第100話 志乃原と礼奈② - I Was Cheated on by My Girlfriend but My Devilish Junior Now Yearns for Me

"How about it, Senpai? Why not try out being in a relationship with me for a set period?" "No." "Immediate rejection?!" Shinohara's face registered shock, and she slumped down dejectedly. "A chance to get closer to Senpai... It felt like we were finally making progress recently." "Look, you can't just take up someone's time to gain experience for yourself." Even if it were a transactional relationship like renting a girlfriend, there are better ways to spend one's time if it’s out of the goodwill. Requesting such a thing with nothing obvious in return is out of the question. Of course, perhaps it’s hypocritical of me to say that, given how I waste both Shinohara's time and my own on a regular basis. However, considering she also works as a salon model, I believe she might find more fulfilling ways to use her unique talents elsewhere. So, my decision doesn't seem entirely wrong. "But I want to gain various experiences too. I’m saying it’s okay, so it’s a win-win, right?" "No, absolutely not." "Please stop saying it like it's some kind of drug!" "For Yuta, maybe it is, in a way. It might be too late, though." Reina interrupted with a remark. "As I said earlier, I was really just using it as an example, Mayu. No need to take it too seriously." "No, I am serious. This is just the right opportunity for me." There was something distinctly earnest in Mayu's demeanor that made me uneasy. "What's going on?" When I asked, Shinohara hesitated and then lowered her gaze, seeming torn about whether or not to speak. A moment of silence passed, and Reina and I exchanged glances. Then Reina gently prodded. "Did something happen?" "N-no, nothing in particular... Just a change of heart." Shinohara finally responded, looking at Reina. "I feel like I've learned a lot from you, Reina." "From me?" "Yes. I don't mean it as sarcasm or anything. If it came across that way, I’ll apologize." "N-no need for an apology. But, I’m glad if I could be of any help to you." Shinohara probably referred to experiences gained from my dealings with Reina. Despite what Shinohara said, likely nobody would enjoy hearing such a thing directly. Yet, Reina surprisingly took it as a compliment. —Ever as gracious as always. Reina had possessed a charm that wrapped others in kindness since the moment we met. Perhaps she would deny it, but I believe the basis of her compassion lies in her magnanimity. Shinohara blinked in surprise at Reina's response before jumping towards her. "...Reina, I’m sorry for being so rude the other day." "The other day?" Reina looked puzzled, but I quickly understood. Shinohara had explained her confrontation with Reina to me directly. Her actions eventually encouraged another meeting between Reina and me, which benefited me. However, from Reina’s perspective, Shinohara’s actions must have been nothing but rude. Reina seemed to realize what Shinohara was referring to and shook her head. "It's okay. Actually, I was a bit happy about it." "Huh?" "It was because of your affection for Yuta that you did it. It reminded me of just how charming he is." Reina's words prompted a small sigh from me. "You say the most embarrassing things..." "But it’s the truth." Reina glanced my way with a smile. However, Shinohara seemed to take Reina's words to heart and asked again. "Reina, why aren't you mad at me? Even considering the circumstances, I’d find it hard to deal with someone who treated me coldly even once." "Hmm..." Reina tilted her head and looked up before speaking after a few seconds. "If there were no circumstances, I wouldn’t like it either. Among situations, there are forgivable and unforgivable ones. As I said earlier, I was genuinely happy about what happened." "...How can you be so considerate of others' perspectives?" "I just don't want to deny something outright. I have regrets myself about not considering someone else's circumstances, which might have led to different outcomes." —I feel like I understand what those words indicate. A veiled message, or something else entirely. "With Reina accepting me like this, there’s no way she could be a bad person." Saying that, Shinohara lunged at Reina. Reina exclaimed "Whoa!" in surprise as Shinohara clung to her. The sudden embrace left me stunned and speechless. As Shinohara clung to her, she silently looked up at Reina, eventually wrapping her arms around Reina's waist saying, "This feels so comforting..." Reina, somewhat troubled, patted Shinohara’s head. "When we met at the ramen shop, this is what I really wanted to do..." "You thought of something like that? You should have just said so." "What am I even witnessing?" I muttered in a quieter tone. Reina and Shinohara, seemingly close and affectionate, presented a heartwarming picture on the surface; yet, from my perspective, familiar with both, it was a somewhat restless scene. However, the atmosphere of Shinohara, who had seemed ready to drop some bombshells earlier, now softened. Her interaction with Reina appeared to dispel whatever burden she was carrying. "Hehe, like a cute little animal." "Reina's chest is so soft..." "Aah, wait a second. Come on, settle down, would you?" As Shinohara attempted to nestle into Reina’s chest, Reina flusteredly pushed her away. Nonetheless, Shinohara's persistence eventually led to Reina relenting. Such camaraderie between girls wouldn’t fly with the opposite gender without facing legal repercussions. Sensing the gaze of fellow club members on my back, I started feeling uncomfortable. Fortunately, no one was within earshot. "Hey, Senpai." From deep in Reina's arms, Shinohara muffledly addressed me. I hesitated to respond to such an odd state of a junior. But Reina gave me a reproachful look for trying to ignore her, so I reluctantly answered, "Yeah, what?" "If memories of someone as charming as Reina are all you have, I'm worried about your future romantic endeavors." "Mind your own business." "But it’s true." Frankly, I've hardly had any chance to think about my future love life, my thoughts still entangled with what happened with Reina. The privileged circumstance of always having someone around alleviated any sense of loneliness. Even though the vague idea of wanting a girlfriend existed in my mind, I never seriously considered who the next one might be. Whenever I thought about getting a girlfriend, it always seemed like something for the distant future. But, if I truly reflect on it, this period of consistently having women around likely won't last forever. I am aware that I lack the charm to constantly attract people. Despite that, I find myself surrounded by women more often than not, a situation that feels undeserved. If I view this as an opportunity, perhaps it would be wise to find a girlfriend before it's too late. From an objective standpoint, it appears logical, even though it's ultimately a rather selfish thought process typical of men. Inside one's mind, where nobody can see, it's not unusual to entertain thoughts that might earn disdain from others. As long as one knows how to behave appropriately and doesn't voice those thoughts openly, I see no issue. "I'm not planning on getting a girlfriend right now." However, this was undoubtedly my true feelings as well. While I have a vague desire for a girlfriend, until it becomes a clear yearning, I prefer to remain single. With the Christmas season looming, bringing along a slew of couple-centric events, the idea of being single seemed a little lonely. It's said that as temperatures drop, humans instinctively seek companionship. However, as things warm up now, with no major events on the horizon, my motivation towards romance naturally wanes. Thoughts of romance may drift across my mind occasionally, but most of the time I don’t feel the need for a partner. Besides— “Yeah, I figured.” Reina's voice, in response, carried a note of relief, or so it seemed to me. Reina's presence was also a significant factor in why I felt I didn't need a girlfriend. Knowing that the person who gave you a fresh start would soon find a new partner could evoke complex feelings—a truth so obvious it didn’t need contemplating. So, regardless of my motivation towards romance, I should refrain from finding a girlfriend for the time being. Such thoughts might be mere self-gratification, but if they contribute to a more harmonious relationship, it’s a small price to pay. "That's none of my concern." Shinohara detached herself from Reina and turned towards me. "What do you mean it's none of your concern to know what those involved think?" "Bleh." Shinohara stuck her tongue out at me. "Are you mocking me?" "That's one way to put it!" "Deny it!" Shinohara laughed brightly and dove back into Reina's embrace. Initially bewildered by this, Reina now cracked a smile. For Reina, who rarely closes distances with someone so swiftly, it seemed she didn’t mind. Shinohara truly had a knack for getting along with her elders. But something about her words stuck with me. —None of my concern. Was her remark just typical banter, or did she know more about my situation than she let on? Even if it were the latter, she was right. From Shinohara's perspective, the intricacies of my situation must seem external at best. "So, can I try borrowing Senpai for a while?" It's her nonchalant approach that allows her to ask such questions without hesitation. "Is this conversation still happening?" Feigning exasperation, I responded, and Shinohara pouted, "Don’t just end it on your own!" "I have this one insecurity, you know." "Everyone has at least one. There's no need to dwell on it." "Just because it’s true doesn’t mean it’s helpful!" Shinohara, still leaning on Reina, seemed to be protesting at me with an adorably indignant demeanor, resembling a small, harmless creature. Feeling the tension dissipate, I exhaled deeply. "Mind if I share a little story from my past?"