Chapter 23 - The Result of my Bet with Akito

<b>The Result of my Bet with Akito</b>

“Hey, Kouki-san.”

“What is it…?”

I had a bad feeling when Akito approached me, smirking.

“Now that the test is over, all that’s left is to wait for the summer vacation. Are you making plans with Takanishi-san over summer vacation?”

What’s he talking about…?

“That look on your face makes it seem like it’s unlikely that you haven’t made plans.”

How did he even find out…?

“Well, it’s not like we’re making any progress or anything.”

“No progress, no nothing.”

It’s true that Aisa and I aren’t really afraid of each other anymore, but that doesn’t mean that anything more will change.

We were childhood friends to begin with. Things between us can go back to normal, but there’s no way we’ll ever progress.

“What about the sighting of you two from in front of the station?”

“What?”

“You didn’t think that you two could go out in such a conspicuous place and no one would see it, right?”

Well, I was already wondering if anyone saw it.

“Well, it’s mostly just the wishful thinking of a bag carrier. Hopefully it hasn’t become an open rumor.”

“You’re right.”

I’m no more or less than a bag carrier. The only thing surprising was that Aisa was in a good mood even though she was shopping with me. At this moment, she’s smiling while being surrounded by her classmates.

I was just having fun while shopping. At least, that’s what I tell myself.

“Haah…”

“What?”

“Nothing. I just thought it was something more serious.”

That’s none of your business.

“Now then, you remember the bet, right?”

“…”

The only thing I dreaded more than my promise to Aisa, was this.

“You know, it’s unfair that you’re actually studying properly for once.”

“There’s nothing unfair about studying. It just shows my true competence.”

This was a competition I was talked into by Akito. I believed that Akito would come in with the same score as usual, but his typical mediocre score was due to the fact that this guy doesn’t study. However, when he puts his mind to it, he’s actually relatively smart. I should have known, but I didn’t think he’d be motivated to study this time…

And when I realized that the fact that he went through the trouble of making the bet with me meant that whatever it was that he wanted from me wasn’t something nice, it was too late.

“So, what do you want?”

“No, no, no. I just need you to do a little of balancing the numbers for me.”

“Balancing?”

“We have a couple of people that are going to hang out together, but we need one more guy.”

◇

“So where are you taking me today?”

“You’re making me look bad by saying that. We’re just hanging out like normal.”

I have a certain amount of trust in Akito’s character, but when it comes to women, I have the opposite kind of trust in him.

“Since you’re here, we won’t go anywhere weird. We’ll go bowling, karaoke, or somewhere else that’s wholesome.”

“Well, if it’s wholesome…then I’ll go along with whatever you say.”

“Sounds good. Well, the two girls are pretty cute today, so you might as well enjoy it.”

“…”

“But I’m sure you’re used to the Takanishi sisters, so you won’t be satisfied, ” he quickly added.

Of course, it’s unfair to compare them with those two.

“Hey, Akito-kun.”

“Sorry, did I keep you waiting?”

“No, we just got here too. And this is Kouki, get along with each other.”

I bowed my head as Akito introduced me.

One of them had curly blond hair and was dressed in a rough tank top. Her name is Ami-san, and she seemed a little uncomfortable

On the other hand, the other one was a legitimate beauty with long black hair. Her name is Shiori-san, and she was wearing a dress, which hid her figure, or rather her violent weapons. I think we might actually be able to get along nicely.

“If you’re going to meddle with anyone other than the Takanishi sisters, I’ll teach you a lesson.”

Akito’s voice, which only I could hear, was rather serious and straightforward.

◇

Right after that, we set off on our way. Because we always had something to do like karaoke or bowling, we didn’t have too much trouble getting along.

“You’re surprisingly good at everything here.”

“I’ve been around here with Manami before.”

“Ah, what luxury.”

Indeed, I did have a good time with Manami. Right now, though, I was puzzled by the black-haired Shiori-san, who was touching me every now and then.

“Well, it’s about time.”

“Ehh, we’re leaving already?”

When Akito said that it was about time, Shiori hugged Akito’s arm as if she were reluctant to part. Now that I’m here, I’m starting to understand what Akito was talking about.

“Another time. Well, I’m thinking that if it’s just me, I can just stay here with you?”

Akito gives me a look. He knew that I was already tired.

“Ehh, you’re leaving, Kouki-kun?”

“Ugh…”

Shiori let go of Akito’s arm and sagged down before me. Ami-san, who at first glance only looked like a gal, was the one who offered Shiori a helping hand.

“Well, well, it’s fine as long as Akito-kun is willing to hang out with you again.”

“Yeah, well, I see. Kouki-kun! Let’s hang out again soon!”

Ami pulled Shiori away. Thank God.

When I started to leave, Akito whispered again in a voice that only I could hear.

“Have you learned, even just a little, about how wonderful the Takanishi sisters are?”

I didn’t reply as he rushed off towards the pair.

I was left alone to ponder the meaning of his words.

(TL: ahhhhhh. Btw, join the discord (link at the top of site) and check out the chess tourney sign up in #announcements-and-updates, deadline is 7/22)