第102話 礼奈の依頼 - I Was Cheated on by My Girlfriend but My Devilish Junior Now Yearns for Me

"Did you accept Mayu-chan's 'mock dating' request?" On our way back from the club, Reina asked me this while holding two taiyaki, one in each hand. She offered me the custard-flavored one, which I gratefully accepted. "Taiyaki with custard is the best, right?" "Most people prefer red bean, but custard is popular too. And Yuta, you can't eat red bean, can you?" Reina added with a teasing note, "Even though it's so delicious," and then took a small bite of her taiyaki. It's not that I can't eat red bean paste, but if I'm paying, I'll always choose custard. I think the pastry pairs exquisitely with the Western-style sweetness of custard. Each way to enjoy taiyaki reflects the depth of its versatility. Just as I was about to elaborate on this, Reina gently placed a hand over my mouth to quiet me. "No. You're going off-topic again." "Mph..." It was only when she said this that I realized the conversation had strayed. I thought I'd merely been responding in my head, but apparently, I'd been voicing it. Once most of the custard sweetness had left my mouth, I finally spoke. "I'd like to refuse, but do I really have to go along with her request?" After being asked to 'mock date' Mayu, I'd focused on club activities for the time being. I lied about having a reservation with Shinohara to keep the conversation away from this topic. If Shinohara were here, the discussion might stall or veer off in unintended directions. Though she'd initially protested, the power of the word 'reservation' won her over. She ended up engaging with club members, and her communicative abilities wowed everyone. Ayaka navigates social interactions with calculated precision, but Shinohara's charm is natural. There is a cautious side to this, yet despite knowing her for months, Shinohara's presence remains refreshingly new to me. Reina seemed to be thinking along similar lines, smiling as she said, "It's amazing how quickly Mayu-chan gets along with everyone." "A sincere person like Mayu-chan looking up to you really is quite something." Though somewhat grudgingly, I had to nod in agreement with Reina's words. It irked me to admit it, but that freshman has become significant to me. Since getting to know Shinohara, I've quickly come to appreciate her. Thus, I decided to give her a wallet, knowing full well the expense was painful, but it was to express gratitude for her support. Recently, my gratitude towards Shinohara has evolved, subtly altering the fabric of our relationship. In essence, I am thankful for the constant presence she brings into my life. Shinohara lingers on the edges of my thoughts. It's not just because we've become friends, but rather because I've glimpsed parts of myself that I lacked through her. She expresses her thoughts and feelings candidly, both in words and actions. Though her personality contrasts with mine, she effortlessly adapts, so time spent together blends seamlessly into my daily routine. I've never formed such a deep connection with someone like Shinohara before, so I frequently feel a refreshing novelty that is inexplicably comforting. "But it's quite a struggle. I've heard Reina had a direct run-in with her... Sorry about that time." "Why is Yuta-kun apologizing?" Reina chuckled a bit, crumpling the taiyaki wrapper in her hand. "I was happy when Mayu-chan got angry on your behalf, Yuta-kun." After saying this, Reina began to tuck her hair behind her ear, her ash-gray locks catching the sunlight. The earring on her left ear swayed gently in the shining light. "But is it really the senior's place to apologize for a junior's mistakes? That's kind of nice." "Is it?" Reina's tone, tinged with envy, caught me by surprise. She was in the kyudo club and was a member of a club in high school too. Surely, she must have a junior or two of her own. "From watching Shinohara's demeanor, I think you're also the type that younger people would like. You've got a certain atmosphere that peers can't easily match." Given her friendly interactions with juniors, my comment seemed fitting, but Reina shook her head. "I'm not really the nurturing type. Of course, I try to show affection, but there are always compatibility issues... In sports clubs, it's the lively seniors who are adored." "Is that so... I guess that makes sense." Looking back, it somewhat makes sense. Reina seems more suited to a cultural club than an athletic one. Though kyudo is considered an athletic activity, I've always thought of it as attracting quiet types. This must not have been the case in Reina's kyudo club. "…Actually, forget that. Pretend I didn't say anything." "Huh?" "I'll confess. I tried to give a plausible excuse for why I don't have any close juniors, but it was just me trying to save face." With that, Reina lightly tapped her own head. The adorable gesture could have easily caught the eye of male classmates if any were nearby, but fortunately, none were. "If you hadn't said that, I would never have known." When I admitted this honestly, Reina giggled softly. "Maybe. But I've made up my mind. Even though I rushed the conversation earlier, I'm going to try to say what's on my mind to Yuta-kun from now on, unless it's something really serious." "I see..." Reina seems to be trying to change since that incident. Altering one's actions intentionally demands considerable mental effort and doesn't happen overnight. Knowing she decided to undertake such hardships because of our interaction should make me feel guilty. However, I still— "Hey, Yuta-kun." "Wh-what is it?" "You seem kind of happy, don't you?" Reina touched my cheek with her finger as she said this. While it was a moment I could have minded, Reina continued to smile gently. "You have a knack for taking action, Reina." "It depends on the situation. For me, it was a big enough event that if I didn't change now, then when? Just like with Mayu-chan." After saying this casually, Reina continued. "Can you please spend two days with Mayu-chan?" "Huh, why's that?" Lost over the sudden topic shift, Reina laughed sweetly. "I've decided to make a bet. As I appear, I'm aware of my standing. I probably understand quite clearly how much of a presence I am to Yuta-kun right now." "What is that supposed to mean? That's kind of scary." "Is it? That kind of stings a little." Reina furrowed her eyebrows and looked downcast. Quickly, I shook my head side to side. "No, no, that's not it. I was just trying to hide my embarrassment." Admitting to hiding my embarrassment is in itself deeply embarrassing, but now is not the time to worry about that. I tried to clarify, but before I could say more, Reina looked up, gracing me with such a wonderful smile. "Yes, I understand. I'm sorry, I just couldn't help teasing you." "...How mischievous of you. Where did you pick up something like that?" "I just thought Mayu-chan might act like this." Indeed, that's something she would likely do. In fact, I am certain we've had exchanges just like this before. "So, it's something you can actually plan and execute like that, huh?" "Of course, it's normal communication for girls. Though, it's scary if there are others around." "Scary how?" "If there are other girls, they might gossip and call you sly. In today's society, it's often better to show a more straightforward demeanor." "Plus, even if you don't mean to, it attracts unwanted attention from guys." I added to Reina's point. Given certain actions, any guy might easily misinterpret them as expressions of affection. In the thick of it, one might not realize, but when someone's actions hint at affection, it's easy to interpret them as romantic interest, even if that's not the intention. A girl can act playfully unaware, but for a guy, such actions can make hearts race — especially when the one doing it is someone like Shinohara or Reina. But if they're unaware of being intentionally playful, those misunderstandings could lead to certain outcomes. "Mayu-chan had her share of struggles too, it seems." "Did she tell you anything?" "Just bits and pieces. I didn't pry too much." "I figured." Shinohara seldom talks about her past with me. I didn't share much about my past either, and I didn't question Shinohara's reluctance. My stance was to let her talk when she's ready, or not at all if she prefers. However, now, I want to know more about Shinohara. She once said she finds joy in feeling trusted, and my desire to know more about her stems from a similar place. Purely, I want to know more about Shinohara. While what I know is purely the Shinohara of today, the past has shaped her current self. Because I like who she is now, I find myself curious about her past too. While I don't want her to feel burdened by my curiosity, this is my honest feeling. "As a favor, will you consider Mayu-chan's request? Please?" "I thought it was a joke. That request—" "Hey!" Reina pinched my cheek lightly. Though it didn’t hurt, the smooth texture of her fingertips left a slight trace. "Okay?" Could she really make such a cheeky request, with such a lovely smile? She looked up at me, seemingly sure of my agreement. "Is it really okay?" "This is a favor from me." Regardless of how the mock dating turns out, Shinohara will inevitably come to my place. I planned to tell her my decision then, firmly. She respects boundaries, never overstepping them. She understands my limits, which sustains this curious dynamic between us. "Yuta-kun, I'm asking as a personal favor." "I got it, alright?" I conceded, raising both hands in defeat. Though lacking ethical grounding, the idea of mock dating wouldn't become common knowledge. For a short period, I didn't expect any troublesome consequences. "So, what are you betting on, Reina?" As I asked, Reina made her way to a nearby trash bin to dispose of her taiyaki wrapper. I followed suit. "That's a secret!" Her voice, as she spoke from ahead, carried a mix of brightness and another, subtler emotion.