My Popular-as-Hell Best Friend Is Annoying, So I Want to Get Him a Girlfriend and Shut Him Up - Chapter 130 & 131 & 132

Chapter 130: Starting the Journey

Stepping into the bus after being urged, I kindly thanked the driver.

His name is Makino-san, a veteran who’s been the Aoyagi family’s exclusive driver for over 20 years. With a youthful smile that belied his age, he said he never imagined he’d be driving a microbus. Despite his words, it’s impressive that he holds a medium-sized vehicle license. I felt a bit soothed by his demeanor.

I wanted to chat more, but I didn’t want to disturb his driving, so I took a window seat two rows behind Makino-san.

“Yukki, come to the back! Let’s play Uno together!”

The moment I settled, Kamishiro Haruka, who’d claimed the backmost seats, called out loudly enough to reach the front.

From a quick glance earlier, the backmost seats and the single seats just in front were occupied by second-year girls, while the first-year duo sat side by side in the row ahead of them. I’m indeed far from them, sitting near the entrance.

“Nope, too much hassle.”

“Eh, what’s that, Yukki? I can’t hear you~?”

Ignoring Kamishiro Haruka’s words completely, I turned my gaze out the window. Once you pick a seat and settle in, it takes something really tempting to move again. So, I’m absolutely not budging.

“Hey, Yukki, you really not coming?”

“You should give up. Once Yukiya-kun’s like this, he won’t move an inch.”

“With all these beautiful girls waiting, that’s kinda infuriating.”

“Beautiful girls, excluding me, right?”

“Including you, but not me.”

The second-year girls were grumbling about something, but I pretended not to hear and let it slide. I mean, it’s a study camp, so instead of playing Uno, why not quiz each other on exam questions? The camp starts the moment you board the bus, you know?

…Not that I expect them to listen to that kind of reasoning.

“Holy, over here, over here! Let’s play Uno!”

“Eh, huh!?”

Apparently giving up on me, Kamishiro Haruka shifted her target to Horimoto Shoki, who was lingering near the entrance, unsure where to sit.

Caught off guard by being called, Horimoto Shoki visibly panicked, glancing back and forth between the second-year girls and me. …Why’s he looking at me? If you wanna go, just go, man.

“Holy?”

“…Nickname?”

Rando-dono and Ai-chan’s puzzled voices reached my ears, making my lips curl slightly. I get it; you’d naturally wonder if that’s really a nickname. Sorry, our slightly unhinged senior has a disease that prevents her from giving normal nicknames, so please bear with it.

…Though, considering she calls Uryu “Ururun,” they probably understand to some extent.

“What’s wrong, Holy?”

“I-I don’t know what to do…!”

At another call, Horimoto Shoki grew even more flustered. Sweat dripped from his forehead, yet he didn’t step toward the second-year girls’ area.

What’s this guy agonizing over? Is he nervous or something? Sure, Kirita Akari might be one thing, but he was in the same class as the others last year, so he knows them. More importantly, he gets to hang out with Kamishiro Haruka, so that should be the obvious choice.

“Sorry, Kamishiro-san!!”

However, Horimoto Shoki let out a determined shout and, instead of heading to the second-year girls’ area, plopped down forcefully in the empty seat next to me.

…Huh? What the hell are you doing?

“Ugh, I lost to Yukki…”

“Pathetic, Kamishiro. Can’t even pull in a softie like him.”

“No way around it. It’s probably tough for a guy to join a group of girls alone.”

“Miharu, that applies to Hirose Yukiya too, you know.”

“Haha, Hirose-kun’s not the type to be fazed by that.”

The girls were getting excited over Horimoto Shoki’s choice, but for me, this was a disaster.

Once we reach the Aoyagi family’s villa, I’ll have no choice but to face annoying situations. That’s exactly why I wanted to spend the bus ride alone, quietly, maybe chatting enjoyably with Makino-san now and then. So why the hell did this guy sit next to me?

Glaring at Horimoto Shoki, who was breathing heavily, I noticed him flash a triumphant smile and give me a thumbs-up.

“I did it, Hirose-kun. I chose friendship over love.”

Shut the hell up.

Chapter 131: The Reason They Could Join

Everyone took their seats, and the microbus set off.

After about 20 minutes on local roads, we switched to the highway, and it seems we’ll reach the destination area in just over an hour and a half.

Staring at the concrete jungle streaming by outside the window, I clutched my head once again.

How did it come to this?

Sure, I was the one who took the lead. I had to repay a debt to Misono Izumo, and at the same time, I got requests for study help from multiple people. So, I came up with this plan to involve Uryu and execute a strategy to get him a girlfriend.

Once I set it in motion, I was supposed to quietly fade out.

So—how did it come to this?

“Yay! I’m out!”

“Haruka-chan, you didn’t say ‘Uno’!”

“Ehh!? No way, that’s a lie, right!?”

“You didn’t say it. Haruka, draw two cards.”

“That’s harsh! Nobody told me…!”

“As if we’d tell you, you idiot!”

“Grr! I’m definitely not losing to Mayo-nee!!”

“Don’t call me Mayo-nee!!”

Feeling the atmosphere was anything but studious, I let out a heavy sigh.

Thinking that Dad was complicit in this made me a bit sad.

Well, Dad probably wouldn’t have helped if he thought it went against my wishes, and he likely acted with 100% good intentions. Still, it felt a little lonely that he was moving things forward behind my back. If he’d told me beforehand, I might’ve faced this with a slightly brighter mood… or maybe not. With this trouble-prone group, I can’t imagine feeling optimistic. Though, seeing the girls’ unique personalities shine through their casual clothes was quite a treat for the eyes.

Now that it’s come to this, I’d like to play a role in advancing Uryu’s love life, but I’m a bit stumped about whose help to enlist. More fundamentally, how is it that everyone I invited managed to join without issue?

This isn’t like a one-day study session at a family restaurant. A camp means staying overnight away from home. Did their parents really agree to this so easily? We only decided on this four days ago, not like we’d been planning it for ages.

“Hey, this is late to ask, but did you all properly get your parents’ permission?”

Leaning over the backrest, I called out to the second-year girls enjoying Uno and the first-year duo chatting while looking at the same smartphone.

“What’s that all of a sudden?”

“Just crossed my mind. As the planner, I’d rather not deal with parents complaining later.”

“Of course I got it. Though, I got grilled with questions like, ‘Are you really gathering to study?’”

The first to answer was Natori Mayoi, sounding irritated. It’s definitely her usual behavior that makes people suspicious. Even today, her outfit is way too bold. I seriously doubt she’s here to study.

“I told them properly too. Said a few of us were gathering for a study session. When they asked if boys would be there, I said yes but that we’d sleep in separate areas, and they were fine with it.”

Next was Misono Izumo. I wasn’t worried about her, and it seems her seriousness has earned her parents’ full trust. It’s pretty impressive that she explained everything openly, and they believe she wouldn’t go anywhere sketchy.

“I got permission just by saying I was studying with Izumo-chan.”

“Same here. They said, ‘If you’re with the class rep, it’s fine,’ and approved it.”

For Kirita Akari and Tsukikage Miharu, they didn’t say anything extra, just mentioned Misono Izumo’s name, and got approval easily. One’s a tea ceremony club friend, the other was last year’s class rep. Either way, earning such trust from parents is quite something. She’s clearly made an impression of leadership.

“Got it. Maybe I should’ve mentioned Zuu-chin’s name.”

As the approvals piled up, Kamishiro Haruka, holding her cards, grimaced seriously.

“No way, you came without permission?”

“No, no! I got permission properly! It’s just… when my parents asked if boys were coming, like Zuu-chin’s did…”

“And…?”

“…I said no.”

“Hey.”

A complete lie. This girl got permission by lying to her parents.

“I couldn’t help it! If I said boys were coming, they might’ve said no! My big brother definitely wouldn’t allow it!”

“I see. Haruka-chan’s brother is strict about that stuff, huh?”

“Exactly, exactly! I wish he’d stop treating me like a kid, but he won’t listen…”

I get it. It’s not so much her parents but her brother being a hassle, so she lied to get through it. Sure, we’re not planning anything inappropriate, but lying to family isn’t cool.

So, Kamishiro Haruka has a brother. From what I just heard, he sounds pretty sis-con, but I can kinda understand. If you had a beautiful sister like her, it’s not surprising to be overly protective, though there’s a limit, of course.

“Y-Yukki? You’re not gonna make me get off halfway, right? I can come along, right?”

Seeing Kamishiro Haruka’s teary, pleading eyes, I thought she was really unfair. If I said no now, I’d totally be the bad guy.

“Let me make this clear: if your parents find out, you and Misono Izumo take the blame. I’m not involved.”

I just planned it. The study camp was Misono Izumo’s idea. If they’re not sending Kamishiro Haruka back, they’ll have to take responsibility.

“That’s fine. I’ll just say it’s a wholesome study camp. No problem at all.”

“Zuu-chin!”

“Quit clinging to me, it’s stifling!”

Kamishiro Haruka, overcome with emotion, hugged Misono Izumo, who made a reliable statement. Yup, this kind of scene is always nice to see.

“Hm?”

Shifting my gaze from the second-year girls to the first-year duo, I noticed both looked pale and were staring downward.

“What’s wrong with you two?”

When I called out, Rando-dono and Ai-chan flinched simultaneously, slowly meeting my eyes. What’s up? Are they carsick or something?

“W-Well, we…”

“We told our parents we were staying over at each other’s houses for a study session…”

Oh. So, like Kamishiro Haruka, they lied to their parents to join. And since I scolded her, they’re looking guilty.

“I’m sorry. It was thoughtless of us.”

“We think it’ll be fine, but if we cause trouble for our senpais…”

Rando-dono and Ai-chan looked like they were about to cry, and it really hurt my heart. I didn’t invite my kouhais to make them feel like this.

“Don’t worry, you two. Nobody’s gonna find out.”

“Hirose-senpai…”

“Even if they do, I’ll explain it properly. So, Rando-dono and Ai-chan, just focus on studying hard. That way, you can confidently say you were at a study session, right?”

“…Yes, thank you.”

Seeing their expressions brighten, I finally felt relieved. If they’re too worried to study, it defeats the purpose. They need to buckle down, especially since Rando-dono’s got that thing with Uryu.

As I was thinking that, I noticed Kamishiro Haruka glaring at me intently.

“Yukki-san, isn’t your attitude toward me a bit too different?”

No, it’s perfectly normal.

Chapter 132: Arrival at the Destination

About ten minutes after confirming everyone’s parental permissions, the microbus entered the highway.

Shortly before that, the second-year girls’ group seemed to have switched games. Kirita Akari, who was in the backmost window seat, moved to the aisle seat one row forward. Apparently, they’re playing a game that tests reflexes, so she had to be in a position where she could see the drawn cards.

With nothing else to do, I gazed out the window while listening to Kamishiro Haruka explain the rules. The game, called “Nanja Monja,” involves naming 12 distinct illustrated cards, and the first person to correctly name a card drawn from the deck earns points—a game that relies on memory and reflexes.

I thought it was pretty commendable to train their memory before starting exam prep. It’s just a game, but still a game. If something more engaging than studying can loosen up their minds, that’s worth encouraging.

…Or so I thought, somewhat seriously impressed, until—

“Next card, DON!!”

“Yukki!!”

“Isn’t Yukki the purple bean-looking one?”

“It’s Yukiya-kun, right?”

“Oh, right.”

“Eh, Miha-chan, your memory’s too good!?”

“I mean, I’m not gonna forget the one I named myself.”

“The sulky melon bar-looking one, huh? I’ll remember it this time.”

Judging from the audio of the game—

“Next up, DON!!”

““Hirose-kun!!””

“So fast!?”

“I was just a tiny bit quicker, maybe?”

“Ugh, I hesitated with Chopman for a second.”

“Chopman’s pink too, but his feet are green, right?”

…It feels like my name’s coming up a lot. Why is that?

I don’t know what the illustrations look like, so I can’t say for sure, but do they really resemble me that much?

No choice, I’ll check on the computer.

I booted up my laptop and searched for “Nanja Monja.” The official website at the top showed the card illustrations.

“Hah!?”

I couldn’t help but let out a loud exclamation. The creature depicted—some ambiguous plant or animal—didn’t look anything like me. Could I win a defamation lawsuit over this?

“What’s wrong, Yukki? Why the loud voice?”

Kamishiro Haruka called out from a distance, so I stayed seated and shouted back toward her.

“It’s not ‘what’s wrong’! Why are you all naming everything after me!?”

I heard a few stifled laughs. Yep, they’re definitely messing with me.

“It’s not my fault! I was the first to name one Yukki, but Mayo-nee named the next one ‘Hirose’!”

“You’re one of the culprits too, aren’t you!?”

“Since you two named them that, it just became the flow.”

“What kind of flow is that…?”

“Honestly, your name’s making this game confusing.”

“That’s not my fault, is it!?”

“Still, we’ve got Hasegawa-sensei and Aoyagi-kun in there too.”

“Why are they all people’s names…?”

“Aren’t you getting tired of making retorts like that?”

“Thanks to you!”

Exhausted from retorting, I stopped listening. Feeling mild despair that we still had over an hour until arrival, I let my eyes follow the scenery speeding by outside.

“Oh.”

Right after exiting the highway, the view was enveloped in greenery. I returned Horimoto Shoki’s smartphone, which I’d borrowed to kill time, and looked out the window again. It was a holiday, so the roads were crowded, but that let me savor the scenery more.

It was hard to believe we’d reached such a lush, tree-filled area just two hours from the skyscraper-packed city. Looking up, the green ridgeline stood out sharply. A river flowed alongside the road, and I could faintly hear the sound of water over the bus’s engine. There might even be a waterfall nearby.

“Ahh, mountains!!”

“So much green!”

“Ugh, there’s probably tons of bugs…”

Even the group that was glued to games earlier was captivated by the scenery. You don’t come across views like this often.

Crossing an iron bridge over the river, the microbus headed deeper into the mountains. Makino-san navigated narrow roads with ease, impressing me with his driving skills as we gradually climbed higher. Looking closely, I spotted signs for ryokan inns here and there. This must be the hot spring Tsuyu mentioned—obvious given the location.

After a while, Makino-san parked the microbus in a reasonably spacious lot, though the road wasn’t very wide.

“Everyone, thank you for your patience. We’ve arrived at our destination.”

Hearing his warm, gentle voice, everyone unbuckled their seatbelts and grabbed their bags.

Being near the entrance, I forcefully squeezed past Horimoto Shoki beside me and was the first to step off the bus.

Stretching my stiff body, I slowly took in my surroundings. Towering against a backdrop of dense trees was a large building with an impressive gabled roof. As a villa, it was easily twice the size of the Aoyagi family’s main house. The black wood-grain exterior showed age but blended perfectly with the environment.

I wasn’t thrilled during the bus ride, but the thought of spending a night and two days in this natural setting started to lift my spirits.

Then, from the entrance of the building a short distance away, three figures emerged.

I didn’t recognize the woman in her 40s wearing a kappogi apron, but the other two were unmistakably familiar.

Wearing a white inner layer with a breathable black jacket and perfectly styled beige chinos, exuding his usual infuriating freshness even in casual clothes, was Aoyagi Uryu.

And, in a short, light-blue dress with white polka dots, smiling brightly, was his sister, the lovely Aoyagi Tsuyu.

Waving at us, she approached and called out loudly.

“Hello! Everyone, we’ve been waiting for you!”

Thus, with a gut feeling that this would not end smoothly, the one-night, two-day study camp with Yourei High’s peculiar members—plus some extras—began.