My Best Friend is so Popular it's a Problem (BL) - Chapter 14

Walking down the hallway, I held hands with Haruto.

Passersby shot us glances full of jealousy and resentment. Haruto seemed thrilled, like a prisoner finally freed from persistent admirers, but I felt exhausted under the piercing hostility in those stares—something I’d never experienced before.

“Ah…”

Following Haruto’s quiet voice, I noticed a stunning upperclassman walking a few steps ahead of us. She had a cool, icy beauty, very different from Haruto’s handsome looks.

“Do you know her?”
“Huh? You don’t know? That’s Mikage Mika, captain of the kendo club. They say she’s the strongest beauty.”
“Strong? Wait… is she the one who crushes anyone who tries to flirt with her?”
“Exactly. That one.”
“Hmm… never seen her before. But she doesn’t exactly look intimidating, does she?”
“Yeah, that’s the trick. People underestimate her because of her looks and end up thinking they can win her over. Then… they get what’s coming to them.”
“…I see. Still… wow, she’s ridiculously beautiful.”

It felt like my eyes were naturally drawn to her, unable to look away—just like with Haruto. Being beautiful like that might come with admiration, but also a mountain of troubles.

“…So… is that your type, Yuhito?”
“Huh?”

Haruto’s voice snapped me back. I had been staring after Mikage-san, and now he sounded annoyed.

“You were totally staring.”
“Eh, n-no! I just… I’d never seen someone that beautiful before, that’s all!”
“Hmm…”

His suspicious gaze made me feel like I was being accused of cheating, even though we weren’t even really dating.

“I-I like someone more like… you, Haruto. Not a cold, distant beauty like her.”
“…….”

Wait…
“Haruto?”

Talking while walking, I realized his presence was suddenly gone. The hand I had been holding was no longer in his, and when I turned around, Haruto was crouched down on the floor.

“What’s wrong!? Are you okay, Haruto!?”

I ran over, thinking he might be hurt. But he waved his hands and said he was fine, then smacked his face with both hands, shouting, “Ushi!” as if psyching himself up, and smoothly stood up again.

And once more, he grabbed my hand, starting to walk.

Ah… so, he does still want to hold hands.

It was a little over the top, but I had to admit—this would clearly make people notice that we were “dating,” even if it was just a performance. We’d already seen that effect in the classroom at lunch.

Well, we were in this together now. If it helped Haruto, I could tolerate a little embarrassment.

With that thought, I squeezed his hand in return, and we continued home together.