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

Episode 142: Targeted?

“Sasagawa-sensei too?”

Seeing Misaki looking down as if deep in thought, I urged her to continue.

Her gaze met mine once again.

“Yeah… My sister loves kids just like I do. She always used to say she wanted children…”

Judging from the way she interacts with Kokoa and the fact that she works as a nursery teacher, it’s easy to see that Sasagawa-sensei loves children.

She even chose an apartment that would be suitable for raising a child.

If things had gone as planned, she probably would have wanted children right after getting married.

If her husband hadn’t passed away, she might have a child around Kokoa’s age right now.

…That’s probably why Misaki brought her up.

Maybe she thinks Sasagawa-sensei sees Kokoa as a daughter of sorts.

“Kokoa clearly adores Sasagawa-sensei, but I don’t think Sasagawa-sensei spoils her or anything. She just treats her like any other child at the daycare.”

“Well, of course. Kokoa-chan is still a little kid, but my sister is an adult. She has to maintain her professional stance as a nursery teacher, so she can’t openly show favoritism.”

So, there’s a possibility that, deep down, she does dote on Kokoa.

Well, that kid is as cute as an angel, so it’s understandable.

Even without a blood connection, anyone would want to pamper her.

“…Raito-kun, I feel like you’re thinking something weird again…”

Misaki shot me a knowing glare from close range, as if sensing my overly protective thoughts.

Her intuition is sharp at times like this.

Well, actually, her intuition is usually good—except when it comes to romance or anything involving Suzumine-san.

Then, she becomes completely clueless.

“I don’t mind if Kokoa gets spoiled since she’s attached to Sasagawa-sensei, but is there something you’re worried about?”

If Misaki’s assumption is correct, then Kokoa and Sasagawa-sensei have a sort of mutual dependency.

But to everyone else, Kokoa’s affection just looks like a typical child getting attached to her nursery teacher, and Sasagawa-sensei doesn’t show any obvious favoritism either.

So from my perspective, there’s no real issue.

But I decided to ask for Misaki’s thoughts anyway.

“Not directly…? But now that we’re living together, I feel like Kokoa-chan will become even more attached to my sister…”

Yeah, I get that feeling too.

Actually, I’m almost certain of it.

When summer vacation ends and Misaki goes back home, Kokoa will probably try to keep Sasagawa-sensei from leaving.

“The way you said ‘not directly’ makes me curious… Is there some kind of indirect problem?”

“Well… It’s just a possibility, but… my sister’s desire to have children might get even stronger. Kokoa-chan is just too adorable, so she might end up triggering that feeling.”

“Ah, I see… But wouldn’t that be a good thing? It could be the push Sasagawa-sensei needs to start a new relationship.”

Right now, Sasagawa-sensei is still holding onto the past and has no interest in dating.

That’s admirable in a way, since it shows her devotion to her late husband.

But thinking about her happiness, it would be good if she eventually moved forward.

And if wanting children is the reason for that, I don’t see anything wrong with it.

That’s what I thought, but—

“Whether it leads to a new relationship or just a desire for children, one thing is for sure… Raito-kun, you’ll be the target. My sister has only ever praised two men—her husband and you.”

After saying that, Misaki got off my lap and turned away, muttering to herself with a thoughtful expression.

…But moments later, she climbed right back onto my lap.

I guess she just didn’t want me to hear her mumbling.