In My Second Life, I'll Do Everything To Win You Over—My Beloved Childhood Friend Will Never Be Given To Anyone Else - Episode 39

“Momoka-chan”

The borrowing race was about to start… when Kusakabe came to the first aid tent. He probably snuck away from his post.

“I bought this from the vending machine. Want some?”

What was offered with a smile was a plastic bottle filled with a sports drink. I was just thirsty, so I said thank you and accepted it.

“Next, Fujimiya-san will go on.”

“Yeah”

“Fujimiya-san, what topic will you draw?”

Every time Kusakabe says Nagisa’s name, my heart races. I know there’s nothing between them now, though.

Because the two of you are such a great match that you could get married, right?

“I also wanted to participate in the scavenger hunt.”

“Borrowed items races were really popular, weren’t they?”

From my perspective, a scavenger hunt is an incredibly annoying event. You have to run alone, so you stand out, and above all, it’s tough for someone like me with low communication skills.

“If I had been there, I might have come to pick up Momoka-chan.”

“What kind of theme?”

“Like a cute girl, or something.”

Making eye contact, Kusakabe smiled brightly. Whether he was serious or just teasing… the exquisite smile intensified my guilt.

I don’t want you to fall in love with Nagisa. I don’t want you two to date.

For that reason, I approached Kusakabe.

But if you really end up liking me… it would mean that I did something really terrible to Kusakabe… to Yuki-kun.

“Momoka-chan, what kind of topic would make you come pick me up?”

“Um…”

“Hey”

If I were to say something like “cool person” here, I wonder what would happen.

Kusakabe falling in love with me might make it less likely for him to fall in love with Nagisa, right?

“Like tall people, or something.”

“Geez, what’s that? Praise me more!”

“Honestly,” Kusakabe said with a cheerful laugh. “You’re complimenting me, but…” I replied, directing my gaze towards the field.

I know the pain of unrequited love better than anyone. Yet, to think that I would toy with someone else’s heart like that.

To obtain Nagisa, I can’t afford to be picky about the means. I know that. Even so, it still feels painful, and I let out a quiet sigh.

♡

“Momoka, come here!”

Nagisa, who had come right in front of me, grabbed my arm without waiting for a response. Pulled along, I was dragged out onto the field.

There wasn’t even time to see what kind of expression Kusakabe had when he said, “Do your best.”

“Nagisa, wait! W-wait, not so suddenly…!”

“Sorry! But I want to win!”

If that’s what they said, I have no choice but to run in silence. Since I rested in the tent, I’ve recovered a bit of my stamina.

However, running at full speed under the blazing sun was tough, and the moment I crossed the finish line, I collapsed onto the ground.

“Good, somehow I came in first, Momoka.”

“…I’m glad.”

“Sorry for making you run. But, thank you.”

Squatting down, Nagisa meets my gaze. On the field, the next race had already begun.

As expected, the audience is in high spirits.

“What was the prompt?”

“Are you curious?”

“Well, of course, I’m curious.”

No way, a crush? …I’m not stupid enough to imagine that. I’d be happy if it were true, but there’s no way such an idea would be accepted for the sports festival in the first place.

“What do you think?”

“A person with long hair”

“Too bad, wrong answer. The correct answer is…”

With a small chuckle, Nagisa approached me. Then, she exhaled softly in my ear.

“What!?”

“People with sensitive ears”

“There’s no way that’s true.”

“You don’t have to react so calmly. Well, it’s a lie anyway.”

I was just teasing a little, but Nagisa pouted her lips. She might have meant it that way, but my heart was about to explode.

“Actually, this”

Nagisa took a folded piece of paper out of the pocket of her gym uniform. When she unfolded it, it said, “A person with long hair.”

“My prediction was spot on, wasn’t it?”

“Yeah. I thought, as expected of Momoka.”

After laughing heartily, Nagisa suddenly became serious. Then, she looked at me with cold eyes.

“Earlier, Kusakabe came to the first aid tent, right? What were you talking about?”

“Well, it’s not like we’re talking about anything important.”

“Someone from another class asked me if those two are dating.”

Nagisa slowly exhaled. Then, she tightly grasped my hand. With her nails digging in, I couldn’t help but let out a small “Ouch.”

However, Nagisa won’t let go of my hand.

“That’s not good, doing something that could be misunderstood.”