“B-But you have Kurumi! She’s someone so amazing, approved by your parents, living with you, and you even share a bed with her! I can’t compete with that!”
Finally, I realized the massive misunderstanding.
“No, no! Kurumi isn’t like that!”
“She is! You’re always talking about her! You said she’s got an amazing figure, a big butt, and she’s so charming… I can never measure up to that!”
“No! It’s a misunderstanding! Here, look at this!”
I pulled out my phone and showed her a picture of Kurumi, my beloved corgi.
“Wha…?”
Sayuki froze, staring at the screen. Just like the time she dropped all those notebooks in class.
Then, as the realization sank in, her face turned bright red. Tears welled up in her eyes again as her mouth twisted into a trembling pout.
“Wha… waaaaah!”
When I grabbed her arm to stop her from running away like usual, Sayuki resisted slightly but soon calmed down.
The tears that had been welling up in her eyes finally spilled over, streaming down her face as she stood there, caught.
“I want to die.”
She muttered in a low voice, her despair clear. I let out a wry smile and gently placed my hand on her head.
“Kurumi might be the best in the world as a dog, but as a girl, Sayuki is number one.”
“Don’t say stupid things, you idiot.”
Despite her words, Sayuki didn’t pull away.
“Hey, Sayuki.”
“What is it?”
“I’ve liked you for a long time. Will you go out with me?”
“…Okay. But on one condition.”
Tears still in her eyes, she gave me a soft smile.
“Let me pet Kurumi too, okay?”
Her smile was the most adorable thing in the world.
* * *
“So, since when have you had a pet?”
“About two years ago.”
“So Kurumi is two years old? Then I’ve been with you for much longer than she has.”
“What are you even competing about?”
“Nothing.”
* * *
“Wow, Kurumi is so fluffy! Her butt is so cute… I’m jealous. I wish I were that cute.”
Sayuki murmured as she watched Kurumi roll over to show her belly, completely basking in the attention.
We were at my house, as promised, and Sayuki was currently showering Kurumi with affection.
For a moment, I almost thought I could see droopy dog ears on her head, matching her dejected expression. It was just my imagination, of course, but it fit her so well.
I reached out instinctively and placed my hand softly on her head.
“I’ve said it before—it’s not something you can compare.”
“Huh?”
“Kurumi is cute as family. Sayuki, you’re the most amazing as my childhood friend and the cutest as the girl I love. Even the way you get down on yourself so easily…”
I grabbed her arm again before she could escape. Seriously, she always tries to run away at times like this.
“…Even the way you try to run away all the time—I love all of it.”
Sayuki’s face turned redder and redder, and her eyes began to fill with tears again. Really, she’s such a crybaby.
“Stop! Stop it! This is too much! I’m going to explode! Why are you so good at saying all these sweet things now of all times? Are you trying to kill me!? Don’t look at me! I don’t want you to see my stupid face right now!”
She yelled, hiding her face in her hands, though her hands didn’t stop petting Kurumi.
I thought to myself that she’s a dog lover through and through, then stepped in front of her, leaned in, and hugged her tightly, covering her bright red face.
Kurumi, lying on her back between us, seemed completely at ease, her face the picture of happiness. It looked like she’d taken a liking to Sayuki too, which was great.
“Inukai-kun!?”
“See? Now I can’t see your bright red face.”
Sayuki trembled slightly, like a small dog, while still held in my arms. Then Kurumi stood up and licked her cheek. That was the finishing blow.
“Y-You’re such a jerk, Inukai-kun! I… I…”
“Hm?”
“I love you, you idiot!!”
Her attempt at shouting a playful “I hate you” clearly failed, and I couldn’t help but grin like an idiot.
“I love you too, Sayuki, my crybaby. We’re a perfect match, don’t you think?”
“You idiot!”
“Yeah, yeah. I’m the idiot who’s madly in love with you, Sayuki.”
“That’s not what I meant! You’re doing this on purpose!”
“Yep.”
Still hugging each other, we hid our faces. Just like Sayuki didn’t want me to see her blushing, I didn’t want her to see my ridiculously lovestruck expression.
The only one privy to both our secrets was, undoubtedly, Kurumi.
“Woof!”
Kurumi let out a proud little bark, nestled contentedly between us.
* * *
And so, they lived happily ever after.
[The End]
—My Childhood Friend Has Been Acting Weird — Part 3){kind=link}
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