Hey, Best Friend. How About A Kiss Today Too? - Chapter 42: "A-are you, um, dating...?"

“A-are you, um, dating…?”

“Sorry, Comrade, for making you go out of your way to buy us some drinks…”

Even after leaving the Selfhood Research Club room, Kusakabe continued to follow behind me, bowing repeatedly.

I’m starting to get used to being called a comrade by her, but is there any way to make her feel more like a classmate to me rather than just a simple stranger though? Because I’m still weirded out.

“Don’t worry about it. There are times when even I am unable to keep up with the vibe of those people.”

“You too, Comrade…?”

“Yeah, you could also say that that’s always the case, rather than just sometimes.”

Yuzuru is the most energetic in leading us, Hasegawa responds with his brand of big guy potential, and Sagiri just enjoys herself and takes things in unpredictable directions.

“Even so, it looks like you’re having fun…”

“Hm? Isn’t it fun? Being able to be yourself?”

It’s exhausting, but having a place where I can smile is undoubtedly a good thing. That’s why both Sagiri and I gathered there.

…However, lately, we’ve been keeping a lot of secrets from those two.

“Wow… you seem so mature, or…”

“What are you talking about? Kusakabe, you’re amazing too, you know?”

“M-me too!?”

“Of course. You had the courage to  come all the way here today.”

“I-I just… saw the others in the classroom and…”

“…Regardless of the reason, I still appreciate the fact that you took action to change yourself. Well, it’s kind of condescending, but…”

“Comrade…”

I felt embarrassed saying that myself.

Maybe it’s because I’ve been released from the chaotic atmosphere of the club room, but I feel a bit more relaxed now.

“I-I couldn’t help but feel… a little moved…”

“…”

The sound of footsteps echoed through the dim hallway of the Special Classroom Building.

Huh? Wait a minute.

How am I supposed to react in a situation like this!?

“B-but you already have Yakumo-san as a comrade, right…? Oh, that was close…!”

While I was flustered by the sudden compliment, a strange theory was being unfolded and resolved by itself.

Oh, surprising… When you’re suddenly told something like that, even if they’re just a classmate to you, you can’t help but still feel a little cheeky and… huh?

“W-wait! W-what do you mean by saying I have Sagiri?!”

“Eh!?”

I was surprised, and Kusakabe, being asked, was surprised by the pressure.

Her slender body trembled, and she bounced in place.

“W-why are you surprised by that…?”

Seeing Kusakabe visibly shaken, I felt a twinge of guilt.

But that’s a different matter altogether.

“B-but what you saw in the classroom… is different! It’s just… friendly interaction between childhood friends or close friends! It’s, you know, a relationship where you’re familiar with each other!”

“Uh, huh…?”

Why am I desperately denying and correcting it?

Maybe it’s because I’m not entirely satisfied with this relationship we have, myself.

“But, um…”

Kusakabe glanced at me apologetically while stealing nervous glances.

“A-are you, um, dating…?”

Timidly, she asked.

If it were a chaotic question asked by classmates, I might have been able to handle it, but in this one-on-one situation right now, it was the most difficult question to answer.

“…No.”

That’s all I could honestly say.

I don’t have any other answer.

“Huh? Um, sorry…”

“No, it’s not something you need to be sorry about…”

Feeling awkward, Kusakabe began bowing her head again.

But this is my problem.

I couldn’t answer her question. That fact enough was shocking.

I realized it when I kissed Sagiri.

I love Sagiri.

Not just as a precious friend, but as her lover.

I can’t continue like this.

Little by little, I have to face Sagiri and change things on my own.

Just like Kusakabe, who bravely visited the Selfhood Research Club.

“Um… Comrade?”

“…Indeed. In the sense of wanting to change oneself, Kusakabe and I might be comrades.”

“Um, yes! Thank you so much!”

As I started walking, she continued to follow behind me, bowing her head again.

She seemed more like a sincere junior than a comrade. Even though we’re classmates.

“Thanks to you, I’ve gained a little courage. You can buy as much of your favorite juice as you want.”

“Eh?! Th-that’s not good!”

Shaking her hands vigorously in front of her, Kusakabe denied it.

I was worried at first, but it turns out she’s just a normal girl who’s a bit timid on the inside.

Since I myself felt awkward about saying weird things in front of Sagiri, I thought I needed the same cautiousness from Kusakabe .

“I-I’m okay with the juice, but there’s something I want to ask Comrade…”

“Hm? What is it? If it’s something I can answer, I’ll tell you!”

Relieved of that worry, I decided to buy the juice and return, so we could all help Kusakabe solve her problem and put our minds at ease.

“Even though you’re not dating… why did you… kiss her?”

“…Come here, you! Wha–?!”

“Ahhh!!”

—As I expected, she knew something.