My Best Friend is so Popular it's a Problem (BL) - Chapter 2

“Oh, it’s Haruto. Rare for him to be early.”
“Ah, you’re right, it’s Haruto. Hey, Haruto!”

As we got closer to school, more students from the same school appeared. At the same time, more people noticed Haruto and called out to him, walking over to us.

“What are you doing, Haruto?”
“…………”
“Haruto?”

“Ah—he was forced out of bed this morning, so he’s sleepy. That’s why he’s in a bad mood. Just leave him alone.”

Haruto’s a moody guy. Sometimes he gets grumpy and ignores people completely. Whenever that happens, Sora naturally steps in and answers for him, smoothing things over. Haruto and Sora have been together since middle school, so it feels like they know everything about each other.

“…You’re sleepy, Haruto?”
“…That’s right.”

Still, Haruto gave a sulky reply to the person who kept trying to talk to him.

“Then I’ll carry you on my back. No need to let a little guy like him drag you around.”
“…No.”
“What?”
“I said no! He’s my best friend, and we support each other, so don’t worry about it.”
“…!”

As Haruto said that, he clung to me even tighter. I almost let out a weird sound and hurried to stop myself.

“Then go out with me, Haruto. You’re not dating anyone right now, are you?”
“—I quit.”
“What?”

“I said I quit that kind of thing! Go away! You’re annoying!”

Haruto shouted angrily, then hugged me even harder. Because of that, the guy in front of us glared straight at me, and cold sweat started dripping down my back. Even though Haruto was clearly glaring at him too, he still wouldn’t leave. I had no idea what to do.

“Uh… well, I’m already used to Haruto clinging to me, so you don’t need to worry about it, okay?”

What I really meant was, so please back off already. But when I said that, the guy’s face just got scarier and scarier.

…Scary.

“Katsushi, sorry, but let it go. Looks like Haruto finally realized how bothersome it is to date just anyone.”

With a weary sigh, Sora stepped in to help. He’s good at reading the mood and handling things calmly. I’ve been saved by that many times. And I’m sure Haruto has too.

“…Fine.”
“Sorry about that.”
“You don’t need to apologize, Sora. …See you.”

With that, the guy called Katsushi quickly walked off.

“…Sorry for making things troublesome.”
Haruto must have realized Sora had helped him out again. At times like this, he usually apologizes honestly.

“—It’s fine. You’re Haruto, after all.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Nothin’, really. …Anyway, we better hurry or we’ll be late.”

“Ah, you’re right.”

As soon as he said that, Haruto popped off my back.

…Ah, somehow…

“Shall we hurry, Yuuto?”
“Ah, yeah.”

The warmth on my back suddenly felt cold. That’s why… just a little, really just a little… I felt kind of lonely.