My Best Friend is so Popular it's a Problem (BL) - Chapter 13

“Good. So I can assume there’s nothing between you and Hatayama, right, Yuuto?”
“Of course not! What are you talking about, Haruto!”

He’s being over the top! There’s nothing going on with Hatayama, but Haruto acts like I’m about to steal his girlfriend or something. No need to pretend you’re devastated!

Squeeze.
—Thump.

W-wait, heart, chill out!
Don’t react to every little thing!

I denied it with everything I had, and Haruto let out a long breath and gripped both my hands tight. My stupid heart responded to every tiny move like clockwork, and all I could do was go completely limp.

Ughhhhh.

“Huh—kinda disappointed, huh.”
“…What?”

Hatayama sounded like he was teasing, and Haruto answered in a low voice.

“Whatever. I just guessed Haruto only gets close to people he doesn’t have feelings for. That guess being wrong is disappointing, is all.”

“……”

I couldn’t tell if Hatayama was taunting or provoking us. Haruto glared at him.

“Ha. Don’t glare like that. See ya, Ichigoya. Haruto, catch you tomorrow.”
“Ah, yeah. Bye.”
“……”

Hatayama raised one hand and left, and Haruto kept staring at his back without saying a word.

“Sorry, Haruto. Bad timing, I guess. I didn’t expect—”
“Hey, watch that guy. Don’t let your guard down.”
“Huh? Ah, okay, got it.”

Of course he’s worried Hatayama’s probing into our situation.

I nodded seriously so Haruto wouldn’t worry, but when he saw my face he muttered under his breath, “Does this guy really get it…?” with a weird look.

…I heard that, Haruto!
I may seem useless, but I’m still one of your friends. Trust me a little!

Determined not to put Haruto in danger because of my screw-up, I clenched my fist. I would protect my beautiful, cool, and dangerously attractive friend from that creepy gang of stalkers. Yeah.

…Man, I sound so heroic. Like a knight saving a fragile princess. Heh. ♪

“…hm.”

“Mm!”

“Geez, Yuuto!”

“…Huh?”

Suddenly I snapped out of my daydream. Haruto was holding out his hand, motioning up and down like he wanted me to take it.

“Let’s head home. Come on.”

Of course. Haruto’s way too thorough with this act.

“……”

Warm smiles from the front, jealous stares from behind. But this is—there’s no choice but to take his hand.

Ignoring my wildly obedient heart, I put my hand onto Haruto’s palm like a well-trained pet.