I was Rejected 10,000 times by My Childhood Friend, but After I Gave Up, I Suddenly Started Getting Popular? - Ch. 2 - Episode 2 p11

Nostalgic and Fresh

Afterwards, we went to a bookstore and bought some shoujo manga.

Since I thought I didn’t have enough knowledge yet, I bought a couple of them. But the number Shirahata-san bought was… enormous.

“Are you okay? Do you need me to carry more?”

“It’s fine, it’s fine. It’s too heavy for you to carry this all the way home, right?”

“Well, yes, but…”

It was about 6:00 P.M.

The dimming area was fading into the light of the setting sun, and I felt a sense of peace, glad that the day was coming to an end.

I was seriously tired.

Lugging thirty or so manga books does that to you. Just a bit longer, though, and it’ll be over.

“I thought I could hold all of it when I bought it… sorry…”

“I don’t mind that much. I get how it feels to be excited about buying something you’ve set your sights on.”

“…Thank you so much, Kaminoki-san! You are very kind after all!”

“No, it’s not like that.”

Shirahata-san’s angelic smile (sunset version) was brilliant.

I couldn’t help but admire it.

“You’re staring at me so intensely… Is there something on my face?”

“N-No… it’s nothing. Shirahata-san, your house is this way, right?”

“Yes! It’s in this area.”

“I-I see.”

Shirahata-san really is a super beauty in this way, huh…

She also has a cute side, like when she went crazy over the drink bar. I think she’d be even more popular if she showed that side off.

I’m sure she’ll be able to make tons of friends.

As her “teacher,” I’ll be happy. 

“It’s summer, isn’t it? It’s so hot already!”

“True. I feel like this is kinda nostalgic.”

“…This is the first time I’ve experienced summer with someone close to me like this… it’s so fresh and comforting to me.”

“… I see.”

I could hear the cicadas chirping.

The cool breeze gently caressed my skin and carried the sound of wind chimes coming from elsewhere.

Sweat formed beads on my cheeks. 

Bags full of shoujo manga were slung on both my arms.

And next to me was a beautiful, ditzy girl.

Definitely not the summer I was used to, but it was pleasant.

“Ah…”

“Hm? What’s up?”

“No, there… I was just looking at the couple over there…”

“Oh.”

Following Shirahata-san’s gaze, I saw a couple strolling down the street hand in hand. 

They seemed very intimate. This guy’s a winner, damn it! But he looks like he’s having a good time, so it’s fine. (I’m kinda a nice guy, aren’t I?)

“Summer is the season of love, don’t you think?”

“W-What’s up with you all of a sudden?”

“When I read shoujo manga, they’re usually all set in summer, so I sort of feel that atmosphere…”

“Woah, you finally figured out love?”

“Well… I don’t understand it, but I do feel like I want to… fall in love.”

Shirahata-san said this while looking at the distant sun, which seemed to be setting any moment now.

Those words, carefully crafted and carefully released, were undoubtedly Shirahata-san’s true feelings.

Straightforward as always, strong so as not to be shaken in any way.

That was the case with Shirahata-san.

“You know, someone great once said, ‘Human beings are born for love and revolution.’”

“…So cool.”

“I’d be happier with being called cute.”

“Cute doesn’t really describe that quote, though.”

Well actually, if you focus your mind to a ratio of six parts Shirahata-san and four parts quote, you come to the conclusion of “cute.”

In other words, if you’re in her vicinity, you’ll just think “cute.”

“Ah, my house is here.”

“This one? Wait… it’s huge!”

Considering Shirahata-san’s good manners, I thought she was probably well brought up. But I didn’t expect her to live in basically a mansion…

There was something like a deer head hanging on the wall as a decoration.

Yes, I’m aware. I’m just an average guy unable to appreciate art.

“Thank you very much for walking me home. I’ll offer you some tea, so please, come in.”

“No, it’s pretty late… plus, what about your parents?”

“No one’s at home since they’re on a business trip abroad.”

Curse you, god of light novels!

Well, my parents were the same at one point… Putting that aside, I’m honestly really interested in Shirahata-san’s house…

And my dry throat is screaming, “Give me some tea!” Basically, I’m thirsty.

But I’m not sure if being in a girl’s house with just the two of us is a good idea… No, it’s Shirahata-san, so I’m sure it’ll be fine.

When I first met her, I had the impression that she was clumsy. I don’t think she sees me as an object of romantic interest, so hopefully the atmosphere doesn’t get weird or anything.

Besides, it’s Shirahata-san we’re talking about here.

The problem is… I’m a guy. And guys are said to be wolves or beasts or whatever. But I’m human enough to keep my sense of reason.

So, let’s get some tea and take a break.

“Well then, I’ll take you up on your offer.”

“Yes! Please come in~”

The emergency event, [Attack on Shirahata-san’s home!], begins.

TL: I know the chapter numbering is still garbage. Just don’t.