The Delinquent Shimizu-san Sitting Next to Me Has Dyed Her Hair Black-Chapter 5Volume 2 .2 - Shimizu-san and Misunderstanding
Shimizu-san and Misunderstanding 2
(TN: Without Text.)
“So you’re the accomplice in the class working with Ai!”
“Yes. Did you hear about it from Ai Senpai?”
“But I couldn’t ask her who it was! Since when? Since when were you asked to do this?”
“Since our first year.”
“That long ago?!”
I had never realized it.
I’d like to believe it’s not because I’m oblivious but because Seto was very discreet.
“Although I say ‘watching’, it was mostly just updating Ai Senpai about Shimizu-san’s situation from time to time. It wasn’t much of a job.”
“…Still, it’s impressive you kept it up from our first year until now.”
“For dorayaki.”
“What?”
“Every time I report about Shimizu-san to Ai Senpai, I occasionally get dorayaki.”
“You were lured in by food?!”
I thought Seto was a loyal junior, looking out for her senior.
Turns out she’s more pragmatic than I thought.
“You can’t blame me, Dorayaki is delicious. So? Are you ready to admit you like Hondō?”
“Wha—”
Come to think of it, that’s what we were originally talking about.
“There’s more evidence, like how you two were closely working together during cooking class. I have plenty more.”
“Ugh…”
“It’s easier if you just admit you like him.”
Suddenly, our roles have been reversed.
“I get it…”
“Sorry, I couldn’t hear you. What did you say?”
“I said I get it! Yes, I like Hondō!”
I unintentionally raised my voice.
I hope it didn’t echo into the hallway.
“…Say something.”
“Shimizu-san, you really do like Hondō.”
“You’re the one who pointed it out!”
“I did, but I wasn’t completely sure…”
I thought that with all the evidence Seto provided, she was sure I had feelings for Hondō.
Apparently, I was mistaken.
“Okay then. Now that you know I… li-like Hondō, what are you going to do?”
“…There’s something I’d like your help with.”
“What?”
Unexpectedly, Seto brought up something I hadn’t considered.
“Just so you know, if you ask for Dorayaki in exchange for not telling anyone, I’ll refuse.”
“…I won’t do that.”
“Hey, what was that pause? Did you consider it for a moment after hearing my words?”
“I wouldn’t threaten someone over dorayaki… probably.”
“You should say that with more confidence…”
Otherwise, I’d have to always carry dorayaki with me just to keep Seto’s mouth shut.
“…I can get my dorayaki from Ai Senpai. Anyway, let’s get back to the topic. What I meant to say is, we can help each other out.”
“Help each other out?”
“Yes, like how I can chat with Hondō about love while you pretend to be asleep, just as before, and get to know his preferences in girls.”
“I see.”
The source of this c𝐨ntent is freeweɓnovēl.coɱ.
“Actually, the last time we chatted about love, I listened to Hondō with the intention of telling you.”
“Is that so? Then, thank you for that.”
“You’re welcome. So, what do you think? It’s not a bad deal, right?”
“… It’s not a bad deal for me, sure. But what’s in it for you? What do you want me to do for you?”
Earlier, Seto had mentioned that we could help each other out.
That means she must want some kind of favor from me.
“…There are two things I want.”
“Tell me.”
“First, I want you to teach me about love.”
“What?”
“I want you to teach me about love.”
“I heard you the first time. No but, what do you mean by that?”
She said it with a serious face, so I don’t think she’s joking. But it’s too vague.
“You just admitted you like Hondō. That means you’re in love. If you’re in love, you should know about it. I don’t understand what love is, and I want you to teach me.”
“I don’t fully understand love either…”
“Whatever you know is enough.”
I look at Seto again, and her eyes are filled with seriousness.
“For instance, what do you like about Hondō?”
“W-What? Why all of a sudden? Well… I like that he sees not just my appearance but who I truly am inside.”
“I see… Next question. When did you realize you liked Hondō?”
“Er… during our first year of high school.”
“I hadn’t noticed that. Next, do you want to kiss Hondō?”
“Wh-What the heck are you saying?!”
I imagine it in my head.
Hondō’s face comes closer…and then our silhouettes merge…
“… Shimizu-san, you’re so cute.”
“…if you want to pick a fight, I’m ready….”
“I didn’t mean it that way, sorry. It’s just that seeing you blush while imagining a kiss is so different from your usual demeanor.”
“… Don’t do that again.”
“Understood. What I wanted to say is that I’d like you to answer questions like these.”
So, she wants to understand the emotions I feel towards Hondō as a reference.
“…Alright. But even if you’re not convinced by my answer, I don’t care.”
“It’s okay. Thank you, Shimizu-san.”
“You mentioned there was another thing you wanted help with. Tell me.”
“I want help getting closer to the person I’m interested in.”
She’s made another request that’s very specific.
“First of all, who are you interested in?”
“…Ah.”
Seto seems to have just realized she didn’t mention the name of the person she’s interested in.
“Do I have to say the name?”
“How can I help you get closer to him if you don’t tell me his name?”
“…You have a point. Fine, I’ll say it. The person I’m interested in is… Matsuoka-kun. Toshiya Matsuoka.”
It took Seto less time than I thought to say the name.
It’s honestly surprising to find out he’s interested in Matsuoka.
…Matsuoka? Come to think of it, didn’t he say he liked Seto?
“What’s wrong?”
What should I do? Should I tell her? That Matsuoka likes her?
Seto has consistently said he’s ‘interested’ in Matsuoka, which means she hasn’t really confirmed her feelings yet.
Honestly, I don’t really know Matsuoka, but spilling the beans about someone’s feelings before a confession seems a bit cruel.
“Nothing, never mind.”
I decided to keep quiet about Matsuoka’s feelings towards Seto.
“Really? So, Shimizu-san, will you help me get closer to Matsuoka-kun?”
“What exactly do you want me to do? I’m not close to Matsuoka.”
“True. Matsuoka seems to be afraid of you.”
“You could’ve sugar-coated that a bit.”
Seto’s remarks, unintentional or not, can sometimes be a bit sharp.
“Sorry. I don’t need you to do anything immediately. But if there’s anything I’d like you to do, I’ll let you know.”
“Got it. But if I don’t want to, I’ll refuse.”
“That’s fine. I’d be happy if Shimizu-san would help, but only when you genuinely want to.”
With that, Seto extended her hand towards me.
“What’s with the hand?”
“It’s a gesture to formally say I’m looking forward to working with you’.”
“…Just know that if you regret collaborating with me, I won’t be responsible.”
I took Seto’s hand.
I thought I saw the corner of Seto’s mouth lift slightly, but it was probably just my imagination.
