Initially, I was panicking that an acquaintance had found out about my relationship with Saito, but from Ichinoseās reaction, it seemed like he really just wanted to have a conversation, so I guess it wouldnāt be too important to leave it alone for now.
I was more worried about something else.
Seeing the love rumors about Saito spread more than I imagined, I realized how popular she really was and at the same time, she felt really distant from me.
Just because sheās popular doesnāt mean sheāll lose her good qualities, or her relationship with me. Even if I knew that in my head, the difference between us was so great that I felt overwhelmed and withdrawn.
This isnāt a problem that can be dealt with by talking to someone. Even though I knew it was only a matter of my own feelings, I really wanted to talk to someone about it, so I asked Hiiragi-san for advice.
[Uhmā¦ Hiiragi-san]
[Yes? Is something wrong? Are you okay?]
It seems that my anxiety was showing on my face. She lowered her eyes worriedly and looked up at me and her beautiful eyes were shaking a little.
[Thatā¦ Some things happened at school recently, and the person I like is actually a pretty popular person. That person is the most popular person in school]
(TN: Yes, itās 2 lines, I didnāt mess it up)
[Is that so]
[So when word got out that Iād gone onĀ HatsumodeĀ with her during the winter vacation, the commotion made me realize that she was a very popular person, and I felt like I was way out of her league]
The realization weighed more on me when I put it into words. She probably didnāt care about that kind of thing, so I shouldnāt have to worry about it either. Even if I knew that, my heart doesnāt feel the same way. My anxiety inevitably grew.
She must have seen through my anxiety, because she looked at me with serious eyes and opened her mouth.
[What are you talking about? That person is with you because they want to, right? Sheās with you because she feels comfortable and trusts you. So thereās no need for Tanaka-kun to feel that kind of reluctance. In factā¦ I think sheād be sad if you did]
A sincere voice shook my eardrums. It was a strong voice, yet filled with a sense of realism.
[T-Thatās right]
When I told Hiiragi-san about the events that transpired, āah, that did happen huhā was all she said. What was I even worrying aboutā¦ She even continued with, āItās cozy when Iām with you Tanaka-kun.ā She said that before.
I remembered that moment and realized my anxiety was already gone. At the same time, I felt something tugging within me for a moment, but it soon disappeared.
[ā¦What should I do?]
[What, you mean?]
She tilted her head curiously.
[I realized that being with her now is like a miracle in a way, and that Iāve been taking advantage of that miracle. So from now on, I want to do my best to deepen our relationship]
[Oh, I see]
Up until now, I hadnāt been able to make up my mind about my feelings for her, and so I had continued our current relationship. But now that I realized that I liked her, I couldnāt help but make a move. (TN: MC isnāt as Beta as we thought?) (EDN: Cap)
I realized that she was an amazing person, and I needed to move forward in our relationship, instead of taking advantage of the fact that I can have a normal relationship with her.
[So Iām going to be more aggressive with her. But I donāt know what I should do to make her happyā¦ What makes a girl happy?] (EDN:Ā seggs) (TLN: No fr, what does it take)
[Eh!? T-Thatāsā¦]
When I announced my decision, she made a surprised face and her face turned bright red all at once. She was probably embarrassed to let me, a boy, know what she likes. However, Hiiragi-san is the only one I can rely on. There was no way I was going to back down now.
[Please. Even something small is fine]
[Well then, one thingā¦ Maybeā¦ if you, hold her hand, or something]
(TN: WHOA CHILL OUT) (EDN: Sorry I didnāt sign up to edit a R18 novel)
Her eyes wandered around, and her shoulders gradually shrunk and she turned around. However, perhaps my desperation had gotten to her, and she told me with a shy, puzzled look in her eyes.
[Hands, huh. I see, I understand! Iāll try it out! I definitely will, so please look forward to my report]
[Y-Yes]
When I declared my ambitions to Hiiragi-san, full of motivation, she raised her voice and her cheeks became scarlet.
Translator here, and I want to say thank you to RobertOldland for the donation. I will try and post the rest of the chapters as soon as possible. The next few chapters will all be donation chapters and a goal achieved appreciation, so look forward to it. Just for reference, would you guys want the title to still be in the chapter or just let it be on the home page? Tell me in the comments or discord. Anyways, have a nice day everyone.