After Picking up a Runaway Girl From the Same University on My Way Home From Work, We Started Living Together in Secret - Chapter 19

“Yukimura-kun. Kototori-chan asked you to date her, right? So, how did that turn out?”

During my part-time shift, Miyamae-senpai, who was also on duty, couldn’t hold back any longer and asked me, her eyes sparkling with curiosity, right at the moment when there were no customers around.

At the time of lunch, when Risa asked me, “Will you date me?” I had postponed giving her an answer.

The casual way she said it made me doubt she was serious, and I needed to confirm her true intentions. Besides, it wasn’t the kind of conversation I could have in detail in front of Maeya and Miyamae-senpai.

So, neither of them knew the outcome of what they believed to be Risa’s confession.

“What do you mean how did it turn out? Do you think I’m someone who’s a match for Ri… Kototori?”

“As a man, isn’t it your duty to stop thinking about being a match and claim her, saying, ‘She’s my woman,’ without giving her a chance to say no?”

While hugging herself, Miyamae-senpai let out an excited “Kyaa!” and seemed to thoroughly enjoy the scenario she created in her head.

She really is beautiful, I’ll admit that, but… well, that’s the problem with her.

“You know I’m not that kind of assertive guy. Isn’t that your preference, Senpai?”

“…I’ll admit that’s my type!! But I’m just saying you should have that kind of determination!!”

“Senpai, just promise me you won’t fall for a bad guy.”

“Are you saying I have poor judgment when it comes to men!?”

“Partly that, yes. But it’s also because you’re, well, overall… unfortunate.”

“Unfortunate!?”

Shocked by my declaration, Senpai staggered back and leaned against the wall, covering her face with her hands. She even started fake crying with exaggerated “Waaah, waaah” noises, which made it hard to take her seriously.

…Maybe calling her “unfortunate” was a bit much?

But honestly, her pattern of finding a guy she likes, drinking too much, making a fool of herself, and then getting rejected is all too familiar.

That’s why she hasn’t been able to get a boyfriend or progress to a stage where someone asks her out.

“So basically, Yukimura-kun is still single.”

Senpai lowered her hands from her face, revealing she hadn’t been crying after all.

“I’m not looking to date anyone right now.”

“What? But you’re a university student! This is the summer vacation of your life! If you don’t get into a relationship now, it’ll be too late once you’re out in the workforce!”

Miyamae-senpai exclaimed in genuine surprise.

I do understand her point.

University is the last time in life when you have the freedom and time to explore things. The environment is filled with people of similar age, and it’s an ideal time to meet potential partners.

After graduation, when you start working, it won’t be the same.

With work taking up most of your time, finding a partner will be an uphill battle.

Even as a university student, by the time you’re a senior, job hunting and graduation thesis take priority over romance.

So yes, the logic behind making the most of this time for love is sound, but…

“Having two bad examples nearby has really killed my motivation.”

“…Are you including me in that?”

“Very much so.”

Among the people around me, Maeya is undoubtedly the strongest when it comes to romance.

He always has at least two girlfriends, plus friends with benefits, and on top of that, other women are still drawn to him. It’s absurd.

…Although, honestly, I’m glad there aren’t more people like him.

And while I may call Miyamae-senpai “unfortunate,” she’s undeniably gorgeous. If she could just fix her drinking habits, she could probably get a boyfriend right away. But I suppose that’s easier said than done.

“Ugh… I’m a third-year, you know? Once this year ends, it’ll be all job hunting and thesis writing, with no time for love!”

“Then maybe you should adjust your behavior accordingly?”

“I get too nervous to talk without alcohol…”

“You don’t seem nervous when talking to me.”

“That’s because you’re my junior. Even when you’ve helped me home drunk, you’ve never tried anything. You’re just… harmless.”

“…Did you just try to call me a coward?”

When I asked her directly, she brushed it off with a casual “Nothing at all,” shrugging her shoulders and laughing.

I can’t deny being called a coward, but harmless? That stings. Am I not even recognized as a man?

“You still have next year, Yukimura-kun. Plus, there’s Kototori-chan, a really cute girl who obviously likes you.”

“…I’m not so sure about that.”

The affection Risa shows me isn’t romantic.

It’s more of a friendly affection or maybe familial warmth. I can’t misinterpret it.

If she disliked me, she wouldn’t stay at my place for so long, even if she needed a place to stay.

That much is clear.

I can’t let myself get the wrong idea.

“If she didn’t like you, she wouldn’t even joke about asking you out in front of others. I think she wanted to make sure I knew not to mess with you.”

“…Why would she think that?”

“Maybe she thought I was after you?”

“Are you?”

“Isn’t it rude to ask that directly?”

…Fair enough.

“Even I knew I might have been giving off mixed signals.”

“What would you have done if I misinterpreted them?”

“I’d have been okay with that. Yukimura-kun, you’re an underrated catch. You’re great at housework, reliable at work, and never seem to struggle academically. Plus, no matter how much of a mess someone is, you don’t abandon them.”

“I owe a lot to you, Senpai.”

My smooth transition into university life is thanks to her, and I don’t forget that.

…I also haven’t forgotten all the trouble she’s caused me.

“Even if you act aloof, there’s a reassuring sense that you’ll help when it really matters.”

“That doesn’t mean I want to be relied on too much. I have my limits.”

“…The fact that you can’t outright say you’d abandon someone shows how kindhearted you are.”

Her tone carried a mix of exasperation and admiration, but I couldn’t deny it.

Being kind is second nature to me, like a long-standing affliction.

“If you try to help everyone, you’ll spread yourself too thin.”

“Don’t worry. Unlike before, I’m more aware of my limits now.”

“If you say so… But if you’re ever in trouble, make sure to consult your reliable senpai, okay?”

She added a playful wink at the end.

And yet, it’s moments like this that make her seem so unfortunate. When will she ever realize it?

I masked my thoughts with a polite smile and replied, “Sure.” For some reason, she pressed, “Promise me, okay?”