I Became Friends with the Second Cutest Girl in My Class - Chapter 68
Chapter 68 – Request for Cooperation
I was on my way to another classroom for the fifth period when it happened.
I was blending in with the crowd while watching Umi and Amami-san, who was ahead of me, chatting and laughing like usual.
“Maehara, after school, can you come to the back of the club building?”
“Huh?”
Seki-kun suddenly wrapped his hand around my shoulders and asked me that question.
This guy was Seki Nozomu, a member of the baseball club.
He was the only boy who interacted often with Amami-san’s group. I think everyone called him ‘Nozomu’ or ‘Non’.
In my boredom, I occasionally overheard my other classmate’s conversations and he was often the topic of the conversation. So, even though he wasn’t my friend or anything, I knew plenty about him.
When I did that and a funny conversation came up, I would usually curl up on my desk while holding back my laughter.
…I know it’s a strange thing to do, but give me a break, I was a loner for the longest time and that was my only pastime in class. Of course I stopped doing that ever since I befriended Umi, so instead of doing that, I was on my phone more often than not.
Well, that aside, let’s deal with Seki-kun first.
I wonder if this is that cliche where someone would summon another guy to a deserted place and surround him to make him know his place? I saw it happen back when I was in middle school, will I be the victim this time?
Aside from actually witnessing it, I know that this kind of thing is pretty common. Some upperclassmen would do this to discipline their misbehaving juniors and stuff.
But, he should have no reason to do it to me, right? …Wait a second, that isn’t true. There was a rumor of me and Amami-san dating. That should be enough reason for him to do something like this to me.
“…i… Oi, Maehara?”
“Y-Yes? W-What is it?”
“Oi oi, relax. I’m not going to do anything to you, there’s just something I want to tell you. I don’t want anyone to overhear it, you see?”
“I-I see…”
As soon as Seki-kun, who was 6 feet tall wrapped his hand around my shoulders, I got unnecessarily anxious, but it seemed like he really didn’t want to do anything to me. His expression looked sincere after all.
However, what kind of secret would he even tell me? …Wait, could it be?
“Uh… Are you, maybe?”
“Anyway, please meet me after school, okay? And if you can, please don’t tell Asanagi about this for now.”
“Got it. After school at the back of the club building?”
“Yeah, sorry for the trouble… I’m counting on you…”
After a few more words, he left me and went back to his usual group and pretended like nothing happened.
I was surprised since his request came out of nowhere, so I unconsciously agreed to it. Well, it seemed like he really needed me, so it wouldn’t hurt to hear him out. If I couldn’t help him, I could just say so, no big deal.
I hope that his group won’t gang up on me if I refuse his request though…
* * *
After school, I headed to the meet up location alone. Before I headed over, I notified Umi about this.
Seki-kun told me to not tell her about it, but I knew that even though she appeared like she was giving all her attention to Amami-san, she was actually paying close attention to me. Even if I kept silent, she was bound to find out about this and I don’t want to cause her unnecessary worry, so I decided to let her know.
[Maehara: Umi.]
[Asanagi: What is it?]
[Maehara: I can’t go back home together today.]
[Maehara: Got some business to take care of.]
[Asanagi: Hmm…]
[Asanagi: Are you meeting up with someone?]
[Maehara: Well, yeah…]
[Maehara: I can’t tell you about it though.]
[Maehara: They told me to keep quiet.]
[Asanagi: Got it.]
[Asanagi: It’s Seki, isn’t it?]
She knew.
She probably saw Seki-kun talking to me… I felt a shiver run down my spine.
[Maehara: I don’t think anything weird will happen, don’t worry.]
[Asanagi: I know, but still…]
[Asanagi: Fine, I won’t do anything, but please take care of yourself, okay?]
[Maehara: Don’t worry, if anything happens, I’ll let you know.]
[Asanagi: Okay.]
Umi was being overprotective. It was proof that her past still tied her down somehow.
It wasn’t like she doesn’t trust me or anything, she’s probably feeling uneasy about this somewhere in her heart.
Well, there wasn’t a lot I could do about it but to help her get over her past little by little.
Anyway, I went to the promised place. Seki-kun was ahead of me since he left as soon as the class ended for his club activities.
I’ve never gone to the club building since it was always crowded, and it was also on the opposite side of my favorite spots at school.
There were two buildings there, one for keeping the sport’s equipment and one was the actual club building. I went to the former building and saw that Seki-kun was already waiting for me there when I arrived.
“Yo, Maehara. Sorry to call you out to a place like this, but I had to take care of the equipment or else the coach and the upperclassmen would scold me.”
I guess they assigned chores like this to the freshmen. He was polishing the dusty pitching machine and some balls. It seemed like he didn’t cut any corners since everything that he cleaned looked as good as new.
In class, he looked really lazy, but he seemed to take his club activities very seriously.
“So, what’s up?”
“Right. I still have more work to do, so I’ll just get straight to the point.”
He bowed to me.
“Maehara, please. I need your help so I can get closer to Amami-san before the Christmas party begins!”
“…I knew it…”
I knew that he liked Amami-san, so I kind of expected this.
Well… Let’s hear him out at least.
TL: Iyo
ED: MaltedBarley
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Tsurgy
I feel likw that approach just doesn t work that well
KukiShinobu
Meh so they’re actually going in that direction? Gonna get Amami her own husbando too because author feels bad for her like come on we still don’t know that much about her why mot develop her first have her interact with MC and have her own character development.
Dennis Vicarth
Oh god, what a p*ssy. He doesn’t have the balls to personally take action so he’s asking Maki for help.
Usagidon
Fking coward dimwit
Be like maki lol just do it straight forward lol
Its more satisfying when its from ur effort alone lol
Amplifity
Aw cmon we need more fluff dont waste time wirh this shit bruh
1024led
I like how he knows that liyng he will make Umi feel uneasy, SO he just TALK TO HER, TALK, no misunderstanding, no forced drama, just pure communication, my man is great
mason111
I cant let you have umi- oh.. no worries
Kiyotaka Ayanokoji
On god I thought he was either gay or interested in Umi for a second, even though it’s been shown plenty times he’s interested in Amami lol. Thanks for the chapter.
Uncool Talisman
I just want a romance between Maki and Umi. Well, I finally caught up in 6-7 hour I guess. Also thank you for translating this gem to the team and I will see everyone soon in next chapter.
KiloAlpha16
Bruh, if the author forces this guy (with no real appearances in the previous chapters whatsoever) with Amami, I will go f*cking ballistic.
AJ1703
I really hate people like Seki. Idk, when it comes to love/getting close or some sh*t, I really don’t like it when people ask help for that. It’s quite annoying and a pain in the @ss.
Gravyy
Welp here comes another conflict. Thanks for the chapter!! <33
mighthose
This is not a Harem novel so he should share one of the cuties and have a solo night with umi at xmas.
Thank you for this chapter!
TheDeathmail
Just say no.
His reasons don’t matter. Not only are you not friends, but frankly, if she doesn’t want him, she doesn’t want him.
Thanks for the chapter XD
LeonGG
Yo. I think that’s a good thing…… I guess……..