When I Brought The Lost Little Girl To Her House, The One Who Came Out Of The Front Door Was The Most Beautiful Girl In The Grade. - Chapter 27

“I want to ask you guys, how can I become popular or well-liked by girls?” I asked seriously, looking at Mimura and Souta.

Both of them were taken aback and froze with their mouths open. Did I say something wrong? I just thought they might know more about this than I do.

Mimura is always popular with girls, and Souta already has a girlfriend. I thought they could give me some advice on how to change myself for the better, but…

“What’s wrong? Are you okay?” Mimura asked.

“Kuroda, do you have a fever? Let’s go to the infirmary,” Souta added.

“Why does it seem weird when I ask such a question?”

“Well, because, you know… You seemed uninterested in romance. So, why suddenly…”

Then, both of them seemed to realize something and exchanged glances with mischievous grins, turning their attention back to me.

“Hey, Kuroda~? Have you developed a crush on someone?” Souta teased.

“Huh?”

“Why ‘huh’? If you’re saying something like that, it must be because you want to impress a girl or become a more attractive guy for her,” Mimura chimed in.

“Well, you’re right, but…” I hesitated.

Mimura successfully guessed what I was thinking and cheered, “Yes! I knew it!”

“So, who is it? Who is it?” Souta, unusually enthusiastic, asked.

“Well, it’s…”

“Don’t keep us waiting! Just tell us!”

They playfully poked and prodded my side and cheeks, urging me to reveal the name.

“Okay, okay, stop it!”

“Here it comes! The grand announcement from Kuroda!”

“Kuroda-san, who is it that you like?”

They acted like a variety show, building up suspense.

“It’s not like I’m in love, but there’s someone I’m interested in…”

“Yes, yes.”

“Her name is Shirakawa Ayano.”

Upon hearing this, both of them closed their eyes and clasped their hands together as if praying.

“What is it?”

“Once again, you’re venturing into a fierce battleground.”

“Rivals and formidable opponents are everywhere.”

“Still, I can’t help who I like, right?”

“Well, I like her too, as a fan.”

“A fan?”

“Yeah, I mean, someone as incredibly beautiful and cute as her, I know my place and don’t think I could actually date her.”

So that’s why he calls her a “fan.” Well, she is like the school’s idol, after all.

“But if you’re seriously going for it, trying to win her heart, then we’ll support you,” Mimura said.

“Mimura…”

“Well, if it’s a favor from Kuroda, I guess we can’t refuse,” Souta added.

“That’s right, Souta…”

With these words, I felt truly grateful for having such great friends.

“So, what should I get in return?”

“Huh?”

“Souta, it’s obviously a Jumbo Burger. That’s common sense.”

“No, I think it’s a refreshing lychee lemon sherbet.”

“What are you guys talking about?”

“Huh? Well, we’re helping you, so it’s only natural to get rewarded.”

I wished they would stop making those serious faces like, ‘What are you talking about?’ I wanted them to respond with the same genuine ‘thank you’ that I felt.

“Well, if not, do you expect us to obey your orders?” Mimura teased.

“…This friendship is over,” I joked.

“Haha, just kidding! Just kidding,” Mimura laughed.

“Mimura…”

As soon as I heard the word ‘kidding,’ I realized that the genuine ‘thank you’ I felt earlier was meant for them, so I didn’t need to give anything in return.

***

“So, going back to the topic, what do you think I should do?” I asked, pondering.

“One thing I want to say is that your hair is long. Take proper care of it,” Mimura said.

“Yeah, I wanted to say that too. If you don’t want to cut your hair, at least style it,” Souta added.

Those two comments struck my heart.

“What will happen if I cut my hair and style it?”

“Well, it’s safe to say that you’ll be unbeatable with a new hairstyle.”

“Fully equipped!”

“But seriously, it’s like the minimum requirement that most people who like Shirakawa do, you know?”

“Yeah, I guess so…”

They told me that if I took care of my hair and kept myself clean, I could reach a good place. However, I personally believed that I was already doing well. But surely, everyone wants to be seen as their best self by the person they like. That’s a natural desire.

“I’ve decided. Kuroda Yuusei will cut his hair.”

“Oh!”

“And he’ll style it!”

“Oh!”

If I’m going to do it, I’ll do it wholeheartedly without regrets. That’s what I thought.

“Hey, Mimura, are you okay with this? Kuroda said he’ll cut his hair, but even if he does, we can’t be sure it will work out in the end,” Souta said.

“He knows that too, but I guess he doesn’t want to have regrets,” Mimura replied.

“I understand that feeling, but…”

“Souta, you’re so kind. Besides… we know better than anyone that Kuroda can be really cool, right?”

“That’s true…”

The conversation continued, and they reassured me that they believed in me and my potential to be at my best.