The Salty Princess Told Me That I Was a ‘Convenient Keep’, so I Tested What Would Happen if I Introduced the Most Beautiful Girl at Another School as My Girlfriend
After my conversation with Miwa-kun, I returned to the ground and was walking toward everyone to cheer for Sakaki-san. ……
“Ochiha-kun!”
I saw Koga-san waving her hand in a big gesture toward me.
I was too close to the opening ceremony to talk much earlier, so now was a good time. I thought so and rushed toward Koga-san. She bowed her head with a slightly apologetic expression.
“I’m sorry for barging in on you so suddenly today. I heard from Amaneko-senpai that there is a sports festival at Ochiha’s school today, and I really wanted to come and cheer you on. ……”
“No, it’s fine. I’m honestly happy that you came to support me. But more importantly, I’m sorry about the other day. I seem to have caused a lot of trouble, including to Dad…”
“That’s fine! I don’t think something like that would be a bother. Actually, no matter what Ochiha-kun does to me, I won’t be bothered!”
Koga-san said so, proudly puffing out her chest.
…I’m sure my father and Koga san had met a few times in the past. But I don’t think my father remembers her …Well, I didn’t know who she was at first either, so I can’t really blame him for that.
Well, anyway, I was worried that that father might have said something to hurt Koga-san, but it seems that my fears were unfounded.
“…..Ochiha-kun, that’s not the point, you might be going abroad, right?”
Perhaps out of consideration for me, Koga leaned her mouth closer to me so the others couldn’t hear and whispered softly. …I guess that’s what both Koga and Sakaki were most concerned about. Koga’s voice was now very serious, unlike before.
“…Yeah. But just because my father called out to me like that hasn’t meant I’ve decided what to do yet. …How pathetic.”
“I don’t think it’s pathetic. It is a decision that will affect your life from now on. It’s natural that you can’t give an easy answer.”
“Even so, I’m …… sorry I didn’t tell you. I should have talked to you about it a little earlier.”
I bow my head, and Koga-san immediately smiles and says, “I don’t mind.”
“I already know that Ochiha-kun is going to be all by himself, and I’m not going to complain about that now. Besides, I’ve never been abroad, so I’m kind of looking forward to it. What’s so good in Spain?”
“Well, why is Koga-san more enthusiastic than me? By the way, are you planning on coming with me?”
When I opened my eyes to see whether she was joking or serious, Koga-san laughed with a face like a child who had successfully pulled off a prank.
“I’m just kidding, just kidding. I have school, too, and I can’t just show up out of the blue.”
“I know, right? I thought Koga-san would really go for it, so I took it a little seriously.”
“That’s a cruel thing to say. I don’t do stalker-like things.”
“Hahaha, right. Sorry, sorry.”
I laughed, and Koga-san laughed happily too.
“…But, that’s how I feel, so you don’t have to worry about me, Ochiba-kun. Just do what you want to do. I’ll do what I want to do!”
Koga-san looked at me with the same radiant expression she always has. Seeing her face, I felt a bit of strength leave my shoulders. I was surprised to see her face, and I felt my shoulders relax a little.
“Then, I’m going to go back soon.”
“Yeah. Sorry for keeping you here… Oh, that’s right. I made a lot of things for lunch, so if you have time, why don’t we eat together? I made lots of fried chicken, your favorite, Ochiha-kun!”
“…..Okay, I’ll be back when it’s noon.”
“Okay! Well then, good luck!!”
I raised one hand in response to Koga’s voice and ran back to the group. Just then, the ball tossing game in which Sakaki-san was participating was about to start.
“….Ah…”
When I looked closely, I saw that Sakaki-san’s cheeks were slightly puffed out. I was talking to Koga-san, who had said she would cheer me on, so maybe she was sulking.
“I think Sakaki-san is surprisingly childish.”
When I wave my hand in apology, Sakaki-san waves back with her cheeks puffed out. …… hey, cute.
“What the heck, Ochiha? You finally made up with Sakaki-san.”
Seeing us like that, Mori-kun, who was sitting next to me, called out to me.
“I know I’ve said this many times before, but it’s not like we were fighting or anything. But recently, I’ve finally started to understand her way of thinking, Sakaki-san.”
“I see. Well, I’m glad that things seem to be going well. Sakaki-san seemed to be worried about you the whole time you were resting. …You, don’t worry her too much, okay?”
“…..I know.”
Mori-kun’s concerned words made me feel embarrassed, so I instinctively lowered my eyes.
It felt like I had been spinning my wheels all this time. But as long as I kept struggling, I guess I was making progress. Even though there was no visible change, something was changing little by little, and now I have friends who care about me.
“………”
But am I going to throw all that away and live a life where I have to devote everything to soccer again? …… No. Can I do that in the first place? After all this time, I can’t live like that.
“But, Ochiha. You should be a little more careful.”
Mori said in a serious voice to me who had been thinking about it for a while.
“Be careful of what?”
I pushed away my unnecessary thoughts and turned my gaze toward Mori, who looked around as if he was concerned about something and then said
“I’m saying that since …… you’re quite popular, you should pay attention to various things.”
“Oh, you mean Sakaki-san. It’s true, she’s very popular …… but she had a problem with those kind of people once, and…”
“No, I’m talking about you”
“Me ……?”
Seeing me tilt my head, Mori-kun looked annoyed.
“You’re pretty kind to everyone, after all. That means there are some girls who have some weird misconceptions. Up until now everyone knew you were dating Sakaki-san so they’d given up, but now rumors are spreading that you’ve broken up. I think there are a few girls who are starting to have their eye on you again.”
“…I can think of some reasons why, but am I really that popular? Maybe I just stand out because of my blonde hair?”
“That’s part of it, but it’s not the only reason. …Well, I don’t think anything weird will happen to you, but I think you should be careful for a while.”
“All right, I’ll be careful.”
“Yeah! …So, let’s cheer on our class now. It looks like our beloved Sakaki-san is doing her best, too!”
Mori patted me lightly on the back. I looked up and saw Sakaki-san doing her best to get the ball in the basket. I was cheering for her and the rest of the class with Mori.
The happy time passed slowly, and it was just before noon. Finally, the tripod with Sakaki-san was about to begin.
…… and that’s when I understood the meaning of Mori kun’s words.
Maiban