Even though he was rejected by the two most beautiful girls in his grade, for some reason they seemed to be fond of him Volume 1 Chapter 9

 Chapter 9: Gratitude to Himeno-san

The aftermath of going viral—or rather, the completely self-inflicted trouble caused by my dogeza being broadcast—led to some annoying issues.

“Hey, hey, Sasaki, are you really Aira-chan’s cousin?”

“That has to be Sasaki, no matter how you look at it, right?”

“W-Wait, no… that’s not true, is it…?”

“Liar! The voice during the stream sounded just like you. And the guy doing the dogeza looked exactly like Sasaki. Eita, it’s definitely you!”

“…”

Hey, did you just say I’m the type who looks good doing a dogeza? Take that back, or I’ll curse you and your descendants for life—with a curse that leaves you as friendless as me, indefinitely.

Putting aside this farce—for now, it’s just within the school, but my dogeza and the fact that I blurted out my own name made people identify me as Yuzuki Aira’s cousin. It seems everyone who watched the stream knows, but they’re not spreading it outside our circle. Still, it’s become a quiet rumor within the school among those who know about Aira-chan.

“This is weird… How did they figure out it was me…?”

Sure, I get it if the popular extroverts in our grade figured it out, but for someone like me, who barely has any friends, to be identified just by my dogeza and voice… Oh wait, I did say my name out loud. Yeah, of course they’d figure it out. However, thanks to Yuzu saying, “Please don’t pry about my cousin,” with her usual flat, slightly menacing smile, and the good nature of her fans, no information has leaked online. What a kind world.

“Damn it… Come to think of it, I am kind of in the spotlight now…”

“Hmm, Eita’s famous.”

“I don’t really watch YouTube, so I didn’t know, but… you’re acquainted with quite a famous person, aren’t you…?”

Well—mostly thanks to the two people in front of me, I’ve become famous.

And this whole situation escalated entirely because of Yuzu. I told her I didn’t want to appear, but she ignored me completely and made me do it anyway. It’s a miracle we didn’t get flamed. Ugh, I never want to go through that again. It was like tap-dancing on a minefield—my first time doing it for real, with mines buried all around me.

As I clutched my head, overwhelmed by the damage this had caused, Yuzu, oblivious to my distress, calmly ate her lunch. I shot her a glare.

“I blame you… Yuzu…”

“Hah, a promise is a promise. It’s your fault, Eita, for not asking for details.”

“Ugh… That’s way too logical, I can’t argue back…! Getting hit with a logic punch from Yuzu…!”

“Hmm, I want to know what you think of me.”

“You’re smart, but clueless about daily life, and sometimes you do things that are completely incomprehensible. A clumsy loner.”

“Hmm, step outside. I’ll duel you. I’ll beat you to a pulp.”

“Oh, you wanna go—sorry, please don’t! If we fight here, it’ll just add to my bad rumors.”

I quickly apologized, sensing Yuzu was about to yell after taking a deep breath. Any more from her, and things would definitely get messier.

After flipping my stance at lightning speed—a skill I’ve mastered—I wiped my forehead as if I’d just finished a tough job. Himeno-san, who had been watching us, tilted her head with a question mark practically visible above her.

“Um… I’m a bit lost… What’s going on…?”

“Hmm, I’m Yuzuki Aira, and Eita streamed with me, so now there’s a rumor.”

“I see… Yuzu-chan really is amazing—wait, you two are cousins!?!”

“No, not at all. It’s a lie she made up on the spot to avoid a scandal! Also, Himeno-san, your composure is insane…”

“Hmm, we’re cousins. But I’m the older sister.”

As I marveled at Himeno-san’s unshakable calm, Yuzu casually said something nonsensical with a smug expression, causing even more question marks to appear above Himeno-san’s head—or at least, it felt that way.

…What is this weird girl even saying? What’s she thinking? I seriously want to crack open her head and see her thoughts. And also—

“Think about it logically—I should be the older brother, right? In terms of daily life, Yuzu’s totally the little sister.”

“Hmm, don’t underestimate me.”

What’s there to underestimate?

“Hey, your house has housekeepers doing everything for you.”

“U-Um… So, are you two really cousins…?”

Our—well, mostly Yuzu’s—rambling nonsense, combined with Himeno-san’s earnest attempt to understand, left her utterly confused, her eyes spinning as she flailed in panic. It wasn’t just pitiful—it was heartbreaking. And yet, I felt an overwhelming guilt even though I hadn’t done anything.

It seemed to hit Yuzu, the actual culprit, like a critical blow. She quickly averted her gaze from Himeno-san and muttered,

“…Hmm, no. It’s a total lie.”

“Exactly. It’s a story she made up on the spot.”

“Oh, I see… That surprised me.”

Himeno-san sighed in relief and patted her chest, looking like a sheltered noble lady from a fantasy world.

She’s honestly super cute, but I can’t say that to someone I’m not dating. Well, I could, but the bar’s way too high. As I was thinking that—

“Come to think of it, I need to thank Himeno-san.”

When I said it as if I’d just remembered, Himeno-san tilted her head curiously.

“…Thank me? Did I do something for Sasaki-kun…?”

“Huh?”

Completely caught off guard by her genuine confusion—as if she had no clue—I let out a dumbfounded noise, my face like a pigeon hit by a peashooter.

Are you serious, Himeno-san? You, who taught me six out of eight subjects? To me, you’re nothing short of a goddess. My personal hero.

“No, you taught me so much. Practically everything.”

“You don’t need to thank me for that. I’ve been helped a lot too… Teaching others is good for my own studies as well.”

This girl… she’s way too nice… If I were in her shoes, I’d be like, “Alright, then treat me to yakiniku! The most expensive course, of course!” Teaching six subjects deserves at least that, right?

“Even if you’re fine with it, I won’t feel right unless I thank you. Without you, failing was inevitable for me. And letting you help me this much without doing anything in return would crush me with guilt.”

“W-What!? You don’t need to feel guilty at all…!”

“I can’t help it! If there’s anything I can do, just name it. Oh, my budget’s capped at 15,000 yen, though.”

No normal high schooler can spend 100,000 yen. If someone could, they’re definitely not a regular student—like this squirrel-cheeked Yuzu over here.

As I gave Yuzu a look of exasperation—

“I don’t need money! But if you insist—”

Troubled yet slightly happy, Himeno-san tapped her chin with her fingertip and made her request.

□

Later…

“—Are you sure this is really okay?”

“Yes!”

I’ve been coming here a lot lately… I thought absentmindedly as Himeno-san, still in her school uniform, and I arrived at—once again—Ion.

People might say my options are too limited, but honestly, with a movie theater here, Ion has everything we need. There’s no amusement park or anything, but still. For high schoolers on a budget, this is pretty much the go-to spot.

Anyway, putting that aside.

The reason Himeno-san and I are here today is because she earnestly requested it. Specifically, she wanted to go window shopping—which, to me, was a slightly odd request.

I asked if there wasn’t something else she wanted, but apparently, she had no other desires.

According to her, this everyday normalcy was exactly what she wished for most. She’s not just kind or cute—she’s practically a goddess. I sincerely hope she becomes the happiest person in the world.

Maybe three parts admiration and seven parts confusion showed on my face, because Himeno-san scratched her cheek with an awkward laugh.

“Since my family’s poor, I’ve always avoided places where there might be things I want to buy. So, just looking around and shopping is new and exciting for me…”

“Just say the word. I’ll buy you anything. Right now, my wallet’s wide open, like a spring gushing water.”

“N-No! I’ll pay for myself! I saved up money from the prizes I won last time!”

As I teared up dramatically, Himeno-san flailed, waving her head and hands side to side in a panic.

Oh right, you’re that “arcade nemesis crane game master,” aren’t you, Himeno-san? No wonder you saved money with all those prizes. As a fellow gamer, even in a different genre, I’d love to be that skilled.

“Oh, wanna play the crane game today? There’s that troublemaker clerk, so let’s make him cry.”

“No way! We should absolutely avoid him!”

Fair enough. No one in their right mind would voluntarily dive into trouble.

“Well, let’s just wander around then.”

“Sure! —Oh, I want to go there!”

Just seconds in, Himeno-san spotted a store she wanted to check out, tapping my shoulder excitedly and pointing to a clothing store I’d heard was popular with high school girls.

By the way, Himeno-san, unexpected physical contact with guys isn’t allowed. It causes weird misunderstandings—or even if it doesn’t, it makes my heart race. If I weren’t already rejected by you, I might’ve fallen for you, you know?

Thinking that, I nodded casually.

“Sure, sounds good. Let’s go.”

Normally, I might’ve teased her, but today, I just want her to enjoy herself freely. I can handle holding back. Just don’t let me die from admiration, okay, me?

Watching Himeno-san skip ahead like a child, lighter on her feet than usual, I felt a deep sense of warmth…

“Sasaki-kun, hurry up!”

Stopping and turning back with a smile, Himeno-san called out. I shrugged and jogged to catch up, responding in kind.

□

Inside the Store…

“—Sasaki-kun, Sasaki-kun! What do you think of this?”

With that, the fitting room curtain swished open, and Himeno-san stepped out in a French sleeve T-shirt with a logo on the chest and ripped jeans, spinning around on the spot.

Sitting on a backless bench in front of the fitting room, I rested my elbow on my knee, propped my chin on my hands, and stared at her, struggling to articulate my thoughts with my limited vocabulary.

“Well… It’s a bit different from the image I have of Himeno-san, but the gap makes it surprisingly fresh and honestly, it suits you. It looks really good.”

But man, it was hard to know where to look. To be blunt, it was incredibly distracting.

Her arms and stomach were partially exposed—and Himeno-san’s overpowering curves were pushing up the T-shirt, creating a tantalizing space between her stomach and the hem. From below, you could almost see her underwear. Someone, lock me up in jail.

As I contemplated turning myself in at the police box, Himeno-san fanned her face with her hands, embarrassed but clearly pleased, looking down at her outfit with a satisfied smile.

“G-Getting that much praise makes me happy…! I don’t usually wear stuff like this, but the clerk recommended it, so I tried it on, and… I like it, so I think I’ll buy it!”

“…!”

Help me—the cuteness assault from in front of me is a physical defense-piercing attack, and my heart’s about to explode. My SAN value is being chipped away rapidly.

For reference, how did we end up with this fitting spree? It’s purely because both Himeno-san, who’s not used to stores like this, and I, who’s clueless about women’s fashion, fell hook, line, and sinker for the clerk’s sales pitch.

Within seconds of entering, we were prey for the clerk. Apparel shop clerks have insane communication skills—they guide you to buy without ever pressuring you directly. This fitting session was part of that strategy.

“Man, clerks are seriously impressive. Everything they picked for Himeno-san looks perfect.”

“It’s nothing on my part. She’s just got such good material to work with.”

“!? W-When did you—?”

Muttering to myself, I was startled when the super-charismatic clerk, who’d already reeled us in, responded. Turning, I saw her standing nearby, arms crossed like a boyfriend, nodding approvingly at Himeno-san’s outfit with a very satisfied expression.

“As expected, my eye for this is spot-on.”

All the outfits Himeno-san tried on, including this one, were chosen by this clerk.

Earlier, there was the elegant skirt look, and before that, the short pants with a hat exposing her thighs—both incredibly cute, beyond what my limited vocabulary could describe.

“Um… Clerk-san, isn’t it okay to focus on us like this while ignoring other customers? I mean, thanks to you, things are going smoothly, but…”

When I asked hesitantly, the clerk flashed a bright smile and gave a thumbs-up.

“It’s fine! I’m the lowest-ranking newbie here.”

“…Clerk-san?”

Her voice suddenly dropped, and she froze, staring in one direction. Then, looking flustered, she plastered on a professional smile.

“I-I’ll go attend to other customers now. Boyfriend-san, don’t you dare let go of that girlfriend, okay?”

“No, I’m not her boyfriend.”

I replied casually, immediately regretting not just brushing it off. The clerk gave an awkward smile, bowed repeatedly, and said,

“Sorry about that… You two would make a great couple, though… Oh, the manager’s glaring at me, so I’m out!”

“Right, thanks.”

She dashed off like the wind toward a man who seemed to be the manager. So, I guess it wasn’t okay to focus on us after all. Well, of course not—she’s working for a living.

As I chuckled bitterly, Himeno-san returned from the fitting room in her uniform, holding the clothes she’d tried on.

“Sorry for keeping you waiting!”

“Hm? Oh, welcome back. That lively clerk kept me company, so it’s all good. So… which ones are you buying?”

“…I-I think I’ll get them all…”

“Nice choice.”

They all suited her, and there was a sale, so it made sense. Grunting like an old man with a “heave-ho,” I stood from the bench, carefully avoiding touching Himeno-san’s chest as I took the clothes from her.

“W-Wait, Sasaki-kun?”

“Let’s buy them. It’s just over 10,000 yen, so I’ll treat you.”

“No, I’ll pay! These are all my clothes…!”

“Nah, it’s fine. I want to buy them, so I will. Hah, don’t underestimate the financial power of someone who gets an allowance from their parents every month.”

Dodging Himeno-san as she tried to take the clothes back, I hurried to the register.

□

After Shopping…

“…Phew… There were so many high school girls… It was awkward…”

“Thank you so much, Sasaki-kun!”

“No, it’s fine. I came today to thank you, after all. If I hadn’t treated you there, what would’ve been the point of me coming?”

Leaving the store, we naturally sat on a nearby bench. I’d assumed modern high school girls bought clothes online, but judging by how busy that store was, maybe not. Still, the stares from everyone made it really uncomfortable.

“Just having you here makes me happy, you know?”

“!?”

Wait, what? This girl is too nice. Like, absurdly nice—I can’t even find words other than “nice.” She’s definitely popular, right? Oh wait, she totally is.

“—By the way, why isn’t Yuzu here today?”

Leaning back against the bench, I voiced the question I’d been wondering about. Yuzu, who usually tags along in situations like this, hadn’t even mentioned wanting to come, which felt off.

Hearing my question, Himeno-san gave a complicated smile.

“Um…”

“Ah, that reaction tells me everything. She’s getting confessions, isn’t she?”

“I think so… I’ve been getting more lately too… Oh, b-but I’ve been turning them down!”

“Yeah, you don’t need to clarify that. If you had a boyfriend, you wouldn’t be here. Plus… well, I can tell exactly what those guys are thinking, and it’s exhausting.”

Most likely, they’re either confessing because they want to hang out with her at the cultural festival or because everyone’s hyped up right now and they think they have a chance. Either way, both are hopeless cases with those two.

“Getting confessions for Yuzu is impressive… But doesn’t Himeno-san get even more?”

After all, Himeno-san seems more popular than Yuzu. Well, after today, I totally get why. As a guy, I’d love to be confessed to at least once.

As I started resenting all the popular handsome guys out there, Himeno-san murmured with a slightly downcast expression.

“Yes… I’ve been invited out tomorrow. Of course, I’ll turn it down, but… rejecting people repeatedly does weigh on my heart, you know? It’s not that it’s annoying or anything…”

Trying to soften the blow with that awkward smile, Himeno-san looked troubled. I couldn’t help but blurt out what I was thinking.

“No—there’s no need to feel guilty about that.”

“…?”

Himeno-san’s eyes widened slightly, as if she’d never heard that before.

Shrugging, I continued.

“Look, confessions are selfish on the confessor’s part, right? They confess because they want to date, without really considering the other person’s feelings—they’re just pushing their own emotions onto someone else.”

“But… they’re summoning up courage…”

“No, they only summon courage because it benefits them, right? If someone confesses out of their own volition, it’s still just about them and their ulterior motive of wanting to date that person. There’s no reason for you to feel bad, Himeno-san.”

“Is that… how it is…?”

Even so, Himeno-san didn’t seem fully convinced, her expression still troubled. Her genuine concern for selfish people’s feelings shows just how kind she is—too kind, almost clumsy.

So, I deployed my ultimate weapon.

“Besides—for the person confessing, if they selfishly confessed and then you act all apologetic, it hurts them more. If it were me, I’d want you to just cut it off cleanly.”

Honestly, Yuzu’s rejection didn’t hurt much, but Himeno-san’s did. It felt like, “Sorry for making you overthink this.” Especially since I didn’t even like her and still made her waste her precious after-school time on a hollow confession—wait? Aren’t I the one who shouldn’t be hurt here? Did I make her use her valuable time just to hear empty words…? I’m such trash.

Reassessing my own worthlessness, I forced a playful smile.

“If the confessor gets mad, just spread a rumor about it. Your influence in school is top-tier, Himeno-san. Like, ‘That guy confessed but then threw a fit!’”

“I wouldn’t do that! But… thank you, Eita-kun. That helped lighten my mood a bit.”

“Sure, glad to hear—huh?”

Wait, what did she just say? Time out. Referee, I need a review. Go back to that part… What? The camera broke because Himeno-san was too cute? What are you even saying?

As usual, I panicked, my thoughts glitching, but I cautiously checked Himeno-san’s expression.

“U-Um… just now, my name…”

When I asked hesitantly, Himeno-san, embarrassed by my stare, blushed slightly and smiled shyly.

“W-Well… calling you by your last name when we’re friends feels a bit distant, you know? Since Yuzu-chan calls you by your first name… Was that okay…?”

Hey, when you say it with those teary, sad eyes, there’s no way I can say it’s a problem! Not that I’d ever say that, even if I died! If anything, I’m grateful!

“W-Well, I’m totally fine with my first name—more than fine, I’m happy about it… By the way, should I call you by your first name too?”

“Yes! Please, I’d love that!”

Himeno-san’s earlier anxious expression vanished, replaced by a joyful, expectant look as she nodded eagerly. The height difference naturally made her look up at me, doubling her cuteness.

If she’s that excited, I can’t not do it…

“…Himeno-san…”

“If possible, without the ‘-san,’ please!”

“…Himeno.”

“Yes, it’s Himeno! Eita-kun—please take care of me from now on, okay?”

Smiling up at me with those big eyes, Himeno-san left me, the introvert, nodding dumbly, unable to do anything else.

For the record, the window shopping took hours. I vowed to be more careful about window shopping with girls in the future.