My Best Friend is so Popular it's a Problem (BL) - Chapter 8

“Yuuto.”

He tugged me closer, his hand gripping mine tight. That sweet, unfamiliar mood he had been wrapping me in wouldn’t let up, and my heart kept pounding out of control, making me panic even more.

“W-wait, Haru! ”
“…What?”

Maybe he noticed how flustered I was, because that sweet atmosphere scattered just a little.
A hint of caution crossed his face.

“Uh, I’ll do it. I’ll help. But, um, you know, we’re really just friends, right? So… we just have to tell everyone we’re dating and act a little closer than usual, and that’s—”
“We need practice.”

He cut me off sharply, his voice firm.

“Eh—?”

“You’re too honest, Yuuto. If those guys start grilling you with questions, you might accidentally blurt out the truth. That’s why we need to practice acting like lovers, so they won’t get suspicious. …If they find out it’s fake, things could get even worse than now.”

“Ah…”

R-right. That makes sense. If this fake relationship is exposed, who knows what those guys would do when they’re angry…

…Wait. Did I just agree to something insane? If this blows up because of me, a simple ‘sorry’ won’t be enough…

“Um…”
“You’re the only one I can ask, Yuuto! ”

“…Huh?”

It was like he read my doubts—Haru’s desperate expression pleaded with me.

“Please, don’t you dare say you’re backing out.”
“Haru…”

“Please, Yuuto.”

His weak voice clung to me as he leaned into my chest. His back looked so small then, like he had turned into a child. Maybe all the stress he had been holding back until now had finally pushed him to the edge.

I clenched my fists tight, steeling myself.

“Alright, Haru. …I won’t back out. I’ll help you properly.”
“Thanks, Yuuto! I…”

“But!”
“Eh?”

His face lit up instantly, his head snapping up in joy—only for me to cut him off before he could continue.

“Um, well. I’m… bad at a lot of things, so, uh…”
“It’s fine. I’ll lead you.”

“Eh, no, that’s not it… I mean—uh, I want the shy role, okay?! ”
“—”

For a moment, Haru just stared blankly at me. Then, he broke out into a laugh.

“What, that’s all? Don’t worry. Everyone already knows you’re pure and innocent.”
“……”

“It’s fine, Yuuto.”

He said it with a sweet smile, squeezing my hand again.

And as Haru’s soft smile lingered, I felt my heart pounding louder and louder. Was it really going to be okay…?

Another worry began creeping into my mind.