My Popular-as-Hell Best Friend Is Annoying, So I Want to Get Him a Girlfriend and Shut Him Up - Chapter 242 & 243 & 244

Chapter 242: Team Assignments

A few minutes later, Hasegawa-sensei shuffles in, rubbing his sleepy eyes. As always, he’s sporting his trademark white lab coat. Isn’t he hot in that thing?

“Long time no see, everyone. I know some of you club kids have been around, but let’s do the greeting anyway. Good to see you all here and lively.”

After the preamble, Hasegawa-sensei places both hands on the podium and scans the classroom.

“No need for me to spell it out, but after morning homeroom, we’ve got the opening ceremony, followed by placement tests. I don’t know if you’ve studied, but with exams in mind, you should know that bombing these tests is bad news.”

Hasegawa-sensei’s saying some serious stuff. It’s pretty rare to see him act like a proper teacher. In our class, Izumo usually keeps things in order anyway.

“So, Hirose. You studied, right?”

Just when I thought he was out of character, he hits me with a classic teacher move. Wait, he’s picking on me?

“No way I did. Who do you think I am?”

“No idea why you’re so confident, but no repeat of last year’s results, huh?”

Ugh, first Uryu, now Hasegawa-sensei, going on about last year. I’m the me of now. Can’t they see the severely downgraded version standing here?

“By the way, how’s physics and chemistry?”

“Did some before Obon.”

“Good enough. The other subjects don’t matter.”

Phew, there’s the usual Hasegawa-sensei. That level of slacker vibe is perfect—otherwise, I’d question his personality. He can goof off more, let my screw-ups slide easily.

“Anyway, enough serious talk. You’ll hear it at the opening ceremony, but the team assignments for the sports festival next month will be announced after school today. They’ll be posted on each grade’s bulletin board, so check them out.”

Yourei High’s sports festival splits the whole school into four teams—Red, White, Blue, and Yellow. They’re not fixed for all three years; they’re reorganized and announced this time every year. It’s not by class, and from a student’s perspective, it feels totally random. If the school wants to encourage mingling beyond classmates, it’s not a bad call.

New interactions—this is a chance I can’t pass up. Girls who can’t normally talk to Uryu might use the sports festival teams as an opening. The non-everyday vibe of the event could spark friendships or even romances. But Aoyagi Uryu, being his infuriatingly consistent self, makes you wonder if he’s even got the parts to notice. Instead of enjoying the games, look around, man. That’s why so many people come to me for advice.

“That’s about it for now. Morning homeroom’s done. Misono, line everyone up in the hall and head to the gym.”

“Got it.”

With that, homeroom ends, and Sensei slips out of the classroom. Why does he need to go separately when we’re all headed to the gym? No clue what he’s thinking.

Whatever. I’ll just pray the opening ceremony’s short. The tests? They’ll sort themselves out. Probably.

※

“Good work on the tests. Closing homeroom will be quick, so once you’ve turned in your homework, you’re free to go. Check the bulletin board or head to your clubs.”

The opening ceremony and placement tests flew by in what felt like a long but short day, and now it’s after school. Normally, everyone would scatter to clubs, but some are lingering, comparing test answers. Izumo’s caught up with her friends.

“Yukiya, how’d the tests go?”

“No need to ask.”

Is Uryu being dense or doing this on purpose? Why’s he asking me pointless stuff?

“Didn’t study. It’s obviously a disaster.”

Last year’s me might’ve been different, but this year’s me’s no threat to Uryu. If you’ve got time to question me, go ask Izumo or Miharu about their results. Miharu’s in different subjects, so it’d be a deviation score battle.

“Physics and chemistry?”

“Piece of cake. Hasegawa-sensei went easy.”

“What’d you study for those?”

“Told you, just before Obon.”

“Good. You’re definitely nuts.”

Hey, where’s the insult coming from in this flow? I slacked on physics and chemistry despite my promise to Dad, but my hands moved anyway. Sensei must’ve made the questions easy.

Wait, though—Dad cheered me on when I said I was drawing manga. If I frame my manga path as a form of study, I didn’t break our promise, right? I studied one subject—manga. All good, no issues.

“So, what now?”

“What?”

“Gonna check the bulletin board?”

“No way.”

Uryu says something crazy, and I shut it down. I couldn’t care less about my team. I can check it tomorrow morning when it’s not a zoo. Why go when it’s packed?

“Library, then?”

“Maybe. Looks like Goriji-senpai’s not around today.”

“I’ll head to my club, then. Someone’ll probably tell me my team.”

True. With this guy, someone’s bound to say, “We’re in the same team!” He’ll know without checking.

That’s when it happens, mid-conversation with Uryu.

“Yukki~~~~~~!!”

A familiar voice calls me from the hallway. I want to think it’s a hallucination, but escaping reality won’t help. Why can’t she show up more normally?

“Ah, Yukki! There you are!”

Drawing every guy’s stare in the class, it’s the chestnut-haired ponytail beauty, Kamishiro Haruka.

Spotting me, she bounces over, practically radiating joy. As always, she’s the embodiment of loud.

“Come on, if you’re here, answer me!”

“As if, you dork.”

Imagining myself mimicking Haruka’s reply makes my skin crawl. That kind of goofy behavior is a pretty girl’s privilege, I get it.

“Yukki called me a dork! The one who says it is the dork!”

“You said it three times, so you’re the dork. Congrats.”

“Eh!? That counted!?”

Haruka’s expressions shift with every exchange. Her ponytail and chest bounce with her movements—can’t she be a bit more aware of the stares? You’re drawing eyes, girl.

What do I do? If this keeps up, I’ll actually turn into a dork. Can we have a conversation with some substance?

“So, what’re you here for?”

Conversations with Haruka, who stands out for better or worse, tend to get eavesdropped on. It’s awkward, so I’d rather wrap this up.

“Oh, right! Yukki, did you check the bulletin board!?”

Haruka, who’d been sulking over the dork count, suddenly lights up with a smile.

“Nope, closing homeroom just ended.”

“Oh, really! Then what should I do~?”

Haruka puts a finger to her lips, narrowing her eyes. She might think she’s being sneaky, but her secret’s spilling out.

“Are we in the same team?”

“No way!? How’d you know!?”

I can’t hide my confusion at Haruka’s genuinely shocked reaction. This girl would be useless in an escape room.

Chapter 243: I Know a Good Spot

“No way, that’s all you wanted?”

If that’s the case, it’s beyond eccentric. Spare a thought for me, getting side-eyed by the guys.

“Tch, tch, tch.”

As if answering my question, Haruka wags her index finger and clicks her tongue with a smug grin. What’s with that smug face? If we weren’t in civilized society, I’d have her in a full-on cobra twist right now.

“Yukki, you’re not making fun of me, are you?”

“I am. Done.”

“Don’t end it!? Let’s communicate more!”

“Ugh, stop clinging!”

Clearly not liking my response, Haruka tears up and grabs my arm.

Seriously, give me a break. My ultimate goal is a peaceful life, you know? Even if Uryu got a girlfriend, I can’t handle the guys in class glaring at me nonstop.

“There’s nothing more to talk about, right?”

“There is! This is where the real stuff starts!”

Really? It’s not just “we’re in the same sports festival team, yay, done”?

“But don’t you have club now?”

“I do, but it’s fine. If it’s sports festival stuff, I’ve got the teacher’s okay to skip.”

“Huh.”

News to me. Last year’s second semester was when Goriji-senpai started showing up less, so the concept of club activities basically vanished for me.

So, I can’t escape this girl. Fine, I’m free, so hanging out’s okay, but I don’t want to keep talking here. Too many eyes—I can’t focus.

“Haruka, let’s move somewhere else.”

The classroom buzzes slightly at my words.

“Eh, a secret meeting? A secret meeting?”

“Doesn’t Kamishiro-san have a boyfriend?”

“Wait, did he just call her by her first name?”

The peanut gallery’s yapping away. If it weren’t for reactions like this, I’d be fine staying here, but people are just too curious. Especially when one of us is the grade’s most popular beauty, a walking conversation starter.

“Eh, you’ll hang out with me?”

“What, you don’t want me to?”

“No way! I just didn’t expect you to agree so easily!”

“Either way, I’ve gotta stick around school till club’s over. It’s a good way to kill time.”

“Yeah! That’s totally fine!”

Seeing Haruka this thrilled makes me feel like I’m doing something good, weirdly enough, even though I used a negative phrase like “kill time.”

“But where are we going? An empty classroom?”

“Dumbass, I know a place way better for calm talks.”

“Eh, really?”

“And it comes with delicious tea and snacks.”

“Whoa! I wanna go, I wanna go!”

Yup, normal reaction. Haruka’s probably never been there for club, so I’ve gotta let her experience its awesomeness.

“What’s up, Uryu? Wanna come?”

Uryu, who’s been standing next to me, gives me a dumbfounded look.

“…Nah, I just see lightning striking you in the future.”

“Come on, Uryu, it’s clear skies today. Not a cloud in the bright blue!”

“Alright, I’m off to club.”

What, ignoring me? You started the joke! That’s gonna feel empty later, so cut it out!

“Yukki, let’s go eat snacks already!”

And you, control your drooling!

※

“So, how was it?”

“Exquisite technique. I can vividly picture you carefully preparing the tea, right, Haruka-san?”

“Exactly, Yukki-san. These wagashi pair perfectly with the tea.”

“Thank you!”

“You’re destined for greatness. Keep moving forward step by step, without arrogance.”

“I concur.”

“Thank you so much!”

“It’s not ‘thank you’!”

As we focus on every gesture to honor the spirit of wabi-sabi, an out-of-place yell shatters the mood.

“This is the tea room! The Tea Ceremony Club’s base! Why are you two here like it’s normal!?”

The one fuming is none other than our class rep and Tea Ceremony Club president, Izumo-san.

“Shouting in such a serene space—such an unrefined woman, right Haruka-san?”

“Yukki-san, it’s simply disappointing. Proof she’s not feeling the ambiance, isn’t it?”

“First, drop that refined act!”

“Tch, here I am enjoying my tea, and you ruin it.”

“I’m saying it because no one else will!”

Fair point. Everyone else here’s been super welcoming to me.

“Akari, you’re just casually serving them too!”

“Haha, but I’m happy they came.”

Izumo’s scolding gets a sheepish smile from Kirita Akari, Izumo’s good friend in the Tea Ceremony Club. She’s a saint for serving us tea without a hint of annoyance, though her brain short-circuits sometimes.

“Thanks, Shuririn, it was delicious!”

“Glad you enjoyed it.”

“Sigh, what if people think they can just come here for tea…?”

One person’s stressing while the other two are all smiles. Is no one gonna comment on “Shuririn”? It’s better than “Ururun,” I guess.

“Second semester just started, give me a break.”

Turning at the voice from behind, I see Saeki-kun, grimacing oh-so-obviously.

“Only girls are allowed to trample my flower garden.”

Hearing Saeki-kun’s classic lines lifts my mood, but that’s beside the point. When I want tea, I go to the Tea Ceremony Club—that’s the rule. Everyone else can hit the vending machine.

“And with Kamishiro-senpai? You seriously need to get cursed once.”

Apparently, me being with Haruka touched a nerve. As a beauty fanatic, I get it, but from an outside perspective, you’re the one who seems curse-worthy, Saeki.

“So, what are you two here for?”

As Saeki-kun’s griping winds down, Izumo crosses her arms, glaring down at me and Haruka.

Yikes, her aura screams she won’t go easy if we mess around too much.

If I said we came to use this place for personal stuff, the moment I did…

“Yup! I came to talk with Yukki!”

You absolute airhead!!!!

Chapter 244: The Secret Between Them

After enjoying tea and wagashi, we were kicked out of the tea room by the tyrannical Tea Ceremony Club president. This feels familiar—how many times am I gonna get booted from that place?

“Ugh, Zuu-chin’s such a stickler!”

I give a light chop to the head of the culprit whining dramatically.

“Ow!? Hey, why!?”

“Because you’re an airhead! Obviously, if you blurt out the real reason, we’ll get kicked out!”

“Eh!? So I should’ve lied!?”

“Not lied! You use vague phrasing to dodge the situation!”

“I can’t think of that on the spot! What would you have said, Yukki?”

“I saw a cockroach sneak into the tea room, so I came to exterminate it.”

“How’s that appropriate!? And we weren’t exterminating anything—we were casually munching on snacks!”

“I was gonna smooth it over while you were busy nitpicking. That’s how I’ve always handled it.”

“What’d you say last time?”

“That I heard a Hercules beetle wandered in.”

“Yukki, that’s way beyond me…”

Haruka’s brain clearly can’t keep up with my masterful deflections. It’s not easy reaching my level of dodging the Tea Ceremony Club president, but giving up is just sloppy.

“So, what now, Yukki? There’s probably an empty classroom around here.”

Having lost our spot, we wander the halls looking for a new place. There’s a special activities room only used during classes, so we could continue there, but…

“…It’s a bit far, but how about the infirmary?”

I pick a place I’m familiar with. Using an empty classroom during club hours is risky, so I’d rather go somewhere it’s not weird for us to be.

“Hey, Yukki.”

Just as we’re about to head out, Haruka stops.

Her stance is striking. I don’t know if it’s her athleticism, but her natural presence is overwhelming. With an expression devoid of her usual emotional rollercoaster, Haruka looks at me.

“Yukki, you’re avoiding being alone with me, right?”

I hesitate, not because I’m unsure, but because her uncharacteristic vibe throws me off for a second.

“Obviously. Nothing good comes from being alone with someone who has a boyfriend.”

The answer’s simple. I’m not about to mess up my peaceful life. I don’t mean to dismiss Haruka outright, but I’ll act according to my own rules.

“Haha, that’s exactly the reason I expected. Kinda reassuring.”

Like a switch flipped, Haruka flashes her usual smile. Unlike before, I couldn’t read what she was getting at.

“Yukki, you’re different from other guys. Most would jump at the chance to be alone with me.”

“They’re in a different position. Don’t lump me with guys chasing you—I’m the one getting dragged along.”

“True, you’re always the one I mess with.”

“If you know that, stop it. It’s a pain getting questioned about us later—”

“I’m not stopping.”

Haruka cuts me off.

“Because Yukki, you treat me nor-mal-ly.”

Her deliberate emphasis on “normally” carries her unmistakable sincerity.

“Like Ururun, there’s hardly anyone I can talk to at the same distance all the time. It’s so easy to chat with you—it’s the most comfortable thing.”

“I think I get the short end of the stick here.”

“That’s a hundred times better than hearing flirty nonsense. Playing catch with a pitching machine isn’t fun, right?”

“You realize that’s a pretty luxurious problem?”

“Right? I wish someone would tell me what’s so great about me.”

Her murmur could rub people the wrong way, but she’s dead serious.

“So, basically, Hirose Yukiya-sama, who keeps things friendly, is the best?”

“Ehe, getting called a friend by Yukki is kinda embarrassing.”

Don’t poke at that, dummy. And that’s not even the part to nitpick!

“And you’re saying, ‘Stay away, you mob losers who want more.’ What a brutal woman.”

“That’s way too harsh, but not wrong. It’s normal, though—I do have a boyfriend.”

“If you were normal, it’d be a normal thing.”

Kamishiro Haruka has a boyfriend. Everyone but the first-years knows it, yet the approaches never stop.

I can guess why, both objectively and as the only one who knows the full story.

“It’s obvious. You don’t actually care about your boyfriend.”

If what I heard back in January is true, Haruka doesn’t have real feelings for her current boyfriend.