The Gal Next to Me Is Trying Too Hard to Make Me Fall in Love With Her
Last year.
Third year of junior high school. The last winter.
“What’s up? Why did you bring me here?”
“Hahaha. Well, first, take a seat.”
After school.
Subaru invited me to a warehouse filled with unused desks and chairs.
I sat down at a random desk and stared at Subaru.
“Starting tomorrow, I’ll be busy with work for a while. I told you before that there’s a drama shoot, right?”
“Yeah, I remember. So what?”
“There’s one line I’m worried about. Could you help me practice it with Mashiro?”
“A line… but I can’t act.”
“It’s okay. Mashiro just needs to listen to my acting.”
She took a small, deep breath.
The dimly lit room.
It was cold, quiet, and the air was heavy.
Perhaps because of that, her presence stood out.
Her mature charm dominated the small space.
Her beautiful, cool, yet lonely blue eyes were fixed on me.
“—I love you.”
Her voice, slightly lower than most women’s, elegantly broke the silence.
Subaru made a confident face and sniffed proudly.
“How was it?”
“Well, how should I say… Was that the line?”
“Yes. Did it make you happy?”
“…I was just surprised and couldn’t think about that.”
“Then, one more time. Ahem… I love you.”
“Hmm… Sorry, I don’t feel anything.”
“You’re so spoiled. You’re the only one who can hear my confession.”
“I’m not an expert, but maybe you should put more emotion into it? It’s a bit flat, and while your expression is good, you’re focusing too much on it.”
After giving the best advice she could think of, Subaru nodded, placing her hand on her chin.
“Why don’t you try it once, Mashiro? I want to experience how it feels to be told by someone else.”
“Huh!? you just said I could just listen!”
“Did I? I don’t look back on the past, so I don’t remember well.”
“Don’t treat a conversation from two minutes ago as the past!”
Subaru is just a friend. I care about her, but I don’t have any feelings beyond that.
However, the fact that she is the opposite sex is undeniable.
Even if it’s for her job, it’s embarrassing to say “I love you” to a girl.
“Then let’s play a game.”
“A game…?”
“It’s a ‘I love you’ game. Apparently, adults play it at drinking parties and mixers. You say ‘I love you’ to each other, and the one who blushes or laughs loses.”
“…But if I have to say ‘I love you’ and there’s a chance I’ll lose and have to do a penalty game, what’s the point?”
“It’s not that bad. You said you wanted to live alone after high school, right? If I lose, I’ll help convince your parents.”
“Really!?”
It might not matter if just one child was on my side, but at that time, my older brother, older sister, younger brother, and younger sister—the entire family—were opposed to me living alone.
So I desperately wanted at least one person on my side.
It wasn’t about whether they could be relied on or not; I just wanted someone who would share my opinion emotionally.
“…But what if I lose?”
“Hmm… I’ll think about that when you lose. I can’t think of anything off the top of my head.”
“It’s fine, but don’t be too harsh.”
“Of course not. Have I ever caused trouble for you?”
“Countless times.”
“Hahaha. You should feel honored.”
I sighed at her usual arrogant way of speaking, which was no different from my family’s.
I said those words for the first time in my life.
My heart was pounding so hard I thought it would explode.
◆
“Then let’s start the game!”
“Yeah, yeah…”
After dinner, we sat side by side on the bed.
Saeki replied to my words with a sigh.
Why do I have to do it with Amagi-san?! He doesn’t complain, so it seems he’s gotten used to me dealing with him. Hehe, we get along well ♡
“What should the penalty be? The loser has to get naked?”
“Of course not!”
“Alright! The loser has to kiss the winner!”
“That’s a straight-up no-go!!”
“Then how about compromising and having s*x?”
“Why do you think that’s acceptable!?”
“Is that also no good? Saeki is so selfish.”
“……If you’re going to be so ridiculous, I’m calling it a night.”
“No way! No way! I’m sorry!”
She waved her hands frantically and apologized desperately.
She thought for a few seconds.
…Yeah, this is it.
This should be fine.
“If I lose, I’ll buy you snacks and ice cream at the convenience store. If Saeki loses, can I have the clothes you’re wearing now?”
“I understand—wait, what!?”
Needless to say, I love Saeki’s scent.
Since I started spending so much time in this room, I’ve almost stolen his clothes countless times.
If I put Saeki’s clothes on my big teddy bear and hug it while sleeping, I’ll definitely sleep soundly!!
I can feel Saeki when I’m lonely, and I can touch Saeki when I’m happy. This is totally awesome!!
“I’m not doing anything directly to Saeki, so it’s okay, right? If this doesn’t work… I might just take the clothes home without saying anything.”
“What kind of threat is that… Well, clothes are fine, I guess…”
“Yayyyyyy♡♡♡”
Well, the punishment game is decided.
All that’s left is to start.
I puff out my chest and say, “You go first!” to Saeki.
“I’m going to win anyway, so it would be a waste to end without hearing ‘I love you’ from Saeki. Can you say it first?”
“Sure, but you’re really confident…”
Of course.
Saeki blushes whenever I tell him I like him. There’s no way he can withstand my “I love you” attacks.
So, the question is whether I can withstand Saeki’s “I love you”… Hmph, that’s a silly question! Don’t underestimate a rookie celebrity!
Following Subaru’s example, I’ve read a lot of skill books to prepare myself for acting jobs. I can recite every word without a mistake, and I’ve actually practiced.
That alone won’t make me a top-notch actor, but at least I can control my expressions.
Hehe… Hahahaha!!
You picked the wrong opponent, Saeki!
I’m taking that outfit!
“Then… I’ll go.”
As he said that, he looked at me hesitantly.
With tension evident in his dark eyes, he opened his mouth.
I put on my best poker face, preparing for the shock.
Oh well, this is a boring game.
I lose motivation when I know I’m going to win.
“Amagi-san, I love you.”
“Uhyaa..♡♡♡ Impossible..♡♡♡”
I lost
Maiban