Chapter 66: Freewill Pass
After classes, Dapper, along with Riley and Shinro, could be seen relaxing under the shade of a large tree. Riley snuggled up to Dapper, her hand gliding across his chest. The sight felt strange to Shinro, who turned beet red at what the two of them were doing.
"W-Why are you two acting like that?" Shinro asked, flustered.
"Like what? You mean like this?" Dapper asked, giving Riley’s ass a firm squeeze.
"Hey! Aren’t you going to say something?! You’re just letting this pervert touch you like that?! I knew he was no good!" Shinro barked, his nose bleeding profusely.
"Come on, Shinro. Riley’s my chick now, you see. She was at my place all night, we had a lot of fun. Right, Riley?" Dapper grinned, making Riley’s face flush deep red. She hadn’t expected him to say that so casually.
"Why did you say all that?" Riley muttered in embarrassment, covering her face with one palm. Shinro stared at them in shock, his mouth agape as if his entire worldview had just shattered.
’This is one of the reasons I acted like a jerk. Shinro clearly has feelings for Riley, but Riley doesn’t feel the same. Better he finds out now than later, when it will hurt worse and affect our friendship. I’m sorry, Shinro,’ Dapper thought while watching the stunned look on Shinro’s face.
"But..." Shinro suddenly said, his expression darkening. "You already have two wives, Dapper. Why are you trying to use Riley?"
"What do you mean, use?" Dapper asked, frowning.
"You’re a jerk, Dapper! You’ve got two wives, and now you’re taking advantage of Riley’s naivety. She can’t see it because she’s blindly in love with you! I’m not saying this just because I have a crush on her, it’s still her choice in the end. But what I can’t stand is seeing someone take advantage of someone who genuinely likes them!" Shinro shouted, his fists clenched. Even Riley looked stunned.
"You... like me, Shinro?" Riley asked softly.
"O-Of course, I do. But it doesn’t matter anymore. I like you naturally as a friend. I’m just trying to look out for you," Shinro said quietly.