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Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: Nekorune
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The phone vibrated beneath the tatami mat. Still passed out with Miyuki, I fumbled for it, but Miyuki, waking up and scowling, grabbed the phone and answered.
“Hello…?”
[Were you sleeping?]
Tetsuya’s voice, slightly hesitant but decent enough, drifted faintly from the phone.
Miyuki, rubbing her eyes, replied, “Yeah…”
[Did I call too early? I’m sorry.]
“No… but what’s up…?”
[I called because I was bored. You usually wake up around seven.]
Is he curious about what we did yesterday? Well, of course he’d be curious. His 15-year childhood friend is alone with me. He should’ve behaved himself. Like I always say, you lose precious people because you’re so obtuse. Renka, Hiyori… it’ll be the same. Don’t get your hopes up. I scoffed inwardly at Tetsuya and continued eavesdropping.
“It’s the weekend, so I was going to sleep in…”
[Really? Then sleep more. Call me when you wake up.]
“Okay… Sorry.”
[No, I’m sorry. I’ll hang up then.]
“Mhm…”
Miyuki, still half-asleep, pressed the end call button and exhaled deeply. She snuggled into my arms, curling up like a shrimp and shivering.
“Cold…”
Holding her, I said, “Why are you so nice?”
“What…”
“He calls so shamelessly early in the morning, I would’ve cursed him out.”
“Why would I curse him out for something like this… Tetsuya-kun knows I usually wake up around this time…”
“I should beat him up sometime soon.”
Thwack. A sharp, dull pain shot through my chest. Miyuki had bitten me. Seems she got angry at me saying I’d hit him…
It hurts.
I quickly pulled Miyuki’s head away and massaged the back of her neck to calm her down.
“Why are you biting me? Are you a dog?”
“Because you’re saying such harsh things…”
“I only said it, but you actually resorted to violence, you know?”
“…”
After a brief silence, she burrowed deeper into my arms, trying to smooth things over with her cuteness because she had nothing to say. Patting her ass, I chuckled. Miyuki might not realize it, but she only acted like this because she’s comfortable with me. Much more so than with Tetsuya. To the point where I can’t even compare them anymore.
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The car glided smoothly through the heavy rain. Miyuki, buttoning her cardigan, looked at me and said, “Are you coming too, Matsuda-kun?”
“No. It’s a family thing, I wouldn’t impose.”
“Mom and Dad will like it.”
“Even so, I can’t. I wasn’t invited, so I’d feel uncomfortable.”
Miyuki pouted at my firm answer. We were currently heading to her house. Midori had called suddenly, telling her to stop bothering her friend and come home for a family dinner.
“I clearly said I was staying for two days…”
I held Miyuki’s hand, interlacing our fingers, and soothed her in a gentle voice, “It’s natural for a mother to worry about her daughter. Someone who usually stays home quietly is now away for several days a week. Anyone would worry.”
“…That’s true, but…”
“We’re here. Go in carefully, and call me.”
The car stopped in front of the house. Miyuki let out a long, disappointed sigh, then suddenly took my hand to her chest and pressed her lips against the back of it before quickly opening the door and running away as if escaping. Chuckling at the unexpected display of affection, I was about to drive home when I thought of Chinami and pulled over. I opened the chat app and searched for her. Her profile picture is still that dazed version of Momo-chan. I entered the chatroom and typed quickly.
[Master.]
Contrary to my expectations of an immediate reply, my phone remained silent for a minute. As I started wondering whether she was meeting someone, Chinami’s reply finally arrived.
[Hello, kouhai. It’s raining a lot.]
[It is. Are you doing anything?]
[I just finished showering.]
[Do you have plans?]
[I’m meeting Renka this evening, but I showered because it got cold and I wanted to warm up.]
Come to think of it, I hadn’t attended any events where those two appeared together… Maybe I should go this time? Although they usually meet at a specific place, it could change since it’s raining, so I decided to subtly probe Chinami.
[I see. You’re free for lunch then?]
[Yes.]
[If you’re free, want to watch a movie with me? We were supposed to last time.]
[What movie?]
[I haven’t decided yet. Any genres you’d like to see?]
[Then when should we meet?]
No, I asked about the genre. Why are you skipping the process? I chuckled at Chinami’s consistently quirky reply and typed.
[Shall I come now?]
[How long will it take you?]
[About 15 minutes?]
[Hmm. Okay.]
After messaging Chinami, I changed direction. Going home to rest when I suddenly have free time is a sin. This game’s gods are helping me; I shouldn’t waste my free time.
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Click. Chinami opened the passenger door, folded her umbrella, and climbed in with a grunt. Shorts and sandals, a thick sweatshirt, and a slightly tilted cap. It seemed like a mismatched outfit, but it suited Chinami. Kind of cutely hip.
“Hello, kouhai.”
She bowed politely.
I returned the greeting with a nod and asked, “You said you were cold, but you’re wearing shorts?”
“Because long pants would get wet. I brought a blanket, so it’s okay.”
Chinami proudly unfolded the blanket—the same pink one with the large Momo-chan drawing I’d seen before. She draped it over her lap and looked at me with a bright smile. She opened her mouth to speak, but then suddenly sniffed.
“Hmm… I smell plums. Come to think of it, I’ve been smelling plums on you lately. It was like that in the clubroom too…”
“You smell my body too?”
“Ah…! I didn’t mean to sniff you on purpose, I mean you were giving off the scent.” Chinami flustered.
I smirked at her and said, “I’m joking. Do you like plums?”
“Of course I do. Though not as much as peaches.”
Then you’ll get along well with Miyuki. The thought crossed my mind. Chinami growing distant from her best friend, Renka, and spending more time with me and Miyuki… Renka getting NTR’d by Chinami… It’s kinda hot.
“Why are you meeting with Inoo-senpai?”
“We’re going shopping for clothes.”
A clothing store… I already knew their usual spot. I could probably run into them if I hung around nearby.
We chatted on the way to the cinema and chose a movie at the kiosk. An action blockbuster known for its spectacular visuals. I wanted something more mellow, but nothing like that was showing at the time we could go. It was a shame. It was crowded because it was the weekend, so there were only bad seats left for on-site purchases. But that was perfect for me.
The remaining seats were in a corner where no one else could sit next to us—perfect for doing… certain things.
I appeased the disappointed Chinami and bought the tickets. “Do you want popcorn?”
“Oh, yes! I have peach powder.”
“…Peach powder? Are you talking about iced tea mix?”
“No. It’s a seasoning powder you sprinkle on potato chips or popcorn. It’s hard to find, so I’ve been saving it, but I brought it specially to eat with you, Matsuda-kouhai.”
Does such a seasoning even exist? It sounded like it would taste even more evil than peach ice cream… but she brought it for me, so what could I do? I had to eat it even if I didn’t want to.
Time was short, so we headed straight into the theater after buying popcorn and drinks. The drink was, of course, peach iced tea. I desperately wanted to corrupt Chinami’s taste buds. At this rate, I might develop a phobia of peaches.
I seated Chinami in the furthest corner. When she pulled a package labeled “Peach Bomb!” from her crossbody bag, I flinched. That’s a terrifying name.
“Is that the peach powder?”
“Yes. Aren’t you excited? You’ll be addicted once you try it.”
Chinami delivered a line that only a villain in a movie, using something like date-rape drugs, would say. She opened the package, sprinkled the powder on the popcorn, shook the container, and offered me a piece.
“Try it.”
The piece with the most powder. Suppressing my fear, I carefully took it and put it in my mouth. Then…
‘Oh…?’
My eyes widened at the sweet taste that filled my mouth. I hadn’t expected anything, but the popcorn’s savory flavor and the powder’s sweetness went surprisingly well together. How can this possibly be good?
“How is it?” Chinami stared at me with expectant eyes. I answered by taking another piece of popcorn. Chinami then smiled meaningfully and let out a strange laugh. “Heh heh…”
Somehow, that hurt my pride… What if I get corrupted and end up barking like a dog, begging for more peach powder? Get a grip.
I ate another piece of popcorn and subtly shifted closer to Chinami, my waist touching the armrest that separated us.
“Uh…?” Chinami flinched, seemingly thinking we were too close. Observing her reaction, I reached for a tissue from her lap.
“Y-You could’ve asked… I would have given it to you…” she mumbled, barely audible.
I calmly waved my hand away and grinned. “You’re just too comfortable, Master. I apologize if I offended you.”
“Hmm… Not really… Ahem…”
The atmosphere was growing tender. Whenever I subtly initiated physical contact like this, the air became softer.
Will there be a chance to touch her neck during the movie? Chinami seems tense right now. The moment she relaxes her shoulders, I should pretend to help her relax and gently touch her.
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Things are heating up with Chinami. Thanks for the chapter!
Thanks for the chapter.