Volume 1 - CH 5.2

Chapter 5 - Introvert Guy and Barbecue (Part 2)

Then came the day of the barbecue.

"Because I am reviewing it is so serious, I have lost sleep...!"

Again, I didn't get enough sleep! I tried to sleep, but when I closed my eyes, feelings of fear and worry began to fill my mind. It kept happening without me noticing.

Still, I decided to wear long sleeves and pants today to be safe from sparks. Plus, it's not made of synthetic fibers, it's 100 percent cotton. According to a book, cotton is less flammable than synthetic fibers. The only problem is that the weather is a little too hot right now. It's rare to see people wearing such thick clothes in the days when spring has ended and early summer is beginning, so I look a bit conspicuous.

"............"

I made my way to the location using the map that had been sent to the REIN group. Since this event was held by the river, I had to walk for a while, staring at the obscure map showing the destination location, and only then found a group of people who looked like them.

"I know it, there are a lot of people here...."

I knew this group from REIN, but there's quite a few of them. The ratio of boys to girls is about 8 to 2. There is a mix of students who are in the same grade as me, seniors and juniors. Also, although I already know this, they all seem to be people who are good at socializing.

"It seems that Miran and her friends have not yet arrived." Miran and her two friends have not arrived yet.

I should have come with them. I don't have a single exact acquaintance, so it's hard to join. It took a lot of courage for me, an introverted loner, to meet a group of extroverts.

"............"

However, feeling that there was no point in staying here, I went down to the bottom of the river and decided to join the group of extroverts.

"Oh, um,... Halo."

When I gathered my courage and said hello, none of them responded with the words "hey," "oii," or "eiii." Besides, they're all dressed up like they're going out of town.

"............"

I don't know, I just feel different myself! It looks very incompatible with the clothes I wear! I already feel like I'm not going to make it! Miran, come here quickly! I said to myself.

"Shige-senpai, hei!"

I heard someone greeting Shige-senpai and reflexively turned my head. Shige-senpai is a member of the basketball club who seems to be after Miran, and is predicted to be the best player on the basketball team, has a handsome face, is smart in class, and is popular with the girls. I've always been curious about what he looks like, because from what I've heard, he's a high-spec extrovert.

"Shige-senpai, halo!"

A tall, high-spec, flashy boy appears casually after being greeted—Shige-senpai.

"----!?"

My eyes widened when I saw his face because I recognized him so much.

"Impossible, is that really Shige-senpai?"

Shige-senpai is the boring, flashy senpai who argues with me in the hallway. But I understand. I understand that the reason he bothered to visit me was because he liked Miran.

"............"

When I saw Shige-senpai again, I suddenly felt uncomfortable. In addition to his personality, it is true that Shige-senpai has a handsome face, a tall posture, and is fashionable. He is also good at talking to boys and girls.

But what about me? I'm an introverted character who has a hard time communicating and can't do anything but talk about otaku. Not to mention, I was wearing long sleeves and pants that were out of season. As you can see, there is almost no element that makes me win, right?

As I looked at the unbelievable reality, the look in Shige-senpai's eyes changed. When I turned to see the direction of his gaze, I saw that Miran and his gyaru friends had just arrived.

"Sorry to keep you guys waiting..."

I couldn't help but admire Miran's figure as he walked down to the bottom of the river in his usual cheerful tone. She was wearing a white shirt with short sleeves and a thin cardigan. She was also wearing denim shorts. Miran looks so good in her clothes that she can move around easily and look cool. Of course, Miran's two gyaru friends also look stylish and beautiful, but in my eyes, Miran is much more beautiful.

"............"

Although there are many other gyaru here, they are different in class. Meanwhile, the flashy guys, including Shige-senpai, actually got more excited.

***

After a while, everyone seemed to have gathered and the barbecue began quietly. However, since the grill was not yet ready, everyone chatted and played by the river instead. Miran, who is also a popular figure here, is surrounded by girls and boys.

"............"

I, who couldn't say hello to Miran and didn't know what to do, went to see the grill being prepared. I'm so excited to see the real thing, because before I only learned it.

"Tch, how the hell to do this..."

I could hear the click of his tongue. The nagging Senpai was carrying a grill and seemed to be having trouble preparing it. Seeing him so irritated made me speak.

"Oh, um, do you want me to help?"

"Really? Then I'm counting on you!"

"What?"

Senpai, who had been nagging, handed everything over to me and immediately went off to have fun. It happened in an instant.

So this is what those flashy guys are like?

"............"

Well, since I was the one who approached him, I won't say anything.

I went straight to work and set up the stove, remembering what I had learned from the video. It seems that this is quite a complex stove and the assembly is obviously a bit complicated.

When I finally managed to assemble it and prepare to start the fire—

"Shuji, I'll help you too!"

A familiar, soothing voice touched my ears.

"Miran?"

I turned to see my fiancée approaching me. As I hurriedly moved away, I saw Miran's whole body in thin clothes with her cardigan off, which made my heart beat faster. The sleeveless, tank-top-like shirt and her long, white legs stretching out of the short denim pants were fascinating. Plus, the shirt was tight enough to show off her curves. Most importantly, I could see her underwear through the translucent shirt!

"----!?"

I quickly turned my face, which was greeted with a feeling of confusion by Miran.

"What's going on?"

"N-No, it's just ...." When I was at a loss to say it, Miran came closer to me. Her transparent underwear and skin are close to me, making my face get hot like being roasted by a charcoal fire.

"It's very transparent...maybe you should cover it up."

When I said it, instead of being embarrassed, Miran actually laughed out loud.

"Oh, it's a swimsuit, you know! Because I thought it would get wet in the river."

"Swimsuit?!"

For a moment I wondered if it was really a swimsuit, but looking at it from under the translucent shirt, it was sensational and I didn't think it was any different from underwear.

"I wear underwear too, though."

Then she suddenly tried to undo her denim shorts right in front of me, so I quickly stopped her.

"A-All right! You don't have to take them off!"

I lowered my face while Miran looked into my eyes and asked, "Are you worried about my see-through clothes?"

"No... um, well... a little bit, anyway."

If it's just me, of course I want to keep seeing it.  But there are a lot of other boys here, so I don't want her to show them.

"If Shuuji is worried, then I will wear a top. But I only showed Shuuji this shirt."

My heart almost exploded when Miran told me this behind my back. The feeling of being so happy mixed with embarrassment made me unable to look directly at my fiancée for a while. Then Miran put on her cardian again, looked at the grill and said,

"Can I help you prepare it?"

"Oh, thank you... But don't worry. I'm almost done with the preparations."

I calmed myself by taking a moment to focus on the preparation.

"It's really great that you are willing to prepare it while everyone is playing around."

"Not that great anyway. I just like this kind of simple work, it feels so good, really."

I'm not being modest, but this is the reality. Besides, this is the only way I can benefit everyone. Later, while I was working with Miran watching me, Hanako and Adzuki-san came over smiling.

"This is the Shuuji-kun that Miran likes, right!"

"You're so good at preparing everything, huh!"

Miran's face lit up as she said this to her two gyaru friends who were talking to her.

"True! Preparing everything is great, isn't it!"

The two best friends looked at each other and said with a smile at Miran's attitude.

"Why is Miran so proud?"

"Um..."

Miran, tightly shut her mouth, looked at me as if she was having a hard time. She had just said a lot... hmmm, I understand, Miran isn't good at hiding things. When Miran couldn't answer, I clapped my hands and forcibly changed the subject.

"Oh yes! I have a beach ball, why don't you play with it?"

I don't know who brought it, there is a beach ball that hasn't been blown up yet, so I hurriedly blew it up and gave it to the gyaru.

"Shuuji-kun, why don't you play with us?" "Let's play, the four of us." Hanako-san and Adzuki-san, who didn't seem to be following up on the previous matter, smiled and invited me to join them.

"I still have to finish this..."

"That's right. In that case, let's go Miran!"

I was embarrassed while her two gyaru friends took a beach ball and went to the riverbank. Miran looked worried about me setting up the stove alone, to which I replied with a smile.

"Don't worry about me, have fun," I said.

"But..."

I heard her friends calling Miran, so I urged her,

"Look, they're calling you, you know."

"Uh-huum."

Miran, who was still worried about me, continued to walk in the direction of her friends. For now—I ignored Shige-senpai who was watching Miran and concentrated on making sure Miran and her friends enjoyed the barbecue.

"............"

After my mind calmed down again, I finished preparing the stove. It seems that no one else is willing to do it, so I started preparing the food this time.

"Today, I am going to express my feelings for Miran-chan."

"Seriously?"

Hearing such a conversation, I turned around and saw Shige-senpai talking confidently to the junior.

"Well, I think I can do it."

"In that case, please introduce me to Miran-chan's friend!"

All in all, this is a very lowly conversation.

"----!"

The feeling of anger that I had forgotten came back to me. Of course, I don't want Miran to be taken away by that kind of person, but...

"............!"

Since I concealed the fact that she was my fiancée, I have no right to comment on the confession itself. After all, I am a loner otaku with no qualities. Whereas he is the ace of the basketball team. A man with high standards, good grades, and a handsome face. I'm sure people will think that Shige-senpai is more suitable for Miran than I am.

What if Miran feels that Shige-senpai is good for her? What if she falls in love with him? What would I do?

After all, this engagement was decided by our parents, and it seems that I don't have the right to bind Miran to me either.

"----"

Thoughts like these kept swirling around in my head like a violent, muddy current. While I was dissolving in restlessness, the barbecue was fully prepared.

"Awesome! It's ready!"

As one of the flashy guys eagerly began to cook the meat, the aroma and voice drew the attention of the other members who had previously scattered to gather.

"............"

I am doing my duty. No, it is more convenient for me to do housework now, such as grilling meat, frying vegetables, serving them on a plate with a perfect degree of doneness, cleaning up the garbage, etc. If I had done normal things, I would have thought of a lot of negative things. That's why I concentrate on the behind-the-scenes tasks.

"Shuji-kun is a hardworking person, huh?"

"But don't you feel sorry for him?"

I heard the voices of Hanako-san and Adzuki-san. When I turned around, I also saw Miran looking at me with great concern. To calm her down, I replied in a cheerful tone,

"No, it's so much fun, you know."

"Shuuji, I will help you too!" At that moment, Miran ran towards me.

"Miran-chan, can you come here for a while?"

Shige-senpai's voice called out to her.

"----!" My consciousness reacted faster than Miran himself.

Miran, who was about to walk up to me, hesitated and asked Shige-senpai.

"What is it?"

"I want to talk to you about something. Let's talk there."

"Can't we talk here?"

"Well..."

Hearing him sigh, Miran also moved to change places with Shige-senpai.

Seeing that, my heart was scratched as if it was being sanded. What kind of face would Miran show if Shige-senpai confessed his feelings? What kind of answer would she give? I'm very curious, but I can't interfere right now. Besides, I'm afraid to know the truth. In the end, it was Miran's right to make her choice, and I could only resign myself to accepting it.

"----"

Although the time we spent together may have been short, the relationship that has been built between me and Miran is very solid. I had no choice but to believe that and wait anyway.

I swallowed as if holding my breath as I watched them leave.

***

"So, what do you want to talk about?"

Miran and Shige-senpai face each other under a bridge far away from the barbecue area. As for me, I secretly watched them from behind the shadows. After that, I was still just curious and followed them. I know this is a shameful thing, but my mentality is not that strong, so please forgive me.

"How's the barbecue today? Are you enjoying it?"

"Yes."

"That's good. Anyway, I was the one who made the plan."

"Oh, I see. But the one who prepares everything is another person, so I forgot."

Hearing Miran's words, Shige-senpai looked a little annoyed.

"Miran-chan invited that gloomy boy, right? It's very useful that you bring a good helper, but you also have to think about who you invite to the gathering."

Before I could think of anything else, I felt Miran's expression turn colder than I had ever seen it before.

"He's not a helper, you know!?"

"Really? Then why do you care so much about that guy, lol?" Shige-senpai smiled bitterly.

Miran's attitude turned cold.

"What is it anyway? If there is nothing important, I will go back."

"No, wait..." Shige, who had hurriedly called her, cleared his throat as if to change the subject.

"Listen, I think we will be a good match."

"Really? I doubt it."

"No, I'm sure we'll hit it off! I'm free now, so let's go out." [TN: Lol, such a way to confess. Nice try, NPC]

Shige-senpai's confession.

"I'm sorry. I can't."

But Miran answered immediately, without even thinking about it.

"What?"

He probably hadn't expected to be rejected outright. Shige-senpai raised his voice madly.

"W-Why!?

"Because I already have someone in my heart."

Someone who fills your heart—Miran has someone like that? I was surprised, but a few moments later, I wondered if what she was talking about was about me? I wanted to know.

"No, no. It can't be! What kind of person has already filled your heart?" Shige-senpai couldn't hide his surprise and ruffled his hair.

Miran smiled coldly at Shige-senpai and said.

"He's a much better person than you, you know!"

"What?"

"He doesn't seem to remember, but he was a person who was always kind, innocent and hadn't changed at all since we first met as children."

Miran, whose expression reminded me of the past, said with a slight smile and shyness.

"I love this person so much," she continued.

"----!?" Looking at Miran's face and hearing her words, I felt a strong sense of déjà vu.

This familiar feeling made me remember the past. She was the girl I used to see a lot when I was a kid, when I used to travel with my parents. I don't remember how we first met. I forgot, but every time I went on a trip, we would see each other somehow, and without me knowing, we were already good friends. The thing I remember most was when I was told that I wouldn't be able to see her for a while because of my parents' job. Then, things that the girl said to me at that time—

"Shuuji-kun, I love you so much! Let's get married in the future!"

I forgot about the current situation and drifted in a nostalgic atmosphere for a while, but then it dawned on me. The girl who was, don't tell me she was... Miran? No, but the girl who was then had a calm appearance and a more relaxed atmosphere, right? However, if it is true that 'someone who fills the hearth' of Miran is me, then it makes sense, and it also explains the familiar feelings I often experience.

"What? What the hell was that?" Shige-senpai, who couldn't accept the fact, felt very upset.

Shige-senpai's attitude got worse as he looked at her and asked Miran as if he was making fun of her.

"Don't tell me—that person was the gloomy guy or something, haha?"

"............"

"Are you serious?"

Seeing that Miran didn't refute anything, Shige-senpai rolled his eyes.

"No, of course, I am better than that gloomy guy! Do you know what people think of me? I'm cool and kind! And I know how to have fun. I'm definitely better than him!"

"I'm not interested at all. Narcissistic, disgusting!"

Miran interrupted him sharply, making Shige-senpai angry with her.

"What? What the hell!"

Looking at Shige who was trying to grab Miran,

"...!" I realized that I had jumped out. Shige-senpai was surprised when I pulled back his hand that was about to catch Miran.

"What are you doing?"

"Don't put your hand—"

"Huh!?" He said.

I glared at that trash guy and said,

"Don't put your hand on someone so precious to me!"

I wonder if I've ever shouted so loudly in my life. Shige-senpai was startled for a moment, but he quickly let go of my hand.

"Don't get carried away, you gloomy boy!" He swung his fist at me.

I do not boast and I am weak in fights. I'll be beaten to the ground. However, I will not let him touch Miran, even if I have to take a lot of blows. When I was ready to take his blow with this determination.

"Uwaa, he's a cheap loser who directly uses violence just because he's rejected, eww."

"He's so disgusting, scary~!"

The voices sounded very loud and echoed under this bridge. When I saw it, there were two of Miran's gyaru friends, Hanako-san and Adzuki-san, holding their smartphones and laughing coldly.

"What the hell is this?!"

Shige-senpai glared at them, raising his fist, and they responded with a mocking laugh.

"We're recording it now, what do you want to do?"

"To be more precise, I posted the video in the REIN group, lol."

Adzuki-san showed me the screen of her smartphone after the message was sended. Not long after that, my smartphone started to flood with messages along with notification sounds.

Almost all of the incoming messages are criticisms of Shige-senpai. Then, when he opened his own smartphone, he clicked his tongue as he said, "Just remember!" Shige-senpai flees, leaving behind words like the loser villain in the manga.