My Overly Anxious and Devoted Girlfriend Never Gives Up on Me - Chapter 2.9

Come to think of it, that’s right.

If Shirato’s name came up, it wouldn’t be strange for Yunagi to become a topic of conversation too.

Or rather, from others’ perspective, the fact that Yunagi and I are friends is probably more peculiar.

But of course, on the surface, I’m just ordinary friends with her too.

I hadn’t anticipated being directly questioned about it, but staying calm and responding naturally was the appropriate approach here.

Or so I thought.

“No, she’s good friends with Shirato and often comes to our class.”

“…I see.”

Mikura-san seemed to accept that more easily than expected.

Well, it’s not like she’s a spy or detective.

Even if she found it unnatural, she probably wouldn’t pry excessively.

If anything, I’m likely the one overreacting.

If I act confidently, nothing will happen.

“…Aoto-kun, um… I wonder if you… l-like someone like Yunagi-san?”

“Eh…”

Well, the conversation took a strange turn again.

Just as I thought before, Mikura-san might currently be involved in romance herself.

And she might be trying to gauge what makes a woman attractive from a male perspective through me, since we’re relatively close.

If that’s the case, I’m quite interested in the man Mikura-san has feelings for.

But that’s a delicate matter.

Even if I knew who it was, it’s not necessarily good for me.

I’ll refrain from pursuing it.

Though I am curious. Very curious.

“Hmm, well, I wouldn’t say I like her, but I do think she’s attractive. She doesn’t seem to have many flaws either.”

I subtly emphasized the “many” parts.

Yunagi is indeed the perfect beautiful girl, but she can be a bit pushy.

Well, that might actually be one of her strengths too – that’s the scary thing about her.

“I-is that so…”

“Yeah. But I think the same could be said about you, Mikura-san.”

“Eh? Wh-what do you mean?”

“Our types are different, but I can’t think of any flaws you have either. I think you’re very attractive too.”

“Tha-! …Is that so! Eh, ehehe…”

“Yeah. So, I think you can have confidence. Though I might sound presumptuous saying that.”

“N-no! Not at all! I’m really happy…!”

“I see. That’s somewhat reassuring.”

“Y-yeah! And, Aoto-kun, you’re… um… really wonderful too…!”

“Ahaha, thank you.”

While we were talking, my café au lait had disappeared.

Mikura-san’s coffee seemed to have only a little left too.

Probably time to wrap things up.

It’s almost past 8 PM.

“U-um”

“Hm? What is it, Mikura-san?”

“Ah, Aoto-kun… um… what do you think about dating!”

For some reason, Mikura-san asked this with an intensely serious expression.

Today, she seems more emotionally volatile than usual.

“What do I think, you ask?”

“W-well, um… if you’re interested in it, or if you’re positive about it.”

“W-well. That’s tough. I’m positive about it in general, but I’m not really interested myself.”

I decided to answer honestly.

I think dating is everyone’s personal freedom, but I’m not proactive about it.

“I-I see…”

“Probably because I don’t think I’m suited for it. I’m too free-spirited.”

“F-free-spirited…”

“Yeah. I like reading books alone, watching movies, and thinking more than anything else. I’d hate to have that time reduced by dating someone.”

“I-I see…”

“So well, even if someone dated me, it would probably be boring. No demand or supply – it works out perfectly.”

“Th-that’s not…”

After saying that much, I realized I’d been talking more than I intended.

Maybe I’ve become more talkative because I’ve had more opportunities to think about romance lately.

But essentially, that’s how it is.

I can’t properly become Yunagi’s boyfriend, and I don’t intend to accept her feelings.

So really, I should probably reject her more firmly.

…No good.

I should stop thinking about this for now.

It’s not a simple problem I can think about while talking to someone, and I’m not that skilled anyway.

“What about you, Mikura-san?”

“Eh! Wh-what about?”

“That kind of thing – dating. Do even someone like you yearn for it?”

“N-no… well”

Mikura-san looked extremely unsettled and hesitant, her eyes darting around.

I wonder, did I ask something bad?

“I-I am interested but…”

“Wow. That’s somewhat surprising.”

“But it might be impossible.”

“Impossible? What do you mean?”

“…I might not be acknowledged.”

After saying this in a serious tone, Mikura-san completely lowered her head.

She’s usually so resolute – what could be wrong?

For someone like Mikura-san to say it’s impossible, she must have fallen for someone really unattainable.

Well, if it’s a man she likes.

Even if he were that kind of person, it might not be surprising.

“It’ll be fine. If it’s you, Mikura-san, I’m sure he’ll notice you too.”

“…Ah, yeah.”

My ordinary consolation didn’t seem very effective.

While feeling concerned about Mikura-san who seemed even more depressed, we decided to leave the café.

“Well then, thank you for today, Aoto-kun.”

“Yeah, same here. It was fun. Let’s talk again after you read more books.”

“Y-yeah.”

We walked together as I saw Mikura-san to the station.

After one last farewell, I decided to head home too.

“Ah, Aoto-kun!”

Suddenly called from behind.

When I turned around, Mikura-san was facing straight toward me, her hands clenched.

“What’s wrong?”

“…Um, see you at school.”

“…Ah, yeah.”

Mikura-san smiled somewhat awkwardly before turning toward the station and walking away.

I feel somewhat worried.

But when it comes to romance, I’m completely inexperienced.

I hope her troubles get resolved.

Thinking this, I headed home and took my smartphone from my bag.

Several message notifications were displayed.

As usual, or as expected, Yunagi’s messages particularly stood out.

‘Yunagi: Want to call’ ‘Yunagi: Look quickly’ ‘Yunagi: Love you’

Same as always.

Thinking this, I somehow felt a little more energized.

‘When I get home, just for a bit’

I replied only that and put my smartphone away.

Maybe I was embarrassed to see the reply that would undoubtedly come immediately.