Chapter 36

Satoru had a lingering sense that if their situation—more accurately, the incident—came to light, it would cause serious problems. That’s why he had no intention of making his relationship with Reika public.

Reika herself had said, “I’m fine with it,” but since she still occasionally suffered nightmares from the trauma, Satoru thought it would only add to her stress if others found out about it.

The incident, involving minors and with Satoru sustaining only minor injuries, had fortunately never been made public through media or any official channels.

Therefore, aside from those directly involved or who had witnessed it, hardly anyone knew. Even so, Satoru couldn’t help but worry that it might get exposed someday.

Moreover, he still didn’t have the confidence to openly boast that he was Reika’s boyfriend.

Just like his sister had said—“Let people say what they want”—he was sure Reika probably thought the same.

“Hmm…”

As Satoru continued to mull over it indecisively, his little sister shrugged and said:

“Well, if you’re that reluctant, maybe it’s fine to leave things the way they are. If she really can’t take it anymore, Reika-neechan will probably just flirt with you anyway.”

“That… yeah, that sounds like her. If it came to that, I’d probably be able to make up my mind, too. I’d totally play it cool and just pat her on the head like it’s nothing.”

“So in the end, you’re just waiting for Reika-neechan to make the first move again… But just imagining how shocked everyone would be if you two got all lovey-dovey in front of the whole school—it’s enough to make me grin.”

“Yeah, total chaos would break out on campus.”

“Totally. And once it gets out that you’re the culprit behind the hickey, everyone’s gonna think you’re a massive perv. That’d be crazy.”

“…Maybe it really is best to keep it a secret at all costs.”

Though he’d been worried about Reika’s past being exposed, it might actually be his own weird behavior that would leave a bigger impression on people.

“Pfft… I just imagined Onii-chan being totally roasted, and it hit me right in the funny bone.”

“Damn it, do you really want to see your own brother humiliated that badly?”

“Well, you’re basically the lucky guy who gets to have his way with Reika-neechan, right? Who cares what people say? But if all the guys who like her found out what’s really going on, their brains might burst.”

“Yeah, no doubt. She looks like such a graceful and pure beauty.”

Seiya was already halfway to mental breakdown just from imagining things—and if the truth got out, the shock would be even worse for some people.

Reika’s looks and demeanor gave off the impression of a composed and dignified young woman.

Given her personality, if someone ever questioned her about it, she might just casually blurt out, “Oh, we’ve already physical, no big deal.”

If people heard that, someone might literally drop dead on the spot.

“Hey, don’t talk about your beloved girlfriend like that! If anything, that makes you out to be a shy, nerdy introvert who turns out to be a lewd, spoiled playboy when the lid comes off.”

“Chisaaaaa!! A middle schooler shouldn’t be using such filthy language!”

Where on earth had she learned such horrible words?

And how did she know about his spoiled side?

He didn’t dare ask, but it was painfully clear that Reika had probably spilled everything about him to his little sister.

“Actually, let me correct one thing. I am devoted to her and seriously in love, okay? So calling me a playboy is just plain wrong! It’s not like I’m going around sleeping with a bunch of girls!”

“True enough. But you’re not even denying that you’ve done it with Reika-neechan now… Welp, thanks for the meal.”

“You little brat!!”

“Haha! What’s a little perv like you gonna do about it, huh?”

Satoru let out a long sigh as his cheeky little sister ran circles around him once again.

※※※※※※

“Hey, Ruri. Don’t you think it’s time to give up?”

“Hm? On what?”

Club activities were over, and Seiya and Ruri were walking together down a darkened street.

“On Satoru, I mean. I’ve been trying to give him a push too, but honestly, he really doesn’t seem interested.”

“…Yeah, no one knows that better than me, the one trying to approach him. He just… doesn’t react. At all.”

“…From the way you said that, you’ve probably tried some pretty bold moves behind the scenes, haven’t you? Like seduction and stuff?”

“W-Well, I’m not saying what I did exactly! But come on, you’d expect some kind of reaction, right? Like blushing, or getting flustered, or even just curious. But nothing. It’s like his eyes are always dead.”

“Sounds like a lost cause to me. I mean, no matter what he actually thinks, if a girl does something bold, most guys would react somehow. But he doesn’t even flinch…”

“Has Takashima-kun always been like that? I mean, he always seemed quiet, but this is a whole other level of calm.”

“Hm… Honestly, I don’t really understand Satoru either.”

“Wait, seriously? Aren’t you supposed to be his best friend?”

“N-No, I mean, as a best friend, I can tell you he’s a good guy. Kind, dependable—he’d definitely be a great boyfriend. But when it comes to girls, he just seems… totally disinterested. Even though he always insists, ‘That’s not true.’”

Seiya scratched his head, looking thoughtful.

“I see… So you’re saying it’s not impossible, which just makes it harder to let go.”

“But, like, why are you so fixated on Satoru anyway? Sure, he’s kinda polished up lately, but compared to the guys you usually go for, he’s way more reserved. Doesn’t really seem like your type.”

“You’re right. He’s nothing like the guys I’ve dated before. But that’s why I’m drawn to him.”

“What do you mean?”

“Just like you said—he seems kind, loyal. Plus, he’s got a good face. He feels like the kind of guy I could finally have a long-lasting relationship with.”

“Ahh, so this is the classic case of someone who’s been burned by pretty boys before and still can’t give up on them, huh?”

“Sh-Shut up! This time’s different—I really feel something special!”

Ruri puffed out her cheeks in a sulky pout at Seiya’s teasing.

Though he thought her attitude was a bit calculated, even Seiya had to admit—Ruri was beautiful and pulled off everything she did effortlessly.

Sure, she’d had her fair share of flings, but as a club manager, she was competent and carried herself well with everyone.

With the right guy who treated her properly, she could easily become the school’s most admired, untouchable beauty.

That was why Seiya thought Satoru might be the perfect match for her—and why he kept supporting her efforts.

But every time he tried to help, Satoru’s utter lack of reaction only deepened his sense of unease.

“Well, as long as you’re being serious about it, I’ll keep helping out—as long as it’s not too much of a burden on him.”

“Thanks. I want to give it a bit more effort.”

“Gotcha.”

As they continued walking, Ruri suddenly asked:

“Hey, just to confirm something…”

“What?”

“Takashima-kun doesn’t have a girlfriend, right?”

“Where did that come from? If he had one, do you really think I’d be helping you try to get with him?”

“…Right. Sorry. That was a weird question.”

“…Do you think he has a girlfriend?”

“I don’t know… maybe it’s just my woman’s intuition. I mean, with all the attention he’s getting from girls, don’t you think it’s weird how composed he is?”

“Well, some guys still react even if they’re taken. And some don’t, even if they’re not.”

“Maybe. But he’s just so unreadable…”

Ruri frowned, clearly troubled.

“If you’re picking up on something, maybe there is something going on.”

“Wait, you think he’s hiding something from you too?”

“Could be. Like… maybe he’s had some bad experience with love and just plays along with us to avoid the topic. Something like that.”

“Hmm… Considering how considerate he is, it’s possible he’s forcing himself to play nice.”

“Exactly. Based on my own past relationships, I wouldn’t be surprised if he was quietly carrying some emotional baggage. If that’s the case, pushing him too hard might actually backfire.”

“Then maybe I should look into him more first. Try to understand what he’s been through.”

“Yeah, that might be best. Once you’ve got a better read on him, you can figure out a strategy that actually works. Though I gotta say… with how little he reacts, it’s not gonna be an easy path.”

Seiya chuckled wryly.

But Ruri didn’t seem disheartened. If anything, she looked even more fired up.

“I’m sure there’s a clue somewhere! I won’t give up!”

“Well, since you’re serious about it, I guess I’ll keep helping a bit longer. Man… who knew setting up a popular manager with my best friend would be such a challenge?”

“Say that after it works out, and you’ll sound super cool!”

“Cool or not, I’m not getting anything out of this, you know…”

Just as the two of them settled on this new plan, Satoru sneezed loudly back in his room.