Even Today, the Genius High School Programmer Cashes In on Day Trades, Completely Flustered by Beautiful Girls' Growing Affection. - Chapter 44: So Close, Yet Just Out of Sight.

So Close, Yet Just Out of Sight.

“But… you actually won this?”

“Well, technically it counts as winning, but…”

I deliberately lowered my voice a little.

“My uncle works as a promoter for Passion Generator’s concerts. I can’t really say this too loudly, but… I asked him nicely and managed to get it under the table…”

“Ehh~ That’s so nice! So you can get concert tickets too, then?”

“Yeah, pretty much whenever I want.”

“For real?!”

Good. The bait is working perfectly so far.

“Also, when I went to their last concert, they let me into the backstage area. I’ve got some photos from that time. Want to see them?”

“I do! Show me!”

“Sure! Ah, but… we’re running out of time, aren’t we? We’re going to be late. So… if it’s okay with you, would you mind exchanging Lime IDs?”

At the mention of Lime, Nanase narrowed her eyes slightly.

“Ehh~ I wonder if I should…”

She was clearly trying to say, “I’m not the kind of girl who hands out her contact info so easily.”

How annoying.

I seriously wanted to flip her skirt up right there.

Nanase’s gaze slowly scanned me from head to toe.

I had swept my bangs up and styled them precisely because I knew this moment would come.

People like her only had one criterion when judging others:

Useful, or useless?

After finishing her scan, Nanase took out her phone.

“Alright, let’s exchange.”

Looks like I’d been categorized as “useful.”

“Okay, so you’re Ooyama-kun. My friends are waiting, so I’ll head on first. I’ll be waiting for those photos~”

After scanning my QR code, Nanase broke into a light jog and hurried away.

I watched her retreating figure.

Every time she ran, her short skirt swayed from side to side. The pink lace was so close to being visible… yet remained frustratingly hidden.

What advanced technique was this? She should seriously apply for a utility model patent.

“What are you looking at?”

“Wah!”

Startled, I spun around.

There stood Yukina.

Why is she here at this hour?

“Y-Yukina, good morning.”

“Good morning, Kousuke-kun. Okazaki-senpai really does have beautiful legs, doesn’t she?”

“What are you talking about?”

I chose the “play dumb” command.

Besides, I wasn’t interested in her legs.

Her panties, on the other hand, were quite erotic.

“You’re wearing your hair up today. But… you look a little pale. Are you okay?”

“I’m perfectly fine. By the way, Yukina, you’re later than usual today.”

I forcefully changed the subject.

“Yeah. My little sister forgot her lunchbox and left without it. I had to wait while she came back to get it, so I ended up running late.”

“How long were you watching?”

“Hmm… probably from the moment you tripped.”

As expected.

She had seen the whole thing from the start.

“So you listen to Passion Generator, Kousuke-kun?”

“No, I don’t.”

“Huh?”

“Huh? Ah, no… I was thinking I might start. My room is pretty empty and boring, right? I figured some music might liven it up a bit.”

“Kousuke-kun.”

Yukina cut me off.

“Kousuke-kun, please… don’t do anything reckless.”

Well, of course she’d say that.

“Okazaki-senpai has a lot of bad rumors surrounding her. People say she hangs around with some shady types.”

Yukina’s expression turned slightly sorrowful.

“I’ll be fine. After all, the seniors are graduating in just half a year. But if something were to happen to you, Kousuke-kun, I…”

“I’m okay, Yukina.”

This time, I cut her off.

“I’m doing this for myself. Of course, I’d be happy if it ended up helping you too. Besides…”

I looked straight into Yukina’s eyes.

“I never participate in any game that ends up in the red overall. So trust me.”

That’s right. It was just like trading.

“We’re going to be late. Let’s hurry.”

“Yeah!”

The sad look vanished from her face, replaced by a bright, bouncy smile.

Yes. That smile.

That was the smile I wanted to protect.

We began walking quickly toward the school together.