Child who wants let go and Child who doesn’t want to let go

(TL: it’s child because it can be either ‘boy’ or ‘girl’, but you should get which is referring to who…)

However, things got quite difficult once it was decided that the three of us would eat together.

The reason being, while walking together, the “pure genius beautiful creator” Mari, whose name is known nationwide, naturally attracted a lot of attention. Additionally, DT, who is also exceptionally good-looking, drew an excessive amount of gazes as well.

Anyone who didn’t know about our relationships would undoubtedly see it as a handsome and beautiful couple with a mob (that would be me) tagging along.

“Whoa! Riko Oshimaku looks so radiant just walking around…”

“That guy next to her is really good-looking too. I guess someone like him is the only one who can match up with Riko…”

“…And who’s that mob guy sandwiched between the two beauties? It’s really messing up the view.”

In reality, whispers like these could be heard from around us. The high visibility of Mari and DT’s striking appearance was evident in the murmurs.

Feeling exposed to such gazes and comments, it was impossible not to feel uncomfortable.

In reality, when I mumbled, “Can I just follow behind?” Mari grabbed my sleeve with a smile and said, “No, you can’t♪”

DT, on the other hand, gave me a pleading look and said, “It’s not going to be the same without you.” But honestly, seeing a guy making that kind of face isn’t cute—please stop.

However, it’s true that if Mari and DT were left alone, things would likely turn awkward very quickly.

Currently, the situation is as follows:

“Hey, Mari-chan, do you usually eat in the school cafeteria or do you bring a lunchbox?”

“……”

“I’ve heard you and Seimu have been childhood friends. What made you two get so close?”

“…………”

“It’s really great to have a chance to eat with the most beautiful girl in school. It’s good to have a beautiful girl and a friend who knows her!”

“………………”

“……Hey Seimu, I’m struggling here.”

So, it’s a situation where no meaningful conversation is happening.

DT, desperately trying to keep the conversation going, was met with Mari’s impenetrable silence. She maintained a stony expression that conveyed an unyielding resolve of “I have nothing to say to you,” and remained completely unresponsive.

Eventually, DT turned to me with a pitiful look, seeking help.

Seeing this, I couldn’t help but sigh. Mari’s behavior towards other boys wasn’t new…….but it still felt pretty harsh.

“Mari… Can’t you be a bit nicer to DT, at least a little?” I whispered to her.

She looked at me with genuine confusion and asked, 

“…? Why should I be nice to another boy when I already have Sei-kun?”

DT, walking on my left side, seemed to slump with defeat as he heard Mari’s voice.

“…Sorry about Mari, she just doesn’t warm up to other guys.”

“Ha… It’s fine, really. I’m not bothered at all… Not a bit hurt, honestly…”

 DT replied with a tired voice.

Despite his words, his reaction clearly showed he was quite hurt.

As I could only mutter apologies, Mari tugged on my arm and said, “…You can pay more attention to me, Sei-kun.”

She pulled me closer, pressing her arm against mine and squeezing between her ample chest. When I turned my face towards her, Mari gazed up at me with a dreamy look.

On top of that, she was breathing heavily and, not content with just hugging my arm, subtly pressed her lower body against me. It made walking incredibly difficult.

Mari was practically clinging to me, making it hard to walk, and saying things that would have been shocking even in private:

“Sei-kun♡, let’s get cloooserr~♡ Okay? Okay? Isn’t that good?♡”

“No, stop it! This is inappropriate in public!”

“So, being next to Sei-kun just makes me turn into a bad girl♡”

“Stop making it sound like it’s my fault!”

“Well, with Sei-kun, I’m always this way♡”

“Know when and where to draw the line!?”

“In that case, how about we go somewhere together right now?”

“No-t Hap-pen-ning!”

Her actions and words were only making things worse, drawing attention from everyone around. 

Guys were giving me intense looks, and girls were shocked and whispering about us. 

If this got out, it could easily become a scandal, turning into something like, “Public Indecency with a Top-Ranked Beauty Creator: The Secret Pickup Method of an Ordinary Boy.”

While I had confessed my feelings boldly, considering Mari’s job and reputation, I needed to be mindful of how we behaved in public. In short, I wished she would tone it down a bit.

While I was wishing for privacy and normalcy, at the same time—

“Uuuuh! I want a girlfriend too! I want to be loved like that! Damn it! I just want to date anyone! I want to dateeeee!!”

A certain handsome guy (who was a virgin inside) was seriously crying out in despair, seeking love.

…………………………Ah, well, I guess I really am sorry.

(TL: i feel bad too…)