Volume 2 Episode 31 – 6:00 AM

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The Gal Next to Me Is Trying Too Hard to Make Me Fall in Love With Her

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“Amagi-san, wake up. It’s time to head home.”

“Mmm… Huh? Aaah…”

After leaving the park.

We could have rushed straight home, but at Amagi-san’s request to spend a little more time alone together, we ended up at a 24-hour McDonald’s.

We ordered a meal set for two, added fries once, and just hung out until morning.

Amagi-san seemed happy at first, but eventually succumbed to sleepiness. When the first trains started running, I shook her shoulder to wake her.

“Saeki!”

“What is it?”

“Say you like me!”

“I like you.”

“Heheheee~♡”

It had been like this for hours now.

It was fun at first, but after this exchange happened over thirty times, it just became a chore.

Sigh… Seriously…

I suddenly snapped, stormed out of the house, took the train to some random place, confessed my feelings, and this is what I get. They say a woman’s heart is like autumn skies, and it’s so true. Her mood swings are so extreme, I feel like I’m catching a cold.

“I like you too♡ I really like you~~~♡”

…Well, but.

If Amagi-san is smiling, then anything is fine.

“When we get to Saeki’s house, we’ll have to apologize to everyone, right?”

“Yeah. I did contact them, but I think I worried them.”

“W-what if they say they won’t let their son marry such a rude girl…!?”

“They’re not the type to say that, so don’t worry.”

January 2nd, 6:00 AM.

The train was practically empty. I found a spot, sat down, and let out a big sigh. My body melted into the warm seat, along with all my fatigue.

I squinted at the sunrise through the window.

The reflection in the glass showed me looking terrible after pulling an all-nighter, but somehow I felt a little more grown-up.

“Saeki, you okay? You’ve been up all night, right? You can sleep until we get to the station, you know?”

“Huh? Oh… no, I’m fine. Just thinking about stuff.”

“Thinking about stuff?”

“Like, what exactly does dating involve? How should I tell my parents? How annoying it’ll be to clean out the apartment… Stuff like that.”

“Cleaning… Oh, right. Yeah, that’s true…”

A shadow flickered across her expression.

【No Improper Relationships】

One of the rules I had to follow living alone.

Last night, I broke it. Not by accident, not because I was forced, but by my own choice.

“…………No way!”

“Huh?”

“No way! Nooooo way! I don’t wanna you go back to your parents’ house!”

“Well, even if you say that…”

“But if that happens, we’ll have less time together!? We finally got together, and now it’ll be meaningless!!”

“Just a little while ago, you were totally intent on making me fall for you and then sending me back home. Now that I’m hooked, you don’t want me to go? That’s crazy…”

“Yeah, I am! But Saeki, you said you loved me just the way I am, warts and all! It’s fine! Arisa-chan is totally crazy and selfish!”

“You’re just giving up!?”

Clinging to my arm, Amagi-san screeched loudly.

I understood how she felt. I wanted to stay by her side forever too. I did… but.

“No. A promise is a promise. I’ll tell my parents everything and go back home.”

“…You really won’t budge?”

“Yes. My parents pay my rent and utilities. I can’t be ungrateful. It wouldn’t look good to my siblings either.”

I think my dad earns pretty well, but having so many kids cancels it all out.

Given that, I’m the one who insisted on living alone. If I broke the rules, I have to admit it honestly.

“We’re lovers living right next door… We could be all lovey-dovey every day, do all sorts of naughty things… Mmm…”

She mumbled, her ulterior motives blatant, letting out a heavy sigh.

Sadly, regretfully, those eyes stare out the window.

“…Ah!”

Suddenly, a voice breaks the silence.

She opens her bag, glances inside, then looks at me and gives a wicked grin.

“It’s too early to give up, Saeki♡”

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Maiban

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