My Popular-as-Hell Best Friend Is Annoying, So I Want to Get Him a Girlfriend and Shut Him Up - Chapter 213 & 214 & 215

Chapter 213: Summer Break, Tea Ceremony Club 9

“Kirita-san, please keep it down inside the bus.”

“S-Sorry…”

Akari’s fiery declaration had frozen the bus, but Tomura-sensei’s calm reprimand quickly brought her back to reality.

During the pre-departure greetings, she was already shrinking, clearly regretting her loud outburst.

“Why am I always so clumsy like this…”

Despite the camp being a fun event, Akari’s muttering prayers with her forehead on the seat in front.

The bus has started moving, and the others are chatting lively, but this corner feels oddly gloomy.

The sun’s blazing outside, so why’s it so dim here?

At first, watching Akari’s mood swings was amusing, but I’m over it, so I give her head a chop.

“Ow!”

Clutching the back of her head, Akari shoots me a weak glare, and I throw words at her.

“Dark. Gloomy. And worst of all, boring.”

“Ugh…”

Akari lets out a pained sound at my machine-gun critique.

I might’ve rubbed salt in the wound, but expecting me to hold back is unreasonable.

“If that’s all you’re gonna do sitting next to me, I’d rather swap with Izumo.”

I say it with a slight taunt.

Personally, I’d love to ride to the destination solo, but after that exchange, this’ll hit harder.

“…I’m not swapping!”

It works like a charm—Akari turns a fierce gaze on me, a total shift from before.

It’s weird how negative words spark more energy than positive ones.

“…Fine, I’m still underprepared, but…”

Muttering to herself again, Akari says something about “practice.”

Is she planning some kind of performance?

“So, this was three days ago…”

“Huh?”

Clearing her throat, Akari suddenly launches into a story.

Her face is super tense, like it’s not a casual tale.

I brace myself a bit.

“I’m in the Tea Ceremony Club, so I headed to school during summer break.”

“Oh, the Tea Ceremony Club’s active even in summer?”

“Even though I didn’t wanna walk in this heat, I kept going.”

Wait, did she just ignore me?

I know she’s in the Tea Ceremony Club.

I held back a retort and even tossed out a conversation-friendly question!

Something’s off.

Her tone’s weird, and she’s rubbing her hands together nonstop.

But with Akari, this could be normal, so it’s hard to tell.

If this is normal, maybe that’s something to fix.

“So that day, I got to school early. I could hear the baseball team from the field, but the school building was dead quiet. It’s bright, but kinda eerie.”

“…”

“Still, escaping the summer heat was priority, so I didn’t think much and headed to the clubroom. But then, I heard water dripping near the bathroom, which I usually wouldn’t notice.”

“…”

“I stopped in my tracks. The sound was coming from the boys’ bathroom. As a girl, I shouldn’t go in, but it was early, and curiosity got the better of me.”

“…Hey.”

“Drip, drip, drawn by the sound, I opened the door, and guess what…!”

“Oi.”

“…? What’s up?”

I tried to just listen, but the story’s vibe forced me to cut in.

I ask Akari, who’s clearly getting into the climax.

“Are you telling a scary story?”

I know I might be ruining the punchline, but as her mentor, I figured I’d show a shred of kindness.

Truth is, I’ve never found horror stories scary.

Jump scares might make me yelp, but that’s it.

If pro horror stuff barely fazes me, I can’t imagine Akari’s story spooking me.

Stopping her before the punchline seemed like the kind thing to do.

“Huh? No way!”

She denies it with a dead-serious face.

I feel like she’s looking at me like, “You okay?”

No way—this tone, this intonation, these sound effects, and it’s not a scary story?

Are we even on the same wavelength?

“You don’t know? It’s on TV a lot.”

“No, I mean, it’s a scary story, right?”

“Nope! It’s the one where comedians gather, and the leader rolls a die with tons of faces!”

“Wait, you don’t mean…”

A chill runs down my spine as I wait for her words, and Akari beams.

“Akari Kirita’s Unslippable Story!”

Whaaaaaaaaaat!?

I manage to keep my voice down to not bother the other club members.

I really want to jump up, but I hold that energy in too.

What’s my disciple so confidently babbling about?

“Cut it out! That was totally a scary story setup!”

“I said it’s not! It’s an unslippable story!”

“Then don’t use words like ‘eerie’! Don’t emphasize water sounds! Don’t drag out your words weirdly!”

“You don’t get it, Hirose-kun! It’s buildup for the punchline’s impact!”

“Then let’s hear this killer punchline!”

“Oh, did I get you curious? I stopped at the good part, huh?”

Ugh, that smug face is infuriating.

She started all unsure, so why’s she so lively now?

“When I opened the door, there was an ice cream stick on the shelf above the urinal. It must’ve been left whole, ‘cause it made everything sticky.”

“…”

“And when I picked it up to clean, it was a winning stick! Isn’t that wild? What are the odds!?”

“…”

“…Not wild?”

“…”

“…”

“…?”

“…And that’s the story of how it’s good to come to school early sometimes.”

I silently chop Akari’s head.

“Why the chop!?”

“You know why! What’s with that lame punchline!?”

“B-But, finding a winning ice cream stick by chance is cool, right!?”

“The fact is! The story itself isn’t fun!”

“I-I wasn’t prepared enough! Can’t help it!”

“Then why’d you tell it now…?”

“You said I was boring, so I thought you wanted something fun!”

“Kirita-san, ‘fun’ doesn’t just mean funny, you know?”

“…True.”

I’m stunned as Akari nods, arms crossed.

Who knew I’d experience a scary story like this?

What a natural-born chaos girl.

Chapter 214:Summer Break, Tea Ceremony Club 10

“But, like, what’s a fun story to you, Hirose-kun?”

Probably stung by her failed “unslippable” story, Akari pouts and tosses the question at me.

At this point, anything I say might get shot down as boring, but a time-killing chat doesn’t need to be comedy gold.

“If you think about the situation, there’s tons of stuff that could grab my interest.”

“Situation?”

“Where we’re headed right now.”

“…Oh.”

It finally clicks for Akari.

The Tea Ceremony Club camp we’re about to experience.

Unlike Akari and the others, it’s my first time, so everything feels fresh.

What we’ll do, where we’ll do it, who we’ll do it with, and how—bouncing those topics around should keep the conversation flowing endlessly.

Heh, this is the talk skill I honed to keep up with Dad.

Never thought I’d use it on someone else, but if it’s useful, that’s not bad.

“Hmm, still kinda tricky, though.”

Akari puts a finger to her chin, deep in thought.

I didn’t think I said anything worth agonizing over—what’s she stressing about?

“No, seriously, anything’s fine.”

“I know, but I kinda wanna surprise you, Hirose-kun.”

“Oh?”

So, the Tea Ceremony Club camp has something surprising in store for me.

Nice—now I’m actually looking forward to it a bit.

“So, I can expect something good?”

“Your taste is weird, so I bet you’ll love it.”

Wait, is she jabbing at me?

That didn’t sound like a compliment.

Whatever.

If she’s hyping it up that much, I’ll wait with bated breath.

Until the moment the mysterious Tea Ceremony Club camp details are revealed!

“By the way, I’m not a huge fan of it.”

“…”

I’m completely ignoring bombshell statements like that.

※

About thirty minutes later, I’m in the middle of explaining the mystical allure of my frog orchestra to Akari, who asked about it, when the bus reaches our destination.

“Alright, everyone, grab your bags and get off.”

Under Tomura-sensei’s guidance, we pile off the bus and gather in one spot.

Standing on asphalt concrete, we’re just steps away from dense, swaying trees.

A staircase cuts through them, stretching so far up I can’t see the top.

Looks like we’re climbing this—gonna burn out before the camp even starts.

“…We’re climbing that?”

It’s not just me—the first-years look shocked too.

Fair enough.

Who expects to go from a concrete jungle to a real one?

Calling this a camp is generous—it’s more like we’re about to start a survival challenge in the mountains.

“Everyone, let’s move quickly.”

Tomura-sensei calls out to the hesitant students, leading the way.

My wild survival fantasies were a bit much—with her here, that’s not happening.

The staircase is dauntingly long, but it’s paved with handrails.

I overthought it thanks to Akari’s phrasing, but it’s not that extreme.

As an outsider, I wait for the Tea Ceremony Club to start climbing before following slowly at the back.

The group moves briskly at first, but their pace gradually slows.

“Everyone, take it easy. No need to push before the camp starts.”

Saeki gently encourages his classmates.

Even if it’s only been three months, his athletic background means he’s not fazing easily.

Though, he might just be showing off for the girls.

“You’re, huff, doing okay, right…”

About 70% up the stairs, Izumo comes to check on the trailing students.

Her face is tense, and she’s breathing heavily.

“This is nothing.”

“Nothing? This is, wheeze, a pretty steep climb, you know.”

“I kept up my sumo stomps even if I skipped club. You should try it.”

“I’ll pass. I don’t have that kind of grit.”

Grit for sumo stomps?

Sure, I thought I’d never keep it up at first, but it becomes a habit if you stick with it.

“You look pretty beat, though.”

“I’m a lifelong culture club girl, you know.”

“Then don’t come back down. You’re just climbing extra steps.”

“I’m the president, huff, checking on members is my job.”

Our class’s proud rep is showing her responsibility as Tea Ceremony Club president too.

Seeing a leader like this makes you want to follow.

“Impressive, but if you collapse, you’re just causing trouble.”

“Ugh…”

“If it gets too tough, I’ll lend you a shoulder.”

Izumo looks at me, stunned.

…What’s with those eyes, like I’m some alien?

“You say the wildest stuff with a straight face.”

“Huh? It’s normal, isn’t it?”

Was that weird?

We’re, like, friends, right?

Helping each other out shouldn’t be a big deal.

“Say that to Akari. She’s not exactly athletic either.”

“I wasn’t planning to say it at all, but some president looked shaky.”

“Ugh…”

Second groan of the day.

She’s super weak to causing others trouble.

“Man, if this climb’s all for nothing, I’m gonna be pissed.”

“What, Akari didn’t tell you anything?”

“She said she wanted to surprise me or something, so she didn’t spill.”

“Surprise? Is there anything surprising?”

“…”

Hey, Akari, your best friend’s saying the opposite of you.

If the reward for this climb is “the journey of climbing these stairs,” I’m rioting.

Only those who’ve lived it get to talk about the process—burn that into your brain.

“It’s nothing like an athletic club camp, so in that sense, you might be surprised.”

“Now you’re hyping it up too—cut it out…”

“Look, we’re almost there.”

A few minutes of chatting with Izumo while climbing.

The first-years’ backs were blocking the view, but I finally see what’s at the top.

“Whoa…”

It’s not just lush green trees.

A stone-paved path stretches straight ahead, flanked by two animal statues on stone platforms.

And a grand, red-painted mountain gate with a traditional Japanese tiled-roof temple.

I get it.

If this is the Tea Ceremony Club’s camp site, I can see why Akari was so cagey.

The place I’ve come to with the Tea Ceremony Club is a temple, far from my usual haunts.

Chapter 215: Summer Break, Tea Ceremony Club 11

“Thank you all for gathering again this year.”

Following Tomura-sensei’s instructions, we unpack our bags, change into gym clothes, and meet the head priest in the main hall.

“Second-years may already know, but I’m Hou, the head priest. For the next two days, I’ll be giving you various instructions. Pleased to meet you.”

Greeting us youngsters politely is Hou-san, the temple’s head priest.

Apparently, he’s Tomura-sensei’s father, and they’ve been borrowing this place for the Tea Ceremony Club since she became the advisor.

For those wondering why their surnames don’t match—

Just to clarify, it’s not some complicated situation like divorced parents or taking the mother’s maiden name.

The most surprising thing I learned today is that Tomura-sensei is married and took her husband’s surname, so it differs from Hou-san’s.

She’s not unfriendly, but she seems so serious and rigid that I thought she’d struggle with romance.

Guess I was wrong—my first impressions are totally unreliable.

Then again, if my mom could get married, Tomura-sensei being married isn’t that shocking.

“First, please clean the temple and its Buddhist artifacts. I’ll explain the cleaning areas and methods as we go, so please assign roles.”

Hou-san’s instructions don’t sound very tea ceremony-related.

The first-years seem a bit thrown, but the second-years, having done this before, quickly take charge of dividing groups.

The result—

“Hirose-senpai, looking forward to working with you!”

“…Same here.”

My group consists of Ai-chan, the shining deity of the Tea Ceremony Club, and Saeki, the guy banking on the club as his personal utopia with his polished exterior.

Why am I the only second-year?

They’re all newbies!

Oh well, among the first-years, this is a decent lineup.

At least we’re not stuck with floor scrubbing.

“You’ll be cleaning the offering stands, confectionery vessels, and tea bowls here.”

Guided by Hou-san, we move from the main hall to a separate building.

There, we learn how to clean rarely-used Buddhist artifacts.

“If you have any questions, I’ll be in the main hall, so feel free to ask.”

Hou-san leaves with a gentle smile, and I feel a bit soothed.

Unlike Tomura-sensei, his seriousness has a softness to it.

These artifacts aren’t something you’d casually handle, so with this much trust, I’ve gotta step up.

“There’s quite a bit to do.”

“With three of us, it’ll be fine. Let’s take it slow and careful.”

“Yeah, sounds good.”

Ai-chan and Saeki chat cheerfully.

Given Saeki’s intentions, I probably shouldn’t butt in.

I’ll just focus on the task at hand.

“…Looks nice.”

I mutter, eyeing a vermilion tea bowl.

It looks like a giant candle, but the color gives it a solemn vibe.

Getting tea from this would make my spine straighten instantly.

Hmm, maybe I could ask Dad to buy one.

“Hirose-senpai, you into Buddhist artifacts?”

As I’m staring, thinking it doesn’t seem that pricey, Ai-chan, who was talking with Saeki, calls out to me.

I feel Saeki glaring from behind her, but no way I’m ignoring Ai-chan.

Blame your weak convo skills, dude.

“I don’t get to see this stuff up close usually, so it’s kinda fresh.”

“They’re used in tea ceremonies too, you know?”

“Really?”

“Yup, the shape’s a bit different, but the basics are the same.”

“So these are…”

“Tea bowls, as you probably guessed. Misono-senpai said there’s a tea room here too.”

I see.

They didn’t pick this place just for lodging.

If we just cleaned the temple and left, joining the camp would’ve been pointless, so I’m a bit relieved.

“By the way, Ai-chan, you seem pumped.”

It’s not just this chat—she’s more hyped than usual.

When I point it out, Ai-chan blushes shyly.

“W-Well, like at the study camp, sleepover events get me super excited.”

“Got it. You’re just too cute, Ai-chan.”

“Wha!? H-How’d we get there from that!?”

No need to explain—every word and action of hers is adorable.

That “o” she adds to “study camp” is peak Ai-chan.

“Ai-chan, you’re holding up Hirose-senpai’s work.”

“Oh, sorry! Keep going!”

I’m having fun chatting with Ai-chan, but Saeki’s comment sends her scurrying back to her task.

Yeah, camp-style chats are great, but stopping work isn’t.

We’re entrusted with this job.

Saeki’s smug look doesn’t bother me at all.

He’s got some intense mood swings with me.

I’d like to bond with him more, but I don’t wanna interrupt his girl-chasing.

It’d be nice if he spilled some dirt on Uryu, though.

No need to force bonding at the camp—I’ll ask casually if I get the chance.

For now, I focus on cleaning the artifacts in front of me.

※

“Good work, everyone.”

After about 40 minutes of cleaning, Hou-san signals a 10-minute break.

We were careful not to damage the artifacts, but the main hall cleaning crew, who worked up a sweat, are chugging water.

“Hey, President, you’re looking pretty sloppy.”

“Shut up. I need this to keep going.”

Izumo, sounding like an overworked salaryman, gulps from a plastic bottle.

The sweat on her neck glints faintly, kinda alluring.

“So, how’d it go?”

“With what?”

“Don’t play dumb—Saeki-kun, obviously. That’s one reason I invited you.”

Oh, right.

Izumo was worried about Saeki feeling out of place as the only guy among girls.

“…He’s fine, isn’t he?”

I mean, he’s a hormonal teen dying to chat with girls.

He’s happily talking with the first-year girls right now.

Plus, I know his motives.

Worrying about him is a waste of energy.

“What’s that? Got any basis for it?”

Big-sister-mode President isn’t buying my vague answer.

Fair enough—if I were her, I wouldn’t either.

Maybe I should just spill Saeki’s feelings for him.

“So, Saeki’s all about flirting with girls in the club, so it’s perfect for him.”

“Really? Problem solved then!”

“Haha!!”

—Yeah, no way.

If it went like that, I’d bet my entire fortune on treating Uryu to matcha.

They’d think I’m nuts first.

“You’re here to enjoy the camp, but keep an eye on our troubled junior too.”

With that parting shot, Izumo joins the second-year girls.

…Troubled junior?

Pretty sure there’s no one like that around.