends.

I met Kototori Risa’s eyes again.

Her blue eyes seemed to have trouble catching up with the situation.

“…Well, if saying I’m cute or that it suits you helps Kototori Risa feel better, I’ll say it as much as you want.”

“Don’t hesitate. After all, Yuki is the personification of a nice guy.”

“Don’t say random stuff. What do you mean, the personification of a nice guy?”

“You’re perfect as a mascot, right?”

Mayuzumi teased me like that, hoping to make Kototori Risa feel more relaxed.

Perhaps his playful comments worked, as Kototori Risa’s stiff expression began to soften.

“…Thanks. Watching you two, I’ve started to think that hesitating was silly.”

“If Kototori Risa feels better, that’s all that matters. Though, I don’t think hesitating is a bad thing.”

“As Yuki said, being a college student is like a moratorium in life… It’s the last summer vacation, right? So why not hesitate as much as you want, make mistakes, and try out things however you want?”

“If you make too many mistakes and get stabbed by your girlfriend, I’ll laugh.”

“Are you not worried at all?”

“Don’t expect me to worry when it’s your own fault.”

After delivering that punch of logic, I chuckled as he responded with a familiar “That’s harsh.”

By the time we finished talking, the professor came in, and the class smoothly began.