The Story of How I, a Guy Who Couldn’t Care Less About School Castes, Somehow Ended Up Making All the Five-Star Gals Fall for Me - Chapter 24: If You Forced Yourself on Me

Chapter 24: If You Forced Yourself on Me

“Are you serious right now?”

“Why do you think I picked an empty classroom with no one around? If you’re going to do it, now’s your chance.”

She teased me, pinching at the hem of her skirt.

“Don’t mess with me! Like I’d ever do something like that!”

I snapped for real.

That wasn’t just a joke—that was an insult.

“…See? That’s exactly why you scare me—because you’re so decent.”

Platina’s expression wavered, looking both relieved and… just a little lonely.

“You’ve got the wrong idea of what ‘decent’ means. Any normal guy would’ve already jumped you and stripped you bare.”

“So Kizuki-shi doesn’t find me attractive? Ouch. That stings my pride as a woman.”

“It was a bad joke. And this time, I’m not apologizing for getting mad.”

“I understand. I’m sorry.”

She bowed her head, finally realizing I wasn’t playing around.

“That’s not like you, Kongouji. What’s gotten into you?”

“The problem is… I didn’t really hate the idea. And that’s the annoying part.”

This time, I was completely speechless.

“I think… if you forced yourself on me, I wouldn’t be able to turn you down.”

I glanced at her profile.

Even as she looked away from me, her ears were burning red.

With her showing me such a vulnerable side… what the hell was I supposed to do?

“Regretting that you turned me down?”

She grinned slyly, picking up on the little flicker of doubt in me right away.

I take it back—if you let Platina Kongouji see even the tiniest crack, she’ll have you dancing in her palm in seconds.

“Well, well… so my desperate persuasion ended up a total whiff.”

“That was more like a criminal-level threat.”

“I thought it was a pretty tempting deal. Maybe I just didn’t dress it up enough?”

Platina gave herself a once-over, checking her outfit.

All I could do was let out a long sigh.

“More than enough. That’s exactly why it pissed me off.”

“For someone your age, you should be curious about this stuff. You’re incredible, really.”

“Believe it or not, I’m actually shy.”

“Keeping a secret from your friends? That sounds thrilling in its own way, doesn’t it?”

Like hell I’d ever let myself get dragged into a self-destructive relationship like that.

And honestly, her over-the-top act felt a little forced.

If I’d just gone along with her desire, I never would’ve noticed.

“So, Kizuki-shi. Want me to tell you why you’re not popular?”

“…What’s with that out of nowhere?”

“It’s because you don’t have the guts to risk being hated.”

She didn’t care how I reacted—Platina just kept pressing on.

“And what exactly are you getting at?”

“You like Hari, don’t you? Then man up, take responsibility, and go after her properly.”

The classroom went dead quiet.

After a long stretch of silence, I finally managed to force some words out.

“…Wait. I like Hari?”

I ended up repeating it out loud, like a parrot.

A giant question mark practically floated above my head.

“Hm? Weren’t you hanging around us because you’re in love with her?”

Even Platina looked thrown off by my reaction.

“And how did you come to that conclusion?”

I asked her with a straight face.

“Because the way you look at Hari… it feels different.”

“Being captivated by something beautiful is just human instinct. If it’s about looks, Kongouji, you’re every bit as stunning yourself. Honestly, seeing you like this right now—it kind of shocked me.”

That was my genuine opinion.

Her usual style was too casual, but with beauty alone she easily ranked in the top three of our year. And when she actually put effort into her appearance, like now, it was overwhelming.

“…You should’ve said that earlier!”

“You’re the one who hid your identity in the first place!”

For once, the always-composed Platina was completely flustered.

“Ugh, enough! This whole thing was just me working myself into a frenzy. All that effort for nothing!”

She hopped down from the teacher’s desk, throwing up her hands in surrender.

“Anyway, my point still stands—don’t go messing with Hari’s heart anymore.”

“And you—quit playing the villain. It doesn’t suit you.”

We ended up trading conditions like a truce, and for now, we left it at that.

“But if it’s not love, then why are you still hanging around us?”

“I’ll admit it—I do enjoy talking with you girls. Honestly, who wouldn’t?”

No one alive would be unhappy about being approached by the Five-Star Gals.

“At the very least, the average guy in class isn’t exactly getting invites from Hinawa or Miyu.”

“Then let me give you some advice. If you’re really worried about Hari, support her properly at her side. Don’t skulk around in the shadows—stand tall and protect her.”

“…That know-it-all tone of yours really ticks me off.”

“Maybe I went too far.”

“I’m not some naive girl who takes everything a guy says at face value.”

“Fair enough. But even so, hear me out.”

“Hear you out on what?”

“You’re cute when you’re relaxed, sure. But when you actually put effort into your look—like right now—you’re stunning.”

This time, she fell completely silent.

“So you are the type who thinks girls should always be polished?”

“…Didn’t you say you’d let it slide?”

“Not this one.”

Platina suddenly stepped closer.

“See? Anyone can dress however they like. But I’ve always thought it was a waste when Platina Kongouji hides her charm away.”

I wasn’t trying to backpedal.

Truth was, guys couldn’t judge makeup properly to begin with.

But at least I could imagine how much effort it took—and the least I could do was praise the time and care she put in.

“You’re just like Hari—you can’t leave a raw gem alone. Birds of a feather, huh!”

“Did I really say something worth getting mad about?”

“Haaah~~ You don’t get it. Beauty takes effort, y’know. Guys who barely touch makeup will never understand. And I’m not even good at waking up early on top of that.”

Her words sounded irritated, but Platina’s expression was anything but displeased.

“Alright, alright—my bad.”

I thought I’d been considerate, but clearly from a girl’s perspective, it wasn’t nearly enough.

“…Maybe if I feel like it.”

“I’ll look forward to it.”

“And that right there—that’s why everyone ends up getting the wrong idea about you.”

Platina pouted, lips jutting forward.

Honestly, that wasn’t an expression a girl with a supposed boyfriend should be showing another guy.

☆☆☆☆☆

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