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 14

Episode 14: Natural Girlfriend

“―Raito-kun, can we go on a date this Saturday…?”

During lunch break, while savoring Misaki’s homemade cooking, she peered at me with upturned eyes.

Close… Her face is so close…

By the way, she had already finished her meal.

Of course, I fed her.

“To make people around us believe, right?”

“Yeah… I think it’s better to show our dates in front of everyone at an early stage.”

I understand Misaki’s way of thinking.

Many people still doubt whether we are really dating.

Showing our dates in a place where students often go would catch someone’s eye.

But…

“Sorry, I should have asked you first, but when we go on a… date, is it okay if I bring Kokoa along?”

In place of my mother, I usually take care of Kokoa.

That remains the same even on holidays.

On Sundays, my mom has a day off from work, but on Saturdays—and from noon until late at night—she works, so I take care of household chores and look after Hoshiai.

It would be wrong to leave Kokoa to my mom, who needs to rest.

So, whether it’s Saturday or Sunday, Kokoa will be with us.

She might not like being a date companion, but…

“Of course, it’s fine. I also want to talk to Kokoa-chan.”

For Misaki, who loves children, it might even be a source of joy.

In this respect, our compatibility seems good.

“Thank you, Kokoa will be happy too.”

“Fufu, that’s good. Kokoa-chan is so cute.”

“She’s an angel, after all.”

“Haha, she finally became an angel.”

Until now, I used to say things like “almost” or “like,” so stating it directly this time seemed odd.

But Kokoa truly is an angel.

You can tell just by experiencing her cuteness.

“She’s cute, so it can’t be helped.”

“Raito-kun doesn’t seem to show it, but he’s really doting on Kokoa-chan.”

“That’s a bit different, isn’t it?”

Not to the extent of being overly affectionate in public.

Instead, I might be overly indulgent in taking care of her.

“I might have wanted an older brother like Raito-kun.”

“Is that a new kind of pickup line?”

“There’s no need to go out of your way to court your boyfriend.”

Teasing me, she responded with a smile.

She’s good at handling these situations.

Could it be that when it comes to Suzumine-san, she becomes a scatterbrain because of some trauma with her?

That’s why she might act strangely out of impatience.

I thought so, but I couldn’t confirm it.

I didn’t know where Suzumine-san might be listening.

“I’m saying what I really think. Making fun of it isn’t nice.”

“Sorry, it just didn’t sound like you were serious at all.”

“That’s harsh. Watching Raito-kun, everyone would want an older brother, right?”

There’s no way that’s true.

She must know how much I’m disliked in my class.

“Compliments that completely deviate from the truth are just unpleasant, you know?”

“Isn’t your self-esteem too low? You should have more confidence in yourself…”

While seeming as if she wanted to sigh, Misaki gazes at my face with a look that seems like she wants to say something.

Even if she gives me such an exasperated expression…

“Is that something you say to someone everyone dislikes?”

“People just lack discernment.”

“From the perspective of those around us, it’s Misaki who is considered to lack discernment.”

In fact, I hear those voices as much as I hate to hear them.

If it’s one person versus the majority, it’s obvious who is right.

“I’m looking at it differently than everyone else… I’m not looking at the surface, I’m looking at what’s on the inside…!”

She didn’t seem to like what I said, as she started to fume with anger.

I don’t think it’s something to get so worked up about, though…

“Is it that my face is bad, but my personality is good?”

“It’s not good to make such mean interpretations…!”

Why has she been using polite language since a while ago? Is it just a habit?

“But, you can take it that way, right?”

“You understand what I’m saying and deliberately pick on me, right!?”

Oh, she’s back to using casual language. It seems like she switches to polite language when lecturing.

“Well, I heard it that way, didn’t I?”

“Mou…!”

Now, she’s starting to puff up her cheeks. I can tell she’s sulking, but it makes her look a bit like a child.

There’s a slight charm in the contrast with her usual demeanor. Just a bit, though.

“It’s not nice to tease…!”

“Okay, okay. Your true feelings just leaked out, right?”

“You don’t get it at all…! Why are you talking about my true feelings…!?”

What is this? It’s getting a bit amusing.

“What I’m saying is, everyone only sees Raito-kun who seems to be deliberately pushing people away, but they don’t see Raito-kun who cares and helps when they’re in trouble.”

Maybe I went too far with that, as Misaki leans in closely. Our faces are close enough that our breaths mingle, but she doesn’t seem to mind, despite being angry.

“I’m just someone who adjusts my attitude based on the person. I won’t be nice to them, so their impression of me is accurate.”

“When I was in trouble, you helped me and were kind!”

The kindness part is just Misaki’s misunderstanding, at least from my perspective. The difference in attitude towards Kokoa and Misaki is proof of that.

“Why won’t you admit it…!?”

“I’m just stating the truth.”

“Mou…!”

Again, Misaki pouts discontentedly. But this time, her cheeks puff up even more. It seems like she really didn’t like what I said.

“Misaki doesn’t need to be upset…?”

Thinking it’s better to not escalate things, I try to calm her down. We should maintain a friendly relationship, so it’s not a good idea to get into a fight. Well, it’s probably more troublesome for her.

“Because Raito-kun underestimates himself…!”

“Why does Misaki need to get angry about that?”

“……”

When I ask in a more straightforward manner than before, Misaki falls silent. She might be thinking of a counterargument.

And then…

“Surely…?”

She tilts her head in a troubled manner. It seems she herself doesn’t fully understand.

Yep, Misaki definitely has a natural side to her, doesn’t she?