My Popular-as-Hell Best Friend Is Annoying, So I Want to Get Him a Girlfriend and Shut Him Up - Chapter 98 & 99 & 100

Chapter 98: The Hirose Family Conversation

“What’re you doing!?”

Seeing Tsuyu smile despite being pelted by heavy rain, I’m stunned but rush over.

“Here! Take this!!”

I shove my umbrella into her hands and pull out the mini-towel for nosebleeds from my bag—something the school nurse gave me in case it started again.

I vigorously wipe Tsuyu’s head with it.

“W-Wah!”

Tsuyu lets out a pitiful squeak, but I ignore it.

The mini-towel soaks through instantly.

Damn, this isn’t nearly enough.

“Tsuyu, come on!”

“Eh…”

I grab her arm and pull her through the gate.

First, we need shelter, and my house is the quickest option.

I deliberately ring the doorbell and open the front door.

“Yes, yes, who’s there… Yuu-kun?”

Dad, flashing his guest-ready smile, widens his eyes at me and the drenched Tsuyu.

“Sorry, Dad, can you grab two bath towels?”

“Sure, give me a sec.”

Without a single question, Dad U-turns to the bathroom.

Moments later, he returns with towels.

“Use these. The bath’s ready, so once you dry off a bit, Yuu-kun, show her the way.”

“Thanks, Dad. Sorry for springing this…”

“I’m fine. I’ll be in the living room—call if you need anything.”

With a final grin, Dad heads to the living room.

I can never repay him enough.

“Yukiya-san’s dad is really nice.”

“Of course, he’s my dad. …But enough of that. I’ll dry your head, you dry your body.”

I hand Tsuyu one towel and use the other to dry her head.

Her semi-long hair should be manageable with this.

“Haha, even my underwear’s soaked.”

Tsuyu laughs as she dries off.

Her clothes cling to her, highlighting curves you wouldn’t expect from a middle schooler.

Also, the rain’s made her light blue underwear clearly visible.

Thank god no creepy guys were around.

After making a puddle in the entrance, we finish drying off in about a minute, and I lead Tsuyu to the bathroom.

“Um, borrowing your bath is too much.”

“Shut it. Stay in there till you’re warm and sure you won’t catch a cold.”

I spit the words and shut the bathroom door.

Finally, I let out a huge sigh of relief.

First aid for Tsuyu’s done.

She didn’t seem like someone who’d fought with her parents, but she’s not the type to show it openly.

I’ll talk to her after her bath, but will she open up?

I wipe down the path Tsuyu took with a towel and head to the living room where Dad’s waiting.

He’s already done prepping dinner and is sitting on the floor in front of the TV.

“She okay?”

“Not sure. She seemed fine, but…”

When I grabbed Tsuyu’s arm outside, her body was shockingly cold.

Thinking about how long she was out there gives me chills.

“I left some of your middle school clothes out, so she should be fine without a change.”

“You’re a lifesaver, seriously.”

“So, what’s the deal with you and her?”

Dad, who’s handled everything without complaint, asks with a hint of excitement.

“She’s Aoyagi Tsuyu, my classmate’s little sister.”

“Aoyagi… the super cool kid in a tuxedo at last year’s culture festival?”

“That’s him. Not as cool as you, though.”

Dad came to last year’s culture festival and sports festival, so he vaguely knows my first-year class.

I told him it’s embarrassing to talk with him in front of classmates, so he shows up like a regular visitor, watches my “heroics,” and leaves satisfied.

He’s practically a saint, and I plan to keep being a good son for him.

“You’ve met his sister before, right?”

“Yeah, we’ve hung out a few times with her brother.”

“Got it. Any guess why she’s here? It’s late, and she was soaked—seems like something’s up.”

No wonder Dad’s worried.

Even I felt my blood run cold seeing her at the gate.

For someone as thoughtful as Dad, it’s bound to hit hard.

“I’ve got a rough idea. I’ll ask her after her bath.”

“Good call. If she’s in trouble, listen carefully.”

Our chat pauses as the front door opens.

Hearing it, Dad stands and heads to the kitchen to warm up miso soup—his routine.

Minutes later, the living room door creaks open.

There’s Mom, dressed in a suit.

“Welcome back, Mom. I’m getting dinner ready.”

“Mm…”

Dad’s all smiles, but Mom’s face is as blank as a Noh mask. As usual, I can’t read her at all.

“…Mom? What’s wrong?”

Dad’s voice makes me notice Mom’s still standing there.

Normally, she sees Dad, then goes to change out of her work clothes. Today, she’s staring at him, motionless. What’s up?

“Another pair of shoes.”

That clicks it.

She’s the one acting off first.

Mom’s noticed Tsuyu’s shoes and is curious about an stranger in the house.

Makes sense.

“Oh, sorry, forgot to mention. Yuu-kun’s friend dropped by, got caught in the rain, so we lent her the bath.”

Hearing Dad, Mom blinks rapidly.

She glances at me, mutters, “…Oh,” and leaves the living room.

What’s with that reaction? If you’ve got something to say, just say it.

“Mom looked happy hearing you brought a friend over.”

“No way. Her face was totally ‘whatever.’”

“She’s just shy. It’s your first time bringing a friend home.”

No, that did not come across at all.

Chapter 99: The Whims After a Bath

I change into casual clothes and head to my room, passing Mom, who’s returned to the living room.

Swapping my uniform for sleepwear (a gray hoodie and pants), I wait by the bathroom door.

I don’t want to be in the same space as Mom, so I’ll wait for Tsuyu here.

I haven’t told Uryu I found Tsuyu yet.

I should’ve called him first, but her unwavering smile bothers me.

My sixth sense says I can’t report to Uryu until I talk to her properly.

A few minutes later, a splash echoes from the bathroom.

Tsuyu’s probably getting out of the tub.

Soon after, the bathroom door opens.

“Tsuyu.”

“Y-Yukiya-san?”

My sudden voice startles her more than necessary.

Fair enough—she’s fresh from the bath, totally vulnerable.

“Don’t worry, I’m not peeking. I just thought I didn’t explain enough about clothes or the hairdryer.”

“Oh, you’re right.”

“Use the bath towels stacked on the shelf. Toss them in the laundry basket beside it when you’re done. Hang your uniform on a hanger. There’s some of my old clothes for you to wear.”

I give clear instructions to keep her from feeling lost.

Nobody knows how to navigate someone else’s bathroom—gotta spell it out or it’s unfair.

After finishing, the hum of the hairdryer soon drifts into the hallway.

Once that’s done, Tsuyu’ll come out, and we can finally talk about her future.

I don’t want to delay telling Uryu too long—he’s probably still running around in the downpour.

Holding back my impatience, I wait for Tsuyu.

“Thank you so much for letting me use your bath.”

When the hairdryer stops, Tsuyu steps out, smiling, dressed in my old clothes—a plain white T-shirt and navy half-pants.

Even in this simple getup, her beauty shines.

The Aoyagi blood’s no joke.

“You’re not cold?”

“Nope, thanks to you, I’m warm inside and out.”

I was worried after the rain, but she seems fine health-wise.

Time to get to the point.

“So, question: you spent two hours tracking down my house today because of your future plans, right?”

Caught off guard, Tsuyu’s eyes widen.

She probably thought she could pass it off as a casual visit, but even without Uryu’s info, no one’d buy that given the circumstances.

“Haha, did Onii-chan tell you something?”

“That you fought with your parents and ran out.”

“That’s the gist of it, so I don’t have much to add.”

“Tell me why you fought.”

“…Do I have to?”

The forced smile she’s been wearing shifts, tinged with melancholy.

Maybe the fight was bad enough she doesn’t want to talk.

That’s fine, but there’s nothing I can do then.

“Alright. If you don’t want to talk, you don’t have to. I’m calling Uryu now, so hang out till he picks you up.”

“Eh, no, that’s a problem!!”

As I head to the living room to call Uryu, Tsuyu rushes to stop me, grabbing my sleepwear’s hem.

Her teary, wavering eyes lock onto me.

“I fought because I don’t want to go home! If I go back so easily, Dad’ll think my resolve’s nothing! I absolutely don’t want that!”

“Even so, your family’s worried, right? And if you’re not going home, where’ll you stay? Roam to a friend’s house in this rain?”

“I’ll figure it out! I won’t trouble you anymore, Yukiya-san! So please, don’t call home!”

Her voice cracks with tears, pleading desperately.

She’s dead serious about not going back.

But I can’t just go along with her.

Beyond the Aoyagi family’s worry, letting this escalate to police involvement would be bad.

She’s safe now—blowing it up further could hurt her reputation, especially with college entrance exams looming.

Best to avoid police if possible.

“…Wait here.”

I pat Tsuyu’s head twice and head to the living room.

Borrowing Dad’s phone instead of using the house line, I return to Tsuyu in front of the bathroom.

With her watching, I call Uryu.

He’s probably still moving, as it takes a while to connect.

After over ten rings, he finally picks up.

“Hello?”

“Uryu, it’s me.”

“Yukiya, what’s up? Weren’t you doing a missed call?”

His voice is ragged, likely from scouring the Aoyagi area.

Guy’s a beast, still going after the sports festival.

“I found Tsuyu. She’s at my place.”

“What!? For real!?”

I feel Tsuyu’s dejected gaze.

After all her begging, I told Uryu—she must be disappointed in me.

“So she headed your way. Thank god.”

Uryu’s heartfelt relief comes through.

Confirming his sister’s safe must hit deep.

“Can you bring her to the station at this hour? Or tell me a nearby convenience store—I’ll drive there.”

As expected, he wants to pick her up.

It’s late, and Uryu doesn’t want to burden others.

He’s making a reasonable suggestion—common sense, really.

If Tsuyu weren’t crying so painfully.

“Sorry, Uryu, but I can’t hand her over.”

“Huh?”

At Uryu’s confused reply,

Tsuyu’s eyes snap wide.

She’s probably puzzled by my words, staring at me curiously.

“This idiot’s caused enough trouble at my house and won’t even explain herself. She’s rotten to the core, so I’m gonna lecture her all night. Might have to drill it into her physically—an indecent night’s fine, but don’t complain.”

“You’re not joking around now!”

“—So, smooth things over with your family. I’ll bring her back tomorrow morning. I’ll make sure she’s mentally ready by then.”

The line goes quiet for a moment.

Seems he caught my drift.

Tsuyu’s refusal to go home should be clear to Uryu now.

I’ll leave the rest of the mess to him.

“Can I trust you with Tsuyu?”

“Depends on her. I can’t say anything to someone who won’t talk.”

“Then it’s fine. She’s probably listening to you right now, right?”

Spot on.

This should keep Tsuyu from clamming up.

“Tomorrow morning, got it. Tell Tsuyu I’ll handle Mom and Dad.”

“Deal.”

“And one more thing.”

“What, gonna tell me to keep my hands off your sister?”

“Nah, if Tsuyu’s cool with it, I won’t stop you.”

Hey.

You’re not stopping me?

Step up as her brother and warn me off.

“Then what’s with the serious tone?”

Uryu pauses again before speaking.

“Thanks for Tsuyu. Really.”

With that, he hangs up.

What’s with him, making a big deal out of something like that?

I don’t mind the thanks, but coming from Uryu, it feels weirdly off.

Whatever.

I contacted Uryu and dodged the bigger trouble.

Now I’ve got to tackle the biggest issue, even if it takes all night.

“…Yukiya-san, I’m sorry for being so selfish…!”

Right after the call, Tsuyu, sobbing, clings to me.

Relieved she doesn’t have to go home yet, her tears don’t stop.

I give her head a light chop.

“Idiot, nothing’s solved yet. So talk to me properly. I can at least listen.”

“Yes… yes…!”

“Ugh, stop crying. Cry more, and I’ll kick you out.”

“Yes, just give me 30 more seconds…”

Watching Tsuyu frantically wipe her eyes, I start to calm down.

Then, the gravity of this hits me.

Wait, isn’t this, like, seriously bad?

Chapter 100: Parental Consent

After calming Tsuyu, I head back to the living room alone.

I made a bold promise to Uryu, but I got the order wrong.

I can’t let Tsuyu stay over without Dad’s permission.

That said, I don’t think Dad would refuse my request outright, so I’m not too worried.

No matter how strict he gets, Dad only gives me challenges I can handle.

“Dad, I’ve got something to talk about.”

As soon as I enter the living room, I call out to Dad, who’s eating dinner across from Mom.

“Hm? What’s up?”

“Um, is it okay if Tsuyu stays here tonight?”

Dad blinks in surprise but soon responds with his usual gentle smile.

“Like when she showed up, there’s some situation, right?”

“Yeah, she’s not the type to cause trouble, so no worries there.”

“I’m not worried about your friends, Yuu-kun. If her family’s okay with it, I don’t have any issues.”

“Got it! Thanks—”

I start to celebrate—Uryu’s approval counts as her family’s, so we’re good—but Dad’s heavy emphasis on “I don’t have any issues” catches my attention.

It’s obvious.

I know exactly what Dad’s about to do when he talks like this.

“Mom, Yuu-kun wants to let his friend stay over. What do you think?”

As expected, Dad doesn’t settle for just his approval and tosses the ball to Mom, who’s chowing down across from him.

Seriously, why does Dad always check with Mom?

All she’ll say is “Mm…” or “Oh…” and that’s it.

Mom chews her stuffed mouth slowly, then looks at me.

“A girl?”

Her question makes me realize I haven’t told her anything.

She probably guessed from Tsuyu’s shoes at the entrance.

“My classmate’s little sister.”

I answer bluntly.

Mom puts a hand to her mouth, then looks at me again, expressionless.

“No naughty stuff, okay?”

“What!?”

I can’t help yelling at Mom’s unexpected words.

What’s she suddenly saying?

Her question seems to startle her too, as she glances at Dad, then back at me.

Her weird behavior slows the conversation’s rhythm.

She’s already hard to read, and without words, it’s even tougher.

“…She’s not your girlfriend?”

“I said she’s my classmate’s sister!”

“That doesn’t assure me she isn’t your girlfriend..”

It’s logical, but coming from Mom, it pisses me off.

She usually brushes things off—why’s she so fixated today?

“Anyway, no naughty stuff. Not while you’re a student.”

“I’m not doing that! Stop worrying about weird stuff!”

“You might.”

“Well, maybe, but—”

“Dad was naughty when he was a student.”

“…Huh?”

Hearing something I’d rather not, I instinctively look at Dad, who’s being treated like a defendant.

No way.

Dad was naughty?

With the quiet, grumpy, short Mom?

Dad’s so wholesome, it’s impossible… or maybe not.

Dad’s a gentleman, but he adores Mom.

If something sparked it, he might’ve slipped up.

It’s okay, Dad, you’re not at fault.

Mom probably clung to you or whined, oblivious to your feelings.

If a naughty trial happens, I’m on your side, trust me.

“…Mom, maybe not that talk in front of Yuu-kun…”

Rarely, Dad gives Mom an awkward smile.

Exactly—nobody wants to hear this about their parents.

“? What’s wrong with it?”

But Mom doesn’t get it.

She stares at Dad with pure, innocent eyes.

As my grandparents say, she’s lived carried by Dad, lacking common sense.

How does she function as an adult?

“Dad was naughty, so Yukiya needs to be careful. It’s a warning.”

“I don’t think I was that bad…”

“You were. You’d hug me the second I let my guard down.”

Wait, is that even naughty?

Was chastity that strict 20 years ago? I don’t get it.

“I think that’s just being close.”

“It wasn’t just that. When I accidentally watched that ghost special—”

“Okay, stop! I get it, no naughty stuff! Got it, conversation over!! Break it up!!”

I force-quit before Mom’s exposé continues.

Please, stop. What son wants to hear his parents’ lovey-dovey stuff? Do that somewhere else.