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 3

 Episode 3: The Activity of the Little Girl

“Kuroyuki-san, wasn’t there someone you’re waiting?”

Thinking it was getting risky, I decided to implement a plan to separate Kuroyuki-san and Kokoa.

If I don’t do that, Kokoa might end up believing what I said earlier to an irreparable extent .

…No, I can’t help but feel like it’s already too late.

“Oh, I’m actually done for today. I was about to leave.”

“Oh, is that so?”

In that case, what I told those flashy guys earlier was a lie. 

Well, it doesn’t seem like it was an outright lie, though.

“I had promised to go around the festival with my big sister, but she canceled on me.”

“Dota-kyan…?“

Not understanding the meaning of the words, Kokoa tilted her head in confusion.

“It’s a word that abbreviates ‘cancel at the last minute,’ making it seem like the promise was never made.”

“Oh~?”

Kokoa nodded in admiration toward Kuroyuki-san, who pointed with her index finger and kindly explained with a smile.

Yeah, she definitely doesn’t get it.

“Onii-chan was talking to Kokoa about going to the festival today, but he still decided to cancel.”

“No good…!”

Explaining with an example, Kokoa puffed her cheeks and looked at me. She firmly crossed her arms, forming an “X.”

“It’s like that kind of situation. There’s no way Onii-chan would break a promise with Kokoa, right?” 

“Mm…!”

It seems she understood and this time, nodded vigorously in agreement.

All good now.

“……”

“Hm? What’s up?”

As I tried to pat Kokoa’s head, Kuroyuki-san stared at my face intently.

Is there a bug on my face?

“Well… you’re using a surprisingly gentle tone. You don’t talk like that at school, right?”

“Well, the way you talk changes when dealing with a young child, doesn’t it?”

If I use a stern tone with Kokoa, I may end up hurting her.

This is why I speak gently. 

Otherwise, a simple scolding might make her cry.

“Hmm… you really like your little sister?”

“Well, she’s so cute, it’s natural…! Like an angel…!”

I lifted Kokoa from behind, showing off to Kuroyuki-san.

Then  Kokoa smiled cutely.

Yes, she’s a well-made little sister.

“Not just a doting parent but a doting brother… Still, she’s truly adorable, isn’t she?”

Kuroyuki-san reached for Kokoa’s cheeks and began to play with them.

Kokoa’s cheeks are soft and elastic, almost like mochi. It’s addicting to touch, and she seems to enjoy it too.

“I also wished for a little sister…”

“Don’t you get along with your older sister?”

“No, we get along great. She’s lazy at home but very kind. Outside, she’s perfect.”

Lazy at home yet perfect outside—such a manga-like person actually exists…

I couldn’t say those thoughts out loud in front of Kuroyuki-san.

“So, you just wanted a little sister for that feeling?”

“Yeah, I’m the youngest, and there’s only my older sister. I love kids, so I want to become a childcare worker in the future.”

Perhaps enjoying playing with Kokoa’s cheek, she was in a good mood, sharing various things about herself. It was surprising, considering she didn’t talk much about herself at school. 

Maybe it was because everyone was too pushy, and she didn’t want to share her personal life.

“…Oh, sorry. I took up your time even though you came to the festival.”

Suddenly coming to her senses, Kuroyuki-san hastily releases her hand from Kokoa.

As a result, Kokoa pouts slightly, as if wanting more.

“Is Kuroyuki-san really leaving?”

Since it’s a festival, she probably wanted to enjoy it too.

I felt a little sad that her older sister had canceled and not come.

“Well, honestly… it’s a shame, but… you know, it would be troublesome if something like that happened again.”

If Kuroyuki-sanwalks alone, she’ll undoubtedly attract more attention. A beauty like her wouldn’t be left alone.

“Certainly… it’s true. Well then, be careful――”

“No…!”

At that moment, when I tried to part ways with her, Kokoa tightly grabbed the sleeve of Kuroyuki-san’s yukata.

“H-Hey, Kokoa…! No, that’s not good, you have to let go…!”

“No…! I want to go around the festival with neene too!”

Seemingly really fond of Kuroyuki-san, Kokoa shakes her head stubbornly, not letting go of her sleeve.

This is quite troublesome.

“She’s going home, so we can’t do anything…!”

“Why…! Hey, even though neene niini’s lover, why is she leaving!”

Kokoa’s question is natural. If we’re dating, it would be natural for us to go around the festival together.

However, in reality, Kuroyuki-san and I are not dating.

I should tell Kokoa the truth, but if she finds out it was a lie, she’ll probably burst into tears. Then, today’s festival won’t be enjoyable.

I didn’t want to see my little sister in low spirits.

There’s no choice…

“Sorry, Kuroyuki-san. Can you go around with us?”

To avoid hurting Kokoa, there’s no choice but to have Kuroyuki-san accompany us. 

She probably wouldn’t want to be with someone like me, but… I can only hope she sees it as a way to thank me for helping her.”

“Go around together? Is that okay?”

“I’d actually really appreciate it… Besides, there’s no guarantee those flashy guys from earlier aren’t still around. It would be a hassle to run into them without Kuroyuki-san.”

Thinking on my feet, I managed to come up with such an excuse. Isn’t it natural?

And with that…

“I see… Well, okay then. Please take care of me.”

Kuroyuki-san bows with a smile.

Not reluctantly, but with a genuinely lovely smile.

Could it be that she doesn’t mind going around with me?

I thought so, but…

“Yeah! Neene, let’s go together!”

Because of Kokoa, there is a girl who is as cute as an angel.

There’s a reason why she seems so happy and it’s thanks to Kokoa.

And with that, I come to a conclusion.