So You’re Telling Me I’m in My Popular Phase!? - Chapter 12: An Unexpected Forgotten Item!?

Chapter 12: An Unexpected Forgotten Item!?

I was happy.

So happy I felt like I might start jumping on the spot.

Because Ryu-kun told me he liked me too.

But Ryu-kun said, “Of course I like you. I wouldn’t hang out with someone I didn’t like in the first place.”

I didn’t understand what he meant.

It wasn’t that kind of common feeling like: I hang out with this person a lot, so I like them; I don’t hang out with that person much, so I don’t like them.

But if someone asked me how it was different, I couldn’t explain it either.

The only thing I understood was that Ryu-kun “liked” me as a friend, not “liked” me romantically.

So I asked him again whether he liked me in a romantic way.

“I don’t know. Why are you asking that?”

“…No, it’s nothing.”

I said it with the biggest smile I could manage, and I didn’t ask anything more.

As time went on, Ryu-kun started changing.

He started saying he wanted to be popular—like he was searching for something.

He even asked me what he should do to get girls to like him.

It hurt—because he wasn’t looking at me, right here.

That’s why I decided I would never give up on Ryu-kun.

I decided I’d make him understand this precious feeling.

Right away, I started appealing to him.

I showed my affection in an obvious way, but it still didn’t work.

Other friends told me, “That’s way too obvious,” but Ryu-kun still wouldn’t get it.

No—maybe he does get it.

Maybe he’s just running away.

Even so, I’ll make him realize how I feel.

No matter how much he doesn’t understand, I love Ryu-kun so much it hurts.

※

While I was waiting for Ryu-kun, I was remembering the past.

Today too, I’ve been appealing to him the whole time, and he’s pretty tough—but I still love him.

Alright. Since I have the chance, I think I’ll try this lingerie on.

I’ll take a photo of it too, then show him and tease him like, “I’m wearing it right now.”

No time like the present—let’s go change in the restroom right away.

“Excuse me, Onee-san—something terrible is happening outside, could you help?”

The moment I stood up, someone suddenly spoke to me.

He was a guy a little older than me, wearing a troubled expression.

He was kind of suspicious, but if he was truly in trouble, it felt wrong to just abandon him, so I decided to follow.

The supermarket is far, and it should be fine even if I’m away for a little bit.

Even if I get dragged into something, I’ve got this.

As I followed him outside, two more guys like him came over.

They looked at me and grinned.

Ah—so it was a lie after all. Fine, whatever.

“What is it? You said something terrible happened?”

The guy who spoke to me first started laughing like an idiot.

“That was a lie. Sorry. I’ll treat you to something instead?”

So it was a pickup.

Annoying.

This method is basically kidnapping-level gross.

It even drags up bad memories.

“Sorry, I’m keeping someone waiting.”

I tried to leave, but one of the guys grabbed my arm.

Gross, gross—don’t touch me.

“I’m not letting you go.”

He said it while smiling.

Alright, that’s enough.

When I tried to take something out of my pocket, my phone rang.

It’s Ryu-kun.

Did he call because he got worried about me?

“Um, may I answer the phone?”

The guy nodded.

Oh, I can? Then I won’t hold back.

“Thank you so mu—”

“Nope~”

When I brought the phone up to my ear to answer, he snatched it away.

In that moment, the call disconnected.

Hah? What the hell is wrong with this guy—seriously, I’m not holding back anymore.

“Um, I really do have someone waiting—”

“Nope.”

Even when I tried to shake him off, he wouldn’t let go.

Crap—and the arm that wasn’t being held got grabbed by the other guy at the timing of that call, and now I can’t move freely.

What do I do…? At this rate, I can’t even use my trump card.

Huh… I’m getting scared.

N-no, that’s not it. I rewrote that memory into a happy one.

I’m not scared… h-help me, Ryu-kun.

“Hey—what the hell are you doing?!”