My Popular-as-Hell Best Friend Is Annoying, So I Want to Get Him a Girlfriend and Shut Him Up - Chapter 124 & 125 & 126

Chapter 124: Schemes × Schemes

“By the way, what’s this about coming to study with me?”

After chatting with Tsuyu for a while, I reflect on why she’s here.

“Dad knows my grades, and he knows about Uryu too. It’s weird to want to study with me.”

“But your father agreed to it so readily!”

“Of course he did. If a friend of mine wants to visit, he’ll say yes, no questions asked.”

I’ve never invited friends over before.

Without the Tsuyu exception, I never would’ve planned to.

No wonder Dad’s thrilled.

“But, Yukiya-san, you’re not exactly bad at studying, right?”

With that preface, Tsuyu says with a slightly excited tone:

“I heard from Onii-chan. Last summer, you got perfect scores on all subjects in the placement test, didn’t you?”

Like Natori Mayoi, she brings up old news, and my face visibly twists.

It’s true—I aced the placement test at the start of the second term last year.

I beat Uryu, who came in second, by 32 points, taking a proud first place.

But that was because of a deal I made with my damn hag of a mother before summer break.

I begged Dad for a laptop, and he said, “It’s expensive, so talk to Mom.”

Her condition? Score at least 490 points on the post-summer placement test.

Midterms and finals have set ranges, but a placement test covering everything?

490 points across five subjects is insane.

It was downright brutal.

But I couldn’t forget Mom’s smug “You won’t do it anyway” look.

Determined to prove her wrong, I poured my entire summer into studying.

Twelve hours a day—a hellish routine.

And I didn’t just hit 490—I got perfect scores across the board.

Mom’s shocked face is still vivid; it was a masterpiece.

After losing to her in Batofami over and over, this was my first victory.

Dad later told me 490 was Mom’s highest score at Yourei High.

In other words, I crushed the only thing she ever excelled at.

No wonder I was emotional.

I got the laptop, too.

“That’s when you got close with Onii-chan, right?”

“No, not at all.”

But there’s a terrible twist to this story.

I knew I was first since we got individual report cards, but I checked the grade leaderboard just to be sure.

Nodding smugly at my confirmed top spot, Uryu came up to me.

He said something breezy like, “You beat me this time, but I’ll get you next. Let’s both keep at it.”

So I shot back, blunt as hell: “I only worked hard for the laptop. There won’t be a next time. Go back to first and relax.”

I didn’t want him getting chummy, so I said it coldly, mockingly.

But for some reason, Uryu burst into a laugh I’d never heard before and started talking to me even more friendly.

After study hell came Uryu hell.

And as if fate—or the lottery—was cheering him on, a seat change put us next to each other.

That meant way more chances to talk, and people mistook us for buddies.

That’s when I started getting love advice, starting with Natori Mayoi.

In exchange for the laptop, I lost my peace.

“I’m so glad Onii-chan got close to you, Yukiya-san. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have met you.”

“I’m not close with Uryu.”

“Well, it doesn’t matter if you’re not close with Onii-chan, as long as you get close with me.”

Tsuyu slips in a flirty comment with a grin.

In her world, her brother’s like parsley, not the main dish.

“…Back to the point. If you want to study, ask Uryu. It’s way more efficient.”

“Muu, are you saying that on purpose, Yukiya-san?”

“Saying what?”

When I voice my confusion, Tsuyu lets out a big, disappointed sigh.

“It’s obviously just an excuse to see you, Yukiya-san!”

“…”

“Of course, I wouldn’t mind actually studying with you.”

Apparently, I was so dense she sighed at me, but now I’m the one sighing.

“You’re underestimating entrance exams, aren’t you?”

“I’m not! I plan to spend all my time studying, except when I’m seeing you.”

“I-Is that so?”

I was about to give her a lecture like a proper senpai, but her dead-serious response throws me off.

Oh, right—she’s top of her grade.

Worrying about her is pointless.

“If anything, it’s study hell. Even during summer break, I have to be locked up in our villa.”

“Locked up?”

I echo back as Tsuyu grumbles about her situation.

Study hell, villa, locked up—so many intriguing words.

“Oh, yeah. To take Yourei High’s entrance exam, I have to study for two weeks at our villa in Kanagawa.”

“Ugh…”

Hearing about summer study hell hits my trauma, and I feel a bit nauseous.

“Studying in confinement under a maid’s supervision? What era is this education from…?”

“Well, it’s exam season, so it’s not that weird.”

“I could study without going to a villa. Ugh, I won’t even get to see you during that time.”

Tsuyu mutters glumly but suddenly claps her hands as if struck by an idea.

“Hey! How about you come with me, Yukiya-san!?”

“What!?”

Tsuyu beams like it’s a brilliant plan, her earlier gloom gone.

“You could supervise me instead of the maid. If I study hard without slacking, you pat my head. It’d be the best study hell ever!”

“Wait, wait, why am I automatically going?”

“Don’t worry, it’s a villa, so it’s spacious with plenty of rooms! You won’t be inconvenienced!”

Oh, she’s totally ignoring me.

As expected of Hisame-san’s sister—she’s got the worst traits in common.

“And get this—there’s a hot spring nearby!”

“Hot spring!?”

I can’t help but bite at the glorious word.

Tsuyu looks surprised for a second but then smiles happily.

“Yup! You can refresh from study fatigue and enjoy the view from an open-air bath!”

“Is there a… sauna? Is there a sauna!?”

“Of course!”

“Oh…!”

Listening to Tsuyu’s pitch, my eyes sparkle even more.

My heart wavers, and I’m almost sold, but—

“So, what do you think? Wanna come with me?”

Seeing Tsuyu’s scheming smile, I snap back to reality.

That was close—I almost got roped into her study hell.

The hot spring’s tempting, but being tied down for two weeks is too much.

“Sorry, but the responsibility doesn’t match the reward.”

“Aww, you’re so mean, Yukiya-san.”

“Who’s mean?”

“Ugh, I thought staying over together would lead to some progress.”

This girl just casually said something wild.

Sure, staying together might lead to something, but saying that to me?

—Then I remember what I was planning to do today before Tsuyu showed up.

Study hell, villa, staying over.

Could this be the perfect solution?

Chapter 125: Everyone’s Motives

“Tsuyu, is anyone using that villa right now?”

“Huh, now? No one’s using it. The maid cleans it once a week, though.”

“How long would it take to get there from here?”

“Um, a little over two hours by train, I think.”

“Got it. If I asked to use it this weekend, would that work?”

“Huh?”

Tsuyu’s eyes widen, caught off guard.

The study group Misono Izumo asked for—I’ve been feeling like something’s missing, and I finally get it.

It’s the lack of excitement, that sense of something about to happen.

A study group at a family restaurant might help with studying, but it’s a public place with limited freedom.

There’s a good chance the Uryu conquest, disguised as a study group, won’t make any progress.

But the Aoyagi family villa? It’s a completely private space.

You could get as close as you want without involving strangers.

If you’re in the mood, you could do whatever you like.

Plus, staying overnight means spending late hours together.

A gathering of young guys and girls—something’s bound to happen, right?

The distance and overnight stay raise the bar for joining, but those who can’t make it will just have to feel the gap widen.

For me, the study group’s secondary—getting Uryu a girlfriend is priority one.

“That should be fine, but what’s it for?”

“Finals are coming up, so I’m planning a study group with Uryu and others.”

I explain the study group details to Tsuyu.

I figured there’d be no issue since Uryu’s involved, but Tsuyu narrows her eyes suspiciously after hearing me out.

“…Why are there more girls than guys?”

She asks about the headcount and gender ratio, so I tell her who I’ve invited so far.

She seems uneasy about the female majority.

Fair enough—if it’s a study group with me and Uryu, you’d expect more guys.

Plus, as a high schooler in a sensitive phase, she might not like the idea of mixed gatherings.

No choice—I wanted to keep it strictly a study group, but to get her cooperation, I’ll tell Tsuyu the truth.

“Here’s the deal.”

I confess that I’ve gathered people who have feelings for Uryu, hoping to use the study group to help them get closer to him.

I ask again if we can borrow the Aoyagi villa for this.

I didn’t think it was a great request, but—

“…Oh, that’s what this is about.”

Tsuyu lets out a relieved breath.

I thought this might stir up her concerns, but she’s back to her usual smile, muttering, “Got it, good, good.”

So she wasn’t worried about improper guy-girl interactions?

I can’t read her at all.

“So, can we use it?”

“It’s fine since Onii-chan’s there, but I probably shouldn’t tell them exactly who’s using it.”

“Yeah, good call. Thanks, you’re a lifesaver.”

“Oh, but I have one request.”

“A request?”

I echo, and Tsuyu’s eyes sparkle as she says:

“Can I join the study group too?”

“What!?”

Her unexpected proposal throws me into obvious confusion.

Why does this girl always say the wildest things?

“I’ve got finals too, so it’s perfect timing, right?”

“Perfect how? Stop hiding it and spill your real intentions.”

When I press her, Tsuyu confesses without a hint of concealment.

“Onii-chan’s potential girlfriends will be there, right? As his sister, I need to make sure there’s no weirdos!”

Right, this girl’s ridiculously overprotective of Uryu.

I should’ve seen her jumping at this—it’s so obvious.

I messed up big time.

At this rate, she’ll figure out the girls around Uryu are all weirdos.

“Even so, won’t it be awkward? You won’t know anyone.”

“Huh, but you’ll be there, right, Yukiya-san?”

“Nah, I’m not going.”

“What!?”

Tsuyu’s shocked voice rivals mine.

Guess I forgot to tell her.

“Why aren’t you going, Yukiya-san!?”

“No benefit for me, and I’m not planning to study.”

“Then why are you organizing this!?”

“Some guy I owed asked me to. I’m doing it reluctantly.”

“You said two guys are coming!”

“Yeah, I found a good parsley to throw in.”

“What’s parsley!?”

“Huh, you don’t know parsley? It’s a vegetable often used as a garnish in Japan, but it’s also edible or used in drinks—”

“That’s not what I meant!”

I’m trying to answer her properly, but Tsuyu’s just getting more heated and not buying it.

Her mouth’s more downturned than when she heard about the girl-heavy ratio.

No need to get that mad.

“…Fine.”

Finally calming down, Tsuyu lowers her tone.

Then she stands up and, rudely, points at me.

“I’m definitely getting you to come! I’m looking forward to seeing you this weekend!”

“Hey, wait!”

With that, Tsuyu hurriedly leaves my room.

“I said I’m not going.”

Getting someone who says they’re not going to show up is no easy feat.

I thought she might say no villa if I don’t come, but she didn’t go there.

She must have some plan, but I’ve got no clue what.

If I say I’m not going, I’m not going, obviously.

Still wondering what Tsuyu’s thinking, I head downstairs for dinner.

Chapter 126: Study, Damn It

The next day, under a clear sky with the rain completely gone, I head to school as usual.

I navigate the cramped trains, walk ten minutes from the nearest station, and arrive at Yourei High.

In the end, Tsuyu didn’t make any moves yesterday.

When I went to the living room, it was late, and Tsuyu was getting ready to leave.

She stuck out her tongue at me and scurried off.

Dad said she just asked him to “help her with various things,” so maybe she’s not planning anything immediate.

Whatever she’s up to, I’m not going to the study group.

I reach my classroom, 2-B, and, as expected, my annoyingly handsome classmate raises a hand in greeting, like he was waiting for me.

If I could swap his face for a round one, maybe he’d look less smug.

“Yo, PET bottle indirect kiss guy.”

“Don’t dig up old dirt, last-minute-cancellation organizer.”

We trade jabs, and I take my seat.

The indirect kiss thing was just a rumor anyway.

His words spread like wildfire, so he better watch what he says.

“By the way, Yukiya, you’re borrowing our villa for a study camp, huh?”

Uryu, leaning on his desk, talks with a grin.

“Tsuyu told you?”

“Yeah, she was all grumpy, saying I have to join.”

Is Tsuyu still hung up on me not going?

If she feels out of place with no one she knows, she should just skip it.

Is she that curious about Uryu’s girlfriend candidates?

“So, who’s coming?”

“What, Tsuyu didn’t tell you?”

“All she said was you’re organizing a study camp at our villa and I need to be there. No details.”

Got it—she kept it vague so Uryu wouldn’t overthink it.

Smart move for a little sister, but judging by Uryu’s vibe, she didn’t mention I’m not going.

Fine, I’ll tell him.

It’ll come out eventually, so no point hiding it.

“The people I’ve invited so far are…”

“Yukki!!”

As I’m about to explain, a high-pitched voice rings out from the hallway.

The guys in class turn to look, making it easy to guess who it is.

The nickname gave it away anyway.

“Hey, Yukki, why didn’t I hear about this study group!?”

Shaking her chestnut ponytail, the wildly popular Kamishiro Haruka storms up to me.

Her doll-like features twist as she gets in my face.

“…Study group?”

“What’s a study group?”

“Tch…”

Kamishiro Haruka’s loud voice makes our classmates echo her words.

Ugh, between her and Uryu, why don’t these people think about the impact of their words?

“Come with me.”

“Huh? Wait, Yukki?”

I grab her wrist and drag her out of the classroom.

It’s a bit late, but it’s better than talking with all eyes on us.

“Your voice is too damn loud in the morning. Everyone heard you.”

I scold her as soon as we’re in the hallway, and Kamishiro Haruka puffs out her cheeks.

“It’s your fault, Yukki! A fun event like a study group, and you didn’t invite me!”

“Look, how do you even know about the study group?”

“Holy(Horimoto) told me earlier!”

“Wait, who’s this white magic user?”

“Holy’s Holy! Geez, if Holy hadn’t told me, I’d have been left out. That makes me sad, you know.”

She sulks like the hero of a Sunday 6 PM anime.

Seriously, who’s Holy?

But, as expected, it came to this.

I knew she’d complain if she heard about it from someone.

Maybe I should’ve invited her from the start.

No, this girl wouldn’t get the study group’s purpose and might monopolize Uryu.

She could be a spark for the other girls, but I don’t trust her to handle it that smoothly.

I wasn’t wrong to leave her out.

“…Yukki, you’re thinking something rude right now, aren’t you?”

“Whoa, nailed it. How are you this much of a goofball?”

“That’s mean! Aren’t you supposed to keep that stuff to yourself!?”

“No way I’d stay quiet. Saying what I think is my policy.”

“Ugh, that’s so you, but still…”

Kamishiro Haruka shows me a more dejected look than usual.

Come to think of it, I haven’t seen her usual carefree grin today.

…Is she actually upset about not being invited to the study group?

Sure, I didn’t plan to invite her given the group’s purpose, but with her social circle, she could organize a study group with anyone.

I see her at the cafeteria with different girls all the time.

There’s no reason for her to be this down about it.

Fine, since I have to invite her anyway, I’ll spin it a bit.

“About the study group—things have changed.”

“Changed?”

Kamishiro Haruka turns her slightly teary, big eyes toward me.

“To make studying more efficient, we’re considering a two-day, one-night camp. But that might make it hard for girls to join, so I was thinking about how to bring it up.”

“So, you weren’t leaving me out?”

“Yeah, pretty much.”

Total lie, but her face lights up like the sun, beaming at everyone around.

“Phew, you should’ve said so, Yukki! I was hurt, you know.”

So she was upset.

She’s got tons of friends but gets hung up on weird stuff.

I’d get it if she was prioritizing Uryu or Misono Izumo, but still.

“Can you even go? Like I said, it’s a two-day, one-night thing.”

“Of course I’m going! A camp sounds super fun!”

“Hey, it’s a study camp. You get that, right?”

Kamishiro Haruka’s eyes sparkle, swept away by the idea of a two-day camp.

I emphasize the purpose, but—

“Hey, Yukki, how many people are coming? I’ve got a board game I wanna play!”

Hopeless—this girl has zero intention of studying.