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

Previously:

I had given a chocolate snack to a downcast Shirasaki and somehow ended up being consulted for advice. Kise had asked for a report via Line message, and Kuromiya had asked for a report over the phone when I got home. Now, I’m eating parfaits in a stylish café with Shirasaki.

As expected, envious glances and jealous words are stabbing into me from all directions.

Why is such a cute girl with a gloomy guy like him?

But I don’t have the luxury to care about such words right now.

“So… what did you want to talk about, Shirasaki?”

“Well… you see…”

According to her, she had upset a younger boy, and since then, he’s been avoiding eye contact and it’s been awkward to talk to him. She doesn’t know what to do.

Hmm… Relationship troubles, huh? Seriously? She’s consulting me, who was an introvert until recently? Did she pick the wrong person?

Bu-but, since I agreed to listen, I have to respond properly!

“What caused this situation?”

“I got him upset.”

“I see.”

I don’t understand at all. What should I do? Should I ask why he got upset? Or should I not pry that much?

“…Okay, can you tell me more about this boy?”

“You mean Tetsu-kun?”

Ah, so his name is Tetsu-kun.

“Yeah. Knowing more about him might help me give better advice.”

“O-okay… But what should I talk about?”

“Recent events are fine. Like, ‘This happened a week ago.'”

“As you say… So, a week ago…”

As she talks, Shirasaki becomes more animated. As for me, I had turned into a ‘That’s interesting!’ BOT, responding with “That’s interesting!” to keep the conversation going. Of course, I was actually listening and organizing the information in my head.

According to Shirasaki, Tetsu-kun is a first-year high school student and a sportsman in the soccer club. He’s not straightforward and has his own pace, but he’s kind and considerate.

I understood the goodness of Tetsu-kun’s personality by watching the smiling Shirasaki. He’s important to her, and that’s why she’s anxious about the current situation.

“Why not buy Tetsu-kun’s favorite cake and casually start a conversation? Apologize properly, and I think it’ll be fine.”

“…But what if he ignores me? I feel like he’s avoiding me…”

Shirasaki being this timid is a first.

“Is Tetsu-kun the kind of guy who’d ignore someone who’s mustering the courage to apologize?”

“No, he’s not like that!”

Seeing her immediate, strong denial, I said,

“Then, that’s probably your answer.”

“…Yeah.”

“Yes, it is. I was unnecessarily scared of being rejected. I wasn’t really looking.”

Shirasaki’s expression brightened as if a deflated balloon was filled with air.

“Thank you, Sato. I’ll give it a try!”

“Sure, I guarantee it’ll go well with someone like Shirasaki!”

Well, my guarantee might not be reassuring, but…

I saw her off to the ticket gate after buying the cake.

Somehow, I managed it. I thought it was over when she asked for relationship advice, but I’m glad it worked out. She’ll probably report back at school on Monday, and I’m sure she’ll look happy.

But then…

Just when I was about to contact Kise and Kuromiya via Line about what happened, a call from Shirasaki came in.

…Eh? Why? Did it fail? Did my unnecessary comments make things worse?

I nervously answered the call.

“Hello?”

“Hi, Sato? Sorry for calling out of the blue… Are you free now?”

“Y-yes, what’s up?”

Did they break up because of me?

“Thanks for today. We successfully made up!”

“Oh, good…”

Phew… I’m really glad. If it hadn’t worked out, I would’ve been devastated.

“I really owe it to you, Sato… Eh? Yes, that’s… ”

I heard voices in the background. What’s happening?

“…Um, Sato. Tetsu-kun wants to thank you. Can he talk to you?”

Wha— Tetsu-kun? To me? Directly? Wait, do they live together?

“Y-yeah, sure.”

Honestly, I’m not okay, but I can’t refuse now!

“Okay, I’m handing over the phone. Hello?”

Oh no, his voice sounds really cool… Is this Shirasaki’s boyfriend’s voice?

“Hello, this is Sato Jubei.”

“Nice to meet you. I’m Shirasaki Tetsuya, her brother.”

“Ah, no… I should be the one thanking you!”

…Wait, brother? Not boyfriend?

“I’ve heard about you from my sister. Recently, it’s been all about you— Ow! What’s the matter, sis? I didn’t need to say that?”

Brother? Really?

“Um, Tetsu-kun?”

“Yes?”

“You’re… Shirasaki’s brother?”

“Yes, that’s correct. Didn’t my sister consult you? Isn’t that why you gave her advice?”

“No, I didn’t know you were her brother. I thought you were her boyfriend.”

“Huh? No way, you thought I was— Ow! Sis, that hurts! Why are you hitting me?”

It seems a sibling fight has broken out on the other end. My efforts are going to waste.

“I’m sorry for the rudeness. I wanted to thank you because we were able to make up thanks to you. I’ll hand the phone back to my sister.”

“Okay.”

“Sorry, Sato! Things got a little chaotic… Do you have any plans for tomorrow?”

“Eh? No, why?”

“So, you’ll be staying home, right?”

“Well, I guess so…”

“Great! Thanks for today! See you tomorrow!”

The call ended abruptly.

…See you tomorrow? Tomorrow is Saturday, though.