Chapter 48 – The Suffering of Free Going Person (Part 1)
"Himahara-kun,"
On a Sunday night, after returning home, when I picked up the phone from Sakurazaki, she sounded incredibly excited.
"You seem to be in a good mood tonight."
"Hehe, well, you know, the movie I starred in finished filming today, and it will be released in December!"
"Wow, a movie. What's the title?"
"The title is 'My Love Story that Started from Love with You,' and this movie is really touching!"
Sakurazaki appeared in the film, which piqued my interest a little.
While listening about the film, Sakurazaki told me that there's an original version in a comic app that can be read for free as part of the film's release celebration. After the call ended, I decided to read a bit about this work.
The story depicts the summer romance of the protagonist who knows nothing about love, quite typical indeed. Given the title, such a story might be quite adorable for young people nowadays.
Thinking about that, as I read up to volume 5, there was one scene that caught my attention.
"....!"
The protagonist and the female lead drew close and shared a passionate kiss.
Truly a scene that's hard to accept as an all-ages work.
"A-a kissing scene..."
...This kiss is also in the movie where Sakurazaki appears, isn't it?
Maybe, this is a scene involving Sakurazaki and her male co-star, who seems to be clueless about anatomy...
Wait a minute.
This is related to Sakurazaki's work.
I've said multiple times that I'm not interested in idol Sakurazaki Nako.
...However.
Sakurazaki sounds really happy.
Could it be that she wants to show me this romantic scene...?
"Sakurazaki..."
+×+×+×+
Finally, I couldn't sleep at all last night.
Feeling annoyed by the fact that Sakurazaki, who is always by my side, filmed such a scene with someone else, I arrived at school and immediately slumped down on my desk.
Suddenly, I felt a poke in my back and my body was slowly lifted.
Nanamizawa?
"Good morning, Kou-kun."
Wait, Renkawa? ... Renkawa⁈
"Wow, the panda eyes beneath your eyes are really noticeable!"
"Such a thing is not important! And why are you, from the next class, here..."
But it's too late. The entire class's gaze is fixed on me.
"...Come over here for a moment!"
I pulled Renkawa's hand and left the classroom. Thankfully, Sakurazaki hadn't arrived yet.
At the very least, we could talk outside the classroom.
So, we walked out of the classroom, went up the stairs, and reached the school rooftop.
"Don't talk to me at school."
"Oh, that. I just..."
"Yesterday and today, you've been underestimating yourself too much. You're also a great idol, so take care of yourself."
"I-I apologize..."
...Why am I giving a speech like this to an idol in the morning?
"Kou-kun, are you in a bad mood today?"
"Huh? Of course not."
"It seems you're sleep-deprived, and your tone... is a bit scary."
"...That... sorry. I just have a few things on my mind."
"Issues?"
Renkawa furrowed her brow.
"Sakurazaki, in her work... there's a kissing scene."
"...Ah, so you're really angry about that. I understand."
"Your way of talking is a bit annoying, but maybe this time you're right."
"Is Kou-kun feeling uncomfortable about it?"
"Of course, even though it's work, Sakurazaki is doing scenes like that... It feels kind of weird."
"Oh, is this about the scene in the upcoming movie she'll be in?"
"Yes."
Renkawa seemed to be thinking something.
"Actually, it might be interesting if I keep quiet."
"Huh?"
"Is it a scene from the upcoming movie?"
"Yes."
Renkawa seemed to ponder for a moment.
"I should probably stay quiet."
"What are you saying?"
"Isn't this about the upcoming movie where Sakurazaki has a role? It sounds intriguing."
"...What are you talking about?"
Renkawa said that while laughing half-heartedly.
It's a mistake to talk to this person when I'm worried.
"You're someone who's always honest about your feelings. But I think this time you should discuss it with Nako-chan. Are you jealous?"
"No matter who it is, they wouldn't be happy if someone next to them was approached by someone else."
"Words like that. Well then, I've gathered valuable data that Kou-kun can't stand NTR. I'm satisfied with this."
She's really annoying.
"I'll be careful too... Oh, I should get back now or I'll be late for the morning homeroom."
"Is it that time already?"
"Okay, make sure you talk to Sakurazaki seriously."
"...Yeah."
In the end, Renkawa gave me advice.
Talk...
But how should I say it...
Translator: Janaka