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 16

Episode 16: The Ice Queen Seems Concerned About Her Plans

“Raito-kun, want to go home together?”

After homeroom ended and it was after school, Misaki, holding her bag, approached me with a smile.

As a result, the entire class sent what could be interpreted as killing intent in my direction. These guys never learn.

“Don’t you need to go home with Suzumine-san?”

“Hyouka-chan goes to a cram school in the city, so our directions are opposite when it comes to taking the train.”

“Oh, I see. So, you’ve been parting ways at the station.”

If they’re going in different directions midway, there’s no need for them to go home together.

“Well then, let’s go home.”

Even though I need to pick up Kokoa on the way, that happens after we get off the train. Until then, it’s better to go home together to convince those around us.

Well, it feels like Misaki is the only one taking the lead in such movements. But since I’m doing it for her, I shouldn’t worry too much. Inviting her myself wouldn’t suit my character. On the contrary, it might make others feel uncomfortable.

With that in mind, the two of us headed to the shoe lockers.

“……”

Silently, Suzumine-san stood there with crossed arms, waiting.

Something’s different.

“Misaki?”

“Huh…? We didn’t make any promises, though.”

I checked just in case, and Misaki seemed taken aback too. It seems she didn’t plan this.

“Are you going home with us?”

“Not good?”

This time, I checked with Suzumine-san, and she shook her head displeased. I don’t think she needs to be so annoyed.

“Nothing wrong, but… Is there something you want to talk about?”

“If it’s not about talking, does that mean that it’s not okay for me to go home with Misaki?”

Yeah, it’s awkward. That’s why I’m not good at talking to her.

From the perspective of those around us, I might seem to be taking an attitude similar to Suzumine-san…

…No, it can’t be that bad.

“Awaawa…”

As the atmosphere between Suzumine-san and me became tense, Misaki, clearly flustered, spoke up. She’s having a hard time too.

“It’s fine. You two are close friends. I won’t tell you to go home alone just because we’re dating.”

Suzumine-san also isn’t suggesting we go home together for no reason. Since we can’t talk about it where other students are present, she might bring it up after we move somewhere else.

“That’s helpful. Is it okay with you, Misaki?”

“Yeah…”

When Suzumine-san directed her gaze at Misaki, she nodded, albeit with confusion. Although she might not dislike going home together with me, she probably doesn’t understand the reason behind this action.

Thus, the two of us walked home in the heavy atmosphere. Since no one spoke, it was an uncomfortably silent time, something I never expected to experience in my life. The air was just that heavy.

The one who changed that atmosphere unexpectedly was…

“What are you two planning for the summer vacation?”

Surprisingly, it was Suzumine-san.

Naturally, since we’re heading to the station, there aren’t many other students around. Most of them are still at their club activities. Suzumine-san probably chose to talk now because of that.

“What are we planning… Well, we haven’t decided anything yet.”

Before Misaki could say something unnecessary, I honestly shared the fact. If I don’t, she might add plans I’m not aware of.

“Summer vacation is coming up soon, though?”

“Well, I understand what you’re trying to say, but… wouldn’t it be better to decide after the vacation starts? We have plenty of days off.”

“……”

…This guy won’t be popular.

―As if to say that, Suzumine-san narrowed her eyes and gave me a cold gaze.

It’s fine, I’m not particularly enthusiastic about going on a date anyway.

“If you want to have fun, I’ll ask you to go out with me.”

Misaki followed up with a smile, addressing Suzumine-san’s dissatisfaction. In reality, she only invites me when she wants to have fun, so she’s not lying.

“Well, fine…”

“It doesn’t sound fine, does it?”

She looks dissatisfied. She’s probably aware that we’re not dating, and it’s not her concern anyway, so I don’t understand why she’s dissatisfied.

“Misaki, did you exchange contact information with him?”

“Huh? Of course, we exchanged contacts…”

Why would she ask such a thing? Misaki nodded with a puzzled expression.

I share the same sentiment.

While we were wondering about that, Suzumine-san provided an answer through her actions.

“Well then, let’s exchange contacts, too.”

She said that, handing me her smartphone. Yeah, I have no idea what she means by “well then.”

“W-Wait, Hyouka-chan!? Raito-kun is my boyfriend, you know!?”

“Hmm, I’m aware.”

“Why are you asking for the contact information of a boy who has a girlfriend, especially your childhood friend…!?”

Seemingly dissatisfied with Suzumine-sans’s actions, Misaki desperately tried to stop her. It’s the right thing for her to do as a girlfriend, I guess—though we’re not really dating. Suzumine-san seems to anticipate Misaki’s reaction.

“Even if nothing happens, I should have his contact in case something comes up, right?”

While Misaki was in a hurry, Suzumine-san calmly responded, as usual. She seemed to have anticipated Misaki’s reaction.

“But…!”

“No need to worry. Your boyfriend won’t cheat on you. If you want, I can show you our messages.”

Trying to comfort the flustered Misaki, Suzumine-san smiled. She probably had this all planned out.

“Well, if that’s the case…”

Misaki reluctantly agreed. It seems she understands, but she won’t say she won’t check—we didn’t say that we’re dating, after all.

“Well then, I have a train to catch, so I’ll go ahead.”

After exchanging contacts, she rushed off. Her train probably comes earlier than ours, and she must have almost missed it while we were talking.

“……”

“Even if you look at me like that…”

With Suzumine-san gone, Misaki directed a dissatisfied gaze at me. She must have really disliked it.

“I won’t cheat, but we’re not really dating, so you don’t have to be so dissatisfied.”

“But it’s complicated… I mean, seeing Raito-kun so readily exchange contacts with Hyouka-chan, does that mean you like her…?”

I didn’t particularly refuse when she asked for my contact.

“When she asked you, you made a face like you didn’t want to.”

I see, that’s probably why she’s so upset.

“Well, it was just strange. It’s not like I hated it.”

“It looked like you did.”

Seemingly unconvinced, Misaki looked at me suspiciously. Even if she doubts me, as long as I haven’t done anything wrong, it’s not a problem.

In the end, Misaki continued to cast doubtful glances at me until her train arrived.

By the way, while waiting for the train, I received a message from Suzumine-san for the first time.

“Are you going to the beach?”

It seems she wanted to join if Misaki and I were planning to go. According to Misaki, Suzumine -san likes the beach but hasn’t been able to go since middle school because she dislikes being approached. Well, that explains why she’s concerned about summer vacation plans.