My Popular-as-Hell Best Friend Is Annoying, So I Want to Get Him a Girlfriend and Shut Him Up

Chapter 121: Walking Home with Underclassmen

“A study group with Aoyagi-senpai!? Please let me join!”

After talking with Tsukikage Miharu and Kirita Akari, I caught up with Rando-dono and Ai-chan, who finished self-study about ten minutes before dismissal.

I was about to explain the details, but since we couldn’t linger at school so close to closing time, I ended up walking home with them.

As soon as we left the student entrance, I brought up the study group, and Rando-dono’s eyes sparkled as she eagerly agreed.

…Yeah, that’s the normal reaction, right?

Why were the humanities girls so unenthusiastic?

“Natori-senpai’s joining too, right? Then I have to be there!”

Rando-dono’s sparkling eyes now blaze with determination.

Seeing her so fired up makes me feel like inviting her was worth it.

“But is it okay? It’s all upperclassmen, right?”

Unlike the cheerful Rando-dono, Ai-chan seems worried about the study group’s vibe.

True, being the only first-year might make Rando-dono feel out of place.

“Ai-chan, I was hoping you’d join too.”

“Eh, me too!?”

I’d been talking with both in mind, but Ai-chan looks shocked, like she’s hearing this for the first time.

Even Rando-dono seems surprised by her reaction.

“Ai-chan, it was obviously an invite for both of us, right?”

“B-But, it’s about Aoyagi-senpai, so I thought I wasn’t involved…”

“Don’t overthink it. Sure, Uryu’s there, but so is Misono Izumo. Just think of it as getting study help from a club senpai. That’d make Rando-dono happy too, right?”

“Absolutely! I never dreamed I’d get to study with Ai-chan on a day off!”

“Sora-chan…”

Ai-chan’s eyes well up at Rando-dono’s sincere, straightforward words.

A cute exchange between two little animals—it’s like witnessing the miracle of life.

“O-Okay, then I’ll join too.”

“Score, Rando-dono!”

“We did it, Hirose-senpai!”

“Eh, huh!?”

Hearing Ai-chan’s agreement, Rando-dono and I high-five enthusiastically.

Her flustered reaction to our over-the-top response warms both my and Rando-dono’s hearts.

“…Aren’t you two being a bit harsh on me?”

“What’re you talking about, Ai-chan? This is only possible because we love you! Ai-chan, get it?” (T/N: Ai -> Love)

“Well said, Rando-dono. This is the crystal of our love for you, Ai-chan. You should be happy, not sad.”

“Crystal of love? That sounds like it means something else…”

Ai-chan’s skeptical even of our upbeat remarks.

Have we teased her so much she’s built up a tolerance?

That’s bad—really bad.

Is the “Let’s Adore Ai-chan Club” that Rando-dono and I formed facing a disbandment crisis?

I lock eyes with Rando-dono, who’s facing me, and we nod.

If positivity doesn’t work, we’ll hit her with negativity.

We execute the plan.

“…Rando-dono, it seems our feelings were just one-sided.”

“…Yeah. Ai-chan doesn’t seem happy at all…”

“…H-Huh?”

Hearing our noticeably darker tone, Ai-chan starts panicking again.

Perfect—the setup’s flawless.

“Yeah, we were just forcing our feelings on her. No way our selfishness could reach Ai-chan…”

“I believed Ai-chan would accept our feelings, but…”

“This might be the end…”

“Maybe we should hide our feelings and be more reserved…”

“Wait, hold on a second!”

As we play out a conversation like grandparents whose grandkids won’t visit, Ai-chan puts a hand to her chest, looking at us with a serious expression.

“U-Um, you don’t have to stop…?”

“Why not? Weren’t our feelings a bother to you, Ai-chan?”

“A bother? No way! I’m happy that you two care about me, and…”

“Don’t force yourself, Ai-chan. You don’t have to worry about us.”

“I’m not! I, um, I care about you and Sora-chan just as much, or rather…”

Ai-chan’s voice gets quieter, her face reddening as she fiddles with her index fingers, pouring out her feelings.

Seeing such an adorable display, how are we supposed to hold back?

I’m one thing, but Rando-dono’s grinning 30% more than usual, practically bouncing with excitement, ready to hug her any second.

“A-Anyway! Just be your usual selves! That’s what makes me happy!”

Ai-chan closes her eyes and throws her heartfelt words at us.

Accepting her splendid youthful declaration, I play the chorus of “Yesterday Once More” in my head while Rando-dono and I move closer to her.

Rando-dono’s less “moving closer” and more “diving in.”

“Sora-chan!?”

“It’s okay, right, Ai-chan? We can be our usual selves?”

“Yeah, somehow I think that’s what makes me happy.”

“Thank you, Ai-chan!”

“No, thank you for always being there!”

As I listen to their exchange, I cross my arms, nodding with a grin.

This could be a beautiful friendship scene or an epic farce.

I’ve completely given up thinking about it.

No idea what’s going on, but I’ll laugh and brush it off.

Our brain capacities feel like they’ve shrunk, but Ai-chan’s still adorably easy to tease.

Chapter 122: A Quick Reunion

After parting with the two underclassmen at the station, I head straight home.

While waiting for the train on a platform crowded with Yourei High students, I think about the study group.

…Is this really okay?

My goal is for Uryu to get closer to the girls.

It’d be ideal if he got a girlfriend, but expecting that from the stoic, half-hearted great demon king is a stretch.

Setting up a study group to force some proximity isn’t a bad move.

With the excuse of studying, Uryu can’t brush it off easily, and the girls can be as bold as they want.

Plus, holding it on a weekend, when they don’t usually meet, instead of a weekday extension of school life, is a good touch.

It’s a last resort since weekdays are tough, but it creates a chance for weekend bonding, so no issue there.

But is this really enough?

I board a less crowded evening train, grab the strap, and keep thinking.

It’s a study group, so of course they’ll study, but even if someone makes a move, would it sway Uryu’s heart?

If Uryu were the one being taught, he might warm up to the teacher, but he’s a monster who consistently tops midterms and finals.

Hoping for that scenario is a long shot.

The only strategy I can think of is Uryu developing feelings for someone who eagerly asks study questions.

The girls could try loosening their clothes for some allure, but I’m not about to push that, and I can’t picture it working on Uryu anyway.

The more I think, the deeper I sink into a maze, and I’m fed up.

“This isn’t the time to be studying, is it?”

I’m basically denying the whole point of the study group.

Gather at a family restaurant, study in a different environment, go home.

It feels like nothing will happen.

If I could add one more element, maybe it’d work, but I can’t think of what.

Karaoke or bowling would be fun, but that’s not a study group, and there’s probably not enough time.

Damn it, I don’t want to hand this off to Misono Izumo without being satisfied, but will I come up with something by tomorrow?

I’ll sort out the study group stuff when I get home—maybe there’s a better spot than a family restaurant.

After switching trains and arriving at my station, I look up at the dark clouds drifting in the sky.

The heavy rain from earlier stopped after school, so I can walk without an umbrella.

Will it be sunny tomorrow, or will the rain cry again after a nighttime break?

As long as it’s not too hot, I’m fine either way.

Rainy days have their charm, and finding a big frog would be a thrill.

I twirl my umbrella in my hand and head home.

The study group can wait—I’ll let Dad cheer me up.

Talking with him might spark an idea.

“I’m home!”

I unlock the front door and call out, but unusually, Dad doesn’t come out.

The living room’s lit, so he’s probably there, maybe prepping dinner.

Normally, he’d be done by now.

I put away my umbrella, take off my shoes, wash my hands and gargle at the sink, then head to the living room.

“Dad, you’re late with prep today, huh…”

I open the door, spot a familiar figure at the kitchen, and freeze when I see someone I’ve seen a lot lately.

“Welcome back, Yuu-kun! Sorry, my hands are tied right now.”

The first is, of course, my beloved Dad.

His radiant smile is so dazzling it’s practically glowing.

He could debut as an idol right now—I’d hire him on the spot if I ran an agency.

—But this isn’t the time for escapism.

The other person’s presence is enough to paralyze me.

A girl with a white headscarf, her shoulder-length hair tied back.

If she were a stranger, Mom would’ve fainted, but Dad wouldn’t let just anyone in.

…Young lady, why are you in my house?

“Good evening, Yukiya-san! It’s been since this morning’s call, hasn’t it?”

For some reason, standing side by side with Dad in the kitchen is Aoyagi Tsuyu, in her uniform with an apron—a look that’d fully captivate certain guys’ hearts.

Chapter 123: Face to Face

“Why’s Tsuyu here… And where were your shoes at the entrance?”

I was caught off guard because, aside from Dad not coming to the door, nothing seemed out of place.

If Tsuyu’s shoes had been at the entrance, I could’ve braced myself.

“Yup! I wanted to surprise Yukiya-san, so I put my shoes in a plastic bag and brought them to the living room!”

What an adorable gesture.

Her beaming smile and the way she clasps her hands while tilting her head are praiseworthy, but her intent to tease me cancels it out.

Trying to mess with me? You’re a hundred years too early.

“Dad, why’s Tsuyu here?”

I doubt Tsuyu would give a straight answer, so I ask Dad.

Even if she’s someone I know, isn’t it a bit much for Dad to meet my female friend alone?

Not that I think Dad would do anything wrong.

“Around noon, Tsuyu-chan contacted me asking if she could visit to study with you, so I let her in.”

“When I arrived, your father was about to start dinner prep, so I offered to help—partly as bride training, you know!”

Too much info—I don’t know where to start.

First, I need to clear up the most pressing question.

“Tsuyu, how’d you contact Dad? Did you get our home phone number?”

Last weekend, when Tsuyu stayed over, she and Dad had plenty of chances to talk without me.

She could’ve gotten the number then, but I want to know how it happened.

“Oh, no, that’s not it. I gave your father my Line ID and had him add me.”

“Line ID!?”

The details don’t matter anymore—my brain’s in chaos.

What kind of initiative is that?

Is it normal to exchange Line with your brother’s friend’s dad?

It feels like we’re living in different worlds.

Apparently, my reaction didn’t sit well with Tsuyu, who pouts and puffs out her cheeks.

“It’s Yukiya-san’s fault! I wanted to contact you easily, but you don’t have a smartphone.”

“So you went to Dad? Sure, he can pass messages to me, but…”

“You kept saying you didn’t need one, Yuu-kun, but maybe we should get you a smartphone.”

“Oh, great idea! If you get one, make sure to tell me your Line ID, okay?”

Looks like a smartphone’s coming my way soon.

I’ve thought it’d be handy for emergencies with Dad, but I don’t feel the need otherwise.

“So, is Dad off the hook now?”

“No way! I want to learn tons about cooking, so can I ask you lots of questions?”

“Of course, I’ll answer whatever I can.”

“Thank you!”

Watching their conversation, I’m a bit unsettled by how close they’ve gotten.

I’m starting to worry Tsuyu might steal Dad.

But before that, there’s this morning’s thing.

Now that I’m face-to-face with Tsuyu, I want to settle it properly.

“Dad, can I borrow Tsuyu for a bit?”

“Sure, but what’s up?”

“I need to talk to her about something. Tsuyu, come with me.”

“Oh, okay!”

I pull Tsuyu away from Dad’s cooking prep, and we head to my room.

We could talk in the hallway, but I don’t want to risk running into Mom when she gets home.

That’d definitely be a hassle.

“Sit down for now.”

“Okay.”

I have Tsuyu sit on a cushion, and I sit across from her.

Her headscarf and apron are distracting, but I push forward.

“About this morning’s call.”

“You mean me saying I love you, Yukiya-san? No mistake or misunderstanding there!”

“I see.”

Tsuyu answers with a natural smile, no hint of embarrassment.

I wanted to hear her feelings in person, not over the phone, and it seems there’s no doubt.

If that’s the case, I need to move the conversation forward.

“You said I don’t have to answer right away, but is there a deadline?”

It feels weird asking the person who confessed, but Uryu said it’s best to talk directly.

No beating around the bush—just face-to-face.

That’s the best approach, so I’ll take it.

“Whenever’s fine! I’ll leave it to you, Yukiya-san.”

“Huh?”

Her unexpected response throws me off.

Even seeing my reaction, Tsuyu keeps smiling calmly.

“Of course, I have my hopes. Getting rejected after 30 would be tough age-wise, and I’d love to flirt in high school, so I’d prefer an answer by March. But that’s just my wish.”

“No, I meant I wanted to know about any deadlines.”

“Hmm, but I don’t want to set one. If I’m stuck thinking there’s a deadline, it might make me negative, and then you might not want to be around me with a positive mindset.”

That’s a fair point.

I thought setting a deadline for a proper response was the right thing to do, but Tsuyu’s perspective makes sense.

“So, answer whenever you’re ready. Oh, but rejecting me just because you don’t have someone else you like? That’s a no-go. I won’t accept that.”

She makes a big X with her arms, and it lightens my heart a bit.

I was lost, and I’m grateful to Tsuyu for giving me a guide.

Though, she’s also the one who’s been driving me crazy.

“Isn’t that tough? You’ll keep pursuing me until I either give in or reject you?”

“Of course! I’m going all out to make you fall for me!”

“Until I answer?”

“Until you answer!”

“Even if it takes years?”

“Even if it takes years!”

I’m dumbfounded by Tsuyu’s energetic response.

Can love really form such a solid foundation?

Knowing I’m the target makes it oddly terrifying.

“Are you maybe thinking it’s wrong to keep me waiting for an answer, Yukiya-san?”

Tsuyu nails my feelings, and I flinch.

Seeing my reaction, she giggles and looks straight at me.

“You’re so serious, Yukiya-san.”

“Don’t say the same thing as your brother. I’m normal.”

“You’re not normal. If I were you, I’d take advantage of someone’s feelings and make all sorts of demands.”

“No way, you can’t do that to someone you’re not even dating. If you give too much and it doesn’t work out, it’s too sad for them.”

“Haha, that’s what makes you serious. Student romance should be more carefree. A hug? I’m always down for one!”

“That’s all you wanted to say, isn’t it?”

“Ehe, you caught me.”

I lightly chop Tsuyu’s head, and she rubs it, smiling happily.

Her attitude makes me realize again that she really does like me.

“Also, you’re misunderstanding one thing, Yukiya-san.”

Tsuyu’s expression turns slightly serious.

I straighten up and meet her gaze.

“Even if you don’t end up with someone, complaining about what you gave is misplaced. Giving with the expectation of dating is just a contract, not love. Love doesn’t seek anything in return.”

She places her right hand on her chest, smiling softly as she closes her eyes.

Her saintly talk of love doesn’t seem like it’s coming from someone her age, and I can’t help but laugh.

Is the girl in front of me really a middle schooler?

“Hey, why’re you laughing?”

“No, you just sound so wise. For an youngest-child spoiled brat to say she doesn’t need anything in return?”

“…Are you making fun of me?”

“I’m complimenting you, believe it or not.”

“Then pat my head.”

“I’ll pat it, but I’m treating you like a kid.”

“Then no! NG!”

“That’s why you’re a kid, denying it so quickly.”

“Ugh, that’s unfair! That kind of binary choice is unfair!”