What's Wrong With Interfering With My Childhood Friend's Love? - Chapter 11 : Leak?

Chapter 11 : Leak?

“Hello, have you calmed down?”

After returning home, I called Chiya as promised.

Since I had said that I’d call her again in the evening, I wanted to get it done today.

Naturally, I couldn’t let Miumi overhear the conversation, so I timed the call for when she was in the bath.

“Yeah. Sorry for calling so late.”

“Oh, are you really sorry? You ignored my messages while you were secretly meeting with Akito.”

“I turned off notifications so it wouldn’t look suspicious.”

“Suspicious? Suspicious to who?”

“I mean, there’s always the chance Akito might’ve seen it.”

“Well, if it wasn’t on purpose, I’ll let it slide. Now, let’s get to the point.”

“Before that, can I ask you something?”

“Sure, go ahead.”

I wasn’t mad at Chiya or anything. But there was something I wanted to ask.

“About Linlin’s controversy — Chiya, you already knew about it, didn’t you? Why didn’t you tell me this morning?”

“Excuse me? Why should I have to tell you?”

“…Right. That’s just how you are.”

Her response irritated me.

Maybe my question was unfair. But Chiya hadn’t considered my feelings at all either.

“Don’t misunderstand.”

“Misunderstand what?”

“This morning, you were unusually cheerful. I didn’t want to ruin your mood with bad news.”

“…..”

Was she being honest?

It’s Chiya… so maybe she thought I’d just accept whatever excuse she threw at me.

But now that I think about it, she did comment on how “unusually cheerful” I was this morning.

Even if she was genuinely worried, it doesn’t change how I feel. I wish she’d told me about Linlin right away.

“What’s with the silence…? Fine, I’m sorry, okay?”

“It’s fine.”

“I didn’t realize you cared that much about Linlin.”

“I was wrong too. Maybe you were right after all.”

“See? If you’d been upset since morning, it might’ve caused problems later.”

“Yeah, I guess.”

In the end, maybe it was for the best that Chiya kept quiet. If I’d been dwelling on Linlin’s situation, I might have refused Akito’s proposal to meet.

Besides, there was Miumi’s matter today as well.

If I hadn’t been in the right mindset, things could’ve gone sideways.

“So, can we move on from this topic? I’m not trying to rush you, but…”

“I get it. But for you, this might be bad news. Want to hear it?”

“…Of course I do. That’s why I’ve been waiting.”

I told Chiya everything Akito had told me, without leaving anything out.

The reason I didn’t hold back was simple… I wanted the other girls — apart from Suisei — to step up. It was all to keep Suisei’s love life from being disrupted.

And, to some extent, I pitied Chiya. 

From what I’ve heard, Akito is her first love, and she’s had feelings for him since at least middle school.

As someone who also harbors a one-sided affection, I think she deserves something in return for her devotion.

“I see. I get the gist, but… you made a mistake, didn’t you?”

“A mistake?”

“If I told Akito I wouldn’t join this so-called gathering, he wouldn’t be able to invite Amagishi-san, right?”

If Chiya refused, the gathering would inevitably fall apart. Akito wouldn’t have the chance to reunite with Miumi.

Akito believed he needed Chiya as a bargaining chip to negotiate with Amagishi. And apparently, Chiya thought so too.

Personally, I think Shino would suffice for the role. While not as striking as Chiya, Shino Kokaze is undeniably attractive.

Her looks make her a bit narcissistic, but she’d definitely catch Amagishi’s attention.

If it were up to me, I’d recommend Suisei. But Amagishi knows about my feelings for her, so she might suspect I’m trying to use her for something.

Still, Suisei is undeniably beautiful. 

In fact, she and Chiya used to look nearly identical. Since they’re relatives, it’s not surprising.

Although Suisei is overshadowed by Chiya now, she’s still stunning compared to most.

“Are you implying I’m a double agent or something?”

“Are you upset because you think I don’t trust you? Maybe you should reflect on your behavior… like leaving messages unread.”

I’d been honest with her, so why does she keep teasing me? And seriously, can we drop the part where I ignored her messages already? If I were in her position, I’d probably hold a grudge too, though.

“Well? Are you saying you’re not going along with Akito’s plan?”

“Honestly, I’m confused.”

“…Seriously?”

“If the event happens without me, I’ll end up feeling that I was left out.”

“Fair point.”

“What do you think I should do?”

“I think you should go. The more people, the more fun.”

What a lie. The more Akito interacts with Miumi, the more it benefits me.

“Alright, I won’t refuse.”

“…Are you sure? That decision might make you some enemies.”

“Well, I want to see the girl Akito’s interested in.”

“That’s the only reason?”

“And… if refusing means exposing my connection with you to Akito, I’d feel bad for you.”

Maybe she felt a little guilty after I got mad about the Linlin incident. For someone who rarely compromises, this is unusual.

I have no idea what Chiya’s true intentions are, but things seem to be working out in my favor, so I’ll take it.

“Thanks. If Akito calls me out, I’ll just blame it all on you.”

“Using a girl as a shield? How disgusting.”

“Don’t just say that when it’s convenient for you. You know how it is. We’re stuck with each other… right?”

“Fufu~, that’s true. But make sure to appreciate the kindness that comes with this ‘bond’.”

“Of course, it will be covered by the fee for the trouble you caused me. Anyway, I’ve reported everything, so I’m hanging up. Goodnight.”

“Goodnight, Riku. Make sure to get some rest.”

She’s trying to act like my mom with that last comment. She sometimes act like a Tsundere

Well, since I’m adjusting with Miumi’s bedtime, I’ll end up sleeping properly anyway.

Not long after hanging up, there was a knock at my door. Miumi’s voice came through the door.

“I’m out of the bath.”

“Okay.”

“I took my time since I went first. Are you okay?”

“Perfect timing, actually. I’ll get in now.”

For once, the timing worked out perfectly. 

Perhaps because so many bad timed events happened today, it felt even more satisfying.

☆☆☆☆☆☆

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TL : zenon_xt