I became the boyfriend of the school's madonna, who had turned down numerous confessions, but somehow, without realizing it, I wasn't just playing a role anymore - Chapter 135

Episode 135: Further Negotiations

“Ah, I see…”

Misaki’s father nodded in response to Suzumine-san’s words, but it was clear that her explanation went in one ear and out the other. 

He seemed visibly unsettled under the gazes of his wife and daughters.

Meanwhile, Misaki clung tightly to my arm.

It felt as if she was silently declaring, “He’s mine…!”

Her puffed-up cheeks and wary glances toward Suzumine-san only reinforced that impression.

“You see, Dad, I think it’s clear by now—Shirai-san really is a wonderful person, just like Hyouka-chan said. And besides, I’ve known him for quite a while now since his sister, Kokoa-chan, attends the daycare where I work,” 

Sasagawa-sensei added, stepping in, perhaps sensing that the conversation wasn’t progressing with Misaki’s father still frozen in place.

Having always admired her, being praised by her made me feel a bit embarrassed.

But—Misaki, who was tightly holding onto me, turned her big, expectant eyes toward me, making it clear that now was not the time to let my feelings show.

Her biggest rival in this battle wasn’t even Suzumine-san—it was her own older sister.

“So that’s why that child is so attached to Misora…”

Misaki’s father, seeing Kokoa radiating a “I love Sasagawa-sensei” aura from head to toe, nodded in understanding.

It made sense now.

Until this moment, he hadn’t understood why Kokoa was so attached to Sasagawa-sensei. 

Perhaps he thought Sasagawa-sensei had simply joined in on their playtime when Misaki was watching Kokoa. 

Whatever he had been imagining, it seemed he’d finally connected the dots.

…Of course, none of this should matter right now, but he probably just seized the opportunity to shift the atmosphere and join the conversation in a more positive way.

“Using your position as a daycare worker to win over kids is just unfair…” 

Misaki muttered under her breath as she watched Kokoa snuggling up to Sasagawa-sensei.

Her words were quiet enough that only I could hear them. 

It seemed she still hadn’t quite gotten over her earlier sense of being upstaged by Sasagawa-sensei when it came to Kokoa.

But Kokoa wasn’t attached to Sasagawa-sensei simply because she was a daycare worker—she adored her because she was Sasagawa-sensei. 

Surely Misaki understood that on some level, but it seemed her pride refused to allow her to back down without a fight.

In the end, between Sasagawa-sensei arrival and his own string of verbal missteps, Misaki’s father reluctantly accepted my relationship with Misaki.

Though, judging by his demeanor, he’d probably already been leaning toward accepting it even before Sasagawa-sensei showed up. 

Her presence simply gave him the final nudge.

And with that, it seemed the matter was settled—or so I thought.

“I’m staying over at Raito-kun’s house tonight. That’s okay, right, Dad?” 

Misaki asked, smiling sweetly.

Realizing her father was no longer in a position to firmly oppose her, Misaki boldly initiated the next round of negotiations.

[Afterword]

At last, the big day (2024/12/18) has arrived!
Volume 1 of the manga adaptation of “I Saved a Lost Little Girl, and Now the Beautiful Foreign Girl Next Door Keeps Coming Over” is officially on sale!!

This series features an adorably clingy little girl and a sweet, almost-cohabitation-style relationship with the beautiful foreign girl next door. I hope you’ll give it a read!

The original light novel’s Volume 7 will also release on 2024/12/25. Please look forward to it as well…!!

Thank you for your continued support♪