My Popular-as-Hell Best Friend Is Annoying, So I Want to Get Him a Girlfriend and Shut Him Up - Chapter 142 & 143 & 144

Chapter 142: As a Rival

Having clinched victory with perfect deduction, I left the rest to Tsuyu and went to hydrate.

Kamishiro Haruka and Natori Mayoi called it cheap to duck out after winning, but that game burned through a ton of mental energy. I was running my brain at full throttle.

So, a temporary retreat it is. At this rate, I won’t be at my best for the next game. The kouhai group can join in and have some chill fun.

By the way, I entrusted Rando-dono and Ai-chan to Kirita Akari. She’ll keep the conversation going to make sure they enjoy themselves.

Leaving the noisy lounge, I stepped into the contrastingly quiet lobby. It’s the perfect space for a break, but someone was already there.

…

That someone—Misono Izumo—was still at the same chair she’d been in, hunched over her desk. With no one around, she had her textbook spread out, her eyes darting back and forth.

C’mon, it’s break time. How intense can you be?

Seeming to hit a pause in her practice problems, Misono Izumo took a sip from her water bottle, then closed her eyes briefly while staying in the same position.

“…Alright.”

After a few seconds, she ended her eye break and dove back into studying. No way, that doesn’t count as a break.

“That’s not ‘alright.’”

I couldn’t help but interject, and she finally noticed me. We’d been in the same space for a while, but her focus is insane.

“What’s up? Weren’t you taking a break?”

“When I see someone studying during break time, I can’t help but say something.”

“You’ve got quite the nasty personality.”

“That’s not what I meant…”

I meant it in a “feeling inferior” kind of way, but she took it more negatively. I’ll admit my phrasing sucked, but isn’t she too high-strung?

“Take a proper break.”

“I did. You saw me drink tea, didn’t you?”

“If that counts as a break, then we’re basically slacking off right now.”

“Taking a break during break time isn’t slacking.”

“Then give your brain a rest.”

“I’m fine. This is my only chance to close the gap with Aoyagi-kun.”

Her words left me speechless.

Misono Izumo is determined to beat Uryu in the upcoming finals. If her current actions are a step toward that, I shouldn’t stop her lightly.

“It’s a harsh way to think, but I’m grateful to Mayoi and Rando-chan. Aoyagi-kun probably hasn’t gotten much studying done today.”

Twirling her mechanical pencil, Misono Izumo stared at her workbook. Even with her love rivals actively making moves, she showed no anxiety.

All she feels is the desire to beat Aoyagi Uryu academically.

“So, why did you fall for Uryu?”

Her hand, twirling the pencil, stopped. Without looking at me, Misono Izumo muttered softly.

“It’s not like there’s some grand reason.”

“I don’t need anything grandiose. That’d just be a hassle to hear.”

“Hah, what’s that? You’re the one who asked.”

Misono Izumo let out a small laugh and turned her gaze and body toward me.

“In middle school, I was always number one academically. People praised me, and that made me happy, so I kept pushing. It was normal to be first when I entered Yourei High, but in the first exam, I came in second for the first time.”

She paused briefly before continuing.

“It wasn’t just frustrating—it made me sad, like my entire purpose was gone. I was so confident in my studies, but I lost, and I was kind of dazed. That’s when Aoyagi-kun talked to me.”

“I saw the rankings earlier, and it was close. I can’t let my guard down next time either. If you’re up for it, let’s keep pushing and challenging each other to get better.”

“Those words just made me happy. It felt like he was saying I was still needed even after losing. He cleared my foggy vision, and I’ve been aware of him ever since.”

“He’s also the one who fogged up your vision.”

“Don’t interrupt like that. It’s better than smugly climbing without knowing what’s above.”

“Fair point.”

As she spoke, her expression softened into that of a girl in love, and I could tell she genuinely has feelings for Uryu. If she’d just thrown these honest feelings at him sooner, she wouldn’t have been stuck in place for over a year.

“That’s why I want to beat Aoyagi-kun. I want him to know that declaring me his rival wasn’t a mistake. That’s my way of thanking him for keeping me going without giving up.”

“I see.”

Misono Izumo’s obsession with studying is worth cheering for. If she beats Uryu, he’ll definitely start noticing her more. That’d be a huge first step in her race to win Aoyagi Uryu’s heart. She might even overtake Rando-dono, who’s been steadily making moves. That wouldn’t be bad for me either.

“I get your resolve. I’ll back you up until the finals are over.”

“Back me up?”

“So you can beat Uryu in the finals. That’s why you planned this study camp, right?”

Gathering people who like Uryu and creating an environment where they ask him for help. If Uryu agrees to teach, Izumo gets more study time; if he refuses, their relationship gets awkward. Man, she’s cunning under that serious facade.

But the person herself tilted her head, completely clueless.

“Planned what?”

“Y’know, using the others to disrupt Uryu’s studying.”

“Huh!? No way! It just happened by chance. You’re the one who picked the participants, aren’t you?”

Now that she mentions it, yeah. If she was plotting something that ruthless, she’d have chosen the members herself.

“Then why hold a study camp? It’s great for slackers who need motivation, but for studiers, it’s just lost travel time and the hassle of teaching others.”

“…Are you serious? You teased me about it during the sports festival…”

“Sports festival?”

Oh, right. During the class C finals when I got a nosebleed, Izumo was the one tending to me on the bench. Not wanting to owe me, she suggested the study camp back then.

…Oh, yeah, I remember now. I didn’t care about the study camp’s purpose, but when I pressed her, she blushed like she is now.

“…I just wanted to study in the same space as Aoyagi-kun. Jeez, you always poke at me like this whenever you get the chance…!”

Giving up, Misono Izumo looked away, embarrassed, grumbling at me. Gone was the usual stoic class rep—just a girl in love.

Sigh, if she acted this cute all the time, I’d be a lot more at ease.

Chapter 143: A Storm Brewing

“Ugh, I can’t study anymore!”

After a break and three more hours of studying, the daytime study session came to a close.

Kamishiro Haruka, whining as she slumped onto the desk, wasn’t exaggerating—the study session’s atmosphere was that intense.

“Good work, everyone.”

Misono Izumo, who seemed the most focused, offered words of appreciation to the group.

“The one who worked hardest is Aoyagi, right? He was answering questions the whole time.”

“True. Sorry for asking about so many things I didn’t get.”

“It’s fine. It was good review for me too.”

Uryu responded calmly to Natori Mayoi and Rando-dono’s comments. He didn’t seem to have much time for his own studies in the second half either, but he didn’t seem too bothered. If that’s true, the gap between him and Misono Izumo might not have closed much, but only the exams will settle that.

“Everyone, great job with the study session!”

Clapping her hands to gather attention, Tsuyu spoke up, having tackled her entrance exam prep with focus rivaling Izumo’s.

“It’s time for dinner, but we’ll need to move a bit, so could you grab your things and regroup in the lobby?”

It’s 6:20 p.m., a good time for dinner, but it seems we’re eating out. I’d heard Toritani-san was only preparing lunch and tomorrow’s breakfast, so this must be the plan.

“Alright, everyone, pack up your study stuff, get ready to go out, and meet in the lobby!”

“Yes!”

At Uryu’s call, the group responded enthusiastically. The rebound from the study session made them surprisingly lively.

※

With wallets and change of clothes in hand, we regrouped in the lobby and left the Aoyagi family villa, with Tsuyu bringing up the rear.

Though it’s early summer, it was already dim outside, and the nearby mountain trees looked eerie. The lively chatter from noon was gone, replaced by the clear sound of the river. Realizing we were deep in nature, I felt a slight thrill.

“How was the study session with Uryu?”

I spoke to Natori Mayoi, who was unusually quiet, walking at the back of the group.

Her trademark blonde hair swayed as she glanced at me.

“How?”

“Any progress?”

“Progress, huh…”

Natori Mayoi’s head drooped as if dejected.

“Maybe I don’t have any sex appeal.”

“Huh?”

Her unexpected response made me let out a sound. I wondered how it turned to sex appeal, but she quickly explained.

“The studying went great. Aoyagi’s amazing—any question I asked, he explained clearly with commentary. Thanks to him, I could probably teach someone what I learned today.”

“That’s a good thing, isn’t it?”

I don’t know her exact rank, but Natori Mayoi’s grades were likely near the bottom. If this study session let her engage seriously enough to teach others, that’s definitely positive.

…But, of course, that’s not what she meant.

“But that’s it.”

“That’s it?”

“Yup! I wore this outfit that’s practically a peek-a-boo if I lean forward, and he didn’t react at all! I deliberately leaned in close, and not a single glance! I was hoping to catch his attention and tease him with it…”

Natori Mayoi hooked her finger under the neckline of her jacket and tugged it down. From a high angle, I got a clear view of her cleavage.

“What do you think? Pretty sexy, right?”

“Yeah, oozing sex appeal.”

As always, she’s a genius at stirring up male instincts.

“Hey, you’re staring way too openly!”

“You’re flaunting it, so it’d be rude not to look. Gotta admit, it was a feast for the eyes. Thanks for the meal.”

“I see, a little appetizer before dinner.”

“That’s the lowest line I’ve ever heard from a girl.”

“Ugh, why doesn’t it work on Aoyagi? My body’s perfect, even compared to Kein Kosugi.”

“You’re picking the wrong rival.”

Ignoring my retort, Natori Mayoi let out a heavy sigh. She’s clearly confident in her proportions.

I hate to break it to her, but it’s no surprise it didn’t work on Uryu.

Not because study-mode Uryu was too focused to notice.

Sadly, Aoyagi Uryu is currently under suspicion of being a “six-year-old enthusiast.”

Against such a specific fetish, even Natori Mayoi’s perfect body might struggle to win.

I wanted to tell her the tragic truth, but if she learned that and gave up on Uryu, it’d be no benefit to me.

Sorry, Natori Mayoi, but I can’t let the Aoyagi Uryu lolicon rumor spread any further.

“Listen, Natori Mayoi, I rate your body highly.”

“What’s with the blatant pervert declaration? Blast off to the stratosphere.”

…

I tried to cheer up the dejected Natori Mayoi, but her ruthless counter left me speechless. I swore never to do something so out of character again.

※

“…Uryu, you sure this is okay?”

After a ten-minute walk from the Aoyagi family villa, we arrived at a ryokan, stunned by its warm hospitality.

“Don’t worry. The owner loves Tsuyu, and with my parents’ connections, this kinda thing happens sometimes.”

“Seriously…?”

Right after arriving, a man in his late 40s chatted happily with Tsuyu. He was so charmed by her friendliness that he let our group of over ten in for free. If this isn’t shocking, what is?

Now, having finished dinner at the second-floor restaurant, I was floored by the price of my tempura soba. They’re saying this is free too—the Aoyagi family’s connections are terrifying.

“At her age, Tsuyu’s got pull with all sorts of big shots. You could ride her coattails.”

“Don’t put weird ideas in his head, Onii-chan.”

As I was genuinely exasperated by Uryu’s pitch, Tsuyu, also done with her meal, walked over.

“What did you think, Yukiya-san? Was it good?”

“Yeah, you know a great spot, Tsuyu.”

“Ehehe, the owner’s friends with Dad, and I get along with him too.”

Tsuyu gave the same explanation Uryu did. Still, casually getting over ten people into a ryokan is wild.

“How’s that, Yukiya-san? I can treat you to delicious stuff like this.”

“What’s with you siblings?”

Tsuyu puffed out her chest proudly, but I got worried. It’s fine to flaunt this for someone she likes, but I hope she doesn’t get scammed or roped into buying overpriced vases.

“Anyway, Yukiya-san, sorry for keeping you waiting.”

Switching topics, Tsuyu smiled warmly and spoke gently to me.

“It’s time, huh?”

“It’s time.”

I closed my eyes and smiled calmly.

This study camp had only one thing I was looking forward to from the start.

For that, I endured the long, painful hours of the study session quietly.

And now, my wish is finally coming true.

Confirming everyone had finished eating, Tsuyu spoke.

“Alright, everyone, next up is hot spring time!”

Hot spring time is finally here!!!

Chapter 144: The Maidens’ Chat 6

“Ahh, this is paradise, paradise!”

At 7:30 p.m., the group of eight women headed to the hot springs. After washing in the bath area, they soaked in the open-air bath.

Outside, there were various options—a simple hot tub, a bubble bath, a cold plunge, and even a waterfall-like stream—but to chat together, they first gathered in the largest tub. There were a few other guests around, but luckily, their tub was empty except for them.

“Haruka, you sound a bit like an old man.”

“No helping it, Izumo-chan. Bus ride, then non-stop studying.”

Kamishiro Haruka, her trademark ponytail tied high and swaying, leaned against the stone backrest with her eyes closed as Misono Izumo and Kirita Akari teased her. Her unladylike phrasing bothered them, but she’d studied so hard it wore her out. Izumo decided not to lecture her in the hot springs.

“Seriously, Kamishiro, sink those sloppy boobs already.”

Natori Mayoi’s casual jab made Haruka snap upright, covering her chest.

“Mayo-nee, you perv! Why would you say that!?”

Haruka’s face turned beet red from embarrassment, but Mayoi showed no remorse.

“You’re just flaunting them so openly, I thought you wanted them groped.”

“No way! Besides, your boobs are floating too, Mayo-nee!”

“Unlike you, I’m not careless or sloppy.”

“I’m not sloppy either—”

“Alright, stop. Take the boob talk elsewhere. You’re freaking out the kouhais.”

Unable to stand the childish yet adult exchange, Izumo stepped in to cool things down.

As Izumo pointed out, Ai-chan, a first-year, and Tsuyu, Uryu’s sister, were overwhelmed by the sudden boob debate.

But even after Izumo’s warning, Mayoi didn’t let up.

“It’s just us girls, so who cares? Besides, a certain tiny, flat-chested sad sack’s been staring hard at Kamishiro’s boobs.”

“Huh?”

At Mayoi’s words, Haruka slowly scanned the tub.

Then she noticed a kouhai she often saw in the gym glaring at her intensely.

“Um, Sora-chan?”

“What’s up?”

“Uh, I was wondering how long you’re gonna stare.”

“Until you let me touch them, I guess.”

“Touch!?”

Haruka panicked, but the kouhai was dead serious. Her hands, previously submerged, shot out, flexing as if ready to grab something.

“Why’s it going in a touching direction!?”

Feeling threatened, Haruka tried negotiating with the deranged kouhai, but only got a heartbreaking response.

“If I touch big boobs, maybe mine will grow too.”

Rando Sora had been crushed repeatedly since entering the changing room.

Her best friend, Ai-chan, who’s about the same height, clearly had one or two ranks higher “combat power.” Ai-chan brushed it off with a vague “It’s genetics,” implying Sora might still grow, which only deepened her despair.

The final blow was Tsuyu, a year younger and still in middle school, outscoring her by triple. To top it off, Tsuyu innocently said, “My mom and sister are even bigger, so I might grow more!” The hot springs, meant to be a place of healing, had left Sora’s heart in tatters.

“Calm down, Sora-chan! Touching won’t do anything!”

Ai-chan pleaded desperately, but Sora kept advancing, moving like a zombie from a horror movie toward Haruka.

“Heh, this is getting fun.”

Mayoi, the instigator, watched with arms crossed, thoroughly entertained. The idea of solving boob woes with a “boob prayer” by touching them, and seeing her rival act on it, made her laugh. She’d started it, but what even was this scene?

“…Gotta hide.”

Kirita Akari, two seats from Haruka, crossed her arms over her chest, keeping only her face above water to avoid becoming a target. Izumo shot her a suspicious glance, but Akari ignored it, focused on self-preservation.

“Wait, hold on, Sora-chan!”

Haruka, the prime target, froze in fear as the kouhai shuffled toward her on her knees. Escaping the tub seemed like the answer, but she’d missed her chance.

Just as Haruka resigned herself to offering her boobs to the zombie, a lifeline came from beside her.

“Sora-chan, calm down.”

Speaking in a gentle tone despite the chaos, Tsukikage Miharu smiled warmly.

Even Ai-chan’s voice couldn’t stop Sora, but she slowly turned toward Miharu.

“Look, I’m older than you, Sora-chan, and I’m flat as a board. No need to worry.”

It was hard to tell in the water, but Miharu’s chest wasn’t particularly prominent. Recognizing someone with similar or lower “combat power,” light returned to Sora’s darkened eyes.

“Huh? What was I doing…?”

“Sora-chan! Thank goodness, you’re back to normal!”

“Wah, Ai-chan!?”

Regaining clarity in the middle of the tub, Sora was hugged from behind by a relieved Ai-chan, splashing water everywhere. If other guests were there, it’d have been a nuisance.

“Thanks, Miha-chan! I was so scared!”

“There, there, it’s okay now.”

Freed from the intense tension, Haruka clung to her lifesaving best friend. Miharu, unfazed, patted her head like a mother.

“By the way, Miharu, before worrying about your chest, eat properly. You won’t grow anything like that.”

“Really? I eat plenty, but it hasn’t changed much.”

Mayoi teased, but Miharu handled it calmly. She knew her arms were thinner than the other girls’ in this setting, but she didn’t think diet would fix it. Of course, she’d improve what she could.

…

Tsuyu, silently watching the whole ordeal, marveled at how much drama could unfold in just two minutes. She wondered, a bit dazed, if she’d be able to join in next year.