Chapter 2: Even From the Perspective of A 'Best Friend', The Heroines are Generally Cute

I have to... I have to get them together quickly (a sense of duty).

By getting the TS girl together, I'll activate my ultimate technique, "Death by Sweetness"

Even From the Perspective of A 'Best Friend', The Heroines are Generally Cute

Fujii Yuuki.

He's the person I hate most in this world.

We've known each other since elementary school, but it's a toxic relationship. For some reason, I can't get away from him.

And while still unable to get away, we became high school students, and suddenly he became popular. That's why I hate him.

And now that guy is—

"Well, Akari-chan, you think so too, right?"

"Yes!"

He was bragging about his popularity right in front of me.

Akari-chan, or by her full name, Matsumae Akari. To put it simply, she's a junior-type heroine. Her small stature belies her overwhelming upward gaze. If she did that to me, I'd fall instantly.

But Yuuki just brushed it off.

Is this guy really a Guy? Does he even have one there? I won't say what I was referring, but...

Yuuki and Akari's first meeting was outside of school. While Yuuki and I were out, Yuuki spotted a girl being harassed and bravely stepped in to help.

And as you might guess, the girl was Akari-chan.

Since then, she's taken a liking to Yuuki, and they've been talking together today, yesterday, and the day before.

They're practically showing off right in front of me! (Angry noise)

"Oh, class's about to start... Sorry, I have to get going, Fujii-senpai!"

"It's okay, it's okay. Thanks for talking to me."

... I followed Akari-chan's retreating back with my eyes.

Okay, she's gone.

Here goes!

"Ouch ouch, what are you doing?"

"Figure it out yourself."

"...."

Putting Yuuki aside, Akari-chan seems like a good girl to me. Apparently she can cook, I haven't heard any bad rumors about her, and she's cute.

She's almost too perfect for someone like Yuuki.

"Hmm... You're jealous seeing how popular I am. Do you like me that much?"

"Go die. Seriously."

Oops, no, no. I shouldn't say something like that. Come on, me. Pretend to be a perfect cool beauty at school.

I ended up hitting Yuuki with full force as he was grinning at me, but there shouldn't be any problem.

He just looks like he's in pain, so no problem, no problem.

"There's nothing but problems here!"

"Huh, since when have you been reading my mind?!"

"How many years do you think we've been together? Besides, it's pretty obvious."

"I want to get away from you soon."

Indeed, Yuuki sometimes peered into my mind. Hey, what about my privacy?

"Well whatever, but you need sit down, class's about to start."

"...Heh, I'll let you off with this much for now."

"Who do you think you are?"

Muttering loser-like words, I returned to my seat. No, I didn't lose. In fact, I won overwhelmingly, but I don't feel like I lost.

... To be honest, I think I lose when it comes to popularity. But I can't give in on anything else.

I'm better at sports, and I'm better at studying. I'm also perfect at navigating the society.

The fact that I have a past life is irrelevant; the facts are enough.

"S-Sorry, Kirihara-san, can I talk to you for a moment?"

"What is it?"

As I sat down, the girl next to me spoke to me.

She's cute.

Very cute.

I'd love to make her my girlfriend.

This girl next to me is Hayase Sakura. A girl in the same class.

She's a little insecure, but that's part of her charm.

She's so cute.

She's my absolute favorite in this class. My oshi, my idol. It's almost like the feeling you get towards a celebrity.

But there's one thing I find a little disappointing about her.

"...Today I really want to hang out with Fujii-kun."

"...Tch."

Sakura-chan is another one who's been corrupted by Yuuki.

If I were to describe Sakura-chan, she'd be a classmate-type heroine.

I don't understand what she likes about Yuuki at all; it's a lifelong mystery.

Even through the filter of being Best Friend, there's nothing good about Yuuki.

"Huh? You clicked your tongue?! ...I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I won't say anything about Yuuki anymore!"

"Yeah, that's good. I'm the only one who knows the real Yuuki."

"...So Kirihara-san and Fujii-kun are really..."

"Huh? Did you say something?"

"No, no, I didn't say anything!"

I think I heard something, but since she's denying it, it would be rude to pry.

And, as I said before, I'm the only one who knows the real Yuuki.

He's a little quiet at school, but after school he talks so much it's annoying, and he pretends to be harmless, but he thinks all sorts of things behind the scenes.

And recently, he's been acting like he hates the harem on the surface, but he seems to be enjoying it deep down.

After all, he's just a man after all.

Ah, thinking about it makes me inexplicably irritated!

I glanced over at Yuuki and saw him with a sleepy, goofy look on his face. I hope he just drops dead.

★

After school, Yuuki suddenly asked me.

"Haruka, aren't you going to get one? ... I mean, a boyfriend?"

"Huh? No way. I can't handle guys."

"...I see."

He suddenly asked something weird, I wondered if he was alright. It was a bit surprising since Yuuki had never brought up that kind of topic before.

I mean, why with me out of all people?

"Come on, let's go home quickly. Everyone's gone."

"That's true, let's go home."

And so, we took a step towards the school gate. A figure suddenly appeared.

"Hey, I could go home with you." (???)

"I'll have to decline."

.....

"Huh? ...I must have misheard. Shall we go home then?"

"...This isn't going to work."

Wow, a tsundere-type heroine!

Beautiful!

Lovely!

Shut up, Yuuki!

So, this is our tsundere heroine, Uzuki Ayano.

She has long, flowing blonde hair that makes you wonder if she's really Japanese. She looks like someone straight out of a fairy tale.

When I asked her, she said there was a blonde person in her ancestors. It's what they call recessive genes.

"Hello~, have you forgotten about me? I'm right here."

"Kirihara-san, today I'm going to win!"

I was declared war on again today, but I got to talk to Ayano-chan. She's not as scruffy as some other people I know.

Ayano-chan seems to think I'm Yuuki's girlfriend, and often picks fights with me.

All of these problems would have been solved if Yuuki wasn't around. I really don't need him in my life, so this is a good opportunity to...

"Hey, hey, why are you trying to hit me?"

"Tsk, don't dodge..."

"I'd appreciate it if you didn't flirt in front of me."

""Flirt with who?!""

""Someone like him/her!?!?""

"You two are troublesome."

I felt like she was looking at me with a look of disbelief. It was such a good opportunity to become friends with Ayano-chan.

It's annoying that Yuuki was the reason, so maybe this is for the best. From now on, I'll become friends with her on my own.

"Haaah~, I'm going home now...."

"Oh, okay."

"Be careful on your way."

I waved to Ayano-chan, who for some reason looked like she'd been struck by despair.

... Could it be Yuuki's fault?

Looking at him next to me, he looked strangely calm. It was as if he'd been hoping she'd leave.

Wait, what?

"Ouch! You can't hit me in the groin!"

"You're the lowest Harem Protagonist."

Ah, I didn't think he'd be this low. Lately, Yuuki seems to be getting a bit too cocky. Is he in love with himself for being popular?

"Ouch... it hurts."

"...Umm, sorry?"

"Why the question mark?... It hurts, dammit."

Since I know that it hurts to be hit in the groin, I felt a little guilty.

But it's better than what he's doing. This is punishment for getting too cocky! Yup!

The sun's setting, I guess I should head home.

Ignoring the guy clutching his crotch in front of the school gate, I headed home.

Now, what should I have for dinner~?

.....

"H-help..."

"I guess I have no choice."

"Th-thanks—but this is all your fault, okay?!"

"I can't hear you."

"This girl..."

Even I wouldn't just leave him like that. I'll lend him my shoulder.

He certainly did something unforgivable, but he's still my best friend, so I'll show him some mercy.

"Okay, let's go home."

"...Yeah."