I'm in a Messed Up Situation that I Couldn't Care More. - Chapter 25 [Yamaguchi Yuuka] I Hate Aoi

Chapter 25 – [Yamaguchi Yuuka] I Hate Aoi

“Huh? You’re treating me? I’m looking forward to it.”

Kashitani-kun said, tilting his head slightly and smiling.

I had expected to be rejected, so hearing him say he was looking forward to it made me incredibly happy.

“Hmm? This doesn’t look like a ramen shop, though?”

I took him to an izakaya instead.

Now that I think about it, if we went for ramen, we would probably part ways as soon as we finished eating.

“They have really delicious ramen here.”

I said something random to justify my choice.

“I see.”

Kashitani-kun is so honest.

If someone says, “This is how it is,” he’ll simply accept it with a “Hmm.”

I liked that about him as well.

We clinked our glasses for a toast.

I ordered a cocktail.

Kashitani-kun said,

“I’m still a minor, so…”

and opted for a non-alcoholic beer.

“Eh? Are you serious?”

“Well, to be honest, I’m not a big fan of alcohol.

The last time I drank with friends, I lost my memory.

I think I’m weak when it comes to alcohol. I might not be able to drink even after I turn twenty.”

That’s what he had said.

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“Eh? You’ve known Aoi-chan since elementary school?”

“No, since kindergarten.”

“Wow!! And you ended up in the same university and the same club…?”

“It’s like a long-standing connection with Aoi.”

I forced a bitter smile.

“Aoi has been good at martial arts since she was little… because her family runs a traditional martial arts dojo.”

“Heeh~!”

Kashitani-kun’s eyes sparkled as he listened intently to my story.

He’s incredibly handsome, but his gestures are so cute.

And talking to him is just fun.

I tend to be popular with guys.

In high school, I was confessed to all the time.

But because of my “future fiancé,” I always put the brakes on any potential romance.

And then there’s Aoi.

She always interfered with my romantic pursuits.

“That guy might be a Worm.”

“What about your future fiancé?”

She would say things like that to get in the way.

But recently, my thinking has changed.

What if the “future fiancé” I meet in the future isn’t my type at all?

Do I have to marry him without ever experiencing a wonderful romance?

If so, I want to have a full-fledged romance with a “super-my-type boyfriend” at least once.

Otherwise, I’ll definitely regret it for the rest of my life.

Lately, these thoughts have been getting stronger.

And then, Kashitani-kun confessed to me.

“I want to get to know you better…”

Kashitani-kun looked straight into my eyes and said.

(There you go. Most guys fall for me.

Because I’m cute…)

As I was thinking this, Kashitani-kun’s next words shocked me.

“I want to get to know Aoi-chan better!”

“Aoi-chan?”

“Yeah. I want to know more about her.”

Kashitani-kun munched on yakitori with a big smile on his face.

“Hey, Kashitani-kun.”

“Ah, you can call me Koichi.”

“Ko… Koichi. Didn’t you confess to me before? Was that…”

Kashitani-kun’s eyes widened as he looked at me.

“Did I confess to Yamaguchi-san…?”

After a moment, he slapped his thigh and exclaimed,

“Ah!”

He said as if he had just remembered.

“I’m sorry! That was a mistake. I’m really sorry.”

“A mistake!?”

I felt my face heating up.

“Yeah. I should have clarified when I realized it was a mistake. I’m sorry.”

“So… does that mean…”

“I’m in love with Aoi. I really like her.”

I felt the blood draining from my face.

My expression must have turned pale.

Aoi.

My childhood friend.

The one who always interfered with my romantic pursuits.

“I’m protecting Yamaguchi-senpai.”

That’s what she always said, acting superior.

Aoi is plain, flat-chested, and has a bad figure.

So, she always played the supporting role to my lead.

I wondered if she was jealous of my popularity with guys and that’s why she interfered.

That thought had crossed my mind before.

“Hee… I see. So, you like Aoi…?”

I looked into Kashitani-kun’s… Koichi’s eyes, trying to suppress the trembling in my voice.

“Yeah. It’s like love at first sight.

This is the first time I’ve fallen for a girl, and I’m a bit confused myself.”

Koichi smiled shyly.

I was so frustrated that I felt like going crazy.

Why?

Is Aoi going to get in the way again?

I don’t want to let Aoi have Koichi!!

That’s how I felt.

“I’ll be right back. I’m going to the bathroom.”

Koichi got up to go to the restroom.

I called the server and placed an order.

“One beer, please.”

I replaced his non-alcoholic beer with an alcoholic one.

Koichi returned to his seat and drank the beer.

“Hmm, this tastes different…?”

“Your glass was empty, so I ordered a new one.

But it’s still non-alcoholic, so it’s fine…”

“Oh, I see. Thanks.”

Koichi took another big gulp of the beer.