107 - Shizuku's Sudden Appearance

RAW

The buzz about the school idol's fireworks date showed no signs of dying down, even the day after.

During breaks, Ayaka was quickly surrounded by a crowd of female students.

Haruto, who had yet again been unable to interact with her at school, faced the end of the day feeling dejected about his helplessness.

However, recalling that it was Tuesday brought a slight smile to his face.

From today, his grandmother would start working as a live-in housekeeper at the Tōjō residence. Haruto himself was also set to stay over at the Tōjōs’ house starting today.

While they couldn't be together at school, they could spend time together at home.

Haruto eagerly began packing to head to the Tōjō household as soon as possible. Just then, his friend Tomoya appeared.

"Haruu~ Let's go home!"

"Alright, let's get going."

As Tomoya slung his bag over his shoulder, Haruto nodded and quickly stood up.

"What's with that grin, Haru?"

"I'm not grinning. I just need to hurry home and get ready for the stayover."

Realizing what Haruto meant, Tomoya smirked and teased him.

"Ohh, today's the day, huh? Time for your lovey-dovey cohabitation life."

"Cohabitation? Her whole family is there. Nothing like that's happening," Haruto replied, exasperated.

Still grinning, Tomoya countered, "So if her family wasn't around, you'd get lovey-dovey? Got it."

"That... depends on her, right? If she doesn’t want it, I wouldn’t force anything."

"No way she doesn't want it. From the way she's been acting, it's obvious. She's crazy about you, man."

"Well... I mean..."

Tomoya’s confidence left Haruto fumbling for words, his face flushing with embarrassment.

Thinking back on all his encounters with Ayaka, Haruto couldn't deny the depth of her feelings for him. This realization filled him with both joy and bashful discomfort.

"You know, maybe you should just declare yourself her boyfriend. Flaunt your couple status. That might make everyone back off faster—they’d get sick of you two and stop meddling."

As Haruto and Tomoya chatted, Ayaka remained the center of attention in the classroom. Haruto glanced at her surrounded by her usual admirers and gave a wry smile.

"If I could, I’d love to."

"So you’re not denying the whole lovey-dovey couple thing, huh?"

"...I’m denying it."

"That pause says otherwise."

"Shut up. Let’s go home."

As Haruto made his way toward the back exit of the classroom, a girl appeared in the doorway.

"Haruu-senpaaiii! Let’s walk home together!"

It was Shizuku.

Despite her typically expressionless face, her loud voice reverberated through the classroom as she entered the upperclassmen's territory without hesitation, making a beeline for Haruto.

"Shizuku!?"

"Haruto-senpai, let’s go home together," Shizuku repeated.

As she drew closer to Haruto, the classroom erupted into whispers.

"Who’s that girl?"

"Is she Otsuki’s girlfriend?"

"Isn’t that first-year Dojima?"

"She’s cute. Otsuki, you’re a lucky guy!"

Hearing the murmurs, Haruto felt a headache coming on.

Though Ayaka was the school's undisputed queen, Shizuku’s name was also well-known among the first-year boys as one of the cutest girls. Her sudden appearance shifted the classroom's focus from Ayaka to herself.

Unfazed by the attention, Shizuku maintained her usual demeanor and spoke to Haruto.

"You’re so lucky, Haruto-senpai. Having such a cute junior to walk home with."

Her lack of hesitation left Haruto flustered. Tomoya chimed in, breaking the awkward silence.

"Hey, Shizuku-chan. Long time no see."

"Oh, Tomo-senpai. It’s been a while."

"Shizuku-chan, about Haru—"

"Oh, were you planning to walk home with him today, Tomo-senpai?"

"Uh, well, yeah, sort of."

"Then I’m sorry, but I’ll be borrowing him for today."

With that, Shizuku latched onto Haruto’s arm. The murmurs in the room grew louder.

Haruto felt the weight of countless eyes—jealous, curious, and otherwise.

One of the girls surrounding Ayaka hesitantly addressed Shizuku.

"Um... excuse me, but who are you?"

"I’m Shizuku Dojima from Class 1-B. I’m 152 cm tall, blood type AB, born on June 7th. My favorite drink is ume kombucha (TLN: Seems like plum (ume) tea with kumbu (sort of seaweed)). Do you also want to know my measurements?"

"Uh, no, that’s fine..."

The senior girl looked bewildered as she shook her head, while some of the boys let out audible sighs of disappointment.

"Um... Shizuku-san, are you Otsuki’s girlfriend or something?"

At the question, Shizuku stepped closer to the girl, closing the gap.

"Do we look like a couple? Do we really seem that close? Is that what you’re saying?"

"Uh, no, I mean... you seem close, at least..."

The girl stumbled over her words, retreating under Shizuku’s intense stare. Shizuku then turned to Haruto, her expression unchanged but with apparent satisfaction.

"See, Haruto-senpai? She’s saying we’re practically inseparable. We’re totally like a couple, aren’t we?"

"No, she didn’t say that!"

Haruto pulled his arm free from Shizuku’s grip.

"Shizuku isn’t my girlfriend," he declared, loud enough for everyone to hear.

Shizuku, however, nodded and added, "That’s right. We’re so much more than just boyfriend and girlfriend. Our relationship is deeper, stronger, and more intimate."

"What kind of misunderstanding are you trying to create!?"

"Come on, Haruto-senpai. Let’s head home."

Ignoring his protests, Shizuku dragged him out of the classroom.

As they left, Haruto glanced back at Ayaka, who stood frozen in shock, her eyes wide and her mouth slightly agape.

Internally apologizing profusely, Haruto let himself be pulled away by Shizuku, who was oblivious to the chaos she had caused.

Later, outside the school, when the crowd had dispersed, Shizuku finally released him.

"What was that all about, Shizuku?"

"I’m helping you, of course."

"How is that helping!?"

"By doing this, I can identify girls who might have a crush on you. Didn’t you notice how some reacted when I clung to your arm? They’re potential candidates."

"So... that was intentional?"

"Obviously. Do you know how nerve-wracking it was to march into the upperclassmen’s classroom all by myself? I did it for you."

"...Thanks, I guess."

"You're welcome!"

Shizuku beamed proudly, while Haruto rubbed his temples, resigned.

"But don’t create any more misunderstandings, alright? What’s with all that ‘deep, intimate relationship’ talk?"

"Well, isn’t it true? We’ve trained together in karate since we were kids, growing as rivals, siblings, and friends. I didn’t lie."

"That’s... technically true, but not in that context..."

As Haruto sighed, Shizuku cheerfully declared, "I’ll help again tomorrow!"

Haruto braced himself. Shizuku's idea of "helping" always promised chaos.