I was Rejected 10,000 times by My Childhood Friend, but After I Gave Up, I Suddenly Started Getting Popular? - Ch. 2 - Episode 2 p4

Ritsu’s Summer Vacation

“What was that really all about?”

I collapsed into bed.

The gentle, cool breeze from the electronic fan blew across my body.

All in all, my summer vacation schedule was rather packed.

Today, I don’t have to make that same self-deprecating joke about my summer vacation being blank again. After all, this might just be the best summer vacation ever.

Of course, I am looking forward to it.

I used to spend all day holed up in my room playing games, watching anime, etc.

However, this year, all of my summer plans were with the most beautiful girls in my school. It’s somewhat nerve racking.

“Is it finally time for me to be popular?”

No, that’s just me being overly self-conscious.

Since I’m a guy, naturally I can’t help but imagine the slim possibility… in which they liked me… But, I’m sure reality is often more disappointing.

I feel that it’s disrespectful to fantasize about such things about them.

Though, I was, and still am, shocked that Karen actually wants to go swimsuit shopping with me.

On top of that, there wasn’t a hint of the “tsun” I thought was in Maybe I’m finally graduating from being a sandbag?

Her change is really something else.

During that conversation, there were moments that made me a little nervous.

I definitely heard her yell, “Yay!”, definitely…

The innocent Karen reminded me of the pure Karen of the past. We used to be much more open with our emotions. I could casually give her a high five or something.

Well, that was a long time ago. There’s no point in dwelling on the past.

“And besides, I’ve already decided to give up on Karen.”

That’s right. Since I’ve already told Karen that I’d give up on her, I’d only cause her more trouble if I fell in love with her again.

No new encounters have come up yet, but I’ll wait patiently until they do.

…Maybe the encounter I want is already around the corner…

“No, no! What’s wrong with me? Am I going crazy of wanting to fall in love too much? I need to calmly assess my situation so I don’t make any mistakes…”

I don’t want to be the guy who constantly thinks, “Oh, does she like me? She does, doesn’t she?”, like some psychopath. Don’t become one.

I’m just going to enjoy this summer vacation.

Even a summer vacation without love would be enough.

My phone suddenly vibrates.

Lala sent me a message, apparently.

[Sorry, Senpai. I have to go back home tomorrow, so can we have our heartbreak date on another day? I’m really sorry!]

[It’s totally fine.]

“I’m really sorry. I know Senpai will be lonely, but please be patient, okay? I’ll send you a photo of me in a bikini~there’s a fee though~]

“I’m not paying for it!! If I got the picture, it’d be like having a bomb on me!”

[Aren’t bombs terrible, Senpai? You sure you’re not mistaking a bomb for a family heirloom?]

[How is that even possible?]

[Anyways, I’ll message you with the updated details to the date, okay?]

[Got it.]

After that, I turned off my phone.

A swimsuit photo… that’d be too dangerous.

Eh? Shouldn’t I want it?

…I exercise my right to remain silent.

“Speaking of which…”

I remembered something and pulled out my phone again.

I selected Keru from my contact list and shot a message his way.

[You’re so handsome and you have the cutest girlfriend ever, so… could you help me out with something?]

A reply came rather quickly after I sent that.

[You finally understand me. So, your flattery aside, what do you want help with?]

[Thank you for replying so quickly. As it is, I’ve got a load of summer plans now, so could you help me pick out some clothes?]

Yeah. I have no sense of fashion.

I usually just wore sweatshirts and hoodies because I don’t leave the house much. Or, like Karen, my middle school jersey.

To be honest, I don’t really have anything to wear when I go out.

That was why I hoped that Great Master Keru, who is the most fashionable person I knew, could help me out.

He’s the ace of the basketball team, he has high specs, he’s fashionable, and on top of that, he has a cute girlfriend…

[Well, I can’t help it. I’ll make sure you become good-looking.]

[Thanks~ When, though?]

[I’m free tomorrow.]

[Alright then. I’ll meet you in front of the station at ten o’clock tomorrow morning.]

[Roger.]

It’s great to have a handsome friend, isn’t it?