I Was Reincarnated As a Man who Steals The Protagonist’s Childhood Friend - 21 - So Close, Yet So Far Away

Ueno Chisa POV

“So, um, what brings you here, Hoshino-san?”

Well, I didn’t see this coming, but here we are – Hoshino-san standing in front of Aniki’s apartment. I’m curious about why she’s here in the first place; that’s what I aim to find out.

“I have something to ask from you, Chisa.”

“Yeah, but before that, let’s head inside Aniki’s place, shall we?”

Since this might take a while, I suggest we go indoors. I lead the way with Hoshino-san trailing behind. She’s dressed casually, but you could easily mistake her for someone in the fashion business. That’s just how stunning she is. I can’t help but wonder how Aniki became friends with such a gorgeous girl.

“Feel free to make yourself at home, Hoshino-san. Oh, right. I’m making breakfast and lunch for Aniki. Would you like some?”

“Ah, no, thank you for the offer, Chisa.”

Stomach grumbles

Well, that was kind of… awkward.

“Looks like someone didn’t agree. Just wait a moment; I’ll be preparing soon. In the meantime, please take a seat over there.” I gesture to the dining room table, and Hoshino-san obediently goes to sit.

I grab some bacon and eggs from the fridge and start frying them. Then, I prepare the sliced bread I bought from the supermarket and assemble the bacon and egg sandwich.

“Here you go, Hoshino-san.” I hand the freshly made sandwich to the silent Hoshino-san.

“T-Thank you, Chisa.”

We both eat the sandwich together. This is really awkward. I wish Aniki were here.

“So, what is it that you wanted to ask me?” I inquire.

“Uhm, I… What do you do when you’re in a situation where you get friend-zoned by your friend? Should we keep the relationship as it is, or should I start avoiding her?”

Aniki, what in the world did you do to Hoshino?

“Hmmm… Let’s see. I think the former would be the best option.”

“But why, Chisa?”

“I mean, maybe he has a reason for only seeing you as a friend. Perhaps he’s not ready to take things further from your current relationship?” I offer her my perspective.

“It’s about Aniki, right?”

“!!”

Looks like I hit the mark here.

“Ever since that day, I…” as she begins to say something, she suddenly starts crying.

“Hoshino-san??? What’s wrong??” I rush to her side to try and calm her down. I wasn’t prepared for this turn of events.

Eventually, she stops crying and continues.

“Ever since that day, I… don’t know if Takeshi-kun would still forgive me for what I have done.”

Well, this is news to me. Aniki didn’t really talk much about his past. In fact, he doesn’t even tell me.

“What do you mean, Hoshino-san? Did something happen between the two of you before?”

“…”

She paused for a moment. Eventually, she speaks again.

“It was around the last year of our middle school.”

Ueno Takeshi POV

“I… lost…” Chinatsu says, slowly descending to the ground. Fortunately, Airi is there to catch her.

“Kyaaa! Airi-chan is so cool! I wish I was the one falling so Airi-chan could catch me!” Natsu exclaims in a girly voice.

“Ughhh, I think I’m gonna puke seeing you act like that.”

The race lasts about 5 minutes, with three laps making it quite interesting. Initially, Chinatsu takes the lead, but unexpectedly, Airi manages to slip past her and ultimately wins the race. I couldn’t believe my eyes witnessing this turn of events. I thought Airi couldn’t beat her, but hot dang, what a surprise moment we have here.

“You did say that the loser would do anything the winner commands, right?” Chinatsu asks, looking at us to confirm the conditions of the rules in this ‘friendly’ competition. Both Natsu and I nod.

“Y-yeah,” Natsu replies.

“Then, how about becoming friends with us?”

“Huh?”

The three of us, including Chinatsu, are shocked by Airi’s unexpected words.

“W-What do you mean, Suzuki-san?”

“Exactly what I mean. I’ve always wanted to have a competitive friend like you.”

“Eh, uhm… So…”

“Would you accept it or not?” Airi says, extending her hand to her opponent.

Eventually, Chinatsu shakes Airi’s hand, creating a pact for the two of them.

“Then, looking forward to becoming your friend starting today.”

“A-Ah, me too.”

“What a sudden turn of events.” Those are the only words that come to mind. Today sure packs one heck of surprises.

“I know, right? As her boyfriend, I’m glad that she made another friend in the most unexpected way.” Airi looks at the two girls as they continue running in the field.

“Do you know, Takeshi? Airi is really bad at interacting with people. Even though she’s a popular girl in her class, she hasn’t really interacted with her classmates except you and me.”

“Huh. I didn’t know about that. Wait, you didn’t tell me how you became her boyfriend in the first place?”

“Ah, right. I haven’t told you about it, huh. It’s not really a romantic first meeting, but I first saw her during the opening ceremony and thought, ‘damn, she looks beautiful. I would love to be her girlfriend,’ and here we are.”

Oh wow, I never thought I’d hear about how he managed to get a girlfriend like Airi, but here we are.

“Love really changes you, literally.”

Love, huh. I wonder what it feels like being loved?