My Daily Life as the Reliable Best Friend of a Dense Rom-Com Protagonist Childhood Friend Is Way Too Much Like a Nukige

Chapter 45: “The School Idol and the Exhibitionist Date” (Part 2) ♡

The city I live in has two train lines. One runs straight through the city center and continues out of the prefecture. The other is a loop line that circles the entire city. No matter how many stops you ride, the fare is the same. Pretty economical.

The class rep and I boarded the loop line. Since it was a weekday afternoon during summer break, the car was nearly empty. Only a few scattered passengers were sitting here and there, so we easily found seats.

However, the class rep and I weren’t sitting next to each other. She was sitting across the aisle, facing me. Her face was flushed as she stared at her phone screen. I sent her a message.

『Stay seated like that for a while.』

『Yes, Master.』

The class rep glanced up at me. Without saying a word, I slipped my hand into my pocket and turned on the vibrator.

—Click.

“Nnn…♡ Nnu…♡”

The class rep trembled and let out a sensual moan. She rubbed her thighs together, desperately trying to endure the pleasure. I sent the next message.

『Lift your skirt and show me your panties.』

“!?”

The class rep looked at me in shock. There was no one sitting nearby, so there was no real risk of being seen, but she still seemed hesitant to lift her skirt in public. I turned the dial up one level.

—Click.

“Fuuu!?♡♡♡ Nn…♡ A…♡ Haa haa♡”

The class rep’s face turned bright red as she panted. I gave her a meaningful look. This is an order.

“Nn♡ …Nnuu♡”

The class rep swallowed hard, then shakily pinched the hem of her skirt. She glanced around nervously before slowly lifting it.

“!”

I held my breath. She actually lifted her skirt on the train. What a massive pervert.

Under the class rep’s skirt — a small receiver-like device was strapped to her thigh with a belt, and a cord ran into her panties. Her plain white shorts were completely soaked, clearly outlining the shape of her slit. It was insanely erotic.

『That’s enough. You can lower it now.』

“!♡ Fuu fuu…!♡”

The class rep held down her skirt and looked around frantically. From my side, I confirmed that no one had noticed her suspicious behavior.

“Haa… haa…♡ Nn♡♡ Nnuu♡ Fuu fuu♡”

The class rep looked at me with hazy eyes. It was as if she was asking, What’s your next order?

The train arrived at the next station, so I held off for a moment. Three new passengers boarded our car. One of them — a young office lady — sat down next to the class rep, leaving one seat between them.

“…………”

I rested my chin on my hand and thought. Considering the risk, maybe this was a good time to stop?

When I moved my finger away from the remote, a message from the class rep arrived.

『Master. I can cum.』

I looked up at her. She was staring straight at me with eyes full of firm resolve.

This girl has such a weak mentality, yet she’s so aggressive when it comes to exhibitionism…

『Understood.』

I sent a short reply and placed my finger on the dial. If she was that determined, I’d commit too. I twisted the dial all the way to maximum in one go.

—Click click click click!

“OH!?!?♡♡♡♡ Hooo…!!♡♡♡”

The class rep hunched forward, clutching her stomach. Her face was so red it looked like her nose might start bleeding. Her eyes were completely unfocused. She was lost in pleasure.

At this point, the buzzing of the vibrator was faintly audible even from where I sat.

—Vvvvvv! Vvvvvvvv!!

“Fuuuunnn!♡♡♡ Nn♡♡ Nnn~~~~~~!!♡♡♡”

The class rep clutched her crotch over her skirt and bounced her legs up and down. She was desperately trying to escape the pleasure, but she was on a train. There was nowhere to run. Waves of pleasure kept shooting from her crotch straight to her brain. No normal person could endure this.

Even the office lady next to her finally noticed something was wrong. She gently tapped the class rep’s shoulder.

“Are you okay? Can you hold it until the next station? We’re almost there, just hang in there!”

“Hiu.”

She seemed to think the class rep was desperately holding in pee. What a kind older sister. In reality, however, there was a vibrator buried in the class rep’s pussy, vibrating at full power.

“Hm? Your phone is ringing, are you okay?”

The office lady tilted her head. The vibrating sound was definitely coming from between the class rep’s legs, but her actual phone wasn’t vibrating at all.

After a brief pause, the office lady’s eyes widened in realization.

“Wait… you don’t mean…”

“—Ah. Ahii♡♡ A…………!!♡♡♡”

The class rep finally fulfilled her long-held dream of having someone witness her exposure play, and literally ascended.

“Aaaaahhh!!♡♡♡♡ ~~~~~~~~~~!!♡♡♡♡♡”

—Shake shake shake! Twitch twitch!!

As the class rep spasmed violently with a silent scream, the office lady stared at her in shock, her face bright red.

“Eh… No way… for real?”

There was no way to talk ourselves out of this. The train had just arrived at the next station anyway — perfect timing.

I stood up, helped the class rep — who was on the verge of passing out from her orgasm face — to her feet, and put my arm around her waist to support her as we walked.

“Sorry about that. She seems to be having some kind of attack from a condition she has. I’ll take her out.”

“Ah, um… okay…”

The office lady looked down, her face bright red. I felt genuinely sorry.

Supporting the class rep, who could barely walk, I somehow managed to get her off the platform.

Chapter 46: “The School Idol and the Exhibitionist Date” (Part 3) ♡

I managed to drag the class rep off the platform and into the station concourse, but now I was at a complete loss for what to do with her.

She was barely standing, supported by my arm around her waist. Her legs were shaking, her face was drenched in sweat, and her eyes were unfocused. She was completely lost in orgasm. It would already be bad if people thought she was drunk despite being underage, but the worst-case scenario was people thinking she was on hard drugs. That would get the police called immediately.

After some hesitation, I took her into the bathroom. In my panic, I brought her into the men’s restroom. But if I went into the women’s, I’d definitely get reported. Luckily, there was no one else inside. I took her into a stall, sat her on the toilet, and locked the door behind us.

“Now… what do I do with this?”

In hindsight, the accessible restroom would’ve been the safest choice. But even I felt guilty about that. I’m not shameless enough to think “It’s called multi-purpose, so it’s fine to use it for sex!” While dragging a girl into the men’s bathroom already threw morals out the window.

“Master… I have a request.”

The class rep looked up at me with completely melted eyes.

“Please put your cock inside me♡”

“Do you even understand the situation?”

We were in a men’s restroom where people constantly came and went. Even in a stall, having sex here was extremely risky. I was about to lecture her when she shakily stood up, placed both hands on the closed toilet lid, and presented her ass to me.

“I’ve been made to cum so many times by the toy♡ My pussy is aching so badly♡ I’m going crazy.”

“You’re already crazy.”

To be honest, my own mind was pretty far gone too. After all, I was rock hard. And for good reason — a thick, feminine scent was wafting from under her skirt. Her pussy was probably flooded. It would feel incredible if I put it in.

“I know it’s reckless, but… try to keep your voice down as much as possible.”

“…Yeees♡”

I don’t know if she actually understood. Well, at this point, I was in this with her. If anything happened, I’d take responsibility. So… it should be fine, right?

I took out a condom I always carried for emergencies, rolled it onto my cock, and pushed it against her dripping entrance. I slid in without much resistance.

—Zupupupu!!

“Ooh♡♡♡”

The class rep moaned as I entered. Her insides were incredibly hot and slippery, greedily sucking me in.

“Uuuunnn♡♡♡ It’s in♡ Your cock is inside me♡♡ So big♡♡ This is my favorite♡♡”

“You’re sucking me so tightly. Your pussy is so hot I feel like my cock’s gonna burn.”

Just lightly moving my hips sent sparks flying through my head. The immoral thrill of fucking in a public restroom only made it harder to hold back.

The class rep turned her face toward me, drooling as she smiled lewdly.

“Master♡ Please use me as your personal toilet♡ I’ll become your exclusive cumdump♡”

“Where the hell did you learn to talk like that? Is there some pervert seminar or something?”

I thrust into her with rhythmic strokes. The class rep thrashed her hair and let out raw, carnal moans.

“Hauunn♡♡ Nhi♡♡ Ouuun♡♡ My stomach is getting churned♡♡ Your cock♡ It’s too big♡♡”

“I told you to keep your voice down.”

“Nhyiiii!?♡♡♡”

For fun, I turned the vibrator back on. The toy buzzed inside her ass. The vibrations traveled through her intestinal wall into her pussy, making her insides tremble violently.

“Kaha♡♡ Aaaaaahhh♡♡ What is this♡ My ass♡♡ My ass is going crazy!!♡♡”

“Feels good, right? Your pussy is writhing like crazy.”

Every thrust sent vibrations through my cock as well, bringing unknown pleasure. When I pressed my cock against the side of her ass and ground hard, the head rubbed against the vibrator through her flesh. It felt incredible.

“Kaha♡♡ AAAAAAHH♡♡ I’m cumming, I’m cumming!!♡♡ I’m gonna cuuuuum!!♡♡”

—Twitch twitch twitch! Twitch!!

The class rep spasmed violently, cumming over and over. Each orgasm made her pussy clamp down hard, squeezing my cock like it wanted to crush it. It felt so good I thought I’d lose my mind.

“I’m turning it up. Think you can handle it?”

“Nhyiiiiii!?♡♡♡”

I cranked the remote to maximum. An insane amount of vibration transmitted through my cock. Her pussy convulsed nonstop. Naturally, the class rep kept cumming, letting out silent screams.

“~~~~~~~~~~!?!?!?♡♡♡ ~~~~~~~~~~!!!♡♡♡♡♡”

—Shlorp shlorp! Shlororororo!!

At some point, the class rep had lost control of her bladder. She clung to the toilet, spasming wildly as she wet herself. Breathing in the thick, sexual stench, I thrust wildly and finally came.

“Ooh. Fuu. Shit. It’s milking me dry.”

I pumped out every last drop. Looking down at the class rep with deep satisfaction, I saw she had passed out on the toilet.

“Shit. I went too far… Well, whatever.”

I calmly cleaned up after ourselves—.

…………

……

Thankfully, no one noticed our little session. We quickly left the restroom and hopped on the train home.

“Thank you for today. That was the best feeling I’ve ever had in my life.”

“What am I supposed to do if you get addicted? I’m worried about your future.”

“You don’t have to worry. I won’t do anything like this with anyone but Tomokun. I could never be satisfied with anyone else.”

We openly had dirty conversations in the nearly empty train car. Orange evening sunlight streamed through the windows.

Eventually, the train arrived at my station. Since the class rep lived at the next stop, this is where we parted.

“See you at school. Don’t overdo the masturbation.”

As I stepped onto the platform, she grabbed my arm from behind. I turned around in surprise — and her face filled my vision.

—Chu♡

“!?”

Before I knew it, the class rep had kissed me. I was stunned, but she smiled mischievously.

“A thank-you kiss for bullying me so much♡ Were you surprised?”

“…………”

“See you later! Tomokun♪”

The doors closed between us, and the train slowly pulled away. The class rep waved at me through the window.

Left behind on the platform, I scratched my head roughly. She probably didn’t mean anything by it, but…

“If I were still a virgin, I might’ve fallen for you just now.”

Well, I’m completely devoted to Shiina, so a kiss like that won’t shake me.

I slipped my hand into my pocket to calm my raging erection and headed home—.

Chapter 47: “My Birthday Mini Party”

Today is August 31st. The long yet short summer break is finally coming to an end.

Looking back, I’d say this was a much denser and more enjoyable summer than usual. The biggest reason was probably the changes in my relationships. My long-stagnant connection with Shiina took a big step forward, and I gained a new friend in Ati. I also grew close enough with Runa-senpai from work to hang out privately, and even helped the class rep with her exhibitionist tendencies. I’m not sure if the last one counts as a good thing, but overall, I can confidently say my summer break was very fulfilling.

And today, since it’s the day before my birthday, Shiina and Ati came over to celebrate with me.

Actually, they’re already here. They’re happily chatting and cooking together in the kitchen I barely use except to make coffee. With the heart of a Buddha, I sat in my room drinking coffee.

“Hey, should I help with something?”

When I peeked into the kitchen out of boredom, the two girls in aprons turned toward me.

“You’re the star of the day, Okayu, so just relax.”

“Exactly! We’re celebrating the birth of my most precious best friend, Tomo. Even Jesus wouldn’t help set up his own birthday party, right?”

“By that logic, I shouldn’t even be allowed to attend my own birthday party.”

I’d end up watching my own celebration from heaven while biting my finger.

“It’ll be ready soon, so just wait.”

Shiina smiled gently at me. I almost wanted to call her “Mom.”

A short while later, the two brought the food to the table. Golden-brown fried chicken, potato salad, and a chocolate cake. All of them are my favorites.

“You really managed to make all this in such a tiny kitchen.”

“I fried the chicken here, but the potato salad was made by Ati-chan at her house, and we bought the cake.”

“Mama helped me cook! It was so much fun♪”

“I see… Thank you.”

My chest felt warm. I’m really blessed with my childhood friend and new friends. Kimio? Never heard of him.

“Come on, let’s eat before it gets cold!”

“The potato salad and cake were cold to begin with!”

“Ati, you didn’t need to point that out.”

We sat at the table and devoured the food. The fried chicken was juicy, the potato salad was creamy and delicious! (Vocabulary: limited.)

Good food always makes conversation flow better.

“By the way, I listened to that idol song Shii-chan recommended. It’s a genre I don’t usually listen to, but it was really catchy and fun!”

“Right~? As expected of Ati-chan! You get it♪”

“More idol stuff, huh? You really like that.”

“Idol activities are great. They bring color to life.”

I can understand the feeling. Idols are sacred. I don’t think there’s a gender difference in that emotion.

“Dad and Mom are big Ohtani fans, and my grandparents are all about Fujii-kun.”

“We’ve reached the era of national idol activities.”

It’s funny how the middle-aged and older generations who criticize “idol activities” are often the ones most deeply immersed in supporting their favorite baseball or soccer teams, getting excited or depressed over their favorite players’ performances. That’s also idol activity — they just don’t realize it.

“Having a single favorite is dangerous though. The shock when they betray you is too big. It’s smarter to have multiple favorites and spread out the risk.”

“Hedging your bets with idols feels wrong somehow.”

“My favorites are Tomo and Shii-chan. What’s it called… a coupling? It’s very precious.”

“Ahaha… Thank you, Ati-chan.”

Ati’s innocent comment left Shiina flustered. I wanted to tell her to keep going.

“Alright, next is present time!”

Shiina clapped her hands, her cheeks slightly flushed. The two of them brought out wrapped bags from behind them.

『Okayu / Tomo! Happy Birthday!』

“Ooh. Thanks.”

I accepted their presents. After confirming it was okay to open them, I unwrapped the packages. First was Shiina’s gift — a soft, fluffy folded blanket.

“Heeh, a lap blanket.”

It had a nice woolly texture. It’s still too early to use, but it’ll come in handy once summer ends.

“Another practical gift after last year’s mug.”

“I didn’t want to give you something you wouldn’t use.”

That kind of consideration is what makes Shiina who she is. I really want her as my girlfriend.

“I’ll make good use of it. Thanks.”

“Yeah. This apartment gets cold in winter, so stay warm with this.”

While feeling touched by my childhood friend’s kindness, I opened Ati’s gift next. Inside the colorful, stylish packaging was—

“Bath salts from me. It’s a really nice scented one that I use too.”

“Bath salts, huh. I’d never buy them myself, but they’re nice to receive.”

It felt more like a regular gift than a birthday present, but it still scored high points.

Ati smiled brightly.

“Winter gets cold, so please warm up with these♪”

“Interestingly, both presents have the same concept. Did you two coordinate?”

“Nope. Pure coincidence.”

“We’re just that close♡”

“Right~♡”

Even though it’s my birthday, the two of them are having a very yuri moment smiling at each other. Throw me in there too lol.

After finishing the meal with cake, Ati eventually started dozing off. She looked like she might keel over any second.

“Blood sugar spike, huh. After eating that much, yeah.”

“Ati-chan, do you want to use Okayu’s bed?”

“Fua… Yes… Excuse me…”

Ati crawled into my bed and soon fell asleep with gentle breathing.

“Okayu, happy birthday.”

“What’s with the sudden seriousness?”

At some point Shiina had moved beside me and was looking into my face. Her eyes looked a little moist…

“Chu.”

“Nnu♡”

Thinking she wanted a kiss, I pressed my lips to hers. Shiina kissed me back with a soft chu. Looks like I guessed right. I pulled her close by the waist and kissed her passionately.

“Nn♡ No♡ Ati-chan is sleeping right there♡”

“You’re the one who started it.”

“I didn’t start… Nn♡ No. Your kisses feel too good♡”

Shiina wrapped her arms around my neck and sucked on my lips. I suddenly remembered hearing somewhere that chocolate used to be used as an aphrodisiac.

“Shiina… I can’t hold back anymore.”

“Okayu♡ Me neither.”

…Just then, I felt a gaze. Shiina and I turned toward the bed while still embracing. Ati was looking down at us with a wide grin.

“Shouldn’t you two just start dating already?♡”

“See? I think so too.”

“Mou! Ati-chan! Okayu!”

Shiina’s face turned bright red as she shouted. Ati and I burst out laughing.

And so, my birthday party came to a close.

…………

……

“See you at school.”

“Tomo! See you tomorrow!”

“Yeah. See you.”

I saw the two of them off at the door. After watching them walk away together, I let out a big sigh.

“Summer’s really over.”

But the reason I feel so happy is definitely thanks to them.

For some reason, I really want a cup of coffee right now. A really bitter one.

“It’s too sweet… somehow.”

Humming to myself, I stepped back into the room and slowly closed the door.

Chapter 48: Extra Chapter: “Casual Girl’s Talk”

――I want to get closer to Ati-chan!

I became friends with her right before summer break started. Since we’re students and see each other at school almost every day, we naturally grew close. But during summer break, we both have our own plans, so the chances to meet up are limited. You might think it’s fine to take it slow and deepen our friendship once the second semester starts, but high school second-year summer only comes once. Wanting to get closer and enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime summer together isn’t weird at all, right?

“They say strike while the iron is hot. Stuff like this needs momentum!”

I operated my phone and sent Ati-chan a message: “Want to go get tea again sometime?” She replied almost immediately, enthusiastically saying, “Yes please! When would you like to go?”

I called her. The call connected right away.

“Hello? This is Ati!”

“Ati-chan, sorry for calling so suddenly.”

“Not at all! I never expected Shii-chan to call me. It’s too much for someone as lowly as me!”

“You’re being way too humble.”

I giggled. Ati-chan’s unique way of speaking always hits my funny bone.

“Is it okay to talk right now? You’re not busy?”

“I’m totally fine. I was just finishing up some homework at home.”

“Wow, impressive. It’s still only the first half of summer break.”

“I’m the type who prefers to finish things early so I can enjoy the rest of break without worry. Well, it’s been a while since I’ve had homework though.”

Come to think of it, Ati-chan didn’t go to middle school, right? That legendary speech of hers still moves me even now. She’s a brave girl. Truly worthy of respect. That’s exactly why I want to get closer to her.

Actually, I once asked Okayu about it. He laughed and said:

“Ati’s way of closing the distance is insane, but she’s a really good person. You two would definitely get along.”

“Eh? That much?”

“Yeah. Once she thinks ‘I like this person!’, she’ll close the distance at sports car speed. She’s basically a Golden Retriever.”

She really is the type who gets really close. It’s almost worrying how unguarded she is, but knowing she trusts me that much doesn’t feel bad at all.

“Back to the main topic. About getting tea again—can I ask about your schedule, Ati-chan?”

“Other than a family trip next week, I have no plans. Feel free to invite me anytime.”

“Okay, the days I don’t have club are this day and this day, so――”

The conversation went smoothly, and before I knew it, the day had arrived.

“Shii-chan!”

“Ati-chan!”

We gave each other a big hug right after meeting up. She smelled really nice. Passersby giggled as they watched.

“Ati-chan, your outfit today is cute too. It suits you.”

“I’m so happy! Mom picked it out for me. You look wonderful too, Shii-chan!”

“Thanks. It’s hot, so let’s cool off in the café.”

“Yes. Are we going to ‘Smaba’ again today?”

“Yep. Let’s go!”

As usual, we headed to Smatabucks. As soon as we entered, we were greeted by the refined sound of jazz music and the fragrant aroma of coffee. It really is a nice shop.

“Welcome♪ Oh?”

The staff member came over to us. It was Runa-san. She narrowed her eyes and looked at me and Ati-chan in turn.

“Today it’s just the two of you, huh. Tomocchi is off work today.”

“Today is my date day with Ati-chan.”

“Ehehe. I have Shii-chan all to myself.”

“Ahaha. Tomocchi’s gonna be so jealous if he hears that. —Well then, right this way♪”

Runa-san showed us to our seats, and we ordered two coffees and cakes. Of course, Ati-chan got hers with extra milk.

“We’ve become total regulars here, huh.”

“Yeah. Was it really okay not to invite Tomo?”

I smiled softly and looked straight into Ati-chan’s blue eyes.

“Yep. Today is the day I get closer to Ati-chan.”

“Fuwaa… My heart’s racing…!”

Ati-chan blushed and fidgeted with her fingers. I finally understood why Okayu doted on her so much. She’s incredibly honest and has great reactions. She’s the kind of girl everyone loves.

Ati-chan looked up at me with a shy smile.

“I also want to get closer to Shii-chan. Ehehe.”

“Mmm. You’re so cute.”

If I were a guy, I definitely wouldn’t leave her alone. I don’t know how Okayu keeps his reason intact… Wait, no, he’s probably already making moves on her.

I pouted and muttered under my breath.

“Okayu has no self-restraint at all.”

“Shii-chan?”

“Nothing… Oh, looks like the coffee’s here.”

Runa-san brought over a tray with our coffees and cakes. I got the baked cheesecake, and Ati-chan got the strawberry tart. They both looked delicious.

After we both moistened our lips with coffee, I started the conversation.

“Today I want you to tell me more about yourself, Ati-chan.”

“Of course. Anything I can talk about, I will. I also want to know more about you, Shii-chan.”

“Yeah… This feels kind of like a marriage interview.”

“A marriage interview? Then let me ask first.”

Ati-chan leaned forward eagerly.

“Straight to the point — when was your first time?”

“Whoa, too close! Your distance-closing is on another level!”

“Was it?”

“Yeah… I thought a sports car was coming, but a jet plane showed up instead.”

“Tomo gave me advice. He said, ‘If you want to get close to someone, hit them with dirty talk right away and you’ll bond instantly.’”

“That advice is only for guys talking to guys! It’s fine since it’s me, but if you suddenly drop dirty talk on another girl, she’ll get wary.”

Okayu, what exactly are you teaching her!? I’m lecturing you later!

“You’re supposed to start with hobbies and stuff. Once you’re closer, that kind of topic is okay too.”

“I see, so there’s strategy involved! If you only go full aggression you’ll get controlled easily. Friendship requires mid-range maneuvering ability.”

“Sometimes I really don’t understand what you’re saying, Ati-chan.”

I wonder if Okayu would get it. I’ll ask him later.

Ati-chan’s eyes sparkled.

“Is this what they call girl’s talk? I’ve always admired it.”

“Starting girl’s talk with first-time stories feels a bit too slutty though.”

I smiled wryly and ate my cheesecake. It was rich and delicious. Vocabulary note.

“Can you tell me about your hobbies, Ati-chan?”

“Let’s see. I read manga, watch anime, and play games. I’m what you’d call an otaku.”

“People don’t really use the word ‘otaku’ much anymore.”

“That’s because even extroverted people casually watch anime now. The era when ‘otaku’ was a derogatory term is over, and at the same time, being an otaku stopped being a strong identity.”

“Hmm. This is getting kind of deep.”

Still, I feel like I’m starting to understand Ati-chan better. She’s a classic old-school otaku.

“What about your hobbies, Shii-chan? Tennis?”

“I do tennis for club, but whether it’s my favorite… Well, it might be my top one. But honestly, I just like moving my body. Sweating feels good, right?”

“Ugh! So bright…! Is this the extrovert aura…? It’s too strong for us introverts.”

“What kind of reaction is that? By the way, are you good at sports, Ati-chan?”

“Can you imagine a former hikikomori sinking a basketball dunk?”

“That would actually be pretty cool with the surprise factor.”

She’s bad at sports, huh. Okayu is more of an indoor type too, so they’d probably get along. Hmm, noted.

“I also like cooking. Both making it and eating it. When I go to a good restaurant and get along with the staff, I sometimes get recipes from them.”

“Eh? Your communication power is breaking through the heavens. I can’t even talk to strangers.”

Ati-chan went beyond respect and looked slightly creeped out. Huh? I was trying to close the distance, but it feels like it’s opening instead.

While nibbling on her strawberry tart, Ati-chan looked me in the eyes.

“Shii-chan, don’t you like Tomo?”

“Eh?”

“How do you feel about him?”

Her eyes were very serious. I could have dodged the question, but I answered honestly.

“I like him.”

“In a romantic way?”

“In a childhood friend way. I know all his good points and bad points. Overall, I like him.”

“Hmm. So that’s different from romantic liking?”

Ati-chan pressed further. This girl really wants to push me and Okayu together. Hmm. My answer might not be what she wants to hear, but…

“I don’t think human liking and romantic liking are necessarily the same. Of course they overlap a lot, but they say it’s wonderful if you can date someone you respect. I think if I dated Okayu, it would probably go well.”

“But you’re not dating him. That’s the part I don’t understand.”

Ati-chan folded her arms and tilted her head side to side. I’m aware that I’m in a complicated love situation. But I can’t easily throw away feelings that have been ingrained in me since I was little.

At the same time, there’s also a part of me that is attracted to him, and I sometimes feel self-loathing for that. Romance really is full of troublesome things.

“What about you, Ati-chan? You like Okayu, right?”

When I asked, Ati-chan nodded firmly.

“Of course I love him. But like I told you before, I don’t do romance.”

“Because friendship is the most precious relationship… right?”

“That’s part of it. But it’s also simply a question.”

Ati-chan took a sip of coffee, breathed out, and said:

“What is something you can only do with a lover that you can’t do with a friend?”

“Eh?”

The reply was so unexpected that my mind froze.

Ati-chan looked me in the eyes and continued pressing.

“I have fun talking with Tomo, play together, and sometimes do lewd things too. Aren’t those things that couples do in general? Isn’t there anything you can only do with a lover that you can’t do with a friend?”

“Ugh…”

I was completely on the defensive. I couldn’t answer Ati-chan’s question.

Ati-chan smiled and took my hand.

“If I were to have a lover, I think Tomo would be ideal. But even if we went from friends to lovers, I think nothing would really change. That’s why I can’t find a reason to step up from friends to lovers with Tomo, and that’s exactly why I declare that I won’t do romance.”

I was completely defeated. I honestly admitted my loss.

“You’re strong, Ati-chan.”

“Strong?”

“Yeah. People can’t analyze their own hearts that well. It’s actually really scary.”

“I don’t really understand… but if that’s the case, maybe my experience as a shut-in is helping.”

Because I had so many opportunities to converse with myself, Ati-chan concluded. I feel like I understand Ati-chan now. This girl is really complicated.

“I like you even more now, Ati-chan.”

“Eh? Where in that conversation was there any element that would make you like me? I was nervous thinking I might have made you hate me instead.”

I smiled brightly.

“I like complicated girls.”

“!!”

Ati-chan’s face turned bright red. She was panicking and flustered in a way you wouldn’t expect from the girl who had just been dominating the debate.

“…If you confessed to me, Shii-chan, I might say okay.”

“Ahaha.”

I got thoroughly beaten down, but landing that one counterattack felt good.

Ati-chan fanned her flushed face with her hand and said:

“Was this girl’s talk?”

“Who knows. If we’re having fun talking, doesn’t that make it girl’s talk?”

At the very least, I had a lot of fun. I have plenty of good friends, but this might be the first time I’ve met a girl I could talk to so openly.

And after this happened, I came to like Ati-chan even more. We went from friends to best friends. This is just a trivial little episode to be placed in the corner of the story.

But for me, it’s one precious page of memories.