My Overly Anxious and Devoted Girlfriend Never Gives Up on Me - Chapter 1.3

“Hey, Aoto.”

I glanced up from my paperback to see my friend Kazuma Seo resting his cheek on his hand, looking at me.

“What?”

“I don’t know anyone as wasteful as you.”

“That again?”

I couldn’t help but shrug at that line I’d heard too many times.

“Don’t give me ‘that again’! Seriously, don’t you think you’re being wasteful?”

“Kazuma, this is the library.”

I put my index finger to my lips in a shushing gesture.

Of course, I didn’t want my reading interrupted, but I also didn’t want to disturb others around us.

Plus, I really didn’t want to have this conversation anymore.

But Kazuma ignored my wishes and continued in a hushed voice.

“You’re popular but you don’t get a girlfriend. I hate you for it.”

For a moment, I stiffened.

But I couldn’t afford to show any panic here.

“I’m not popular.”

“You are popular!”

“Keep your voice down.”

He gets heated up easily.

That was one of Kazuma’s few flaws, though he was basically a good guy.

“Being popular is for people like Yunagi-san. I’m just an ordinary, plain person.”

“Well, compared to Yunagi-san, you’re nothing special, but still.”

As he spoke, Kazuma’s expression softened.

He was just another one of Yunagi’s countless fans at this school.

“But compared to regular guys, Aoto, you are popular. Yet you don’t even realize it, and on top of that you say you don’t need a girlfriend. Are you some kind of demon?”

“Not wanting a girlfriend is my choice, and saying I’m popular is just your delusion. If you understand that, then let’s end this conversation here.”

“I don’t understand! I’m telling you this today whether you like it or not.”

“Quiet. You’re bothering people.”

When I spoke curtly, Kazuma finally moved from across me to the seat next to mine.

Apparently, he really had no intention of stopping.

We’d had this kind of conversation countless times since we first became friends.

Kazuma, who desperately wanted to believe I was popular, and me, who just stated the facts.

It was a truly pointless argument.

Though strictly speaking, at the moment I technically did have a girlfriend.

Of course, Kazuma had no way of knowing that.

Somehow it felt like I was lying, and I felt slightly uncomfortable.

“Anyway, Aoto, the fact that you’re plain is exactly what makes you dangerous. Since you don’t look like you have high competition like Yunagi-san, everyone thinks they have a chance with you. It’s sad, isn’t it?”

“That’s not my fault. Even if I were popular, there’s no reason for me to be resented or to change.”

“No, change. Get a girlfriend. Then everything would work out perfectly. I wouldn’t complain then.”

“I would complain about that.”

“Come on, a girlfriend would be great. You’d definitely have fun. Stop being prejudiced without trying and date someone.”

I did try dating, after being pressured into it.

But it just didn’t work out.

This kind of thing just isn’t for me to begin with.

Besides, romance…

…No, never mind.

That’s something I don’t need to think about right now.

“I’ve always said my personal time is important. Whether it’s reading novels or watching movies, I never have enough time. And anyone who dated me would definitely find me boring.”

“…Well, you might be right about that.”

Hey.

“Then at least stop being nice to every girl you meet.”

“I’m not being nice. If someone’s in trouble and I can help, I help them. It’s only natural. It wouldn’t be any different if they were a guy.”

At my words, Kazuma’s eyes went wide.

I couldn’t quite tell if he was surprised or creeped out by my expression.

Well, either way was fine.

“…I guess this is why I can’t stop being your friend.”

“Don’t get all sentimental on me, that’s creepy.”

“Fine, whatever. I’m going home today. But I’ll make you see the light someday, I swear.”

What’s this “see the light” business?

Am I some kind of villain?

Kazuma gave me a quick wave and promptly left the library.

What a guy who marches to his own drum.

After reading for about another hour, I decided to head home too.

To borrow the book I’d been reading, I went to the counter where the library committee girl was stationed.

“Naruse-san, I’d like to check this out.”

“Ah, Sakuraba-kun. Just a moment.”

Naruse-san, who was in the same grade as me, efficiently processed the checkout.

Naruse-san and I had similar tastes in books, so we were on speaking terms.

Perhaps because I often asked to borrow books, we’d gradually become friendly.

Seeing how she always greeted me when we met outside the library too, I thought she must be a kind-hearted person.

“Thank you. Well then—”

“Sakuraba-kun!”

Right after I left the library, Naruse-san came out into the hallway as if chasing after me.

“What is it? Did I forget something?”

“N-no, that’s not it, but…”

Naruse-san lowered her face slightly, looking like she wanted to say something.

Since I had no idea what it could be, I decided to wait silently for her next words.

“W-would you like to go to a bookstore together sometime?”

“Huh?”

“Ah! U-um, you see! Since we like similar books, Sakuraba-kun… I think it would be fun! O-only if you want to, though…”

“…Yeah, that sounds nice. I’d like to go too.”

“R-really! Th-then, I’ll contact you later!”

“Okay. I’ll be waiting.”

When I said that, Naruse-san nodded vigorously several times before returning to the library.

I turned around and headed for the entrance.

Naruse-san and a bookstore, huh.

The library committee seems busy, so I hope we can find a time that works for both of us.