“It would definitely be a big deal. Even the girls who like Kengo-san wouldn’t keep quiet. They might even harass Natsukawa-san, who is in another school. Of course, the opposite is also true. If you were Natsukawa-san’s boyfriend, you must have experienced this, right, Komori-san? At least I have. Unlike boys, girls’ harassment is insidious, so it’s been tough.”
Somehow, I began to understand what Izumi-san was trying to say.
“So you’re saying that by making a cover, the hate directed at Ohashi-kun was directed at me?
“It’s just a guess, of course. But I’m saying that it’s a possibility.”
“……”
I pondered.
To be honest, Izumi-san’s intuition made sense to me.
I don’t want to believe that Natsukawa-san would prepare a cover, but the reality is that I was a servant.
I was thinking, ‘If she had a real boyfriend three months ago, there was no need for us to be a fake couple,’ but now that I realized she had a real boyfriend, it makes sense that she needed us to be a fake couple.
And as Izumi-san said, if Natsukawa-san and Ohashi-kun became lovers, it would be a big deal.
However, this hypothesis sticks more to some people than it does to me.
And all this applies to Izumi-san, too.
The psychological damage that Izumi-san, who really likes Ohashi-kun, suffers must be much heavier than mine, who was a fake boyfriend. I can’t even begin to imagine.
“…You’re very kind, Komori-san. You’re worried about me, even though I speculated and told you something rude.”
“Ehh, no, I didn’t say any–“
“–That’s exactly the reason. Like before, I thought you’d argue and say, ‘Aren’t you also used as a cover!?'”
Izumi-san bit her lips.
She’s trying to hold back the tears that are threatening to overflow.
“To be honest, I’m no match for Natsukawa-san. There’s no way I can beat someone with that much beauty and talent.”
I was speechless. I couldn’t really deny it at a time like this, which is probably why I’m a secondary character.
But that didn’t mean I couldn’t say, ‘That’s not true! Izumi-san has her own charm!’ but that wouldn’t make a difference.
Because that would be fake words for me, too.
I can’t win against Natsukawa-san. I think that’s close to the truth.
That’s why I’m not kind or anything.
I’m just a s***w-up. That’s all.
“But there is one thing I don’t lose to Natsukawa-san. It’s my feelings for Kengo-san. That’s the one thing I absolutely don’t lose. That’s why I won’t give up. I will definitely turn Kengo-san around. So–“
Ah, what a strong girl she is.
While I was admiring her, she said something I couldn’t believe.
“–Why don’t we make a pact, Komori-san? I will definitely make Kengo-san turn to me. So, Komori-san, let’s make Natsukawa-san regret her decision.”
I was offered a cooperation that I never expected. In summary, it was a pact to get Natsukawa-san and Kengo-kun apart.
“I will fight to the end. Because I love him so much. I want to be the only one for him. I can’t end up as a supporting character.”
“Izumi-san…”
I sincerely hope that both Natsukawa-san and Izumi-san will be happy.
But the road ahead will be so narrow that only one of the two can pass through.
That’s why it’s hard for me to root for either side. It’s painful, and it’s sad.
However, I was attracted by Izumi’s intense eyes, and I agreed before I could think it through.
“…Alright. I’ll help you if I can.”
“Thank you very much. Then I will make Komori-san a good man in return. I promise.”