The Story of Becoming a Drinking Friend When I Saved the Cutest Senpai in University - Vol 1 Chapter 13

Itomori’s POV

“…Hey, look at that.”

“Well, that’s the rumor…”

“He seems more normal than I thought.”

“Is he secretly super rich?”

“Oh, that’s it.”

That is it, isn’t it?

Shall I show them what’s in my wallet? Some middle schoolers probably have more than I do.

I mean, stop talking during class. Don’t look at me, either.

Why did they even come to university?

“Haa…”

I let out a little sigh so that no one could hear it.

A day had passed since senpai gave me a bento, and among many students, I was completely considered the boyfriend of Tennouji Akebi-senpai.

Well, I guess that’s what happens. After something like that in the cafeteria.

If she were just a cute girl, no one would have talked about it.

However, senpai is different in many ways. I can somewhat understand why people would jump at the news that someone like her got a boyfriend.

If I had to give me a hundred steps, fine, let them focus on me.

What worries me is senpai’s reaction to this misunderstanding.

Is she upset about it?… I can’t help worrying about that.

“Hey, are you Itomori Kaname?”

I was suddenly approached and realized that the class was already over.

That voice belonged to a reddish-brown-haired handsome guy with flashy accessories… I know him. He used to be with senpai and invited them to lunch before.

“…Yes, I am.”

“Knew it! I’m Ichijou Akira, a third-year. Nice to meet you!”

“Y-yes…”

Although he is inferior to senpai, he also has a pretty good face.

They are familiarly approached by handsome people like idols or actors, and I get nervous even though I am of the same sex.

“I have something to tell you about Tennouji-san. Do you have more time?”

“You want to talk about senpai…?”

This is the end of today’s class. I have plenty of time to spare.

Even if I lose my key outside, I hide my duplicate key in the mailbox, so if I tell it to senpai, she won’t be left waiting outside the house.

“Can’t we talk about it here?”

“It’s a bit difficult here. With all these people around… you know?”

Ah, I see.

I’m sure this guy is interested in senpai. That’s probably why he couldn’t stand up and listen to the rumor.

…This isn’t good.

He’s definitely going to complain to me about something.

“What would you do if I said no?”

“Then I’ll just come tomorrow. The day after tomorrow, and the day after tomorrow.”

He wears a nice smile, but his eyes and the air around him are serious.

…I can’t help it.

No matter what he complains about, it’s not like we’re actually dating, so I can explain that. If it means avoiding getting pestered tomorrow or the day after, it’s better to deal with this quickly.

“I understood. However, please refrain from taking me somewhere far away. I’m so short of money that I can’t afford the train fare.”

“Don’t worry. I’ve got a car ready.”

Ichijou-senpai took me to a parking lot near the university.

There was a bright red sports car parked, which was roughly not something for university students to ride.

…So he’s wealthy.

◆◆◆

“Where is this place?”

“It was a shop run by an acquaintance, but it didn’t go well. I bought the whole place and made it a little secret base.”

I was brought to a room in a multi-tenant building.

It seemed to have been a snack or something, and on the shelf at the back of the counter, there were various kinds of liquor, tables, and chairs laid casually.

“Sit down. Do you want something to drink? I have most of them.”

“N-no, thank you.”

“Don’t say that. Since you’re here, I’ll serve you a special whisky.”

“That’s why I―”

“Drink it. And sit down. I don’t want to have to say it twice.”

“…Yes.”

I had no choice but to sit at the counter because it would not be fun to be offended by any more resistance.

A room in a building where he bought a luxury car and expensive sake.

By showing off his wealth, he probably was clearly trying to prove that he was superior mentally and physically to me.

Everything is indeed amazing, but now that I’ve met Tennouji-senpai, I’m not surprised unless they bring me their own space shuttle.

“It’s delicious, isn’t it?”

“…Ah, yes. Thank you.”

Since my tongue is not good enough to tell the difference in the taste of sake, I can only judge whether it is easy to drink or not, but I have no choice but to say that it is delicious just before he serves it.

“So, what is it you wanted to talk to me about?”

There was no gain in staying here for a long time, so I got to the point quickly.

Ichijou-senpai lit a cigarette puffed at it and said, “You can probably guess.” I let out a small sigh and scratched my head.

“…Tennouji-senpai is just a friend. If you like, you can ask yourself.”

“But aren’t you too close? I don’t think homemade bento is normal.”

“She sympathized with me because I had no money and only had miso soup for lunch.”

Being just a friend is actually different.

I know the nature of senpai. Therefore, there is no doubt that she treats me differently than others.

But there is no need to explain that to this guy.

“Well, I honestly don’t care what you think. The fact that everyone thinks you and Tennouji-san have that kind of relationship. I don’t like it.”

He said, taking out the purse which he had kept in his pocket behind his trousers.

“So, how much do you want?”

“…Yes?”

“I’m asking, how much will it take for you to promise to stay away from Tennouji-san? If you’re having trouble with money, it’s a good idea to make your wish come true, isn’t it?”

As if he were a good guy, I was dumbfounded.

“…That’s enough. I’m going home.”

“Huh, why? Tell me at least how much you want, and I’ll think about how much I can prepare.”

“If you had called me out here to complain about being worried over someone you like, I can still understand… but are you making fun of me by suddenly cutting off my relationship with money? It’s pretty unpleasant.”

I managed to control my blood-boiling point and tried my words as calmly as possible.

Even a guy like him is still just a friend of senpai. I didn’t want to curse him out.

“Then I’m going home. Don’t ever talk to me again.”

I grabbed my bag and headed for the exit, but someone came in and opened the door first.

Six men did not hide that they were delinquent… Come on, seriously. Let’s stop here.

“I won’t have to ask you twice… You’re going to take the money and leave peacefully.”

He tapped his fingers on the table as if to ask me to sit down again.

He had a smug grin on his face.

The delinquents also looked confident.

As if they were sure I was going to just give in. It was like they assumed I didn’t take senpai seriously, which only made my boiling anger rise even higher.

“…I don’t need your money. Please leave me alone. I just want to have a good time with my friends that I’ve finally made.”

I took a deep breath and tried again to calm myself down.

I walked towards the exit, but, of course, I was held by the shoulders by the delinquents and stopped. One of them held a knife in their hand and laughed proudly.

…Oh, come on.

I don’t like fighting.