My Best Friend is so Popular it's a Problem (BL) - Chapter 9

“Then, let’s buy the tea Sora asked for and go back.”
“Ah, right! We have to hurry back!”

Huh?

A tug on my hand pulled me back to reality.

Oh crap, we’ve been holding hands this whole time.

“Let’s go.”
“Uh, um, Haruhi…”

I glanced between our joined hands and Haruhi’s face, silently begging him to let go. After a brief puzzled look, he seemed to understand what I meant. Then, with a sly smile, he shook his head.

“Nope. The act starts now. Even if we don’t go around saying we’re dating, just holding hands like this will spread the rumor soon enough. Everyone will think we’ve started going out.”

“……”

“Or do you want me to put my arm around your shoulders instead?”
“Holding hands is fine!”

I snapped back instantly, making Haruhi lift one eyebrow. Then, with a soft chuckle, he pulled me along toward the vending machines near the shop.

…They’re watching.
Everyone is staring at us, Haruhi…

A bottle in his right hand, my hand locked firmly in his left. He swung our linked hands playfully as we walked, smiling like it was the most natural thing in the world. Meanwhile, people passing by couldn’t stop staring at our hands, then at our faces, their eyes wide in shock.

And me—my face burned so hot from embarrassment I swore steam might shoot out of me.

“You’re cute, Yuto.”
“……”

“That red face of yours is really cute.”
“H-Haruhi!”

Whose fault do you think this is?!

Even though I glared at him as hard as I could, Haruhi just laughed like he was enjoying himself. Why the hell am I the one suffering from this embarrassment when he’s the one who asked me for the favor!?

…It’s beyond unfair. Still, I couldn’t handle all the staring, so I kept my head down and let Haruhi drag me along until we finally reached the classroom.