Episode 72: Someone I Don’t Like

「「 Ah. 」」

It couldn’t be helped that we both had the same reaction.

Even though I should have known, seeing her here like this made me realize all over again that we really were at the same school.

「Hello, Todo-san.」

「Hello, Takanashi-kun.」

Even our greetings were the same.

「It feels weird meeting at school.」

「I knew we were at the same school, but I’m actually surprised we didn’t run into each other until today.」

「That’s true. Well, I look forward to seeing you around school too.」

「Same here.」

We were both able to exchange greetings with a smile.

It seems that sense of caution from when we first met has disappeared.

「Ah, let me apologize first. I’m sorry for acting weird the other day. I had you confused with someone else.」

「Someone else?」

Apparently, I’d been mistaken for someone.

Good. I was worried that my appearance looked so suspicious that someone would be that guarded upon first meeting me.

「Yeah. There’s someone with the exact same first and last name… I got you mixed up with him.」

「The same name?」

I wonder how common my name is.

But in terms of possibility, it can happen, right?

「Yeah. Anyway, he’s completely different from you, Takanashi-kun, so don’t worry about it.」

Being told that must mean she doesn’t have a bad impression of me, so I’ll take it.

「Got it. As long as you don’t think I’m weird, I’m fine.」

「Sorry. Well, if you get the chance, please play with Mio-chan again. I might be there too, so would it be okay if the three of us hung out?」

「Of course. As long as it’s okay with you, Todo-san, I don’t mind at all.」

I’m happy that she’s more accepting than I expected.

Maybe Todo-san will become my friend too…

I was having those sorts of lighthearted thoughts.

Rattle rattle rattle

「Excuse me.」

It’s not rare for a guy from another class to come into the classroom.

Especially after school.

So I didn’t really care, but the classroom’s reaction was different than usual.

「…Wait! What! Why is Hayato-kun here?」

「…No way, seriously…」

「…This is crazy.」

If anything, the girls are noisier.

「Yo, Hayato, you need something?」

「What, is it a group date? Are you finally in the mood to invite me?」

「Ah, if the opportunity arises.」

…This conversation sounds familiar.

As I was listening like it was someone else’s business, I felt a presence right next to me.

「Hey, you’re Takanashi-kun, right?」

「…Yeah.」

This guy who spoke to me with a… refreshing smile.

…Hayato. Right, that was his name.

「Do you need something?」

Honestly, my impression of him isn’t good.

It’s not that I don’t like him for petty reasons like him being popular or handsome. It’s because I don’t know what he’s thinking, and he’s showing these meaningful movements in an affected way.

Besides, you already know who I am, so what’s with the 「right?」

He’s certainly not the kind of person I’d interact with in a friendly, smiling way.

「Don’t be so cold. Let me tell you upfront, I want to be friends with you. Also, I want you to rest easy because I have no reason to be your enemy.」

?

He’s telling me to rest easy on his own.

I don’t like people who are overly familiar, either.

…Is he the type who thinks someone like Sara-senpai is a good match for him, so someone like me isn’t even an enemy?

「Would you mind coming with me for a bit? There’s something I want to talk about.」

I had plans to head to the student council room after this, though it wasn’t urgent.

But I felt it would be better to talk now to clear up any future trouble.

I don’t really know what he’s thinking, and the truth is, I don’t want someone who looks this frivolous getting close to Sara-senpai.

「…Fine.」

「Thanks. Could you follow me? We can’t really talk quietly here.」

Once he confirmed I was getting up, he started walking ahead to lead the way.

「…Hayato-kun is with a guy…」

「…What? What’s going on?」

「Hayato, we’ll lend a hand too!」

「Hey, want some help?」

Huh?

What, is it that kind of talk?

But I ignored them and left the room.

After walking a bit, the handsome guy muttered in a voice just loud enough for me to hear.

「Don’t talk to me, you idiots. People will think we’re the same.」

…So they aren’t actually close?

We walked a bit further until we reached a staircase landing that wasn’t used much.

There were no other students around, and it didn’t seem like there was a group waiting in ambush.

The handsome guy gave a wry smile when he saw me checking the surroundings.

「Ahaha, looks like you’re on guard, but I really just want to talk to you. There’s nothing going on behind the scenes, so please relax. I have nothing to do with those idiots.」

Apparently, it’s true that he wants to talk.

When our eyes met again, he introduced himself.

「Sorry I’m late, but I’m Yokogawa Hayato. We’re in the same year, so call me whatever you want.」

「…Fine. You probably know, but I’m Takanashi Kazunari.」

「I know. The only guy who’s close with that Satsukawa-senpai is famous, after all.」

Even I don’t think I’m not being rumored about at all, since I’m with Sara-senpai.

I don’t know if I’m「famous,」though.

「Ah, I have no intention of getting in the way of you two. Only an idiot who can’t read the room would do that.」

…Well, if that’s what he thinks, then fine.

「I don’t like Satsukawa-senpai, I like Natsumi-senpai. In that sense, I’m jealous of you. I’ve never seen a guy Natsumi-senpai interacts with like that.」

……Huh?

He approaches me, and on top of that, he likes Natsumi-senpai?

Even I can tell what that means immediately.

It’s like he went out of his way to declare it… I could feel myself getting irritated.