My Popular-as-Hell Best Friend Is Annoying, So I Want to Get Him a Girlfriend and Shut Him Up - Chapter 245 & 246 & 247

Chapter 245: A Different Emotion

When I heard Haruka got a boyfriend, I couldn’t believe my ears. To me, Kamishiro Haruka was the top contender for Aoyagi Uryu’s girlfriend spot. Same class, same basketball club—albeit split by gender—they were so close, I thought they’d naturally end up together.

But the rumor was true. Haruka herself told me she was dating the former basketball club captain. When I asked how it happened, her answers were vague, and my interest in her faded. If she couldn’t be Uryu’s girlfriend, I wouldn’t have any reason to be invested in her. I gave her a disappointed look, thinking we’d have nothing more to do with each other.

“Wait, hold on, Yukki!”

Maybe my attitude was too obvious, because that’s when Haruka spilled the truth.

Apparently, the former basketball captain asked her out when he retired from the club. Haruka turned him down at first, but he asked to stay friends, and she happily agreed. They hung out a few times during his exam breaks, playing basketball or chilling. Then, in January, he confessed again—this time with conditions. He didn’t expect a real relationship; if Haruka found someone she liked, they could break up. But if she ever developed feelings for him, they’d date for real. Haruka initially refused, feeling guilty, but his persistence won her over. That’s how they ended up together.

When I heard this, I immediately told Haruka to break it off, but she said she couldn’t back out after agreeing. So here we are, and I haven’t heard anything about them becoming an official couple.

What I’m getting at is, Haruka doesn’t care enough about her boyfriend. She doesn’t feel guilty, so she acts the same with everyone. That’s why people misread her, thinking they’ve got a shot. It all boils down to Haruka not having any romantic feelings for him.

“…That’s not true.”

My blunt statement must’ve hit a nerve, because Haruka puffs out her cheeks and snaps back.

“Since I started dating Senpai, I’ve been thinking a lot. Like, what kind of stuff he’d be into, or where I could invite him to make him happy.”

“That’s not affection. You’re just being considerate. Doesn’t sound like a real relationship to me.”

“Still, it’s different from before. I’m trying to change, like you, Yukki.”

Her sudden mention of my name makes my eyes widen.

“When we went out during summer break, we talked a bit, right? You said you were trying to change. You started calling us by our names, and you’ve been way easier to hang out with.”

“…”

“I was so happy. Your changes brought me a ton of joy. So, I decided I’d try to change too, for the people who’d be happy if I did.”

Haruka smiles softly, hand on her chest, eyes narrowing as her expression relaxes.

I remember that summer day in Harajuku, when we talked about this. She said she wanted to change, like me. Her silly comment about gaining Miharu’s calm vibe overshadowed it, but Haruka’s desire to change was about her relationship with her boyfriend.

“I can’t keep leaning on Senpai and dodging things forever. Romance isn’t really my thing, but…”

“If it’s not your thing, whose is it?”

“Anyone having their first love. They’re way more into it than me.”

As always, she’s the queen of clueless when it comes to romance. With her looks and her knack for getting along with everyone, I assumed she’d have tons of experience. But who’d guess she values friendship above all? If I’d known, I wouldn’t have pegged her as Uryu’s top match.

“So, you never felt anything romantic for Uryu?”

If Haruka’s never had a first love, then even with all her time with Uryu, she never saw him as more than a friend. She’s talking big about changing her relationship with her boyfriend, but honestly, I can’t see a girl who didn’t budge for Aoyagi Uryu developing romantic feelings anytime soon.

“Come to think of it, Yukki, you wanted me to date Ururun, right?”

“Yeah, to me, you two were the perfect couple everyone would’ve cheered for.”

A universally accepted pair would’ve kept the haters at bay. No girls bugging me, just a peaceful school life. That was supposed to wrap up in a year, but this overtime’s dragging on.

“Hmm, my friends said we’d be a good match too, but that was jumping the gun.”

Haruka crosses her arms, tilting her head slightly.

“I do like Ururun, but that’s normal for friends, right? We had a lot in common, so he was easier to talk to than other guys.”

Common ground like class, basketball club, and probably their popularity. Sharing not just fun but struggles too must’ve made their talks flow.

“Ururun’s such a hard worker, he makes me look like nothing. Every time we hung out, I was blown away by how amazing he is.”

“You should take half his stories as fiction.”

“Yeah, I think I said ‘no way’ a few times.”

To me, Haruka’s stories sound like fiction too. Do TV celebrities have even wilder experiences? If they’ve met a UMA, tell me where.

“So, I guess that’s why I felt something different for Ururun.”

“A different emotion?”

That’s new. Calling it a “different emotion” with that weird phrasing—it’s gotta be more than just friendship.

“Yup. I’ll tell you when we get to the infirmary. It’s tied to the sports festival too.”

“Sports festival? Now I’m even more lost.”

“Wow, Yukki, you’re usually sharper than this.”

“I’m leaving. Not listening.”

“Kidding! Just kidding! I’ll buy you a juice, so forgive me!”

“Stop clinging already!”

So, miss, how’re you planning to change?

Chapter 246: Hidden Intentions

After a slight detour, Haruka and I head to the infirmary. The nurse is nowhere to be seen, but a girl with graceful movements is reading a book.

“What an unusual duo.”

Her jet-black hair, as perfect as a Japanese doll’s, frames her face. Noticing us, her eyes widen slightly before she smiles.

It’s one half of HareHare, Tsukikage Miharu.

“Miha-chan!”

The other half of HareHare, spotting her best friend, immediately wraps her in a hug from behind. If I snapped a photo of this, it’d fetch a fortune—not sensual, but almost mystical, that’s the weird charm of these two.

“It’s not that unusual to be with Yukki, is it?”

“It’s rare after school. Haruka-chan’s usually busy with club.”

“Oh, right!”

If I let these two loose, they’d probably keep chatting like this forever—it’s terrifying. Miharu doesn’t resist at all. I’d have swatted her hands away instantly.

“Miharu, anyone resting here right now?”

“No one today, but what’s up?”

“Just thought I’d chat with Haruka here.”

“It’s not a chat, it’s a strategy meeting!”

Haruka grumbles, but “strategy meeting”? That’s new. It’s gotta be about the sports festival, but what can just the two of us do?

“Hmm, as the infirmary’s caretaker, I can’t just let that slide.”

“Eh!?”

Haruka’s shocked, but it’s a fair point. If this place—meant for genuinely sick students—gets noisy, it’d be hard for anyone to come in. Chatting’s out of the question.

“Now, now, Miharu-san, we actually brought a little thank-you gift for your hard work.”

Just in case, I’d prepared a bribe. It’s still hot out despite the lingering summer, and even chilly Miharu would appreciate some tea.

“Hey, Yukki! That’s the juice I bought!”

“Don’t care, ownership’s mine now. So, feel free to kick her out.”

“Why!? I said strategy meeting, didn’t I!?”

As we bicker loudly, unfit for the setting, Miharu covers her mouth, giggling.

“Hehe, watching you two always gives me energy.”

“Really!? That’s kinda embarrassing coming from Miha-chan.”

“Your brain’s too simple…”

Seeing Haruka sheepishly scratch the back of her head, I can’t help but sigh. Guys out there might have to get past this Yamato Nadeshiko to even reach Haruka. Feels like an impossible task.

“Alright, for Yukiya-kun’s gift, I’ll turn a blind eye.”

Whether it was the bribe or our comedy routine, Miharu greenlights our strategy meeting.

“But if someone comes, keep it quiet, okay?”

“Yup, just kick Haruka out, problem solved.”

“Ugh! I can read the room too!”

“Haruka-chan, you’re already kinda loud.”

“Even Miha-chan’s being mean!”

With that, the grade’s top girls, HareHare, get even closer. Despite the chair between them, two stunning beauties are tangled up.

…What am I even witnessing? Should I awaken to something and get excited? No, even without awakening, there’s something to gain, but admitting it feels like losing. Weird, were Rando-dono and Ai-chan like this?

“Haruka, aren’t we having that strategy meeting?”

“Oh, right!”

To avoid an emergency, I manage to pry them apart. I know they’re close, but for the sake of other guys, can they not do this at school?

“The strategy meeting… is it okay if I’m here?”

“Of course! Miha-chan’s in our team too!”

No way! What are the school staff thinking? Didn’t last year’s cultural festival teach them that these two together are a disaster? Thanks for the cash we made back then, by the way.

“Oh, it’s about the sports festival.”

I might be imagining it, but Miharu’s smile seems to dim slightly.

…Crap, picking this place was a huge mistake. I don’t know what we’ll talk about, but it’s not a topic for someone who struggles with physical activity. I really dropped the ball on this one.

“Yup! I’m super counting on Miha-chan’s cheers! They’ll boost me a hundredfold!”

“Haha, guess I’ve gotta cheer then.”

But the airheaded girl in front of me effortlessly brightens Miharu’s mood. I’m stunned, but it hits me again how tight these two are. What do I even say? Perfect balance, maybe?

“So, what’s the main topic?”

When I push the conversation forward, Haruka’s expression shifts. It’s the dead-serious look she gets for sports.

“This is a bit of a detour, but Yukki, you’re usually on the same team as Ururun, right?”

“…Maybe.”

I never thought about it, but from last year to this year’s sports tournaments, I’ve been on Uryu’s team. He drags me in, and it’s convenient when I wanna slack, so it’s a win-win. Even with random team assignments like the sports festival, we’ve been together a lot—pretty high odds.

“But this time, you’re in different teams, right?”

I haven’t checked the board, but if you say so, probably.

“That’s a roundabout way to put it. What’s your point?”

Haruka finally reveals the purpose of this strategy meeting.

“Yukki, don’t you wanna beat Ururun?”

Chapter 247: A Binding Promise

“Nope, not at all.”

My blunt response nearly sends Haruka tumbling off her chair like a comedian.

“N-None?”

“Of course not. Don’t you know Aoyagi Uryu?”

“I know him, obviously, but really?”

“Suspicious, huh? From ants to world heritage sites, that guy’s made my life hell.”

“What’re those two? I don’t see any connection.”

Connection? They were things I loved! Things Uryu tainted and ruined! Lately, he’s even trashed my manga. Thinking I could beat him is the real mistake.

“But, Yukki, you’ve beaten Ururun once, right?”

“Huh? When?”

“Last year’s placement test. You got first place, didn’t you?”

“That again?”

I’m so over this. Past achievements mean nothing to me. If I’d kept it up, maybe, but my brain’s empty now.

“Back then, I didn’t care about relative rankings. I just wanted 490 points or more. I beat Uryu by chance, but I wasn’t trying to compete. No fight, no win or loss. That’s it.”

“…So, you don’t think you beat Ururun?”

I nod, and Haruka’s face clouds over. I don’t get why she cares so much, but she slowly opens up about her feelings.

“I’ve never beaten Ururun.”

It’s almost obvious, yet she seems far from okay with it.

“Not just studies, but even in sports, where I’m supposed to be good. I try other stuff too, but it’s a total shutout.”

“That’s just how it is. I mean, he’s—”

“A guy? That’s no excuse for losing.”

Her voice, lower than usual, catches me off guard, slowing my response.

Haruka’s right, but the gender gap isn’t easily overcome. We’re not pre-pubescent kids anymore. Even for an average guy, beating Uryu’s tough, let alone for her. If Haruka could win easily, sports wouldn’t be split by gender.

“That’s why I wanna challenge Ururun whenever I get a chance. This sports festival, we’re in different teams.”

“But events are mostly gender-separated, except for the all-participant ones.”

“Yup, mostly. But there’s one stage where I can face Ururun fair and square.”

Haruka raises her index finger.

“The mixed-gender two-legged 50-meter race. That’s where I can compete with Ururun on equal ground, right?”

“Got it. There’s a race like that, huh.”

Unlike tug-of-war or ball toss, where individual effort gets lost in the crowd, this race’s outcome hinges almost entirely on the pair’s skill. That’s what Haruka’s zeroing in on.

So, I can guess what this strategy meeting’s about.

“Then you need to pick a partner who can stand up to Ururun.”

“I’m not doing it.”

“Eh!?”

I cut her off, and Haruka lets out a louder yelp than before.

“Why’d you assume I’d join? There’s no upside for me.”

Doing a two-legged race with Haruka at the sports festival? That’s the opposite of a peaceful life. The reward’s not worth risking my tranquility.

“B-But, we could maybe beat Ururun!”

“Not interested. If you wanna win, pick someone better at sports.”

“You’re athletic too, Yukki. I saw you at the sports tournament.”

“Even so, there are better options. Why me?”

“…I can’t explain it, but I feel like we could beat Ururun together.”

“That’s not an argument.”

No way I’m fighting Uryu for some vague hunch. We don’t even know if he’s in the race. If we prep and he doesn’t show, we’ll be a laughingstock.

“Find another partner. I’ll help with that much.”

Seeing Haruka bite her lip in frustration, I figure the strategy meeting’s done. I stand and head for the infirmary door. Now what? Midyard exploration sounds fun, but it’s still hot. Library’s probably the best bet.

“—ku.”

The sound of a chair scraping the floor makes me turn. Haruka’s standing, her gaze locked on me.

With a fragile yet determined look, Kamishiro Haruka speaks clearly.

“If I said I’d do anything you want if we beat Ururun, what then?”

In that moment, I’m faster than anyone in the world. A mere few meters, yet a critical distance. I’m in front of Haruka before time can catch up.

“You just said you’d do anything, right?”

“Uh, yeah, but just once!”

“Once is plenty. Kamishiro Haruka, saying she’ll do anything. No takebacks, right?”

“O-Of course! If it means beating Ururun!”

“Got it. So, even if I said, ‘Let me touch your chest,’ you’d agree without complaint, convince everyone it’s legit, and be ready for it, right?”

“…!”

Haruka short-circuits. Realizing her recklessness, her face flushes red, bit by bit.

That was a wild bombshell to keep me here, and it’s almost risk-free for me. Sure, being seen with Haruka in the race stings, but the payoff more than covers it.

Haruka’s teary eyes dart right, then left. It looks like I’m bullying her, but she dug her own grave.

So, what’s your answer? I might let you back out if you do it now.

“…If it means beating Ururun…”

She said it. She definitely agreed. Even after I threw out something that outrageous, Haruka didn’t budge. All to team up with me and beat Uryu.

A promise is a promise. I turn to the honorable infirmary monitor who’s been calmly watching.

“Miharu-san, you heard that, right? Can I assume I’ve got her word?”

“I heard, but that’s a pretty intense demand.”

“Obviously. If she backs out later saying it’s not valid, what’s the point of trying?”

That’s why I laid out the demand first. I set the bar high to show she’d have to accept even something that extreme. Now, we just need to beat Uryu.

“Come on, Haruka, let’s start practicing. Beating Uryu’s no small feat. No time to waste here!”

“Ugh, this cheery Yukki isn’t the real Yukki…”

Trash-talking, huh? But I’m generous, so I’ll let it slide!!