After My Childhood Friend Rejected Me, I Cut My Bangs and Took off My Glasses in Shock, and I Became Popular With the Girls. And I Don’t Like It When She Wants to Be Friends With Me Again…..
Time had flown by after the hectic morning’s first act, and in no time at all it was lunchtime.
The atmosphere in the class had already eased up; there was no more fidgeting or funny piquancy.
No one talked behind Saionji-san’s back anymore, and no one looked at her funny.
Moreover, more people are talking to Saionji-san than before, and she also responds a little more openly than before.
I don’t know what really happened, but that’s how it looked from my eyes.
It may not be the same as the suspension bridge effect, but something like a bond may have been created through the series of incidents.
The atmosphere in the class is better than before.
“….I’m glad.”
I muttered to myself in the corner of the cafeteria during lunch break.
There are almost no people around.
This seat is the farthest away from the entrance and the kitchen counter.
I had always liked this seat.
It’s inconspicuous, and not many people can see me.
Now that I’ve cut my bangs and removed my glasses, I feel a certain amount of stares, but I still feel at home here.
Well, some of the girls sitting a little further away are still glancing at me ……, but I don’t mind too much.
I’ll just have to get used to it.
“Thanks for the food.”
After eating my bowl of udon, I rested and exhaled.
After this, I would have had fifth and sixth periods of self-study for the test.
I had to prepare for the test that was coming up next week.
Even though I look like this, I’m good at studying, so I’m aiming for a high score this time, too.
“It should have been a compilation of my freshman and sophomore years. ……”
I’m sure I’ll be able to do it without any problems since I’ve prepared and reviewed my lessons carefully… Just as I was about to continue, someone sat down in the seat directly across from me.
“…..Ah, Saionji-san.”
When I looked up, Saionji-san was there.
She looked moody. It doesn’t seem like she’s angry, but she seems like she wants to say something.
“What are you mumbling to yourself?”
“Yes, well, …… this place is discreet, and it’s good for thinking.”
“Yeah. By the way, it’s you, isn’t it?”
Saionji stared at me.
“What is it?”
“Rumors.”
“…… rumors.”
“Are you playing dumb?”
“No, I’m not playing. I just wondered how you knew.”
I have no intention of deceiving you or lying to you.
“I asked the hot-blooded guy in class A. According to everyone in the class, he’s the one who put an end to the rumors about me, right?”
“It seems so.”
“But the truth is different. He said, ‘Dachi! Dachi!
‘. I didn’t know any of the details, so I dug deeper and somehow your name came up. So I asked him about it, and he told me……”
“So that’s what happened. How are you today? Are they talking about you behind your back like they did yesterday?”
Haruto, who seems to be honest and pure-hearted.
He must have conveyed the full explanation to Saionji san.
“…Thanks to you, I’m doing well. I didn’t think the rumors spread by that blonde girl would disappear so easily. Judging by her appearance, she seemed like she had a lot of friends and was a very vocal type.”
“Well, he is said to be one of the two most handsome men in the class, and he seems to be well-liked. Maybe even more than that blonde girl. I heard that he spoke up on a group line that has 145 members.”
“I heard that. But you’re the one who initiated it, and you’re the one who worked to make it happen, right?”
I mean, I made an effort, but all I did was to get a handicap and do my best in the 50-meter run.
I won’t get away with it, though.
“…… yeah. It’s me.”
“Why would they do that much for me? I don’t want to say this to the person who helped me though……”
I understood exactly what Saionji san wanted to say when she hesitated.
It seems like she has doubts that I was helping her based on a plan.
Saionji san seems to have a strong sense of duty, so if I had any ulterior motives, she would probably want to know about them.
“Are you curious about the reason why I helped you?”
“Yes. I feel obliged if I don’t return the favor. I don’t like to owe anything.”
“I see. But I don’t have a reason.”
“Really?”
Without a pause, she asked.
“……If I had to say, I felt sorry for her, so ……that’s about it?”
I answered honestly.
Then I continued.
“I know because not too long ago I was treated like that every day for years. It’s pretty hard to be treated like that. And Saionji-san is cute and beautiful, so she doesn’t seem to have experienced anything like that.”
“Not cute and pretty ……, but I wonder if anyone ever helped you out?”
“I’m sorry to say that no one helped me. I was that way looking. There’s a reason I was that way, but I don’t know if there was anyone who …… could help me.”
I was treated like that all through elementary school, middle school, freshman and sophomore year of high school, and for years on end.
I was unlucky enough to be in separate classes from my childhood friend Sumi all the time, and he had his own social life that he had to deal with.
The same goes for Mika. She cared about me a little in elementary and junior high school, but her personality changed drastically when she became a high school student. Now she doesn’t care about me anymore.
“…. I see.”
“But I don’t have a problem with her now. As you can see,…… I think I’ve changed a little bit too. I’ve become a little cooler, don’t you think?”
I looked at Saionji-san with a light smile.
I know it’s probably too much for me to do, but there’s no need to be in a somber mood after the resolution of the matter.
I’m sure Saionji-san would return the favor in the same casual manner as before.
“…..”
Contrary to my expectations, Saionji-san turned away from me.
She didn’t say anything.
“…… Saionji-san?”
“Inoshita-kun, is …… umm I think you are cool”
“Do you have a fever?”
“I-I don’t have a fever!”
It’s fine if you’re okay, but something is clearly wrong.
Her cheeks are puffed out, and she doesn’t have that slightly stern and unapproachable vibe that she had before.
“Really? Are you sure you’re okay? Are you sure you’re not pushing yourself too hard?”
“……”
Saionji-san looked away from me and nodded.
“Hmmm.”
“What is it?”
“No, I’m just really happy for you. I think you are okay now.”
The current Saionji-san is completely recovered.
She doesn’t seem to be worried about anything anymore, and thanks to Haruto, everything is fine.
” …… that’s true. Thank you, Inoshita-kun.”
Saionji-san smiled slightly. It was the first time I had ever seen such a naturally relaxed face.
I was so happy to see her open up a little.
I was embarrassed and stood up to hide it.
“No. Then I’ll go ahead of you. I have to go to the teacher’s office to pick up some printouts.”
“Yes, see you later.”
Saionji-san’s expression was cheerful when I saw her
-Maiban
MC has activated his rizz powers. It was effective.