Episode 19

I Kept Silently Supporting the Lowest-Ranked Idol in the Popularity Rankings, Before I Knew It, I Was in a Shuraba

When I got back to the classroom, the chime sounded just in time to announce homeroom. Shimizu-san and Nagisa-san looked like they wanted to say something, but I had to ignore it today, so the chime saved my life.

I really don’t want to ignore it. I thought after hearing Mashiro’s story that girls have it tough. I didn’t realize that girls have to buy make-up and sanitary products on top of the money that guys have to spend on haircuts and clothes.

I know this might make me seem insensitive, but I still want to say it. I hope they both get better soon. I want the four of them to get back to their normal lives as soon as possible.

It’s now lunchtime. The reason why it was already lunchtime was because I had avoided the girls during the morning break.

As soon as the end of class came, I got up and left the classroom; there was an atmosphere that the two of them were trying to talk to me, but I had to spend my recess time somewhere for the two of them.

Perhaps that time was so heartbreaking that time passed unnoticed. When I came to, it was already lunchtime.

Now that I think about it, normal was a blessing. Anyone who complains about normal should reflect on that.

So… I’m caught up in a bad situation right now.

As soon as the signal for the end of 4th period went off, I grabbed my lunch bag and tried to leave the classroom, but Shimizu-san and Nagisa blocked my way.

What should I do? I had to ignore them, but I was stuck in this situation. I feel like I’m in a life-and-death situation.

I have to listen to Mashiro’s advice. Ruria’s fans are no strangers to her. She can’t be wrong.

Hey, Hamada, don’t look at me and grin. Help me out.

I mean, I thought both of yhem were on edge about a lot of things today.

Shimizu-san looks like she’s worried about me, and as for Nagisa, she looks like the intensity of her anger is rising from the morning.

The only thing I can say for sure is that there is no way to escape from this situation.

Even though they are not as good as Mashiro-san, they are still two of the top-ranked girls in this high school.

If I were to treat them with contempt, it would only add fuel to the fire, as they are already jealous of the fact that they are close.

“Hey, Akito. What do you mean by my attitude today?”

“That’s right, Akito. Why are you avoiding us?”

“….”

My face will probably look like I’m biting a bitter bug.

They feel pain because I’m ignoring them. I don’t want to ignore them, but I don’t want to make them suffer either.

　
　
This conflict is spinning around and around in my head, and I feel like I’m going to get a flat tire.

“Hey, Akito. Did Tsuyuri tell you something?”

“It’s possible. She looked like she was thinking of something bad.”

“What did she say to you? Explain, Akito. You have to say something or else we won’t know anything.”

“Yeah. I agree with Nagisa on this one thing.”

Maybe I should explain the situation to them, and maybe they’ll understand, and my guilt will be eased.

But I am also worried about what if I irritate them by saying something now.

The best course of action in this situation is…

Run ‼︎

I slipped out of the classroom, trying not to harm either of them.

I came to the rooftop. If you ask me why I came to the rooftop, I can only answer, “Somehow.”

“Ah, Akito kun. It’s been a while since this morning.”

“Mashiro? Why are you here?”

“I was kind of thinking that Akito would come here. And I was right.”

“How did you know?”

I never thought Mashiro would be there. I didn’t think anyone would be there anyway, so I was planning to eat alone.

　
If Mashiro is here, I won’t be bored. She seems to have brought her own lunch box, so I guess she will eat here too.

“Yes, so how did it go? How are the girls? Fufu…”

Maiasa