The Handsome Girl Who Stole My Girlfriend Seems to Be After Me Now - Chapter 13: The Handsome Girl's Weakness

Chapter 13: The Handsome Girl’s Weakness

Even though it was a holiday, it seemed like the college guys had been drinking since the middle of the day, as they were pretty drunk.

Their steps were unsteady, and they shamelessly slung their arms around Mizushima’s shoulders, trying to take selfies without any restraint.

“Uwa… I definitely don’t want to end up like that.”

Indeed, Mizushima, dressed very girlishly at the moment, could be called a beautiful girl that would make anyone turn their head, thanks to her naturally high facial attractiveness. It wouldn’t be surprising if she got hit on once or twice.

But getting tangled up with those guys was unfortunate for Mizushima. Well, getting approached by guys is something she’s probably used to, and she usually dodges them smoothly with her usual flair.

…At least, that’s what I thought.

“Hey, hey, don’t ignore me~” 

“By the way, how old are you? Do you live around here?” 

“Ah… uh…”

What’s going on? Her usual carefree and confident demeanor was nowhere to be found. Mizushima had suddenly become timid.

She shivered and shrank back like a small animal cornered by a predator, clearly terrified, which was evident even from across the crowd.

“Hey… what happened to her?”

Normally, Mizushima would have smoothly dodged those types of guys with a fancy excuse like, “I’m flattered by the invite, but I have a prior commitment today. Sorry?”

Despite her usual clinginess to me, I doubt she’s actually afraid of men…

“Alright, let’s go find a place to hang out!”

“You look about our age, right? We’ll treat you, let’s have some drinks!”

“Ah, wait, hold on…”

Seeing Mizushima freeze up, the drunks took their chance and grabbed her arm to pull her away.

The situation was becoming tense, and though shoppers were watching, no one stepped in to help. They all seemed to think someone else would intervene.

This is… definitely not good.

“Ah, this is so annoying.”

I didn’t want to get involved in trouble, but it seemed like I didn’t have much choice.

“Sorry, Shizuno! The restroom was super crowded, and I got delayed!”

I made up my mind, pushed through the crowd, and pulled the drunk’s hand off Mizushima. Then, I took her hand in mine.

“Ah… Souta…”

“Let’s go.”

“…Yeah, okay.”

Then, we turned our backs to the drunks and started walking away.

“Eh, what, what, what?”

“Hey, wait, who are you?”

The drunkards, confused by the sudden interruption, tried to stop me. Facing their silly expressions, I stood firm and said,

“I’m her boyfriend, got a problem?”

※　※　※　※

“Feeling better now, Mizushima?”

After escaping from the drunks, we left the shopping plaza and ended up at a seaside park a bit away from the plaza for safety.

The park was somewhat busy due to the holiday, but it was still much quieter than the city center. The sea breeze felt nice, and it seemed like a good place to relax.

“Mm… Thank you, Souta.”

Sitting on the grass, Mizushima took a sip from the bottle of water I got from a nearby vending machine and let out a sigh. It seemed like her shaking had stopped.

“Umm, that was really scary earlier.”

“It seemed like it. But I was surprised. I thought you knew how to handle those types of guys.”

“Well, usually I would.”

While listening to the waves, Mizushima suddenly hugged her knees.

“I just can’t handle drunk men.”

“You mean you’re not comfortable around them?”

“Yeah, something like that.”

I was a bit puzzled by her hesitant way of speaking but decided not to pry further.

Despite being a charismatic, perfect student excelling in both academics and sports, I remembered Mizushima was just a high school student like me. It’s natural she’d have her fears and weaknesses.

I’m not the type to dig into someone’s vulnerabilities, even if they are my rival.

“Anyway, I’m glad it didn’t turn into a bigger issue.”

“Yeah. Thank you for helping me. You looked really cool back there, like a hero.”

It seems like she’s getting back to her usual self. Mizushima looked up at me and smiled.

“Also, you called me ‘Shizuno’ earlier.”

“Well, that was…”

“And you even declared yourself as ‘my boyfriend’. Does that mean we’re mutually in love?”

“Absolutely not. Don’t jump to conclusions.”

Sigh. Just when I thought she showed a rare vulnerable side, she pulls this.

“It was just a quick way to handle the situation. I would have done the same thing even if it were another girl, not you.”

“Hehe, I know.”

Mizushima murmured, squinting her eyes a bit as if she was embarrassed.

“…That’s why I like you.”