CH 26

Episode 26 Childhood Friend and Love Affairs? ②

“You’re the ones who need to cut the crap.”

When I said that, the girls rolled their eyes. It seems that they were so focused on Kotoha that they hadn’t noticed my presence until now.

“What? Who are you?”

The girl who had been grabbing at Kotoha said. It was a smile, though, as if she was convinced of her superiority.

Such pride did not last long. Her other friend’s words startled him.

“It’s that guy! He’s the rumored Sasaki!”

“Oh, …!”

“Yes, I’m Tsuzuri Sasaki.”

“You too have done terrible things to Saotome—”

“So what’s the matter? It’s a problem with us and Saotome, and there’s no reason for you to say anything. It’s unpleasant, go home.”

With that, I glared at the girls. I’m sure I’m looking spectacular right now. My cronies flinch.

“What’s with this guy!”

“Let’s go! He’s going to get violent or something.”

They must have felt a lot of pressure. The girls left the scene as if they were running away. Kotoha and I stood there for a while, dumbfounded.

We went home in an indescribable atmosphere, without any particular conversation. Then we remained silent during and after dinner.

It wasn’t until after 10:00 p.m. that she finally opened her mouth. Her voice sounded weak.

“…Tsuzuri-kun, is my good looks the only thing that makes me good?”

“…No.”

I spilled it out, and she laughed. It was obvious self-mockery. At the same time, there was a hint of resignation in her voice.

“Please be honest with me, I’m only as good as my looks, right? Please stop your unnecessary concern.”

I don’t care. In order to say a few words back to Kotoha, I took a breath as hard as I could—

“Kotoha, you’re not just a girl with a face! You’re clumsy, but you’re kind, cute, and ……! Be confident! You don’t need to listen to the bullshit of people who don’t even know who you are!”

I shouted. Kotoha’s eyes widened a little as if she was surprised. However, her expression immediately darkened.

“…Tsuzuri-kun. But I get scared easily. I’m a timid and helpless person.”

I spoke softly to Kotoha.

“Kotoha, everyone has flaws. Kotoha may be timid, but … there are more advantages than that? I’m your “childhood friend”, so I’m sure.”

“… Fufu, what’s that?”

Emphasizing the “childhood friend” part, Kotoha smiled slightly. It was the first smile she had shown since the previous incident.

The matter is settled. That’s what I thought, and I tried to go to my room. But it was blocked.

“…Tsuzuri-kun, are you sure you want to leave me to sleep in peace on your own?”

Hmmm, ……. When Kotohana said that with a fierce look in her eyes, there was only one option we could take. I’m a little nervous, I say.

“Well, so Kotoha, do you want to sleep with me?”

She stiffened for a moment and immediately turned red. However, the poisonous tongue did not fly as usual, as if she was really overwhelmed by the previous incident.

“Please don’t assault me at”

She said in a small voice.

“It’s okay. I won’t hurt someone I really love.”

When I say that, she replies in a voice like a mosquito.

“…Yeah, I believe you.”

Half an hour later. We made up our minds and went to bed together.

However, even though we made a promise. Adolescent boys tend to get carried away in situations like this.

“Kotoha, can I hug you?’

I said, and she blushed but nodded silently. I wrapped Kotohana in my arms as gently and slowly as I could.

“Good night, Kotoha.”

Then I say. I’m not going to do anything more, because it will only hurt her and may cast a dark cloud over the future of our life together.

After a while, Kotoha calmed down and said something back. It’s a common phrase, but in this situation, it’s one that should become a permanent memory.

“…Good night, Tsuzuri-kun.”

It was a different kind of “good night” than the usual “good night”.

I closed my eyes, feeling Kotoha’s warmth all over me. In my fading consciousness, I chewed on a definite sense of happiness.

AN: If you like, I would appreciate it if you could give me bookmarks, impressions, evaluation points, etc.! The author’s motivation will skyrocket.

TLN: You can bookmark, give ratings, and send feedback through Syosetu.

Here’s another chapter to make up for it, and I don’t want to leave you guys on a cliffhanger from the last chapter.

I might have published the unedited version, so you might want to refresh the page.