When I Helped Out At My Classy Classmate's Family Home, They Started Going All Out To Close In On Me From Every Angle. - Chapter 14: It's Like A Dream, But It's Bad For My Heart—2.

It’s Like A Dream, But It’s Bad For My Heart—2.

We both headed to her room and began working on the assignment.

Thanks to Ayame’s careful guidance, I managed to finish about 60% of the work within two hours of starting.

Things were going smoothly, but it wasn’t good to overexert myself. We decided to take a break with tea and snacks, and while chatting, I expressed my gratitude.

“Thank you so much. Because you helped me, it looks like I’ll be able to finish everything today.”

“I’m glad I could help.”

When I thanked her, Ayame smiled like a bodhisattva.

“If you ever need help again, don’t hesitate to ask anytime.”

“Could it be… Ayame, are you a goddess?”

“Heh, you’re exaggerating.”

Ayame laughed, perhaps taking my words as a joke. But I was quite serious. It almost seemed like there was a halo around her.

This must be what they mean by ‘a bodhisattva in hell.’ How fortunate I am.

As I silently expressed my thanks in my heart, Ayame glanced at the display shelf.

“There are so many cute girls lined up. What are those?”

“Figures, acrylic stands, plushies… and there are also pin badges and trading cards.”

“I-I see… I think I understand?”

Ayame responded vaguely, as if she wasn’t quite grasping it.

“I’m into manga, games, and VTubers, so I collect stuff like that.”

“I see… Is it alright if I look closely?”

“Of course!”

I was happy to show off my collection and nodded without hesitation.

Standing up, Ayame walked over to the shelf and stared at it closely. After examining it with interest, her gaze shifted to the bookshelf next to it.

Noticing Ayame intently staring at the spines of the manga, I asked her.

“Is there something you’d like to read?”

“Not exactly ‘want to read,’ but I’m curious. I’ve hardly ever read manga.”

“Really? That’s rare!”

“I do like novels, though.”

Ayame turned back to me, giving a wry smile.

It was true that her bookshelf was filled with novels, but there wasn’t a single manga book. When I explained the items on the display shelf earlier, she didn’t seem to understand them well either, so Ayame might not be familiar with otaku culture.

Even though we’re the same age, she’s never really touched anything related to the second dimension… Ayame really is a proper Ojou-sama. Maybe I’m being a little biased with that “Ojou-sama” image, though.

Along with my surprise, I felt a sense of admiration.

In the midst of this, Ayame’s gaze was once again focused on the manga. It seemed like she was really interested.

“Um, Tetsu-kun?”

“Hm? What is it?”

Ayame looked at me with a mix of anticipation and nervousness.

“Do you think someone like me, who’s hardly ever read any manga, could enjoy it?”

Ding! A light bulb went off in my head.

Evangelism opportunity, it’s hereeeeeee!!

I wanted to recommend something I love. I wanted to share my interests. It’s a natural desire for an otaku.

If Ayame comes to like manga, maybe we could talk about it together. Just imagining that makes me excited. I really want her to like it.

Hoping my imagination would become reality, I nodded eagerly, several times.

“Of course! I’m sure you’ll enjoy it!”

“Then, which work should I start with?”

Ayame tilted her head and asked.

This answer is crucial. Whether or not Ayame will become an ally depends on whether she enjoys the work I recommend here.