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People often say that I–Oikaze Mikiri, have a straightforward personality. But I don’t think of that myself, I was just being honest. I do thinks I want to do. And I also have things I would never do. It’s like people arbitrarily slapped labels on you, calling you “no-nonsense” or “straightforward” just because you clearly express your intentions.
But you know, I appreciate they see me that way. Since I made it clear that I have no interest in romance, there’s no chance for a creepy guy to confess his feelings, which would be a hassle to me anyway.
Although, I’m still a woman, so it’s also better to show at the community, for my own sake, as it would be more convenient. Sometimes, if someone invites me to lunch, I join them. There are rules among women you know.
「Mikki, you’re in a good mood today」
Yuna, my classmate, says with a bright smile as she shares her bento. My other lunch companion, Mayu, nods in agreement. Just to clarify ‘Mikki’ is my nickname. I didn’t make that.
I tilt my head, nibbling on the croquette sandwich I bought at the canteen.
「Nothing really happened. but my sister and parents have told me the same thing」
「No, something happened, right? Mikki tends to show more than what you think you do」
「Recently, you seem to get weirdly sexy. Hehe」
Yuna laughed. Sexy. Haa. I might be imagining that.
「Did you get a boyfriend?」
「Seriously? Who?」
Mayu sways gently, leaning forward with her chair. I sighed.
「Don’t make me say it again. I’m not interested in romance. I don’t need men」
「But, you’re always wth Kaiwa-kun, aren’t you?」
「Mamoru? He’s a friend」
「Hmm?」
Mayu sends a suspicious look. What a pain. She’s a sucker for romance.
That’s partly why I’m in this group, so Mamoru won’t have issues. There was a girl in middle school who only hangs out with the boys and the unkind people secretly called her a slut. I didn’t call her that. Just to emphasize.
Looking back on it, it must’ve been because I was a young, impressionable, middle school girl that I started to feel that. Our middle school is well-behaved, so I thought that it would be alright…Well, it’s reassuring. I don’t mind if people called me a slut, but they’ll look at me like that when I’m fooling around with Mamoru. That’s not okay
As I was trying to use my brain to figure out how to deflect the allegations, the two exchanged glances.
「I mean. Kaiwa-kun’s a good guy, isn’t he?」
「Yeah. He’s…cute」
「Cute? What part?」
When I asked, the two said in unison.
『He’s gentle』
「Huh? What?」
I feel dazed. They started talking, and I feel something off.
「The teacher told me to collect the notebook and bring them back. “Woah, this is heavy and dull,” I said, then Kaiwa-kun reached out and said that he’ll carry half!」
「Me too! He’s the first to notice that I was feeling unwell right after gym class and took me to the nurse’s office」
He’s done that? I had no idea.
「And yet, he’s not bothered when we said that we owe him」
「He’s also smart」
「That. He’s incredibly smart」
「S-Smart?」
I never would’ve guessed he was this highly praised. Well, I already knew that Mamoru’s kind. They’re just catching up.
Hehe. Feels great to have their friend praised.
I was posing with my arms crossed, then the two girls seem to be getting excited about something.
「Kaiwa-kun looks like he’s good in sex」
「Oh. I think I get that. He’s definitely going to be gentle with his fondling」
「…………」
Huh? Now I’m getting irritated. I wonder why? They weren’t malicious about it, but I don’t want them imagining things like that with Mamoru.
I must be making such a furious face that they panicked.
「Mikki. My bad」
「Look, that’s not it! We weren’t going after him!」
「Huh? Why would I be angry about that? Sorry, you’re making the mood awkward」
「No, no! It makes sense!」
「Yes, of course. It doesn’t feel good, right?!」
Why do they look like they understand. I don’t get it. I guess they were thinking about dating? It’s not like that. I honestly have no interest in romance.
「It’s fine. We’re not taking Kaiwa-kun away from you」
「You can take it easy growing your love」
「You can take it slow」
I’m confused. Why do girls-only chat get this exhausting. When I’m with Mamoru, I’m having a fun time.
After finishing lunch with them, I left the classroom. As I was wondering if I should go outside and get some fresh air, Mamoru walked out of the restroom and in front of me.
「Mikiri?」
「Mamoru~」
After calling him by his name, I froze.
What was that? It sounded like calling someone they adore. The voice sounded sweet. Mamoru’s also confused.
「Toryaaa!」
I rushed to Mamoru and gave him a chop on the head.
「M-Mikiri? What was that about?」
「Shut it! I’m annoyed right now」
「Huh? Are you going mad?」
Mamoru is confused. I’m moving like a troublesome woman.
I can’t understand this strange flutter in my chest so I turned my back on Mamoru.
「My face feels hot…」
Even without looking at the mirror, I realized that I was blushing, which confused me even more.