My Popular-as-Hell Best Friend Is Annoying, So I Want to Get Him a Girlfriend and Shut Him Up - Chapter 127 & 128 & 129

Chapter 127: Preparing for the Study Camp

After repeatedly drilling into Kamishiro Haruka that the study camp is hush-hush, I let her loose.

If she casually mentions joining a two-day, one-night camp, everyone around will jump at the chance to join.

Even if I could stop that, I’d be bombarded with complaints for organizing it.

I’m not even going, so getting flak for it? No thanks.

If you want a study camp with Kamishiro Haruka, set it up yourself.

Her issue settled for now, but back in the classroom, the guys—who’ve been chattier since the sports festival—immediately pounce.

“What’s this study group? What were you talking with Kamishiro-san about?”

Suppressing a huge sigh, I reply with nonsense: “Not a study group, a study master. She was looking for a brainiac for finals, so I recommended Misono Izumo.”

They back off easily, muttering, “Can’t beat the class rep.”

This way, no one dumber than Izumo will use studying as an excuse to hit on Kamishiro Haruka.

The only one who meets that bar is Uryu.

“Popular guy this morning, huh?”

“You picking a fight?”

Exhausted, I slump into my seat, and Uryu teases me.

I glare, but his smug grin shows it’s not fazing him.

Rip his face off.

“Back to earlier—who’s coming to the study camp?”

Oh, right, Kamishiro Haruka interrupted us.

So, I list the participants for Uryu.

I thought the quirky lineup would annoy him, but he’s unfazed.

“Well, with you inviting, this is the crew I’d expect. Didn’t think you’d ask Rando-san and them, though.”

Guess he saw it coming.

I figured he’d question Horimoto Shoki, but it’s not a surprise to him.

Same grade, maybe?

“You haven’t told them it’s two days, one night, right? Some might not make it.”

“If they can’t, that’s fine. I did my job.”

If everyone bails, it’s just Uryu, Tsuyu, and Kamishiro Haruka.

I’m more worried about the no-shows fainting than the attendees’ awkwardness.

Especially since Kamishiro Haruka (who has a boyfriend) is one of the leftovers.

“Oh, the humanities girls might not come at all.”

I recall yesterday’s talk outside the library.

Before the overnight part, Tsukikage Miharu and Kirita Akari didn’t give me good vibes.

They’re on hold, but telling them it’s two days will probably get a hard no.

Can’t help it—they’ll just have to feel the gap with the others and scramble.

“Humanities girls? Tsukikage-san and Kirita-san? They said they’re not coming?”

“Yeah. I’ll tell them about the overnight part, but I doubt they’ll bite.”

“…”

Uryu puts a hand to his chin, deep in thought.

Hey, you’re not about to bail too, are you?

This is finally coming together—don’t mess it up.

“…Wait, Yukiya, you’re not planning to go, are you?”

Uryu nails my attendance status before I could tell him.

“How’d you know? I was just about to say.”

Relieved he’s not backing out, but why’d he bring up my attendance?

…Oh, Tsukikage Miharu.

Uryu knows she drags me along for lunch or dates.

So, hearing she might not come, he suspected I’m not going either.

Bit of a weak leap, but sharp thinking.

“…Got it. That’s why Tsuyu was so pissed.”

“Huh? What about Tsuyu?”

“Nothing big. Don’t worry.”

Uryu nods smugly, arms crossed.

Sorry to interrupt your solo satisfaction, but if you’re not spilling, don’t say it out loud.

“You’re going to tell people about the camp now, right?”

“Yeah, so what?”

“Can I handle the humanities girls?”

“Fine by me, but what’s with the sudden interest?”

“Doesn’t seem like they’ll budge if you keep asking. I’ll try my luck.”

“No, no, if you ask, it’s a done deal…”

The issue of me not going aside, the guy they like asking directly?

They won’t just agree—they’ll be thrilled.

Ignoring the two-day part for now, though.

“Alright, you take the humanities girls. I’ll handle the rest.”

“Got it. I’m counting on you.”

“What about the day-of? Meeting time, place?”

“If anyone asks, say I’ll follow up later. Tsuyu was checking if we can borrow a minibus.”

“Whoa, a chartered bus? I didn’t ask for that much.”

“Tsuyu says it’s tacky to make guests take the train. Too much hassle to argue, so I left it to her.”

“Wow…”

Tsuyu’s somehow outpacing our planning.

It’s more like we’re crashing than being invited, but as an Aoyagi heiress, she’s on it.

If she’s handling prep, I’ll take her up on it—two-plus hours of train fares aren’t cheap.

So, Uryu and I split up to spread the word about the study camp.

At first, everyone’s shocked, but like Kamishiro Haruka, curiosity wins out, and it’s better received than a regular study group.

Horimoto Shoki, hearing the lineup, nearly explodes: “T-Them, for two days…?”

This peach-colored brain guy is such a pain.

“…I just hope it actually becomes a study camp.”

Misono Izumo says nervously, and she’s absolutely right.

With a girl only thinking about board games coming, the former 1-B class rep better keep things on track.

And so, with no clear idea of who’s actually coming, the study camp day arrives—something that shouldn’t even concern me.

T/N: SOMETHING BIG WILL HAPPEN HERE, FIRST GIRL FINALLY SAYS IT—

Chapter 128: A Cruel Act Carried Out with Ease

“It’s a nice morning.”

Saturday morning, 7:30 AM.

Bathed in sunlight streaming through the living room window, I sip my post-breakfast coffee with a calm heart.

I got carried away—it’s so bitter I want to eject my tongue from my mouth.

Who said weekend mornings call for black coffee?

Undeniably, it was me five minutes ago.

“You seem in a good mood, Yuu-kun.”

Dad says, placing stick sugar and milk on the table.

Listen up, humanity—this kind of casual thoughtfulness is what we need for world peace.

When will Dad finally get that Nobel Peace Prize?

“Good mood? Last weekend was hectic, so I’m just enjoying coffee without rushing.”

Last weekend, I was swamped dealing with the Aoyagi family’s youngest.

Physically and mentally, I had no break.

Sunday, I was up early for that mind-clearing waterfall training tour.

A peaceful morning like this is rare.

“If you’re happy, Yuu-kun, that makes me happy too.”

Dad flashes a smile so radiant it makes the sun look cliché.

No doubt, negative ions are zipping around the planet at light speed.

He needs to tone it down, or the neighborhood wives will become fans of him again.

What a sinful man, my father.

“Oh, Yuu-kun, I have a request—or maybe an invitation.”

“Anything, Dad. Requests, invites—I’m all in.”

“Haha, that’s reassuring.”

Dad often invites or asks me for things on weekends since he loves family time.

But during exam season, he usually holds back, so this is a bit surprising.

“I was thinking of visiting my alma mater after a while. Could you show me around, Yuu-kun?”

Dad’s request is unexpected in more ways than one.

“Sure, but didn’t you come to the school festival last year? It’s pretty much the same.”

Plus, on a weekend, only teachers involved with clubs are around, so greetings are limited.

With clubs on hiatus now, maybe just teachers struggling with exam questions are there.

I could reintroduce Hasegawa-sensei, but it still feels off for Dad’s usual requests.

“It’s your mom who wants to visit.”

“…Got it.”

That makes a bit more sense.

Last year’s sports festival and school festival—Mom couldn’t make it due to sudden work.

She hates crowds, so she might’ve skipped anyway.

It’s true she hasn’t been to Yourei High in a while, and wanting to visit on a quiet weekend isn’t crazy.

But I can’t picture Mom having that kind of school spirit.

She’s all about Dad—would she care about her alma mater?

It’s Dad’s request, but I’m not fully convinced.

I have to do it for Mom, though—can’t be helped when it’s Dad asking.

“I’ll wake Mom, and we’ll head out around 9:30. If you could talk to the teachers first, that’d help, Yuu-kun.”

“Got it.”

I finish my coffee with two sticks of milk and sugar, then head to my room to change into my uniform.

I got to chat with Dad, but this week’s morning is hectic too.

※

“…Something’s definitely off.”

About a minute after boarding a quieter-than-usual train, I’m freaking out.

Two reasons.

First, when I put on my uniform, Dad told me to switch to casual clothes.

Even on weekends, school requires uniforms.

Gym clothes are fine for clubs, but casual clothes?

I feel like a teacher will call me out.

What made Dad think it’s okay?

Second, the backpack and mysterious note Dad handed me.

I was just gonna bring my laptop for downtime, but right before leaving, Dad thrust them at me.

I haven’t checked the bag’s contents, and he said to read the note at school.

It’s super suspicious, but I can’t imagine Dad doing anything I’d hate.

Maybe he plans to go somewhere after the school visit, so I didn’t say anything.

I’m dying to peek at the note in my pocket, but I promised Dad I’d wait till I reach school.

I don’t want to break that.

I spread my arms slightly, ignoring stares, and take a deep breath.

Calm down, me.

Casual clothes aside, I’m just showing Dad around school.

Nothing else.

No need to worry.

If a teacher calls me out, I’ll say, “I’m going out with family after.”

It’s exam season, so they might tell me to study, but that’ll get me through.

…Wait.

Where are those guys meeting up?

The study group Misono Izumo proposed and I organized.

It slipped out of my hands, but it’s supposed to start today for two days.

Some info should’ve trickled to me, but I’m still in the dark.

Come to think of it, I didn’t talk about it with anyone yesterday, even though I planned it.

※

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

※

For some reason, that youngest sibling’s words pop into my head, sending chills down my spine.

My mind’s still a mess when I arrive at Yourei High’s nearest station.

I hesitate, unsure if I should proceed, but picturing Dad’s face pushes me forward.

Walking the usual route, I try to calm my thoughts.

I said I’m not going, and that’s final—or so I thought.

But there’s someone close who can easily overturn my decisions.

If someone could reach that person and ask them to change my mind, my choice is gone.

Because I love that person so much, I’d do anything they ask or invite me to.

Soon, I spot a minibus parked just outside Yourei High’s gate.

It looks like something a sports club would use for an away game.

Then I see familiar faces with luggage like mine, and it all clicks.

Finally, I pull out the mysterious note from Dad and read it.

※

“Sorry for lying. Don’t worry about us—enjoy the study camp. From Dad.”

※

You got me, you little brat.

She ruthlessly exploited my one weakness.

Chapter 129: Fashion Check

“Yukki, you’re finally here!”

The first to spot me, waving enthusiastically, is Kamishiro Haruka in casual clothes.

Her crimson T-shirt, adorned with frills circling the chest, probably meant to hide her ample bust, but the healthy sliver of thigh between her wool shorts and knee-high socks is boldly exposed.

It suits her well, but isn’t this a case of hiding the head while leaving the rear bare?

“Hirose, I heard you were trying to ditch? Don’t mess around.”

Next, scowling with clear displeasure, is Natori Mayoi.

She’s wearing an off-shoulder blouse that bares her collarbone and damaged denim shorts, showing more skin than anyone else.

If she bends over, her cleavage would be easily visible—is she aiming for that?

Studying next to her, your eyes might instinctively drift there.

No idea if it’d affect Uryu, though.

“Exactly! Without you, Hirose-senpai, it’d feel so unsettling!”

“But I’m glad you made it.”

Echoing Natori Mayoi are the first-year duo, Rando-dono and Ai-chan.

Rando-dono sports a peplum top with frills from waist to hem, paired with a lemon-yellow culotte skirt.

Ai-chan wears a white floral dress.

Both have summery, refreshing styles—super cute.

“Morning, Yukiya-kun. Looking forward to today.”

“We’re humanities, so we might not consult you directly.”

Then, surprisingly, Tsukikage Miharu and Kirita Akari, who’d put their attendance on hold.

Looks like Uryu’s persuasion worked—they’re both joining.

Tsukikage Miharu wears a beige high-neck T-shirt with a denim long skirt, a white outer layer draped over her arm for warmth.

Maybe because I saw the first-years first, she looks strikingly mature in contrast.

Kirita Akari’s in a grey short-sleeve knit that hugs her figure—finally embracing her assets?—and a sky-blue flare skirt that fits the season perfectly.

“Everyone’s here. Let’s get on board.”

Confirming the group, Misono Izumo ushers us toward the minibus entrance.

She’s in a white T-shirt with fine black checks and light green half-cargo pants, giving off a boyish vibe.

Probably because her pants aren’t as short as Kamishiro Haruka’s or Natori Mayoi’s—she looks ready for a camping trip.

Seeing everyone like this, their personalities shine through in ways uniforms hide.

Pants or skirts alone change the vibe, and girls have way more outfit options than guys—looks fun.

This group’s especially good-looking, so it’s a treat.

My head’s stuck on fashion from this sudden casual-clothes parade, but then I realize the main star’s missing.

“Where’s Uryu?”

“He went ahead to set up the study environment.”

Got it—not a no-show, so no issue.

If I’m here, no way he gets to skip.

I’ll make sure to see how this plays out.

So, Tsuyu’s already at the villa too, huh?

I’ve got a bone to pick with her—she can’t get used to roping Dad into this.

Time to teach her a lesson.

“Hi-Hirose-kun!”

As the girls board the bus one by one, a trembling voice approaches.

Horimoto Shoki, Mr. Parsley, here to keep Uryu from being the lone guy.

“What’s with the sudden shout?”

“It’s not sudden! I’ve been calling you since forever, and you ignored me!”

Can’t help it—I was busy mentally fashion-checking the girls.

It’s no surprise I tuned out the noise.

“It was just me with the girls earlier, so I’m relieved you’re here, Hirose-kun.”

True, without Uryu, it’s seven girls to one guy.

A rare harem situation.

“If you had the guts to own that…”

“No way! Only you or Aoyagi-kun could handle this! What’s with this insane lineup? Yourei High’s all-stars in one place!?”

“All-stars? It’s mostly second-years. Don’t worry, you’ll get used to it—they’ll start looking like vegetables.”

“Freshly picked and delicious!? That’s way too lewd, isn’t it!?”

Who said to take it that way?

This is why handling pervy peach-brained guys is such a hassle.

Annoyed, I give Horimoto Shoki’s flushed head a chop.

“Ow! What was that for!?”

“With that dumb mindset, you’ll make it awkward in seconds. Clear your mind to avoid getting kicked out.”

“Got it! It’s a trial to stay in this paradise. I gotta try hard…!”

I don’t care if he gets sent home for leering—actually, I’d welcome it—but we need him.

Someone’s gotta deal with Kamishiro Haruka, who might miss social cues.

If he’s leaving, he better confess, get a yes, and ride off together with her.

“Yukki, Holy! Hurry up and get on!”

“Y-Yes!”

Kamishiro Haruka pokes her head out the bus window, scolding us for lingering.

Wait, Holy was you? (T/N: How did you not notice?)

Amateur coord, huh.