Spending A Lovey-Dovey College Life With A Spoiled Childhood Friend - Chapter 29

TL: Hayme

ED: AJ1703

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[Ryuji-kun, Miyu-chan, long time no see.](Miyako)

“It’s been a long time, hasn’t it?”(Ryuji)

“It’s been a month since we’ve talked, right~?.”(Miyu)

Today’s July 1st. Summer was in full swing. It’s supposed to be a tropical night tonight, so my air conditioning was on full blast.

That night, Miyu had brought her laptop into my room and was sitting next to me, who also had a laptop. 

[Even so, it’s amazing how far technology has come, to be able to have a video call with three people like this, right?](Miyako)

The one who said that was Kujo Miyako. She’s a friend from our middle school days, and we keep in touch with her from time to time, but this was the first time all three of us had talked together after graduation.

Miyako’s a descendant of the Kujo family, a famous noble family in Kyoto, who would not have interacted with ordinary people in the world. Perhaps it was because she grew up in a strict family where dyeing one’s hair was an outrage, but her straight black hair flowed down to her waist. She wore an old-fashioned hair ornament that gave the impression that she was a young lady of prestigious lineage. Although she was not dressed in a kimono, she was wearing a long white skirt, which gave her a relaxed look. Her long, sharp eyes were impressive, that she was more of a Japanese beauty than just another cute girl.

Miyako was very well mannered, her parents seem to have trained her very strictly. Even when we were having a video chat, she kept her back straight and her posture toward the monitor was not too forward.

So, the reason we’re doing this was–

“So, Miyu. You said it was a strategy meeting, but do you have any concrete plans?”(Ryuji)

“Hmm… we have to tell what kind of person Shun-senpai is. That’s the most basic thing.”(Miyu)

“Well, we can’t leave that part out.”(Ryuji)

This all started last month when Miyu wanted to introduce Miyako to Shun-san, the editorial director of Byte, who didn’t have a girlfriend. As for the reason for this, I’ll leave it at that, since she doesn’t seem to be aware of it.

[I’ve only heard that he’s a senior in Ryuji-kun and Miyu-chan’s club.](Miyako)

“You should have told her better.”(Ryuji)

It’s too out of the ordinary no matter how you think about it.

“We can tell her that today~”(Miyu)

Miyu argued. It was really a spur-of-the-moment thought at the time, wasn’t it?

[Kawaguchi Shun-senpai, right? What kind of person is he?](Miyako)

Miyako and I became quite close in junior high, but she never removes honorifics for any person. I once asked her if she draws a line, but she said she does that to everyone.

“Shun-senpai is… in a word, a weirdo.”(Miyu)

Even though it’s just the start, Miyu already said something outrageous.

“Miyu, you can’t say that all of the sudden. Your impression of Shun-san san is kinda…”(Ryuji)

“We have to tell her that first because it’ll be obvious even if we try to hide it.”(Miyu)

“Well, that’s true, but…”(Ryuji)

I think there’s a better way to start a story than that..

[I understand that he’s a bit of an unusual person, but in what way?](Miyako)

“Our club, well, The Byte editorial department is where we make the department’s newsletter.”(Miyu)

[Right.](Miyako)

“For this article, we went to a gyudon (beef bowl) restaurant late at night and measured the weight of the gyudon with a scale. It was Shun-senpai who planned it.”(Miyu)

“By the way, it was for an article on which is more profitable, a beef bowl mini or a regular beef bowl.”(Ryuji)

I added to what Miyu said.

[Measuring the weight of a gyudon at a gyudon restaurant late at night… that sounds very interesting!](Miyako)

On the other side of the monitor, Miyako was glued to our story with a twinkle in her eyes. It was a surprising reaction, as I was expecting her to be turned off.

（That’s a bit of a surprising response.)(Ryuji)

（Miyako has been reading a lot of these articles lately.)(Miyu)

（That makes sense.)(Ryuji)

“Anyway, Shun-senpai is an unconventional kind of person; who would suddenly invite us to an interesting restaurant. He’s like a bundle of energy.”(Ryuji)

[Kawaguchi-san? Somehow, he sounds very fun to be with.] (Miyako)

She seemed to be very interested, so I guess the first step was cleared.

“And you know, there was a time when we found him lying down in the club room.”(Ryuji)

The first time I saw that scene, I was terrified. Then, Miyako’s expression became kind of subtle.

(Wait, Ryu-kun! Don’t tell her that!)(Miyu)

(Ah! Sorry…)(Ryuji)

Miyako is particularly strict about the cleanliness of her clothes. I must have messed up a little.

“Ahh, sorry, sorry. By the way, Shun-san dresses properly when he meets someone for the first time.”(Ryuji)

No, it was more of my wish that he would.

[Ah, okay, I believe the two of you then…](Miyako)

I was still a little worried, but I have no choice but to believe in Shun-san.

[Anyways, should I bring a souvenir?](Miyako)

Miyako’s a first year student at a national university in Tokyo, majoring in science. If she were to bring something, it would be a souvenir from Tokyo

“I don’t think Shun-san will mind, though. If you’re worried about it, I think bringing something like food would be a great idea.”(Ryuji)

[Then how about a TOKYO BANANA?]¹(Miyako)

That’s good since those are the most popular souvenirs in Tokyo.

“That’s great! I’m pretty sure Shun-san would love it.”(Ryuji)

So, I think souvenirs are great but… I’m pretty sure talking about Shun-san is more important.

“Also, Shun-senpai is a careless person when it comes to clothing, so just keep it simple. If you wear something too elaborate, I’m sure he won’t like it~”(Miyu)

“I agree with you there.”(Ryuji)

I haven’t properly asked him about it, but it seems that he emphasizes functionality over wearing anything extravagant.

[I see, so like the dress I’m wearing today?](Miyako)

She asked while she looked down at her clothes.

“They look a little hard to move in, are you fine with that?”(Ryuji)

“I think you could be a little more creative, are you sure about this?”(Miyu)

Well, as long as she doesn’t wear anything too extravagant, Shun-san won’t be surprised.

“Oh yeah! Shun-senpai likes people who are direct so you don’t have to act shy~”(Miyu)

[I’m not going to act shy. I’m just going to be careful because if I’m too direct I might upset him.](Miyako)

“Let’s put shyness aside. Miyako-chan, sometimes you tend to beat around the bush, and it would be better to just be direct~”(Miyu)

[I thought I was being direct…](Miyako)

Miyako seemed a little frustrated. I’m not sure if she’s accustomed to the long-winded way of saying things, or if she just doesn’t notice it.

[So, 10 AM at Akihabara station right?](Miyako)

“For the time being at least, but are you sure about this, Miyako-chan?”(Miyu)

[It’s fine since I’m always up at 8 a.m. on weekends anyway.](Miyako)

Her answer was typical of her motto, “Be regular in everything.”

“Oh yeah, I heard this from Miyu that you want to have a boyfriend, is that true…?”(Ryuji)

[I-It’s not that I want a boyfriend!! I-I just want to find someone I can like…](Miyako)

Miyako’s face reddened in panic as she retorted. I could tell she was getting worked up.

“Miyako-chan, that’s what they call wanting a boyfriend~”(Miyu)

Miyu said bluntly to her. It’s not always easy to say something in a roundabout way.

[Anyway, I’ll try to meet with Kawaguchi-san, but only to see him first, okay…!?](Miyako)

Miyako was trying her best to take precautions. The more she does this, the more I know she wants a boyfriend.

“Hmm alright~ if that’s what Miyako-chan would want to say~ It doesn’t matter either way~”(Miyu)

Miyu had given up and was through with it.

[I feel like I’m being treated like an idiot…](Miyako)

Miyako puffs up her cheeks, looking dissatisfied. There’s a different kind of cuteness in this kind of gesture than Miyu’s. Anyhow, I thought to myself, ‘she probably doesn’t want to say that she wants a boyfriend so she said it in such a roundabout way.’

“Ah! That’s right, about the meet up on that day, Ryu-kun and I will leave you guys alone so we won’t get in your way~”(Miyu)

[E-Ehhh!!?](Miyako)

Miyako’s confused voice rang out.

“Because if we were together all the time, you wouldn’t be able to talk to Shun-senpai, you know?”(Miyu)

[That’s true, but…](Miyako)

“Don’t worry about it! Shun-senpai knows a lot, so if you keep asking questions, even the shy Miyako-chan will be fine~”(Miyu)

[I’m not shy, you know? I’m just not very good at talking…] (Miyako) [TLN: Same]

Miyu and I, who have known Miyako since junior high, couldn’t help but make a bitter smile. Miyako can be frank with people she gets along with, but she can get overly anxious when she meets someone new.

“I agree with Miyu’s idea. If we’re together, I don’t think you’ll be able to ask each other what you guys want to know.”(Ryuji)

[Even Ryuji-kun too… I understand! I’m not confident about this, but I’ll try my best!](Miyako)

She seemed to be somewhat expectant, as if she was curious about the person she hadn’t met yet. I hope this doesn’t turn out to be a disappointment…

After that, we discussed where to go in Akihabara and what spots Shun-san would like, and before we knew it, it was almost 12 PM.

[It’s been a long time since the three of us talked like this.](Miyako)

“Right? Technology’s so amazing, isn’t it?”(Ryuji)

“This webcam doesn’t allow me to see facial expressions clearly though, so I need a better one.”(Miyu)

As we were discussing this, I suddenly felt Miyako’s gaze turn toward me, though I couldn’t tell if she was looking at Miyu or me because of the webcam.

[By the way, Ryu-kun and Miyu-chan are finally dating, right? Congratulations!](Miyako)

“We’ve only just started dating, though. But Thanks.”(Ryuji)

[Miyu, you’ve been through a lot. I’m happy for you.](Miyako)

“Yeah! I really had a hard time with him. He’s always been so stubborn~”(Miyu)

She seemed to have remembered something, and complained to me with her mouth agape.

[She’s right about that. You even only said, “Thank you” when Miyu-chan gave you a chocolate.] (Miyako)(TLN: bro, Ryuji, how dense can you be!!!?)

Is this some kind of a trend to bully me…?

“No wait, I had a feeling at that time but I couldn’t just say, “I like you too” when she hadn’t even confessed…!”(Ryuji)

I hurriedly made an excuse.

“Then, Ryu-kun, did you just think of it as a gift from me?”(Miyu)

“Well… that’s right. I’ve been getting them for a long time, so I didn’t know how much of it was real.”(Ryuji)

“But I even attached a confession message card to it!”(Miyu)

She then gave me a resentful look.

“I-I didn’t know there was such a thing…! No wait, I thought for sure there was some kind of paper attached to it, but I didn’t open it.”(Ryuji)

“Ryu-kun, that’s guilty.”(Miyu)

[Guilty.](Miyako)

“I-I’m sorry, my bad…”(Ryuji)

Certainly, I’m the one to blame since I missed the card…

[Fufu, So much for tormenting Ryuji-kun.](Miyako)

Miyako said with a happy expression on her face. They got me all right.

“I understand now, so can you stop messing with me?”(Ryuji)

[You guys are lovers now, right? Isn’t that enough?](Miyako)

“It’s not good for your mental health. Give me a break…”(Ryuji)

To be honest, it was not good for my heart to get told of my past mistakes…

[Well, I’m just joking. But I’m glad that your feelings were heard, Miyu.](Miyako)

“Yeah, well, you know…”(Miyu)

Perhaps embarrassed, Miyu suddenly turns her head away.

“Ah, that’s right! Listen to this. You know, The moment we started going out, Miyu became very aggressive…”(Ryuji)

As a payback to what they did to me earlier. I revealed how boldy Miyu had been coming to me since the time I confessed my feelings to her. I feel like I’m blowing myself up, but I don’t care.

[I can’t believe you’re being so aggressive, Miyu-chan. I can’t imagine you doing the same in junior high.] (Miyako)

Miyako felt a little nostalgic about the past.

“Right? Lately, it’s been like that every day…”(Ryuji)

I got carried away and talked a lot.

“Ryu-kun, I’ll remember this later…”(Miyu)

Then Miyako said,

[Somehow, Ryuji-kun is happy too, isn’t he? I’m really glad.](Miyako)

“Yeah, well, of course I’m happy about that…”(Ryuji)

I couldn’t say anything after that. That’s why they messed with me again.

So like that, what started as a countermeasure meeting between the three of us turned into a love story before we knew it. But I’m glad that Miyako still acts the same way when it comes to people she’s comfortable with.

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TLN: TOKYO BANANA

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