I was Rejected 10,000 times by My Childhood Friend, but After I Gave Up, I Suddenly Started Getting Popular? - Ch. 1 - Episode 1 p14

First self-serve drink bar celebration launch

After that, I went through my classes as usual, and before I knew it, class was dismissed.

Today, Karen had a committee meeting, and so she left the classroom right as the end-of-school bell rang. Seeing her reminded me that I had things to do after school as well. And so, I grabbed my bag and headed for the courtyard where I was to meet Shirahata-san.

By the time I arrived at the courtyard, Shirahata-san was already there, radiating with the aura of an angel.

If I hadn’t known who she really was, I probably would’ve seen angel wings sprouting from her back. However, now, I don’t see them at all.

“Sorry to make you wait, Shirahata-san.”

“No, no, I’ve just arrived too. Shall we go then?”

“Yes.”

Shirahata-san was in a very good mood. Her steps seemed light and full of excitement.

It was like she was walking while floating three inches above the ground like Doraemon could. But then again, how can someone walk while floating? Meh, I shouldn’t really be caring about that right now.

“What’s up with the excitement?”

On the way to the family restaurant, I dropped a question as a conversation starter.

“Oh, you can tell?”

“Yes. You seem to be in a good mood.”

“That’s right! I’ve never been to a family restaurant after school before… I’ve been waiting for the chance to!”

Shirahata-san leaned in closer and said so with a lively tone.

My brain started alerting: “The AT field has been breached! It’s all over!” I hear that silly alarm bell ringing in my brain. I truly thought so. My brain is crappy.

“I-I see… Well, I don’t think it’s that big of a deal.”

“What are you talking about? It’s a good idea to have a good idea of what you’re going to do with your time. It’s what a high school student should do!”

“No, what are you saying!? Even though trying to get your money’s worth at the drink bar is futile because the prices are cheap, I want to try it! It’s what a high schooler should do!”

“…You’re surprisingly meek, aren’t you, Shirahata-san? Well, let’s put aside the fact that drink bars are all the rage right now.”

“I’m also a high school student, so I at least want to do something like that…”

When I saw Shirahata-san saying that while embarrassed, I realized that she was just a high school girl. Though, she’s actually an angel.

“I’m sure we’ll have a lot of fun.”

“Well, that’s one thing, but I also want to learn about love!”

“…I don’t know if I can teach you that, but I’ll do my best.”

“Yes! Please do!”

Shirahata-san smiled happily.

＊＊＊

We entered a family restaurant in front of the station, which was just a short walk from our school.

Shirahata-san entered the restaurant and was shown to her seat by the waitress. Even after she sat down at a table, she was still fidgety.

I don’t think it’s normal to be so tense like you’re at Disney or something. She’s really a strange angel.

“That’s so cool… That’s amazing, Kaminoki-san! A self-serve drink bar! And it’s glowing!”

“It sure is.”

I’ve decided to accept this Shirahata-san.

It seems that the attribute of ‘the heroine who gets excited at a self-serve drink bar’ has been developed.

“Of course not! Like I said, I’m here to be the annoying customer who only orders the drink bar and stays for hours!”

“That’s a little disrespectful, isn’t it? You’re defaming high school students!”

“I’ve heard that you’re more popular if you rebel a little!”

“That’s not the point right now! I mean, you don’t have to do that to be popular!”

I was exhausted by her double barrage of ridiculousness. I’m not sure why I’m not more serious about training my endurance. Don’t worry about your role in the story, me.

In the end, Shirahata-san ordered only one drink bar. I ordered a drink bar and fries.

When it was time to fill up our drinks, Shirahata-san was extremely excited, but she finally managed to get through it and returned to the table with a twinkle in her eye.

“I’m so inspired… I just realized that I’m in high school now.”

“We’re already sophomores in high school. Isn’t it a bit late to realize that?”

“That’s not the point! Let’s just have a toast!”

“Yes, yes…”

Shirahata-san’s usual calm atmosphere was nowhere to be seen, as she was in high spirits.

I’m glad she’s enjoying herself.

“I will now propose a toast to…”

“Don’t be so formal. High school students are usually more relaxed.”

“O-Oh, I see… Ahem. Then—”

Shirahata-san stands up with a glass in her hand.

She’s really motivated, isn’t she? I would feel sorry for her if she didn’t get to do it, so I took a look around the restaurant. Since there didn’t seem to be many customers, I thought it was okay to stand up, glass in hand.

“ “ Cheers! ” ”

There’s nothing to celebrate, but let’s just call this the first self-serve drink bar celebration launch.

That’s how Shirahata-san and I started our family restaurant meeting.