I Was Cheated on by My Girlfriend but My Devilish Junior Now Yearns for Me - Chapter 13

Chapter 13   Ayaka’s Mood

The next day, I was hanging out with Ayaka during a free period at the university’s smoking area. Since it was the second semester of our second year, we were starting to get more free periods—those precious pockets of time with no scheduled lectures. Having the freedom to create your own free periods is one of the privileges of being a university student.

I was enjoying this blissful free time, but I couldn’t help noticing that Ayaka, who was sitting next to me, seemed a bit off. She was standing against the wall, arms crossed tightly, exuding an unapproachable vibe. Being as beautiful as she is, it made her seem even harder to talk to. If we weren’t already friends, I probably would’ve just walked away.

“Hey, are you in a bad mood today or something?”

“Hmm, I’m fine.”

“No, you’re not. At least from where I’m sitting, you’re definitely not fine. See, that’s my conclusion based on years of knowing you—”

“Annoying.”

“Sorry.”

My attempt at lightening the mood was cut off halfway, morphing into an apology instead.

“Well, at least try to fix that mood before the next lecture. You’re the type of person who’s friendly with everyone, after all.”

“…I’m not really trying to be, but yeah, I’ll keep that in mind. Thanks.”

Ayaka gave a straightforward thank you, then started fiddling with her phone. Judging by her finger movements, it seemed like she was playing some kind of mini-game, but her heart clearly wasn’t in it. She kept losing and retrying over and over, prompting me to ask her again:

“What happened?”

Ayaka glanced at me but quickly looked away. This time, she wasn’t denying that something was up. Something must’ve happened to put her in this mood—whether it was about last night or something else entirely, I didn’t know.

If it were just a regular friend, I’d drop the question here. But this was Ayaka, so I decided to dig a little deeper.

“Come on, just tell me.”

“You really don’t have any sense of tact, do you?”

“Left it in my mom’s womb.”

“Then go back to being a fertilized egg and try again.”

Ayaka walked out of the smoking area. Left with no choice, I stubbed out my still half-full cigarette and followed her.

“My bad.”

“I’m not mad. Besides, there’s only twenty minutes left until the next lecture starts.”

“You’re not the type to go to the classroom that early to grab a seat, though.”

“It’s different when exams are coming up, trust me.”

Ayaka continued walking without stopping and entered the school building, pressing the button for the elevator. Once we were inside, it was just the two of us. The university’s elevators were fairly spacious and moved quickly, but for a few seconds, we were confined to the closed space, where the faint scent of the cigarettes I had smoked earlier lingered.

“You really need to quit smoking,” Ayaka said, her tone firm, as if she was taking the opportunity to bring it up.

“Why? It’s my choice, isn’t it?” I replied, pouting at the sudden remark.

“It doesn’t do you any good.”

“It does. Smoking with seniors allows for some pretty deep conversations.”

Sure, smoking adds to my already strained wallet, and it’s not like I don’t know it’s bad for my health. But after breaking up with Reina Aisaka, it helped calm me down a bit. And like I said earlier, it also helps with bonding with seniors. There are plenty of upsides.

The elevator doors opened, and we reached the fourth floor, where the lecture hall was located. As we stood there, watching the elevator descend back to the first floor, Ayaka suddenly spoke up.

“Well, I’ll just say that smoking doesn’t suit you.”

“…Really?”

“You don’t look good with a cigarette, Yuuta Hasegawa.”

“Don’t say it twice!”

I was prepared to argue if she had said it was bad for my health, but telling me it didn’t suit me? That hit differently. I wasn’t obsessed with fashion, but I had a normal amount of interest for a university student. Being told that something didn’t suit me stung more than I expected. Maybe I really should consider quitting.

“I bet even Shinohara-san doesn’t like it. A lot of girls hate smoking, you know?”

“Nah, I don’t smoke at home. I don’t think I’ve ever smoked in front of Shinohara.”

“You’re talking like she’s always at your place,” Ayaka remarked with a tone of exasperation. In my head, I muttered, “Well, she kind of has been lately.”

“So, what’s with the bad mood?” I asked again. Ayaka frowned and replied, “Again?”

“You’re persistent. There aren’t many people who can be this pushy without worrying about me hating them.”

“Look who’s talking. I can’t help being curious. Plus, it’s me and you we’re talking about here.”

We’ve known each other for four or five years now. We’re far from being lovers, but it’s still a special kind of relationship. Ayaka didn’t argue with that and, finally giving in, let out a long sigh.

“Because it’s almost test time. I’m just on edge,” Ayaka said.

“Wait, are you in trouble this time?” I asked, concerned.

“Don’t be stupid. It’s the same as always. Don’t lump me in with you.”

“You always have something extra to say, don’t you!” I retorted, and for the first time today, Ayaka’s face softened into a small smile.

“I could tell you, but I’d like a café au lait from that vending machine,” she said.

“Yeah, so what?” I replied, puzzled.

Ayaka didn’t respond, just glanced over at the vending machine.

“…Fine, I get it,” I said, reluctantly pulling out my wallet and buying her a warm café au lait. As the can dropped with a thud, I tossed it toward her, and she hurriedly caught it.

“Hey, don’t just throw it like that!” she complained.

“You caught it, didn’t you?” I teased.

“Hmph. Thanks,” she muttered, opening the can and taking a big gulp. Watching her drink down the hot café au lait like that was oddly amusing for a university girl.

“There are just too many people who skip classes and then ask to borrow my notes. They don’t even offer anything in return,” Ayaka said, finally explaining her bad mood as she tossed the empty can into the trash.

“Money?” I asked, though I didn’t think Ayaka was the type to care about that. As expected, she shot me a sharp look.

“I don’t want that. Some people have offered me five thousand yen or so, but when you think about it, that’s barely anything if you break it down to an hourly rate.”

Once she started talking, it seemed she was ready to spill everything.

“If you’re going to ask someone for a favor, at least offer something in return. Like taking notes for the classes I missed. That’s why they don’t get any help, those idiots.”

It was clear from her tone that the people she was referring to were guys. I could tell it wasn’t easy for her to refuse since she was trying to maintain her friendly image on the surface.

I didn’t remember Ayaka being this much of a people pleaser in high school, so this must be a new burden she’s dealing with in college. But there was one glaring issue.

“Why do I have to give my notes to people who offer me nothing in return when we’re all spending the same time in class?” she continued.

…That’s right. I borrow Ayaka’s notes all the time.

It sounds nice if I say I’m not a morning person, but honestly, it’s just laziness. I’ve skipped countless classes and asked Ayaka for her notes each time. Even when I did attend, I often ended up borrowing her notes because they were easier to understand.

I realized I hadn’t really given her anything in return, despite her talking about equal exchanges. Guilt started to rise up inside me all at once.

“…I get it now. I understood it in my head, but actually hearing it makes me reflect. I’m sorry. Seriously, I really am,” I said, apologizing cautiously.

Ayaka blinked in surprise.

“It’s fine. You’re good, you know?” she replied.

“Huh?”

“Don’t suddenly apologize like that,” she laughed.

“Why am I ‘good’?” I asked, puzzled.

“Well, giving you my notes might actually be beneficial for me,” she said, leaving me confused.

I tried to fully grasp the meaning of her words and ended up coughing in surprise.

“Wha—what do you mean by that?!”

“I mean I can use you to return the favor later,” she replied with a smirk.

With a grin, Ayaka walked into the lecture hall ahead of me.

That was a nasty joke, and I silently vowed to never treat her again.