My Popular-as-Hell Best Friend Is Annoying, So I Want to Get Him a Girlfriend and Shut Him Up - Chapter 225 & 226 & 227

Chapter 225: Summer Break, Rival 7

“I worked hard. I researched the aquarium creatures in advance to deepen my knowledge. The plan was to impress Aoyagi-senpai by showing it off.”

Listening to Rando-dono’s story, I could perfectly predict what came next.

The mistake is obvious—her one big error was trying to compete with Uryu in knowledge.

“But I miscalculated. Aoyagi-senpai knew way more than I did, even after I studied my butt off for a week.”

“As expected…”

Sure enough, Rando-dono had crumbled before Uryu’s nerdy expertise.

I feel you, Rando-dono—I never want to talk about ants with that guy again.

“Isn’t that ridiculous!? I was swamped just researching the jellyfish at that aquarium, but he was flawlessly talking about jellyfish from other aquariums!?”

“That’s just how he is. Don’t let it get you down, Rando-dono—it’s just Uryu’s brain being insane. Even I’m hooked on jellyfish charm, but I only know about a tenth of all species.”

“Um, that’s still, like, 300 species…”

Weird.

I’m supposed to be comforting Rando-dono, but she looks kinda freaked out.

Come on, it’s jellyfish!

Once you’re hooked on their adorable forms, you’d want to know every type, right?

“So the plan failed, but I knew I couldn’t leave it at that.”

“Nice.”

As expected of Rando-dono.

She tends to flinch when her prep gets outdone, but she switched to a backup plan like a champ.

“I decided to just go all out and have fun. I picked the aquarium because I love it, so I clung to Aoyagi-senpai’s arm while we walked around.”

“…You’re bold, huh.”

Hearing Rando-dono’s story, Mayoi’s cheek twitched slightly.

Yup, like Mayoi said, Rando-dono’s a hard worker.

At least more than a certain girl who lost her memory to muscles.

“But the tragedy struck from there…!”

Suddenly, Rando-dono’s tone dropped.

Holding her forehead, she continued.

“There were two otters playing happily, and the keeper said, ‘They’re siblings and always get along so well.’”

“And then?”

“…‘Just like you two,’ they said.”

I see.

She thought they were having a fun date, but the keeper mistook them for siblings.

The keeper probably meant no harm, but it hit Rando-dono hard.

“I mean, sure, I’m a shrimp and not sexy, but siblings!? And siblings wouldn’t link arms, right!?”

“No idea. Especially with the Aoyagi family.”

After all, Uryu’s sister is Tsuyu, who’s all about her Onii-chan.

She’d probably cling to him happily—how Uryu feels about it is another story.

“Fine, I’ll let that slide! What really hurt was that Aoyagi-senpai didn’t say anything about the sibling comment! He just started talking to the keeper about otter biology…!”

I don’t even know what to say.

Mumbling weakly, “Oh, I’m the girl who lost to otters…” she slumped over.

I think Uryu just didn’t see the point in correcting the sibling mix-up, but it clearly shocked Rando-dono.

“That’s how it went. The date was fun, but it really highlighted my issues.”

“Hmm.”

Finishing Rando-dono’s story, I sorted my thoughts again.

To sum it up, neither of them did that badly.

They’re bummed because their goal is to date Uryu, so little things hit hard.

But both enjoyed their dates, and Uryu said he had fun too.

Plus, they both know their strengths and played to them, which is commendable.

Mayoi kinda self-destructed, but against anyone but Uryu, she’d have handled it better.

“So, what’s the verdict? After hearing our stories.”

“Any areas we could improve?”

“Yeah.”

Honestly, I’m torn about saying this.

It might dull their charm, but to take on Uryu, they need to aim higher.

“You’re both… too much yourselves.”

“Huh?”

Mayoi snapped back sharply at my words.

Rando-dono just tilted her head, confused.

“Obviously. Sticking to yourself is what makes your charm shine.”

“I agree, but I’m starting to think that alone won’t cut it.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Before that, Rando-dono, you said you were linking arms with Uryu while walking, right?”

“Yes, that’s how it was for the second half.”

“How’d Uryu react when you grabbed his arm?”

“Um, he was surprised but kinda went with it. I don’t think he minded.”

“Yup, about what I expected.”

I took a sip of my frappe and looked at them.

“It’s about lacking surprise. You both know how to show your charm and act on it. That’s important, but for Uryu, it’s all predictable.”

“What’s wrong with being predictable?”

“In simple terms, he can counter it. He stays calm because he sees it coming, and because he’s prepared, you can’t shake him. Mayoi, he was totally chill seeing your swimsuit, right?”

“Well, yeah.”

“Maybe he’s just incapable, but if the usual Uryu doesn’t budge, you can’t push further. The date ends as just ‘fun.’”

Saying it bluntly, their faces hardened.

Hearing their charm might not be working probably stings.

“So what, you’re saying don’t be ourselves?”

“No way. You’re coolest and prettiest right now, Mayoi.”

“W-Well, obviously, but that’s sudden.”

“And of course, Rando-dono, you’re cutest as you are. Own it.”

“Y-Yes…”

I’m not here to crush their confidence.

I came to give the best advice I can.

“So naturally, you should think about catching him off guard while staying true to yourselves.”

““Off guard?””

“Yup. Mayoi, picking the pool was great. But try changing the swimsuit style. A bold girl like you in an off-shoulder top or pareo would throw him off.”

“Hey, doesn’t that stop being me?”

“Why? It’s just tweaking how Natori Mayoi shows off. As long as it’s cool and pretty, it’s fine, right? Unless you hate it, then it’s pointless.”

“…I see.”

“Same for you, Rando-dono. Showing off aquarium knowledge isn’t bad, but don’t compete on Uryu’s turf. Talk about your pets or creatures you saw at another aquarium. Uryu’s more likely to bite on stuff only you know, not general facts.”

“…You’re right.”

“The key is dragging Uryu onto your turf. Girl stuff, first-year stuff, family stuff—whatever. Show your charm with a twist of surprise, and even Uryu can’t keep up his cool act.”

After spilling my thoughts and catching my breath, I noticed them staring at me blankly.

“What’s up?”

“No, it’s just…”

“I just thought, you’re really reliable!”

Instead of Mayoi, who seemed hesitant, Rando-dono beamed with a bright smile.

“Hehe, I’m glad I talked to you, Hirose-senpai.”

“Hey, it’s not like my advice is guaranteed to work.”

“Sure, but right now, what matters is cheering me and Natori-senpai up. At least for me, your advice got me back on my feet!”

“…Cool.”

If she says that, coming here was worth it.

No girl I’ve advised has ended up with Uryu, so I’m hardly in a position to act superior.

“…Yeah, your words hit a lot better than back then.”

“Glad to hear it.”

‘Back then’ must mean when Mayoi first came to me.

She didn’t listen to me and did her own thing, but it seems I’m helping more now.

“What’s that about? Can’t you just say thanks properly?”

“Thanks for what? I paid my dues, so I don’t need to.”

“That’s no different from a convenience store checkout. Even close friends need manners.”

“Ugh, enough already!”

Mayoi and Rando-dono started bickering over the thank-you issue.

Like Mayoi said, I got a frapp, so I don’t need thanks, but Rando-dono’s not having it.

“Fine, how’s this then!?”

With that, Mayoi started furiously tapping her phone.

A moment later, my phone buzzed—looks like she sent me an image.

“Extra goods. Use it however you want.”

“You…”

It was the swimsuit selfie I saw earlier.

Uh, what does “use it” mean? Can someone explain in kid-friendly terms?

“Huh, you got something?”

No, Rando-dono, don’t dig deeper.

It’s dangerous—you’ll get hurt.

Mostly me.

Chapter 226: Summer Break, Rival 8

“Thanks so much for today!”

After wrapping up our Uryu strategy session and some small talk, Rando-dono bowed deeply the moment we left the shop.

“It’s still light out—anywhere you’re heading next?”

“Sorry, but if you’re going somewhere, go without me. I’m beat.”

“Yeah, figures~.”

We were only in the shop for about an hour, but I didn’t expect to feel this drained.

Like in Harajuku, just being around so many people wears me out mentally.

Plus, being with these two makes me feel like we’re drawing stares.

“Sorry for dragging you all the way to Shinjuku just for this.”

“Don’t sweat it. I’m thrilled I got to discover frappes.”

There’s so much delicious stuff out there I didn’t know about.

That alone makes it worth it—I gotta tell Dad about this when I get home.

“Hey.”

While I was chatting with Rando-dono, Mayoi, who’d been quiet, cut in.

“What’s up?”

“We got you to listen to our stuff today, but what about you, Hirose?”

“Me? I’ve got nothing to say. If anything, treat me to another frappe.”

“Don’t just blatantly mooch like that. That’s not what I mean.”

Mayoi let out a big sigh and looked at me.

“Aoyagi’s little sister. You got confessed to, right?”

“Oh…”

So it’s about my love life.

Wait, when I talked to Akari before, she didn’t know if I’d been confessed to.

But with how obvious Tsuyu’s been, it’s not weird for people to assume she confessed.

Rando-dono doesn’t look surprised either.

“From that reaction, it doesn’t sound like you’re dating and all lovey-dovey.”

“Yeah, pretty much.”

“Any reason? A girl that cute and sweet isn’t exactly common.”

Mayoi’s expression wasn’t teasing or playful.

Despite bringing it up, she seemed ready to listen seriously.

What’s with her acting all out of character?

It makes me want to tease her.

“What, you gonna return the favor for my advice by counseling me?”

“What!? I was trying to listen seriously, you jerk…!”

When I smirked and asked, Mayoi snapped back, clearly embarrassed.

Seriously, if she’s not used to this, she should’ve just asked with her usual teasing vibe.

“That said, there’s nothing to talk about. No progress either.”

“Pretty cocky for a Hirose. What, she’s not good enough for you?”

“No way. She’s way too good for someone like me.”

I’ve got Dad’s awesome genes, but half of me comes from my disappointing mom.

Compared to Tsuyu, she’s probably the better human.

Plus, I’ve messed up plenty in my past.

“That’s not true! You’re awesome too, Hirose-senpai! You’re not losing to Tsuyu-chan!”

Maybe she took my words negatively, but Rando-dono jumped in to back me up.

Hard to believe she was so hostile to me not long ago—she’s gotten super friendly.

“Sure, Tsuyu-chan’s amazing, and she’s got this middle-schooler-defying sexiness, and her chest…”

“No, Rando-dono, a girl’s charm isn’t just sexiness. You’ve got tons of weapons.”

And just like that, I ended up reassuring her.

Big chests just get in the way of moving, if you ask me, but I know saying that here would be a mistake.

Pouring oil on the fire won’t solve anything.

Still, seeing her lament her insecurities like this can stir protective feelings and boost likability.

Sorry, Rando-dono, but sometimes you gotta throw a curveball to make Uryu’s heart skip.

“Hey, the shrimp’s issues aren’t the point right now.”

The tangent made Mayoi’s tone sharpen.

To me, my issues are the least important.

“Staying all wishy-washy with someone you’ve got no complaints about—that’s the worst, isn’t it?”

“I know, you don’t have to tell me.”

Even if she says she’ll wait, I’m not planning to waste time.

It’s rude to her, and if I reject her, all the time she invested in me would be for nothing.

But still, I’m cautious.

Dating’s not like becoming friends.

To me, a partner is someone I’d spend my life with.

I’m not choosing half-heartedly.

If I pick someone, I’m ready to make them happy until I die.

If I can’t commit to that, I’d rather stay single forever.

“…Fine. If you get it, that’s enough.”

Mayoi threw some harsh words, but after a brief stare-down, she looked away like she lost interest.

“…You backed off quick.”

“I can tell you’re serious just looking at your face. Anything more from me would be tacky, right?”

“Thanks for that.”

Her uncharacteristic thoughtfulness made my lips curl into a smile.

I’m starting to doubt she’s the same person who was messing with Rando-dono.

Well, I crushed that bully side of her completely, so it’s probably gone for good.

“I get why Natori-senpai’s worried, though.”

Mayoi cut our talk short despite wanting to counsel me.

As I tried to figure her out, Rando-dono dropped a cryptic line.

“What’s that mean?”

“Well, if you and Tsuyu-chan date and end up married, the Aoyagi family becomes your relatives, right? Then, Hirose-senpai, I might end up family with you too.”

“…I see.”

That’s a far-off future.

Like Rando-dono said, if I marry Tsuyu, Uryu becomes family, and so does whoever he ends up with.

Indirectly, I could be family with Rando-dono or Mayoi—hypothetical, but kinda fun.

“Hey, why’re you talking like you’re the one who’s gonna end up with Aoyagi?”

Mayoi couldn’t let that slide and fired back with competitive heat.

“Obviously! I’m the closest girl to him right now.”

Rando-dono didn’t back down either.

She met Mayoi’s fierce glare with gleeful confidence.

“No way! Why would he go for a younger shrimp?”

“If we’re talking that, why hasn’t he gone for you after over a year?”

A dark aura seemed to erupt around them.

Passersby were visibly avoiding them, and I wanted to pretend I didn’t know them.

Why do these two always start catfights?

If they did a rap battle, they’d probably kill it.

Also, they’re acting like they’re the only ones after Uryu, but there are tons of rivals out there, and more will come.

Izumo and Miharu are in the mix too.

If they keep their sights so narrow, they’ll get tripped up unexpectedly.

“Enough! If you’re that confident, let’s settle who’s on top!”

“Bring it on! First, we’re hitting the arcade!”

While I was lost in thought, they apparently reached an agreement.

Their faces shone with fierce determination as they headed to battle.

“Hirose-senpai! Thanks again! I’ll use today’s advice to take down Natori-senpai first!”

Her declaration’s full of spirit, but I didn’t teach her how to beat Mayoi.

“See ya, Hirose! I’m gonna teach this shrimp the terrors of society!”

Mayoi didn’t even touch on today’s talk.

Also, you don’t know the terrors of society either—can you at least get a job before saying that?

“Sigh.”

They came like a storm with their consultation, and now Rando-dono and Mayoi are leaving like a storm.

Watching them walk off, sparks flying, I couldn’t help but feel that calling their relationship just “rivals” was too simplistic—it was a strange, almost wasteful sensation.

Chapter 227: Summer Break, Aoyagi Family 1

“Runnin’ toward glory~ Let’s hop on that train~”

“It’s a car, though.”

“Huh? You say something?”

“Just that your singing’s so beautiful it’d put Takarazuka to shame.”

“Yep, yep, Yuki-kun gets it.”

Second week of August, during Obon when college students and workers head back home.

Under a clear blue sky with summer heat hitting its peak.

I’m currently on a slightly congested highway.

Inside a car driven by Hisame-san, the eldest Aoyagi daughter, with Uryu and one other person.

“Man, it’s packed. Can’t help it this time of year, though.”

When I called out from the back seat, Hisame-san stretched her arms, looking bored.

We’re stopped, but could you keep your hands on the wheel?

“Seriously, I knew this would happen, so we left early. Uryu, you’re in the passenger seat—help me out.”

“Help?”

“Tell me something interesting.”

“Ugh…”

I can’t help but smirk at their usual power dynamic, but that’s just how Hisame-san rolls.

Feeling bad for Uryu as he starts talking, I glance out at the scenery.

※

Why am I in a car with these two?

A few days ago, I got a message from Hisame-san.

“Gonna go see Tsuyu.”

It was so blunt I didn’t get it at first.

It was so sudden, and it being August, I overthought it—wondering if she meant time-traveling to June or meeting the rainy season personified in some poetic way.

But then I remembered a message I’d been exchanging around the same time.

“Starting tomorrow, it’s study hell at the villa. Come hang out when you’re free, Yukiya-san?”

That was from Tsuyu, Hisame-san and Uryu’s younger sister—of course, a person’s name.

She told me she has to spend two weeks of summer break studying at their villa in Kanagawa to meet the conditions for applying to Yourei High.

It’s the same place we visited before finals, but staying there alone feels like loneliness would hit harder than the study environment.

Tsuyu called the loneliness part the real hell, not the studying.

Still, I didn’t want to interrupt her high-stakes entrance exam prep.

I sent her some encouragement and planned to leave it at that, but then Hisame-san contacted me.

I wanted her to understand my reasoning.

“Huh? Meeting us will obviously make her do better.”

She shut me down with that one line, classic Hisame-san style.

But thinking calmly, she’s right.

No one can focus on studying for two weeks straight.

Taking a day to relax shouldn’t be an issue—it might even prevent burnout and boost efficiency.

I was impressed she’d thought of that.

“Nah, I just can’t handle not seeing Tsuyu for two weeks.”

Her reason was shockingly self-centered.

I know it’s rich coming from me, but she’s living life way too freely.

So here I am, heading to the villa where we had our study camp, with the Aoyagi siblings.

Things started off great—Hisame-san was singing cheerfully—but the traffic jam soured her mood.

And that irritation’s now aimed at Uryu.

“So that’s the story.”

“Too long. The intro’s too long. What’s with that cautious, padded essay? I couldn’t follow at all. Save the details for after the punchline with high energy—talking’s not the same as writing.”

Uryu’s hard-earned story got brutally shot down.

I didn’t think it was that bad, but Hisame-san nitpicked like she was looking for faults.

She talks a big game, but she wouldn’t bother if she didn’t expect something from Uryu.

“Well, it killed some time, I guess. Work on your conversation skills.”

“By the way, got any model answers for me, sis?”

“Nope. My existence is interesting enough.”

“…Right.”

Uryu radiated exhaustion at her dismissive reply.

He might be more worn out than after the sports festival finals.

“This isn’t moving at all. If I had a star, I’d blast the car in front out of the way.”

“Don’t say dangerous stuff like that.”

“Ughhh, I wanna see Tsuyu~ I wanna see Tsuyu~”

Hisame-san muttered like a mantra, her beautiful face scrunched up.

At the same time, Uryu shot me a look—guess he wants me to jump in before her mood hits him.

If the school saw this, they’d lose it.

“By the way, Hisame-san, you’ve got a driver’s license, huh?”

Feeling sorry for Uryu, I tossed out a lifeline.

She started driving so casually when we left, but I’d been curious the whole time.

“Tch, for someone like you, Yuki-kun, that’s a dumb question.”

My question didn’t amuse her, and she shook her head sadly.

“Listen up, good Yuki-kun. Cool stuff or profitable things aren’t just scattered around the station. Great companies and facilities are in the suburbs too. To seize rare business chances, you need mobility—that’s why a driver’s license is a must. Basic for a businesswoman.”

Uh, you’re a college student, not a businesswoman.

Your mindset’s like an HR rep training new hires.

“Still, driving’s kinda nerve-wracking. Your hands are tied up, and one glance away could cause a crash.”

As she inched the car forward, Hisame-san griped about driving’s challenges.

True, a moment’s lapse in a vehicle like this could be deadly.

It’s wild how common cars are when you think about it.

“But autonomous driving’s advancing, right? I still don’t trust it—it feels risky.”

“Exactly. Even if it’s accident-free, people won’t easily feel safe. So you’ve gotta attack from a different angle, not just safety.”

“Huh.”

I thought she’d dive into tech advancements, but Hisame-san wants to talk PR after the tech’s ready.

That’s interesting too, so I’m cool with it.

“It’s all about grabbing people with unexpected impact.”

“Totally agree. Generic ads don’t stick in anyone’s mind.”

“So I was thinking, what if we focus on a super lovey-dovey new couple?”

“Huh?”

We were talking about unexpected impact, but her words threw me off.

How do you sell autonomous driving by zooming in on a mushy pink couple?

“She’s driving, but her excited boyfriend can’t hold back and starts flirting. It escalates until they’re going at it, but it’s fine because it’s autonomous. How’s that!? Isn’t it wild!?”

Seeing Hisame-san’s eyes sparkle through the rearview mirror, I’m convinced.

Goofy people like her are the ones who keep the economy spinning.