The Pure-Hearted Beauty Who Only Dotes on Me Despite Not Being in a Relationship—And How She Became Even Sweeter After We Started Dating - Chapter 40: Please stay by my side and protect me.

Please stay by my side and protect me.

We had been close since we were little. However, we also fought a lot and had numerous arguments. We went to the same kindergarten and elementary school, but we attended different middle schools.

“I didn’t know you were taking the same high school entrance exam, Sayaka.”

It was Tabe Rikuto, someone I considered a childhood friend, who said this to me in our first year of high school.

“Oh, yeah, and so were you, Rikuto.”

During middle school, our houses were next to each other, but we hardly ever talked, which made things a bit awkward now.

I tried to remember how I used to talk to Rikuto, but I felt nervous.

“See you.”

With that, Rikuto walked over to join a group of boys.

I wanted to talk more. But I didn’t know what to say, so I just watched his back as he walked away.

“Sayaka, let’s walk home together!”

“Oh, yeah.”

I’ve liked Rikuto since kindergarten. But I’ve never told him how I feel.

Even though we went to different middle schools, my feelings for him haven’t changed. I wonder if we can talk like we used to back then.

***

Cultural Festival Preparation

During the cultural festival preparation, Mizuki and I were working silently on painting the panels in an empty classroom. Kana and Kota had gone to help with other tasks, so they weren’t around.

“Ao-kun, could you please hand me that paint?”

“Sure.”

I took my brush off the board for a moment and handed her the pink paint that was nearby.

“Thank you.”

Man, I’m tired. Maybe I’ll step out into the hallway and get something to drink.

I told Mizuki I was stepping out for a bit, but she was so focused that she just said “Okay” without pausing her work.

I thought she should take a break too, but since she seemed to be enjoying herself, I left it alone.

When I came back, Mizuki had stopped working and was standing by the window, enjoying the breeze while looking out at the school grounds.

“Mizuki, is tea okay?”

“Oh, thank you.”

Noticing me, Mizuki took one of the two bottles I had bought. She immediately started drinking it.

“About the cultural festival… would you like to go around with me?”

I felt as nervous as when I confessed my feelings to her, so my voice might have wavered a bit.

“Yes, of course. I was planning to invite you to go around with me too.”

The festival lasts for two days. On the first day, we’ll be on duty and probably won’t be able to visit other classes.

“It’ll be like a festival date.”

Mizuki said happily as she took my hand. I was about to agree, but…

“Oh, Kougami-kun, Tsuyuzaki-san, it’s almost time to leave, so should we start cleaning up… Sorry for intruding.”

“N-No, you’re not intruding. Ao-kun, shall we start cleaning up?”

Embarrassed to be seen by our classmates, Mizuki hurried to start tidying up.

“Yeah, let’s do that. I’ll go wash the palettes.”

“P-Please, and thank you.”

After finishing the cleanup and retrieving our bags from the classroom, Mizuki and I left school together. Holding hands had become natural for us now. I held her small hand tightly, almost afraid it might slip away.

“I heard from Hinano-san that you were the student council president in middle school, Ao-kun.”

What’s this, Mom, talking about this on her own? She must be exchanging messages without me knowing.

I didn’t become student council president because I wanted to. It was something my father insisted I do. To become president, I knew I needed the trust of those around me, so I worked hard to be someone they could rely on, treating everyone equally.

But such roles don’t last long. Eventually, you reach a limit.

“I did it, but dealing with student council stuff is a hassle, so I probably won’t do it in high school.”

“I see.”

We reached her house, and Mizuki let go of my hand.

“If you want to come over again, just let me know. Mom wants to see you.”

“Hinano-san does?”

“Yeah, seems like Mom really likes you, Mizuki.”

“I see. If it’s not inconvenient, I’d like to come over soon.”

“Got it, I’ll let Mom know. Mizuki, see you tomorrow.”

“Yes, see you tomorrow.”

She waved with a smile, so I turned back.

Since being with Mizuki, I feel like she’s changed, and I’ve changed too. I can’t pinpoint exactly how, but my outlook has become brighter. With Mizuki beside me, I feel more confident in myself.

***

On the final day of the cultural festival preparations, they practiced customer service close to the real thing for the upcoming event.

“How many people are in your group?”

Reluctant to play the scary role, Mizuki took on the receptionist duty. However, the actors playing customers weren’t cooperating properly.

“Um, would you like to come in together?”

“Even the cute receptionist should come in with us~”

Yet Mizuki smiled angelically.

“I’m sorry, that kind of service isn’t provided here.”

“Oh, I see~ Too bad~”

“Tsuyu-chan, let’s go with two people.”

The two gave up and entered the classroom. Soon, screams could be heard from inside. The scare tactics must be quite intense.

Watching Mizuki at reception from the hallway, there was still concern.

“Mizuki, maybe you should switch to another role instead of reception? You’re cute and might attract unwanted attention from boys.”

“I’ll handle anyone like that. I’ll drive them all away.”

“Drive them away…?”

“Then, Ao-kun, join me as a receptionist. Stay by my side and protect me.”

“Got it. Is it okay with you, Hasekura-san?”

Asking Hasekura, the cultural committee member standing nearby, if it’s okay to add one more receptionist.

“Yeah, that’s fine. We have enough manpower inside.”

Just then, a crashing sound came from inside the classroom.

“What’s happening?!”

TL: I want a girl too… so that she can protect me…
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