Source
https://kakuyomu.jp/works/2912051597934651646/episodes/2912051600173143688
Lying on his bed, Achi Hotarou quietly counted the wood grain patterns on the ceiling.
From the room next door, the faint sounds of their usual chaotic daily life drifted over once again.
As he listened to those sounds, flashbacks of her recent words and actions played one after another in Hotarou’s mind.
The words he heard that night while washing the sukiyaki pot, drowned out by the roaring sound of the faucet.
The sight of her squirming with her face bright red under their shared umbrella on a rainy day.
He had heard it clearly.
The word “I like you,” which she had repeated as if in a feverish daze.
Although he had pretended not to hear it and let it pass, he didn’t know how he should respond.
It wasn’t impossible that that “I like you” was simply a friendly sentiment.
No, considering Seika Hirugami’s straightforward, honest nature, it was obvious that it was “I like you” in a romantic sense.
That’s exactly why Houtarou is so confused.
He can’t find a single reason why she would like him that passionately.
He sees his own face in the bathroom mirror every day, and he’s nothing special to look at. He’s fully aware that he’s not the kind of handsome guy who turns heads.
He isn’t an all-around athlete, nor does he have any particularly outstanding talents.
His grades are above average. He doesn’t have any hobbies to speak of.
He’s just a terribly dull and ordinary high school boy living on his own because of his parents’ circumstances.
That is the entirety of the person known as Achi Hotarou.
He couldn’t understand why someone like him would be the object of such affection from a girl who was so flashy and cute that she stood out in their grade.
If I were to respond to her “I like you” with “I like you” in return, we’d be a perfect couple.
Congratulations. All’s well that ends well.
But things aren’t that simple.
To begin with, do I actually “like” her?
She’s noisy when we’re together, but I do feel comfortable around her. The meals she cooks are delicious, and I’ve even found her defenseless sleeping face adorable.
But if asked whether that constitutes the “liking” of romantic love, I can’t come up with a clear answer.
And above all, why does she say she “likes” me as a member of the opposite sex?
I just treated her to curry when she was hungry.
I just stepped in to help her as a classmate when she was being harassed by some weirdo.
Those were nothing more than simple favors and mutual assistance based on an equal exchange. There shouldn’t have been any dramatic elements that could lead to romantic feelings.
I don’t understand.
If I were the protagonist of a romance comedy in a light novel or manga, this question would probably be settled with a simple “Because you’re the protagonist.”
Because you’re the protagonist, the heroine is unconditionally attracted to you for no particular reason. That’s because the law of convenient plot devices applies.
But this is the real world, and I’m not the protagonist. I’m just a minor character.
That’s exactly why I don’t understand.
Her words are so pure and sincere, completely free of any calculation.
Is it really okay to respond so easily to her overwhelming affection?
Houtarou exhaled softly and closed his eyes.
The endless loop of unanswered thoughts was being sweetly disrupted by the humming coming from the next room.
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