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 5

Episode 5: Because I Trust You

“Apple candy♪, Apple candy♪.”

After going around the festival—engaging in activities like yo-yo fishing and superball scooping—Kokoa continued to line up to buy the apple candy she desired.

Shaking with excitement, she seemed eagerly awaiting her turn.

“Hehe, Kokoa-chan is really cute, isn’t she?”

“Like an angel, right?”

“Yeah, unbelievably so. I wish I had a little sister like Kokoa-chan.”

Indeed, Kokoa’s cuteness was extraordinary; even Kuroyuki-san seemed smitten. Having someone to talk to about such matters was a new and enjoyable experience.

“Neene, the apple candy?”

Amidst the conversation, seemingly unaware that she was being discussed, Kokoa looked up at Kuroyuki-san with a smiling face.

Kuroyuki-san bent down, aligning her gaze with Kokoa’s.

“I’m good, Kokoa-chan. Just order for yourself.”

“Hmm…! Mister, one apple candy, please!”

Having confirmed Kuroyuki-san’s intention, Kokoa handed over the money with a smile. 

However, the guy receiving it couldn’t help but wear a somewhat wry smile.

Well, that’s to be expected.

No matter how you look at it, Kokoa, this guy is definitely not an uncle…

“Sorry…”

“No, no, it’s because I must look like an old man to a little one like you.”

Apologizing, the guy responded with a smile. It was nice to encounter such a kind-hearted person.

“…?”

However, Kokoa, apparently not realizing why he apologized, tilted her head with a puzzled expression. I’ll make sure to explain it to her later.

“Big brother, you have it tough too, huh?”

“No ill intentions, it can’t be helped.”

Seeing Kuroyuki-san laugh with a troubled expression, I shrugged my shoulders.

She’s saying it without any malice, so there’s no reason to scold him. From now on, Kokoa will also observe and learn for herself, refining her choice of words. I’ll have to advise her later on the importance of being careful about such things.

“…?”

Suddenly, Kuroyuki-san stared at me intently, prompting me to ask about her intentions. She smiled mysteriously.

“You’re such a good big brother, aren’t you?”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“I think Shirai-kun is the big brother that Kokoa-chan is proud of.”

Saying this, she directed her gaze towards Kokoa. At that moment, Kokoa, having just looked up at us while taking a bite of the apple candy, gazed back at Kuroyuki-san with a curious expression. Then, as if comprehending the meaning of her words, she flashed an adorable smile.

“Hmm…!”

“See?”

After confirming Kokoa’s nod, Kuroyuki-san spoke to me with a lovely smile.

Her expression, resembling a triumphant face, was somewhat cute.

“It’s doubtful if she really understands the meaning. It feels like she’s just nodding casually without understanding.”

“Where’s the trust in your little sister…?”

“She’s a smart kid, but still, she’s young…”

I think she’s smart.

It’s not like I’m an overly obsessed big brother or someone with a sister complex; I genuinely believe that after all I’ve seen.

However, there are limits.

A four-year-old won’t possess the same knowledge as me or Kuroyuki-san.

“Kokoa, do you understand what Kuroyuki-san said?”

“Yeah! Niini, cool!”

“Gufu!”

Unexpectedly hit by a counterattack (?), I unintentionally covered my mouth with my hand.

Seeing that, Kuroyuki-san let out a chuckle.

“What’s wrong…?”

“Shirai-kun, you’re interesting.”

“Isn’t that normal?”

If anything, I consider myself on the uninteresting side.

My temperament isn’t great, and I’m not good at socializing.

“Normal… might not be the word. But, even though you had a serious image at school, now I think you’re mischievous.”

“…Are you making fun of me?”

“No, I’m praising you.”

I wonder if being mischievous is a compliment for a guy?

But well, it’s clear from Kuroyuki-san’s expression that she’s not saying it sarcastically.

Her warm smile remains unchanged.

“By the way, we haven’t talked like this much, have we?”

“I’m not as sociable as Kuroyuki-san, you know.”

“I’ve heard rumors. Even if I invite you to hang out, you refuse without giving any reasons. But I feel like I understand that reason.”

Kuroyuki-san glanced at Kokoa.

Even though she’s a high schooler now, walking around a festival with a younger sister without parents present might lead to some assumptions.

Kokoa seems engrossed in the candy apple and isn’t paying attention to us.

Her earnest eating is undeniably cute.

“I’ll say it in advance, but I’m not being forced to do this. I like it, taking care of Kokoa.”

“I see.”

Upon hearing my words, she cut short her response.

What could she possibly be thinking?

“Hey, want to exchange contact information?”

“Huh?”

Suddenly, she pulled out her smartphone, and I couldn’t help but let out a surprised sound.

“Let’s become friends on a chat app. It’s more convenient, isn’t it?”

She glanced at Kokoa again and conveyed her intention with just her gaze.

Since Kokoro seemed to have grown fond of Kuroyuki-san this time, there might be a desire to stay in touch with her in the future. 

She might even suggest inviting her home, which could be a bit much. Therefore, it certainly would be better to exchange contact information. 

There could be discussions that aren’t suitable for school.

However…

“Weren’t you avoiding exchanging contacts with guys?”

Certainly, there were rumors circulating at school about that.

“I did, but I thought it would be okay with Shirai-kun. You seem like someone who would maintain boundaries and not casually tell others, right?”

“Well, that’s true, but…”

“Yeah, I trust you. So, let’s exchange, okay?”

Being told with such a smiling face, I couldn’t refuse.

So, I decided to exchange contact information with her.

I never would have expected that the first girl’s contact information I’d obtain would be Kuroyuki-san’s—life is full of surprises.

Afterward, the three of us enjoyed the festival together, and in the end, I escorted Kuroyuki-san to a location near her house. 

Then, while soothing Kokoa, who didn’t want to be separated from Kuroyuki-san and made some selfish demands, I somehow managed to get home.