The Beautiful Girl I Accidentally Helped Who Has Somehow Become Attached To Me. - Chapter 17: Mikami Hina Is Pushy.

Mikami Hina Is Pushy.

Before I knew it, I found myself back at my place.

I had no memory of how or when I returned, but I had a vague feeling Mikami-san had been messing with me.

And even now, she was continuing her mischief.

She was pinching my cheeks and pulling them, so I turned to face her.

“…Ah.”

“What’s with that hand?”

“Uh, it’s nothing, don’t mind me.”

“Stop it.”

“Don’t mind me.”

Never mind.

I couldn’t quite understand what was going on, but as always, Mikami-san wasn’t listening to a word I said.

Wouldn’t most girls hesitate a bit before touching a guy like this? And I thought she said she’d be more careful and avoid acting impulsively… This doesn’t qualify as impulsive, apparently?

And, also… she’s close. She smells amazing.

Her fingers are so smooth, with that soft, delicate touch only a girl has that makes my self-control waver.

We’ve long passed any normal boundaries, but… her lack of caution is concerning.

“So… how’d I get back here?”

“Kirishima-san, you were completely out of it, just giving random answers no matter what I asked. Still, you managed to walk in a straight line, which was pretty amusing.”

“I see. So I really did make it back on my own feet… I don’t remember any of it, though.”

“Your judgment wasn’t entirely gone. You gave me simple answers, like when I asked if we could stop by the convenience store, you said, ‘Uh-huh,’ and when I asked for a spare key to your place, you went, ‘No, that’s not happening.’”

“Hey!”

What was she thinking, trying to slip in a request like that while I was zoned out? Even though I wasn’t fully there, at least I had the sense to turn her down. Good job, me.

Despite my memory blank, I’d gotten so flustered, my mind checked out. And that was all because of one thing Mikami-san said.

“Uh, just to clarify…”

“It’s a date.”

“Oh… okay.”

She said it so quickly I didn’t even have time to react.

Alright, a date, then… I got it, but I don’t really get it. I want to gather my thoughts, but Mikami-san is still touching me here and there, distracting me. Maybe it’s time to ask her to stop.

“Okay, that’s enough. From here on, it’s gonna cost you.”

“…How much?”

I brushed her hand away.

Then, she pulled out her wallet and looked at me with a dead-serious expression.

Wait, what? This is where you’re supposed to stop.

Hey, no—put away those bills. I don’t need a whole lineup of Mr. Yukichi.

“Stop. Put that away.”

“Does that mean it’s not enough…? Then, I could take on some debt—”

“Don’t you dare!”

I had no idea what went on in Mikami-san’s head.

I’d love to laugh it off, but knowing her, she might actually go through with it. She’s my only friend, so I can’t let her get herself into debt. Sure, saying there’s a fee was my fault, but come on, don’t take it literally.

I’m on the verge of a mental shutdown, thanks to her antics. She might actually be trying to throw me off again.

If that’s the case… she’s a real strategist.

“Didn’t you say you’d be more careful? If you keep acting like this, people might get the wrong idea.”

“…Don’t worry; I only do this kind of thing with you.”

Despite my warning, she just tilted her head innocently and said it outright.

Completely unaware, or is she doing it on purpose? Mikami-san’s forwardness is relentless.

Only with me… huh.

That’s unfair. It almost makes her seem like a femme fatale.

“Well, I did say I’d go along with whatever, so I guess there’s no point arguing. Knowing Mikami-san, I wouldn’t win anyway… Fine, okay.”

“Really? You mean it?”

“…Actually, no.”

“No to no is a no.”

“See? This is where we end up. Did that back-and-forth even mean anything?”

No matter how many ways I try to get out of it, once Mikami-san has something in mind, she doesn’t back down. I’ve learned that sometimes you just have to accept things. A sad lesson, really.

And yet, thanks to my careless promise, I ended up agreeing to a date.

How ironic—I’d warned her to be more cautious, yet here I am, carelessly saying “I’ll do anything” like it’s no big deal. It should’ve been obvious how that would turn out.

“So, why the sudden shopping trip?”

“I wanted to go shopping together.”

“Oh? Looking for something in particular?”

“Well, yes. I think your place is nice and tidy, but it’s a bit bare. So, I thought we could add a few more things. Also, I’d like to get some appliances and tools for making sweets.”

Wait, Mikami-san… are you planning on getting stuff for my place?

“I’d like matching mugs, maybe an apron… and perhaps a few cute plushies, too.”

You’re not even hiding it—you’re definitely planning on bringing a bunch of things in here.

This isn’t just a “shopping date”; it’s an invasion in disguise.

“And what do you think, Kirishima-san?”

“Well, honestly… I’m a little surprised.”

“Surprised? Isn’t it normal to want a comfortable space for yourself?”

Uh, just a reminder… this is my place.

But judging by how you said “your space,” it’s pretty clear you’re planning on spending a lot of time here.

Yeah, I get it. I totally understand the desire for a comfy environment.

“…Well, I guess a comfortable space is important.”

“Exactly! Let’s work hard to make our space here even more comfortable!”

“…Do as you like.”

Our space, she says.

She’s openly declared her invasion plans.

There’s no stopping her once she’s made up her mind, so it’s best to just accept it.

For the rest of the time, Mikami-san cheerfully discussed her plans for the place, as if she were outlining an entire strategy. As I nodded along, I came to a clear realization once again.

Yep, Mikami Hina has a forceful charm that’s impossible to resist.