NTR Kousuke

Chapter 147

Chapter 147: Kureha Wants Allies

We arrived at the bookstore, and everyone started wandering off to look at different things.

The Tachibana siblings, who love bookstores, immediately headed over to the picture book corner.

That must be for Hii-chan...

If the youngest brother Hii-chan finds out those two went out together today, won't he be super mad?

I heard he puffs up his cheeks when he gets angry, right?

Just as I was chuckling at that image, someone called out to me from behind.

I quickly wiped the smile off my face.

What is it?

Kureha: "Sho-kun and Nozomi-chan, where did they go? Kousuke-kun, do you know?"

"...I think it's for Hii-chan's picture book."

I pointed in that direction with a little gesture, like, "They went over there."

Kureha-san made an "Ah! That's it!" kind of face and seemed convinced.

I thought she might go after them, but instead she stayed and kept talking.

Kureha: "Thanks for going along with this double date today."

"...Yeah, Airi-senpai looks like she's having fun, too."

Fufu! Haha! We both laughed, but... Kureha-san? It seems like there's something she wants to say.

I took another good look at the refined, black-haired beautiful girl right in front of me.

Shiny black long hair, unbelievably perfect features, eyes that shine strong and beautiful, and skin so pale you'd think she's never been in the sun. She's slender and delicate—honestly, totally my type...

But this girl is actually quite a troublemaker—a naive self-destructing girl.

I'd heard from Sho about how much of a handful she is.

That girl, a little nervous, spoke to me:

Kureha: "Hey, Kousuke-kun. Who do you think would make the best girlfriend for Sho-kun?"

She said "who," but it sounded more like she meant "which one?"

...Sho has liked Rena Kashii since he was a kid.

The talented and beautiful young lady, called the perfect girl of our generation.

Those two went through a lot together and seemed drawn to each other, so I thought they might start dating when they entered high school... but...

*See main story, the chapter about falling for the class rep

After starting high school, Sho helped out this Kureha-san, and as they spent time together doing this and that, she totally fell for Sho and confessed, and now she's going all out to win him over...

...I already know my answer.

"...That's up to Sho to decide, isn't it?"

Kureha-san looked dissatisfied.

Kureha: "...Yeah, I know, but Rena is strong. She's beautiful, cute, sexy! Plus, she's healthy, smart, and super talented! What is with that girl?!"

She complained, but seemed happy all the same.

I wondered if they actually know each other?

Kureha: "I stayed over at Rena's place the other day, and I told her exactly what I wanted to say! Rena's eyes were going all wide! ...That girl has everything."

That's unexpected. There aren't many people who get that close to Rena Kashii.

I thought that as I listened to Kureha-san talk.

Looking so happy and excited, Kureha-san declared, "Rena is my rival!"

Sho is being thought of that much by such a beautiful girl?

...Meanwhile, I'm still scared of being betrayed by girls, and honestly not good with them at all.

Is that what they call Sho's capacity? He's got a depth and warmth I don't have.

That makes me proud of him as my best friend.

Kureha-san started passionately talking about how she first met Sho and how he helped her.

I got totally caught up in her story, just nodding along.

Before I knew it, we were having a blast and totally hitting it off!

Kureha: "You really are Sho-kun's best friend, Kousuke-kun! You love Sho-kun so much!"

"...You get Sho, too, Kureha-san...! If you'd just looked at Sho's surface and thought you understood him, I might've given you a lecture."

Kureha-san suddenly made an "Oh! I just remembered!" face.

Kureha: "So! About what we were talking about at the beginning! ...Kousuke-kun, I'll help bring you and Airi-san together! So in return, could you help me with Sho-kun?"

Kureha-san pressed her hands together in front of her chest—please!—and asked me.

A request from a beautiful black-haired girl is like something out of a painting, but...

"...I think Sho should date whoever he likes. If Sho wants to date you, I'll be happy to cheer you on! ...And there's nothing romantic going on between me and Airi-senpai, okay?"

Kureha-san is a girl whose expressions change in a flash.

Pouting again a little,

Kureha: "That's! Why! I don't stand a chance if Rena's the competition! If Sho's best friend Kousuke-kun recommends me, wouldn't it be easier for Sho to choose?"

"...Don't make it sound like I'm a recommended top breeder or something."

Kureha: "I wish Sho would just charge straight for me!"

Anyway, I told her that I just want Sho to end up with the girl he loves.

So I let her know I have no intention of getting in the way of her love life and hope it all works out, and she looked at me with wide, round eyes.

Kureha: "...Wow, that's a surprise. I thought you were all about Rena."

"...Not really. I just give Sho advice or warnings if he asks... No matter who he dates, Sho will still be Sho."

Kureha: "I love Sho-kun so much! I'm not giving up!"

I laughed along with Kureha-san.

...Maybe it's because I know she likes someone else?

Just like with my middle school friend Obata-san, I don't get that fear of women around Kureha-san. After all, there's no way someone who loves Sho could be a bad person!

Kureha: "...I'll contact you at the address you gave me before! You don't have to be on my side—just not on Rena's side is enough! And tell me more about Sho-kun, okay?"

"...Sure."

...I'd heard that Kureha-san had good grades and was a fast learner.

But she's way more impressive than I expected.

She went to her rival's house for a sleepover and openly declared war.

She tried to get Sho's best friend—me—on her side, or at the very least, made sure I'd stay neutral.

...It might sound rude, but even though she seems airheaded, her moves are right on target.

Sho is being completely targeted by this mysterious heroine with real initiative and drive.

Finally, I asked her why she and Nozomi were arguing so much at the café earlier, and I burst out laughing!

What the heck! That's so silly!

I got a little glimpse of this girl's "Kureha Theater," the kind of funny story Sho always talks about.