Chapter 77: NTR Nervous Breakdown

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Alright, it’s Saturday.

This is my time to relax—hell yeah!

Or so I thought.

Instead, I find myself in the university’s student council room before noon.

“Hey there, it’s Uemura from earlier.”

“Oh, we’ve been expecting you!”

I was greeted with a smile by Mizumoto Daiki, the chair of the Spring Festival Committee, who had assigned me to run this errand. Most people probably don’t remember, but he was also the chair of the freshman welcome committee for my department.

Seriously. Just because KYOKO doesn’t use social media, she shouldn't use me as her personal errand boy with just a phone call. Isn't that what managers are for?

“Anyway, she asked if you could move her scheduled performance time earlier. Here's the fax she sent.”

“Oh, thanks, Uemura! You saved us. I was worried when the meeting got canceled, but I never expected KYOKO to have a friend at this university.”

“We’re not exactly friends.”

“Really? Still, having direct contact with KYOKO is a bit more than just being friends.”

“We’re just acquaintances from the same hometown. I didn't want to know her contact details.”

“Well, I won’t pry into personal matters. So, we should move KYOKO's performance up by an hour… Sorry, Uemura. I’ll need to redo the timetable. Could you come back in an hour? We'll need to adjust the PA setup and other things.”

Mizumoto-senpai seemed quite enthusiastic. Not only was his meeting canceled, but he also had to deal with this hassle. Yet, he showed no signs of frustration. It must be the power of celebrity.

“Got it. I'll come back in an hour.”

“Thanks; see you later.”

I didn’t have any plans anyway, so it's fine. Now, I need to figure out how to kill an hour.

The campus café, ‘Aegi Café,’ is open on Saturdays. I could go there and read some manga. That should pass the time.

So, I headed to ‘Aegi Café.’

On the way, I noticed a couple heading towards the back of the club building. I didn't recognize the guy, but the girl looked familiar.

“…Kurebayashi-san…?”

Oops, I might have been heard. But they didn't notice me. Just a false alarm.

A couple sneaking off to a secluded spot behind the club building? And one of them is the cute Kurebayashi-san from the upper class? 

Could it be a confession? Maybe they're planning to get it on?

I couldn't help but follow them, staying out of sight.

“…Kurebayashi-san. If you don’t have a boyfriend, would you go out with me? I’ve liked you since I first saw you.”

Oh, just as I thought. The guy's words were barely audible but predictable. He's quite handsome, too.

If he’s that good-looking, life must be easy. I bet he’s just Kurebayashi-san’s type.

Hold on. If she accepts, I won’t need to go on that ‘exchange condition date’ for talking to KYOKO. 

Go for it, handsome stranger! I'm rooting for you…

“I’m sorry. I can't go out with you.”

Huh?

That was fast. What should I do with my clenched fist? 

I feel ridiculous, crouching here like a weirdo.

Unaware of my eavesdropping, they continued talking.

“Can you tell me why?”

“I have someone I like.”

“But he's not your boyfriend?”

“Hehe… I wish he was, but it's probably not going to happen.”

Her mysterious smile threw the guy off.

“Then why not give me a chance? I promise to treat you better than anyone else.”

The guy didn't back down. Good move. Back in middle school, I had a bit of resistance when I hit on Kurebayashi-san, despite her feelings for Okutsu. Maybe this time…

“That would be unfair.”

“Unfair?”

“Yes. Pretending to like someone else while I have feelings for someone else would be disrespectful to both him and you.”

Wait, what? This isn’t what I expected. User error?

I didn't expect Kurebayashi-san, who usually seemed to be very easy, to reject him so firmly.

“Betraying others only brings unhappiness. I've sworn not to betray anyone again. Even if my feelings aren’t returned, I won’t lie to myself or others.”

“…I see. Thank you, Kurebayashi-san.”

Wait, you're giving up that easily? Come on, man, go for it!

“No, thank you for your kind words.”

“I hope things work out with that person.”

“Thank you. I'm quitting the club today, but I appreciate everything. I wish you happiness too.”

Wait, what? Quitting the club already? What's going on?

I felt a bit deflated. It's best to leave this scene now.