NTR Kousuke

Chapter 146

Chapter 146: Kousuke-kun's Other Side [side Tendou Airi]

I can't help but think that Kousuke-kun is really used to being around girls, you know?

Even when I drag him along to look at small things or clothes, he never makes a sour face, always gives a proper comment or a compliment, and is so attentive and polite with me.

He was the same way at the clothing store earlier.

When that reporter came on strong out of nowhere, like it was a magazine's Street Couple Interview! kind of thing, I was totally flustered, my eyes darting all over, but—

Kousuke: "...She's having a hard time, so...? Sorry for today. Shall we go?"

He said that, gave a polite little bow, tugged at my sleeve, and tototo!—we escaped down the deserted staircase.

On the stairs, while looking out for me like he was shielding me, he leaned in close and spoke in a slightly lower voice right by my ear,

Kousuke: "No one's here, so no one will see us, right?"

—To have him say that by my ear... my heart was pounding out of control!

(...Even though he's younger...! I'm the older one... I'm the older one here—!)

I kept telling myself that.

Kousuke: "...Senpai? Airi-senpai? Sorry. Maybe it's because I made you run? Let's go!"

He misunderstood why I was blushing so hard, thinking it was from running, and kind of forcefully led me to a café... It was good. Really good...!

Even at the café, Kousuke-kun listened to everything I said. Even if it was something he didn't seem interested in, he made sure to listen, asking questions about the parts he didn't understand, and that made me so happy.

...Sahori-senpai liked to talk about himself but totally zoned out if it was about something he didn't care about.

...Even though I know I shouldn't compare people, since I'd hate it if someone compared me to their previous boyfriend, it's just human nature, I guess.

...Kousuke-kun is so mature, thoughtful, kind, and just an all-around charming boy, I think.

No, no! I'm the older one, right? I kept telling myself that.

After about thirty minutes of talking, Tachibana-kun and his group showed up too.

It seemed like Tachibana-kun and the others, being considerate, decided to have tea at a table on the other side.

...!

...!

Are Nozomi-chan and Eien-chan fighting or something?

Seeing that, Kousuke-kun chuckled deep in his throat, like, kukuku!

Kousuke: "...Sorry, it's just, the way Sho and the others fight is so funny...!"

When he's with Tachibana-kun, Kousuke-kun gets this innocent, boyish smile.

...It feels like I'm seeing the real Kousuke-kun, unfiltered by position or relationships, not holding back.

That somehow makes me feel a bit jealous and a bit happy.

"You really love Tachibana-kun, don't you, Kousuke-kun?"

Kousuke: "...Eh?! What are you talking about?!"

When I saw Kousuke-kun turn red and panic, I finally felt, oh, he really is a younger boy! That was a relief. Yeah, I want him to be himself in front of me, you know? I thought that with a smile.

☆ ☆ ☆

Bookstore

So, in the basement of the shopping area, there's this huge bookstore, one of the biggest in the prefecture.

From reference books to paperbacks to encyclopedias, you name it—they've got an amazing selection.

When we got to the bookstore, we naturally split up.

Like, let's each go look at what we want to see?

Tachibana-kun and Nozomi-chan started moving quickly, chatting as they went.

Seeing that, Eien-chan started asking Kousuke-kun about Tachibana-kun and his sister, right?

Just as I was about to join them,

Seree: "...Um, um, Tendou-san? Could you look at reference books with me?"

...Nozomi-chan's friend, Seree-chan?

Medium build, blonde hair, green eyes, and super busty...

Wait, she was in disguise, wasn't she?

At Seree-chan's request, I headed over to the middle school reference book section.

Seree-chan is in the same grade as Nozomi-chan, second year of middle school, and she'll be taking high school entrance exams next year.

Seree-chan asked me about her grades and stuff, but... yeah, seems like she's doing pretty well.

What's your desired school? I wonder where.

Seree: "...My first choice is Hokusho High School."

Oh, really! Hokusho was founded almost six years ago, and it's rapidly secured its reputation as a preparatory private high school. I bet the academic ranking you need to get in has gone up since our time.

A lot of students go on from there to national universities in the prefecture or famous private universities in Tokyo, so the academic ranking has been rising since it was established. Its facilities and curriculum are top-notch, and now that it's got a track record, too, it's become really popular.

Seree: "...It's still a secret, but Nozomi-chan is aiming for Hokusho on a sports recommendation... so I want to go to a preparatory school, too, so Hokusho..."

That's great! That makes me so happy!

I'll look at reference books with Seree-chan! Back when I was taking entrance exams, I used this series!

Oh, this one might be even more helpful!

When Seree-chan bought two books, she bowed politely and thanked me.

...Ah, I'm so happy. It'd be wonderful to have two such cute underclassmen.

...But by the time they enroll, I'll have already graduated. I felt like I'd only just started high school, but now it's almost time for me to start thinking about graduation... That made me feel kind of sentimental.

In a year, I'll have already graduated...

For the first time, I realized how little time I have left as a high school student.

I have to live my high school life with no regrets...!

☆ ☆ ☆

Seree-chan, having put the reference books in her bag, went off to look for Nozomi-chan at the boys' manga section. ...I wonder if she's there?

I strolled leisurely around the bookstore.

I really like the smell of paper and the atmosphere in bookstores.

Is Tachibana-kun in the picture book section?

Tachibana: "Oh, Tendou-san! Where's Kousuke?"

Earlier, Eien-chan was asking, where did Tachibana-kun and the others go?

Apparently, Hii-chan, the youngest brother, likes picture books, and even though they bought one recently, they were holding a sibling meeting in the picture book section about what to do today.

So, they decided not to buy one today, but the big brother is still checking to see if there's anything good.

I giggled, thinking Kousuke-kun's best friend is such a kind, good boy too.

...I vaguely aim for a job like a sports trainer, but honestly, there was a time I dreamed of becoming a picture book author too...

I can't help but recommend a few picture books to Tachibana-kun!

Moving picture books, cute picture books, thought-provoking picture books. Everyone has at least one picture book they read as a child that they still remember vividly. I just had to talk passionately about that!

Tachibana-kun nodded along as he listened, and I thought he was kind of like Kousuke-kun.

After chatting a bit, naturally, the conversation turned to Kousuke-kun, our common topic.

The Kousuke-kun I heard about from Tachibana-kun is a boy who quietly hides a burning passion inside.

He said Kousuke was his one and only best friend, always there to help with any crisis or trouble, supporting him and putting himself on the line.

I could really feel the bond between passionate boys.

Looking a little embarrassed, but still meeting my eyes straight on, Tachibana-kun said,

Tachibana: "Kousuke often talks to me about you, Tendou-san. He really... ah, he says this, not me! He really looks up to and trusts Airi-senpai."

He paused there,

Tachibana: "...He had a pretty bad breakup with his girlfriend from middle school. He's really bad with women... but he really admires Airi-senpai! I know it's not really my place, but please take care of Kousuke."

Tachibana-kun gave me a small bow, and I quickly said, please raise your head!

With a wry smile, Tachibana-kun said,

Tachibana: "If he knew I asked you something like that, he'd get mad. Kousuke used to stutter, so sometimes he hesitates to speak or doesn't say much, but it's because he thinks more than most people and cares about others, not because he's just quiet or expressionless!"

Laughing, I replied,

"It's okay! I know, Tachibana-kun! Even though he seems reserved, he's actually really expressive, and even if he doesn't say much, I always feel like he's facing me with his whole self when we talk. ...I know how great Kousuke-kun is, and I want to know him even better from now on."

Seeing Tachibana-kun smile so happily, I realized I'd just blurted out something pretty bold! That made me blush all over again!

Kousuke-kun's best friend really is a wonderful boy, too...!

I spent a heartwarming time listening to Tachibana-kun's stories about Kousuke-kun when they were kids, being surprised, laughing, and just feeling all warm inside.