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

Chapter 171: What I Want to Do

For a fleeting moment, my mind went completely blank.

Falling into an unexpected situation was one reason, but the real issue lay in its cause.

Since yesterday, Misono Izumo had seemed unwell.

She had still participated in the final study session, so I thought it wasn’t that serious.

I figured it was just lack of sleep making her lose her appetite—without even properly looking at her face yesterday.

…Is this my fault?

Naturally, that’s what I think.

As the saying goes, “Sickness comes from the mind.” If Misono Izumo’s spirits were low and that caused her health to worsen, then it’s undoubtedly my fault.

I absolutely cannot turn a blind eye to that.

“That’s why I want to beat Aoyagi-kun. I want to win and make him think that declaring me his rival wasn’t a mistake.”

I recall her expression, filled with determination.

It was cool, dignified, and above all, a sight that felt invigorating to behold.

Yet, all her efforts up until yesterday are on the verge of vanishing in an instant.

The fruits of her relentless hard work are about to collapse without a trace.

—I absolutely won’t let that happen.

Seeing Misono Izumo’s efforts, I wanted to support her.

I wanted her to beat Uryu.

Yet all I’ve done is drag her down, unable to accomplish anything.

I’ve only gotten in her way, producing no results.

I refuse to let this final exam end in such a pathetic way.

For now, I’ll set aside the matter of reconciling with Misono Izumo.

That can come later.

First, I need to put the two ideas I’ve come up with into action.

And I can’t do that alone.

“Uryu, I have a question.”

Ignoring Hasegawa-sensei’s morning homeroom speech, I turn to Uryu.

“How many subjects still have exam material to cover in today’s classes?”

Some teachers expand the exam scope until the very last moment, while others stick strictly to the designated scope and allot class time for self-study.

The latter is overwhelmingly more popular with students, but the former is more common.

“Four, all in the morning classes. Afternoon is self-study and non-exam material.”

“I see.”

A small stroke of luck amidst the misfortune—if we’re focusing solely on the final exam, I can ignore the afternoon classes.

That’ll save some time.

“What’s up, Yukiya? You’re not exactly the type to care about exams.”

My question must’ve caught him off guard, as Uryu looks at me curiously.

True, this info is irrelevant to me, but it’s critical for someone else.

“Uryu, I need a favor.”

Ignoring his question for now, I explain my request to Uryu.

I could do it myself if I had to, but with time so tight, I’d rather avoid any delays.

It’s better to leave this to the right person.

“…Something’s definitely up with you, huh?”

After I finish explaining, Uryu pauses before speaking.

It’s a reasonable reaction to such an unusual request, and I owe him an explanation.

“Yesterday, I hurt Misono Izumo. Her absence today might be my fault. So I want to do whatever I can.”

Uryu’s eyes widen.

He looks taken aback, but soon lets out a cool chuckle.

“…Yeah, something’s definitely up with you.”

“No, I mean—”

“That’s not it. …So that’s what that weird vibe I sensed earlier was.”

“Huh?”

“Never mind, I get it. If that’s the case, I’ll help out. You’re right—things’ll go smoother if I handle it instead of you.”

I didn’t quite follow the first half of that, but it seems Uryu’s agreed to my request.

Just like with Rando-dono, he steps up when I ask properly, and I’m genuinely grateful.

“But man, you really messed up, huh?”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“I was worried about Misono-san because she seemed off.”

“You mean because she wasn’t feeling well, right?”

“No, it was her mental state that felt off. I checked on her, but she said she was fine, so I didn’t push further.”

“…You’re something else.”

I’m once again impressed by Aoyagi Uryu’s sharp observation skills.

Not only that, but he actually checked on her—what a guy.

Seriously, can he tone down the charm? It’s unfair to the rest of us guys trying to keep up.

“So, Yukiya.”

“What’s with the sudden shift?”

“You’re not gonna make me do all this while you sit back and do nothing, are you?”

Uryu gives me a challenging look, a mischievous glint in his eyes like a kid who’s found a new toy.

I meet his gaze head-on.

“Obviously not. I’ve got my own things to handle.”

“Like what?”

When I explain, Uryu leans back in his chair and stretches dramatically.

I know it’s weird for me to point out, but we’re in the middle of homeroom here.

Not that I’m listening either.

“I see, so that’s why you asked earlier.”

“You didn’t get that already? Just so you know, I’m not giving up on anything.”

“Hah, so you’re going this far, huh? What a good guy you are.”

“Good guys don’t hurt people. I’m doing this because I’m a bad guy.”

“Bad guys don’t go this far, you idiot.”

Hmph. Say what you want.

I’m going to see this through to a point where I’m satisfied.

I won’t let Misono Izumo, who’s worked so hard, lose for nothing.

“And that’s the deal. Final exams start tomorrow, so don’t let your guard down, physically or academically.”

I barely catch the end of Sensei’s speech before taking a light, deep breath.

From now until lunch break, I can’t afford to let my focus slip.

There’s a big task waiting during lunch, too.

—Until I’ve got everything sorted and ready to convey to Misono Izumo.

Chapter 172: A Push Forward

“What you need to watch out for here is that the meaning changes when it becomes a negative sentence.”

“Don’t just memorize carelessly because it has the same meaning in affirmative sentences.”

“Modal verbs are deep, you know.”

I listen to the English lesson, focusing intently on taking notes from the board.

Since starting at Yourei High, this might be the first time I’ve paid such serious attention in class.

Even for the midterm’s physics and chemistry, I managed by studying the textbook and reference books.

For health and physical education, I just memorized the exam pages relentlessly, never putting in much effort.

That’s why this new experience is slowly draining my energy.

This is the fourth class since morning, and my brain feels like it’s erupting with a fever from all the knowledge.

The last time I crammed this much was the summer vacation a year ago.

When I asked Dad for a laptop, it naturally required Mom’s approval.

She gave me an outrageous condition: score over 490 points on the post-summer break proficiency test.

Since I’m always itching to one-up Mom, I couldn’t back down here.

I sacrificed playtime, dedicating every moment outside eating, bathing, and sleeping to studying.

I spent about 12 hours a day studying, my right hand nearly breaking from holding the pen.

I lost count of how many times I almost succumbed to sleepiness.

My eyes strained from following strings of text, sometimes making me feel like vomiting.

Still, I didn’t lose.

I endured countless temptations and pushed through desperately until the end.

All for getting that laptop—and to shut up the noisy jerk in the seat next to me.

(The seat change after summer break made that part pointless, though.)

But looking back, all that effort for a single laptop feels unbalanced.

It was a 150,000-yen laptop, but studying 12 hours a day for about 30 days to earn it?

That’s roughly 420 yen per hour—minimum wage that’d make the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare blanch.

I’d have been better off getting a part-time job for efficiency.

Still, that studying led to encounters I wouldn’t trade for money.

Nearly a year of memories that can’t be converted to cash.

That’s what makes it hard to say efficiency is always the answer.

Even now, I’m ignoring efficiency, frantically copying the board.

I avoid adding my own interpretations, mechanically storing knowledge.

This might not be the right way, but it’s at least not wrong.

If I pass on everything said and written exactly as is, the second-smartest brain in our grade will figure it out.

So, Misono Izumo, focus on recovering your strength for now.

So you can study even a little after I share the info.

If you still want to beat Uryu, that is.

※

“Uryu, how’s that thing I asked about?”

Fourth period ends, and lunch break begins.

As the classroom buzzes with noise, I put away my textbook and glance at Uryu.

“It’s going well. I’ll probably wrap it up during lunch.”

As expected from the guy who delivers on his word.

His adaptability to sudden deadlines is impressive.

I bet Hisame-san could stand to appreciate Uryu a bit more.

“Got it. Sorry, but keep at it.”

“What about you?”

Uryu eyes me suspiciously as I hurriedly organize my things.

He’s right to be skeptical—what am I doing while dumping work on him?

“Sorry, there’s something else I’ve gotta handle.”

“Something else? You’re shoving tasks on me for that?”

“Yeah. It’s as important as Misono Izumo’s situation.”

I look straight into Uryu’s eyes.

Misono Izumo’s health issue has taken priority because of the accident.

But that’s not the only thing I wanted to do.

I don’t have much time, and I’m not about to put it off.

“I see.”

Maybe my resolve got through, because Uryu doesn’t press further.

“Need help with that one?”

Not only that, he offers to share the load.

This is what makes Aoyagi Uryu the heartthrob of every schoolgirl.

It hits me again why he’s so popular.

His looks are maxed out, and he’s trying to max out his personality, too—terrifying.

“I’m good. That one’s something I need to handle myself.”

Uryu’s offer is appreciated, but this is a problem I have to solve on my own.

“…Heh.”

“Huh? What’s that?”

Uryu suddenly chuckles mid-conversation, leaving me confused.

What’s so funny? Was there anything amusing in what we just said?

“Nah, just thinking things might get fun after finals.”

“What?”

“Forget it. Hurry up and go if you’ve got stuff to do. People scatter during lunch.”

“Crap!”

He’s right.

It’s lunch break—there’s no guarantee they’ll stay in the classroom.

If they’re at the cafeteria, great, but anywhere else, and it’ll be a pain to find them.

I bolt out of the classroom.

“Tch…”

The hallway is packed with students heading to the cafeteria.

It’s nothing compared to a morning rush-hour train, but it’s still a hassle to navigate.

Dammit, that last bit of banter with Uryu was a waste.

And that guy always drops cryptic lines.

I’ve told him a million times not to say stuff he’s not gonna explain.

Dodging people, I head toward my destination—Class 2-D.

The reason? To see Kirita Akari, of course.

Misono Izumo isn’t the only one I need to apologize to today.

I owe Kirita Akari the same.

If I miss this lunch break, I won’t get another chance today—that’d be bad.

“…”

A few dozen seconds later, I reach 2-D.

Learning from last time, I silently scan the classroom.

No sign of Kirita Akari.

Is she just away from her desk, or already at the cafeteria?

Either way, I’m a step too late.

“Yukiya-kun, what’s up?”

As I grimace and grit my teeth, Tsukikage Miharu, who was eating lunch with a friend, calls out to me.

Perfect.

She’s close with Kirita Akari—she might know where she went.

“Sorry to interrupt your meal. Do you know where Kirita Akari is?”

“Akari-chan? Maybe the cafeteria or the tea ceremony room.”

“She had a bento, so probably the tea ceremony room.”

“The tea ceremony room!”

That’s a blind spot.

As a tea ceremony club member, she might eat lunch there.

“It’s not a sure thing, though.”

“No, just giving me options helps a ton.”

I thank Tsukikage Miharu and turn to leave the classroom.

“Yukiya-kun.”

Her usual calm tone stops me.

I’m in a hurry and wish she’d make it quick, but her expression lacks her usual smile.

“Akari-chan’s been out of sorts all day.”

“So, I’d be happy if you could cheer her up, Yukiya-kun.”

…Man, why is everyone around me so damn nice?

She doesn’t even ask why I’m looking for Kirita Akari.

She just tells me the situation.

If I admitted this was my fault, would she get mad?

I catch myself thinking something pointless.

“Yeah, got it. I’ll do everything I can.”

“Okay, please do.”

With her soft voice and smile at my back, I leave the classroom.

Coming here was worth it.

Talking to Tsukikage Miharu before seeing Kirita Akari was worth it.

I’m not the only one who wants Kirita Akari to feel better—I get that now.

I’ll turn this encouragement into strength, no matter what.

Carrying Tsukikage Miharu’s hopes in my heart, I head to the tea ceremony room where Kirita Akari might be.

Chapter 173: Apology

After parting with Tsukikage Miharu, I hurriedly head to the tea ceremony room.

The tea ceremony room is located alongside other special activity rooms like the science lab and home economics room, so this area is almost deserted during lunch break.

Doubt creeps in—could she really be here?

But then I calm myself; if she’s in the tea ceremony room, she wouldn’t be in the hallway.

Relax, Yukiya. What’s the point of panicking before even talking?

“Suu, haa.”

I take a slow, deep breath.

The task itself is simple: apologize sincerely.

Then, based on Kirita Akari’s reaction, figure out how to earn her forgiveness.

Put complicated thoughts aside for now—just do what needs to be done.

“Is Kirita Akari here?”

I open the tea ceremony room door while peering inside.

“!?”

Kirita Akari is there.

She’s eating lunch with two underclassmen, holding a bento with perfect posture.

But when she sees me, her expression changes blatantly.

Her cheerful face shifts, brows lowering as if she’s seen a hated insect up close.

Ignoring her change in expression, I feel relieved.

If she wasn’t here, I’d have to search the crowded school store or cafeteria.

“Sorry to interrupt your meal. Can we talk?”

I look at Kirita Akari, then at the familiar underclassmen.

The underclassmen gesture toward Kirita Akari as if to say, “Go ahead.”

It’s up to her now, but…

“…”

Kirita Akari stands up smoothly and walks toward me.

Seeing her put on her indoor shoes to step out, I assume she’s willing to talk.

But she doesn’t meet my eyes at all.

Since her initial shocked expression, she’s kept her gaze down.

Seeing her like this makes my guilt gnaw at me even more.

But regretting it won’t help—spilled water doesn’t return to the basin.

I need to focus on improving this situation.

Silence falls over the tea ceremony room.

Her every move captivates me and the underclassmen, leaving us speechless.

Finally, she finishes putting on her shoes, and I think she’s about to talk.

Instead, Kirita Akari brushes past me and leaves the tea ceremony room.

For a moment, I think she’s ignoring me.

Then I realize she probably doesn’t want the underclassmen to hear.

I start to follow her to change locations—when an emergency strikes.

“!”

“Eh?”

She pauses briefly, then bolts down the hallway.

“Hey, wait a second!”

Caught off guard by the sudden move, I quickly chase after her.

I thought she was just stepping out easily, but to escape?

At least put your bento away first!

The impromptu game of tag with Kirita Akari ends in mere seconds.

Against someone like Kamishiro Haruka or Natori Mayoi, it might be different.

But the gap in running ability between a guy and a girl is obvious.

Even I, not particularly fast, easily grab her hand.

“I said wait!”

“No! Let go!”

Despite her fierce resistance, I hold on to her hand.

Good thing this floor is empty—outside a classroom, this would be a full-blown incident.

“I said I need to talk!”

“No! I won’t listen! I don’t want to hear it!”

Kirita Akari shakes her head and hands like a tantruming child.

Does she think I’m here to insult her again?

Is that why she’s so desperate to escape?

If so, that ticks me off a bit.

Even if I were angry, I wouldn’t go out of my way to insult someone during their lunch.

If I had that kind of time, I’d be searching for four-leaf clovers in the grass by the schoolyard—way more productive.

But I’m the one who made her feel this way.

My harsh words caused Kirita Akari to reject me so strongly.

If that’s the case, I need to correct that mindset first.

I state my purpose clearly.

“I came to apologize for the other day!”

“…!”

Kirita Akari’s movements freeze.

Her face, which she’d refused to turn toward me, slowly shifts like a malfunctioning robot.

Her expression is filled with confusion.

Her eyes brim with tears, ready to spill over.

“…Apologize?”

“…Yeah.”

Thinking we can finally talk, I release her hand and face her properly.

Just seeing her now, it’s easy to grasp how much I hurt her.

So, to at least help her come to terms with those feelings, I bow my head to her.

“I’m really sorry about the study camp. I said awful things and hurt you. I regret it.”

“The truth is—you don’t care who you end up with, do you?”

“You want to aim for the highly competitive Uryu, but you don’t know if you can win him. So you’re hedging your bets by flirting with me, who’s right here.”

Those were truly cruel words.

I’ll never forget the shocked look on Kirita Akari’s face back then.

If I’d thought calmly, I’d have known she’d never act like some scheming villain.

Yet, scared of her affection, I lashed out with venom.

I hurt her deeply, hiding behind my own experiences.

I knew from the bottom of my heart that I had to apologize for it.

“I don’t expect you to forgive me right away. I know I deserve to be hated. But…”

Still bowing, I say something pathetic.

“But if you ever feel like you could forgive me, then maybe, like before…”

I realize how poorly I’m expressing myself.

It’s shocking how inarticulate I am.

Was I always this bad with words?