I was Rejected 10,000 times by My Childhood Friend, but After I Gave Up, I Suddenly Started Getting Popular? - Ch. 2 - Episode 2 p5

Five Minutes Ago, the High School Boys Met Up

Just before ten o’clock, I was waiting idly for Keru in front of the station.

I had thought to myself, How can I, who invited Keru, be late? So, I started waiting in front of the station with a cup of coffee in my hand ten minutes ago. I drank coffee for the sole reason of creating a “cool” air around myself. Yummmmm.

But Keru, being the accomplished human being that he is, showed up five minutes earlier than the agreed-upon-ten o’clock.

Typically, guys got to the meeting place just on time or even a couple minutes late. However, it was a surprising turn of events as Keru showed up five minutes earlier. This isn’t that kind of story, right?

“Did I keep you waiting?”

This guy… he’s probably just used to saying that to his girlfriend every time. But what if people misunderstand this as that kind of story? It’s gonna scare off the readers.

“I waited quite a while. About five minutes.”

So, I had to say something out of character.

Well, there you have it. I hope you’ll appreciate my good heart for putting the story before myself. Don’t think I’m a scumbag, okay?

“Ah, sorry, sorry. It took me longer than expected to get ready.”

Stop trying to make it that way! You’re ruining my whole benevolent act!

“Don’t worry about it. I’m a generous person.”

“I don’t think any generous person would say, ‘I waited a long time’, to a guy who showed up five minutes before the meeting time.”

“There was something I wanted to protect, even if it cost me my life.”

“…As expected, only Ritsu could say something like that.”

“Leave me alone!”

As we were talking, it soon hit ten o’clock. And so, we went through the ticket gate.

We headed to a large shopping mall, as Keru told me they were having a sale on summer clothes.

When I asked him how he knew that, he suddenly started to tell a story about how Otoha had asked him to go, prompting me to give him a serious glare.

The epitome of a true riajuu.

***

After a 20-minute train ride and a short walk from the station, we arrived at the biggest shopping mall in the area. It was extremely crowded.

Well, it made sense. It is a popular shopping mall, after all; it was loved by couples, families, and even bachelors.

Since I didn’t like crowds, I usually wouldn’t opt to come here. But the now-calm Keru did insist on it.

“Is this a regular thing for you? To come here, I mean.”

“Yeah. I’m not exactly great with crowds, so I don’t come here that often, but I’ve been here after school with Otoha.”

“I see.”

A shopping mall date with your girlfriend after school?

I’m so jealous.

“What’s with that reaction?”

“Nothing. It’s nothing.”

“…So you’re jealous that Otoha has taken me, aren’t you?”

“Why is this the way it pans out?”

“I’m not denying my homosexuatlity, okay?”

“I’m not either, but I’m not homo!”

Let me tell you something.

Keru and I are just friends. We are nothing more, nothing less. Please understand.

Bonk.

“But you’ve been getting along with Shirahata-san lately, right? Plus, you’re good friends with that cute kouhai… Can’t you invite them as much as you want?”

“I don’t have that kind of relationship with those girls. It’s better to come to these places with someone I love.”

“Then why don’t you come with Karen? Maybe they won’t refuse if you ask them to.”

His words were stuck in my mind. I couldn’t get rid of them.

“I didn’t say anything funny, did I?” was what his face seemed to say.

For one, I’d like to correct everything you just said.

“Why would I? I don’t really like Karen anymore. I told you I gave up.”

“How can you say that? You’ve confessed to her 10,000 freaking times!”

Keru yelled at me with a serious expression.

I would normally have responded with a joke, but this time, I hesitated and kept my mouth shut.

“I can’t tell you what to do, since you’re the only one who understands. She doesn’t know either.”

His face was still serious yet softer.

I think it’s due to Keru’s ability to read between the lines.

“Anyway, let’s save the serious matters for later and pick out some clothes for you right now!”

“…Y-Yeah, I guess so. Alright, Great Master Keru, the chief of fashion, please!”

“Yeah. Leave it to me.”

He slapped me on the back and led the way into the air-conditioned store.

What he just said is definitely bothering me, but… I can’t think too deeply about it right now.

Besides, I’ve already confirmed my answer.

With that in mind, I followed Keru.