I’m a Shy Loner and I Was Confessed to by a Beautiful Girl Who Has All the Boys in School Smitten, but It Turned Out to Be a ‘Fake Confession,’ So I Politely Declined. As a Result, I Ended Up Learning About Her Hidden Side and She Started to Cling to Me

“Sato-kun, thank you for joining me today.”

“No, thank you for inviting me.”

We had dinner at a family restaurant, just the three of us—me, Hanako, and Kurokami. It was my first time eating out at a family restaurant with people other than my family. Just like karaoke, it turned out to be surprisingly fun, thanks to Hanako and Kurokami’s stellar communication skills.

Currently, Kurokami had gone off to pick some flowers, leaving Hanako and me alone.

“Why the formal speech? Speak casually.”

As if I could speak casually to someone like Hanako, who’s the center of the class and a beauty, while I’m just a mediocre, introverted student!

“By the way, that cake looks delicious.”

I followed Hanako’s gaze to a cake shop that displayed various cakes in a showcase.

“Indeed. Want to buy one?”

“Mmm, not sure, but I’d like to take a closer look.”

We got permission from the shopkeeper and began examining the cakes.

“What kind of cake do you like, Sato-kun?”

“I like matcha-flavored ones. How about you?”

“I’m torn between shortcake and chocolate cake. I love strawberries and chocolate.”

“Huh.”

“So, if you combine strawberries and chocolate, it’s the ultimate for me!”

She meant chocolate-dipped strawberries, I suppose.

“Alright, let’s buy both! I’m greedy!”

In the end, Hanako bought both a shortcake and a chocolate cake and we went back to waiting for Kurokami.

“I can’t wait to go home and eat these.”

As I was looking at her smiling face, she looked back at me.

“Um, is something the matter?”

“…Actually, the reason I suggested karaoke today was because I was concerned about you.”

“…What?”

“I was worried because you’re always alone in class.”

Am I dealing with an angel here? She arranged the whole thing to help me, the class loner, interact with others. Is she a great angel or what?

“Well, it didn’t go as planned.”

She laughed, a little apologetically.

“Anytime you feel lonely, feel free to talk to me. I’m always open.”

“Let’s chat during lunchtime.”

That’s too much to ask! It’s impossible! If someone like me started talking to someone as popular and beautiful as Hanako, it would cause a big scene.

“Uh, maybe sometime.”

“Why don’t you lend me your phone for a sec?”

“Um, sure.”

“Thanks.”

She took my phone and started doing something on it.

“Here, as a token of our friendship.”

She handed my phone back, and I saw that we had exchanged Line contacts.

“Is… is this okay?”

“Of course! I want to get to know you better.”

She’s so kind that I can see why everyone assumes she has a boyfriend. This must be a defense mechanism; otherwise, people would get the wrong idea.

“…You really are a great angel, aren’t you?”

“Ahaha, you’re making me blush. But there’s another reason I want to get to know you.”

“What is that?”

“That’s a secret.”

“Darn, a secret, huh?”

“Sorry to keep you waiting. What’s going on here?”

“Nothing, really.”

Kurokami had returned, looking at us suspiciously, but I chose not to react. We chatted as we headed to the station, and eventually it was time to part ways.

“See you. We’re heading that way. Thanks for today, Sato-kun.”

“Yeah, bye.”

As I was about to head home, I felt a tap on my shoulder.

“What is it?”

“Hm.”

Confused, I looked at Kurokami, who held out her phone.

“What do you mean by ‘hm’?”

“Ah, give me your phone!”

She snatched my phone and did something on it before handing it back.

“What? You exchanged contacts with Hanako but don’t want to with me?”

“No, that’s not it! I was just surprised… I’m happy, actually.”

“Alright, if you say so. Thanks for today. Good night.”

“Good night.”

I watched her walk back toward the ticket gates and checked my phone. I’d gained two new contacts besides family.

Back at home, I received messages from both.

“Thank you, Sato-kun! Did you get home okay? Dinner was fun! Let’s go again!”

“Thanks for today. It’s a bit chilly, so make sure you don’t catch a cold.”

Both messages were so warm and kind. Now, I have to reply in a fun way!

I sent my replies.

“Wait, LOL. Your character is so different, I was surprised. Good night!”

“Sorry, but I really can’t deal with you sounding like an old man.”

What!? Which is it!?

I was so worried about whether or not I’d done the right thing that I couldn’t sleep properly.