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

“Cling.”

“Wow, nice home run.”

After enjoying some zombie shooting, we were now at a batting cage. Kuromiya was already hitting balls at 110 km/h.

According to the facility pamphlet, 80-90 km/h is recommended for beginners, 90-100 km/h for intermediates, and anything over 100 km/h for experts.

Considering that, isn’t Kuromiya pretty amazing for hitting at 110 km/h?

“You’re pretty good, Kuromiya. Do you come here often?”

“Hm? Well, I’ve been coming here since I was young. When I get tired of the jealousy from people of the same gender or when Kaneda pisses me off, I come here to relieve stress.”

“I’m not sure how to respond to that…”

As I watch her finish batting, Kuromiya, who’s now slightly sweaty, looks at me seriously.

“…Did you have fun today?”

Her question is like a prayer, tinged with a little anxiety. Her hand holding the bat is shaking slightly.

“…I had fun.”

I looked straight at Kuromiya and said so. The spicy curry, zombie shooting, it was all fun.

And it was Kuromiya who made me feel that way.

“…So.”

Kuromiya responds curtly and turns away, but I didn’t miss the relief in her expression.

“Eating spicy food, playing zombie shooting games, and coming here to relieve stress and lack of exercise… I guess these are my hobbies when I’m alone.”

“Don’t you go with Kise and others?”

“No way. I hang out with Hana and Yayoi, but that’s for sweets and shopping. I’d die if I proposed eating spicy food or going zombie shooting.”

“That’s a bit exaggerated.”

“Ugh… You don’t understand. For a normie, not being able to read the room equals death.”

“Ah, I see.”

“So, why did you invite me today?”

“Because I knew you wouldn’t need awkward considerations and would accept me and have fun with me.”

“…I see.”

“What are you embarrassed about?”

“N-no, it’s just that I didn’t expect to become this close with Kuromiya… Well, it’s not just Kuromiya, but also Kise and Hana.”

“…Hana, huh.”

Why does she seem displeased all of a sudden?

“Kuromiya? Is something wrong?”

“…Never mind. Sato, want to have a final match? The loser listens to the winner.”

“Wait, I’ve never been to a batting cage before. You have an overwhelming advantage.”

“Shut up, just do it.”

“Okay.”

Thus began our sudden competition at the batting cage. The rule is who can hit the fastest pitch.

“Hmph!”

Kuromiya effortlessly hits a 120 km/h ball.

“Now it’s your turn.”

She hands me the bat and helmet with a confident smile.

“Well, let’s try the fastest one.”

“…What? Are you serious? 150 km/h is the highest speed here.”

“Yeah, I want to try hitting the fastest pitch.”

“You’re kidding, right? No beginner can hit a 150 km/h ball.”

“No, I’ll hit it. I definitely will.”

I grip the bat, concentrate, and wait for the ball.

“Cling!”

“…What? A home run?”

The ball I hit soared high and landed on the home run target.

“What just happened!? How did you hit that fastball for a home run!? Are you experienced?”

Kuromiya questions me frantically.

“Ah, no… I dabbled a bit in middle school, but that’s about it. I just have good eyes, and I was watching how you swing. I just tried to emulate that.”

“So, I lost, huh… What do you want me to do?”

“…Can I call you ‘Nene’ starting today?”

“…Huh? What?”

“Also, call me Juubei. It sounds more friendly.”

“…Alright, Juubei. Let’s go eat some ramen, I’m hungry.”

I’m not sure why, but Kuromiya seems to be in an excellent mood now.

“So, who is it?”

“…What?”

Suddenly, my vision goes dark. I feel a soft sensation on my back. Someone is covering my eyes from behind. But this voice…

“…Hana?”

“Correct!! It’s your best friend Hana-chan~”

There she was, standing in front of me with an angelic smile—Shirasaka Hana.