My Childhood Friend Who is My Girlfriend was Stolen by My Best Friend. From Now on, I'll Flirt with My Ex-Best Friend's Little Sister! - Chapter 37

Shopping Trip

“Well, I guess we’ll continue living together for now.”

Right now, both me and Rinka are on the way home from the Nakajo household.

A somewhat heavy and gloomy atmosphere envelops us.

As we walk in a residential area, Rinka said so little louder than usual.

I scratch my cheek with my index finger.

“Yeah, I guess so. But I don’t think we’ll be able to continue living together for long.”

“Ughh…w-when that time comes, let’s ask Dad about continuing living together!”

“I can only see myself getting killed…”

“It’ll be fine. If Senpai is about to get killed, then—”

“Then?”

“Then I’ll let myself get killed along with you. We’ll die together♡”

“That sounds heavy and scary!”

“Hehe…ehehe…we’ll always be together. Forever and ever.”

I wonder if Rinka might end up killing me one day.

Sighing softly, I can’t help but feel Rinka is turning into a yandere.

Rinka closes the distance between us and wraps her arms around my left arm.

“Aren’t you a little too close?”

“Are couples not allowed to be clingy?”

“Well, I mean, it’s fine, but…there are quite a few people I know around here. If we run into someone by chance, it could be troublesome, you know?”

“What’s that supposed to mean? Are you worried that people will find out that you’re dating me?”

“No, it’s not that…it’s just, kind of embarrassing.”

There’s a chance we might run into my classmates from middle school. Not that it would really matter if they find out, but it does feel a bit awkward.

“Mohh, you should just show it off. You have such a cute girlfriend after all.”

“That’s a bit out of character for me, though. But, well…maybe it’s okay to show off a little.”

“……”

“What’s wrong?”

“N-No, it’s just…I called myself a cute girlfriend, and now I’m feeling embarrassed. I was trying to joke around, but you didn’t respond like I thought, so I feel a little embarrassed.”

“Rinka, you are really cute.”

“W-What? What’s with the sudden compliment? If you’re trying to sweet-talk me, it won’t work, you know!”

“What’s the point of sweet-talking my own girlfriend…?”

Rinka’s eyes widen, and she quickly retorts back.

I keep walking forward, smiling wryly at her reaction.

As the station comes into view, Rinka suddenly stops in her tracks.

“Umm, Senpai…since we’re here, why don’t we take a little detour?”

“Sure. Where are we going?”

“That’s a surprise for when we get there♪”

She places her finger on her lips and smiles gently.

So, instead of heading straight home, we decided to take a little detour.

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After a short walk from the station, there’s a shopping mall.

Since it’s the weekend, the place is bustling with people. Families, groups of friends, couples—the mall is very lively.

Without telling me our exact destination, Rinka brings me to the clothing section…specifically, woman’s clothing section.

Everywhere I look, there are only women here. I feel incredibly out of place.

“U-Umm, Rinka…san? Why did you bring me here?”

“Fufufu. I thought it’s about time to get a sense of my boyfriend’s tastes and preferences.”

“Huh?”

“Basically, I’m checking out the kinds of clothes you like, Senpai. I’m also thinking about getting some new clothes, so this is perfect timing.”

“Alright, let’s go home.”

“No way! I figured Senpai would say that right away, so that’s why I kept it a secret.”

“That’s sneaky…”

“Tehe!”

“Not cute at all.”

“What!? You just called me cute earlier!”

She grabs my shoulders and starts shaking me back and forth.

With tears in her eyes, she glares up at me.

“C-Calm down. You’re cute. You’re really cute, Rinka!”

“Really?”

“Yeah.”

“Then, say ‘I love you, Rinka’.”

“W-Why?”

“Just say it.”

Rinka stares straight into my eyes.

Under the intensity of her gaze, I decide to give in.

“I…I love you, Rinka.”

“Thank you. I love you too, Toshiya-kun.”

“B-By the way, there are people around, you know. Let’s be a bit mindful.”

“Now that you mention it, yeah…I think even the store clerk’s starting to give us some looks.”

Rinka laughs awkwardly and picks up a red sweater nearby.

Still on its hanger, she holds it up against her body.

“How does it look, Senpai? Does it suit me?”

“I think it looks good on you.”

“Hmm. You don’t seem very enthusiastic. Are you not interested in your girlfriend’s outfits?”

“No, it’s not that…I’m just not used to places like this.”

To begin with, I’m not the type to buy a lot of clothes.

Cheap clothes are just fine, and I’ve never really care about fashion. To be precise, I just don’t have the sense to pay attention to fashion.

And yet, here I am, not even in the men’s clothing section, but in the women’s section.

As if being in an unfamiliar place isn’t enough, this spot has a bit of a ‘no-boys-allowed’ atmosphere, making me feel completely out of place.

“You’re worrying too much about what others think. Besides, you have me with you, so it’s fine. You have every right to be here.”

“Do I?”

“Yes. So, please help me with my shopping.”

“Well…if you say so.”

Just like that, I end up helping Rinka with her shopping.

I look around the store and pick up some clothes that catch my eye.

After getting permission from a store clerk to use the fitting room, Rinka smiles happily.

“Okay, I’ll try on the clothes you picked out for me, so wait right here, okay? And don’t even think about running away.”

“Yeah, I get it.”

Once Rinka enters the fitting room, I’m left alone in this place.

It feels like I’ve been abandoned here. I really want to run away.

However, I’m not the kind of person who would leave my girlfriend behind. I’m going to push through this awkward atmosphere.

But really, it feels like being on a women’s-only train!

As I’m clenching my fists to get through this awkward atmosphere,

“Oh…Naegi-kun, is that you?”

I hear a voice calling my name from behind.