I'm a Shy Loner and I Was Confessed to by a Beautiful Girl Who Has All the Boys in School Smitten, but It Turned Out to Be a 'Fake Confession,' So I Politely Declined. As a Result, I Ended Up Learning About Her Hidden Side and She Started to Cling to Me - Chapter 37

“I can’t believe that character ended up being the winning heroine. Honestly, I thought she was the losing one.”

“Well, she was supportive of the protagonist from the beginning and helped out a lot.”

“Yeah, true. It’s only natural to fall for a girl you can consult with and who helps you out when you need it.”

After watching the movie we had promised to see, Kise-san and I were sharing our thoughts in the fast-food corner.

“Ah, speaking of which, I have something I want to consult you about, Kise-san.”

“Consult? Is it about going to the amusement park with Hana?”

“Yeah, exactly. I’ve been studying fashion on my own and bought some new clothes for the occasion. I want Kise-san to take a look.”

“Wow, you actually researched and bought them yourself? Good job, Sato-chan!”

“Hehe, here it is.”

I showed Kise-san a photo of the outfit I had taken in advance on my smartphone.

“I’m pretty confident about this one since I took last time’s failure into account.”

“Wow, you’re still incredibly unfashionable.”

“What!?”

Unfashionable? Still?

“Come on, Kise-san! Black shirt, black pants, black bag, black shoes! What’s wrong with it?”

“It’s all black! You look like a gloomy otaku!”

“But it’s coordinated! And all the materials are high-quality!”

“Stop it, Sato! It’s too cringey to look at!”

“Should I have gone with skulls and cross-shaped necklaces instead?”

“Absolutely not! It won’t suit you!”

And that’s how my outfit was rejected by Kise-san. I worked hard on it, too. I guess it’s back to the drawing board.

“Why not just wear what you have on now?”

“I don’t want people to think this is the only outfit I have.”

“What’s with that pride… Fine, let’s go, Sato.”

Kise-san stood up, holding her bag.

“Go? Where to?”

As I asked, Kise-san let out a deep sigh and stared at me. Is she expecting me to understand?

“I’m saying I’ll coordinate your outfit for the second time, personally.”

“Really? Are you sure?”

“I mean, it would be pitiful for Hana to walk next to you looking like that.”

I guess if Kise-san says so, it must be true.

After that, we went around various stores in the shopping mall, and Kise-san chose an outfit for me to wear when going out.

“Thanks for helping me pick out clothes today.”

“You’re welcome. But I can’t guarantee that Hana will like it since it’s entirely my taste.”

“I think it’ll be fine.”

“Where’s that confidence coming from, given your lack of taste?”

“Because it’s an outfit that Kise-san picked out for me after much consideration. It has to be good.”

“Well, if I chose carelessly, it would cast doubt on my taste, too.”

Even though she speaks curtly, Kise-san is a caring, considerate friend who listens to my concerns and gives me advice.

“…Ah.”

Suddenly, Kise-san’s gaze was fixed on a mannequin wearing a dress.

“You were looking at that dress the last time we went shopping for clothes, too. Are you interested?”

“You noticed, huh? How can you be so observant yet so oblivious?”

“Why the sigh? What did I do?”

“I want it, but never mind. I can’t afford it.”

“Do you want to go check it out anyway?”

“Huh? Wait, Sato!”

“Just come.”

I grabbed Kise-san’s wrist and pulled her into the store.

“What’s your size?”

“It’s this one.”

“Got it. I’ll go buy it.”

“Wait, wait, wait! What are you saying? What’s going on? This is scary!”

“You helped me out with my outfit today, and you’ve covered some of the costs before. Consider this a thank-you.”

“But this is too much…”

“Just let me be manly for once, okay?”

“O-Okay…”

My current funds are 5200 yen. I haven’t checked the price, but 5000 yen should be enough. If it’s not, I have a last resort.

“That’ll be 7500 yen.”

“…I’ll pay by card.”

I paid with the card linked to the account where I’ve been saving my New Year’s money, cursing my past self.

“Here you go.”

“Thanks, Sato-chan. Are you sure about this? Should I pay for half?”

“It’s fine. No problem.”

“Your face doesn’t look fine, though.”

“Is that Yayoi?”

“…Ugh.”

Two flashy guys stopped and looked at us. Kise-san seemed a bit uncomfortable.

“Hey, pretty girl. Are you his ex?”

“Something like that.”

…

The atmosphere became awkward. This is what they call a crisis, isn’t it?

Why did Kise-san’s ex have to be so flashy?

“So why did you guys break up?”

“Well, she looked bored whenever we went out. She’s an easy-going, self-centered girl.”

“Wow, that’s harsh.”

“And also—”

He started badmouthing Kise-san right in front of her. What’s wrong with these guys?

“He noticed your shopping bag, Yayoi. Don’t tell me you’re using that gloomy guy as a wallet? That’s not cool.”

That was the last straw.

“You’re one to talk. You have no taste.”

“…What?”

“I just said what I think of Yayoi’s charm. You were her boyfriend, and you didn’t know?”

“…!”

“Who’s the real problem here, lacking even a shred of delicacy?”

“Damn… Let’s go!”

“Wait, senpai!”

The two left, probably realizing it would be lame to argue further.

I’ll never let you show your face again, you piece of trash.

“I never thought you’d be the one to get fired up. Do you love me that much?”

“Well, even if he’s an ex, that was too much.”

“Huh? He’s not my ex. Stop it.”

“What?”

“He confessed during our few dates, and I rejected him. So he’s just one of the guys I’ve turned down.”

Ah, that explains it. I misunderstood.

“So he was just showing off to his junior? Typical.”

“Your reaction was more like a boyfriend’s, though. Think he misunderstood, too?”

“Should I go clear up the misunderstanding?”

“Why bother?”

“But what if rumors spread to our school?”

“Then we can just announce we’re dating.”

“What? Huh!?”

“I’m kidding!”

This girl, I swear…

“I’m hungry. Let’s go to Saizeriya. I’m in a good mood, so I’ll treat you to the drink bar.”

“Wow, that’s mildly exciting.”

“Don’t complain when you’re getting a treat.”

As she hit me with her bag, we started walking again.