WHEN I STARTED A PART-TIME JOB AS A HOUSEKEEPER CHAPTER 1

Chapter 1
I will start a part-time job as a housekeeper

In the vast blue sky, thunderclouds loomed in the distance.

The loud chorus of crickets, with the heat of summer, invaded through the open
classroom window.

“Tomorrow is the summer vacation, please be careful, and don't be too excited
that you get into an accident.”

After saying that, the homeroom teacher left the class.

As soon as the homeroom teacher left the class and rushed into after-school
hours, the students' conversations became louder than the sound of crying. The
sound was as passionate as the heat of summer, and seemed to be full of energy.

The students got up from their seats, moved to their close friends, and happily
discussed their vacation plans with the people around them.

Meanwhile, a male student sat at a desk in the last row near the window.

“Haru, do you have any plans for the vacation?”

A male student who was sitting on the desk and said to the person sitting in
the chair.

"Hmm? Well, maybe studying."

"Oi, oi! Are you serious about that?"

“Do you think I would lie to you, my best friend?”

The man who occupied the desk, a male student named Haru, was leaning on the
back of his chair while looking at his best friend who was sitting on the desk
with a serious expression on his face.

“Yesterday, when I wanted to see your homework, you said you hadn't done it.
Besides that, the day before yesterday, even though the menu in the cafeteria
was meat, you said it was fish. Also, last Thursday...”

“I understand. I admit that I have been lying to you since then.”

A male student called Haru raised his hand as a sign that he gave up.

"So? Do you have any plans for the summer vacation? O Otsuka Haruto-san?"

"I already told you earlier it was studying, right? O my best friend, Akagi
Tomoya-san."

Otsuki Haruto, the male student who sat at that desk, repeated the same words
as before.

In response, Lagi Tomoya, a male student sitting on his desk, paused for a
moment, then decided that Haruto was not joking, and put a surprised expression
on his face.

"Eh, eh? Wait!? Hey! Seriously!? We're in the second year of high school, you
know?"

"That's right."

“If so, you already know what to do, right?”

"Study."
"Why that?!"

Tomoya shouted exaggeratedly and attacked like a comedian. Haruto smiled

bitterly at his best friend's reaction.

"Tomoya knows too, right? The place I want to go."

"Well, that's true, but..."

Tomoya nodded at Haruto's words, but Tomoya seemed unsure and tried to back
down.

"Even if you study continuously, you will get tired and it's not efficient,
right? You need to rest once in a while, right? For example..."

Tomoya stopped mid-sentence and shifted his gaze to look around the noisy
classroom. Then, his gaze stopped at one point.

"Go to the swimming pool or the beach with the girls in the class."

"If you try to invite Tojo-san, you should try your best yourself. I'll pass."

Haruto said this after glancing at the female student his best friend was
staring at.

"You! You are so heartless! Is it really okay to just leave your best friend
like that?"

"Don't worry. If your mentality is destroyed because of a total failure, as

your best friend, I will comfort you."

“Why a total failure!”

Ignoring his protesting best friend, Haruto once again turned his attention to
the female student that Tomoya had been looking at.
Tojo Ayaka. That was the female student's name.

You could say, she is the school's idol. Her beautiful hair shone a light
yellow color when hit by the sun, was not curly, and stretched to the middle of
her back, like a beautiful silk thread. And every time she moved her face, her
face moved smoothly as if there was no gravity.

Her face was so perfect that people wondered whether she was an idol or
not. Sometimes there were rumors that she was a member of an entertainment
agency, she was so beautiful that I wouldn't be surprised if that were true.

Then, her style was perfect. Her outstanding proportions captivated not only
men but even women, and her charm almost made their eyes fixated on her.

"Hey, Haru, please invite Tojo-san."

"Why should I be the one to invite you? You're the one who invites. And get
crushed."

“I already told you to stop assuming that I would fail completely. But, well, I
admit it's obvious that even if I talk to her, it won't work.”

“If you don't succeed, let alone me.”

(TLN: Itchy to want to use me/you, damn)

"No! Haru has potential."

Tomoya shook his head vigorously, and Haruto narrowed his eyes and said with a
confused expression on his face.

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"I hate to admit it, but your face is good-looking. If you fail, then I have no
hope either. Give up."
"It's true that I'm a handsome man and you're an ordinary man... Ouch! Haru,
violence is not good."

“Sorry, I couldn't resist the urge that came from the bottom of my heart.”

"O Haru-san, the chuunibyou who is unpopular with girls... This is my fault, so
please lower your fist."

Haruto reluctantly released the fist that was already poised to be planted on
his best friend, placed his chin in his palm, and stared at Tomoya with empty
eyes.

At Haruto's silent urging, Tomoya continued to speak.

"Listen? Many handsome men have confessed to Tojo-san."

Since our idol Tojo Ayaka entered this school, she has been approached by many
men.

Starting from the ace of each club, handsome guys who are popular with girls,
the student council president, and the head of the disciplinary committee. In
the end, even students from other schools rushed to the school gates to express
their feelings.

However, none of them got a good answer from her.

Without exception, everyone who confessed to Tojo Ayaka eventually bowed their
heads, shoulders slumped, and turned their backs on her with a sad atmosphere.

“That's what I thought after seeing Tojo-san cut down many handsome men.”

"Cut down, that's a bit..."

Haruto put on a surprised expression when his best friend mentioned the school
idol as if it were Tsujigiri.
(TLN: Tsujigiri is a Japanese term that refers to a sudden killing attack
carried out by a samurai to test his sword.)
“Don't you think Tojo-san doesn't like handsome men? Understand?”

“No, no, among the men you've told me about so far, there were some who weren't
so handsome, right?”

Not all the fierce men who attacked her were handsome. Among them, male
students who challenged Tojo solely because of their great love for her, were
successfully defeated.

"That's true. But, there's a decisive difference between you and the people who
have been defeated! That is..."

After Tomoya came up with his own theory, he suddenly pointed at Haruto and
declared.

"You are the highest scorer in the school!!"

"Hmm."

Haruto seemed uninterested in Tomoya's words, and answered perfunctorily.

"Tojo-san, I'm sure she values ability more than looks. So even though you're
not a handsome guy, you have potential."

"No, there's none."

Haruto firmly denied Tomoya's words. At the same time, he planted his fist into
his body.

Haruto glanced at his best friend who was in pain after being hit by an iron
hand, and shifted his gaze to Tojo Ayaka.

Only female students were gathered around her. As for the male students, they
only glanced from outside the circle of female students centered around Tojo, as
if they were spying on the situation.
"Why? Do you want to join in?"

“No, I have a short-term part-time job.”

Tomoya showed interest in Haruto's answer.

“Hehh, what kind of part-time job is it?”

"Housekeeping service."

“Turns out there's a part-time job like that.”

“I happened to find it when I was looking at job vacancies.”

Haruto left the classroom while talking to Tomoya, and the two of them walked
down the hallway side by side.

“Does that mean doing housework and making dinner?”

"Yes, yes, and I also clean and shop if requested."

As they descended the stairs at the end of the hallway, they talked about
Haruto's short-term part-time job during the summer vacation.

“I see, is the vacancy still open? I think I'll do it too.”

"You're the one who needs a housekeeper."

"Haha, of course."

Tomoya laughed at Haruto's words.

Haruto had visited Tomoya's room many times, but he had never seen his room
tidy. What's more, every time he came over to play, the mess got worse, so
sometimes Haruto couldn't help but clean the room for him.

Lately, I've even started to suspect that I'm being called to his house to
clean his room.

“Well, with that, I will spend my summer vacation studying and working parttime. I
need to earn enough money to enter university this summer.”

While saying this, Haruto took out his outdoor shoes from the geta box and
replaced them with his indoor shoes.

“A boring summer vacation.”

Tomoya also changed his indoor shoes and tapped the tips of his outdoor shoes
on the ground while grumbling.

“It seems better to go back to class now and invite Tojo-san, okay?”

“I told you, give up. If you do that, you won't be able to get an offer on
time.”

Hearing Haruto's words while walking out of the school building, Tomoya heaved
a sigh of relief.

“We have an exam schedule for the upcoming summer vacation, so this is the last
summer we can enjoy. Are you sure?”

While passing through the school gate, Haruto smiled and said to his best
friend who had no experience dealing with the school idol.

"Give up, my best friend. You will join me in spending a summer full of hard
work."

When Haruto raised his thumb, Tomoya could only look up at the sky and scream.

“I don't want a youth like that!!”

*

The heat of summer showed no signs of abating even at night, and the noisy
sound of cicadas echoed throughout the residential area. Haruto unbuttoned the
chest part of his uniform shirt, which was sticky with sweat, and opened the
front door of his house while fanning himself.

"I'm home~"

As I took off my shoes and greeted, someone slowly approached me from inside the
hallway.

"Welcome home, Haruto."

“I'm home, Grandma. This is today's bargain spoils.”

Haruto slightly lifted the bag he was holding with one hand and put a proud
expression on his face. Inside the bag were today's spoils, minced meat, and
onions.

“One hundred grams of minced meat costs 118 yen. A pack of five onions costs
298 yen.”

“My my, it must have been crowded, wasn't it?”

My grandmother said worriedly as she took the bag.

“It made me realize how strong housewives are.”

The housewives of the world, who are passionate in their mission to get cheap
food, have potential comparable to young and physically strong high school boys.

On the way home from school, on a mid-summer afternoon, Haruto remembered the
memory of being trapped in a crowd and squeezed by the strongest housewives, and
a wrinkle appeared on his face.

"That must have been difficult. In that case, let's have hamburgers for dinner
later."

Haruto's face immediately lit up when he heard his grandmother's words

suggesting a menu while healing her grandson's struggle.

“If I can eat Grandma's hamburger steak, I can fight housewives every day!”

"Okay, okay. Now go wash your hands and gargle."

"Roger."

Haruto replied to his grandmother, went to the sink, gargled, and washed his
hands before heading to the Japanese-style room. A Buddhist altar was set up on
the wall of the Japanese-style room, and three portraits of the deceased were
displayed on it.

"Mother, father, and grandfather, I'm home. Starting today, I'm on summer
vacation."

Haruto said in a low voice as he placed his hands on the photo of the deceased.

“I plan to work part-time this summer vacation.”

With his hands clasped together, Haruto spoke to the deceased.

“Ah, but I won't neglect my studies, and I'll make sure to show up at the dojo.
So, you don't have to worry, grandpa.”

Currently, only Haruto and his grandmother live in the Otsuki family residence.

He had a traffic accident when he was a child. Haruto lost his parents in the
accident, but luckily he survived, and was cared for by his maternal
grandparents.

Haruto lost his parents when he was a child, so his grandparents raised him
with strict discipline without spoiling him, so that he would not get into
trouble later in life.
Haruto became mentally unstable and shut himself away, so his grandfather sent
him to a karate dojo to train his mind and body.

His grandfather passed away when he entered junior high school.

Deep down, Haruto believes that the reason his current self is confident and
does not shy away is because his grandfather took him to the dojo.

Haruto's grandmother trained him thoroughly in household chores, such as

cleaning, washing, and cooking, so that he would not have to worry even if he
were left alone later in life.

Thanks to that, he can now do many things by himself, and has acquired
housekeeping skills to the point where he can work part-time in a housekeeping
service.

"Alright, I guess I'll go help grandma."

Haruto relaxed his hands and headed to the kitchen.

Although Haruto is proud that his cooking skills have improved greatly thanks
to his grandmother's teachings, he still can't match the taste of his
grandmother's cooking, who is his teacher.

In order to get closer to that taste, Haruto spends his days in the kitchen
with his grandmother, trying to steal her techniques and senses.

“The hamburger steak that grandma makes is so delicious.”

A hamburger steak with a rich flavor that overflows when you take a
bite. Thinking about how it would taste if it spread in his mouth, Haruto
swallowed the saliva that was about to overflow and flood the kitchen.

After dinner, Haruto sat at his desk in his room and spread out his reference
books.
“Aaah, Grandma's homemade hamburger is really the best…”

Although he was in a position to study, he was currently immersed in the

remnants of dinner, and there was no sign that his pen would start moving.

Haruto daydreamed for a while, but then he came to his senses and shook his head
lightly, saying, "No, no," and looked at the reference book with a serious
expression.

After about an hour of concentrating on his studies, Haruto put his pen in the
right position and stretched his body.

"Ahhh, it looks like I should take a shower soon."

His grandmother's back has been getting worse lately, so cleaning the bathroom
is his job.

"If it's too late, it makes me lazy."

When I finished studying and was about to head to the bathroom, my phone on the
desk started to vibrate.

"Hmm? From Tomoya?"

After checking the display of his phone screen, the words Akagi Tomoya were
displayed there, Haruto picked up his phone and tapped the red phone symbol
displayed in the center of the screen.

"Hello, what's up?"

[Yo. I suddenly felt like hearing Haru's voice.]

"I see, bye, that's disgusting, so I'll hang up."

As Haruto quickly tried to end the call, he heard a panicked voice through the
screen.
[Wait, wait, wait! Just kidding! There's something to talk about.]

“Then say so from the beginning. I thought I would lose my hearing if you
suddenly said something disgusting like that.”

[Isn't that mean? Even though I was half serious just now.]

"Alright. See you at school after the break."

[Sorry! I won't joke anymore!]

Hearing his best friend's panicked voice, Haruto suddenly rested his chin on the
table with a smile.

[You want to hear about the interesting incident that happened at school after
we went home, don't you?]

“An interesting incident? Did something happen?”

My best friend, Tomoya, has extensive connections, and he often hears about
incidents and rumors that happen at school. Tomoya often passes on information
like he did this time.

[That's it. You know Kaito-senpai, the third-year student?]

“Ah… the one from the tennis club?”

Haruto took a moment to remember the person named Kaito-senpai that Tomoya had
mentioned.

In his vague memory, he had heard that Kaito-senpai was the ace of the tennis
club, and his skills were comparable to a professional. In fact, there were
rumors that he would sign a professional contract with a famous scout after
graduating, so if you became Kaito-senpai's girlfriend now, it was very likely
you could sail on the Tamanokoshi in the future. I think that's what the girls
in my class were talking about enthusiastically.
(TLN: tomanokoshi is a type of rice with the best quality, a.k.a. its price is
expensive :v)

[Yeah, yeah, it seems Kaito-senpai confessed to Tojo-san, you know?]

“Hmm, so?”

Haruto lost interest in Tomoya's story, but he tried to urge him to continue.

Confessing to Tojo Ayaka.

This was not an unusual occurrence at the school Haruto and his friends
attended. Moreover, the outcome of this event was already clear.

“Just one sentence, I'm not interested.”

[I knew it.]

Haruto responded with disinterest to the outcome as he had expected.

Tojo Ayaka would not nod her head no matter what kind of man confessed to her.
In Haruto's head, that was the picture.

[Well, the answer is still the same as usual. But the way he confessed this
time was extraordinary.]

“Was it a complicated situation?”

The previous men who had challenged Tojo Ayaka had made various confessions in
an attempt to win the position of her boyfriend. Some of them had quite strange
ways of confessing, and this had become school gossip and material for student
parties.

[I wouldn't call it complicated, but this time it was bold.]

“Did he confess in public?”

[That was after. Previously, Kaito-senpai called Tojo-san to the school
courtyard through the school broadcast.]

"Uwoghh……"

Haruto, couldn't help but raise his voice, sympathizing with Tojo, who was
called to confess over the school broadcast.

[Moreover, it wasn't a confession to become a girlfriend, but a proposal for

engagement.]

“Engaged… Kaito-senpai, isn't he crazy?”

[Yeah, and it seems he also prepared an engagement ring.]

"Uwogh……"

Haruto did it for the second time today.

Even though he's still in high school but he's already proposing, that's
impossible, I think he's lost his mind.

Is it because Kaito-senpai is a different figure, that's why his way of

thinking is crazy? Or is it because of Tojo Ayaka's charm that made a high
school student decide to propose to her? Haruto couldn't decide.

[It seems Kaito-senpai, who was rejected, didn't move an inch from his spot for
30 minutes.]

"Well, I guess that's what would happen. If I were Kaito-senpai, I would change
into white clothes and immediately perform seppuku."
(Tln: seppuku is a Japanese samurai suicide ritual to defend their honor)

Calling over the school broadcast. Then, he proposed with an engagement ring in
front of the whole school. Haruto's body started to tremble little by little
just thinking about being rejected after going that far.
[After all, only you can move Tojo-san's heart.]

"I told you, that's not true. I'm not brave enough to talk to Tojo-san after
hearing something like that."

[What's making you so depressed? Well, I won't even see Tojo-san until school
starts. I'm looking forward to the holidays.]

“Don't have strange expectations.”

[Only you can be the second Kaito-senpai!]

“That's not a good thing!”

Haruto ended the call with a confrontation with his best friend.

Tomoya immediately sent me a sticker showing a cat with a respectful expression

saluting. After sending back a sticker of a macho rabbit punching its opponent's
face, Haruto got up from his desk to take a shower.

For Haruto, the female student named Tojo Ayaka was just a topic of
conversation with his friends from time to time, and she could never become more
than that.

That's what Haruto thought when the summer vacation first began.

Until I started working part-time at a housekeeping service.

KAJI DAIKŌ NO ARUBAITO O HAJIMETARA CHAPTER 2
Chapter 2
My first customer

This is the third day entering the summer vacation.

Haruto was standing in front of a large house.
"Uwahh...my first job is with a celebrity..."
Haruto looked surprised and his face looked nervous.
Today is his first day working for the housekeeping service. After checking his
appearance and making sure there were no problems, he pressed the intercom
button with his fingertips slightly trembling from nervousness.
"……Yes"
“Ah, I'm from the housekeeping service.”
The voice of an unexpected young woman was heard through the intercom.
Haruto tightened his expression and tried to keep his tone of voice polite
while being careful not to raise his voice due to nervousness.
"Yes, I'll open the door now. Please wait a moment.”
When the owner of the voice on the intercom said that, I could feel the faint
signs of people moving from behind the door.
Haruto let out a small sigh, trying to calm his heart which was beating faster
from nervousness.
Finally, the front door opened and the housekeeping service client appeared.
“Thank you very much for using our housekeeping service. My name is Otsuki and
I am the one in charge of the housekeeping service today... This is.”
Haruto politely raised his head and gave a greeting according to the manual.
When he raised his head, he was silent for a moment and there was a strange
pause at the end of his greeting.
"Eh?...Tojo-san?"
The client for his first job was Tojo Ayaka, an idol at Haruto's school.
This was so surprising to Haruto that he couldn't help but mention her name.
Hearing this, Tojo also looked at Haruto with a surprised expression. She
looked at Haruto with suspicion for a moment, then opened her mouth as if to
confirm.
"Maybe... Otsuki-san... The one in the same class as me?"
"Etto... yes, that's right."
“Eh? Why?”
As she said those words of doubt, she directed a wary gaze at Haruto.
Tojo probably suspected Haruto was working at the housekeeping service to get
close to her.
If this were another girl, ‘why is she so wary?’ That's what Haruto might have
thought.
However, the person in front of him was the school idol.
She was even called out over the school broadcast, it's natural for her to feel
so wary.
(TLN: referring to Kaito-senpai's actions in chapter 1)
“Ah…if you don't want me to be the one to do it, you can ask for a
replacement.”
Haruto noticed Tojo's wariness and made a suggestion.
"If I make a change, it will take a long time, so the service time will be a
little shorter than what was ordered."
The request from Tojo-san was for a three-hour service, including cleaning the
kitchen and preparing dinner.
"I thought a woman would be coming..."
"Ahaha, I'm sorry..."
Hearing her small mumble, Haruto apologized with a wry smile.
The housekeeping service where Haruto worked indeed had more female staff.
However, there were some male staff, although the number was small.
For now, the housekeeping service website that I have has a list of members
with their photos, and when requesting housekeeping services, people can also
make requests such as asking for female staff. However, it seems Tojo-san
overlooked that aspect.
“So, do you want to change people?”
When Haruto asked again, Tojo lowered her head slightly and looked worried,
then shook her head slightly.
"No, just leave it. Please help with the housework."
(TLN: sorry if these parts are hard to understand, because I rarely read work
dialogues like this)
"Eh? Seriously don't want to change...?"
Haruto, who had always thought that the person in charge would be replaced, was
a little confused by the unexpected response.
"Otsuki-kun, you're not targeting me... right?"
“Of course not.”
"Then it's okay. Come in."
Tojo said as she opened the front door a little wider and invited Haruto into
the house.
"Etto... in that case, please cooperate."
Haruto entered the front door of Tojo's house, confused by the unexpected
event.
“……Excuse me"
Bowing slightly, Haruto slipped his feet into the slippers he had brought.
"The kitchen is here. Follow me."
While saying that, Tojo moved slowly down the hallway. Following behind, Haruto
looked around the hallway with admiration.
The hallway is long! It's so spacious! As expected of a large house.
As I walked down the hallway thinking about this, I arrived at the end, and
Tojo opened the door and stepped inside.
"Um, this is the living room. And the kitchen is in the back."
When Haruto saw the interior of a large house for the first time, his mouth
hung open and he was fascinated.
This is a spacious room that looks two or even three times the size of a
typical living room, with luxurious furniture beautifully arranged and a large
TV hanging on the wall.
In the back there is a dining room and kitchen, with the latest cooking
equipment lined up on the shelves.
"Amazing..."
I've only ever seen such luxurious and stylish living rooms and dining rooms on
love reality shows.
"...Otsuki-kun?"
Tojo looked at Haruto with a confused look while standing there with a blank
stare. Haruto hurriedly made up for his mistake and confirmed with Tojo about
the details of this request.
"Thank you very much for using our housekeeping service. Once again, I am
Otsuki, and this time I am responsible for your housework. Thank you for your
continued support."
While saying the words in the manual, Haruto bowed and gave Tojo his business
card.
"Wow, it seems you have a business card."
Upon receiving the business card from Haruto, Tojo looked at it with
admiration.
“This time Tojo-sama requested service for three hours. Is there no mistake?”
"Eh? Ah, yes. There's nothing wrong... Also, we are in the same class, but
calling me using the word ‘sama’, it feels a bit strange."
“Even though we are classmates, Tojo-sama is now an important customer.”
Haruto clearly answered.
The girl in front of him was more than just a classmate--the school idol, now
she was a customer. Since Haruto received money in return for providing services
to his customers, he had to be very strict about this.
Besides, Tojo would also be more comfortable.
For her, who has been approached by boys at school many times, she should feel
more comfortable if I treat her like a customer, rather than continuing to be
wary of a guy using this incident as an excuse.
Haruto continued to speak without stopping his business tone.
“In that case, I will start the service now, but do you have any special
requests beforehand?”
"Um, this isn't a request, but... can you look at the kitchen?"
Tojo felt a little embarrassed as she brought Haruto to the kitchen.
"My younger sibling did this, not me, but is it okay if I let you clean it in
this condition?"
Tojo said with a confused expression on her face, and there she saw a
completely messy kitchen.
She probably tried to make something that looked like pancakes. White powder
was scattered on the sink and the surrounding floor, and pancake batter was
splattered around the stove and dried to a crisp. The final item was a frying
pan, where the remains of the pancake were, half turned to charcoal.
In addition, bowls and plates were scattered in the sink, and eggshells were
also entangled in the strainer.
After a quick glance around the chaotic kitchen, Haruto immediately put on a
business smile.
"No problem. I will clean it until it's as clean as it was originally."
"Really? Thank you, I'm saved."
Tojo put on a relieved expression on her face.
"In that case, I'll clean the living room, so if you need anything, just let me
know."
Haruto said to Tojo who was about to leave the kitchen while still keeping a
business smile on his face.
“If you don't mind, may I be the one to clean the living room?”
"Eh? It doesn't feel right to ask you to do that much..."
"No, it is my job, so please don't worry."
“In that case, can I ask you to clean the living room as well?”
"I accept with pleasure."
Although slightly hesitant, Tojo asked Haruto to clean the kitchen and the
living room.
“Ah, the vacuum cleaner is in the storage closet over there.”
Tojo pointed to a long, narrow door next to the living room entrance. It seems
a large house has a lot of storage space.
"Well, I'll be in my room, so if you need anything, just knock. My room is the
door on the left right at the top of the stairs in the hallway."
After saying that, Tojo lowered her head slightly and said, “In that case,
please help,” and hurriedly left the living room.
When she disappeared from the living room and he heard footsteps going up the
stairs, Haruto sighed as if he had just pulled his head out of the water.
"Huhh, I was so nervous..."
Haruto took a deep breath as if to calm his breathing.
Why did Tojo-san ask me to do housework? Also, is Tojo-san an ojou-sama? This
is the first time I've heard that, right? Yes, I saw Tojo-san up close for the
first time, she looks very cute.
Freed from his nervous state, Haruto's mind began to fill with questions and
thoughts one after another.
Until now, Haruto had not shown any interest in the female student named Tojo
Ayaka. It doesn't mean he wasn't interested in women.
As a high school student, if a manga magazine had a gravure, he would
unconsciously turn the pages more slowly.
If so, why hasn't Haruto shown any interest in the school idol until now?
One of the reasons might be because Haruto's personality is a little brighter
compared to other boys. However, the biggest reason is that he has a clear goal.
To realize that, there is no time to be wasted, that is by ignoring the beauty
of a takane flower. Maybe it's like that.
"I didn't expect that Tojo-san was such an amazing ojou-sama..."
While muttering to himself, Haruto observed the kitchen and living room he was
about to clean.
At first glance, the kitchen area looked chaotic, but the living room and other
areas didn't look too dirty. There was fine dust and hair on the floor and
carpet, and a little dust on the shelves, etc., but that could be vacuumed up,
and it would also be clean if I wiped it gently.
“I was surprised because I didn't expect Tojo-san, to be my first important
customer. Let's keep up the spirit.”
Haruto strengthened himself while rotating his arms.
I glanced at the clock on the wall and saw the current time was exactly 3:00
PM. I will finish cleaning and make dinner in the next three hours.
“By the way, it was Tojo-san's younger sibling who made the mess, right?”
Haruto smiled bitterly when he saw the tragic state of the frying pan's
contents.
Leaving the kitchen in this state, Tojo's younger sibling has no housekeeping
skills, or maybe they are still a small child?
When Haruto saw this terrible situation, Tojo also looked embarrassed.
“Tojo-san looking embarrassed... she's very cute.”
Seeing her facial expression, something he didn't see in his normal school
life, Haruto could only smile a little.
Moreover, speaking of something he rarely saw, Tojo's casual clothes were
something very new to Haruto. Haruto was a healthy high school boy, so when he
saw gravure photos in manga magazines with poses that highlighted the chest, he
would stare at them even though he was worried about what others thought of him.
For him, it was the same as the clothes just now. There was something quite
striking about the pale, loose-fitting long-sleeved shirt and white shorts.
“Tojo-san has an amazing style...”
Usually, he would only get a glimpse of her figure in uniform from a distance,
so he couldn't see the details, but Haruto couldn't get the previous image of
her out of his mind.
“No! She is my customer. Do your job well, me.”
Haruto spoke loudly and drove away his wicked thoughts.
Even as he fought his worldly desires, he used the cleaning skills inherited
from his grandmother to clean the kitchen and living room requested by Tojo.
Exactly one hour had passed since I started cleaning, and the clock on the wall
showed 4:00 PM. Thanks to Haruto's thorough and focused cleaning to eliminate
his worldly desires, the area around the kitchen was completely free of dirt,
and the sink was so shiny that it gave the illusion of shining on its own. The
living room was also dust-free.
“Phew, the cleaning is done.”
Haruto looked around the now clean room with a face full of a sense of
accomplishment.
Then, from the front door, I heard the sound of a door opening. At the same
time, a cheerful boy's voice echoed.
“I'm home~”
After the greeting, the sound of footsteps echoed from the hallway.
Before Haruto could think of anything or take action, the living room door
opened. What appeared from there was a boy whose age was about the same as an
older child in kindergarten.
The boy froze when he saw Haruto standing in the kitchen.
“....”
“....”
Haruto and the boy stared at each in silence.
After a few seconds of silence, Haruto opened his mouth to explain so that he
wouldn't be suspicious.
“Um, I'm from the service――”
“ONEE-CHAN! THERE'S A THIEF IN THE HOUSE!!”
Haruto's voice trying to explain the situation was drowned out by the boy's
loud scream.
The boy shouted as he turned around and ran down the hallway.
"THIEF! ONEE-CHAN! THERE'S A THIEF!"
"NO! WAIT! I'M NOT A THIEF!!"
Haruto hurriedly chased after the boy, trying desperately to set him straight.
However, it seemed that it didn't reach the boy's ears at all, and he tried to
go up the stairs while repeating the word "THIEF!"
"Ryota. What are you making a fuss about?"
As the boy stepped onto the first step of the stairs, Tojo, who heard the
commotion, came out of her room and appeared at the top of the stairs.
"Onee-chan, it's serious! There's a thief in the house!!"
"Haa, haa, sorry Tojo-san. This kid seems to have mistaken me for a thief..."
The boy desperately pleaded with Tojo while pointing at Haruto, who caught up
behind him. Haruto, on the other hand, caught his last breath and explained the
situation after a super dash, wondering if he looked like a criminal.
"Pfftt"
Tojo must have found the two of them funny. She covered her mouth with her hand
and let out a little bit of spit.
"Onee-chan?"
The boy tilted his head seeing his older sister's behavior. Tojo came down the
stairs and gently placed her hand on the boy's shoulder.
“Look Ryota, this person is not a thief.”
“Eh? So he's not a thief? Then who is he? Onee-chan's boyfriend?”
“Bubu~”
Haruto couldn't help but react to the boy's comment. Unlike him, Tojo calmly
corrected her younger brother's misunderstanding.
“He's not my boyfriend either. This person works for a housekeeping service.”
“Housekeeping service?”
The boy tilted his head at his sister's explanation.
“He's the one who will clean and cook for us. Do you understand?”
The boy nodded at Tojo's explanation.
“I'm sorry, Otsuki-kun. This child is my younger brother Ryota. He's still in
kindergarten and doesn't understand the details.”
“Ah, no. As long as this misunderstanding is resolved, there's no problem for
me.”
Haruto replied to Tojo who bowed her head, then squatted down and made eye
contact with Tojo's younger brother, Ryota.
“Ryota-kun. I'm sorry for startling you earlier. I'm Otsuki Haruto, it's nice
to meet you.”
When Haruto held out his hand with a smile on his face, Ryota became a little
less wary than before and pulled his hand back.
“I'm sorry for calling you a thief earlier.”
Haruto was a little surprised to see Ryota bow his head.
“Ryota-kun, he's a good boy.”
Haruto said to Tojo who was standing beside him.
It's rare for a child at this age to realize their mistake and apologize before
anyone tells them to.
Tojo's expression softened slightly after being praised by Haruto, and she put
on a slightly troubled face, as if hiding her embarrassment.
“But he is very naughty and easily scatters his toys.”
“As long as he's energetic, it's fine.”
Tojo patted her brother's head with a smile.
When Haruto saw this, his cheeks relaxed as he realized that they had a good
relationship. As an only child, he had a little admiration for sibling
relationships.
“Ah, right. The cleaning is done, could I ask you to check it?”
With the appearance of Ryota, Tojo's younger brother, Haruto remembered the job
he had almost forgotten.
“Eh, it's already done. That was fast.”
Tojo said as she headed to the living room. Then, her eyes widened when she saw
the cleaned room.
“Eh? Amazing... It's so sparkling.”
The living room was dust-free, with the tables, sinks, and other water areas as
beautiful as if they had a mirror finish. Tojo opened her mouth in awe because
the living room and dining room looked like a model home.
“If you have any complaints or requests regarding the cleaning, please let me
know.”
Tojo shook her head as Haruto responded as instructed in the manual, although
his face looked a little proud and self-satisfied.
“No, this is perfect. There's not a single thing I'm dissatisfied with.”
Tojo was very impressed when she saw the kitchen, which had been beautifully
arranged from its initial chaotic state, as well as the shelves and tables,
which were completely free of dust.
"Wow, Otsuki-kun is good at cleaning."
"Eh, well. Otherwise, I wouldn't have chosen this part-time job."
"Ah I see, that's right."
"Wow! The room is sparkling! The kitchen is back to its original state! Hey,
Onee-chan!! This is amazing!!"
Ryota seemed excited about the clean kitchen and living room, so he ran around
the living room and kitchen making a lot of noise.
Seeing Ryota's actions like this, Haruto thought, “Even though I just cleaned
the house, the dust is already everywhere again...,” but he felt reluctant to
stop the innocent child's actions, so he just smiled at the flying dust and
didn't stop him.
"Hey, Ryota. Even though Otsuki-kun has already cleaned it, so don't get dust
everywhere."
But Tojo firmly played the role of the older sister and reprimanded her younger
brother's actions.
After receiving a warning, Ryota obediently replied “Yes,” and stopped running.
Seeing such a scene, Haruto couldn't hold back his voice.
“Tojo-san is a good Onee-chan, huh.”
“Huh? Really?”
"Yes, I think so when I see it."
"I-Is that so? Thank you..." Maybe she was embarrassed by the compliment, Tojo
looked down slightly as she said thanks, while glancing at him. Seeing her
appearance, Haruto felt his heart beat a little faster.
“Onee-chan, she is a very good Onee-chan.”
Haruto was surprised by Tojo's cuteness and for a moment stopped thinking, but
Ryota suddenly came and said with a little pride.
"That's right. Ryota-kun's Onee-chan is a very good Onee-chan. But I think
Ryota-kun is also a very good younger brother, you know?"
Haruto squatted down, looked at Ryota, and said while stroking Ryota's head.
"Really? Am I a good younger brother?"
"Yes, Ryota-kun is a good younger brother who listens to what his sister says."
Hearing Haruto's words, Ryota's expression suddenly lit up.
"Onee-chan! I'm a good younger brother!!"
"That's right. Ryota is a good boy."
"Ehehe"
Ryota smiled happily as the two praised him. Tempted by this, Haruto and Tojo
also naturally smiled.
"Ah, that's right. For the dinner menu, I want you to make four servings of
what's in the fridge."
Haruto was comforted by Tojo's angel-like younger brother, but he suddenly came
to his senses and switched to work mode.
"Do you mind if I check the contents of the refrigerator?"
(Tln: why are there I and me? The word 'saya' I use because this is the status
of a customer and a worker so the worker must be polite by using formal
language, so if in work mode / saying business sentences I use "Saya" (formal I)
and "Anda" (formal you))
Thanks to his grandmother's education, Haruto was able to cook all kinds of
dishes, from Japanese, Western, to Chinese. However, without ingredients,
nothing could be done. If you don't have enough ingredients, you have to buy
them, but this is also part of the housekeeping service job.
"Ah, etto... it's a bit messy, but please go ahead."
“In that case, I'll take a look.”
Tojo agreed rather shyly, and although Haruto felt a little guilty, he opened
the refrigerator door.
"Um...eggs, milk, onions, carrots, cabbage... Oh, there's ground meat too. How
about ground meat and pork..."
Haruto checked the inside of the refrigerator and mentally made a list of
several possible dishes that could be made with the ingredients he found.
"Excuse me. I would also like to check the seasonings and spices."
"In that case, it's in the drawer here."
Saying that, Tojo opened the drawer under the cooking counter.
“Wow! There are so many variations!”
The drawer contained more seasonings and spices than Haruto had imagined.
“Coarse pepper, Hua Jiao, star anise, cardamom, globe, and bay leaves, ginger
powder, and cinnamon sticks! Is this… nutmeg?”
(TLN: in the raw there is the word globe, I also don't know what it is, whatever
just leave it :v)
As a person whose hobby is cooking, Haruto was delighted when he saw the
abundant seasonings.
He had already decided what he would make with the ingredients and seasonings
he had just checked.
"Regarding the dinner menu, how about hamburger steak?"
"!! I want to eat hamburger steak!!"
Her younger brother, Ryota, reacted to Haruto's suggestion before Tojo did.
“Onee-chan, do you want to eat hamburger steak for dinner tonight?”
Tojo said to Haruto with a wry smile as her younger brother looked at her
expectantly.
"Please make hamburger steak for dinner today."
“Understood.”
In response to Tojo's words, Haruto bowed with a slightly exaggerated gesture,
and Ryota, who was watching this, raised both his fists to the sky and burst
with joy.
Smiling at Ryota's warm reaction, Haruto immediately prepared dinner.
Hamburger steak is one of Haruto's favorite dishes, as he had just made it with
his grandmother a few days ago. Therefore, this is one of my signature dishes,
having practiced a lot since I was a child so I could make my own delicious
hamburger steak that my grandmother made.
Haruto began to make the hamburger steak with his trained hands.
Sitting at the dining table, the Tojo siblings watched him cook without any
wasted movements. “Tojo-san, why don't you go back to your room this time?”
Haruto thought as he continued cooking, holding a knife to chop the onions into
fine pieces. At that moment, I suddenly felt someone staring at me and looked up
and saw Ryota looking at me with curiosity.
Haruto raised a smile on his lips, and then with a slightly exaggerated knife
movement, he demonstrated how he could chop onions into small pieces at super
high speed. Soon, I heard Ryota's cheer, "Wow!"
"Otsuki-kun is a cooking boy, huh?"
Tojo said with admiration as she stood beside her brother, her eyes sparkling.
"You clean perfectly, you can cook, Otsuki-kun has a lot of feminine power."
“I think there are very few men who can't stand being in the kitchen these
days, you know?”
"Is that so? Anyway, I think Otsuki-kun's level is too high, you know?"
“I am honored to receive your praise.”
It wasn't just her brother, Ryota, but also Tojo who looked at Haruto's hands
with great interest.
Haruto continued to make the hamburger steak even when he felt the eyes of the
two spectators on him. When it came to the stage of kneading the seeds, he made
a bowl of ice water and put his hands in it.
"...? What are you doing?"
Ryota tilted his head at Haruto's suddenly mysterious behavior.
“This prevents the fat in the meat from melting due to temperature.”
“Fat melting?”
"That's right. If the fat melts, you won't be able to make a delicious
hamburger."
Ryota still tilted his head as if Haruto's explanation didn't make sense to
him. Tojo, on the other hand, nodded slightly and said, “Heh~”.
Haruto took his hands out of the ice water, wiped the moisture from his hands,
and quickly began to knead. His hands turned bright red from being soaked in the
freezing cold water earlier.
“Does your hand not hurt?”
Ryota called out to Haruto, worried about him.
“Thank you Ryota-kun. But it's okay. I want Ryota-kun to eat delicious
hamburger steak.”
Haruto was comforted by Ryota's kindness as he kneaded the hamburger steak, and
when it was sticky, he divided it into four parts and spread it into an oval
shape.
When all that was left was to grill, Haruto asked Tojo.
“Um, do you want to grill all four hamburgers? Or do you want to grill two
hamburgers first?”
The dinner that Tojo requested was for four people. However, right now there
were only Ayaka and Ryota.
The remaining two servings probably belonged to her parents, but there was no
sign of them coming home yet. For Haruto the creator, freshly grilled food is
the most delicious, so he wanted Tojo's parents to also enjoy freshly grilled
food.
“Ah...yes. Right. I think I want you to cook two first. But...”
While saying that, Tojo looked a little worried as she looked at the clock
hanging on the living room wall.
It's now past 5:30 PM. Haruto's contract ends at 6 pm, so if her parents don't
come home now, Haruto will leave when the remaining two are cooked.
“I'll leave a note on how to grill it, so if you follow the instructions,
you'll get the same result.”
Ayaka nodded at Haruto's words as if to relieve her anxiety.
"Really? Then please just grill our portion."
"Understood."
Haruto put two hamburger steaks into the frying pan and started frying them.
While waiting for the food to finish grilling, he stacked the consommé soup he
had made and the side vegetables on a plate. After the hamburgers were cooked,
rice was poured into bowls, and all the food was placed on the dining table, at
that time it was 6:00 PM, the end of the contract.
“In that case, the contract has ended, so I will take my leave here.”
Haruto said after he finished washing the frying pan and other items after
cooking.
"Yes, thank you. That was very helpful."
Tojo looked at the food on the table and said with admiration.
“Otsuki-kun's housework skills are too high.”
"Thank you. It seems I made a delicious hamburger steak, so please enjoy it
before it gets cold."
Haruto said this to Ayaka and started preparing to go home.
Then, Ryota, who was looking at the finished hamburger steak with a bright
expression on his face, slowly approached Haruto.
"Hmm? What's wrong, Ryota-kun?"
"...See you Onii-chan. See you again."
Although he looked a little embarrassed, Ryota waved at Haruto. That appearance
looked very cute in Haruto's eyes. He naturally smiled and waved back at Ryota.
"Yes, see you again, Ryota-kun."
Although Haruto thought that they might not meet again next time, he
reflexively replied.
This time it happened to be me who was asked by the Tojo family to take care of
the housework, but there is no guarantee that I will be asked to do it again
next time. In fact, if they found out that this was a classmate's part-time job,
it's very likely they would nominate another staff member next time. It can't be
helped, it feels awkward to ask your classmate to do housework for you.
"Otsuki-kun, I'll see you to the front door."
"Thank you.”
Haruto felt a little disappointed as Ryota tried his best to wave at him, but
he gladly accepted Tojo's offer.
"Thank you very much for today, Otsuki-kun."
When they arrived at the entrance, Tojo bowed to Haruto.
“No, thank you for using our housekeeping service.”
Haruto returned his gratitude to Tojo and said, "Ah, right," then took a flyer
out of his bag and handed it to Tojo.
“Well, if you decide to use our housekeeping services again next time, we would
like to offer you a fixed-term contract.”
Haruto explained while pointing to the brochure he gave Tojo.
“If you subscribe to this fixed-term contract, the price will be cheaper than a
single contract like this, so please consider it when you use our services
again.”
Tojo smiled at Haruto doing his business according to the manual.
“Otsuki-kun, you look like a salesman.”
“Well, this is also my job.”
“It's strange for a classmate to use formal language, it feels like a classmate
who has already entered the business world? Isn't it okay to speak normally?”
"It's not that I can't, but Tojo-sama is my customer."
Tojo smiled bitterly at Haruto's answer.
“I see… a customer… huh?”
"Yes. Oh, if you don't go back soon, the hamburger steak will get cold, you
know?"
"Ah, that's right. In that case, thank you very much for today, Otsuki-kun."
“Yes, we hope you will use our services again.”
Haruto bowed deeply one last time before leaving the Tojo family residence.
As he looked up, he caught a glimpse of Tojo's face, and maybe it was his
mistake that she looked disappointed.
While saying that to himself, Haruto finished his first job as a housekeeper
and went home.
WHEN I STARTED A PART-TIME JOB AS A HOUSEKEEPER CHAPTER 3
Chapter 3
Permanent Contract

Since I gained my consciousness, I was often called "cute" by the people around
me.

In kindergarten, I was often called by other students' parents, "Ah, Ayaka-chan

is cute, isn't she."

After moving up to elementary school, I was often bullied and teased by boys.
After thinking about it again, maybe that was their way of seeking my attention.

The bullying and teasing from the boys gradually decreased as I got older, and
almost disappeared when I was in middle school.

Then, what started coming were confessions of love.

In a month, there would surely be several boys who confessed their love to me.
There was even a time when someone confessed their love every day of the week.

When I first received a love confession from a boy, the feeling that emerged in
me was confusion.

Because the boys who had been teasing me all this time suddenly said "I like
you", of course I was confused.

Besides, I had always avoided boys because they only teased me, so there was not
a single one I played or chatted with.

Of course I rejected all their love confessions.

How could I date someone whose personality I didn't even know. Moreover, since I
was little, my parents taught me that what's most important is not the outer
appearance but what's inside the heart.
If the process started from greeting each other, then becoming friends, getting
to know each other, then feelings of love growing and confessing, maybe I would
have accepted it.

But the boys who confessed their love to me always said "I fell in love at first
sight!"

It's not that I reject love at first sight, it's just that I can't understand
it. So I rejected all the love confessions I received.

Then an incident occurred.

Suddenly a close friend of mine cried and begged "Don't take the person I like!"

For a moment I didn't understand what she meant.

At that time, and even now, all my friends were girls. And because I avoided
boys, there wasn't a single one I tried to talk to. In a situation like that,
how could I possibly steal the person she liked?

I think my friend misunderstood.

After hearing her explanation while holding back tears, it turned out that among
the boys who confessed their love to me, there was one my friend liked.

...Then what should I do?

They were the ones who carelessly confessed their love to me.

I had absolutely no connection with the boy my friend liked. I had never even
chatted with him once.

In the end, until graduating from middle school, my relationship with my friend
remained strained.
That incident made me avoid boys even more. Then there was one more thing that
made me keep my distance from them since the second half of middle school.

That is their gaze.

Since 2nd grade of middle school, my chest grew bigger and bigger, and along
with that, I increasingly felt the stares from boys.

Most just glanced briefly, but some stared intently. A thorough gaze that made
me feel disgusted, in the end, it fostered a little distrust of men when I
entered high school.

Even after high school, the love confessions never stopped.

But after the incident in middle school, I made it clear to my friends "I am not
interested in boys or romance at all."

Thanks to that, until 2nd grade of high school now, my relationship with my
friends is still fine.

Well, although it is questionable whether for a high school girl who is living a
beautiful adolescence, where all her friends are girls and there is no shadow of
romance at all, can be called fine.

But for me, boys are just a source of disaster.

The most terrifying incident happened right before this summer vacation.

After the semester closing ceremony, while chatting with friends about the
summer vacation and about to go home, I was suddenly called through the school
announcement.

Unlike me who was momentarily confused, my female friends screamed excitedly.

Apparently, the one who called me was a third-year senior.

His name if I'm not mistaken... Goto? No, maybe Saito?
In short, because that senior used the school announcement, I had to respond to
his call.

Well, maybe that was his goal.

Although there were still many students who had not gone home, I endured the
embarrassment and went to the field, there was the culprit, Saito... or Ando?
Ah, whatever, that person.

Then for some reason he suddenly took out a ring and proposed to me.

From the school building, excited cheers were heard from the students who
witnessed the incident. But I was so embarrassed and annoyed with Ando-senpai's
rudeness, that I panicked and just said "I'm not interested" then quickly left
the place.

My memory is hazy after that.

When I came to, I was already at home and had thrown myself onto the bed. The
image of Ito-senpai's strange behavior earlier wouldn't leave my mind.

This incident will surely become gossip material after the summer vacation.
Moreover, the senpai who confessed his love this time, Ito-senpai, seems to be
quite famous and popular among female students.

I don't know why he is famous or popular, but one thing is for sure, if I reject
a person like him, quite a lot of female students will hate me.

Even before the summer vacation arrived, I already felt anxious thinking about
what would happen after the vacation. While lying on the bed, I took my phone
and opened the message application, then called the contact "Aizawa Saki".

After a few rings, the call connected.

[Hello~ I thought you would call me.]

“Sakiii~ I don’t want to go to school anymore~”

[Tomorrow is the start of summer vacation, you know.]

“I want vacation to last forever~”

I complained to my close friend since elementary school.

“What’s with that Endo-senpai! Calling through the announcement is really

crazy!”
[Ahaha, yeah using the school announcement is too much. I really feel sorry for
you.]

“If I meet Endo-senpai at school later, I might glare at him with full
hatred...”

[Wouldn't he be happy about that? And his name is not Endo, but Kaito-senpai,
the one who made the love announcement earlier.]

“Ah, is that so? I’ve even forgotten his name... I was too embarrassed to
hear anything.”

Mendengar perkataanku, terdengar tawa Saki dari sambungan telepon.

[Hahaha! Poor Kaito-senpai, trying to confess his love but it didn't reach Ayaka
at all. Hahaha.]

“The one to be pitied more is me! That senpai is popular, right? I’ll
definitely become a topic of gossip...”

[Maybe everyone will forget about it during the summer vacation?]

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“Is that so? Wasn't this incident really sensational? It was a proposal, you
know? With a ring and everything.”

[Ah yes, that's true.]

Even though we are still high school students.

Skipping the dating stage and suddenly proposing is completely unreasonable.

“Ah whatever, I should just go to an all-girls school...”

[Then we'll be in different schools.]

“Ah yes, I don’t want that.”

Aizawa Saki, the person I'm talking to now, has been my best friend since 1st
grade of elementary school. I have experienced all the happiness and hardships
with her.

She is the only person I can talk to about anything without hesitation,
including this incident. I can't imagine having to go to a separate school from
her.

“Hey Saki, how about we both transfer to an all-girls school?”

[Don't joke around.]

Hearing her firm reply, I pouted my lips. Of course I was just joking, but I
still had to give a response.

“Saki is mean.”

[I've told you before, Ayaka, you'd better just get a boyfriend.]

Hearing my best friend's words, I remembered being told the same thing before.
It happened not long after I entered high school, when I was overwhelmed because
three boys in a row confessed their love to me. Saki suggested that I “Get a
fake boyfriend to ward off other boys.” But if it were that easy to get a
boyfriend, why would I be so busy with continuous love confessions.

At that time, I flatly rejected her proposal.

“It can’t be like that. Besides, isn’t pretending to be in a relationship

with someone you don’t like dishonest?”

[Really? But isn't creating a fake relationship with a boy you just met to avoid
being bothered, kind of like a romance comic story? You like that kind of thing,
right?]

“I do like it...”

While giving an ambiguous answer to Saki, I glanced at the bookshelf in my room,

which was packed with romance comics.

Maybe this is a backlash because I can't experience romance in the real world.

My attitude of being uninterested in boys and romance is just a strategy to

build good friendships. Of course, as a normal high school girl, I also want to
experience love like others do.

[See? At first, you pretend to be a couple, but over time you become attracted
to each other and in the end, you really get together... kyaa! Perfect!!]

“Don’t get excited by yourself.”

[So the point is, Ayaka has to get a fake boyfriend!]

“Impossible~ Who would want to be my fake boyfriend?”

Not to be arrogant, but I am quite aware of how my attitude can affect others at
school, especially boys.
If I suddenly got into a relationship, even a fake one, with one of them, it
might be very troublesome for him.

[Hmmm, I think Otsuki-kun in our class would be a good match for you.]

“Otsuki-kun? You mean... ah, the one who ranked first on the test scores,
right?”

I tried to remember the figure Saki mentioned.

Although I avoid boys, at least I still remember the names of my classmates.

[Yes, that's him. I think Otsuki-kun is a good match for you.]

“Eh? Why is that?”

[Well, compared to other boys, Otsuki-kun is calmer and not aggressive, right?
He also looks like an honorable man.]

“Really...?”

Because at school I only hang out with girls, I don't really know what the boys
in my class are like.

[Besides, if you have a boyfriend, other boys won't bother you. And if something
happens, he can protect you, right? So as a best friend, I'll feel a little more
at ease.]

It seems Saki is worried because I have experienced minor harassment a few

times.

“But isn’t that more like a bodyguard than a boyfriend?”

[That's what it is.]

“Ugh! Don’t tease me~”

Even though I said that, I couldn't help but smile. Talking with Saki always
makes me feel better, although there was something bothering my mind.

“Nee, want to go to a cafe together tomorrow?”

[Oh, that sounds good. Which cafe do you want to go to? Since it's a holiday, we
can explore new places.]

“That’s right, good idea.”

As we were enthusiastically discussing our plans for the cafe tomorrow, I heard
my Mom's voice from the stairs.

“Ayaka, Mom wants to talk for a bit, come downstairs, okay.”

“Yes, mom! Sorry Saki, my mom is calling me.”

[Yeah yeah, we'll talk more about the plan for tomorrow later.]

“Okay, see you later.”

[See you later.]

After ending the call, I left my room and went to the living room. As soon as I
arrived, I saw my Mom bustling around in a hurry. A large open suitcase was on
the floor.

“Huh? Mom, are you going somewhere?”

“Yes, there’s a sudden business trip.”

My Mom said while putting some changes of clothes into the suitcase.
My mom is a company director. So sometimes she has to stay overnight for work
like this. Sometimes even abroad, and in that case, she usually won't come home
for over a week.

“I see... is it for a long time this time?”

I asked her, feeling a little down. If Mom isn't here, the only ones left in
this house are me and my 5-year-old brother, Ryouta. He's too young to be left
alone, so I have to take care of him.

But if that's the case, my plan to go to the cafe with Saki tomorrow will have
to be canceled.

“Just for three days. Your Dad and I should be back on the same day.”

“...Alright.”

By the way, my Dad is also a businessman who is currently on a business trip.

I deeply respect the fact that both my parents work as company executives, a
very busy and responsible job.

But sometimes I also dislike it a little when they have to leave home for work
like this.

Of course, I know that Mom and Dad love me and Ryouta very much, and they always
make time for the family.

But I can't hide my dissatisfaction even though I don't want to be too spoiled.

It seemed my mom caught my dissatisfaction, and her face became a little

regretful.

“I'm sorry, even though summer vacation starts tomorrow.”

“Ah, it’s okay, this is work after all.”

“Mom will bring back souvenirs for you and Ryouta. Please take care of Ryouta,
okay.”

Ryouta is probably taking a nap now.

If he wakes up and sees Mom about to leave, he will surely cry and try to stop
Mom because he is still very clingy to our parents. To be honest, I also want to
whine and be spoiled by Mom. But I am an older sister and also a high school
student, so I can't act childish.

“Yes, leave the house matters to me. Mom, just focus on your work.”

I smiled cheerfully so that Mom wouldn't see the disappointment in my heart.

Then, as if remembering something, Mom said "oh yes" and showed me a brochure on
the table.

“If you get tired of housework, you can use this service.”

“What is this?”

I took the brochure from Mom and read it.

“...Housekeeping service?”

“That's right, they can clean the house, cook, and things like that.
Practical, isn't it?”

“Hmm..”

The brochure had the slogan ‘A housekeeping service that gives you precious
time’ and various explanations of services and packages offered.

“Wow, it turns out they can also help with daily grocery shopping.”

“Yes, that's right. Here, if you want to call them, you can use this money for
now.”

Mom gave me a few bills.

“Eh, no need. If I want to call them, I can use my own pocket money.”

“I don’t really spend a lot of pocket money, so it’s not a problem to call
a housekeeping service once or twice.

But, Mom shook her head and gave me the money.

“This is an apology for asking for help with the house from the first day of
summer vacation.”

“...I understand. In that case, I will accept it.”

Well, if I don't call the housekeeping service, I can return the money later.

“Well then, the taxi has arrived, so I'll be going now.”

“Yes, take care on the way.”

Mom closed her suitcase and got into the taxi waiting for her at the door to go
on her business trip.

I, who saw her off at the door, sent a message to Saki to cancel tomorrow's
plan.

[Ayaka: --Sorry. Both my parents are on a business trip and left home, so I
can't go to the cafe tomorrow.]

Along with the message, I also sent a sticker of a rabbit crying profusely with
tears gushing out.

Every time the sent effect sound echoed, my spirits dropped further.
[Saki: --Oh my, really? How long are your parents on their business trip?]

[Ayaka: --Three days, my Dad and Mom are coming back together.]

[Saki: --I see... How about I come to your house?]

When Saki suggested that, I almost reflexively sent “yes,” but I stopped
myself.

Saki's house is quite far from mine. Until middle school, she lived in an
apartment near my house, but just before entering high school, she moved to a
new house.

When my friend moved to a new house, it should have been a happy moment. But
what I remember is that at that time I cried because I didn't like Saki moving
to a place so far away.

[Ayaka: --No need. How about we hang out after my parents come back?]

[Saki: --Are you sure you're okay?]

[Ayaka: --Yes! It's no problem at all]

I sent a sticker of a rabbit giving a thumbs up. Saki replied with a sticker of
a bear making a circle above its head.

“...Haaah~”

I couldn't help but sigh.

The summer vacation of my 2nd year of high school started in a rather gloomy
way.

Besides the love confession from Kaito-senpai and canceling plans to hang out
with Saki, those two things had quite a psychological impact on me. In the midst
of that, I have to cook for Ryouta and play with him, while also taking care of
housework like laundry and tidying up the house.

For three days while my parents are not at home, I have to be responsible.

After reminding myself, I got through those three days.

But on the last day, I had accumulated too much mental fatigue, until I fell
asleep on the living room sofa.

At first I just wanted to lie down for a moment to rest because I was a little
tired. But without realizing it, I had fallen into a deep sleep.

Because he saw me sleeping, my brother Ryouta was worried and tried to make
lunch by himself. Of course, a five-year-old's attempt to cook alone is too
dangerous, and the kitchen became a mess.

Ryouta, who failed to cook, kept apologizing with a gloomy face.

Because I was the one who made him worry first, I couldn't scold him harshly.

Seeing my brother's downcast head, I stroked his head and said,

“Ryouta is still too young to be alone in the kitchen. Next time, call Oneechan
first, okay?”

“Yes... I’m sorry.”

As I stroked the head of Ryouta who apologized again, the intercom bell rang
“Ding dong” from the direction of the door.

“Ryouta, your friend is here. They said they want to play together in the park
today.”

“Yes, but...”

Ryouta mumbled as he glanced at the kitchen.

Maybe he felt guilty for having to go play after making a mess of the kitchen. I
squatted down to meet his gaze.

“Onee-chan will clean the kitchen, you go play first.”

“...Is it okay?”

“It’s okay. Come on, don't keep your friend waiting too long.”

Ryouta often plays in the park with friends from around the house. At that time,
his friend's parents also watched over Ryouta well, so I was at ease.

I walked Ryouta to the front door, briefly greeted his friend and their parent,
then returned to the kitchen with a sigh.

“Haaah~ This is really tough.”

I fully understand that Ryouta had no ill intentions. In fact, I was the one at
fault for showing my fatigue, which made my little brother worry.

But, even though I understand, the reality is that physical and mental fatigue
are unavoidable.

“Haaah~”

My body wouldn't move, only sighs came out.

“Come on, get it together! Mom and Dad are coming home today, right! Just a
little more, hang in there!”

Yes, tonight Dad and Mom will be home. After that, I will be free from
housework.

“Ah yes, tomorrow I can go hang out with Saki.”

I said it out loud to pump myself up. But my body still wouldn't move.

“Uuh... I can't...”

I hung my head dejectedly and finally moved away from the kitchen, then sat at
the dining table.

My gaze fell on a brochure on the table.

That brochure was given by Mom when she was leaving for her business trip, a
pamphlet for a housekeeping service.

I took it and read its contents again.

“...Maybe I should call them?”

For me right now, the housekeeping service sounded very appealing.

“Mom said it was okay to call them...”

While muttering to convince myself, I scanned the QR code on the pamphlet. Then
without realizing it, I had already ordered the housekeeping service on their
website.

“I... have ordered...”

Seeing the order confirmation email, a sense of tension welled up inside me.

Is it okay to order it so rashly like this? Is it okay for a high school girl to
order?

With that thought, I waited anxiously for the housekeeper to arrive. Then around
3 PM, they finally arrived at the house.
And at that moment, I was utterly shocked.

It turned out the housekeeper was Otsuki-kun, a classmate from my school!

“Eh? ...Why?”

I asked in confusion while reflexively keeping my distance and being wary.

Well, it's natural to feel wary after the incident with Kaito-senpai.

It seemed he noticed my wariness, Otsuki-kun offered to change the staff. His

response made me feel a little calmer.

Otsuki-kun treated me as a customer.

There was no impression of ulterior motives or anything bad from his attitude.
That's when I remembered Saki's words:

“Hmm, I think Otsuki-kun from our class is a good match for you, Ayaka.”

That memory made me a little interested in Otsuki, so I asked him to handle my

housework. He seemed a little surprised, but it seems my judgment was correct.

As a housekeeping staff, Otsuki-kun was very professional in treating me.

In the middle of his task, when Ryouta came home from the park and thought
Otsuki-kun was a thief, Otsuki remained calm and friendly to Ryouta.

Ryouta, who was initially shy with strangers, seemed to open up to Otsuki-kun in
a short time. When Otsuki-kun was about to leave, Ryouta even approached and
said “Byeee” to him.

I was quite moved to see Ryouta, who usually has a hard time getting close to
new people, get along with Otsuki-kun so quickly.

But I can understand why.

Like Saki said, Otsuki-kun does have a calm and friendly impression when he
speaks with a gentle expression. Maybe because this is his job, his speech is
also very polite, seeming mature beyond his years.

Besides that, Otsuki-kun's skill in housework is very high.

It's natural since this is a part-time job as a housekeeper, but he managed to

make the previously messy kitchen sparkling clean. Even though he wasn't
initially asked, he also cleaned the living room until there wasn't a speck of
dust.

Then when he cooked, his appearance was like a professional chef. I was not at
all bored watching him work in the kitchen.

All this time I've always avoided men, but maybe I could become close friends
with Otsuki-kun...

Just in a short time of interacting with him, I started to vaguely feel that
way. For some reason, I felt that Otsuki-kun didn't see me for my outward
appearance, but valued me for who I am. The proof is, he said that I am a "good
Onee-chan".

When I started thinking like that, I felt a little disappointed because Otsukikun
treated me as a "customer".

Just when I finally felt I could be friends with a boy, being treated as a
customer made me feel a deep distance.

After Otsuki-kun went home,

I and Ryouta ate the hamburger he made, and it was the most delicious hamburger
I had ever eaten in my life.

Ryouta ate it greedily as if he could choke at any moment. His eyes were wide
open without blinking, voraciously devouring the hamburger. The sight of my
brother so infatuated with Otsuki-kun's cooking was like a light horror scene.

Otsuki-kun's cooking that made Ryouta so engrossed, truly amazing!!

※

After successfully completing his job as a housekeeper at the Tojo family home,
the next day Haruto went to play at his best friend Akagi Tomoya's house.

"Hey, Haru. I thought you were just going to study and work part-time this
summer vacation? Are you sure it's okay to come play at my house?"

Tomoya said in a teasing tone.

"That was the plan. But last night I accidentally saw a show about a dilapidated
house full of trash."

Haruto tidied up the messy comic collection while continuing to speak.

"Suddenly I became worried. What if the next dilapidated house to be featured is

my own best friend's room."

"My room isn't that messy!!"

Tomoya protested, pushing his back off the chair's backrest.

A summer with sweltering hot weather was underway.

The scorching sun shone into Tomoya's room. However, with the air conditioner
on, the temperature in his room remained comfortable despite the sunlight.

"Well, actually I just wanted to take refuge here because the AC in my room is
broken."

Haruto said casually, making Tomoya glare at him.

"Hey, I'm going to bill you for the electricity later."

"In that case, I'll bill you for the cleaning fee. Including the previous ones
too."

"Sorry, sorry. Please use my room as you please."

Tomoya quickly admitted defeat.

He then leaned back in his chair and asked Haruto.

"By the way, yesterday was your first day working part-time as a housekeeper,
right? How was it?"

"Oh yeah..."

Hearing Tomoya's question, Haruto paused his cleaning activities for a moment
and seemed to be thinking.

"Well, it was a pretty satisfying job."

Haruto answered while remembering the smile and thanks from Tojo-san.

"Hm? Why are you smiling like that, Haru?"

Haruto immediately corrected his expression upon seeing Tomoya point at him.

"What are you talking about, I wasn't smiling."

"You were clearly smiling... Ah, I know!"

"Know what?"

"The customer who ordered you must have been a beautiful, busty Onee-san!"

The confident statement from his best friend made Haruto frown slightly.
"No, you idiot!"

"See, it must be true. And that Onee-san must be a career woman exhausted from
work!"

"Don't make up weird stuff."

“And that Onee-san is really sexy, right. Because Haru is quiet, you tend to
hide things like that.”

With his arms folded, Tomoya nodded as if he understood the situation. Seeing
that, Haruto looked at him with a bewildered expression.

“It’s not like that. Besides, who’s quiet? Who?”

“So it’s really not like that? But the client was a beautiful woman, right?
”

“Why do you think that?”

“Eh? For some reason, I just feel that way.”

Tomoya said it as if it were a natural thing. Was it just a coincidence or did

he really have a sharp instinct? Haruto wasn't sure and looked at his best
friend with a wry smile.

“Hey Haru. What’s the real story? Did anything lewd happen?”

“It’s impossible for something like that to happen with Tojo-san.”

“...Huh? Tojo-san?”

“...Ah...”
Haruto carelessly said those words and quickly covered his mouth in a panic.

“What!? You mean Tojo Ayaka-san!?”

“No... it’s not...”

“It has to be Tojo Ayaka-san! Your reaction definitely shows that it’s Tojo
Ayaka-san!”

Tomoya seemed convinced that Haruto's housekeeping client was Tojo, even though
he was surprised.

Haruto realized that it was impossible to lie to Tomoya, so he admitted it and

asked Tomoya to keep it a secret. “Don’t tell anyone that Tojo-san asked for
my help with her housework. I have to protect the privacy and personal
information of my clients. I trust you, Tomoya. If you spread this, our
friendship is over.”

“I won't spread it. Really...? So how was it?”

“How was what?”

Haruto frowned as he continued to clean Tomoya's room.

“I mean, you must have been called to Tojo-san’s house, right?”

“Called, you say...”

Haruto looked at Tomoya with a puzzled expression.

“I wasn't called to play at Tojo-san's house, but to work.”

“Ah, that’s right. So, how was Tojo-san’s house? It must have smelled nice,
right?”
Tomoya ignored Haruto's explanation and threw a question full of interest.
Haruto just sighed deeply.

“You sound like a pervert. Besides, that question concerns the client's
privacy, so I can't tell you.”

“Tch, you're so stingy. I'm your best friend, you know.”

Tomoya pouted his lips to pretend to sulk, but Haruto ignored him.

If it was a cute girl making that gesture, maybe his heart would be a little
tempted. But even though a man pouted his lips, Haruto's heart was not moved at
all, in fact, he became more annoyed.

“Stingy~ Stingy Haru~ Stingy stingy stingy~~”

“Be quiet!” Haruto threw the music magazine he was holding. Tomoya dodged it
lightly and chuckled.

“But you’re lucky, Haru.”

“Hah? What part?”

“During this summer vacation, you can get close to Tojo-san, right? I’m
jealous~”

Tomoya grinned while sitting cross-legged on the chair. However, Haruto frowned
because he didn't understand what he meant.

“How can I get close just by going to her house once?”

“Eh? Aren’t you going to Tojo-san’s house often as long as you have that
part-time job?”

Tomoya said with a confused face. Haruto shook his head to deny his words.
“No, no. That was the last time I’m going to Tojo-san’s house.”

“Eh? Why?”

“Why, you ask? Of course it's weird if a classmate comes to your house to
clean and do other housework. If I were Tojo-san, next time I would ask someone
else, not a classmate, for housework. It feels too awkward.”

“Hmmm? Is that so?”

Responding to Haruto's words, Tomoya turned his head and looked at his classmate
who was cleaning his room.

“But I don't feel awkward at all, you know?”

“..........”

Hearing the casual words from his best friend, Haruto could only grit his teeth.

“Maybe I should charge you a fee.”

Haruto muttered in a low voice.

“What!? Please don’t do that! I just bought this and I’m out of money!”

With a desperate face, Tomoya gave an excuse to Haruto while hugging a black bag
that was nearby.

“Ah? You bought a new one?”

The black bag that Tomoya was hugging was a guitar case.

He had started playing the guitar since elementary school, and now he had joined
a band with students from other schools.
“Yeah, pretty much. I went to a music store the other day, and fell in love
with this at first sight.”

Tomoya chuckled while rubbing his cheek with the guitar. Haruto was slightly
disgusted seeing his friend's rather strange behavior, then looked at the other
guitar leaning against the wall.

“Do you really need two guitars?”

“Of course I need them! There’s no harm in having many guitars!”

“Hmm, I see.”

Haruto, who was not interested in musical instruments and music, only gave a
perfunctory response while continuing to clean Tomoya's room.

“Hey! Show a little interest!”

“Well, I don't really understand musical instruments and I don't plan on

playing any.”

“Don’t be like that, let’s start learning guitar with me and we’ll form a
band!”

Tomoya said while moving his hands enthusiastically, “I’ll teach you from
the beginning.”

“No, thank you.”

“Eeh~ In that case, just be the vocalist then. We’re planning to perform at
the school’s cultural festival this year. Let’s enjoy our youth together!”

Tomoya said with a wide smile and a thumbs up. However, Haruto did not stop his
cleaning activities and answered without interest.

“No, thank you.”

“Come on~ join our band~”

Tomoya whined like a child, but Haruto ignored him and continued cleaning.

“Haru~ let’s join the band~ let’s enjoy music together~”

“Yeah yeah, I’ll think about it later. Oh yeah, where is Haruka-chan today?
”

Haruto gave a casual response to Tomoya's persistent request. Then he changed

the subject by asking about Tomoya's younger sister.

“She went to cram school since this morning.”

“Oh, I see, Haruka-chan has her entrance exams next year, right.”

Tomoya has a younger sister who is two years younger.

Tomoya is Haruto's best friend, as well as his childhood friend. And his sister
Haruka is also like a little sister to Haruto.

Since they were little, the three of them often played together. Haruka also
calls Haruto “Haru-nii” and is very close to him.

“Yeah, she's determined to get into the same high school as Haru next year.”

“So next year Haruka-chan will be my underclassman.”

“If she passes, that is.”

“Haruka-chan can definitely do it.”

Haruka is quite smart, so Haruto is sure that next year they will go to the same
high school.

While imagining that, Haruto smiled. Seeing him, Tomoya grinned mischievously.

“Hey Haru. You already have Tojo-san but you’re still going to cheat with
Haruka?”

“Huh? What do you mean? Didn't I just say, I won't be called to Tojo-san's
house anymore.”

“Really?”

Hearing Haruto's firm statement, Tomoya put on a face as if doubting his words
while smiling mockingly.

※

“I won't be called again... That's what I thought at the time.”

Haruto muttered to himself in front of a luxurious house.

Yesterday, he asserted to Tomoya that he would not be called to the Tojo

family's house again. In fact, he himself also thought he would not be called to
Tojo's house again to do housework. But because he thought that, now standing in
front of the Tojo family's house, various worries arose in his mind.

“Could it be... I was called because there was a complaint about my previous
visit? Or because the hamburger I made gave them food poisoning? Impossible, if
there was a problem like that, they would have complained directly to my
office...”

Various thoughts raced through Haruto's head.

Even though none of it seemed realistic and it seemed impossible to happen,

Haruto, trapped in negative thinking, pressed the intercom with fingers that
felt very heavy. “Ding dong” the call sounded. The pause that followed felt
so long to Haruto.
“Helloo? Who’s there?”

Contrary to Haruto's tension, the voice that came from the intercom was very
cheerful.

“Ah, I’m from the housekeeping service.”

“Oh! I've been waiting for you! I'll open the door now, wait a moment.”

Haruto frowned upon hearing the voice from the intercom.

Her voice was similar to Tojo Ayaka's, but her level of enthusiasm was too high
and didn't match the impression he got from Tojo. Maybe it was Tojo's older
sister.

In Haruto's mind, the girl named Tojo Ayaka had a more elegant and calm
impression than an active one. The last time he visited her house, she seemed to
be a quiet older sister who took good care of her younger brother.

While he was thinking about that, the door opened and a woman appeared.

She might be in her late twenties. Her face was very beautiful and she had an
aura similar to Tojo, so she must be Tojo's older sister.

“You must be Otsuki-kun! Come in, come in!”

“Ah yes, excuse me.”

Invited with high spirits, Haruto entered and put on the guest slippers. At that
moment, he noticed Ryouta peeking from behind the hallway.

“Ryouta-kun, hi.”

“...Hi.”

“Was the hamburger I made delicious?”

Ryouta still seemed a little wary. However, his expression softened after
Haruto's question.

“Yes, it was delicious.”

“I’m glad you liked it,” Haruto said with a gentle smile, making Ryouta
blush.

“Ufufufu, Ayaka said Ryouta really devoured the hamburger.”

The woman who seemed to be Tojo's older sister smiled teasingly at the scene.

“Mom ate the hamburger too, right? It was delicious, right?”

To hide his embarrassment, Ryouta tried his best to praise the deliciousness of
the hamburger.

“Yes, it was really delicious.”

Hearing that conversation, Haruto was frozen in shock.

It turned out the woman he thought was Tojo's older sister was her mother, not
her sister. The woman smiling at Ryouta really didn't look like a mother of two
children, she looked so young and fresh.

Unaware of Haruto's shock, Ryouta looked at him with a hopeful face.

“What are you going to cook today?”

“Ryouta, you shouldn't be like that. We have to take Otsuki-kun to the living
room first.”

“Oh, yes.”
In a gentle tone, his mother chided him and Ryouta nodded obediently. “This
way,” he said as he guided Haruto to the living room, where Haruto followed
him with a faint smile.

“Actually Ryouta has been whining since this morning, ‘Is the Onii-chan who
made the delicious hamburger coming again today?’ He was very enthusiastic.”

“I see.”

Although shaken by the reality that the woman he thought was Tojo's sister was
actually her mother, Haruto still tried to smile warmly and reply.

“Allow me to introduce myself again. Thank you for using our housekeeping
service. I am Otsuki Haruto who will be handling your order today. According to
the information I received from Tojo-sama, your order is a 3-hour package for
cleaning and cooking dinner. Is there anything wrong?”

“Yes, everything is correct.”

Tojo's mother nodded in response to Haruto's formal question, then put on a

slightly dissatisfied face.

“Ayaka said you are a classmate, right?”

“Ah, yes. That's right.”

“In that case, there’s no need to be so formal! Just call me Ikue.”

Hearing Tojo's mother's request, Haruto looked confused.

“But even though you are the mother of my classmate, you are still a customer
to me...”

"Don't say such sad things, let's talk more casually, okay?"

"But... but..."
"Come on? You don't want to?"

With both hands clasped and her head tilted, Mother Tojo pleaded with a pitiful
look to Haruto, who immediately averted his gaze.

Tojo's mother, Ikue, was a woman worthy of being called a "goddess" for her
extraordinary beauty, as if adding the charm of a mature woman to Ayaka Tojo,
her daughter who was a very beautiful high school girl. Haruto's heart, which
was in its puberty, was truly shaken by the 'request' from such a woman.

"...Alright. I-Ikue-san."

"I'm glad! Thank you, Otsuki-kun!"

"N-No problem."

With slightly flushed cheeks, Haruto bowed his head. Then, Tojo arrived in the
living room.

"Ah, Otsuki-kun. You've arrived. Please come in."

"Excuse me. Tojo-sama... Tojo-san."

As soon as Haruto said 'Tojo-sama', he felt a glare from Ikue and frantically
corrected himself.

"Thank you for using our service again."

"Yes. After that time, I told my parents that you were the staff who cleaned my
room and cooked the hamburger, they wanted to meet you who are my classmate. And
also Ryouta really wanted to taste your cooking again."

Haruto bowed his head respectfully to Tojo who spoke with a little
embarrassment.

"I am very happy that you were satisfied with the previous service. This time
too, I will do my best to meet your expectations."

"Yes, please take care of it."

Tojo bowed her head following Haruto. Seeing the two of them, Ikue said while
placing a hand on her cheek, "Ara ara."

"You two are in the same class, right? Why not be a little more relaxed?"

Hearing her mother's words, Tojo showed a slightly confused expression.

"But I've never chatted with Otsuki-kun at school..."

"Ah, then this is a chance to get to know each other, right? Right, Otsuki-kun?"

"Eh!? Ah, yes. Uum, that's right..."

Because he was suddenly spoken to, for a moment Haruto was confused about how to
answer, but remembering the previous situation, he decided to agree albeit
hesitantly, worried that refusing would bring trouble.

Seeing Haruto's answer, Ikue nodded with satisfaction and said to her daughter.

"Ayaka, you don't have any male friends, do you? Otsuki-kun seems like a good
kid, this is a good opportunity."

"W-Wait a minute, Mom! I didn't call Otsuki-kun for a reason like that..."

"Ah? So Ayaka doesn't want to be friends with Otsuki-kun?"

"It's not that... I want to be friends, but..."

"That means you want to be friends with him, right! I'm sorry, Otsuki-kun, this
child has always been reserved about things like this."
L
"Mo-Moooom... Uuhh..."

Tojo groaned in protest with a red face, and Haruto could only laugh a little,
"Ahaha..." Then, he changed the subject to work.

"Ah, in that case I will start by cleaning, are there any special requests?"

"A special request... Hmm..."

Ikue seemed to think for a moment, then her gaze fell towards the window.

"Ah yes, lately I feel the windows are a bit dirty, could you clean them too?"

"Understood."

After bowing respectfully, Haruto immediately approached the window and checked
the glass up close.

"Right, it looks a little dirty."

"Right? It's because of the sand rain that time."

"I understand. In that case, I will clean it now."

Haruto rolled up his sleeves to get ready to clean.

“Wow, Otsuki-kun has quite muscular arms, huh?”

Seeing Haruto's exposed arms after being rolled up, Ikue commented with a tone
of admiration.

“Do you do sports or something like that?”

“Since I was a child, I have been practicing karate regularly.”

“Wow! So Otsuki-kun is a former karate kid! That's amazing!”

Ikue praised while clapping her hands, making Haruto blush a little and bow his
head, "Thank you very much."

Feeling a little happy after being praised by Ikue, Haruto took the necessary
equipment to clean the windows from his belongings, then started wiping the
windows.

For large equipment like a vacuum cleaner, they usually use what is already
available at home. However, for cloths and other small equipment, Haruto brought
his own. Some were provided by the company, but Haruto also prepared some that
he bought himself. When he told his grandmother about his side job in home
services, his grandmother gave him various practical tools that might be useful.

To wipe the windows, Haruto moistened a newspaper with water.

Seeing that, Ryouta asked with a confused face.

“What are you going to do with that newspaper?”

“This is to wipe the windows, its ink can clean the dirt.”

“Wow, that's great! I want to try too!”

Ryouta began to open his heart to Haruto, he stuck by Haruto's side who was
cleaning while occasionally asking questions.

“Want to try? In that case, wipe that part with this.”

“Okay!”

Haruto handed a wrung-out wet newspaper to Ryouta and pointed to an area he

could reach.
“I’m sorry, Otsuki-kun. Ryouta is being a bother.”

Ikue, who had asked Haruto to clean while doing her office work on her laptop,
called out to Haruto.

“It’s okay, Ryouta-kun is helping me.”

“That's right, Mom! I'm helping him!”

Hearing his mother say he was “bothering”, Ryouta retorted with pouted lips.

“Thanks to Ryouta-kun, I can clean the windows faster.”

“Hehehe.”

Ryouta smiled happily as Haruto gently stroked his head.

“Ara ara, look at Ryouta, he’s already so close to Otsuki-kun, they’re like
real siblings, right. Right, Ayaka?”

“Huh? Ah, yes, that’s right.”

Tojo, who had been absentmindedly watching Haruto clean while resting her chin
on her hand next to her mother, was startled when her mother suddenly spoke to
her.

Seeing her behavior, Ikue gave a mischievous smile.

“Ayaka is just daydreaming, jealous because Ryouta was taken by Otsuki-kun? Or

maybe...”

With a mischievous smile, her mother said to Ayaka.

“You’re fascinated by Otsuki-kun?”

“Wh-!! What are you saying, Mom!!”

Ayaka jumped up from her chair and glared at her mother.

“Why are you so angry~ youth is a beautiful thing~”

“Th-That’s not it! Not at all!”

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Hearing the shout, Ryouta who was wiping the window with Haruto looked at his
sister with confusion.

"Onee-chan, why is your face so red? Are you sick?"

"Ah, it's not red! I'm not sick! Mou!"

While shouting so, Tojo rushed out of the living room.

"Mom, what's wrong with Onee-chan?"

Not understanding the situation, Ryouta stared at the living room door his
sister had just passed through with a puzzled expression. Ikue laughed softly,
"Ufufufu."

"Your Onee-chan is enjoying her life right now."

"But Onee-chan didn't look happy earlier?"

"Fufufu, Ryouta is still too young to understand."

Still with an amused smile, Ikue shifted her gaze to Haruto who was diligently
wiping the window beside Ryouta.

"I'd be very happy if my daughter also experiences spring in her life..."

(Tln: code from Tojo's mom, referring to Haruto's name which contains the word
‘Haru’ which means spring)

A small murmur full of a mother's affection, but also sounded a little sad yet
also happy, seemed to faintly reach Haruto's ears who was focused on his work.

※

After finishing cleaning the windows, Haruto spent an hour cleaning the floors,
toilet, and all parts of the Tojo family home.

"Ikue-san, the cleaning work is finished, is there anything else I can do?"

"No! Your work is perfect! Thank you very much for your hard work."

Haruto informed Ikue that his task was completed.

Ikue, who was busy with her work on her laptop in the living room, looked
satisfied hearing Haruto's report.

"This is the first time I've been able to work this smoothly at home! Usually
I'm taken up with cleaning and laundry, so it's hard to concentrate. You've
really helped me~"

"I'm glad I could help. In that case, what menu would you like for dinner
later?"

Hearing Haruto's question, Ikue placed a hand on her chin with a thinking
expression.
"Hmm, since the weather is hot, something fresh would be good. But it also has
to be quite filling."

While saying that, Ikue looked at Ryouta who was sleeping on the living room
sofa.

It seemed Ryouta really enjoyed the cleaning time with Haruto so much that he
followed him everywhere until the middle. But after getting too excited, he
started to get sleepy at the end, so Haruto carried him to the sofa to rest.

"Ryouta-kun is still in his growing phase, you know."

"That's right. For me, maybe just somen or something similar would be enough.
But Ryouta, well..."

It's true, somen or cold noodles are very suitable to eat in the hot summer
weather. However, the portion might not be enough for a growing boy. Besides,
it's a bit difficult to meet balanced nutritional needs with just that. After
thinking for a moment, Haruto proposed a menu.

"In that case, how about lemon-flavored cream pasta? The sour taste of lemon
makes it feel fresh, but it's quite filling."

“Wow, great idea!”

"Then for the soup, how about a cold soup, and for the salad, caprese?"

“Wow, that sounds like a fresh and delicious dinner! Ah, for the ingredients,
my fridge is empty right now. Could you please do the shopping as well?”

“Of course, no problem.”

Shopping for groceries is also part of the housekeeping service. After Haruto
nodded, Ikue immediately handed him the money.

“I hope this is enough.”

While saying so, Ikue handed over an envelope containing three largedenomination
banknotes to Haruto.

Seeing the amount of money he received, Haruto suddenly realized, "Ah, so this
is what it feels like to be rich."

“That will definitely be enough. Are there any specific places or ingredients
you want?”

Some people do have special preferences about where to shop or the origin of
food ingredients. However, Ikue shook her head while saying:

“No special preferences. Do you know the location of the supermarket?”

“Yes, I know. In that case, I will go shopping first.”

As Haruto sluggishly got up.

"…Eh? Onii-chan, where are you going?"

Ryouta asked while rubbing his eyes.

"I'm going to go shopping for dinner."

“...Shopping?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

As soon as Haruto answered, Ryouta's previously sleepy eyes opened wide.

“I want to come too!!”

Ryouta jumped off the sofa and ran towards Haruto. It seems that after helping
Haruto clean, Ryouta has truly become close to Haruto.

“You can’t, Ryouta. Otsuki-kun isn’t going out to play, you know?”
“Eh~! I want to go shopping too!”

With a slightly confused face, Ikue looked at Ryouta who began to whine. Feeling
bad about letting Haruto handle the shopping while also looking after Ryouta,
Ikue shook her head, refusing Ryouta's request.

"N-no. Otsuki-kun is working, you know? Ryouta, you wait at home and guard the
house until Otsuki-kun comes back, okay?"

Hearing his mother's persuasion, Ryouta clenched his fists and looked down.

“But I already helped Onii-chan clean earlier…”

Ryota really wanted to go shopping with Haruto, to the point that his eyes
started to well up with tears.

"Oh dear, Ryouta is usually such an obedient child… it seems he really likes
Otsuki-kun," said Ikue.

"It's no problem for me to take him," said Haruto, saying that it was fine if
Ryota came along. However, Ikue still felt uneasy, and after thinking for a
moment, she seemed to get an idea.

"In that case, how about Ayaka comes shopping too?"

After saying that, Ikue left the living room and headed for the stairs in the
corridor.

“Ayaka, come down for a moment!”

Ikue called in a rather loud voice.

After being teased by her mother earlier, Tojo had locked herself in her room.

“Ayaka!”
After her mother's second call, the sound of a door opening was heard and Tojo
appeared.

“What is it?”

She seemed a little displeased. Seeing her daughter, Ikue smiled and said,

"Ryouta wants to go shopping with Otsuki-kun and won't listen. So, can you come
along and look after Ryouta?"

“Eh…”

Tojo looked at her mother suspiciously.

"I don't have any hidden motives, you know? Look, it's too much to let Otsukikun
shop while taking care of Ryouta, right?"

“That is... true.”

“So, please, come along and look after Ryouta?”

“…Alright,” Tojo nodded, and Ikue smiled widely.

“Ryouta, Onee-chan will come, so you can go shopping.”

“Yattaaa!!”

Ryouta raised his hands and jumped for joy, then ran towards his sister who was
coming down the stairs.

“Thank you, Onee-chan! I love you Onee-chan!”

"Yes, yes, I know. We're going shopping, right? Hurry up and get ready."
Tojo answered coldly, but there was a slight smile on her lips.

"Otsuki-kun, sorry, I also need to get ready for a bit. Can you wait a moment?"

“Of course, no problem.”

Tojo returned to her room, put on clothes to go out, and came back again.

Ryouta had also changed his clothes, and was impatiently waiting near the front
door with his outdoor shoes on.

“Onee-chan is slow! Hurry, hurry!!”

“I know, Ryouta, calm down a bit.”

The younger brother urging his older sister. The older sister calming her
younger brother. Seeing their interaction, Haruto smiled and also put on his
outdoor shoes, then placed his hand on the doorknob.

“Well then, we’ll be going now.”

“We’re going.”

“We’re going!!”

Ikue, who saw them off at the front door, waved with a smile.

“Yes, be careful on the way. Be careful of cars, okay.”

Haruto and the others passed through the gate of the Tojo residence towards the
supermarket.

Ryouta seemed very happy to be able to go shopping, he seemed restless since

leaving the house. Haruto was worried that if Ryouta remained like that, it
would be dangerous if a car suddenly passed by, so he called out to Ryouta.

“Ryouta-kun, let’s hold hands until we get to the supermarket.”

“Un!!”

Ryouta nodded obediently, then approached Haruto and held his hand with a happy
face.

“I’m sorry, Otsuki-kun, for having to indulge his whims.”

“Ah, it’s alright, I don’t mind.”

Haruto answered with a gentle smile.

Throughout the journey to the supermarket, he would occasionally raise his hand
and let Ryouta hang from it while playing.

“Otsuki-kun is a nice person.”

“Eh? Am I?”

This time, Haruto, who was carrying Ryouta on his shoulders, answered Tojo's
words ambiguously.

“Yes, you are. You really take good care of Ryouta.”

“Ah, maybe it’s because I’m an only child.”

Haruto smiled at Tojo, who was looking tenderly at Ryouta, who was overjoyed to
be carried on his shoulders.

“When I’m with Ryouta-kun, it feels like having a real younger brother, so I
feel happy. It makes me think, so this is what it feels like to have a younger
brother.”
“Although sometimes he’s also clingy and annoying.”

“That’s what makes him special. If you’re an only child, you won’t have
quarrels like that.”

“Ah, that's true.”

“Onii-chan and Onee-chan, what are you talking about?”

Ryouta, being carried, looked at them both with a confused expression.

“We were talking about how you and Otsuki-kun are like siblings. Now, we're
almost at the supermarket, so get down from Otsuki-kun.”

“Okay.”

Obeying his sister, Ryouta obediently got down from Haruto's back.

“Nee nee, Onii-chan. Will you carry me again later?”

“Yes, if we go shopping again, I’ll carry you.”

“Yeeeyy!”

Ryouta smiled hearing Haruto's answer.

Seeing that smile, Haruto and Tojo also smiled.

Not long after, they arrived at the supermarket and started picking out the
ingredients needed for dinner.

“By the way, Otsuki-kun. What's for dinner tonight?”

Tojo asked Haruto while grabbing a shopping basket near the entrance.

“I’m planning to make lemon cream pasta, cold soup, and caprese salad.”

“Hee, so cream pasta means we need milk and cream, right?”

“Yes, and bacon too. If there are any cheap green vegetables, I'd also like to
add them to the pasta for color.”

While they were chatting like that in the vegetable section, Ryouta, who was
listening, ran towards the asparagus.

“Onii-chan! One bunch is only 98 yen! It’s cheap, right?”

“Wow, this is indeed cheap. It’s cool that Ryouta-kun found it.”

The asparagus Ryouta was holding was tied in a single bundle with a fairly large
portion. Although its size was a bit small, that was actually good because it
would mix more easily with the pasta later.

Haruto took a bunch of asparagus while saying thank you and patting Ryouta's
head, who looked very happy.

“Tojo-san, let me carry the basket.”

“Ah, yes. Thank you.”

Haruto took the shopping basket from Tojo and put the asparagus in it.

Seeing Haruto's natural gestures, Tojo stared at him intently.

“Hmm? What is it?”

“...Otsuki-kun, you don’t have a girlfriend, do you?”

“Eh? No, I don’t...”

Not catching the meaning behind Tojo's sudden question, Haruto could only tilt
his head in confusion.

“I see... It's just that the way Otsuki-kun carries things looks so natural,
so I thought maybe it's because you're used to it.”

“Right now I am working as a housekeeper, so of course I can't ask Tojo-san,

who is a client, to carry the groceries.”

“Ah, I see... a client, huh...”

“Yes, that's right. Ah, look, the pumpkin is on sale. For the cold soup, how
about we make it from pumpkin?”

Haruto walked towards the pumpkin sales area. While choosing which pumpkin to
buy, he asked Ryouta beside him, “Ryouta-kun, do you like pumpkin?”

Haruto's back, as he gently spoke to Ryouta while occasionally showing a gentle

smile, was watched in silence by Tojo.

For some reason, Tojo's gaze seemed to be drawn to Haruto, who was so kind to
Ryouta.

Then, Haruto spoke to her.

“A whole pumpkin can be preserved by removing the seeds and then freezing it.
How about we buy one whole pumpkin?”

“...Eh? Ah, yes. I guess that’s fine.”

For a moment Tojo seemed confused by what Haruto said, but then she came to her
senses and nodded at Haruto.
“Alright. Next up are tomatoes. Ryouta-kun, let’s go pick some tomatoes.”

“Yes! Tomatoes!”

Haruto put the pumpkin in the shopping basket, then held hands with Ryouta and
headed to the tomato section.

Slightly left behind, Tojo then hurriedly followed Haruto.

After that, they continued to choose the ingredients needed for dinner. In
between, Haruto once again confirmed that Tojo Ayaka was indeed called an idol
at his school.

Because, during the shopping, he keenly felt the gazes from other shoppers and
the people around them.

The people around kept stealing glances at them, specifically at Tojo, not
directly at Haruto. But even so, Haruto still felt disturbed by it. It was
unimaginable how much pressure Tojo, who was the center of attention, must feel.

Worried, Haruto observed Tojo's condition. But it seemed she was used to such
attention and didn't pay it much mind.

After buying all the necessities like vegetables, bacon, cheese, and milk, they
left the supermarket. Haruto let out a sigh of relief, “Fuuh.”

It seemed he was a little tired from being the center of attention earlier.
Although most of the gazes were on Tojo, some also looked at Haruto with looks
of envy and jealousy.

“Being in a crowded place seems tough for Tojo-san.”

Haruto couldn't help but feel sorry for Tojo.

“Eh? Ah, yes. Well, that's how it is. Lately I've started to get used to it,
but it still doesn't feel good, does it?”

At first, Tojo was a little confused, but once she understood what Haruto meant,
she laughed wryly while answering.

“Sometimes, how do I put it... I feel unpleasant stares, and at that time it
feels quite scary.”

“Ah, so being too cute is also tough, huh.”

“C...ute!?”

Tojo abruptly stopped walking upon hearing Haruto's mumble.

“Hmm? What’s wrong?”

Seeing Tojo suddenly stop, Haruto asked in confusion.

“No! It's nothing at all.”

Tojo smiled faintly, then walked hastily ahead of Haruto.

Seeing his sister's expression, Ryouta threw a naive question.

“Onee-chan? Your face is red, you know?”

“Eh!? Ah, it’s because it’s hot! Let’s hurry home!”

Tojo turned her face away from Ryouta who was trying to see her face, then
quickened her pace home as if in a hurry.

※

Haruto and the others finished shopping and returned home.

While carrying the shopping bags, Haruto entered the dining room and saw a
strange man sitting at the dining table.
“Welcome, you must be Otsuki-kun who works as a housekeeper?”

“Ah, yes. Umm...”

Haruto looked a little confused responding to the strange man. Ryouta passed
Haruto and ran to the man.

“Welcome home, Dad!”

“I’m home, Ryouta! Was shopping fun?”

The man lifted Ryouta while smiling and asking. It seems the man who was holding
Ryouta was his father.

Haruto straightened his posture and bowed politely.

“Nice to meet you. I am Otsuki from the housekeeping service.”

“Ah, thank you for your politeness. I am Ryouta and Ayaka's father.”

While holding Ryouta, Tojo's father bowed his head slightly.

“Dad, you’re home early today.”

Tojo, who followed Haruto and Ryouta into the dining room, said so.

“Yes, because today Otsuki-kun is helping as a housekeeper, so I came home

early from the office.”

Tojo's father said that while casting a hopeful glance at Haruto.

“I heard you’re making cream pasta today. The hamburger you made yesterday
was so delicious, so I’m really looking forward to your cooking this time.”
“Thank you very much. I will try to meet your expectations.”

After saying that, Haruto went straight to the kitchen and started preparing
dinner.

First, he cut the pumpkin that would be used for the soup into small pieces,
then heated it in the microwave. While waiting, he tossed the asparagus with
salt for the pasta later. After the asparagus was ready, he cut the tomatoes for
the caprese and put them in the freezer, while continuing to prepare his
cooking.

Haruto's movements in the kitchen seemed smooth and skilled in preparing his
dishes. Seeing him, Ikue commented with a tone of admiration.

“So nimble! A man who can cook is charming, isn't he!”

Ikue praised Haruto's cooking appearance, and Tojo's father nodded in agreement.

“The way Otsuki-kun cooks is really like a professional chef, I was mesmerized
watching him.”

“Thank you very much. I am very happy to receive such praise. I will try to
make the taste satisfying as well.”

Haruto bowed his head with a slightly shy smile to the Tojo couple while quickly
pureeing the pumpkin heated in the microwave.

“Hmm, I never thought there would be a young man as perfect as you in Ayaka's
class.”

Tojo's father seemed impressed with Haruto's polite and hardworking attitude as
a housekeeper. He asked his daughter who was sitting across the dining table.

“Ayaka, are you close with Otsuki-kun?”

“...Eh? Um, not really...”

Hearing his daughter's answer, Tojo's father looked back and forth at Haruto and
Tojo with a serious face.

“You really don't know? I only just met Otsuki-kun when we hired him as a
housekeeper, you know?”

“Hmm, I see.”

While saying so, he looked at Haruto. Feeling noticed, Haruto answered the same.

“Yes, I rarely have the chance to chat with Tojo-san at school.”

“I see, but Otsuki-kun seems serious and honest. It would be very nice if you
could become good friends with my daughter from this opportunity.”

“Eh!? Dad!”

Tojo panicked hearing her father's words. She looked at Haruto with a guilty
expression.

“I'm sorry, Otsuki-kun. My dad said something strange.”

“Ah, it’s alright. Well, it was fate that I was called to take care of the
housework at Tojo-san’s house. And as your Dad said, it would be good if we
could become friends as classmates from now on.”

“Eh? Ah yes! That’s true.”

Tojo smiled awkwardly, but seemed relieved to hear Haruto's words. Seeing the
two of them, Tojo's father cleared his throat slightly.

“Otsuki-kun, I'd be happy if you could be friends with my daughter. But, you
don't need to call me 'Dad'!!”

In a firm tone as if reading an important line, Tojo's father asserted that.

“Ah, no! Forgive my impertinence!!”

Haruto looked panicked and bowed in apology.

“Ahaha! No no, I was just kidding Otsuki-kun.”

Tojo's father laughed amusingly and said, “I just wanted to say that line once
in my life.”

“...I was so surprised.”

“Dad... you’re really bad...”

After being told it was a joke, Haruto breathed a sigh of relief and wiped his
chest. Meanwhile, Tojo looked at her father with a condemning gaze and muttered
words of sarcasm.

Although smiling wryly in response to Tojo's father's joke, Haruto did not stop
his hands and continued to prepare dinner.

Then Ryouta, who had been playing with his mother, ran up to Haruto.

“Hey, Onii-chan.”

“Yes? What is it Ryouta-kun?”

“Aren't you joining us for dinner, Onii-chan?”

Ryouta looked at him with an innocent gaze, making Haruto confused about how to
answer.

Haruto's contract as a housekeeper was from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. If he joined the
Tojo family for dinner, it would mean going past his contract hours.
For Haruto himself it was not a problem, but maybe for the Tojo family it would
feel uncomfortable if he stayed even though his contract had ended.

Because of that, Haruto intended to tell Ryouta that he couldn't join them for
dinner. But before Haruto could say it, Tojo's father spoke up first.

“That’s a great idea! What do you say, Otsuki-kun? If you don’t mind, how
about you join us for dinner?”

Tojo's father, who seemed very enthusiastic, made Haruto confused.

“I don't mind myself, but I came here to work so...”

Seeing Haruto hesitate, Ikue smiled and said,

“Come on, Otsuki-kun, didn't I tell you earlier? You're in the same class as
Ayaka, so you don't have to be so reserved.”

“But... wouldn't Tojo-san feel awkward?”

“No problem at all!”

“I don’t mind.”

The parent and child answered Haruto's words in unison. It was natural since
they both had the surname Tojo.

After speaking over each other, her father then exchanged a glance with his
daughter and laughed, “Ahaha.”

“Otsuki-kun, a call like that becomes confusing as to who is meant. Because

everyone here has the surname Tojo.”

Tojo's father said with a slightly mischievous face.

“By the way, my name is Shuuichi. Since calling Tojo is confusing, from now on
please call me by my first name.”
Although a little confused, Haruto granted Shuuichi's request.

“Erm, alright Shuuichi-san.”

Shuuichi nodded with satisfaction at Haruto's answer.

“So... Shuuichi-san doesn’t mind if I join for dinner?”

“Of course it’s no problem.”

Shuuichi answered directly, making Haruto smile wryly.

“If Tojo-sa—ah, I mean Ayaka-san doesn't mind?”

Haruto almost called Ayaka 'Tojo-san', but seeing Shuuichi raise an eyebrow with
an amused expression, he changed it to her first name.

“Ah, yes. I don't mind either.”

Maybe because she was not used to being called by her first name by a boy,
Ayaka's face reddened a little as she answered. It was true, at school Ayaka was
always surrounded by female students and was rarely seen chatting with male
students. If she did, it was only to convey lesson information. At least at
Haruto's school, no male student called Ayaka by her first name in such a
situation.

Here, Haruto reluctantly called Ayaka by her first name with her parents'
approval.

Haruto's feelings were a mix of happiness, embarrassment, and awkwardness.

Meanwhile, Ryouta looked at him with an innocent smile full of joy.

“Onii-chan is joining us for dinner tonight?”

From the conversation just now, Ryouta concluded that Haruto would be joining
them for dinner. He tugged at the sleeve of Haruto, who was cooking, with a wide
smile and said,

“Yes, today I’ll have dinner with Ryouta-kun.”

“Yeeeyyy!!”

“So, wait a little while until the food is ready, okay.”

“Okay!”

Ryouta nodded enthusiastically in response to Haruto's words, then returned to

the living room to his mother.

Adorned with Ryouta's innocent smile, Haruto was fired up to serve the best
dinner for the Tojo family.

The menu for today is lemon cream pasta, cold pumpkin soup, and caprese. A fresh
dish to be enjoyed on a hot summer night.

Haruto blended the pumpkin until smooth, added milk and cream, then stirred it
and put it back in the fridge to cool. Next, he boiled the pasta in a pot and
sautéed the bacon and asparagus with olive oil.

The fragrant aroma of bacon and the gentle olive oil wafted from the kitchen,
making Shuuichi smile relaxedly.

“Otsuki-kun, who did you learn to cook from?”

“From my grandmother. Not just cooking, but also tidying up the house and
doing laundry, I learned all the housework from my grandmother.”

“Hmm, it seems your grandmother is an extraordinary person.”

“Thank you very much.”

Haruto bowed his head to Shuuichi.

For Haruto, his grandmother was his teacher in everything concerning housework.
So when his teacher was praised, Haruto also felt happy as her student.

After a while, Haruto finished all his cooking and served dinner for 5 portions
on the dining table.

“Wow! It’s like being in an Italian restaurant!”

Seeing the dishes on the table, Ikue smiled widely.

“Thank you, Otsuki-kun. Let's eat together.”

Hearing Shuuichi, the Tojo family took their places at the dining table. Haruto
also joined with a little hesitation.

“Well then, ittadakimasu.”

Shuuichi clasped his hands and the others replied “Bon appétit.”

After that, Ryouta quickly grabbed a fork and immediately devoured his cream
pasta.

“So delicious!! Onii-chan! This is so delicious!!”

“Oh Ryouta, eat slowly, you’ll choke.”

Ikue warned Ryouta who was swallowing his cream pasta like a drink. But Ryouta
was too engrossed to listen to his mother, and the plate in front of him was
almost empty.

It had only been three minutes of eating, but Ryouta already seemed to want
seconds. Seeing that, Haruto as the cook smiled.

“Ryouta-kun, don’t worry, I’ve prepared a portion for seconds, so eat

slowly.”
“Really!? I want seconds!”

Ryouta's eyes sparkled hearing Haruto's words. But as soon as she saw Ryouta's
plate, Ayaka scolded him.

“Don't, Ryouta. You can have seconds, but finish your food completely
first.”

“Oh, yes!”

Obeying his sister, Ryouta tried to finish the remaining pasta on his plate with
difficulty using a fork. Haruto watched his antics with an amused smile, until a
voice next to him called him.

“Otsuki-kun, is there... still more for seconds?”

Haruto turned to Shuuichi who asked, and there was a clean empty plate. It
seemed Shuuichi even finished his food before Ryouta.

“Yes, of course there’s still some.”

“In that case, I’ll have seconds too.”

“Ah! Dad, that’s cheating! I want seconds too!”

Ryouta, who had finished his food as ordered by his sister, lifted his plate and
handed it to Haruto so as not to lose to his father.

Facing the request of the father and son, Haruto just smiled wryly and took the
plates to the kitchen. Remembering that Ryouta was still in his growing phase,
he had intentionally cooked more. Haruto then filled two plates with second
helpings.

When he brought the second helpings for Ryouta and Shuuichi, both of their
expressions lit up.
Haruto chuckled seeing the father and son look exactly the same, like dogs given
a bone. Maybe Shuuichi was like a Golden Retriever, while Ryouta was like a
small Shiba. Haruto imagined them both wagging their tails with such joy at
being served delicious food, that he had to bite his lip to hold back a wide
smile.

“Ufufu, it’s no wonder you’re so excited, the food is indeed delicious.”

Ikue chuckled seeing the reaction of the father and son.

“It tastes like it's from a high-class restaurant. You agree, don't you, dear?
”

“Yes, this soup is also very smooth and the seasoning is just right, very
delicious.”

“Thank you very much. I am glad my cooking can satisfy your tastes.”

Haruto said thank you politely, making Ikue look at him with curiosity.

“Hey Otsuki-kun, what is your specialty dish?”

Hearing Ikue's question, Shuuichi and Ayaka also looked at Haruto with interest.

Only Ryouta seemed not to be listening, too focused on the food in front of him.

“Hmm... actually the hamburger from yesterday is also one of my specialty

dishes.”

Haruto could cook Japanese, Western, and Chinese food. However, because his
grandmother was skilled in Japanese cooking, Haruto was naturally more skilled
in Japanese cooking as well.

“Like nikujaga (stewed meat and vegetables) or chikuzenni, I am quite skilled

at making them.”

Both of those dishes were often made by his grandmother since he was little, so
they were very familiar to Haruto.

“Otsuki-kun's nikujaga seems delicious...”

“Ara, Ayaka is interested in Otsuki-kun's cooking, I see?”

“Ah, Mom, don't say weird things!”

“Ufufu, sorry sorry.”

“Hmph...”

Ayaka pouted her lips hearing her mother's teasing.

“But it's true, I've become eager to try various other dishes by Otsukikun.”

“Yes, I agree with you too.”

Ikue agreed with Shuuichi's statement.

“So, Otsuki-kun.”

Shuuichi faced Haruto and took a piece of paper from the shelf behind the dining
table, then placed it on the table so Haruto could see it.

“This is a subscription contract brochure...”

“Yes, we are very satisfied with your housekeeping service. So, we want to
contract you on a subscription basis specifically for our house.”

Haruto looked surprised to hear Shuuichi's words.

“Ah... thank you very much. I am very honored.”

“No, we are the ones who should be thanking you.”

“Yes, we hope we can work well together from now on.”

Shuuichi and Ikue smiled warmly. Haruto stole a glance at Ayaka who was looking
down slightly while looking at him.

“Please take care of us, Otsuki-kun.”

“O-okay, please take care of me too.”

Haruto bowed with a little confusion. He never expected to be offered a special

subscription contract from a part-time job as a housekeeper that he initially
took only to supplement his college fees.

A regular part-time job that he took with the hope of just getting some extra
money, turned out to be noticed by the family of the school idol and he was
invited to work at their house during the summer vacation.

The unexpected event left Haruto momentarily unable to think, to the point where
he just wiped the leftover soup from around the mouth of Ryouta who was still
engrossed in eating.
KAJI DAIKŌ NO ARUBAITO O HAJIMETARA CHAPTER 4
First Feelings And A Confused Heart

The day after receiving the subscription-based housekeeping service contract

with the Tojo family.

On a summer morning when the sky had just begun to brighten, Haruto spread
reference books on the table and moved his pen across his notebook while
receiving the gentle breeze blowing from the window.

Although the sun shone mercilessly on summer days, this period in the morning
was still a little cool. Because the air conditioner in his room did not work
well, Haruto often studied at this time.

Under the dawn sky enveloped in silence, he studied diligently with a serious
gaze. However, the sudden chirpS of a bird directed his gaze outside the window.

“I've made a permanent contract...”

Suddenly, yesterday's events at the Tojo family home crossed his mind.

Ikue who was happy to see the clean house after it was cleaned. Shuuichi and
Ryouta who seemed to enjoy the delicious food. And Ayaka who shyly but looked a
little happy said, "Please take care of me, Otsuki-kun," while giving a smile.

Remembering the Tojo family members smiling satisfied with his housework,
Haruto's face also naturally smiled.

“This job... gives quite a sense of accomplishment.”

Looking out the window as the sky was illuminated by light on the horizon,
Haruto muttered to himself. After that, after studying diligently for a while,
Haruto sensed someone's presence downstairs, then stopped his pen and closed his
reference book.
“Maybe Grandma is awake? I should start preparing breakfast.”

Putting the pen in his hand and stretching with a wide yawn, Haruto left his
room and headed to the kitchen downstairs.

“Good morning, Haruto.”

“Good morning, Grandma.”

In the kitchen, his grandmother was already cooking an omelet. Haruto stood
beside her and heated the broth saved from yesterday.

“Did you study from the morning again today?”

Grandma asked while moving the omelet to a plate.

“Yes, studying is a student's main obligation.”

“Don't push yourself too hard, okay.”

“Okay, Grandma, I'm fine.”

While answering his grandmother, Haruto put sliced onions into the broth. After
that, he opened the vegetable compartment in the refrigerator.

“Grandma, can I use this spinach?”

“Of course.”

After getting his grandmother's approval, Haruto took two bunches of spinach
from the vegetable compartment and also took out tofu. While the water was
boiling in the electric kettle, Haruto cut the tofu and put it into the broth,
then turned off the heat as soon as the broth boiled and dissolved the miso in
it.
“By the way Haruto, how's your job? Can you do it well?”

“It's safe, thanks to Grandma's teachings all this time.”

“Ah, I'm glad to hear that.”

Grandma smiled widely, moved the boiling water from the kettle to a pot, and
boiled the spinach for a moment on the stove.

“On the first day of work, I made Grandma's secret recipe hamburger and was
praised that the cooking was like a five-star restaurant's, you know.”

Haruto said with a slightly proud tone while taking rice from the rice cooker
and putting it into a bowl.

“Wow, that's great then.”

“It's all thanks to Grandma. Thank you, Grandma. Ah, let me cool the spinach.”

Haruto moved the cooked spinach from the pot to a strainer and dipped it in cold
water. Meanwhile, Grandma poured miso soup into a bowl and brought the rice and
side dishes to the living room table using a tray. After squeezing the water
from the spinach, Haruto cut it, drizzled a little broth over it, then sprinkled
it with katsuobushi and ground sesame.

“Okay, breakfast is ready!”

Haruto moved the boiled vegetables to a small plate and brought it to the living
room table then sat down.

“Well then, let's eat.”

“Yes, itadakimasu.”

They both clasped their hands and started eating breakfast. Haruto took his
grandmother's homemade omelet first.
“This is delicious, grandma's omelet. How can it taste this good? What's the
difference between my omelet and grandma's?”

“The omelet Haruto makes is also quite delicious, you know.”

“No, my omelet is still far from grandma's omelet...”

While staring intently at the omelet after taking a bite, Haruto pondered.
Seeing his grandson's behavior, the grandmother narrowed her eyes with a gentle
expression.

“By the way Haruto, do you have a girlfriend yet?”

“Eh!? Ah, yes... that's right.”

Startled by his grandmother's sudden question, Haruto almost dropped the omelet
he was holding with his chopsticks.

“I see... Haruto is in the 2nd year of high school now, right? Isn't it normal
to have a girlfriend by now?”

“No no no! That's not normal, you know? At my school, there are far more people
who don't have a girlfriend than who do, you know?”

“Is that how things are now?”

Hearing Haruto's words, his grandmother showed a slightly worried expression.

Seeing his grandmother's expression like that, Haruto felt sad as if his chest
was being squeezed.

Lately, his grandmother has started having problems with her lower back. And his
grandmother was worried about whether Haruto had a girlfriend or not. Realizing
the reason behind his grandmother's worries, Haruto almost felt desperate but
tried to hold back his feelings and smiled.

“That's how it is! Grandma's time and now are very different.”
With a deliberately cheerful tone, Haruto continued his words, “Besides, even if
I have a girlfriend now, it's not certain I'll marry her, right? I'm still 17.”

“Yes, you're right...”

“That's right! ... So, don't worry grandma. One day, I will definitely introduce
a very cute girlfriend to you!”

With confidence, Haruto declared that to his grandmother, the only family he
had.

“Really? In that case, I'll look forward to it.”

Hearing the declaration from her grandson, the grandmother smiled gently.

The sun began to rise a little, giving a premonition that today would be a very
hot day, but the temperature was still comfortable on that summer morning.
Glancing briefly at the people diligently jogging in the morning, Haruto walked
with a relaxed pace on the quiet residential street.

“A girlfriend, huh...”

Haruto remembered his conversation with his grandmother at breakfast this

morning.

Considering his grandmother's age and her remaining life, it was natural for her
to worry about various things concerning her remaining grandson. Realizing that,
Haruto let out a short sigh, “Fuh...”

If he could introduce a girlfriend, his grandmother would surely be very happy.

Haruto himself also wanted to see his grandmother's happy face and wanted to put
her at ease. “But...”

Right now, it was hard for Haruto to imagine daily life with a girlfriend.
Besides, he was quite busy with studying, his part-time job as a housekeeper,
and practicing karate.
“I don't have time to look for a girlfriend...”

As Haruto muttered, suddenly a girl's smile flashed in his mind. The smile of
the girl said to be the most beautiful in Haruto's school.

“Ah no no, impossible. I don't want to be one of those who have been rejected,
like Kaito-senpai.”

Haruto shook his head and chased away the image of the girl smiling at him in
his mind.

While doing that, Haruto arrived at his destination. In front of his eyes, there
was a gate with a thick, shiny wooden plaque that read ‘Dojo Doujima – Kyokushin
Karate’.

Haruto passed through the Japanese-style gate and entered the dojo.

The dojo floor was wooden, and on the walls hung scrolls inscribed with mottos
like ‘Kokki Shinshin’ and ‘Reitodewajimari, reitodemori’. Taking a deep breath,
Haruto smiled, inhaling the scent of wood slightly mixed with the smell of
sweat. Since he was a child, Haruto had been taught in this dojo by his
grandfather based on the educational principles of his ancestors, so this dojo
was like his second home.

“Good morning!”

Haruto went up to the dojo and bowed. A large man then greeted him.

“Oh Haruto, good morning! You came today too. If you're not here, there's no one
else to spar with, so it's boring!”

“Good morning Kazu-senpai.”

The man whose greeting Haruto returned was large, almost 2 meters tall. His hair
was cut short with three shaved lines on the side.

His gaze was sharp, with his thin eyebrows further accentuating the sharpness of
his eyes. And the most striking thing was the scar from a cut from his temple to
the corner of his lip. If someone who didn't know anything saw this man, 10 out
of 10 people would surely think he was from the underworld. Moreover, seeing the
scar on his face, they would surely shiver, thinking he must have been through
many dangerous situations and would unconsciously check if their fingers were
still complete.

However, Haruto knew the truth.

His hobby was baking cakes and that horrifying scar on his face was obtained
while playing with a stray cat. And his recent worry was that although he liked
children, children always cried in fear as soon as they saw him.

Haruto had once spent a full hour comforting and encouraging him when he was
really down because of that worry.

“If I want to spar, everyone avoids me.”

“Yeah, the bad nickname of Ishikura Kazuaki has echoed throughout this town.”

“You bastard, Hey! Don't just give me a bad nickname!”

As his head was locked by Ishikura, Haruto apologized repeatedly, “Sorry, sorry”
but there was a smile on his lips. Ishikura who was locking his head also looked
happy while pressing Haruto's head with his fist.

Ishikura, who was one year older than Haruto and trained in the same dojo since
childhood, was a reliable senpai to Haruto. As for Ishikura, Haruto was an
adorable kouhai. The two of them became the assistant head instructors of this
dojo and also rivals who motivated each other with balanced abilities.

As Ishikura and Haruto were joking at the dojo entrance, a flat voice was heard
from behind them.

“Kazu-senpai, Haru-senpai. Don't be lovey-dovey at the entrance. It's in the

way.”

When they both turned towards the voice, a girl with a flat face was standing at
the dojo entrance.

“Hoo, what's wrong Shizuku? Jealous that your beloved boyfriend, Haru-senpai, is
being taken?” Ishikura teased the girl with a teasing tone.
“Yes, I'm jealous. So get away from him quickly.”

The girl replied with a flat tone and an intimidating glare at Ishikura. When
stared at like that, Ishikura released his hold on Haruto and raised both his
hands, while pretending to tremble in fear.

“Whoa, scary. Just as expected of the only daughter of Dojo Doujima, you have
charisma.”

“I don't like being told I have charisma, it sounds like an old lady. I'm still
a lively and spirited JK, you know.”

(Tln: JK "Joshi kousei = high school girl")

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With a serious (expressionless) face, the girl told a joke, making Haruto say
with a resigned tone,

"Why do you call yourself ‘Lively and spirited’ like that?"

Haruto couldn't help but respond. The girl then looked at him.

"Then, how would Haru-senpai describe my perfect beauty?"

"Well, calling yourself 'perfect beauty' is also a bit of an exaggeration... But

oh well. Shizuku's beauty is more towards the traditional Japanese style, so
maybe it could be called 'yamato nadeshiko'?"

Haruto said after a brief glance at the girl's appearance.

The girl who had been expressionless and saying joking things was named Doujima
Shizuku. She was the only daughter of the head instructor of this dojo.
Ishikura, Haruto, and Shizuku had been dojo friends since childhood, and Shizuku
was also Haruto's junior at the same school.

At Haruto's school, the female student who gained immense and absolute
popularity from the male students was Tojo Ayaka, Haruto's classmate whom he had
been meeting frequently at his part-time job lately. However, the girl in front
of him, Doujima Shizuku, was also quite popular among the male students,
especially in her own grade in the 1st year.

Shizuku, the beautiful girl with short black hair, raised her eyebrows slightly
when Haruto called her 'yamato nadeshiko'.

"By saying that, does Haru-senpai intend to flirt with me? Hah... oh well. I'm
willing to be flirted with reluctantly. Be grateful."

"Hey, I have no intention of flirting at all, you know? And please don't joke
with such a flat face."

Haruto said with a sigh to his junior who still had a flat face despite saying
joking things. Shizuku then slightly pursed her lips.

"Haru-senpai is naughty, isn't he~"

"That's why don't put on a flat face like that."

"Hahaha! Shizuku, your facial expression just now was so cool!"

While Haruto facepalmed at his kouhai's usual joking behavior, Ishikura laughed
out loud at the two's antics.

The relationship between the three that hadn't changed since long ago made the
slight bitterness that had briefly settled in Haruto's chest that morning
completely disappear.

After that, after sweating in the dojo until almost noon, Haruto prepared to go
home by changing his clothes from a dogi to regular clothes. While changing,
Ishikura called out to him.
"Haruto, can I ask for a favor?"

In Ishikura's hand was a thick white paper box like a cake box.

"Yes? What is it?"

"Here, this. Oh yeah Shizuku! You come here for a second too."

Ishikura also called Shizuku who happened to be passing by them.

"What is it Kazu-senpai? Want to confess your love to me? Sorry, I'm only loyal
to Haru-senpai."

Hearing his kouhai's frontal words with an innocent expression, Haruto could
only smile wryly. "If you were a little shy when you said it, maybe I'd be a
little tempted. But a blunt sentence with a flat face like that is useless."

Sighing, Haruto said so. Then Shizuku bowed her body slightly, tilted her head,
and struck a cute pose while glancing at Haruto from the corner of her eye.

"How is it? Tempted? Fallen for my charm?"

"...Shizuku, before learning poses like that, train your facial muscles first."

"It seems Haru-senpai won't be satisfied until he 'colors' me with his personal
taste, huh. How troublesome."

"Hey you two. Stop fooling around and listen to my request first."

Ishikura interrupted Haruto and Shizuku's conversation with a resigned face.

Haruto then turned with a serious expression.

"If it's a request from Kazu-senpai, I'll listen to anything. So, which group
should we eliminate this time?"
“Just give the order, Vice-Chairman.”

Shizuku then cheerfully followed Haruto's joke.

Although usually expressionless to the point of being often misunderstood,

Shizuku actually has a fairly cheerful personality and often follows Haruto's
jokes like this.

"You guys... just stop it, okay?"

Ishikura scowled at his two juniors who kept teasing him. If someone who didn't
know him saw his fierce face, even an adult might cry in fear at his threatening
aura. However, Haruto and Shizuku, who had known him for a long time, responded
to his glare calmly. Shizuku even teased Ishikura more.

“Hey Kazu-senpai, the champion of the scariest face in all of Japan!”

“Who has a scary face! Hah... oh well. Anyway, I want you two to try this.”

Ishikura then took out a mini fruit tart from the box he had been holding.

“Eh? We can eat that?”

“Kazu-senpai, I'm not a cheap woman who can be seduced by this, you know.”

“Go on, try it. See, Shizuku is already eating it! What a cheap woman!”

Seeing Shizuku with sparkling eyes puffing her cheeks while enjoying the fruit
tart beside him, Haruto took one and ate it.

“Gulp!? This is so good! What shop did you buy it from?”

Haruto's eyes widened in enjoyment.

The custard cream with just the right amount of sweetness, exploded with a rich
egg aroma in the mouth upon chewing. Then the slight sourness from the fruits
refreshed and balanced the sweetness of the cream. The crispy texture of the
tart crust also provided a very fitting accent. Haruto finished it in an
instant.

Looking to the side, Shizuku had even finished her second tart.

“Is there a cake shop that sells fruit tarts this good around here?”

“Ah no, actually this is... I made it.”

“Eh?” “Cough!!”

Hearing Ishikura's shocking confession, Haruto was dumbfounded with his mouth
wide open, while Shizuku choked on her third fruit tart.

“Eh!? Seriously!? This? Kazu-senpai made it?”

“Kazu-senpai with a scary face that can even turn sugar into salt, made
something this delicious, this tasty...”

“My face isn't scary and I don't have weird abilities like that!!”

Furious with the insults from his two juniors, Ishikura snapped in a loud tone.

“But Kazu-senpai, this is really delicious. The quality is on par with what's
sold in cake shops.”

“Oh, is that so?”

Ishikura's anger subsided hearing Haruto's praise.

“Indeed, this is already on par, you should just open a shop. The shop name
should be ‘Gap of Lightning 893’.”

“Come on Shizuku, let's spar now.”

“Ah, I have to help out at home first.”

As if escaping from the threatening Ishikura, Shizuku ran into her house which
was adjacent to the dojo.

“That kid, really, she's cute when she's quiet, why does she have to act up.”

“Well, that's just Shizuku. If she became quiet and didn't joke around, that
would be a bit scary.”

“You're right.”

Ishikura agreed with Haruto's opinion. “By the way, your fruit tart earlier was
really delicious. Since when did you get so good at baking?”

Haruto knew Ishikura's hobby was baking, and his creations were already
delicious from before. But the taste of that one was even more delicious than
before.

“Well, these days recipes are easy to find on the internet, right? You can just
watch the videos too. So I tried to seriously learn how to bake cakes.”

“Wow, amazing. Next time, teach me how to make that too, okay? I'm not very
experienced with Western pastries.”

“Okay, sure. Let's bake together sometime.”

“Okay, good idea. Ah, I have to go home now too. I have a part-time job.”

Haruto looked at the clock on the dojo wall.

Today he had to start working as a housekeeper at the Tojo family home, who had
just signed a contract with him.

“Oh right, you started a part-time job during the summer vacation, huh?”
“Yeah, that's right. Jaa nee Kazu-senpai, see you again.”

“Yo, good luck with work.”

After bidding farewell to Ishikura, Haruto left the dojo.

Haruto went home for a bit to get ready before heading to the Tojo family's
house for his part-time job. On the way, he remembered the fruit tart made by
Ishikura that he had just devoured.

"If I make a tart for him, Ryouta-kun will surely be happy."

Haruto smiled imagining Ryouta laughing innocently.

"I'm pretty confident I can make chawanmushi and ohagi well, but Western-style
cakes are still a bit difficult."

Haruto knew that even though he understood the general process of making cakes,
that alone wasn't enough to make a truly delicious cake. Making sweet dishes is
not easy.

"Even though the taste is already that sweet."

Haruto muttered something trivial as he walked towards the Tojo family's house.

Arriving in front of the Tojo family's house, Haruto took a deep breath before
pressing the intercom bell. This was his third visit as a housekeeper, but he
was still a little nervous at the beginning.

Haruto's nervousness seemed to fly away with the cheerful and enthusiastic voice
that greeted him from the intercom.

"Onii-chaaaan!?"
Ryouta's cheerful voice was heard, then followed by a reprimand from his sister
Ayaka.

"Ryouta! What if it's not him who came! You should first ask 'Who is it?', then
after that ask 'What is your business?', understand?"

"But I already knew it was Onii-chan from the screen, you know?"

"You still have to do it that way."

"Okay."

Hearing the conversation between the Tojo siblings from the intercom, Haruto,
who was standing in front of the door, couldn't help but smile, "Fufufu."

Then Ryouta's voice was heard, following his sister's message.

"Who is it, Onii-chan?"

"Ahahaha... ahem ahem... It's Otsuki."

The way Ryouta asked was so funny that it made Haruto laugh a little, which he
then hid with a cough.

"Onii-chan, what is your business?"

"Fuh... yes, I've come as the housekeeper for today."

Ryouta's attempt to follow his sister's message with his silly-sounding Japanese
once again made Haruto chuckle, holding back his laughter.

"I'm sorry Otsuki-kun, Ryouta will open the door in a moment."

It seemed Ayaka was also holding back her laughter, her voice from the intercom
sounded slightly shaky.

Immediately after that, a loud noise was heard from behind the door and the door
flew open.

"Onii-chan!!"

"Hi, Ryouta-kun. Good afternoon."

Haruto returned Ryouta's wide smile with a friendly smile.

Apparently, Ryouta had been waiting for Haruto's arrival, because as soon as he
met him, he immediately pulled Haruto's arm to drag him inside.

"Onii-chan is a pee-ri-o-dic con-tract, right? So now Onii-chan will always come

to this house?"
(Tln: permanent contact / subscription contact)

"Uhm, not always, but during the summer vacation I can see Ryouta-kun."

"Is a pee-ri-o-dic con-tract during the summer vacation?"

"Ahaha, that's right."

Ryouta seemed to generally understand about the subscription contract, as he

kept repeating "pee-ri-o-dic con-tract" cheerfully.

The subscription housekeeping contract Haruto signed with the Tojo family was
for three times a week, three hours each time.

With his arm being pulled by Ryouta, Haruto entered the living room and saw
Ikue, who was working from home at the dining table with her laptop, and Ayaka,
who was sitting on the sofa.

"Welcome, Otsuki-kun. Thank you for your help again today."

Ikue greeted him after looking up from her laptop.

"Yes, please take care of me."

Haruto bowed deeply, then straightened up to face Ikue.

"Thank you for signing the subscription contract yesterday. I will do my best to
provide a satisfying housekeeping service, please work with me from now on."

Haruto bowed deeply once more, making Ikue look amused.

"Ah, no need to be so formal. Just relax, it's more comfortable for everyone.
Right, Ayaka?"

"Eh? Ah yes, if Otsuki-kun is too formal it feels a bit uncomfortable."

“See! Ayaka said so too.”

After getting approval from her daughter, Ikue smiled widely at Haruto.

“Well... I hope I can handle it well.”

Haruto smiled wryly in response to Ikue's request.

For Haruto, who came to the Tojo residence only for work, the request to act
casually was quite cruel.

Because if he was well-received by the family of the 'school idol' Tojo Ayaka,
as a teenage boy, Haruto might misunderstand.

To prevent that from happening, he wanted to clearly define their relationship

as client and household staff.

However, it seemed the Tojo family wanted to be friendly with Haruto.

Ryouta, who most wanted to be friendly, once again pulled Haruto's arm.

“Hey hey, Onii-chan. Want to clean the windows again?”

“That was already done before, so not today, okay?”

Ryouta looked at him with a hopeful gaze. Haruto put on a confused expression
and glanced towards Ikue. Seeing Haruto's gaze, Ikue giggled seeing Ryouta
clinging to Haruto's side, then conveyed her request for today.

“Today, could you clean the shed outside? After you're done, could you keep
Ryouta company until it's time to cook dinner?”

“Understood.”

Haruto nodded in agreement to Ikue's request, then bent down to speak with
Ryouta who was looking at him.

“Ryouta-kun, after I finish cleaning, let's play together, okay?”

“Really!?”

Ryouta jumped for joy at Haruto's words. Seeing her brother like that, Ayaka
just smiled wryly.

“Now Ryouta, play with Onee-chan first while Otsuki-kun cleans the shed.”

“Okay!”

Ayaka took Ryouta's hand, separating him from Haruto.

“Ikue-san, where is the shed that I need to clean?”

Hearing Haruto's question, Ikue closed her laptop and stood up.
“I'll take you there. Come, follow me.”

Ikue then went out the front door. As a luxurious house, the Tojo residence had
quite a large plot of land. In the corner of the land, there was a fairly large
shed.

“I want this shed cleaned. Actually, I wanted to ask my husband, Shuichi-san,

but he's always busy with work.”

Ikue opened the shed door while saying so.

“It's quite full inside.”

Haruto peeked into the shed from behind Ikue.

“Yes, unused things are always put in here, and then it gets full like this.”

Ikue rubbed her chin with a confused expression.

Inside the shed was a baby carriage that was probably no longer in use, as well
as a worn-out unicycle that little Ayaka might have once ridden. And near the
wall, there was a pile of clothes that was almost as high as the ceiling.

“How do you want to clean this shed?”

“Right, could you take everything out of the shed first? After that, I'll
separate the necessary items from the unnecessary ones.”

“Understood. In that case, I'll take all the items out of the shed and arrange
them in front of the shed.”

“Yes, please do, Otsuki-kun.”

Ikue smiled warmly, then entrusted the tidying of the shed to Haruto and
returned inside the house. After seeing Ikue off, Haruto rolled up his sleeves
with enthusiasm.
“Yosh, let's start!”

Haruto took out the items from the shed and arranged them outside one by one,
starting with the closest ones. At that time, he grouped the items by type to
make the sorting process easier later.

While taking out a worn-out rice cooker, Haruto muttered to himself,

“Storing things like this, are the Tojo family the stingy type?”

Shuuichi and Ikue are both entrepreneurs, so of course they are considered rich.
However, Haruto did not sense any aura of arrogance from either of them. Of
course, their children Ayaka and Ryouta also did not show any spoiled or
arrogant attitudes like rich children generally do.

In fact, before working part-time at the Tojo family's house, Haruto had no idea
that Ayaka was the daughter of a rich family.

“I kind of want to see Tojo-san play the role of an Ojou-sama from a rich
family.”

Haruto imagined Ayaka laughing haughtily, “Oh~hohhohhoh,” and smiled to himself.

Suddenly, a voice called out from behind him.

“Otsuki-kun.”

“Huh!? A-ah, Tojo-san, what is it?”

Ayaka appeared suddenly from behind while Haruto was imagining his strange
fantasy, making him surprised and flustered in his reply.

“Ah, sorry. I called you suddenly from behind.”

“Ah, it's okay.”

Haruto waved his hand seeing Ayaka look sorry for having startled him.

“Well, Mom said it's fine if only half of it is tidied up today because it's too
much.”

“Ah no, just taking everything out of the shed won't take long. So I'll finish
everything today.”

Hearing that, Ayaka looked at Haruto with an admiring gaze.

“Otsuki-kun is strong and has a lot of energy. You must be doing weight training
regularly, right?”

“Ah no, this is still standard for a normal guy.”

“Really?”

Ayaka tilted her head slightly, looking at Haruto, making the young man feel shy
and reply softly while turning his face away, “Yes, that's right.”

“Ah! It turns out the unicycle was stored here.”

Ayaka saw the unicycle in the shed, then passed Haruto and went inside. She
caressed the bicycle with a smile full of memories.

“You used to play with that a lot when you were little, right?”

“Yes, I think it was my birthday present when I was in 1st or 2nd grade of
elementary school, a gift from Dad.”

Ayaka said while stroking her bike and muttering, “It feels like it's been a
long time.”

“I wonder if I can still ride a unicycle? Hey Otsuki-kun, can I try it for a
bit?”
Haruto nodded with a smile, seeing Ayaka's excited face. After getting Haruto's
approval, Ayaka immediately took out and rode her unicycle.

“Wow, so this is what it feels like to ride a unicycle?”

“Are you okay? Don't fall, okay.”

“Ah! Otsuki-kun is underestimating me, isn't he?”

Hearing that, Ayaka puffed her cheeks cutely. Seeing that adorable reaction,
Haruto laughed and apologized, “Sorry.”

“I used to be pretty good at riding a unicycle, you know. Just you wait and
see.”

Ayaka said so and then pedaled her unicycle steadily. By spreading her arms to
maintain balance, she skillfully circled around Haruto.

"Wow, you're really great."

"Fufuun, right?"

Ayaka circled around Haruto with a proud expression. But suddenly, perhaps
because it hadn't been used for years, the bearings of her bicycle became bad. A
strange scraping sound was heard from the wheel, and then suddenly the wheel
became heavy to turn. Ayaka, who accidentally hit the brakes, lost her balance
and fell.

"Kyaa!?"

"Watch out!!"

Ayaka let out a small shriek.

With agility, Haruto stretched out his arms and caught Ayaka in his arms from
the side, preventing her from hitting the ground.

"Are you alright?"

Haruto breathed a sigh of relief for successfully preventing Ayaka from getting
hurt, then asked her. Ayaka, who was still in shock, could only look up at
Haruto who was holding her.

"Y-yes. Haa... that was a shock. Thank you Otsuki-ku... Eh!?"

Ayaka suddenly fell silent in the middle of her sentence. At the same time, she
froze while staring intently at Haruto's face.

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“What's wrong? Are you hurt?”

“......No. I'm fine...”

“Err... Ah! I'm sorry!”

Seeing Ayaka give a slightly dazed answer, Haruto frowned, but soon realized
that he was holding Ayaka tightly, and then nervously released his embrace.

“Sorry. I hugged you without thinking.”

“O-Otsuki-kun doesn't need to apologize! If you hadn't caught me, I could have
been hurt. So... thank you, Otsuki-kun.”

“Ah no, you're welcome...”

“Yes....”
An awkward atmosphere enveloped the two of them. In the midst of that situation,
Ayaka tried to start a conversation awkwardly.

“Umm... I just came here to deliver a message from Mom! So... G-good luck with
your work!”

Ayaka forced an end to the conversation, then turned around a little hastily and
went back into the house.

Haruto watched Ayaka's back as he murmured softly,

“It felt so soft...”

It took him a few minutes to get back to tidying up the shed.

With one hand pressing on my chest, I leaned against the front door, trying to
calm my heart that had been pounding since earlier.

W-why? Why is my heart pounding so hard?

Otsuki-kun caught me when I almost fell off the unicycle. I could feel the
strength emanating from his sturdy arms at that moment. And the worried
expression on his face that was so close to mine. Just remembering it, my heart
felt like it was being pierced by a painful feeling.

I tried to calm myself by taking several deep breaths in front of the door. Then
I heard Mom's voice from the living room.

“Ayaka? Did you tell Otsuki-kun?”

“Ah, yes...”

I took another deep breath before heading to the living room.

Calm down, my heart rate has started to slow down. It must have been just
because I was startled from almost falling earlier, that's why my heart was
racing. Yes, it must be just that. It must be.

“What did Otsuki-kun say?”

As soon as I entered the living room, Mom, who was working on her laptop, asked
me.

“He said it wouldn't take long, so he'll finish it today.”

“Oh, is that so? Young people have a lot of energy, huh.”

Mom praised Otsuki-kun with an admiring tone.

It seems Mom really likes Otsuki-kun. She truly trusts Otsuki-kun who does the
cleaning and cooking perfectly.

Even though Mom has only met Otsuki-kun twice, she already likes him that much.
As a businesswoman who supervises many people, Mom is usually quite strict in
judging someone. But Mom acknowledged Otsuki-kun's abilities.

Does that mean Otsuki-kun is a really talented person? Ah yes, if I'm not
mistaken, he's also ranked first in the class. Plus his perfect housekeeping
skills, and his friendly attitude that even Ryouta likes... Eh? Isn't Otsuki-kun
too amazing?

“Ayaka?”

“Yes, Mom?”

“Your face is red, did something happen with Otsuki-kun? Hmm?”

“Eh!? N-nothing happened!”

Unable to bear Mom's probing gaze, I averted my eyes. Mom liked to tease me
about Otsuki-kun before, but this time I didn't want to be teased. If I'm teased
about Otsuki-kun now, I feel like my heart will be in turmoil.

“Onee-chan, isn't Onii-chan done cleaning yet?”

“Eh? Ah yes, it might still take a little while longer.”

“I want to play with Onii-chan soon.”

Ryouta really idolizes Otsuki-kun. Ever since he helped him clean yesterday,
Ryouta has become very close to him.

Well, indeed, Otsuki-kun is gentle and calm, so it's natural that Ryouta has
come to like him. When he's with Ryouta, Otsuki-kun is like a kind and
considerate big brother, looking a bit... charming?

...Ah, my face is getting a little hot just thinking about it. Why is that?

Why is it... every time I think about Otsuki-kun, my chest feels tight and my
face gets hot.

Eh? Does this mean... I like Otsuki-kun...?

“No no no! That's impossible! No way!!”

I flatly rejected the answer that popped into my head.

“Onee-chan, what's wrong?”

“N-nothing! Ah! That's right! I have a lot of summer vacation homework to do

today, so I have to go back to my room! Is that okay, Mom?”

“Oh, is that so? In that case, Ryouta can play with Mom.”

“Yes!”
I handed Ryouta over to Mom. Then in a hurry, I left the living room and went
into my room on the second floor, I immediately threw myself onto the bed.

“Uuh...”

I buried my face in the pillow and let out a meaningless groan.

Why am I getting so flustered?

It must be a lie, right? This must be a lie, right? I like Otsuki-kun?

“Wait! Calm yourself down first!”

I took deep breaths on the bed to calm myself down.

“Think with a cool head.”

Yes, think with a cool head, Ayaka.

Indeed, Otsuki-kun might have his own charm. His attitude is calm and polite,
not rushed, he doesn't seem to judge people by their appearance, he is very
liked by Ryouta, he is considerate and kind, good at cooking, good at cleaning,
apparently quite muscular probably because he exercises regularly, ah yes Mom
and Dad also like him... Eh? Is Otsuki-kun actually... very attractive?

“Stop! Stoooop!! Don't be hasty! Yes, I must think calmly and carefully!”

Otsuki-kun is indeed attractive in many ways. I admit that. Yes, I have to admit
it, right?

The problem is, whether I like him or not.

I put my hand on my chest and thought about it.

How is it... liking Otsuki-kun... Maybe it's still too early to say?

Because, to like someone takes a longer time, right? Otherwise, it's the same as
love at first sight, which I've always called illogical.

Did I fall in love with Otsuki-kun at first sight? No no, that's impossible!
Definitely not!

“...Impossible... right?”

Aah! Enough!! I don't understand! I don't understand my own feelings! It's

confusing!

Why? Why am I feeling like this? Is it because of that incident of falling from
the unicycle? Did I start liking him because Otsuki-kun hugged me?

“How could that be? I was only hugged for a moment? Besides, Otsuki-kun did it
to save me.”

My ideal of falling in love is, from just greeting each other, then getting
closer and becoming close friends, getting to know each other, then realizing
feelings of love.

How could I fall in love just because I was hugged after almost falling from a
unicycle? That's like falling in love by accident!

“If I have to like Otsuki-kun, first we have to become friends. Then after
getting close, we become a couple. Yes, that's what's called a healthy love.”

I crossed my arms and nodded to myself.

Eh, wait? Am I not imagining about becoming Otsuki-kun's girlfriend with all
this?

Does this mean... I really like Otsuki-kun...

“Aaahh no!! That's not it!!”

It's still too soon! It's too soon to like him, I don't even know him well. Yes!
I don't know Otsuki-kun at all! How could I like him! That doesn't make sense!

Because if I like him, that means I want to be his girlfriend, right?

If Otsuki-kun became my boyfriend...

“...My family likes him, so maybe... it's not impossible...”

Just imagining it makes my face heat up.

Feeling embarrassed, I covered my face with both hands while shaking my head to
divert my thoughts. Just then, I heard Ryouta's cheerful laughter from the
living room.

Otsuki-kun must have finished tidying up the shed. And now he must be playing
with Ryouta.

It's nice that Ryouta can be honest with his feelings. He can easily say “I like
Onii-chan!”.... Eh! What am I thinking?! Even if I'm honest with my own
feelings, I would never say “I like Otsuki-kun!” Besides, I don't even like him
yet! ...Maybe....

Aahh, whatever! The real reason I'm overthinking about Otsuki-kun is because
Saki said “Ayaka and Otsuki-kun are a good match,” and Mom asked “Are you
falling in love with Otsuki-kun?”

That's why I'm overthinking about Otsuki-kun like this!

As I was thinking about that, my gaze fell on the romance comics lined up on my
bookshelf. Suddenly I got an idea.

“Now, that's right! I have to confirm my own feelings!”

In romance comics, the heroine who falls in love will have her heart pound just
by making eye contact with the man she loves, and feel happy just by talking to
him.
If I make eye contact or talk to Otsuki-kun later, will my heart pound and will
I feel happy like the heroine in the comic?

If there's no change in my heart, that means I don't like Otsuki-kun yet, right?

But on the other hand, if my heart pounds because of Otsuki-kun, that means...
yes, that means...

“In that case I have to... what should I do...” I've never liked someone before,
so I don't know what to do.

“...Well, maybe I'll think about it later. The most important thing is to
confirm my feelings first.”

As I decided to confirm my feelings for Otsuki-kun, I heard Mom's voice from

downstairs.

“Ayaka, Ryouta says he wants to go shopping with Otsuki-kun again. Can you
accompany them?”

“Okay, I understand! I'll be right there!”

Coincidentally, I have a reason to go with Otsuki-kun, so I can confirm my

feelings by making eye contact and talking to him later!

With determination in my heart, I got ready to go, then left my room and headed
to the front. There, Otsuki-kun and Ryouta were already waiting for me.

“Onee-chan, you're so slow!”

“Ryouta is the one who's in too much of a hurry.”

Just like yesterday, my brother said that to me while I was changing my shoes to
go out. I just answered perfunctorily.
“Onii-chan, what does it mean to be in a hurry?”

“Being in a hurry means trying to do something impatiently.”

Otsuki-kun answered Ryouta's question with a gentle smile and a good

explanation. Without realizing it, my gaze fell on their two hands.

Even before we went out, they were already holding hands.

Otsuki-kun was probably just holding Ryouta's hand so he wouldn't suddenly run
into the street and get hit by a vehicle. But for some reason, I felt a little
bothered... “Well then, let's go.”

Otsuki-kun said so while holding Ryouta's hand and going out. I followed behind
the two of them.

With a feeling of anxiety, hope, fear, and a little excitement to confirm my

feelings, I stared at Otsuki-kun's back as he walked beside Ryouta.

On the way to the supermarket, I asked Otsuki-kun about tonight's dinner menu.

“Otsuki-kun, what are you going to cook for dinner tonight?”

“I'm planning to make cold oden (hiyashi oden).”

Otsuki-kun answered while carrying Ryouta, which surprised me.

“Can oden be eaten that way?”

All this time I thought oden was eaten hot in the winter. The idea of eating
cold oden in the middle of summer like this was a bit beyond reason.

“I'm sure it will taste delicious, so you guys will definitely like it.”
Otsuki-kun smiled at me.

Behind his gentle and serene smile, there was a hint of a confident expression,
which made me meet his eyes and suddenly feel a strong palpitation in my chest.

Eh?! W-wait a minute?! Did I just feel a palpitation in my chest?! Is this

what's called “doki-doki”?!
(Tln: doki doki = pounding or throbbing)

If so, that means I...

No no no no! Wait, I still don't understand!

That was not because I was mesmerized by Otsuki-kun's expression, it was

probably just because I was surprised by the unexpected food name "hiyashioden"!
Yes, it must be. Yes, this palpitation is a palpitation for "hiyashioden". Phew~ I
almost misunderstood.

“Onii-chan, are there eggs in the oden?”

“There are. Does Ryouta-kun like eggs?”

“Yes! I like eggs!”

Ryouta said cheerfully on top of Otsuki-kun's head. From the pleasant atmosphere
flowing between the two of them, I got a faint impression.

It seems Otsuki-kun will be a good father someday...

“Onee-chan? Why is your face weird?”

“Huh!? It's n-not a weird face! It's just normal!”

“Not normal! Onee-chan's face was weird just now! Like a deheehee~ face!”
“What kind of face is deheehee~? If Ryouta says weird things, Onee-chan will get
mad, you know?”

“I'm not weird! Onee-chan is the weird one! Onii-chan saw it too, right? Oneechan's
weird face. That deheehee~ face.”

Hey! Don't involve Otsuki-kun in this!

“I don't think I saw it. We've arrived at the supermarket, how about Ryouta-kun
gets down first,” Otsuki-kun, who was asked that, changed the subject and put
Ryouta down from his arms.

Thank goodness, Otsuki-kun didn't see it... but I have to make it clear again
anyway.

“Otsuki-kun. I didn't make a weird face at all, you know?”

“Yes, it seems hard to imagine Tojo-san making a weird face with such a
beautiful face.”

“Eh!?”

Why is he suddenly giving a compliment like that!? Ah yes, yesterday Otsuki-kun

also spontaneously said I was cute, right? Is Otsuki-kun just innocent? This is
dangerous, I have to be careful!

“What ingredients are we buying today, Otsuki-kun?”

Hiding the uneasiness in my heart, I asked him in a normal tone.

“Right. There are already eggs in the fridge, what needs to be bought are
carrots, tomatoes, and we already bought one pumpkin yesterday. After that, we
just need to buy processed ingredients like meatballs.”

“Oden with tomatoes?”

“Yes, you can also use corn if you want.”

The ingredients Otsuki-kun mentioned were very unexpected, I couldn't imagine
this hiyashi-oden.

“Is hiyashi-oden perhaps Otsuki-kun's original recipe?”

“Ah no, you can just search the Internet and there are many recipes, you know?”

As he said, as soon as I searched on my phone, several recipes immediately

appeared.

“Oh yes, you're right, the ingredients list tomatoes.”

“Right? Oden broth and tomatoes are a good match, you know?”

“Hee... is that so”

Once again, Otsuki-kun smiled warmly at me. For some reason, I couldn't look at
that smile and turned my face away.

Ah, why am I avoiding his gaze! I should be looking into Otsuki-kun's eyes and
clarifying my own feelings, right!

“Onii-chan! There are the carrots!”

“Today it's 158 yen, huh...”

“Cheap? Expensive?”

“Hmm, for the price this season it's considered cheap, but sometimes it's even
cheaper”

Otsuki-kun looked at the carrot price tag with a serious expression. While his
gaze was focused on the carrots, with a pounding heart I carefully observed his
side profile.
Hmm, how is it? Is my heart pounding?

I placed a hand on my chest to check my pulse.

A little faster than usual... maybe? But it doesn't feel like the pounding of
being in love....

It's not clear. I should observe Otsuki-kun more closely.

As soon as I thought that, Otsuki-kun's gaze suddenly shifted from the carrot
price tag to me. At that very moment, while I was staring at his side profile,
our eyes met directly.

“--!!”

The moment our eyes met, my heart felt like it stopped beating because it was
pounding so fast.

“Tojo-san.”

“Hyaa!”

Ah! I gave a weird response! I'm so embarrassed I feel like I want to die...

“Are we going to buy this carrot?”

“Ah, umm... Yes, I think we'll buy it. Oden needs carrots...”

“Yes, right.”

Otsuki-kun nodded in response to my opinion, then took a carrot from the shelf
and put it in the shopping basket.

Phew~ I was surprised. Or rather, my response just now... Hyaa! What was that...
I want to go back to my room and dive into bed right now.

Eh? Wait a minute? When our eyes met just now, my heart was pounding, right? Was
I like a heroine in a manga?

If so... Does that mean I've really fallen in love...

Wait wait wait! I'm still not sure!

Just now, maybe I was just surprised because our eyes suddenly met. Yes, that
must be it. My heart pounded because I was surprised, that's all.

Later. Later, if our eyes meet again and my heart still pounds, then at that
time... at that time I will truly assess my own feelings. Yes, I will do that.

I exhaled to calm myself down. Then I felt Ryouta looking at me, so I turned and
Ryouta beside Otsuki-kun was staring at me intently.

“W-what is it, Ryouta?”

“No, it's nothing.”

Ryouta said that and then turned his face away from me. D-did my behavior look
strange? Did I look suspicious enough to make Ryouta suspicious? Ah yes, I'm
also worried that Ryouta will say unnecessary things to Otsuki-kun...

“Tojo-san. Next, let's look for the processed ingredients, okay?”

“Ah, yes, alright”

Otsuki-kun, who had just put the tomatoes in the basket, looked at me and spoke.
I reflexively averted my gaze awkwardly.

Almost... Our eyes almost met again. Because I wasn't ready, I couldn't make eye
contact with Otsuki-kun right now.
Because when my feelings are in turmoil like this, I can't make a clear
decision. I have to assess my feelings in a calm state. First, I have to calm
this annoying pounding heart of mine.

Even though I thought so, while shopping with Otsuki-kun, my heart kept pounding
until I finally went home without being able to assess my own feelings.

“Well then, I'll start preparing dinner.”

“Ah... yes, please.”

Otsuki-kun said so and then brought the groceries to the kitchen.

What should I do, if this continues I will never be able to clarify my feelings.

I held my chest which had been pounding since earlier. Then, Mom who was working
at the dining table thanked me. “Thank you, Ayaka. You were willing to accompany
the shopping today and yesterday.”

“Ah, it's okay, don't worry about it.”

“By the way, you must have a lot of homework today, right? I'll watch Ryouta,
you can go back to your room.”

“Eh? Ah... Actually, I've finished quite a lot of the homework earlier, so it's
fine for today.”

“Is that so?”

If I go back to my room now, I can't achieve the important goal of making eye
contact with Otsuki-kun and clarifying my feelings. In that case, tonight I will
surely be curious about whether I like Otsuki-kun or not and won't be able to
sleep.

Alright, I have to be brave and make eye contact with Otsuki-kun. Yes, I will do
it!

I slowly approached Otsuki-kun who was standing in the kitchen. With every step
I took closer, it felt like my heart pounded faster.

But if I run now, when else can I clarify my feelings? Come on, fight, me! Don't
run!

After encouraging myself, I finally stood beside Otsuki-kun in the kitchen. At

this moment, Otsuki-kun was holding a knife with his gaze focused on the cutting
board.

Ah, his serious expression while cooking looks cool... Eh no, don't
misunderstand! Feeling that something is cool and liking someone are different,
you know? I have to judge carefully.

Then, it seems Otsuki-kun noticed my presence beside him, his gaze that was
originally on his hands lifted and met my eyes directly.

“...”

“Hmm? What's wrong?”

“Ah, well... I want to help with something.”

“No need, this is my job, Ayaka-san should just rest.”

Otsuki-kun gently refused my offer. However, for the sake of confirming my

feelings, I couldn't back down now.

“Well. I'm curious about how to make hiyashi-oden, so I want to watch. Does that
bother you?”

“I see. Of course it doesn't bother me. In that case, could you boil the
tomatoes for a moment to peel their skin?”

“Okay.”

Finally, I got a reason to be beside Otsuki-kun! And I can make eye contact and
chat with him!
So, my heartbeat now... is it pounding a little? But, it's not the fast pounding
like a heroine in a manga, so it seems I haven't fallen in love yet, right?
Right? It must be, right?

After confirming my feelings, I could relax a little.

As per Otsuki-kun's instructions, I boiled the tomatoes that had been scored
with small cuts on their skin while exhaling to calm myself down. Then as soon
as I looked up, I saw Mom who was playing with Ryouta earlier staring at me with
a teasing smile.

Feeling there was a misunderstanding, I was about to speak to Mom, but before
that, Mom had already returned to Ryouta.

Ah, it seems I'll be teased later.

While thinking about that, a sound came from the front door.

“I'm home.”

It seems Dad has come home from work. Shortly after, the living room door opened
and Dad appeared as expected.

“Wow, I can't wait to come home from work knowing Otsuki-kun's cooking is
waiting at home.”

Saying that, Dad directed his gaze towards us. Then seeing me and Otsuki-kun
standing side by side in the kitchen, Dad smiled happily and said “Oh?”

“You two standing side by side like that, like newlyweds! Hahaha.”

“Daaad, don't say such strange things!”

With a single sentence from Dad, my heart pounded faster than before, and my
face felt hot.
WHEN I STARTED A PART-TIME JOB AS A HOUSEKEEPER, CHAPTER 5
Chapter 5
First Love

In the middle of a scorching summer even though it was still morning. As usual,
Haruto occupied his best friend's desk who had an AC in the room, and opened his
textbooks to study.

“Hey Haru. If you keep studying like that, you’ll end up becoming stupid, you
know?”

Tomoya, whose desk was seized by Haruto to sit on, said while practicing the
guitar on the bed.

“It's you who will become lame if you only keep practicing the guitar.”

Without shifting his gaze from the textbook, Haruto replied. Tomoya laughed
hearing it, “What was that?”

“I’m practicing to get better, how could I become lame?”

Hearing Tomoya's words that sounded reasonable, Haruto stopped his pen and
looked at his best friend with a surprised expression.

“...Tomoya, how about you try studying once in a while?”

“No way! How could I have time to study. I’m busy honing my guitar skills.”

Tomoya said that firmly, then started strumming his guitar. Haruto just shrugged
at his best friend's response, and continued his studies.

After that, they each focused on their own business without disturbing each
other. However, a few moments later, Tomoya stopped his practice and called out
to Haruto. “Hey Haru? By the way, how’s your job as a housekeeper?”
“How’s what? It’s like usual.”

“Did you not meet Tojo-san again after that first meeting? Only that one time?”

“........”

Hearing Tomoya's question, Haruto suddenly stopped his studying activity.

Noticing the change in Haruto's attitude, Tomoya grinned.

“Hey, don’t tell me... You still visit Tojo-san’s house after that meeting?”

“...This is a job. I only visit Tojo-san’s house only as a housekeeper.”

Although Haruto answered in a flat tone, Tomoya looked excited as if it were his
own business.

“Seriously!? You really still visit Tojo-san’s house!?”

“Well, it’s not really visiting... I just got a subscription contract there.”

“Eh? That's amazing, isn't it? That means the Tojo family likes you!”

“They just like the results of my work.”

Haruto responded calmly, in contrast to his best friend's enthusiasm.

“But still, that’s amazing, right? This way, you can slowly get closer to Tojosan!
Who knows, you two might date later?”

“That’s impossible. It will never happen.”

Haruto firmly denied Tomoya's words. “Why are you so sure about that? If you
meet often, you can get closer, right?”
“Well, maybe we’ll be a little closer than before summer vacation. Ayaka and I
might become familiar enough to greet each other when we meet in the morning.
But, nothing more than that.”
(Tln: oops, a slip of the tongue :v)

By visiting that house in his status as a housekeeping staff, his relationship

with Ayaka might become a little closer than before the summer vacation. They
might greet each other when they meet in the morning. However, Haruto did not
expect to get closer to the point of dating.

“Tojo-san, who always rejects love confessions from all men, couldn't possibly
fall for me.”

“Who knows? You’re good at cooking, maybe she could fall in love because of your
delicious cooking?”

“If Tojo-san fell in love with someone that easily, she should have a boyfriend
by now, right?”

While saying that, Haruto refocused on his textbooks.

“Besides, even if Tojo-san and I did get closer, I couldn't possibly date her.”

“Why is that?”

Tomoya tilted his head as if he really didn't understand. While staring at his
textbook, Haruto answered.

“I mean, Tojo-san is the school idol, right? If we went to school holding hands
in the morning. I would definitely be beaten up by all the male students until I
couldn't go home.”

Haruto frowned as he recalled the envious stares he received from people when
shopping at the supermarket with Ayaka and Ryouta.

“You’re a karate champion, just beat them all up. Isn't that the main purpose
you learned karate?”

“Not for that. I learned karate to learn etiquette and forge my mentality, not
for violence. Violence is not justified in any situation.”

“You’re so stiff.”

“That’s how it should be, right?”

Haruto answered briefly while writing in his book.

“Then, if Tojo-san shows interest in you, you won't do anything?”

“Because I want to live a peaceful high school life. A student's main duty is to
study.”

“Coward.”

“Whatever.”

Haruto seemed to end the conversation and started to focus on studying. Seeing
his best friend's attitude, Tomoya muttered “What a shame” before returning to
his guitar practice.

Haruto continued to study at the desk until it was close to lunchtime. After
looking at the wall clock, he stretched his body.

“Okay, I'm going home.”

“Oh, is it lunchtime already?”

Tomoya also stopped his practice and glanced at the clock.

“Thanks for lending me your desk.”

“The rental fee is one million yen.”

“In that case, my payment for cleaning your room is one hundred million per
session.”

While packing his study materials, Haruto said casually.

“Okay, you can use my desk anytime.”

“Heh, thanks.”

Haruto nodded slightly while raising one hand in response to Tomoya who bowed
politely in thanks.

“Do you have a work shift after this?”

“Yeah, I'll go shopping first, I work starting at 3.”

“At Tojo-san’s house?”

“Yeah.”

Haruto answered briefly while putting his books into his bag.

“I envy you.”

“This is just a job. It doesn’t mean I can get close to Tojo-san like you
imagine.”

“But at least you can see Tojo-san's face, right?”

“See her face, huh...”

Haruto raised his eyebrows with an expression as if to say ‘what do you mean’,
then left Tomoya's room. Tomoya followed him.
“Hm? You’re leaving too?”

“Yeah, today I have practice with my bandmates at the studio.”

Tomoya answered while patting the guitar bag on his shoulder.

“I see, good luck with practice.”

“You too, good luck getting closer to Tojo-san.”

“That’s not something to wish good luck for.”

“Come on, at least try.”

Hearing his best friend say that with a wry smile, Haruto scratched his head
while answering.

“Yeah yeah, I get it. Okay, see you later.”

After answering half-heartedly, Haruto parted ways with Tomoya.

After parting with Tomoya, Haruto headed to the supermarket before going to
work.

This morning while making breakfast with his grandmother, it seemed the miso
stock was about to run out, so he needed to buy it.

“Ah yes, I also have to buy fermented tofu, the stock is also running low.”

While recalling the contents of the refrigerator, Haruto walked under the
scorching heat of the summer sun.
When he arrived at the supermarket, he was already sweating. Taking a shopping
basket at the entrance and welcoming the cool AC air inside the store, Haruto
sighed in relief.

“Hm? Why is it so crowded.”

In his opinion, the supermarket was usually quiet after lunchtime. But maybe
because it was the holiday season, there were many people.

As he walked to the miso area, Haruto saw an advertisement displayed.

“Oh, apparently there’s a limited-time discount. No wonder it’s crowded.”

The supermarket was holding a limited-time discount during hours when visitors
were usually few, an initiative to increase the number of shoppers.

“Now, is there anything interesting.”

Haruto approached the advertisement and checked it. Apparently, meat was the
main highlight of the discount this time.

“Sliced beef 128 yen per 100 grams, huh... hmm... it's cheap, but not so cheap
that it's worth grabbing.”

Haruto was not very interested in the items in the advertisement. Maybe because
he had walked under the hot sun earlier, which reduced his appetite, he had no
appetite for meat.

“Others... oh, seasonings are also on discount. I should have checked the
seasoning stock at home first... eh? Ehhh!?”

Haruto’s eyes suddenly widened and he stared intently at one part of the
advertisement.

“Sesame oil 78 yen... seriously?”

(Tln: around 8000-ish)

Too cheap, even very cheap.

In Haruto's view, sesame oil was a luxury item. Even for cheap supermarket
products, the price was still 200-300 yen. For famous brand sesame oil, it could
easily cost 500 yen in a flash.

Even so, sesame oil has many uses.

The fragrant aroma of sesame can awaken an appetite lost in the summer. Just a
little splash on stir-fried vegetables or fried rice, and the taste will be much
more delicious. Add garlic, and the taste is unbeatable. On stuffy tropical
nights, sesame oil is also delicious eaten with cold tofu and kimchi.

“I have to buy this!!!”

Haruto immediately rushed to the sesame oil area.

Panting, Haruto stood in front of the row of sesame oil on the shelf. His eyes
saw the large number printed on the yellow price tag. 78, without a doubt.

“Actually... why is the world like this...”

The very surprising price made Haruto confused.

“Sesame oil this cheap... ah! This must be an isekai! This is what they call
reincarnation into an isekai, the one they always talk about!!”

While mumbling something that sounded foolish, Haruto reached out his hand to
the item. However, he suddenly realized something and pulled his hand back. His
gaze fell on a sentence below the price on the advertisement.

“Maximum 1 per customer... damn you, it’s you again!”

Staring at the sentence with a look full of hatred, as if facing a demon king,
Haruto cursed.

This “Maximum 1 per customer” is the enemy of all housewives. Housewives will
call friends and relatives to defeat this tough enemy.
Haruto immediately took out his phone and with extraordinary speed tried to call
for reinforcements. The waiting tone he heard in his ears contrasted with his
restless feelings. Maybe the rivals (housewives) were busy fighting over the
sliced beef which was the mainstay of the discount, so this was his chance to
secure the sesame oil.

Suppressing his hunting desire, Haruto waited for the call to be answered. A few
seconds later, he was connected to the relaxed voice of his best friend.

[Yo, what's up? Forgot something?]

“Can you come to the supermarket right now!?”

[Whoa, sounds like an emergency. Don't tell me it's that thing again?]

“Yes! I can't miss it this time!!!”

Many times Haruto had called Tomoya to face the enemy “maximum 1 per customer”.
In other words, Tomoya was not only a best friend, but also a comrade in arms.
But his best friend's answer this time was disappointing.

[Ah... sorry, I'm already at the studio and the joint practice is about to
start...]

“...I see, yeah that's right. Ah sorry for bothering you. Just continue your
practice.”

[Yeah... umm... I'm sorry...]

It seemed Haruto sounded so disappointed that it made Tomoya feel guilty.

“It's okay. It's not your fault, Tomoya. Well then.”

Haruto ended the call and tried to call another comrade.

He contacted another contact through a chat application. After a while, a voice

came from his phone.

[“What is it, Haruto?”]

“Kazu-senpai! Do you have time now!?”

[What is it? Why are you in such a hurry?]

After Tomoya, Haruto asked for help from Ishigura Kazuaki, a senior of the same
rank at the dojo where they practice martial arts.

“I'm at the supermarket, and there's a discounted item with a maximum 1 per
customer rule. Can you help me?”

[Oh, I see. Hmm, does it have to be right now?]

“...Yes, I think if not soon, the item will run out.”

From Ishigura's reaction, Haruto felt that he would likely be rejected.

[Here's the thing, I'm baking a cake, so I can't go anywhere. Sorry.]

“Oh, I see... then it's okay.”

[Sorry.]

“No problem.”

After ending the call with Ishigura, Haruto tried to contact one more person
with a slim hope. His call connected as quickly as the dial tone sounded.

[Haru-senpai, how many children do you want?]

“Sorry Shizuku. I don't understand what you mean at all.”

A flat voice from his junior, Doujima Shizuku, was heard on the phone. She was
his junior at the dojo and also at the same school. Shizuku's nonsensical words
made Haruto feel lethargic as if his energy had been drained.

[Isn't this a call to discuss our future family plans, Haru-senpai?]

“I don't think I will ever call in my entire life to discuss that.”

[Zzrraattt]

Shizuku made a strange noise when Haruto answered flatly. Even so, her flat tone
of voice sounded funny, which made Haruto unintentionally let out a small laugh.

“Zzrraatt? What era is this?”

[I'm still a high school student, you know? If not family planning, is this a
consultation for our honeymoon destination? I choose Santorini Island.]

“Where is that? That's not it, I need your help with a discounted item at the
supermarket.”

So as not to waste time dealing with Shizuku's jokes, Haruto immediately stated
his intention.

[Ohh I see, so I'm just a woman you use when you need something, huh?”]

“...If you help me, I will give you a proper reward.”

[With a kiss?]

“I will give a more proper reward.”

[Do-don't tell me... the 'more' means... You pervert, Senpai.]

Shizuku always twisted the meaning of his words. Sighing tiredly, Haruto asked,
“So, are you going to help me or not?”

[Of course I want to say yes, but... sorry Senpai. Actually, my mom told me to
pull weeds, and I've ignored it 4 times in a row until I was finally struck by
lightning so...]

In an unusually listless tone, Shizuku said [“Sorry Senpai, it seems I can't.”]

“Oh, I see. Well then, do what your wife says.”

[Yes...]

“Well then. Good luck pulling the weeds.”

[Haru-senpai... I like you...]

“Yeah yeah.”

After ending the call with Shizuku who was still joking until the end, Haruto
let out a long sigh. Having failed to get anyone's help, Haruto swallowed his
disappointment at being defeated by the “maximum 1 per customer” rule.

“Haah, oh well, at least I can still buy one. I have to be satisfied with that.”

Haruto took one bottle of sesame oil from the shelf and placed it in his
shopping basket listlessly.

“...I'll just buy miso, then go home.”

As he walked away dejectedly, someone called him from behind.

“Otsuki-kun?”

Hearing that voice, Haruto turned around and remembered. There is one thing that
almost always appears in stories of reincarnation into another world.

That is a guardian goddess.

A goddess who gives extraordinary power to the hero, and saves him from danger.

Now, the same goddess appears before Haruto. Haruto challenged the demon king
who said, ‘Only one purchase per person” but he was unable to overcome the
challenge and was left behind in front of Haruto. A goddess who will give you
the strength to rise again.

“Ah! Tojo-san! You are a goddess!!”

“Hueee?”

With high spirits and words from Haruto no Nazu's riddle, a strange sound came
out of Ayaka.

When I went to the supermarket near my house because Mom asked me to go

shopping, I accidentally saw Otsuki-kun.

Seeing Otsuki-kun's appearance outside while doing housework, I was surprised

and reflexively hid behind a shelf of goods.

Ah, what should I do? Should I greet him?

Since he has come to my house three times, maybe we are familiar enough to greet
each other if we meet by chance?

But what if Otsuki-kun doesn't think of me like that at all and thinks “Who is
this person? Truly has no manners.”

Ugh... I don't want that to happen.

But Otsuki-kun isn't that kind of person, right? Because he is kind-hearted, he
will surely smile and return my greeting.

I peeked at Otsuki-kun's situation from behind the shelf carefully. Since

earlier, with a difficult expression, he was looking at the items lined up. I
had thought maybe Otsuki-kun would notice me first and greet me, but it seems
that possibility is gone after seeing his current expression.

...Otsuki-kun can make an expression like that too.

When Otsuki-kun comes to the house to do housework, he always has a calm

expression. But now, he is staring at one point with a hard gaze.

Being able to see a side of Otsuki-kun that I didn't know, it feels a little
pleasant.

As I was peeking at his behavior from behind the shelf like that, he suddenly
took out his phone and started contacting someone in a great hurry. After
calling about three people in a row, with a very disappointed look he ended his
call and took an item.

That... sesame oil? Why does he look so sad when taking sesame oil?

While I was wondering, Otsuki-kun with a back that looked gloomy started walking
away dejectedly.

What's wrong with him? Why does he look so sad? Is it because of the sesame oil?

Many questions appeared one by one. I am very curious.

“Otsuki-kun?”

Too curious, without realizing it I came out from my hiding place behind the
shelf and called his name.

Ah! What should I do! I've already called him! Even though my heart wasn't
ready...
Although panicked, I tried to think of some possible greetings so I could chat
with Otsuki-kun naturally.

The weather is beautiful today... ah, no, that's strange. Good afternoon
Otsukikun... too ordinary? What are you doing here? ...of course shopping because
we
are in a supermarket. In that case... it's truly fate to meet here! ...this must
be a big mistake!! What am I thinking!?

While I was busy with my chaotic thoughts, Otsuki-kun said something that made
me even more confused.

“Ah! Tojo-san! You are my saving goddess!!”

“Hueeee!?”

I let out a strange shriek! Or, what? A goddess? Me? A goddess for Otsuki-kun?

I don't understand. What goddess? Someone depicted standing inside a shell in an

old painting, or one who leads the people with a flag at the forefront?

“Tojo-san! I want to ask you for a favor!”

“O-Okay”

Otsuki-kun looked at me with a very serious gaze. What should I do, if he looks
at me like that, my heart beats faster... Ah! Wait! Don't tell me... this...
this is a love confession!?

Wait wait wait! Here? In the seasoning section of the supermarket? Confessing
love while holding sesame oil!?

W-What should I do... it's so unique my mind is in a mess.

I-If it's really a love confession, I'll reject it first. Yes, I'll reject it.
Then I'll say “Please just be my friend.”
“Tojo-san! Please help me buy sesame oil!!”

“O-Okay! Please take care of me!!”

I'm so stupid!! Didn't I decide to reject him first!! ...Eh? Sesame oil? What
does that mean?

“Really!? Wow, thank you so much. You really helped me out.”

“Ah, yes. No problem.”

Eh? Eh? What? What does that mean? Help buy sesame oil? The first time working
together as husband and wife like that? Proposing with unexpected sesame oil?

As I was at the peak of my confusion, Otsuki-kun pointed to a sentence on the

advertisement on the sesame oil shelf with a wide smile.

“This sesame oil is limited to one item per person, so I tried asking a friend
to buy two bottles, but no one could come, so I was about to give up with just
one bottle.”

“Ah! I see! ......Yes, that's right. One item per person......Yes, that's right.
So I can buy it for you?”

“Yes, I will pay you back later.”

“Okay, I understand. In that case, I will buy it for you.”

I said it and took the sesame oil that was on sale, then put it in the basket.

.........So embarrassing!!!

I really misunderstood!! What the heck is proposing with sesame oil!! There's no
way something like that exists!! I'm stupid! Stupid! Stupid!!
Ahh......it seems sesame oil will become a trauma for me. I have a feeling I
will have a nightmare about it tonight.

My face must be red to my ears with embarrassment now. If possible, I don't want
Otsuki-kun to see my face like this.

I turned my face away so Otsuki-kun wouldn't see my expression. “Wow, to be able

to buy sesame oil for 78 yen, I wonder how many times this can happen in a
lifetime. Maybe in 80 years.”

“78 yen for sesame oil is really cheap.”

A discount on sesame oil is like the appearance of a shooting star,

right? .....Right?

I pretended to look at the sesame oil on the shelf while having my back to
Otsuki-kun to chat with him.

“This price is like a miracle. It will surely win the Best Sesame Oil award this
year.”

“Best Sesame Oil......Hahaha, what does that mean?”

I couldn't help but laugh at his joke. It turns out Otsuki-kun can also make
jokes like that.

While thinking about it, I secretly glanced at him to see his expression.

Otsuki-kun was now smiling brightly as if his happiness had exploded. His smile
looked as innocent as Ryouta's when he was little.

How cute......

Seeing the innocent smile of Otsuki-kun, who usually looks mature, I softened
without realizing it. ......Eh, it's rude to think a guy of the same age is
cute. Otsuki-kun would surely feel uncomfortable too if a girl his age called
him cute.
I suppressed that feeling within myself.

“By the way, what did you come here to buy?”

“Eh? Ah, Mom told me to buy wasabi.”

“Just wasabi?”

“Yes.”

“In that case, you should have told me when I came for my housekeeping job, I
could have bought it for you.”

Otsuki-kun said that, but I shook my head.

“Dad wants you to focus on cooking dinner today.”

“......? So there's a special request for dinner?”

“Yes, actually Dad went fishing today, and he wants you to prepare the fish he
caught.”

Dad sometimes fishes for a hobby. But usually, he finds it troublesome to

prepare it at home, so he just gives it to his friend who also likes fishing.
But this time, because Otsuki-kun is here, he was excited to bring home all the
fish he caught.

“Can Otsuki-kun prepare fish?”

Dad was so excited he forgot to confirm that. If it turns out Otsuki-kun can't
prepare fish, it could be a huge disaster.

Well, maybe Otsuki-kun can do it. But there are also people who can't touch fish
at all. Who knows if Otsuki-kun is that type?

Otsuki-kun being confused by a fish flopping on the cutting board... yes, that's
cute. I want to see that.

“Yes, although it depends on the type of fish, I think I have a basic grasp of
how to prepare it, so there probably won't be a problem. By the way, do you know
what kind of fish he caught?”

“Ah, yes. Wait a moment, it should be written in the chat with Dad.”

I realized I was smiling to myself because of my imagination, then quickly

straightened my expression and operated my phone to open the chat with Dad.

“Well, he caught mackerel, tuna, and... how do you read this?”

I tilted my head seeing a Kanji character I wasn't very familiar with. A spring
fish, hmm, I feel like I've seen it but also not?

While I was struggling to read the Kanji character, Otsuki-kun spoke up from
beside me.

“Can I see the screen for a moment?”

“Yes.”

After I nodded, Otsuki-kun came closer and craned his neck slightly to peek at
my phone.

“Ah, this is salmon.”

“Hee, so the spring fish is read as salmon.”

“This fish usually comes close to the shore to lay eggs in the spring, that's
why it's often seen. Therefore, people in the old days called it the fish that
brings spring, so its Kanji became like that.”

“I see. The fish that brings spring, that sounds sweet.”

In my head, I imagined simplified fish in cute and feminine forms, swimming
gracefully in a sea decorated with fluttering cherry blossom petals. “But this
fish has very sharp teeth and likes to snap fishing lines, that's why fishermen
call it the ‘Cutter Salmon’.”

Otsuki-kun said it while laughing. From his words, my image of a sweet salmon
drastically changed to a ferocious monster fish like a piranha.

“Is salmon scary then?”

“Well, it is a large carnivorous fish. But it tastes really good, you know. Not
just sashimi, Kyoto-style grilled salmon is also delicious. The meat is tender,
so its texture melts in your mouth and the taste is very savory. It's sure to be
addictive.”

“Hee, Otsuki-kun is really knowledgeable about food.”

I said it while turning my face towards Otsuki-kun beside me. Then I hurriedly
averted my gaze back to the phone screen.

Th-The distance between us is too close! Otsuki-kun's face is right next to

mine!!

Because we were looking at the same phone screen, our faces became very close.

Wh-What should I do....

But if I suddenly move away, Otsuki-kun might think I'm too conscious of him,
right? Or maybe he doesn't think much about this close distance?

Right now, Otsuki-kun and I are close enough that our shoulders are almost
touching. We are both in each other's personal zones.

This time, slowly and without being noticed, I glanced towards Otsuki-kun.

Ah, Otsuki-kun's eyelashes are quite long. For some reason, when I look at his
face, I feel like I'm being sucked in, an strange, indescribable feeling....
“By the way, do you have a gas torch at your house?”

“Huh!? Ah, eh? A gas torch? Hmm, I don't think we have one.”

Oh my god, I was so startled! While I was staring at his side profile, he

suddenly spoke while facing me, almost giving me a heart attack.

“Is a gas torch necessary for preparing fish?”

I hope Otsuki-kun didn't notice that I was staring at his face secretly.

I asked with a little apprehension.

“Salmon is best when seared.”

“Ohh, I see.”

It seems safe, Otsuki-kun didn't notice me looking at his face.

“Coincidentally, there is a home improvement store next to this supermarket, so

I will buy it there.”

“Ah, can I come with you?”

Damn it! I blurted out that I wanted to come without thinking.

“To the home improvement store?”

“Yes, I rarely go to a store like that...”

I said that, but that wasn't the real reason.

I want to spend more time with Otsuki-kun, to get to know him better when he's
not working.
If I think like that, it means I really am...

No, wait! It might be too early to conclude. I might just want to be good
friends with Otsuki-kun, or maybe I'm just getting carried away because this is
the first time I can chat normally with a boy.

Indeed, when I remember my interactions with Otsuki-kun earlier, there were

moments that made my heart pound. But it seems there hasn't been anything
sufficient to make me sure that I've really fallen in love with him... Eh?

By the way, earlier I mistook Otsuki-kun for confessing his love to me, and when
he said “Please help me buy sesame oil”, I replied “Okay, please take care of
me”. .....If at that time Otsuki-kun had really confessed his love, does that
mean I accepted it? Eh? Does it mean that? Eh? What should I do? Eh!? What
should I do!?

It seems I really... don't understand my own feelings for Otsuki-kun!! I really

don't understand my own feelings!!

My heart was in turmoil like a storm, but in the midst of this chaos, Otsuki-kun
still smiled at me mercilessly.

“In that case, let’s go to the home improvement store.”

“O-Okay. Please take care of me.”

With feelings that were still not in order, I could only lower my head and
answer in a quiet voice without daring to look at Otsuki-kun's face.

Thanks to Ayaka's help, Haruto managed to get two bottles of sesame oil.

After buying miso, tofu, and the wasabi Ayaka requested, they finished paying
and packed their groceries.

“Here's the sesame oil, Otsuki-kun.”

“Thank you very much. This really helps a lot.”

Haruto bowed his head as he received the sesame oil from Ayaka, then put it into
his eco-friendly shopping bag.

“Otsuki-kun, your shopping bag is so cute.”

“Eh? Ahh.... Actually, this is the one my grandmother usually uses.”

Haruto said it with a slightly embarrassed expression.

“Oh, I see. It is a bit too cute for Otsuki-kun to use though.”

While saying so, Ayaka once again directed her gaze to Haruto's shopping bag.

Haruto's shopping bag was made of a pale pink fabric with a very cute bear
embroidery. The bag was indeed too childish or too feminine for a teenage boy
like Haruto to carry.

“Well, it is a bit too cute even for my grandmother. My grandmother really likes
this kind of thing.”

Haruto said it with a slightly awkward chuckle, and Ayaka smiled seeing it.

“I don't think it's a problem? Your grandmother is cute.”

“Ahaha, thank you very much.”

After they finished bagging their groceries, they hurried to the home
improvement store next to the supermarket to buy a gas torch.

“Wow, a home improvement store has more things than I imagined.”

Ayaka, who had almost never visited such a store, observed her surroundings with
a curious gaze.

“I thought they only sold things for gardening and handiwork. It turns out they
also sell household appliances and food ingredients.”

“Home improvement stores these days have a complete stock. They even have
kitchen equipment, and you can also use it to renovate a kitchen.”

“I see. Ah! There’s a pet section!”

Seeing a small dog in a glass cage from a distance, Ayaka immediately ran
towards it. But she quickly stopped and turned to Haruto with a slightly
embarrassed expression.

“Oh right, we came here to buy a gas torch.”

“Well... looking around for a bit is fine, you know?”

“Really?”

“Yes, it's fine.”

“Yay!”

Happily, Ayaka ran towards the dog cage. Haruto smiled wryly at her back.

“I wouldn't be able to refuse if she acts like that...”

Haruto muttered softly so that no one else could hear.

He slightly pulled out his phone from his pocket to check the time. Although
there wasn't much time left before his work hours, there was still time for a
little detour. Haruto observed the same puppy from behind Ayaka who was now
crouching in front of the cage.
“So cute~ Ah! The dog is coming closer!”

“That’s a Pomeranian puppy.”

The combination of a small animal and its cute behavior delivered a decisive
blow that could defeat all men, even high school boys.

“It would probably be fun to take Tojo-san to a petting zoo.”

Haruto imagined that if he spent a whole day watching Ayaka play with animals,
his eyes might be spoiled so much that his vision would become as good as the
Masai tribe's. While thinking that, Haruto spoke casually. Then Ayaka, who had
been glued to the cage glass, suddenly shifted her gaze from the puppy and
looked at Haruto.

“I want to go to the zoo too!”

“......Eh?”

“.....Ah, I mean.....”

Haruto responded with a confused tone, making Ayaka surprised with her own
blushing face.

Seeing Ayaka's reaction, Haruto also remembered what he had just said and felt
embarrassed. The way he spoke just now could be interpreted as if he was asking
her on a date to the zoo.

Haruto had no such intention at all, but it unintentionally sounded like an

invitation for a date. And unexpectedly, Ayaka seemed to agree to it.

While Haruto was trying to calm himself and find the right words to clear up the
situation, Ayaka spoke up hesitantly.

“Th-The zoo... Ryouta really likes it.... Yes! It's Ryouta who likes it! But...
my parents are busy with work, so they rarely get to take him there. Even so, if
I just take him by myself, well, I feel unsafe... I mean, Ryouta would surely be
happier if Otsuki-kun came along too...”
Ayaka spoke while glancing here and there, as if building an excuse. But Haruto
also frantically looked for a foothold by mentioning the name ‘Ryouta’. “Ah,
yes! I think Ryouta-kun really likes the zoo.”

“Y-Yes. That's why...”

Ayaka didn't continue her words and fell silent. After a moment of awkward
silence, Haruto finally opened his mouth.

“In that case... How about we go next time? To the zoo... the three of us with
Ryouta-kun?”

“Y-yes! With Ryouta... the three of us.”

With an expression mixed with shyness, happiness, but also a little

disappointment. Haruto didn't dare to look directly at Ayaka's complex yet
attractive face; instead, he averted his gaze from her.

“Err, yes. We have to buy the gas torch first.”

“Y-Yes, that's right. We have to buy the gas torch.”

Ayaka nodded repeatedly in response to Haruto's words, which sounded forced.

After that, the two remained silent until they finished buying the gas torch and
left the home improvement store. Although their gazes met by chance several
times, they both immediately looked away with blushing faces.

Once they left the store area and were about to part ways, they once again
looked at each other and then looked away.

“Err, well then I’ll go home first, I’ll come to your house again later.”

“Y-Yes.”

“And about the plan to go to the zoo earlier...”

“Ah! Yes!”

Ayaka overreacted to Haruto's word “zoo.”

I don't need to overreact.

“In that case... we'll talk about the schedule later?”

“Yes... right. Okay, we'll talk about it later.”

“In that case... for now, see you later.”

“Yes, see you later.”

After exchanging words, Haruto and Ayaka walked away from each other towards
their respective homes.

After walking for a while, Haruto hesitantly looked back. At that moment, their
gazes met because Ayaka also turned around at the same time.

“---!?”

Although a little surprised, Haruto gave a brief nod. Ayaka replied with a small
wave of her hand while blushing. Haruto felt his face turn red, then hurriedly
turned to face forward again.

“...That's cheating, you know.”

Haruto continued his steps while trying hard to suppress the smile that was
about to bloom on his face.

“...Did I just make a date appointment with Tojo-san?”

Haruto muttered to himself. But then he shook his head, denying that thought.
“But if Ryouta-kun is also coming, then it's not a date, right?”

Haruto reminded himself, “If I misunderstand, it could be a huge disaster,”

while recalling his conversation with Ayaka.

Ayaka's face beaming as she looked at the puppy. Ayaka expressing her desire to
go to the zoo with full hope. Ayaka blushing when their eyes met.

All of it looked very attractive in Haruto's eyes.

“Cuteness has its limits, you know...”

Before meeting Ayaka through his side job as a housekeeper, Haruto considered
Ayaka a girl who was always surrounded by other girls and not at all interested
in boys.

The girl he once saw that way was now smiling and blushing shyly in front of
him. And even with the excuse of taking her younger brother, they had even made
a promise to go to the zoo together.

“Will I be able to handle this job later...”

Tojo Ayaka, the girl who was previously just considered the "school idol" by
Haruto. However, after interacting directly, it was proven that she was an
ordinary girl who had an unexpectedly adorable side.

Tomoya's words from that morning echoed in his mind.

“Then, will Haru not do anything if Tojo-san shows interest in you?”

Haruto went to the Tojo family's house solely for work. He shouldn't bring any
ulterior motives there. Even though that was his thought, Ayaka's smile kept
disturbing his mind.

“I still end up thinking about it...”

Haruto realized his heart was wavering in the face of the difference between
Tojo Ayaka the “school idol” and Tojo Ayaka the “ordinary girl” he met while
working. However, he deliberately chose not to think about it too much.

“What’s important is, today I have to focus on preparing the fish.”

Haruto thought about how to prepare the fish caught by Shuuichi, Ayaka's father,
as he continued on his way home.

After returning home and preparing himself, Haruto visited the Tojo family
residence, which was already a little familiar to him.

Standing in front of the entrance of the magnificent-styled luxury house as

usual, Haruto pressed the intercom bell. Not long after, an answer was heard.

“Hello, Otsuki-kun?”

“Yes, it's me. I'm here for the job.”

“We were waiting for you. Ryouta, Onii-chan is here! Open the door, please! Ah,
Otsuki-kun, just a moment, Ryouta will open the door.”

“Okay, thank you.”

As Haruto said thank you, the door opened forcefully.

“Onii-chan!”

“Hi Ryouta-kun, good afternoon.”

“Good afternoon! Onii-chan, come in quick! The fish is huge!”

Ryouta, who looked very enthusiastic, greeted him with an excited tone. He then
pulled Haruto's hand and led him into the living room.

“Welcome, Otsuki-kun.”

As soon as he entered the living room, Ikue, Ayaka's mother, stood up from the
sofa and greeted Haruto with a friendly smile.

“Excuse me.”

“Ah, Otsuki-kun! Thank goodness you came!”

Then Shuuichi, Ayaka's father, also greeted him. Near his feet, there was a
fairly large cooler box. Haruto looked at the large cooler box and then asked.

“I heard from Tojo-sa.... Ayaka-san. That Shuuichi-san managed to catch

mackerel, tuna, and salmon.”

As soon as Haruto said that, Shuuichi showed an expression like ‘Thank goodness
you already heard about it!’ and enthusiastically began to tell his story.

“That's right! I have a business associate whose hobby is fishing from a boat. I
occasionally go sailing with him. And today was really very lucky! When I was
fishing for this mackerel, at first I thought the hook was snagged because it
didn't move at all even though I reeled it in completely! Finally, after
struggling to pull it until there were 20 meters left, the fish went wild again
and the drag was really strong, it was a life-or-death battle! It took 15
minutes, no, maybe 30 minutes to fish this mackerel onto the boat!”

Shuuichi told his story with fiery enthusiasm about his experience fishing for
mackerel until his eyes sparkled. However, Ikue cut his story short.

“Honey? If your story is too long, the fresh fish won't be fresh anymore, you
know.”

“Hmm, you're right. This is very fresh fish. We must have Otsuki-kun prepare it
immediately.”

“Alright, leave it to me.”

Haruto nodded with a slight wry smile seeing Shuuichi who was still reluctant to
end his story.

“But, all these fish are indeed very large. This tuna must be the biggest size,
right!”

When Haruto peeked into the cooler box at Shuuichi's feet, the man immediately
continued his story again.

“Ah yes, that tuna! At first the reel felt light and the line was slack. I
immediately thought ‘Oh?’ and quickly hooked it! Then the hook immediately set
nicely and the fish struggled hard but didn't get away—“

“Honey?”

“Ah, no... Alright, Otsuki-kun, can you cook it?”

After being cut off by Ikue once again, Shuuichi looked slightly disappointed.

“In that case, how about we move this cooler box to the kitchen first?”

Haruto felt a little sorry for Shuuichi who still wanted to tell his fishing
experience, but he prioritized the freshness of the fish and tried to lift the
cooler's handle. But it turned out to be heavier than he expected, making Haruto
wince slightly.

“Let me help you lift it.”

“Ah, thank you. That's a great help.”

The mackerel was about 70 cm long, the salmon about 60 cm, and the tuna was 4050
cm, plus the ice in the box. Actually, Haruto could lift it by himself, but
it wasn't a load that could be lifted easily.

Haruto and Shuuichi lifted the box together to the kitchen.

“Thank you very much. This is a great help. In that case, I will start preparing
it now. Are there any special requests for how to cook it?”

Just as Haruto asked, the living room door opened and Ayaka came in.

“Ah, Otsuki-kun. You're already here. Umm... welcome.”

“Ah yes. Umm... excuse me.”

The two of them greeted each other a little awkwardly, remembering what happened
at the home improvement store earlier. Ikue noticed the change in their attitude
and looked at her daughter with an amused gaze.

“Wh-What is it?”

Ayaka looked back at her mother, slightly nervous.

“Otsuki-kun will cook with a lot of love later. What do you want to be cooked,
Ayaka?”

“Ah, cooking with love, h-how would I know what that means!”

Ayaka frowned in response to her mother's words. Meanwhile, Ikue just smiled
playfully and turned to look at Haruto.

“You must know what it means, right, Otsuki-kun? Your cooking is so delicious
because besides your skill, you also put a lot of love into it, right?”

“Ah yes, of course... I always cook with all my heart.”

“See! Otsuki-kun cooks with love for you, Ayaka!”

“No, not just for Ayaka-san, but for everyone...”

“Ah, Otsuki-kun is so considerate.”

“It's not like that...”

Haruto could only smile wryly, realizing that the most powerful person in the
Tojo family home was Ikue.

“Nee nee Onii-chan. I want sashimi!”

Whether he took Ikue's joke seriously or as a joke, Haruto was tossed about by
her hard-to-understand words. Ryouta made a request to Haruto who saw this as an
opportunity to escape from Ikue. Haruto bent down and met Ryouta's gaze then
answered.

“I understand. For now, I will prepare three types of fish sashimi.”

“Yay!”

Ryouta rejoiced innocently at Haruto's words. Shuichi also nodded and said.

“Well, I want to enjoy fresh fish as sashimi. Because in the end, we are
Japanese.”

“I understand. In that case, for dinner tonight we will prepare sashimi from
tuna, mackerel, and salmon. Are Ikue-san and Ayaka-san okay with that?”

“Of course not!”

“I want to eat sashimi too.”

After getting approval from all members of the Tojo family, Haruto immediately
started cooking. Then Shuuichi came to the kitchen with a shopping bag in his
hand.

“By the way, Otsuki-kun. I was actually planning to make sashimi, so I bought
some equipment and vegetables that might be useful.”

“Ah, is that so? May I see what's inside?”

Haruto received the shopping bag from Shuichi and checked its contents.

Inside were a fish scale remover and a peeler for making radish shreds. There
were also carrots, radish, cucumber, and shiso leaves for garnish.

“Thank you very much, Shuuichi-san. With this, the sashimi will look more
colorful.”

When Haruto said thank you, Ikue smiled teasingly at Shuuichi. “But
unfortunately he forgot to buy wasabi which is the most important part.”

“Ahaha, yes, how embarrassing.”

Hearing Ikue's words, Shuuichi scratched the back of his head in embarrassment.

Haruto was a little relieved to know the real reason why Ayaka deliberately went
to the supermarket just to buy wasabi.

“Well then, I'll start preparing right away.”

Haruto first placed the tail of the tuna on the cutting board, sprinkled it with
a little water while scaling it. After all the scales were removed, he cut off
the head, removed the gills, opened the belly to remove the entrails, then split
the fish into three parts. In an instant, the tuna was cut into three. Seeing
this, Shuuichi was impressed.

“Really skillful. It’s a joy to watch.”

“Thank you very much. I myself rarely handle such good fish, so I was worried if
I could do it correctly. But thanks to this, it became easy to handle.”

Haruto slightly lifted the deba knife he was holding.

The deba knife borrowed from the Tojo family had a name carved near its base,
giving it a luxurious feel. Its sharpness was extraordinary; even a large
mackerel with strong bones could be handled without difficulty.
After splitting all the fish into three parts, Haruto cut the central bone,
cleaned the belly bones, to make it easier to eat.

“That's amazing. I want to learn how to prepare fish from you too, Otsuki-kun.”

Ikue sat at the dining table while peeking into the kitchen.

“If you'd like, I will teach you.”

Haruto answered while removing the fish skin from the flesh.

“Really? Then teach me next time, okay? Ayaka, how about you join too? It could
be useful for serving fish to your future husband, you know?”

“Eh? I don't...”

Ayaka was a little confused, but Ikue smiled meaningfully, “Ufufufu.”

“You don't want to? Ah, but if the husband is like Otsuki-kun, I guess it's
fine, right?”

“Mom! What are you saying in front of Otsuki-kun!?”

Hearing her mother's joke, Ayaka's face immediately turned red. Seeing her
daughter like that, Ikue calmly said.

“Hey, I just said ‘like Otsuki-kun’, right?”

“...I hate you, Mom.”

Hearing her mother's mischievous joke, Ayaka pouted her lips in a sulking
manner. But Ikue happily spoke to Haruto.

“Otsuki-kun. I'm sorry, my daughter misunderstood. Ayaka is a bit innocent, but

please continue to be good friends with her.”
“Ahaha, of course, I will.”

Haruto was slicing the fish that had been cut into three parts while exuding an
"I'm not in the mood" aura as a protest to her mother, Ayaka. Seeing that,
Haruto finally just laughed and gave a neutral response for the time being. It
seemed Ayaka's protest did not reach her mother at all.

Then Shuuichi, with his chin resting on his hand and a serious face, slowly
opened his mouth.

“I see, if Ayaka marries Otsuki-kun, then Otsuki-kun will become my son-in-law.

That means he will become my son-in-law... hmm, that's interesting. But, to let
my still adorable daughter get married...”

Shuuichi muttered to himself and became lost in his own world while wrestling
with his thoughts. Hearing her father's surprising mumble, Ayaka seemed to
forget her protest to her mother and stared at Shuuichi.

“Dad! Don't just think strange things on your own!”

Unlike the insinuations and jokes from Ikue, Shuuichi's words sounded very
serious, making Ayaka look panicked. She tried to bring her father, who was busy
thinking to himself, back to his senses. But then, an existence that was
innocent and therefore troublesome arrived.

“Onii-chan is going to marry Onee-chan?”

“Huh!? Eh? No, that's not it...”

“Ryouta!! Don't say weird things, Otsuki-kun is holding a knife! It's dangerous,
you know!!”

Ayaka pulled her younger brother's hand, Ryouta, who was looking at Haruto's toy
knife beside him.

“But if Onii-chan marries Onee-chan, won't Onii-chan become my brother?”

Ryouta looked at Haruto with an excited expression, as if imagining if Haruto
became his real brother. Ayaka could only turn her face away.

“W-We're not getting married!! We're still high school students!”

“Ah, so you'll get married after graduating from high school?”

“Mom, just be quiet!!”

After that, for some time in the Tojo family, there was a debate about whether
they would get married or not. Seeing the very chaotic situation, Haruto, who
realized the danger of getting involved, decided to focus on cooking the fish in
front of him.

After he finished cooking, Haruto took a large plate of sashimi.

“Eto, the sashimi is ready...”

Haruto, who was still confused, brought a large plate of sashimi to the dining
table. While he was focused on cooking, the situation in the Tojo family had
reached an extraordinary level of chaos.

Shuuichi seriously contemplating something and Ryouta innocently pressing Ayaka

about getting married. Ayaka with a red face denying it. And Ikue who
occasionally fanned the flames with mischief.

Hesitantly, Haruto greeted the Tojo family.

“Ano... I also made tuna head soup, please enjoy it together.”

As soon as I got to my room, I immediately dived onto my bed.

“Aah~ I'm so tired...”

While letting out my energy on the bed, I let out a long sigh.

“Even though Otsuki-kun made delicious food, I didn't get to enjoy it at all...”

Otsuki-kun made a very beautiful sashimi platter from the fish Dad caught, but I
didn't get to enjoy it because Dad, Mom, and Ryouta were all making a commotion.

Otsuki-kun also made grilled fish with the gas torch from the home improvement
store, but I didn't taste it at all.

“Ah yes, the promise to go to the zoo with Otsuki-kun... What happened with
that?”

The promise I made with Otsuki-kun at the home improvement store.

I actually planned to talk about it today when Otsuki-kun came as a housekeeper.

But then the situation got out of control, I was busy calming my family down
until I didn't realize his contract time was up and Otsuki-kun went home without
us getting to talk about it.

“But if I invite him to the zoo there, my family will surely make an even bigger
fuss...”

Mom would definitely tease me with a smirk. Ah, but I can still handle that. No,
actually maybe I can't. But well...

Ryouta would also be very happy. This is also not a big problem.

The biggest problem is Dad. Dad seems to really, really like Otsuki-kun. Mom
likes him too, but Dad seems to really want Otsuki-kun as a son-in-law.

During dinner just now, Dad even enthusiastically invited Otsuki-kun to go

fishing together next time.

“Aah! That's enough! I'm still a high school student!!”

I shouted while burying my face in the pillow.

Thinking about getting married or becoming a son-in-law, that's still too soon!

It's true, having a husband like Otsuki-kun who is very competent in housework
and very kind might be ideal. But...

“Ah, no no, what am I thinking!”

I shook my head to clear my thoughts.

It seems my family's perception of Otsuki-kun is increasing, and I feel as if my

own defensive moat is being eroded.

But, that's not the only problem.

What might be more worrying is my own feelings.

Before summer vacation. I forgot his name, but a senior called me over the
school's public address system and proposed to me. At that time, I only felt
embarrassed. I wanted to run away from that situation as quickly as possible. I
couldn't imagine getting married, and thought my senior was insane for proposing
to me while still in high school.

But... if it were Otsuki-kun...

When Dad mentioned Otsuki-kun as a son-in-law, and Ryouta asked if we would get
married, I imagined it a little. I could visualize it. Living together with
Otsuki-kun under the same roof.

Yes, the most worrying thing is not my family's behavior, but my own feelings.

I don't feel any objection at all to Mom teasing me about Otsuki-kun, Ryouta
wanting to make Otsuki-kun his real brother, or Dad liking Otsuki-kun so much.

In a corner of my heart, I feel happy seeing Otsuki-kun being accepted by my

family.
“...I need to consult with Saki.”

I picked up my phone and opened my messages with my best friend.

It's still around 10 PM now, so Saki is surely still awake.

After pressing the call button, I stared at the name ‘Aizawa Saki’ on the
screen. The call connected in a few seconds.

[Nyaan?]

“Saki, there’s something I want to talk about...”

[Oh? What is it? A love problem, isn't it?]

Hearing Saki's joke, I felt my heartbeat speed up a little.

“...Maybe.”

[...Huh? What? A lie? Seriously??]

Saki's voice sounded very surprised, followed by a loud noise from the other
side.

“Eh? Saki? Are you okay?”

[How could I be okay! What do you mean? Ayaka consulting about love?]

“Calm down first, okay? Take a breath...”

[I can't calm down! I can't calm down at all! Don't tell me... it's about
Kaitosenpai? Still thinking about it now?]

Even though it was night, Saki's voice was high with excitement. By the way,
Kaito-senpai? Oh, she means the senior who proposed to me over the PA system
before summer vacation, right?

“Ah no, this has nothing to do with that.”

[It's not? Then who? Who managed to win Ayaka's heart!?]

“Well, he hasn't completely won my heart yet...”

Yes, it seems I haven't really fallen in love yet... maybe.

“You remember, Saki, what you said that time?”

[Hm? What I said?]

“You said he and I are very compatible, or something like that.”

I felt embarrassed so I couldn't say his name directly, just fidgeted with a red
face.

[Hmm? Compatible... oh, you mean Otsuki-kun?]

Hearing his name mentioned, my heart pounded.

“...Yes.”

[Waaah! Seriously!? ...Eh wait? But it's summer vacation now? How did you end up
like that with Otsuki-kun?]

“Well, various things happened...”

[Eh? I'm curious! Tell me everything that happened!]

Seeing Saki showing a great appetite, I explained my meeting with Otsuki-kun to

her. Instantly, Saki's excited voice, which seemed like it would break my
phone's speaker, echoed in my room.

[What is that, amazing!! It's a real romance manga! Does a coincidence like that
exist!? No no! It must be fate, right!! Besides, Otsuki-kun's specs are too
high! I really like him!]

“Otsuki-kun's cooking is really delicious.”

[Oh oh, what is that? Could it be a come-on?]

“N-No! I want to ask for your advice, Saki!”

[Advice? About how to confess?]

That one sentence from my best friend made me sure my face was red to my ears.
The heat I felt in my body surely had nothing to do with just having taken a
shower.

“It's not about confessing, but... About my own feelings... that is, if I
like... Otsuki-kun or not, I can't decide by myself anymore... so I want to ask
for your advice, Saki.”

[........................]

After I said it, Saki fell silent. There was no response from her at all.

Eh? Don't tell me she fell asleep?

The silence continued until I really thought so, only then did Saki speak. Thank
goodness she wasn't asleep.

[Well, that's how it is. Ayaka has always avoided boys, right? Even if you want
to date, you can't. It's normal that you don't understand feelings like that.]

Saki said it as if she understood it herself.

Is it just my feeling or does it sound like I'm being greatly pitied?

Annoyed, I asked back.

“What do you mean? What kind of feeling?”

[That, it feels inappropriate to discuss it over the phone, how about we meet
tomorrow?]

“Eh? Inappropriate? I can make it tomorrow... Eh? So you won't tell me now?”

For some reason, I feel like Saki is deliberately teasing me.

[Tomorrow I will make a lot of time to listen and give advice. So tomorrow at 11
at the usual cafe, okay?]

“Hmmm, okay, but... let's just tell me now? What don't I understand?”

[Never mind, see you tomorrow.]

“Eh, w-wait Saki? ...She hung up.”

I stared at the phone screen which returned to the conversation view, confused
whether to call my best friend again or not. But it seems that's just Saki's
nature, she would surely dodge in an indirect way.

Remembering the nature of my best friend whom I've known for a long time, I
finally gave up and placed the phone beside my pillow.

“What... don't I understand?”

While staring at the ceiling of my room, I kept thinking about what my best
friend said earlier.

※
The morning sunlight coming through the curtains made me unable to resist
blinking and turning over.

“Uuh... sleepy...”

I checked the time on the phone next to my pillow.

“Seven o'clock... have to get up...”

Last night after chatting with Saki, I thought about many things until I
couldn't sleep. It seems I only managed to close my eyes when the sky was
starting to get bright. So I barely slept at all. But today I have an
appointment to meet Saki, so I have to get up and get ready.

I forced my body to get out of bed, but my body seemed to protest with a very
wide yawn. It felt like the bed was a very strong magnet pulling my body. But
with strong determination, I freed myself from the bed and went out of my room
to the sink.

Washing my face with cold water made me feel a little more refreshed.

After drying my face with a towel hanging next to the sink, I stared at my own
face in the mirror.

“I have dark circles under my eyes from lack of sleep... I don't want Otsuki-kun
to see my face like this...”

After mumbling with a head still dizzy from lack of sleep, I realized what I had
just said and my face turned red.

I turned my face away from the mirror that reflected my flushed face, then
headed to the living room downstairs.

“Ara? Morning Ayaka. You woke up very early today.”

(Tln: damn, waking up at 7 is called too early, a complete contrast to in
Indonesia :v)
“Morning Mom.”

Mom was already in the living room, preparing breakfast in the kitchen.

“Today I have an appointment to meet Saki, so I have to leave the house before
10.”

“Ara, with Saki-chan? I feel like I haven't seen Saki-chan in a long time.”

“Well, since Saki moved far from here.”

Before Saki moved, she used to come over and play at this house often, so Mom
definitely knows her too.

“Please say hello to Saki-chan for me.”

“Yes, will do.”

I nodded to Mom while sitting at the dining table.

“Is Mom going to work?”

Mom was already wearing a neat suit in work mode. It seems Dad had already left
for work earlier.

“Yes, my work starts early today. Can you take Ryouta to kindergarten before
meeting Saki?”

“Yes, I can.”

Even though Ryouta's kindergarten is on summer vacation, if both parents have to

work in the morning, we use the daycare service if it's available.

“Want breakfast?”
“Hmm, I think so.”

“Alright. I'll prepare it in a moment, just wait.”

About 10 minutes later, breakfast was served on the table.

I was a little surprised to see the breakfast spread.

“Eh? Why is breakfast so fancy today. It's like breakfast at an inn.”

“Right? This, Otsuki-kun left it yesterday. Because Mom has to go to work early
today, it was a great help.”

Mom explained with a cheerful face seeing my surprise.

Eh? When did Otsuki-kun make all this? I had no idea at all.

While I was stunned looking at the breakfast, Mom explained the dishes one by
one.

“This is taihan rice (rice with fish broth). Then here we have Kyoto-style
grilled salmon and teriyaki fish. There's also oshinko from spinach and carrots,
and osuimono soup from taihan fish broth.”

“That's amazing...”

What kind of breakfast is this? Eh? Is this a ryokan? My sleepiness instantly

vanished.

Still not hiding my admiration, I said “Itadakimasu” and started eating the
breakfast with chopsticks.

“...So delicious.”

The taihan rice seasoning was perfectly absorbed, the aroma of soy sauce and
ginger wafted from my nose, while on my tongue the sweet taste of the taihan
fish meat spread gently.
The Kyoto-style grilled salmon was also tender, its sweet and salty taste
perfectly combined with the rich fat of the sawawara fish, bringing a smile to
my face without realizing it. Wow, my hand couldn't stop bringing rice to my
mouth.

“Fufufu, Ayaka's face looks like someone who is very happy.”

“Well, it's delicious.”

“Yes it is, we have to thank Otsuki-kun.”

Hearing Mom's words, I remembered something and was slightly taken aback. But,
unlike yesterday, Mom didn't tease me. Instead, she looked at me with a very
gentle gaze.

For some reason, my heart felt a little ticklish.

“Ayaka.”

“...What?”

“Adolescence is just a moment in life and will pass quickly. But that time is
the most important, where you will feel joy, suffering, anxiety, happiness. So,
enjoy this ‘now’ to the fullest. What you feel now, will one day become a
precious treasure to you.”

“...Yes.”

Mom is really good at teasing me.

Usually she's always giggling and teasing me. But sometimes she suddenly acts as
a ‘Mother’. When I'm treated like that, as her child, I become happy, right?

“This osuimono soup is delicious.”

“Yes, it's really delicious.”

I enjoyed the delicious and gentle food made by Otsuki-kun with Mom.

After dropping Ryouta off at daycare, I headed to the cafe where I had an
appointment with Saki.

The cafe with a calm atmosphere was located in a quiet little alley, separate
from the bustling main road. A bell rang kring kring as I opened the door.

“Welcome.”

The cafe owner who was cleaning glasses at the counter approached and provided a
menu for me who was already seated.

“Have you decided on your order?”

“Yes, I'll have an iced cafe au lait.”

“Very well.”

The cafe owner bowed politely and returned to the counter.

The calm atmosphere inside the cafe and the polite cafe owner. Maybe because
it's located in a small alley, there aren't many customers, only two other
people besides me.

Hmm, Saki doesn't seem to be here yet.

In the midst of the pleasant tranquility, soft jazz music flowed.

I should be able to wait for Saki peacefully in this favorite cafe of mine, but
today I can't feel relaxed.
I repeatedly glanced at the wall clock inside the cafe while waiting for my best
friend anxiously. My mind was filled with Saki's words from last night. I need
to hear her explanation soon.

...Come on! Time seems to not be moving at all!

When I looked at the clock earlier, it showed 10:40, but now the clock shows
10:41, is the clock broken?

I checked the time on my phone too.

10:41... ah, 10:42. Ugh, waiting for just one minute feels so long, I want Saki
to come quickly.

Then, I spent a few minutes that I felt were the longest minutes of my life.
Finally, my best friend appeared at the entrance of the cafe.

“Ah, hey Ayaka. Am I late?”

“Very late. I've been waiting for more than 10 minutes.”

“Okay okay, it's still within the tolerance limit.”

Saki casually brushed off my complaint and sat in the chair opposite me. It was
now 10:50. She came 10 minutes before the appointed time, so I couldn't complain
too much.

Impatient, I immediately asked Saki.

“Hey Saki. About yesterday, I—“

“Wait a minute! Lost lamb, I have to order something first.”

“Ah, yes, sorry.”

“So, what did Ayaka order?”

“Iced cafe au lait.”

“Then I'll have the same.”

Saki happened to order an iced cafe au lait too from the cafe owner who asked
for her order. After taking a sip of her order, she said.

“Fuhii, refreshing!”

Then when our eyes met, she covered her mouth and held back a laugh, “Fufufu.”

“Hey Ayaka, why do you have that look on your face?”

“Because Saki keeps teasing me.”

Of course I'd puff my cheeks and pout my lips in annoyance, right?

“So cute, alright! Let me give you some advice!”

“What did Saki mean by 'that kind of feeling' yesterday? What don't I
understand?”

I immediately fired the question that had been spinning in my head since last
night. Hearing it, Saki burst out laughing.

Even though I'm really serious about this...

“Ahaha! Straight to the point, huh. Ayaka must not have been able to sleep last
night, right?”

“Of course! It's natural for me to be curious when you hung up the phone like
that!”
“Sorry, but for something important like this, it's better to talk about it in
person, right?”

“Yes... that's true...”

I nodded in resignation to Saki's words.

“So, here's the gist.”

Saki looked at me with a more serious expression than before.

Oh no, what should I do. I really want to listen, but now that the moment is
here, I feel like I want to cover my ears or run away...

“First, let me confirm, Otsuki-kun started visiting your house as a

housekeeper.”

“Yes.”

“Then, Otsuki-kun is liked by Ryouta, Ikue Mama, and Shuuichi-san.”

“Yes.”

“And lately, you've become interested in Otsuki-kun.”

“Ngg...yes...”

It feels so embarrassing to hear it said like that. My face must be red again.

“So, you're interested in Otsuki-kun, but you don't know if it's a feeling of
like or some other feeling. That's what you want to understand.”

“Like... yes, something like that...”

Like... Right, if I like Otsuki-kun, that means I've fallen in love, right?

What should I do, my heart is beating fast and my chest feels tight...

Seeing my state, Saki asked in a soft tone.

“So, how are your own feelings, Ayaka?”

“I don't know, that's why I'm asking for your advice, Saki...”

“Oh, I see, no wonder...”

Saki looked up for a moment with a thoughtful expression, then looked at me with
a slightly mischievous face.

“Hey, introduce me to Otsuki-kun.”

As soon as I heard Saki's words, my heart started pounding.

“Eh!? .....Wh-Why?”

Eh? Are you kidding? Why? Why? Don't tell me Saki likes Otsuki-kun too?

“Y-You're kidding, right? Right? Hey Saki?”

“No, I'm serious. So, next time Otsuki-kun comes to Ayaka's house, can I come
over and play too?”

“...No.”

Those words just slipped out of my mouth before I had a chance to think.
Imagining Saki chatting friendly with Otsuki-kun, for some reason made me feel a
pain I had never experienced before, like it was squeezing my chest.

A feeling like this... I've never felt it at all...

But, the Otsuki-kun who works as a housekeeper is just the Otsuki-kun that only
I know, so I don't want anyone else to know him, not even my best friend Saki...

“No?”

Saki asked mercilessly.

“Yes...no... No.”

Saki is cute, right?

Unlike me, she can get along well with boys, is good at conversation and funny.
If Saki became close with Otsuki-kun, Otsuki-kun would surely be interested in
her.

If that happened... if Otsuki-kun...

“Stolen...”

“Eh!?”

Hearing my words, Saki's eyes widened.

“Just now Ayaka thought that, right? That Otsuki-kun would be stolen by me?”

“No... that's not it... ah yes... maybe yes...”

Seeing my answer, Saki smiled with satisfaction.

“It must not feel good, right?”

“Ngg...yes...”

“Why is that?”

Saki asked me like a teacher asking a student a question.

Why? Why do I feel bad? Is it because I don't like it if Saki becomes close with
Otsuki-kun? Because I don't like it if someone else gets to know the Otsuki-kun
that only I know? So, I want to... have Otsuki-kun for myself? But why? Why do I
want to have Otsuki-kun for myself?

Because... the reason... means, I really... like Otsuki-kun...

“Like... that's why...”

I said it... I finally revealed my feelings for Otsuki-kun.

Hearing my answer, Saki smiled gently.

“Good, you get a perfect score.”

“...I... like Otsuki-kun? Is this what's called the feeling of like?”

“Yes, that's right.”

I placed a hand on my chest. Feeling the beat that was a little faster than
usual, I looked down.

“It seems you're still not satisfied? What is making Ayaka unsatisfied?”

“I... don't know what I like about Otsuki-kun? When did I start liking him? I
don't know...”
My interactions with Otsuki-kun only started a few days ago, since the summer
vacation began. He's only even come as a housekeeper four times. Why could I
like him in such a short time?

“I don't know when exactly I fell in love. Shouldn't there normally be a moment
when we fall in love?”

I started to realize my feelings for Otsuki-kun after he helped me when I almost

fell off a unicycle. But if I think back, it seems I was already interested in
him before that...

“...Ayaka, the 'normal' standard you're referring to is based on what?”

“Eh? Of course, based on romance manga and novels!”

As soon as I said that, Saki immediately looked up while muttering “Oh dear.”

“Listen Ayaka, your standard is actually not normal. In fact, it's the opposite
of normal.”

“Eh? No way! Because in all romance manga, the moment the heroine falls in love
is always clear! There are even some that use a full page to depict that
moment!”

“Come on, don't talk about love in the real world using manga as a benchmark!”

After Saki warned me with a shy tone, she looked at me with a loving gaze like a
best friend who genuinely cares for me.

“You idiot, do you really want to understand the concept of love as simply as
that in real life? I can't explain in a simpler way how to love someone wholly
and completely.”

“But, Saki! If not from manga, then where should I learn to understand the
concept of pure and whole true love? How can I learn to love someone purely and
wholly without understanding the complete meaning of love itself?”

“That's it, I can't explain it more simply to-“

Saki cut off her words, looking annoyed because I kept questioning her so
stubbornly.

“Never mind, just forget it. You can't understand the concept of true love
without first understanding its meaning wholly and completely.”

Saki sighed, resigned to my foolishness that was so absorbed in my own

inability. She was so genuinely caring and helpless in the face of my need to
understand the meaning of something wholly and completely.

“Alright, let's just continue this conversation,” Saki said, finally giving up.

I nodded, unable to ask for more from my best friend who cares so much about me
to be able to love me wholly and completely.

“Just tell me, how you truly and completely feel about Otsuki-kun.”

With all the strength and sincerity from this self that needs meaning to love
someone wholly and completely, I will tell my feelings completely to Otsuki-kun.

“So you mean I already liked Otsuki-kun at that time?”

With a voice slightly trembling from the shock, I asked Saki who was sitting in
front of me.

“Yes, that could be the case, right?”

Saki answered in a tone as if it were a normal thing.

I drank a little water to calm myself for a moment.

“But... why could I like Otsuki-kun when I barely knew him?”

We never even interacted at all at school, then suddenly I like him as soon as
he comes to my house as a housekeeper, is that normal?
“It's precisely because you didn't know him that you came to like him, right?”

“Eh? What do you mean?”

“Because you don't know him, you want to know him more. Then after knowing a new
side of him, you'll like him even more. Then you'll want to know him even more
deeply. Isn't love like that?”

Knowing a new side of someone and then liking them more...

Hearing Saki's words, I remembered yesterday's events.

It's true, when I accidentally met Otsuki-kun at the supermarket and saw his
innocent smile, I felt very attracted. I was so fascinated to see a side of
Otsuki-kun outside of his role as a housekeeper.

“So love is really like that...”

“Oh? It seems you've found your answer?”

“Y-Yes...”

“Fufufu, what a beautiful youth~”

Saki giggled, teasing me, making me embarrassed and look away to the side.

“Excuse me, here is your iced cafe au lait order.”

Right on time, the cafe owner delivered our order. I immediately sipped the iced
cafe au lait with a straw. It tasted slightly bitter and cold, seeming to be
able to calm my hot and tense body a little.

With a slightly calmer head, I tried to summarize the conversation with Saki up
to this point.
First, I like Otsuki-kun. This is a fact I can no longer deny. I have to face
this feeling completely.

However, there is a slight dissatisfaction in me.

Regarding what made me like Otsuki-kun. Saki said not to refer too much to manga
or novels, but I still can't just let go of the desire to experience romantic
moments like in fiction.

If it's said that the unicycle incident was what made me fall in love, it feels
a bit off. From the conversation with Saki earlier, it seems I already liked
Otsuki-kun before that...

As an ideal picture of falling in love for me, maybe it's like when I'm having
trouble because of sudden rain and he shelters me with an umbrella, or when I'm
being harassed by thugs and he comes to save me gallantly, or it turns out the
guy I like is my childhood friend... Although I don't have a male childhood
friend.

But still, it's normal for a girl to hope for moments like that, right?
Because... I'm a girl.

“Saki, back when you had a boyfriend, how did it start? What was the trigger?”

“Hmm, the trigger? How was it? If I'm not mistaken...”

“If you're not mistaken?”

I stared at Saki intently, waiting for her answer.

“That's it?”

“That's... it?”

Hearing her disappointing answer, I was a little disappointed. Saki just smiled
wryly.
“That's reality. Suddenly you feel interested in someone, then without realizing
it you start paying attention to them, then without realizing it you're always
thinking about them, and that's how you come to like them. It's not very clear
what the trigger is.”

“I see...”

It's true, reality is different from manga or novels. Not everyone experiences a
dramatic and romantic moment of falling in love.

As I was trying to convince myself of this, Saki said in a slightly amused tone.

“By the way? You're too focused on what triggered you to like Otsuki-kun. But
isn't there already a trigger?”

“Eh?”

There's already a trigger? What is it? Was there an event that made me fall in
love with Otsuki-kun?

“Ah, you really are sometimes absent-minded, Ayaka. Well, but that's what makes
you adorable and troublesome at the same time.”

“A-Absent-minded, you say!? So mean!”

I'm not that absent-minded! Although my mom and friends sometimes call me
innocent, I'm not that absent-minded!

“You're really hopeless. There was an important moment with Otsuki-kun, but you
forgot it.”

“What important moment? There was nothing like that.”

“There was. When I ordered a housekeeping service, the person who came was an
inconspicuous male classmate with high specs. Isn't that like a miracle?”

A sense of shock came over me.

“If you just look at the premise, this is like a real romantic comedy manga
title.”

Ah, right! If there was a book with a title like that on my bookshelf, I
wouldn't find it strange at all.

“Have you finally realized it, Ayaka? Or do you need a stronger clue?”

“N-No... That's enough...”

Ah, I can't deny it anymore...

I have truly fallen in love with Otsuki-kun.

“I... have fallen in love with him, haven't I...”

“You finally admit it.”

“Because I can't deny it anymore...”

Maybe I was already interested in Otsuki-kun from the beginning. This might be
love at first sight.

I, who always refused when someone said they fell in love with me at first
sight.

I, who couldn't understand love at first sight.

“Nee Saki. What should I do now?”

This is my first love.

Puppy love. I don't know what to do.

“Sh-Should I confess my love to him...?”

Just imagining it makes my heart beat so fast, like it's going to jump out. I
could have a heart attack from love.

Maybe the boys who confessed their love to me before also felt like this? If so,
I might have been a bit too harsh for always rejecting them without a second
thought.

As I was thinking about confessing my love to Otsuki-kun, Saki stopped me.

“Don't be hasty, Ayaka. Confessing your love is still too soon.”

“Eh? Is it not allowed...?”

I thought after realizing my feelings, the only thing I had to do was confess my
love. But Saki gave advice to calm me down.

“Confessing love is a temporary goal. You have to go through several stages

first to get there.”

“Stages? What stages?”

“For now, to get closer to him, you have to ask him on a date first.”

A date, with Otsuki-kun...

That means the two of us go to an amusement park, a mall for shopping, or go to

the beach... I have to show my bikini look in front of Otsuki-kun?

What should I do, just imagining it makes me so embarrassed! But I also want to
see Otsuki-kun in swimwear...

“Hey Ayaka. You've started smiling pervertedly~”

“Hwaaa... I-It's nothing!”

“What is it~? Don't tell me you were imagining perverted things?”

“No!! Why would I imagine such things!!”

I denied Saki's words with all my might.

I just want to go to the beach with Otsuki-kun, it's not anything weird. If you
go to the beach, you have to wear a swimsuit, that's for sure, and seeing him in
swimwear is unavoidable...

“Hm? Oh, really?”

“R-Really. I really wasn't imagining anything weird!”

Saki kept looking at me with a suspicious gaze. I had to change the subject.

“O-Oh yeah. About the date, Otsuki-kun and I already have a promise to go to the
zoo.”

Hearing that, Saki was a little surprised and lifted her hips.

“Eh!? What!? You've already reached the stage of promising a date?”

“Err... It's not really a date, more like I'm accompanying Ryouta, so it's
something like that...”

“Oh I see, with Ryouta...”

Saki seemed to be thinking while rubbing her chin.

“In that case, the risk is smaller, but there's a possibility Otsuki-kun won't
see it as a date. When are you guys going to that zoo?”
“It hasn't been decided yet. We plan to discuss the schedule later.”

“I see, I see... In that case, you can use the opportunity when discussing the
schedule as an excuse...”

Saki seemed to be thinking to herself again.

Saki has had several romances, unlike me. I think it's better for me to stay
quiet and wait for instructions from my senpai (Saki).

I waited calmly for a few tens of seconds. After her thoughts were organized,
Saki took out some kind of coupon from her bag and looked at me.

“As a best friend, I will give you a secret love tool, Ayaka.”

“A secret love tool?”

What Saki gave me was a pair of tickets. What is this? A movie discount coupon?

“Use this to ask Otsuki-kun to the movies.”

“Eh? A-Ask him to the movies right away?”

“What do you mean right away, you already have a promise to go to the zoo,
right?”

“Y-Yes, but...”

“So when you're discussing the schedule, you can also ask him to a movie.”

“Ee-Eh...”

Isn't that quite a heavy task? Can I even ask him...

Seeing me a bit hesitant, Saki advised me.

“Ayaka. You are still at the starting line of love, you know? Or maybe you
haven't even reached it at all.”

“Eh? I-Is that so?”

“Yes. Love is a competition. A very, very fierce competition. To the point that
sometimes you regret ever joining this competition.”

“That sounds... scary.”

“It is, right. But once you fall in love, you can't control yourself anymore.
You will unconsciously keep looking at the person you like, feel that a day is
bright just by chatting for a short while in the morning, and keep thinking
about them on days you can't meet. You can't stop it with your will, you will
fall like that on your own.”

Saki's words felt heavy to me.

What about me? I do like Otsuki-kun, but is it to that extent? But maybe it will
be like that later? Saki said I haven't even reached the starting line... Love
is indeed scary... But, a little, no, quite a lot, it also makes my heart
flutter.

“I'll try asking him to a movie then.”

I looked at the discount coupon Saki gave me.

“Yeah, good luck.”

Saki responded to me with brief words and then smiled at me.

“Hey, you'll still listen to me later if I want to consult again, right?”

“Of course! Actually, I'm also very happy to be able to talk about love with
Ayaka like this.”

Hearing the reassuring answer from my best friend, I relaxed my expression.

“Ayaka, after going through various things, you became a bit avoidant of boys.
But finally, someone you like has appeared, I'm really relieved.”

“...Yes. Thank you.”

Saki is indeed a precious, irreplaceable friend. I am truly grateful to have a

friend like her.

“I will do my best!”

“Yeah yeah, do your best! I will support you completely!”

Saki replied to my determination with a wide smile.

“Now, what is it that you like about Otsuki-kun?”

“Th-That is...”

Afterwards, I was engrossed in my first love conversation with my best friend, I

completely forgot the time.

On the way home from the cafe.

While walking on the road towards home, I happened to look up at the sky.

I imagined my feelings reflected in the vast blue summer sky, without a single
cloud.
I... have fallen in love!

Since realizing it, it feels like the world has changed for me.

Everything I saw seemed to shine, as if my previous life felt faded compared to

my heart which was now filled with blazing emotions. My pounding heartbeat, the
overflowing emotions, felt like the vast summer sky stretching above me, without
limits.

I looked at the two discount tickets I had kept well.

A secret love tool from Saki. First, I will ask Otsuki-kun on a date with this!

Summer vacation has just begun.

With turbulent feelings I had never experienced before, also shrouded in equally
great anxiety, I walked with a cheerful step.

“Love is truly amazing!”

I Don't Remember the Content, But I Can't Forget the Movie
The next day after skinning fish at the Tojo family's house, Haruto came to the
karate dojo where he trains.
Haruto changed into a judogi, then it seemed like there was a bit of weight on
his shoulders so he kept turning his neck. Seeing that, Ishigura who had also
changed into a judogi called him.
“What's wrong Haruto? Are your shoulders stiff?”
“A little, yesterday I skinned fish, and had to skin three big fish.”
If it were only mackerel it might not be a problem, but skinning fish like
salmon and tuna which are quite large made Haruto feel a little tired.
Especially salmon whose bones are thick and strong, so it was quite tiring. If
not for using the high-quality butcher knife mainstay of the Tojo family which
is very sharp, it would surely be even more tiring.
“What kind of big fish did you buy that the fatigue is still felt until now?”
Ishigura said with a little surprise, Haruto just smiled wryly.
“No, I didn't buy it, but skinned fish at my workplace.”
“Ooh, by the way what is Haruto's job? At a fish shop or something like that?”
“No, I work in a domestic work service.”
After Haruto answered Ishigura's question, suddenly someone greeted him from
behind.
“Haruto-senpai, please work for a lifetime at my house. Please do my housework
forever.”
“Huh!? You startled me... don't suddenly greet me from behind, Shizuku.”
Haruto was surprised and turned around, there stood Shizuku, the only daughter
of this dojo's owner, with a flat face wearing a judogi.
“If my presence cannot be felt, Haruto-senpai will not be able to reach the peak
of karate, you know?”
“Well that's not my main goal though.”
“Haruto-senpai does not have high ambitions, I am disappointed as a member of
Doujima Dojo.”
Even though her face was flat, the always blunt Shizuku then demonstrated very
bad crying acting.
“Haruto-senpai also has to learn from Kazu-senpai. Kazu-senpai has even
practiced a scary face to the point of emitting an evil aura from his entire
body.”
“Hey Shizuku, don't just call people a demon king like that.”
“Kazu-senpai is indeed from the demon race, so it's impossible for me, an
ordinary human, to defeat him.”
Responding to Shizuku's joke, Haruto also replied in kind. Shizuku just nodded
with a flat face as if she understood.
“Hey Haruto. Today get ready for practice! And Shizuku, don't nod in response to
such nonsense!”
“Yes yes, that's not important.”
Ignoring the grumbling Ishigura, Shizuku looked at Haruto with her flat face.
“Haruto-senpai, are your shoulders stiff?”
“Eh? Ah, yes a little.”
“In that case, let me massage and loosen them.”
Shizuku pointed both her hands towards Haruto and opened-closed her palms.
Beside him, Ishigura grumbled “She said it wasn't important but then she offers
that.”
“There's no need for that.”
“It's fine, with Shizuku's God Hands, Haruto-senpai will surely feel comfortable
immediately.”
With full confidence, Shizuku continued while continuously moving her palms.
“Then, Haruto-senpai surely won't be able to live without me, and after the
massage is finished, Haruto-senpai will hug me and shout eternal love.”
“Eh horrifying! What kind of massage is that! That's not a massage anymore, but
hypnosis!”
Haruto spontaneously commented, but Shizuku said “Nevermind, let's just start”
and walked behind Haruto to massage him.
“How is it? Feels good, right?”
“Well...it does feel good.”
“Fufun~”
Hearing Haruto, Shizuku exhaled proudly.
“How is it? Now Haruto-senpai can't live without me, right?”
“Ah yes, I can't live without you anymore.”
Haruto responded casually to Shizuku's words.
Pijatan Shizuku ternyata lebih enak dari yang dibayangkan, membuatnya sedikit
memejamkan mata menikmati kenyamanannya.
“Haruto-senpai.”
“Hm?”
“A gap!!”
Suddenly Shizuku moved both hands that were massaging Haruto's shoulders to
Haruto's waist, then started to tickle him.
“Hey!? Uhya, Shi-Shizuku! Stop it, hahaha, stop!!”
“Ora ora ora ora ora!”
Haruto was actually very weak to tickling. Shizuku who knew that weakness
attacked his weak point accurately.
Haruto tried to break free from Shizuku, but Shizuku held him firmly from behind
so it was difficult to break free.
“Hahaha, Ka-Kazu-senpai! Ugh, he-help, hahaha!”
“Wihihihihihihi!”
“You guys are really close.”
Ishigura just looked in amazement at the two people who were joking around.
Shizuku's tickling attack continued for a long time, and finally Haruto fell on
the spot.
“Have you felt the power of the God Hands, Haruto-senpai?”
Shizuku looked at Haruto who was lying breathless while making a motion of
wiping sweat from her forehead with a “Fuuh~”. Her expression was flat as usual,
but she looked satisfied as if she had just finished a job.
“Hah...hah...what was that all of a sudden...”
Haruto was really out of breath after being forced to laugh for several minutes.
“That's a punishment for playing with a girl's innocent feelings.”
“Hah? A girl's innocent feelings? What do you mean by that?”
Haruto stood up with staggering steps while glaring a little at Shizuku.
“Hmm.”
However, Shizuku turned her face away.

“Ah whatever, it's not clear.”

Haruto frowned at Shizuku's mysterious action. Beside him, Ishigura commented in

a serious tone.
“Well, it must be very hard.”
“Right. By the way, Kazu-senpai please stop Shizuku.”
Haruto looked at Ishigura with a slightly dissatisfied face.
“No, that's not what I meant. I meant your job as a housekeeper. Haven't you
thought about refusing heavy housework every time?”
“Eh? Ah, not really. I chose this job myself.”
After Ishigura said that, Haruto shook his head.
Haruto had never once felt disliked his job as a helper in the Tojo family
household. On the contrary, he felt very satisfied seeing the happy smiles of
the Tojo family when they enjoyed the food he made.
In addition, there was one other factor that made Haruto feel happy with his
helping job as a housekeeper. That factor was the existence of a girl who was
crowned “School Idol” at Haruto's school.
Before starting to work as a helper, Haruto had no contact with her at all and
did not know what her personality was like. Haruto was also not very interested
in her. However, after interacting with her through the housekeeper job, Haruto
got to know another side of the “School Idol” he used to see. Haruto began to
feel familiar with her sweetness and her side as an ordinary girl in a good
sense.
“I feel that working as a housekeeper was the right decision.”
“Oh, is that so. I'm glad you found a good job.”
Haruto felt he had built a good relationship with the Tojo family. Although
sometimes like yesterday when Ayaka teased him about their relationship it was a
bit awkward and made him embarrassed, it didn't mean it wasn't fun. It even made
his heart flutter a little sometimes.
“Yes, I really found a good job.”
As Haruto answered with a smile, Shizuku who had been looking away approached
him again.
“Haruto-senpai, can I tickle you again?”
“Of course not!!”
Alert to Shizuku who was trying to attack him, Haruto kept his distance from
her.
“Why did you tickle me?!”
“Because I suddenly felt annoyed. Haruto-senpai accept your fate to be defeated
by me.”
“Don't joke around! There's no such ridiculous reason!”
Until practice started, Haruto remained wary of Shizuku who tried to circle
behind him if there was an opening.
※
Haruto's subscription contract as a housekeeper at the Tojo family was three
days a week, three hours per day.
For Haruto who wanted to earn money while studying during this summer vacation,
it was a fairly balanced and satisfying contract.
“Fuhh~, finished cleaning the bathtub.”
Today he cleaned the bathtub as requested by Ikue.
Not only mold, but also water scale, sludge in the drain, and dust stuck around
the door. Haruto cleaned everything until the bathtub shone brightly and
radiated a sheen of cleanliness, making him feel satisfied.
“Alright, next is cleaning the sink—Uwoh!?”
“Kyaa! Ah...I'm, I'm sorry!”
When Haruto turned to clean the sink after finishing with the bathtub, suddenly
Ayaka was standing behind him and made him so surprised that he flinched
excessively.
After the terrifying incident with Shizuku a few days ago, Haruto became a
little more over-reactive than usual.
Ayaka also seemed surprised to see Haruto's reaction who was so startled he
jumped a little.
“...Err, is there something you want?”
Thinking Ayaka came to convey a request related to his helper job, Haruto asked.
But Ayaka did not answer clearly while averting her gaze and muttering.
“Ah, etto... So it's like this. I, I want to convey something to Otsuki-kun or
more precisely ask something...if you don't mind...it's...like this...bEh,
eeh...eeh...”
“Eeh?”
“Eh, eeh...your bl...ood type is A!?”
“Huh?”
Haruto was confused by the disconnected words that Ayaka suddenly uttered. To
Haruto who was confused, Ayaka began to explain insistently.
“We-Well! I was curious if Otsuki-kun's blood type is A? Because you are very
neat and meticulous in cleaning...”
“Ah, blood type, huh?”
Finally Haruto understood after hearing Ayaka's quick explanation and responded
to it. Ayaka then nodded repeatedly.
“No, my blood type is O. I clean meticulously because it's a job, but when I
clean my own room, I'm quite sloppy.”
“Ah I see, so Otsuki-kun's blood type is O.”
While smiling Haruto said “I'm quite clumsy though,” making Ayaka smile shyly
with a happy expression.
“What about Tojo-san?”
“Eh?”
“What's Tojo-san's blood type?”
“Ah, my blood type is B.”
“Ohh, I see. A bit unexpected.”
Haruto looked a little surprised to hear Ayaka's blood type.
“Really? What did Otsuki-kun think my blood type was?”
“Well, since I didn't know you well, Tojo-san seemed mysterious, so I just
guessed you were blood type AB. But that's purely prejudice.”
“I have a mysterious impression, huh?”
Ayaka asked while tilting her head up.
“Before interacting with you directly, you seemed a bit mysterious, or maybe
more accurately...like a flower growing on a high mountain peak.”
“Is that so... How about now? Do I still seem like that now?”
Ayaka asked, looking up slightly, as if observing Haruto's reaction. Seeing her
adorable behavior, Haruto answered while slightly averting his gaze.
“It's different now. Now I see you as...an ordinary girl in a positive sense. I
feel closer to you than before.”
“Really!?”
“Ye-Yes.”
Ayaka smiled happily. To hide his face that might be slightly blushing, Haruto
turned his face away and scratched his cheek.
Seeing Ayaka who seemed very happy, Haruto decided to bring up a topic he had
wanted to talk about since coming to the Tojo family's house.
“By the way, about...our conversation at the home improvement store that time
about the zoo...”
“Ah! Y, yes!”
Hearing the word ‘zoo’, Ayaka reacted excessively and nodded while bowing
towards Haruto. Because she bowed, the distance between them became a little
closer. Trying not to pay too much attention to that distance, Haruto continued
as calmly as possible.
“About the schedule, how about next week—“
“About that, actually if Otsuki-kun doesn't mind—“
“Otsuki-kun~ Are you done cleaning the bathtub? Ah? Ayaka?”
Just as Ayaka was about to say something, her words were cut off by Ikue who
came to check on the situation. Seeing the two of them standing close together
with slightly flushed faces and an awkward atmosphere, Ikue smiled widely.
“Ara? Arara? It seems I'm interrupting, right? Forgive me~”
Still with her wide smile, Ikue said “Just enjoy your time alone~” while trying
to close the door in front of the sink.
But her daughter immediately stopped her mother's action.
“Mama! Don't say strange things!”
Ayaka opened wide again the door that Ikue had almost closed.
“Ara? Are you two having a secret meeting?”
“How could we be doing something like that!”
“That's true. If you want to have a secret meeting, it should be outside the
house.”
“That's not what I meant!!”
“Err..I've finished cleaning the bathtub, and after this I'm going to clean the
sink.”
Slightly awkward with the mother and daughter's familiar communication, Haruto
interjected politely.
“Thank you Otsuki-kun. That's a great help. Oh, and sorry, after that's done,
could you also clean the toilet?”
“Yes, understood.”
“Good. Now Ayaka, I have to go, so please continue your secret meeting~”
“It's not like that, Mama!”
Although Ayaka denied it, Ikue just ignored her lightly and left. Ayaka stared
at her mother's back for a moment with an annoyed look. After making sure Ikue
was really gone, she turned to Haruto.
“I'm sorry, Otsuki-kun. Mama always says strange things.”
“Ah no, your mother is very entertaining, Ayaka-san is lucky to have her.”
“Eh~ really?”
“Yes...a mother, her existence alone is something to be grateful for.”
When Haruto talked about mothers, his expression looked wistful and a gentleness
emanated from him. Seeing his appearance like that, Ayaka spontaneously called
his name.
“...Otsuki-kun?”
Haruto seemed to snap out of it, then gave a smile to cover it up.
“Besides, seeing Ayaka-san blushing from Ikue-san's teasing is very adorable.”
“Adorable!?”
Surprised by the unexpected words, Ayaka's face immediately turned red to her
ears and her eyes darted around nervously.
“Wha-What? I'm cute when I'm embarrassed...Otsuki-kun is naughty...”
“Ah, sorry...”
While smiling shyly and pouting her lips slightly, Ayaka protested with a very
adorable gesture. For a moment, Haruto felt hypnotized by her charm.
“Err...so about the schedule for the zoo...”
Haruto tried to return to the topic to maintain his sanity. But Ayaka
frantically cut him off.
“Ah, about that! Otsuki-kun, do you have free time tomorrow?”
“Eh? Tomorrow? Well, actually tomorrow I plan to study all day, so I have no
plans to go out.”
“I see, studying...Umm, can we meet outside tomorrow? We can discuss the zoo
schedule. And...also, err...if possible, we could also watch a movie...how about
it?”
Tomorrow Haruto had no housework schedule, so he planned to spend the whole day
studying. After hearing that, Ayaka hesitantly invited him out.
“Watch a movie?”
“Y-Yes...yesterday, I happened to get a discount coupon from a friend...”
“I see. Hmm...”
While Haruto seemed to be thinking, Ayaka spoke hastily, “Ah! But studying is
also important! You don't have to force yourself! It's just...later if Mama or
Papa asks about the zoo plan, it could be a big problem. So, if we can discuss
it at a cafe or something, that would be great. But I can't ask you to accompany
me just for that, that's not right. Since I happened to get a discount coupon
too, we might as well watch a movie together. But if you're busy studying...I
won't force you...that is...”
Ayaka's voice grew smaller and her sentence lost its energy. Finally she just
looked down.
Melihat itu, Haruto menjawab dengan nada ceria, “Tidak, aku juga pengen menonton
film.”
As soon as Haruto said that, Ayaka's downcast face immediately lifted.
“...Really?”
“Yes, but I don't know what movies are showing now.”
“In that case, does that mean tomorrow we'll watch a movie...together?”
“Yes, let's watch it together.”
Ayaka's expression, which had been anxious, immediately brightened upon hearing
that answer. Seeing her smile like a blooming flower, Haruto was momentarily
stunned.
“In that case, umm, Otsuki-kun, is there a movie you want to watch?”
“Hmm... can I look it up first?”
Haruto took out his phone after receiving the question from Ayaka, then searched
for movies that were currently showing. When he saw the list of movies, he
muttered “Hmm” to himself.
Honestly, from the movies that were currently showing, there was none that he
really wanted to watch. However, Haruto couldn't just say that, so he decided to
ask for Ayaka's opinion as well.
“There are many movie choices showing now, so it's confusing. Is there a movie
that Tojo-san wants to watch?”
When Haruto asked, Ayaka answered with great enthusiasm.
“Yes! It's confusing to choose! But, I'm a little interested in this one.”
Saying so, Ayaka operated her phone and showed the screen to Haruto. On it was a
promotional page for a movie.
“...’Natsuzora to Koi’ (Love in the Summer Sky)”
Haruto muttered the movie title.
The movie starred a handsome young actor and a rising idol, belonging to the
category of “heart-throbbing youth films” or something like that.
The movie, popular among teenage girls and nicknamed “Natsukoi”, ranked at the
top of the Japanese film rankings for the summer season.
“So Tojo-san likes this kind of movie?”
So far, Haruto had observed Ayaka at school and thought she wasn't interested in
romance or things like that, and was indifferent to romance. But it turned out
Ayaka was also a teenage girl who dreamed of romantic love like most others.
Seeing Ayaka's expression mixed with hope and worry, Haruto smiled gently.
“Alright, I also want to watch this movie. So tomorrow we'll watch ‘Natsukoi’
together, okay?”
“Seriously? Is this movie okay?”
“Yes, I'm looking forward to tomorrow.”
When Haruto replied with a smile to reassure her, Ayaka also replied with a
radiant bright smile.
“Um! I'm looking forward to it too!”
Seeing her so happy smile, Haruto also felt cheerful.
“In that case, how about we meet in front of the station mall tomorrow at 10?”
“Yes yes! Agreed!”
Ayaka nodded repeatedly with enthusiasm, then suddenly seemed to remember
something and pointed her phone at Haruto.
“Um... Want to exchange contacts?”
“Ah, that's right.”
If they were going to meet, it would be better to exchange contacts to make
communication easier later.
“In that case, can I scan your QR code?”
“Sure.”
Haruto displayed the QR code containing his chat application information on the
screen, then showed it to Ayaka.
“It's read. In that case I will send a message.”
“Yes, please do.”
Soon after Ayaka said that, Haruto's phone made a ‘shupo’ sound. When he looked,
there was a rabbit sticker raising both hands in a ‘banzai’ gesture with the
message ‘Please take care of me!’ from Ayaka.
“I've also saved your contact.”
“Umm...please take care of me from now on.”
“Ah yes, please take care of me too.”
“...Sorry for interrupting your work.”
After a slightly awkward pause, Ayaka shyly but happily waved a small hand and
left.
After Ayaka left and only Haruto was left at the sink, he suddenly remembered
something.
“Eh? Since we've exchanged contacts, we should be able to discuss the zoo
schedule through that, right?”
According to Ayaka, they had to meet outside because she didn't want her family
to know. But if they communicated by phone, they wouldn't need to go out.
Even so, Ayaka invited him to watch a movie instead.
“Could it be that Tojo-san isn't as smart as she looks, or maybe...”
As he thought that, Haruto's heart suddenly started beating faster than usual.
※
After finishing the housework at the Tojo family's house, Haruto went home. He
opened his textbooks on the living room table and began to study diligently.
“Haruto, are you still studying?”
His grandmother in her sleepwear came and placed a cup of tea in front of Haruto
while asking.
“Thank you, Grandma. I'll go to bed before it's too late. I also have something
to do outside tomorrow.”
“Oh, is that so? It's rare for you to go out to play.”
Mendengar cucunya akan pergi bermain, raut wajah nenek terlihat senang.
“Yes, I'm going to watch a movie.”
“Wow, watching a movie? With Tomoya-kun?”
Tomoya was Haruto's childhood best friend, so his grandmother also knew him
well.
“No, not with Tomoya. I'm going to watch it with a classmate.”
“Oho, could it be with a girl?”
“Yes, that's right.”
Haruto answered with a little embarrassment then hid his embarrassment by
drinking tea from the cup.
“I see, so it's a date then.”
“Ugh! A da..te?”
Haruto choked on the tea he was drinking upon hearing his grandmother's word.
“It's not a date, grandma. It's just that I have to talk about something with
her, so we're watching a movie together as well.”
“Haruto.”
His grandmother called his name in the usual commanding tone since he was a
child, making Haruto reflexively straighten his back.
“Listen Haruto. If a man and a woman meet outside just the two of them, that's
called a date. Even if the woman doesn't think of it that way, the man must
consider it a date and serve her with all his heart. That is etiquette towards
women, the attitude of a true man. Understood?”
(Tln: my grandma is on fire)
“Yes...”
Haruto responded obediently and his grandmother nodded in satisfaction.
“Women always prepare themselves when they go out with a man. So a man must
appreciate their efforts, praise them, treat them gently. Do it naturally
without showing off or boasting.”
“I understand, Grandma. Tomorrow I will do my best...to date with respect.”
“Good, do your best.”
Grandmother smiled gently and said “good night” then left the living room.
Haruto, who was left alone, thought about his grandmother's words earlier.
“It's true, being polite by respecting women is a man's duty.”
Grandma's way of thinking might sound old-fashioned in this day and age.
However, since childhood Haruto was always taught to be gentle with women. So
tomorrow he must treat Ayaka well. Haruto stopped his studies for a moment.
“I need to look for a cafe or something to visit after watching the movie...”
Usually when he had fun with Tomoya, they didn't plan anything and just went
wherever. But of course he couldn't act so freely in front of Ayaka. He needed
to plan everything carefully.
While Haruto was looking for information for tomorrow, a message notification
appeared on his phone.
“Ah, it's from Tojo-san.”
Haruto opened the application and looked at the message.
[Ayaka: Are you still awake?]
Along with the message, there was a sticker of a rabbit peeking from behind a
wall.
[Haruto: Yes, still awake]
Haruto replied by sending a sticker of an energetic bear.
[Ayaka; I'm so excited for tomorrow! So excited I'm worried I won't be able to
sleep...]
[Haruto; I'm also so excited that I can only sleep late at night]
[Ayaka: That's just normal!!]
When Haruto replied with a joke, Ayaka replied with a retort and sent a sticker
of a rabbit hitting a bear hard on the head.
Seeing it, Haruto laughed a little “Hehehe.”
[Haruto: Please take care of me tomorrow]
[Ayaka: Um! Please take care of me too!!]
From the message sent, Haruto could almost imagine Ayaka smiling widely on the
other side, making him smile too.
[Haruto: I have to wake up early tomorrow so I'm not late]
[Ayaka: Yes, that's right]
[Haruto: Can you sleep?]
[Ayaka: I'll try!!]
[Haruto: In that case, good night]
[Ayaka: Good night. See you tomorrow]
Ayaka's reply with a heart emoticon at the end of the sentence ‘See you
tomorrow’ made Haruto's heart beat fast.
“Calm down. There's no special meaning behind it.”
There are indeed women who often use heart emoticons just because they think
it's cute. Of course, the emoticon itself has no special meaning, just because
it looks cute.
The heart that Ayaka sent must be the same, no specific meaning.
Haruto placed his hand on his chest, trying to calm his heart's beating which
had not yet subsided.
※
The next day, after finishing his usual morning study, Haruto took a shower and
changed his clothes. He even used a little hair fragrance to tidy up his
hairstyle, something he rarely did. Lastly, he checked his appearance in the
mirror.
“Yosh, nothing's weird.” Haruto nodded in satisfaction after checking his
appearance.
Personal care and a neat appearance are the minimum etiquette for a man who will
accompany a woman. Remembering his grandmother's teachings, Haruto tidied his
appearance before heading to the front door.
“Grandma, I'm leaving now.”
“Yes, be careful on the way.”
“Okay.”
After saying goodbye to his grandmother, Haruto left for the mall at the station
where he was to meet Ayaka. It took 20 minutes by train from Haruto's house.
Lately, the weather has been continuously sunny, no clouds or rain. Feeling
stuffy from the heat, Haruto got off the air-conditioned train and headed to the
meeting place.
“Hmm, it seems I arrived 20 minutes earlier than the meeting time.”
He did leave home early just in case, but it seemed there was too much free
time. While thinking about that, Haruto headed to the square in front of the
station mall. There were benches and large statues that were often used for
meetings.
That day there were also several people waiting on benches or leaning on statues
while playing with their phones.
Haruto noticed a crowd in one corner of the square.
“Eh? What's going on over there?”
Sometimes there are street performers entertaining in this square. Since there
was still time before the meeting, Haruto approached the crowd intending to
spend time watching the show. From a distance he could hear people's
conversations, especially the men.
“Hey, she's so beautiful? Is she an artist?”
“Waiting for her boyfriend maybe? Want to hit on her?”
“Impossible she's an ordinary person? A model? An idol?”
“By the way, her body is so sexy, right?”
Haruto frowned hearing the strange conversation. It seemed it wasn't a street
performance that was being crowded around. Maybe there was a drama shooting or a
model/idol photoshoot, and the fans gathered to watch.
Since he was already here, Haruto also snuck in to see the artist or model that
people were crowding around.
Then he saw the figure that everyone was paying attention to.
Instantly the summer heat he felt evaporated.
“Tojo-san!?”
Haruto unconsciously shouted her name. Some people near him looked at him
strangely.
Ayaka seemed to realize she was the center of attention, she just stood with her
head down, restless.
Ayaka wore a black flare skirt at the bottom. On top, she wore a white offshoulder
with a thin cardigan over it. The off-shoulder was not too revealing,
its design was quite simple, and the cardigan she wore made her look elegant.
However, her beautiful body still attracted the attention of men, combined with
her beauty, even men passing by couldn't help but glance at her once or twice.
Haruto once again realized how amazing “School Idol” Tojo Ayaka was.
If he greeted her now, Haruto was a little scared that he might be showered with
jealousy from the crowd. But he also couldn't just leave Ayaka like that. With
firm determination, just then their gazes met when Ayaka lifted her face.
Instantly, Ayaka's expression which was previously awkward and restless turned
into a wide smile.
“Otsuki-kun!”
Hearing her cheerful voice like the sun, some men let out long sighs, and some
others were transfixed with their mouths open. And, many people stared at Haruto
who was gifted a smile by Ayaka.
While receiving those gazes, Haruto returned the smile of Ayaka who walked
quickly towards him.
“Sorry, Tojo-san. I made you wait, didn't I?”
“Ah no! I just arrived too, so it's okay!”

Although the crowd around her indicated that “I just arrived” might be a lie,
Haruto didn't want to mention it because that would be impolite.
Haruto said with a smile, “In that case, shall we go.”
“Yes!”
Ayaka looked very happy as she answered. Walking beside Ayaka, Haruto felt the
gazes of envy and admiration from people, and he felt that today would be a
tough day.
However, despite thinking that, Haruto's heart pounded a little. To hide that
pounding, he remained calm as he headed towards the shopping center.
“I'm looking forward to today's movie.”
Beside him, Ayaka walked lightly while smiling at him.
“Yes, I'm looking forward to it too.”
Looking at Ayaka who smiled captivatingly, Haruto swallowed and finally said,
“You look very beautiful today, Tojo-san.”
“Eh!? Re-really?”
Ayaka was clearly wearing special clothes today.
Because Ayaka dressed up for him, Haruto felt he had to praise her as a form of
appreciation, but was a bit shy to say it as a teenage boy. Until finally he
could say it.
Hearing Haruto's praise, Ayaka gasped and looked at him shyly.
“Uhm, I feel that Tojo-san's beauty today radiates the aura of a mature woman,
but also cute, so... It's very captivating.”
Haruto felt his face turn red as he said it.
He actually wanted to praise Ayaka more casually, but his shyness hindered him
so his words were a little hesitant.
“Oh...thank you...”
Ayaka replied in a low voice while looking down.
Haruto felt unsure about her answer. Were his words too much? Or did they sound
strange? He began to feel anxious.
Last night, his grandmother said he had to act like a true gentleman. But Haruto
felt unsure if he could act that way. As Haruto was lost in his thoughts, Ayaka
suddenly raised her face and looked at him.
“Um... You also look handsome today, Otsuki-kun.”
Ayaka said shyly while glancing up. Her words instantly erased Haruto's anxiety.
“Otsuki-kun is already handsome, but today you look more... mature...”
Upon hearing Ayaka's praise, Haruto felt his heart pound. He understood why the
boys at school always confessed their love to Ayaka.
He finally realized a little of the charm that made Ayaka so popular and
nicknamed the “School Idol”.
Exchanging compliments with blushing faces, Haruto and Ayaka arrived at the
cinema on the top floor of the shopping center. The dim lighting and the typical
caramel aroma of the cinema tickled their sense of smell.
After buying the tickets they had booked, they noticed the popcorn seller with a
tempting sweet aroma.
“Does Tojo-san like to buy popcorn or drinks when watching a movie?”
“It depends on the situation. I can't finish it, so sometimes I share it with a
friend.”
“In that case, do you want to do that today too?”
“Yes, of course.”
“Alright, I'll buy it. Wait a moment.”
The line at the counter was quite crowded, so Haruto asked Ayaka to wait while
he queued alone. It seemed to be crowded here because of the holiday season,
there were three lines in front of the counter.
“Looks like it will take some time.”
Muttering, Haruto got in the middle line.
“But there's still plenty of time before the movie starts.”
Because they came early, there was still enough time before the movie was
screened. Haruto sighed softly while queuing in the slow-moving line.
After moving away from Ayaka, Haruto no longer felt the gazes that had
previously hit him, and he could breathe a sigh of relief.
“So Tojo-san always gets stares like that every time she goes out? It must be
very tiring.”
While feeling sorry for Ayaka, Haruto directed his gaze towards Ayaka who was
waiting. There, Ayaka looked confused as three men who looked like university
students greeted her.
Seeing the situation, Haruto got out of his line which was almost his turn and
rushed back to where Ayaka was.
“Excuse me.”
Haruto called out with a rather loud voice, making the three men turn to him.
“Whoa? Could he be her boyfriend?”
The man with light brown hair and many piercings looked at Haruto with a
surprised expression.
“It seems they're on a date. Sorry.”
Another man, also with brown hair and piercings, raised his hand in apology to
Ayaka.
“Ah, it's okay.”
Ayaka said while moving closer to Haruto who had just returned. Seeing that, the
third man with striking red hair and piercings on his eyelids and lips grinned
excitedly.
“Huh?! Is he really your boyfriend?! I thought you were just friends?! In that
case, how about the five of us go to karaoke or play darts?”
“No, we plan to watch a movie.”
Haruto responded to the rather pushy red-haired man with a firm attitude.
However, the man seemed to have no intention of backing down and kept grinning.
“Really? Come on, we can wait! Or we can watch the movie with you, how about
it?”
When the red-haired man suggested that to his two friends, the brown-haired man
who had apologized to Ayaka smiled wryly.
“Let it go, don't bother them. It's a shame, they're on a date.”
“Huh? Are they really on a date? No way, right? They must be just friends,
right? Right?”
The red-haired man glanced at Ayaka who was hiding behind Haruto while asking. A
little annoyed with his attitude, Haruto was about to reply when Ayaka spoke
first from behind him.
“He's my boyfriend!! We-we are dating! So...we are on a date, so please leave us
alone...”
Ayaka's voice weakened at the end of the sentence, and Haruto continued.
“...So, could you not interrupt our date anymore?”
For a moment, Haruto was surprised by Ayaka's words. However, he quickly
composed himself and faced the red-haired man with a warning.
“Seriously? Really? In that case, I can apologize, right? Sorry, am I forgiven?”
Even after saying that much, the red-haired man who tried to insistently
approach, tried to grab Ayaka's hand which was behind Haruto. At that moment,
Haruto moved half a step to the side as if to block the man's arm and completely
hid Ayaka behind him. At the same time, he stared sharply at the red-haired man
with a sharp gaze.
“Troublesome. Please stop.”
With a lower voice, Haruto told him calmly, looking at the red-haired man with a
gaze full of fighting spirit like in karate.
“Wh-What? I was just trying to ask you out a little.”
Under the aura surrounding Haruto, even the red-haired man backed down. Then the
other two brown-haired men stepped in to stop him.
“Seriously, stop it! It's a pity, you know! Come on, let's go now!”
“Well, sorry~, enjoy your date~”
“Hey, hey! Stop! Don't pull me!”
Saying so, the three men left noisily from where Haruto and the others were.
Seeing that, Haruto also sighed, as if releasing the feeling that had slightly
become karate mode.
“Huu... that was a pretty pushy person.”
“Y-Yes. It was a little scary. Luckily Otsuki-kun came back...”
“No, it was my mistake for leaving Tojo-san alone. I should have been able to
predict that Tojo-san would be bothered, sorry.”
Saying so, Haruto bowed his head to apologize, but Ayaka hurriedly shook her
head.
“No, Otsuki-kun is not at fault! It's me who should be sorry...for saying that
Otsuki-kun is my boyfriend...”
Ayaka said with guilt while looking down. Haruto smiled and answered,
“No, that person was quite pushy, so we had to deal with him to make him give
up.”
To deal with people like that red-haired man, we need to be firm and a little
over the top for them to understand our meaning.
“Um... Otsuki-kun doesn't mind? With my words saying we are dating...”
“Of course not. In fact, I was happy to hear it.”
“Really?!”
Upon hearing Haruto, Ayaka's anxious expression turned bright.
“Right. If you don't mind, just use me to ward off unknown men.”
“Th-then...uh...um... no, forget it.”
Ayaka seemed to want to say something but held back, making Haruto curious.
“What's wrong? Just say it.”
“...Is it okay?”
“Of course.”
“...In that case...c-can we...hold hands?”
Ayaka said in a very low voice while blushing red to her ears.
“Hold hands?” Haruto accidentally repeated her question.
Ayaka nodded slowly. “If Otsuki-kun doesn't mind... To look more like a couple.
That way, what happened earlier might not happen again...”
“Ah...yes, I understand.”
What Ayaka said did make sense. If they held hands, then from the outside they
would definitely look like a couple. No one would dare to bother them like
before.
“Tojo-san doesn't mind?”
“I...don't.”
Ayaka nodded, then added in a very low voice, “If it's with Otsuki-kun...”
“I see...In that case, let's hold hands.”
“Yes...”
Upon hearing Ayaka, Haruto awkwardly extended his hand. Ayaka also extended her
hand.
Haruto slowly reached for Ayaka's slender white hand. When their hands touched,
they both flinched and almost pulled their hands back.
“.........”
“.........”
They both looked at each other in silence, then looked away in silence as well.
Haruto mustered his courage and held Ayaka's hand. Ayaka flinched like before,
but this time she returned Haruto's grip.
“......Ah, want some popcorn?”
After holding Ayaka's hand, Haruto remembered he was supposed to buy popcorn.
Looking at their linked hands, Haruto said, “The queue is still crowded. It
seems uncomfortable to hold hands there.”
“....It's okay. I...don't want to let go...of the hand.”
Ayaka answered in a low voice. Her face was very red at this moment.
“I see...alright.”
Feeling that his face might also be turning red, Haruto gently pulled Ayaka's
clasped hand.
“In that case...let's go watch the movie.”
“....Yes.”
Ayaka complied as Haruto pulled her hand.
Seeing Ayaka being so adorable, Haruto no longer cared about the envious gazes
from others.
They entered the theater where the movie was being screened, hand in hand.
Haruto checked the seat numbers on the ticket with the hand that was not holding
Ayaka's, then walked towards their seats.
Since they arrived quite early before showtime, there were not many people in
the theater, so they could reach their two adjacent seats without having to let
go of their hand-holding.
“These are our seats.”
“Yes.”
After holding hands, Ayaka continued to be shy, her words were short and her
voice was low.
“So, shall we sit down?”
“Yes.”
He had to let go of the hand he was holding with Ayaka for a moment to open the
foldable seat. At that moment, as if not wanting to let go, Ayaka squeezed his
hand tightly.
As if to say, “Don't let go.”
However, it was only for a moment.
Haruto still let go of her hand.
In silence, they sat in their seats. When he let go of Ayaka's hand earlier,
Haruto felt uneasy thinking about his action, then placed his hand on the
armrest of the seat.
Then, the back of his hand was covered with a soft, warm touch.
Haruto accidentally looked at his hand. There, was Ayaka's small white hand
hesitantly placing her hand on top of Haruto's. When Haruto looked up, he saw
Ayaka looking down as if avoiding his gaze.
So does this mean she wants to hold hands again? Haruto imagined Ayaka's
intention, and as a test, he responded by placing his palm against Ayaka's.
Instantly, Ayaka squeezed Haruto's hand tightly.
Haruto really wanted to know the expression on Ayaka's face at this moment, then
secretly peeked at her face. Their eyes met, and Haruto saw Ayaka smiling shyly
but looking happy.
Haruto was tempted to keep looking at her sweet face. However, being shy of eye
contact, Ayaka immediately turned her gaze to the large screen in front of them.
The large screen was still empty.
But Ayaka stared at the white screen as if the movie had already started.
“There's still plenty of time, right?”
“...Yes.”
“Even the trailers haven't started.”
“...Yes.”
“More people are coming in, right?”
“...Yes.”
“........”
“........”
Seeing the conversation not developing, Haruto looked around, looking for a
topic of conversation.
Then, in a low voice, Ayaka said,
“...The weather is very sunny today, right.”
“Eh? Ah, yes, that's right. Sunny weather.”
“Yes...sunny weather.”
“Yes...um...”
The conversation stopped. The fact is, talking about the weather in a dark,
windowless movie theater just shows that they've run out of topics to talk
about.
“...Maybe the trailers will start soon?”
“...It seems so...”
In the increasingly crowded theater, Haruto began to feel a little nervous
because their conversation was not developing. However, he tried to stay calm
and act relaxed.
“................”
“................”
Silence enveloped the two of them.
Because of this silence, Haruto became more aware of Ayaka's hand he was
holding. Her white and slender palm felt a little cold when he first held it,
but now it felt warm.
Tojo Ayaka, known as the most beautiful “School Idol” in Haruto's school. The
fact that she was sitting next to him and holding his hand in the cinema made
Haruto's heart beat faster uncontrollably.
With a mind racing because of the warmth of Ayaka's hand, Haruto thought.
He could understand holding hands to ward off boys. But, is it still necessary
to hold hands while watching a movie? However, the situation now seems that
Ayaka has no intention of letting go of his hand. In Haruto's head, an
interpretation that was favorable to him appeared.
He glanced at Ayaka from the corner of his eye. As usual, Ayaka was staring at
the screen with a blush on her cheeks. Seeing Ayaka's side profile, Haruto
changed his mind.
His relationship with Ayaka had just started not long ago. During that time, he
did nothing or behaved in a way that would make Ayaka like him, he thought while
shaking his head slightly.
He wasn't hated, but there was also no reason to be liked. So Haruto decided to
just enjoy moments like this.
Haruto tried to think clearly and erase the favorable interpretation he had made
for himself.
As he glanced at Ayaka while thinking about it, suddenly Ayaka's gaze which was
previously fixed on the screen turned towards Haruto, and their eyes met
directly.
“Ah!?”
“Hau!?”
Haruto immediately turned his gaze forward, while Ayaka looked down. Just before
an awkward atmosphere enveloped them again, coincidentally the lighting in the
cinema dimmed slightly and the screen showed a trailer.
“The trailer has started, huh.”
“Yes, it's started.”
Although the conversation was still short, with the image on the screen, it
slightly thawed the awkward atmosphere.
Haruto looked at the screen showing a striking dance about the prohibition of
recording movies in cinemas, while thinking about Ayaka's reaction earlier.
Seeing Ayaka's previous reaction, he couldn't help but feel hopeful. However, he
was also worried if it was just a misunderstanding.
Haruto's image of Ayaka at school was still strong, where Ayaka was someone who
wouldn't fall in love at first sight.
While watching the trailer of the upcoming movie, his mind wandered with such
things. Then, the cinema became completely dark. The screen showed the logo of a
film production company in the shape of a triangle emerging from a large wave
hitting a reef.
“The movie is about to start, huh.”
“Yes...can't wait to watch it.”
“Yeah.” After that brief conversation, the movie began.
It began with a scene of daily life at school before the summer holidays between
a male student played by a handsome young actor and a female student played by a
rising idol.
Haruto felt relieved to be free from the undeveloped conversation and awkward
atmosphere. However, that was only temporary. Another problem made Haruto
restless.
The movie they watched was a teen romance film, often called a “heart-pounding
teen film”. So, in some scenes there were moments like “head pats”, “back hugs”,
“arm hugs”, “chin hugs”, and other gestures that could make the heart beat fast.
Every time such a scene happened, Ayaka would let out a sigh like “haa” or
“huh”, and stare at the screen with sparkling eyes.
If it was just that, it would be fine for Haruto. He just thought to himself,
“It turns out Tojo-san is quite, no, very childish.”
However, now they were holding hands.
And it seemed that unconsciously, every time Ayaka sighed, she also squeezed
Haruto's palm a little. Every time Ayaka squeezed it, Haruto's heart beat fast,
he glanced at Ayaka's expression, and was fascinated to see her side face
glowing with fascination from the movie.
If this continued, he wouldn't be able to focus on the movie's plot at all.
Time passed in this way, and the movie reached the middle. Ayaka continued to
hold Haruto's hand unconsciously and relentlessly, putting a strain on Haruto's
heart. Towards Ayaka who was like that, Haruto began to feel like retaliating.
Haruto, who basically didn't like to lose, couldn't just accept a situation
where he was constantly made to flutter by Ayaka one-sidedly. It wasn't that he
disliked the situation, but being the one who was always attacked didn't suit
his character.
Haruto waited patiently for the right moment.
Banishing his wicked thoughts, and trying to calm his pounding heart.
He focused his gaze on the screen and timed it.
Finally, the scene arrived where the male and female main characters kissed
behind a curtain in an empty classroom.
As soon as he saw that scene, Haruto was on alert, ‘Now is the time!’
As he expected, in this scene, he heard Ayaka let out a sigh of “Aa” beside him
and her palm squeezed Haruto's hand. At the same time, Haruto also squeezed back
Ayaka's palm.
“—Ah!?”
From his side, a small, soundless scream was heard.
Haruto turned towards Ayaka to check on her. With a surprised expression, Ayaka
widened her large eyes, and stood frozen staring at the screen.
Maybe she was too carried away by the scene earlier.
Feeling so, Haruto tried to squeeze Ayaka's palm several times firmly. Then, as
if with a “syuu~” sound effect, Ayaka turned her gaze from the screen and looked
down.
Surprised by Ayaka's bigger-than-expected reaction, Haruto was a little
confused, ‘Ah? Was I a little too much?’ He paused for a moment from squeezing
Ayaka's hand.
Then, Ayaka who was still looking down looked at Haruto with a pleading look.
“...Uu...”
As if protesting something.
But also as if wanting something.
With only the light from the screen, Ayaka's faintly visible expression looked
illusory and tempting. Unconsciously, Haruto was transfixed staring at her
expression like that.
At that moment, Haruto's hand was squeezed with a force that was clearly
stronger than the unconscious squeeze before. With Ayaka looking at him
pleadingly, a red color decorated Haruto's face as if with a “bofun!” sound
effect. Haruto immediately turned his face towards the screen so that his
expression would not be seen.
Haruto was perfectly hit by a counterattack.
His ears caught a small laugh of “Fuffu” from Ayaka. Accepting his defeat from
her triumphant laugh, Haruto admitted that he had lost. Although he didn't like
to lose, somehow this time the defeat didn't feel bad at all to him.
After that, they both watched the movie in silence with their hands still
clasped.
Haruto was completely out of touch with the movie's plot. However, in order not
to be counterattacked again by Ayaka, Haruto kept his eyes on the screen without
saying anything.
Finally the movie reached the final scene.
Somehow the story went, the male and female main characters who were finally
united walked slowly along the riverbank hit by the setting sun. As a closing
scene, the camera focused on their intertwined hands, with fingers linked in a
lover's grip.
The background music played, followed by the credits rolling on the screen along
with the movie's theme song. Some viewers had even started to move towards the
exit.
Haruto thought Ayaka seemed like the type who would watch until the end, then
turned to her. Ayaka kept looking at the credits while moving her palm.
Haruto thought she wanted to let go of her hand, then opened his own palm.
They had been holding hands even before the movie started. So it had been more
than two hours they had been holding hands. Haruto, who was worried about his
own sweaty hands, wanted to take this opportunity to wipe his hands. However,
that did not happen.
Instead of releasing her hand from Haruto's, Ayaka intertwined her fingers and
squeezed Haruto's hand tightly again.
Haruto's and Ayaka's palms were joined again. This time it was not a normal
grip, but a lover's grip with intertwined fingers.
“Umm...Tojo-san?”
Unable to bear it, Haruto called her name. “...Are you the type of person who
watches the credits until the end?”
“Eh? Ah, yes.”
Confused because Ayaka didn't mention the lover's grip at all, Haruto asked
shyly while looking away.
“In that case......do you want to watch until the end...with me?”
Asked so sweetly by Ayaka, Haruto could only answer one thing.
“Yes, of course.”
The movie Haruto watched today seemed to be a movie he would not understand at
all, but would never forget for the rest of his life.
※
After watching the movie, they both went to a cafe on the lower floor of the
shopping area.
The cafe that Haruto had checked out all night was a stylish concept place with
a view of the city that could be seen from its windows.
Led to a table by the window, Haruto smiled seeing Ayaka happy with the view
from the high floor.
“Wow, the view is beautiful!”
“I'm glad you like it.”
Haruto was relieved his choice was not wrong.
“Thank you for finding the place.”
“Ah, it's nothing...”
Ayaka showed her charming smile without hesitation. To hide his embarrassment,
Haruto opened the menu book in front of his face.
“Hmm, I'm planning to order iced coffee. How about you, Tojo-san?”
Ayaka said with a radiant face, “In that case I'll order an iced cafe latte.”
“Alright. Would you like to order anything else?”
“No, that's all.”
“Understood.”
After their orders were decided, Haruto called the waiter.
After conveying their orders, Haruto drank a little water. Then Ayaka asked him.
“How was the movie, Otsuki-kun? Was it fun?”
“Eh? Ah, yes...I think it will be a movie I won't forget for the rest of my
life.”
Because he was holding hands with Ayaka, Haruto couldn't say he didn't
understand the plot at all, so he answered a bit ambiguously.
“What do you think, Tojo-san, how was the movie?”
“Very interesting! But...”
“But?”
“Umm...from the middle, I didn't really understand the plot.”
That might be around the time Haruto responded to Ayaka.
“I see...”
“Yes...but I won't forget this movie for the rest of my life either.”
Ayaka said shyly. Seeing her smile, Haruto felt his heart pound.
“...Same as me.”
“Yes...same as you.”
After exchanging words shyly, a silence enveloped them for a moment.
“Ah yes, about the zoo schedule...”
“Oh right! We have to decide.”
Ayaka nodded, as if just remembering.
It seemed she forgot what was supposed to be the main topic, while watching the
movie was just a side matter. Haruto smiled seeing Ayaka like that.
“Is there a specific zoo you want to visit, Tojo-san?”
“Of course I want to go to a place where I can interact directly with animals.”
“Yes, you're right.”
Haruto nodded in agreement with Ayaka's opinion.
The idea of visiting a zoo originally came up because Ayaka was so enthusiastic
about seeing a puppy when they went to the general store.
“Umm, although it's not a full zoo, how about a ‘Wildlife Park’?”
(Tln: maybe like a safari park)
“Ah, good idea!”
Ayaka agreed with Haruto's suggestion.
‘Wildlife Park’ is a large park themed on nature, which has an animal
interaction area, an adventure area with many games, and a water play area that
is very exhilarating in the hot summer.
“For this time we are also bringing Ryouta-kun, so it will be more fun for him
if there are many activity choices so he doesn't get bored.”
“Yes yes! That's right!”
“Besides that, there is also a grassy area there, so we can bring a packed lunch
and spread a mat on the grass to eat together.”
“Good idea! Very good!”
Ayaka shook her head when Haruto suggested bringing a packed lunch.
“You don't have to bother making a packed lunch for me. You're not a housekeeper
on that day, let me make the packed lunch, Otsuki-kun.”
“It's fine. I don't mind cooking.”
“But...”
Ayaka looked like she felt bad. After thinking for a moment, her expression lit
up as if she had an epiphany.
“In that case, how about we make the packed lunch together in the morning?”
“Ah, good idea. Alright, let's do that.”
“Yes!”
Ayaka nodded happily.
So they decided to make a packed lunch together in the morning, then go to the
‘Wildlife Park’ together with Ryouta.
After that, they enjoyed talking about the contents of the packed lunch they
would make. After discussing the plan in general terms and finishing their
ordered drinks, they left the cafe.
“In that case...shall we go home?”
“Yes...let's.”
After leaving the cafe, they stood for a moment.
“...Umm...”
Ayaka seemed to want to say something to Haruto while opening and clenching her
hand. Seeing her attitude, Haruto turned his head tilted.
Getting Haruto's gaze, Ayaka's face flushed with embarrassment.
“What is it?”
“That is...actually...”
Ayaka started to say it, but seemed to get choked up in the middle of the
sentence and closed her mouth again. While she looked down and seemed restless,
her right hand repeatedly opened and clenched.
Noticing that, Haruto gently extended his left hand, understanding Ayaka's
desire.
“Want to hold hands?”
“Eh!?”
Upon hearing Haruto's words, Ayaka looked at his face with a surprised
expression.
“Well...so we don't get bothered by other men again...if you don't mind.”
Haruto slightly averted his gaze from Ayaka, shyly extending his left hand while
his ears turned red.
Seeing that, Ayaka broke into a wide smile and linked her right hand in
Haruto's.
“I don't mind! I don't mind at all!”
She squeezed Haruto's palm tightly while speaking.
“Th-then, I'll walk you home.”
“Yes, thank you very much!”
Ayaka responded with a radiant smile.

They walked hand in hand towards home. For the people who saw them on the
street, they looked like a very close couple, not like they were trying to flirt
with each other.
KAJI DAIKŌ NO ARUBAITO O HAJIMETARA CHAPTER 7
I Think of You and Dream

The sun was more than halfway hidden, burning the sky a deep red. If one
directed their gaze to the distant sky, the sky turned purple, as if the curtain
of night had fallen.
In that span of time between day and night, Haruto walked alone in a quiet
residential area.
“Tojo-san’s hand was soft...”
Haruto naturally curved his lips, remembering the warmth he had just felt from
her.
While watching the movie, and when escorting Ayaka home, Haruto's left hand was
continuously held by her. He brought his left hand in front of his face.
Realizing they had entered a relationship as lovers, there was a feeling of
happiness as well as embarrassment that made him blush.
“If Tojo-san became my girlfriend, it would surely be very amazing...”
With a face that made him turn away, and a body that was very charming. If he
could get a girl like that as his girlfriend, it would surely make him feel very
superior.
However, Haruto didn't particularly have special feelings for Ayaka's
appearance. Of course, Ayaka's appearance was very captivating, but what most
attracted Haruto to her was her aura.
The gentle aura like that of a girl he knew through his part-time job, a side of
Ayaka that was different from what was seen at school. Haruto was slightly
interested in that difference.
“But well, dating her seems impossible...”
After spending a whole day with Ayaka, Haruto was sure he had made a good
impression on her. However, whether it was a feeling of love or not, he wasn't
sure.
Although their acquaintance was still brief, from the interactions that had
already occurred, Haruto suspected that Ayaka was most likely an innocent girl.
The good impression Ayaka showed him was only as a friend, not as a member of
the opposite sex. But if he misinterpreted it as love and confessed his love and
was rejected, it was very likely to happen.
“If that happens, it will make my part-time job hell...”
Imagining that, Haruto’s back felt a chill even though it was summer.
“I wonder what Tojo-san thinks of me...”
As Haruto muttered softly, his phone vibrated in his pocket. Maybe it's from
Ayaka, he thought in a panic as he took his phone out of his pocket and saw who
was calling.
When he saw the name Akagi Tomoya on the screen, his spirits immediately dropped
drastically.
Haruto tapped the screen with a reluctant motion to answer the call from Tomoya.
“You prankster Tomoya.”
[Huh!? You're dissing me right away!? Do you have a crush on me!?]
Tomoya replied to Haruto's insult with a nonsensical sentence.
“What's the matter, calling all of a sudden?”
[It's not a matter. Actually, there's something I want to tell Haru.]
“Something you want to tell me?”
Hearing the serious tone that was unlike the usual Tomoya through the phone,
Haruto frowned.
“What do you want to tell me?”
[Actually... today at my house...]
It seemed something had happened at Tomoya's house, and hearing the serious tone
from his best friend, Haruto felt anxious. As if reinforcing that anxiety,
Tomoya continued in a slow tone of voice.
[Dinner is... sukiyaki!]
The serious atmosphere instantly changed to a cheerful tone of voice when Tomoya
said it, making Haruto almost slam his phone to the ground.
“Damn it! Give me back the anxiety you caused me!”
Haruto restrained himself from slamming his phone and instead shouted angrily at
his phone.
[Furthermore! The beef is A5 class, you know!]
“Shut up, you!”
Haruto loudly interrupted his best friend's explanation about the mysterious
dinner.
[Ah, today my mom won a prize from the department store. It's high-class
Japanese Wagyu beef, you know? So I thought I should brag about it to Haru.]
“Oh, I see. Good for you. That's it then.”
[Hey, hey! You're being too cold, you know? At least be jealous!]
“What kind of request is that......”
Haruto showed a bewildered face hearing his best friend's words.
[You must be jealous, right? This is A5 meat, you know? Awesome, right?]
“Yeah yeah, awesome awesome, I'm so jealous now.”
In a flat tone, Haruto replied. But Tomoya still looked satisfied.
[See, see? You're jealous, right?]
Tomoya continued to tease Haruto with his words.
[You probably just stared at reference books all day today, right? While I'm
eating A5 meat. Life is indeed unfair, huh.]
Hearing his best friend laugh, Haruto was slightly annoyed and frowned.
“Life is truly unfair. Maybe because I watched a movie alone with Tojo-san, so
I'm being punished.”
[Ah, right, you must be punished... Huh? Watched a movie with Tojo-san? Hey,
what does that mean! I didn't know about that! Tell me the details!]
“Aren't you waiting for that A5 wagyu beef? It's not good if we talk for too
long, so I'd better hang up. Bye.”
[Hey, hey! Wait a minute! Are you guys on a date?]
“Well, something like that.”
[Are you guys dating?]
“It's not like that.”
[Why not!?] Tomoya's voice, which was almost a shout, made Haruto reflexively
move his phone slightly away from his ear.
[You went on a date with Tojo-san, you know!? Why didn't you confess your
feelings!? You're really wasting an opportunity!]
“Wasting, you say... And don't shout so loud, my ears will hurt later.”
[Of course I'm shouting!! She's our school's idol, you know!?]
Haruto gave a wry smile seeing his best friend so enthusiastic.
“Yeah, she's the school idol who won't nod even if a male student confesses his
love to her. So it's useless if I just confess my feelings because of one date.”
[Then ask her on dates many times! Hey, aren't you working part-time at Tojosan's
place? This is a great opportunity, right?]
“I don't work for that kind of reason. Work is work.”
Hearing the serious answer from Haruto, Tomoya let out a long sigh.
[By the way, who asked to watch the movie? You or Tojo-san?]
“I was invited by Tojo-san.”
After Haruto answered thus, Tomoya was silent for a moment then said in a
serious tone.
[Could it be that Tojo-san likes you?]
“......No way.”
Haruto felt his heart pound when Tomoya said the small hope hidden in the corner
of his heart.
[Why not? But if Tojo-san does like you, isn't it rather rude of her to ask you
to a movie but not confess her feelings?]
“You just want me to confess my feelings to her, don't you?”
[Yeah, something like that.]
Hearing Tomoya's casual reply, this time it was Haruto who let out a long sigh.
“Just forget it, you'd better just shut up and enjoy your sukiyaki.”
[Okay! I'll eat a lot! If there's any development with Tojo-san, report it to
me, okay!]
“I won't tell you.”
After throwing those harsh words at his best friend, Haruto hung up the phone.
While walking on the narrow residential street that was starting to get dark, he
once again directed his gaze to his left hand. In his head, Tomoya's words kept
echoing.
“Could it be that Tojo-san likes you?”
He remembered Ayaka who walked beside him all day with a happy expression.
While pulling the corner of his lips that had unintentionally lifted with his
index finger and thumb, Haruto muttered to himself.
“Looks like tonight I'm going to dream about Tojo-san...”
After muttering those words, Haruto's face turned even redder.
※
On the night after watching a movie with Otsuki-kun.
Before going to sleep, I lay on my bed and opened my phone.
[Ayaka: Today, I went to watch a movie with Otsuki-kun!!] I immediately sent a
report message to Saki, my best friend and love guru. I also sent her a cute
sticker of a bear saluting gallantly.
Not long after, Saki called me.
I touched the phone screen to answer her call, and Saki's cheerful voice greeted
me.
[Congratulations! How was your date with Otsuki-kun?]
“Well, a success... I think so.”
Since I managed to hold his hand, you could say it was a success, right?
[Waah! Good job!]
“Yeah, thank you!”
[And? With today's date, has the distance between you and Otsuki-kun shortened a
bit?]
“Maybe... at least to the stage of holding hands, does that mean our distance
has shortened?”
[Huh!? What? Hand? What? Huh!?]
It seems Saki contracted a disease where she can't say more than one word.
[Wait a minute? What? You held hands with Otsuki-kun on a date?]
“Yes, we held hands even while watching the movie.”
[Hey hey hey! What is that? What? Don't tell me, you're already dating?]
Hearing the confusion in Saki's voice, I became confused too.
“Eh? No, not yet? Saki was the one who said I shouldn't confess my feelings
yet.”
[Oh... I see... you're not dating yet...]
Seeing Saki's confused reaction, I became a little anxious.
“D-don't tell me holding hands on the first date is not allowed?”
Since I have absolutely no dating experience before, I don't know the applicable
standards in dating. Saki also told me not to use manga or novels as a
reference.
[It's not a matter of whether it's allowed or not... but... well, it's a bit too
close, don't you think?]
“Too close...?”
It seems that holding hands on the first date is strange, huh? W-what should I
do... if Otsuki-kun thinks I'm weird...
“Sa-Saki... I... Did I make a mistake?”
[Yeah, hmm... how do I put it? For now, just tell me how you ended up holding
hands.]
I then told Saki everything, from when Otsuki-kun asked me to hold hands, to
when I tightly gripped his hand during the romantic scene in the movie.
[Hmm, okay okay...]
“W-what do you think?”
Saki seemed to be thinking deeply, and I became even more anxious.
“Oh, Ayaka-san, you are indeed very aggressive.”
“...Was I over the top?”
[Yeah, over the top. This isn't the world of manga, so holding hands intimately
like that, you're already like a couple!]
“Eh? So me and Otsuki-kun... can start dating?”
If so, then every time we go out I can keep holding hands and go on dates with
Otsuki-kun to various places... Just imagining it already makes me happy.
[When you held hands, Otsuki-kun didn't react badly, right? If so, the
probability of success if you confess your feelings is quite high.]
“If that's the case! Tomorrow I will confess my feelings—“
[Wait a minute!!]
Saki cut me off with a sharp tone.
[The probability of success is indeed high, but it's not one hundred percent.
Are you ready for that, Ayaka?]
“Eh, but... if the probability is high—“
[If you get rejected, that will be the end of your first love, you know?]
Saki's words made me feel like something was pressing heavily on my chest.
My love ends.
That means, I can't go on dates with Otsuki-kun anymore, we can't get closer,
our relationship won't develop. I won't be able to hold hands with him again
like today.
Just imagining such a future makes me want to cry.
“I don't want... I don't want that to happen.”
[See? Then you must want to increase the probability of success, right?]
“Yes, but... How do I do that?”
All I could think of was to convey my feelings to Otsuki-kun clearly.
[Look, Ayaka. In love, attacking is important, but sometimes you also need to
retreat, not always keep moving forward.]
“Not just approaching, but also pulling back? Pulling back means holding back my
feelings for Otsuki-kun?”
[Surely during the date, Otsuki-kun must have been paying attention to Ayaka.]
“R-Really?”
[Of course. You held his hand after you said he was your boyfriend, right?]
“Ah, that was because someone was teasing me constantly...”
For some reason, when I remember that incident, I feel very embarrassed...
Saki confidently told me as she saw my face turn red.
[But, you still held his hand even after the movie finished, right? A lover's
handhold at that. That's the same as you firmly saying ‘I really like you!’ to
Otsuki-kun.]
“R-Really... Really like... really like...”
When expressed in words, it feels very embarrassing. Well, I admit I like him,
but ‘really like’ is still a bit... ufufu...
[Oh my, even though you held his hand like a couple on the first date, you're
still being shy like this.]
“B-But...”
[Yeah yeah, so here's the thing. Otsuki-kun must be thinking that Ayaka likes
him, right?]
Saki replied in an annoyed tone, but still continued the conversation calmly.
Ugh... My love guru is really spartan...
(Tln: Sparta means tough, referring to Spartan soldiers)
[But, he's probably not sure about Ayaka's feelings. Because the main reason was
to drive away the boys, right?]
“Hmm. So, what's the connection with ‘not just approaching but also pulling
back’?”
[Of course there's a connection. If you're not sure, it definitely makes you
curious, right? ‘Does she like me? Ah, but...’ like that. Now, if you pull back
a little, it will make him even more curious. ‘Eh? Could it be that I
misunderstood?’”]
“Isn't that the opposite? Otsuki-kun might not be interested in me anymore.”
Moreover, now that I've realized my feelings for Otsuki-kun, acting as if I
don't care about him would be very painful.
[Well, if it's too excessive, it will indeed be the opposite like Ayaka said.
But, if it succeeds, Otsuki-kun will keep thinking about Ayaka and won't be able
to stop thinking about you.]
“Otsuki-kun keeps thinking about me... can't stop...”
[That's right! Then slowly, Otsuki-kun's head will be full of Ayaka's image!]
“Otsuki-kun's head is full of me... full of me...”
[And in the end, without realizing it, Otsuki-kun will also really like Ayaka!!]
“Otsuki-kun... likes me... r-really...”
Ugh, what should I do! Imagining Otsuki-kun confessing to me, my body is moving
on its own!
[So that's how it is, you still have to try to get Otsuki-kun's attention. But
occasionally pull back a little. Keep shaking his heart without stopping!
Understood?]
“Yes, understood! If I do that, Otsuki-kun will like me, right!”
[Well, there's no guarantee.]
Could it be that Otsuki-kun is also thinking about me right now?
If so, I would be very happy.
“I will do my best! Approaching and pulling back from Otsuki-kun to shake his
heart!!”
[I see. Well, with Ayaka being so fond of Otsuki-kun now, when you intend to
pull back, you might end up getting closer, but that might also be fine.]
“S-So fond of Otsuki-kun? I'm a girl, you know?”
[.... That's how it is. Well, let me know again if anything happens.]
“Yes, thank you.”
[You're welcome. In that case, good night.]
“Good night."
After exchanging goodbyes for sleep, I ended the call with Saki.
Just approaching isn't enough, pulling back is also important... Love is
complicated, huh. But...
If I succeed and my love is realized, I can go on dates and hold hands with
Otsuki-kun again.
As a real couple.
If that's the case, I want to go to many places with him.
Shopping together, going to the beach... Watching a movie together again, of
course. That time, we'd surely be holding hands.
Otsuki-kun's hand, it's big and warm, isn't it... While lying on the bed, I
remember the sensation of his hand.
The hand that gently held me.
The hand of the person I like, the person I love.
Just by holding hands, my heart pounds, but it also makes me calm and happy.
Through the held hand, my whole body is filled with happiness.
While sinking into a deepening drowsiness, I hugged my right hand that had held
Otsuki-kun's, and held it with my left hand. By doing so, it feels like I can
meet him in my dreams...
.
Today might have been the happiest day of my life. But, if I could date him,
become his girlfriend, today's happiness would surely be easily surpassed.
By imagining such a future, I slowly closed my eyelids, trusting the right hand
I held to my chest as a charm, and entrusting the continuation of this happy day
to my dream.

-If possible, I want to meet you even in my dreams...

KAJI DAIKŌ NO ARUBAITO O HAJIMETARA V2 CHAPTER 1
Chapter 1
Homemade Gyoza And A Report

Di bawah langit cerah yang menyilaukan, terdengar paduan suara semanggi yang tak
henti-hentinya.

Saat liburan musim panas yang semakin panas hari demi hari, Haruto berdiri di
depan sebuah rumah mewah di bawah sinar matahari yang membakar kulit.

Dia menekan interkom dengan gerakan yang sudah mulai terbiasa.

"Otsuki-kun?"

Mendengar suara itu, Haruto tersenyum kecil.

"Ya, hari ini aku datang untuk membantu pekerjaan rumah tangga lagi."

"Aku sudah menunggumu, aku akan membuka pintunya sekarang."

Segera setelah suara yang terdengar agak gembira itu terdengar dari interkom,
pintu depan kediaman Tojo terbuka dan seorang gadis muncul dari dalam.

Rambut indah berwarna pirang yang berkilau di bawah sinar matahari musim panas.
Tubuh dan kaki yang ramping, dengan proporsi yang menarik perhatian. Gadis itu
menyambut Haruto dengan mata dua lipatan yang besar dan indah, sedikit menyipit
karena silau.
Tojo Ayaka. Dia adalah "Idol Sekolah" yang dirumorkan sebagai gadis paling
cantik di sekolah yang Haruto hadiri. Dan dia juga adalah pelanggan pekerjaan
paruh waktu layanan pekerjaan rumah tangga yang Haruto mulai selama liburan
musim panas.

"Selamat datang, Otsuki-kun. Di luar panas, ayo masuk."

"Terima kasih. Mohon bantuannya untuk hari ini juga."

Haruto memasuki kediaman Tojo dengan senyum mengembang, terbawa oleh Ayaka yang
mengundangnya masuk dengan senyum lebar.

Begitu memasuki pintu depan yang luas khas rumah mewah, pintu di ujung lorong
terbuka dengan penuh semangat dan seorang anak laki-laki berlari keluar.

"Onii-chan!!"

Ryouta, adik laki-laki Ayaka, berlari menuju Haruto dengan senyum riang khas
anak TK yang terpampang di seluruh wajahnya.

"Selamat siang Ryouta-kun. Hari ini kamu juga penuh semangat ya."

"Selamat siang! Onii-chan hari ini mau ngapain?"

Haruto membungkuk untuk menyambut Ryouta yang menerjang ke arahnya. Ryouta

bertanya padanya dengan mata berbinar-binar.

"Hmm, hari ini..."

Haruto mengarahkan pandangannya ke arah Ayaka. Menerima tatapan itu, dia
menyampaikan permintaan pekerjaan rumah tangga untuk hari ini.

"Hari ini, tolong bersihkan ruang keluarga, dan Papa juga minta tolong bersihkan
garasi."

"Membersihkan ruang keluarga dan garasi ya, aku mengerti."

"Ya, dan seperti biasa, tolong siapkan makan malam juga."

"Baik, dimengerti."

Haruto mengangguk pelan menerima permintaan pekerjaan rumah tangga dari Ayaka.
Ryouta menarik lengan Haruto dengan ekspresi penuh harapan.

"Onii-chan, makan malam hari ini apa? Hamburger!?"

(Tln: seingetku Ryouta manggilnya bukan onii-chan, tapi yaudahlah dari rawnya
begitu :v)

Sepertinya Ryouta benar-benar terpesona oleh hamburger buatan Haruto. Haruto

tersenyum menjawab Ryouta yang menatapnya dengan penuh semangat.

"Ahaha, hari ini bukan hamburger, tapi aku berencana membuat gyoza. Ryouta-kun
suka gyoza?"

"Gyoza!? Aku suka sekali gyoza!!"

Sambil menjawab begitu, Ryouta yang tensinya naik menggenggam lengan Haruto dan
mengayun-ayunkannya naik turun.
"Hei Ryouta. Jangan menarik-narik Otsuki-kun seperti itu! Nanti tangannya copot
lho!"

Ayaka segera menegur tingkah adiknya. Ryouta berhenti mengayun-ayunkan lengan

Haruto karena teguran kakaknya, tapi dia tidak melepaskan lengan Haruto dan
tetap tersenyum senang.

"Nee onii-chan, boleh tidak aku ikut membantu bersih-bersih?"

"Tentu saja, kalau Ryouta-kun membantu, pekerjaan akan selesai lebih cepat dan
sangat membantu."

Haruto tersenyum lembut dan mengelus kepala Ryouta. Ayaka tersenyum kecut
melihat adiknya yang terlihat senang sambil berkata "Ehehe".

"Terima kasih ya Otsuki-kun, selalu menemani Ryouta juga."

"Ah tidak apa-apa. Ngomong-ngomong, hari ini Shuuichi-san dan Ikue-san sedang
bekerja?"

"Iya, mereka berdua pergi ke kantor hari ini. Mungkin mereka akan pulang saat
makan malam."

Kedua orang tuanya sama-sama menjabat sebagai direktur perusahaan. Karena itu,
meskipun mereka memiliki kebebasan dalam cara bekerja seperti bekerja dari
rumah, mereka juga memiliki posisi yang cukup sibuk, seperti berangkat kerja
pagi-pagi sekali atau pulang terlambat, atau tiba-tiba harus pergi dinas.

"Jadi teringat pas pertama kali aku datang untuk membantu pekerjaan rumah
tangga."

"Iya ya. Waktu itu juga Papa dan Mama sedang pergi dinas."
Pada awal liburan musim panas, Ayaka harus mengurus pekerjaan rumah tangga dan
menjaga Ryouta sendirian karena kedua orang tuanya pergi dinas. Namun, karena
kelelahan secara mental akibat pernyataan cinta terbuka dari senior pada hari
upacara penutupan semester, dia memutuskan untuk menggunakan layanan bantuan
pekerjaan rumah tangga.

Di situlah dia bertemu dengan Haruto, yang sebelumnya hampir tidak pernah
berinteraksi dengannya di sekolah.

Mengingat saat pertama kali datang ke rumah Toujou untuk membantu pekerjaan
rumah tangga, Haruto berkata dengan nada nostalgia:

"Entah kenapa, rasanya sedikit nostalgia padahal belum lama ya."

"Iya. Rasanya ingin kembali ke masa lalu dan memuji keputusan diriku yang
memutuskan untuk menyewa jasa layanan pekerjaan rumah tangga waktu itu."

Haruto tersenyum geli mendengar perkataan Ayaka.

"Memuji diri sendiri?"

"Iya, soalnya..."

Ayaka mengangguk kecil sekali, lalu dengan pipi sedikit memerah, dia berkata
dengan suara kecil yang malu-malu.

"Kalau waktu itu aku tidak menyewa jasa layanan pekerjaan rumah tangga, aku
tidak akan bertemu dengan Otsuki-kun..."

"Ah..."
Ayaka melirik ke atas sebentar lalu segera mengalihkan pandangannya. Melihat
tingkah lakunya, detak jantung Haruto mau tidak mau menjadi lebih cepat.

"Um... Aku juga senang tempat kerja pertamaku adalah di keluarga Tojo..."

"Benarkah? Fufu... Senangnya."

Melihat Ayaka yang tersipu malu dengan tulus, Haruto tidak tahan dan mengalihkan
pandangannya, berusaha keras menahan senyum yang muncul di bibirnya.

Dalam benaknya, terbayang kenangan kencan mereka di bioskop beberapa waktu lalu.

Mengingat saat mereka menonton film sambil bergandengan tangan seperti pasangan
kekasih sungguhan, wajah Haruto perlahan-lahan memerah.

Begitu juga dengan Ayaka, wajahnya memerah sambil menunjukkan ekspresi bahagia.

"......"

"......"

Haruto berusaha memikirkan topik pembicaraan yang bagus, tapi semakin dia
berpikir, pikirannya semakin kosong dan kata-kata semakin sulit ditemukan.

Keheningan yang canggung menyelimuti Haruto dan Ayaka. Namun, keheningan itu
tidak berlangsung lama.
Ryouta yang sudah tidak sabar melihat mereka berdua berbicara di pintu masuk,
menarik lengan Haruto.

"Onii-chan! Ayo cepat bersihkan ruang keluarga!"

"Ah, maaf ya Ryouta-kun. Kalau begitu, aku akan mulai bekerja sekarang."

"I-iya. Mohon bantuannya."

Haruto merasa sedikit lega terlepas dari kecanggungan berkat semangat Ryouta.
Namun, di sudut hatinya, dia juga merasa sedikit kecewa. Tapi, Haruto memilih
untuk tidak menyentuh perasaan itu dan mulai melakukan pekerjaan rumah tangga di
keluarga Tojo hari ini juga.

Haruto menyelesaikan pembersihan ruang keluarga sesuai permintaan Ayaka, lalu

beralih ke pembersihan garasi.

Karena kedua orang tua sedang bekerja di kantor, tidak ada mobil di garasi
sehingga lebih mudah untuk dibersihkan.

"Ryouta-kun, bisa tolong siramkan air di sini?"

"Oke! Aku mengerti!"

Ryouta memegang selang dan menyiramkan air ke tempat yang ditunjuk Haruto.

"Terima kasih Ryouta-kun."

Sambil mengucapkan terima kasih, Haruto menggosok lantai beton dengan sikat dek.

"Onii-chan! Selanjutnya harus siram airnya ke mana?"

Ryouta memegang selang dengan erat, setengah merasa seperti sedang bermain air.
Melihat hal itu, Haruto tersenyum lembut.

"Kalau begitu, tolong siram di sana."

"Baik!"

Haruto juga ikut merasa senang melihat Ryouta yang menjawab dengan riang, sambil
terus membersihkan garasi.

Dan saat pekerjaan pembersihan hampir selesai, Ayaka yang tadinya kembali ke
kamarnya, datang untuk melihat keadaan Haruto dan Ryouta.

"Terima kasih Otsuki-kun. Garasinya jadi sangat bersih ya. Kurasa Papa akan
senang."

"Syukurlah kalau begitu."

"Oh iya, untuk gyoza makan malam nanti, kamu akan pergi belanja kan?"

"Iya, karena pembersihan sudah hampir selesai, aku berencana untuk pergi belanja
setelah ini."

Mendengar kata "belanja" dari Haruto, Ryouta bereaksi dan menatap dengan mata
berbinar.
"Belanja!? Aku juga mau ikut!"

"Iya, kalau begitu ayo kita pergi belanja sama-sama ya Ryouta-kun."

"Ah, kalau begitu aku juga akan ikut."

Ayaka juga mengatakan akan ikut belanja saat Haruto tersenyum kepada Ryouta.
Mendengar kata-kata kakaknya, Ryouta semakin gembira dan bersemangat.

"Kita semua pergi belanja bersama ya!"

"Iya benar. Kalau begitu, pembersihan garasi tinggal sedikit lagi, ayo kita
selesaikan dengan cepat."

"Oke!!"

Setelah itu, mereka menyelesaikan pembersihan garasi, lalu Haruto, Ayaka, dan
Ryouta pergi ke supermarket bertiga.

Haruto segera mulai memeriksa daging babi cincang di bagian daging dengan
keranjang belanja di tangannya.

“Hmm, daging babi cincang produksi lokal paket hemat 118 yen per 100 gram, murah
ya... Tapi mungkin tidak perlu sebanyak ini... Tapi kalau ukuran biasa jadi 128
yen per 100 gram...”

Haruto meletakkan tangan di dagu, menatap bergantian antara paket hemat ukuran
besar dan daging babi cincang ukuran biasa. Ayaka melirik wajah Haruto yang
sedang berpikir serius, lalu bertanya:
“Daging babi cincang bisa dipakai untuk banyak hal selain gyoza kan?”

“Benar. Bisa ditumis dengan daun bawang dan telur, dibumbui manis-gurih untuk
membuat soboro, atau bisa juga untuk keema curry.”

“Keduanya kedengarannya enak.”

“Lain kali, mau kubuatkan?”

“Iya! Aku ingin mencobanya.”

“Baiklah. Kalau begitu kali ini kita beli paket hematnya saja ya.”

Haruto berkata demikian sambil mengambil yang ukuran besar dan memasukkannya ke
keranjang belanja.

Setelah itu, mereka terus memasukkan bahan-bahan yang diperlukan untuk gyoza ke
dalam keranjang belanja, dan akhirnya Haruto tiba di bagian bahan kue.

Melihat kantong-kantong gula, campuran pancake instan, dan coklat bubuk yang
berjejer di rak, Ryouta mendongak menatap Haruto dengan ekspresi bersemangat.

“Onii-chan mau bikin kue?”

“Bukan, bukan kue, tapi aku berpikir untuk membuat semacam dessert untuk dimakan
setelah gyoza.”

Haruto tersenyum menjawab Ryouta yang matanya berbinar penuh harapan, lalu
mengambil dua jenis kantong anko (pasta kacang merah) yang dipajang di bagian
bawah rak.

“Ngomong-ngomong, Tojo-san lebih suka koshian atau tsubu-an?”

“Eh? Um, aku lebih suka koshian, mungkin?”

“Oh begitu.”

Mendengar jawaban Ayaka, Haruto mengangguk “hmm” lalu menurunkan pandangannya ke

kantong koshian di tangan kirinya.

“Mau buat apa dengan anko? Oshiruko?”

“Tidak, aku berencana mencampur anko dengan cream cheese, lalu membungkusnya
dengan kulit gyoza.”

“Apa itu? Kedengarannya enak sekali!”

“Ini namanya pai anko dengan kulit gyoza.”

Melihat reaksi Ayaka yang matanya berbinar-binar melihat makanan manis, ekspresi
Haruto juga melembut.

“Ngomong-ngomong, Otsuki-kun lebih suka koshian?”

“Tidak, aku lebih suka tsubu-an.”

“Eh~ benarkah? Padahal koshian lebih enak.”

“Jangan begitu dong. Bukankah tsubu-an lebih baik karena bisa merasakan tekstur
kacangnya?”

Saat Haruto menyatakan keunggulan tsubu-an, Ayaka juga tak mau kalah membela
koshian.

“Bukankah tekstur halus koshian juga enak? Rasanya lebih elegan.”

“Tsubu-an mengandung lebih banyak polifenol, jadi efek kecantikannya lebih

tinggi lho?”

“Benarkah?”

Mendengar kata-kata Haruto yang menyerang kelemahan wanita yaitu efek

kecantikan, kecintaan Ayaka pada koshian sedikit goyah.

“Iya, dan katanya polifenol juga memiliki efek menghambat penyerapan gula, jadi
meskipun makan anko yang manis, kita tidak akan gemuk semudah makan koshian.”

“Eh!? Ta-tapi tapi!! Aku ingat pernah baca di internet atau di mana kalau
koshian kalorinya lebih rendah!”

“Koshian kulitnya memang di buang sih. Tapi kalau gula yang ditambahkan banyak,
koshian bisa jadi lebih tinggi kalorinya lho?”

“I-itu... Memang benar sih.”

“Tsubu-an enak lho?”

“Uuh... Memang sih. Mungkin menarik juga.”

Haruto tersenyum lebar melihat Ayaka yang mengakui daya tarik tsubu-an meski
dengan enggan.

“Selamat datang di dunia tsubu-an.”

Haruto yang berhasil menambah satu penggemar tsubu-an mengangguk puas, lalu
mengembalikan koshian ke rak dan memasukkan tsubu-an ke dalam keranjang belanja.

“Ryouta-kun juga tidak apa-apa pakai tsubu-an?”

“Iya! Aku suka anko!!”

Melihat senyum lebar Ryouta yang menjawab demikian, Haruto merasa sangat
terhibur sambil berjalan menuju kasir.

Sekembalinya ke rumah Tojo, Haruto segera mulai membuat gyoza.

Setelah memotong-motong kubis putih dan menaburinya dengan garam, dia menimbang
tepung terigu, tepung protein tinggi, dan garam dengan timbangan lalu
memindahkannya ke mangkuk besar.

Seperti biasa, kakak beradik Tojo duduk di kursi bar di depan dapur, mengamati
Haruto memasak.
Saat Haruto menuangkan air panas ke mangkuk dan mulai mengaduk adonan kulit
gyoza, Ayaka berkata dengan kagum,

“Otsuki-kun hebat ya, sampai membuat kulit gyozanya sendiri.”

“Kulit yang dijual di toko memang praktis, tapi kalau buat sendiri bisa jadi
kulit yang lebih kenyal,” jawab Haruto sambil terus menguleni adonan yang mulai
menyatu dengan menambahkan berat badannya.

Setelah menguleni adonan selama sekitar lima menit, Haruto membentuknya menjadi
bulat dan membungkusnya dengan plastik wrap, lalu mulai membuat isian gyoza.

Dia mencampur daging cincang dengan kaldu ayam bubuk yang dilarutkan dalam air
panas dan minyak wijen. Kemudian dia menambahkan kubis yang telah dilayukan
dengan garam dan diperas airnya, lalu mencampurnya kembali.

“Gyoza keluarga Otsuki pakai kubis putih ya.”

(Tln: yang di maksud itu resepnya)

Ayaka berkata kepada Haruto yang sedang menambahkan bawang putih dan jahe
setelah kubis.

“Iya. Kalau di rumah Tojo-san pakai kol?”

“Iya. Gyoza di rumah kami pakai kol.”

“Kol juga enak, ada tekstur dan rasa manisnya.”

Sambil bercakap-cakap seperti itu, Haruto menyelesaikan pembuatan isian gyoza.

Dia menutup mangkuk berisi isian dengan plastik wrap dan memasukkannya ke kulkas
untuk didiamkan, lalu kembali melanjutkan pembuatan kulit gyoza.

Dia membagi adonan gyoza yang telah didiamkan menjadi beberapa bagian, lalu
memanjangkannya seperti batang. Kemudian, dia memotongnya menjadi bagian-bagian
kecil yang sama dan menggilingnya menjadi bulat pipih menggunakan telapak tangan
dan penggilas.

“Otsuki-kun terampil ya.”

“Oh, begitukah?”

Haruto tersenyum rendah hati mendengar pujian Ayaka.

Saat itu, Ryouta yang dari tadi diam mengamati pembuatan gyoza tiba-tiba turun
dari kursi dan berlari mendekati Haruto.

“Onii-chan, aku juga mau bantu bikin gyoza! Aku mau bungkus gyozanya!”

“Oh, mau bantu? Terima kasih. Kalau begitu, tolong ya.”

Haruto tersenyum kepada Ryouta yang penuh semangat, sambil mengambil isian yang
tadi didiamkan dari kulkas.

“Ah, kalau begitu aku juga akan bantu.”

Menyusul adiknya, Ayaka juga berdiri dari kursinya dan menghampiri Haruto.

“Terima kasih. Kalau begitu, aku akan terus membuat kulitnya, bisakah kalian
berdua membungkus isiannya?”
“Baiklah.”

Setelah itu, Haruto membuat kulit gyoza, dan kakak beradik Tojo membungkusnya
dengan isian.

“Kulit buatan Otsuki-kun elastis sekali ya, jadi mudah dibungkus.”

Ayaka berkata dengan sedikit kagum sambil memberi air di sekeliling kulit gyoza
dan membuat lipatan-lipatan saat membungkusnya.

“Aku membuatnya sedikit lebih tebal daripada kulit yang dijual di toko, jadi aku
harap kalian bisa menikmati tekstur yang lebih kenyal saat memakannya.”

“Aku jadi tidak sabar. Eh, Ryouta, itu isiannya kebanyakan!”

Ayaka buru-buru menghentikan adiknya yang sedang sibuk menaruh isian di atas
kulit di sebelahnya.

“Kalau kamu memasukkan isian sebanyak itu, nanti tidak bisa dibungkus lho?”

“Tapi kulit buatan onii-chan sangat elastis jadi tidak apa-apa!”

Sambil berkata begitu, Ryouta menarik kulit dan memaksa membungkus isian yang
terlalu banyak.

“Lihat Onee-chan! Aku bisa membungkusnya!”

Ayaka tersenyum kecut melihat Ryouta yang berkata dengan wajah bangga.

“Memang bisa dibungkus sih... Tapi itu sudah bukan gyoza lagi, tapi nikuman
(bakpao daging) kan?”

Seperti yang Ayaka katakan, benda di telapak tangan Ryouta itu bentuknya sangat
jauh dari gyoza pada umumnya.

“Yah, kalau sudah matang juga tidak apa-apa kok. Justru bagus kan kalau ada
berbagai bentuk, itu menunjukkan kesan buatan rumah?”

“Benar juga ya.”

Haruto berkata sambil terus menggiling kulit dengan penggilas. Menanggapi itu,
Ayaka juga mengangguk sambil tersenyum kecut melihat adiknya yang terus
memproduksi gyoza yang terlihat seperti nikuman.

Saat mereka bertiga terus membuat gyoza dengan riuh, Shuuichi dan Ikue pulang
bersamaan.

“Kami pulang. Otsuki-kun, terima kasih untuk layanan pekerjaan rumah tangganya
hari ini juga.”

Shuuichi datang ke ruang keluarga dan menyapa Haruto yang berdiri di dapur. Ikue
yang mengikutinya masuk ke ruang keluarga, wajahnya berseri-seri melihat
pemandangan tiga orang yang sedang memasak bersama.

“Ara! Makan malam hari ini gyoza ya. Kelihatannya sangat enak.”

“Bu, aku juga banyak membantu lho!”

“Oh ya? Hebat sekali ya.”

Setelah tersenyum ramah kepada Ryouta, Ikue menoleh ke arah Haruto.

“Terima kasih ya Otsuki-kun.”

“Ah tidak, Ryouta-kun dan Ayaka-san yang membantu, aku sangat tertolong.”

“Oh begitu. Fufu, bagus ya Ayaka.”

Ikue berkata demikian sambil tersenyum kepada putrinya yang berdiri di sebelah
Haruto.

“I-iya... Papa dan Mama cepat ganti baju sana. Gyozanya tinggal digoreng doamg
nih.”

Ayaka yang pipinya sedikit memerah karena tatapan ibunya, seolah-olah untuk
menutupinya, mendesak kedua orang tuanya.

“Baiklah. Aku tidak sabar mencicipi gyoza buatan Otsuki-kun!”

Shuuichi mengangguk dengan gembira, lalu tiba-tiba bertanya kepada Haruto.

N

“Bagaimana Otsuki-kun? Mau makan malam bersama kami hari ini?”

“Eh? Bolehkah?”
“Tentu saja! Otsuki-kun selalu disambut di rumah kami.”

“Terima kasih. Kalau begitu, aku akan bergabung.”

“Fumu. Sepertinya makan malam hari ini akan menyenangkan. Baiklah bu, ayo kita
ganti baju dulu.”
(Tln: agak bingung, di rawnya si Shuuichi manggilnya “Ka-san” singkatan dari
“Oka-san” ibu, jadi agak bingung mau kek gimana nulisnya biar ga aneh, tapi
yasudahlah)

“Benar.”

Melihat jawaban Haruto, Shuuichi dan Ikue meninggalkan ruang keluarga dengan
wajah gembira.

“Aduh, Papa terlalu menyukai Otsuki-kun.”

Ayaka tersenyum kecut melihat sikap Shuuichi tadi. Menanggapi itu, Haruto
menjawab sambil meletakkan hot plate di tengah meja makan:

“Aku sangat berterima kasih bisa disukai seperti itu.”

“Benarkah? Kalau merasa terganggu, bilang saja ya?”

“Aku sama sekali tidak merasa terganggu kok.”

Haruto menjawab dengan ramah sambil mengelus kepala Ryouta yang membawakan
nampan berisi gyoza yang sudah dibungkus.
Selama Shuuichi dan Ikue berganti pakaian, Haruto mulai menyusun dan memanggang
gyoza di hot plate.

“Oh iya. Aku bermaksud memberitahu Papa dan Mama tentang rencana kita pergi ke
Taman Hutan Binatang dengan Otsuki-kun.”

Mendengar kata-kata Ayaka, Haruto mengangkat wajahnya dari membuat saus gyoza
dengan mencampur kecap dan minyak cabai.

“Oh, iya ya.”

Saat kencan nonton film kemarin, mereka berjanji akan pergi bertiga termasuk
Ryouta ke “Taman Hutan Binatang” minggu depan saat Haruto libur kerja paruh
waktu.

Taman yang luas dengan tema alam itu memiliki area interaksi dengan hewan, area
bermain air, area rumput, dan lainnya. Mereka berencana membawa bekal dan
bermain seharian di sana.

“Boleh kubicarakan saat makan malam nanti?”

“Ya, tidak apa-apa kok.”

Haruto sedikit memiringkan kepalanya melihat Ayaka yang bertanya dengan sedikit
ragu-ragu.

“Aku rasa Mama akan menggoda kita, dan Papa mungkin juga akan bereaksi
berlebihan...”

“Ah... Tidak apa-apa. Aku tidak keberatan dengan suasana yang ramai kok.”
Haruto tersenyum kecut dan mengangguk setelah menyadari apa yang dikhawatirkan
Ayaka.

Tak lama kemudian, Shuuichi dan Ikue yang sudah berganti pakaian kembali ke
ruang keluarga, dan mereka berlima termasuk Haruto duduk mengelilingi meja
makan.

“Sepertinya sudah matang, aku buka tutupnya ya.”

Saat Haruto membuka tutup hot plate, uap mengepul naik bersamaan dengan aroma
gyoza yang menyebar.

Shuuichi tersenyum mendengar suara desis yang menimbulkan kesan harum.

“Wah! Kelihatannya sangat enak.”

“Kamu membuat nikuman juga bersama gyozanya ya?”

Ikue tersenyum melihat beberapa benda yang terlihat seperti nikuman besar di
antara gyoza yang tersusun rapi.

“Itu gyoza buatanku lho!!”

Ryouta menatap ibunya dengan wajah bangga, dan Ikue tertawa kecil.

“Oh begitu ya. Gyoza yang besar dan mengenyangkan ya.”

Haruto tersenyum mendengar percakapan keluarga Tojo sambil membalik gyoza yang
sudah matang dengan spatula.
Melihat gyoza yang berwarna kecokelatan, Shuuichi mengatupkan tangan dengan
tidak sabar.

“Yosh, itadakimasu!”

Mengikuti kata-katanya, semua orang mengatupkan tangan dan mengucapkan

“Itadakimasu” sebelum mengambil gyoza dengan sumpit.

Ayaka yang menggigit gyoza yang masih panas sedikit membelalakkan mata dan
menutupi mulutnya dengan tangan kiri.

“Benar. Kulitnya lebih kenyal dan enak daripada kulit gyoza yang dijual di
toko.”

“Oh? Apakah kulitnya juga buatan Otsuki-kun?”

Ikue bertanya pada Haruto dengan sedikit terkejut setelah makan satu gigitan,
mengikuti Ayaka.

“Iya, aku menambahkan sedikit lebih banyak tepung protein tinggi agar kulitnya
lebih berisi.”

“Enak! Ini luar biasa, Otsuki-kun! Benar-benar enak!”

Shuuichi memuji gyoza buatan Haruto dengan antusias sambil mengunyah gyoza yang
baru matang.

“Ayah, gyoza buatanku juga enak lho! Coba makan!”

“Iya iya. Yang ini buatan Ryouta ya? ...Hmm! Ini juga enak! Kamu pintar
membuatnya.”

“Hehe.”

Ryouta tersenyum senang dipuji oleh Shuuichi, lalu dengan semangat meniup
gyozanya sebelum menggigitnya dengan lahap.

Setelah itu, mereka menikmati waktu makan malam yang menyenangkan sambil
menyantap gyoza dengan riuh.

“Ngomong-ngomong, ada yang ingin kubicarakan dengan Papa dan Mama.”

Ayaka yang sesekali mengamati reaksi orang tuanya, mulai berbicara.

“Hm? Ada apa?”

Shuuichi yang sangat puas dengan masakan Haruto hari ini menoleh ke arah
putrinya dengan gembira.

“Um, minggu depan... aku akan pergi ke Taman Hutan Binatang bersama Otsuki-kun
dan Ryouta.”

Begitu Ayaka mengatakan itu, wajah Shuuichi langsung berseri-seri.

“Kalian akan pergi kencan ya!”

“Bu-bukan, Ryouta juga ikut lho!”

“Ara ara! Ayaka, ara ara, astaga!”

“Ka-karena ini liburan musim panas, Ryouta juga ingin pergi bermain kan?”

Ayaka berusaha mengalihkan pembicaraan ke adiknya, seolah ingin melarikan diri

dari Shuuichi yang mulai bereaksi berlebihan dan Ikue yang tersenyum penuh arti.
Ryouta yang ditanyai langsung meledak kegembiraannya dan menatap Haruto.

“Benarkah!? Onii-chan akan mengajakku bermain!?”

“Iya, benar.”

“Yattaaaaa!!!”

Ryouta bersorak gembira sambil mengangkat kedua tangannya. Melihat reaksi

putranya, Shuuichi mengarahkan pandangannya ke Haruto.

“Terima kasih, Otsuki-kun. Sebenarnya sejak liburan musim panas dimulai, kami
belum bisa mengajak Ryouta pergi ke mana-mana. Kami merasa bersalah. Jadi kami
sangat tertolong kamu mau mengajak Ryouta bermain.”

Shuuichi membungkukkan kepala berterima kasih. Ikue juga ikut berterima kasih
kepada Haruto.

“Terima kasih, Otsuki-kun. Padahal kamu sudah membantu pekerjaan rumah tangga
juga.”

“Ah, tidak apa-apa. Aku juga bermaksud untuk bersenang-senang pada hari itu.”
“Syukurlah kalau begitu.”

Shuuichi dan Ikue yang merasa bersalah karena belum bisa mengajak anaknya pergi
bermain karena sibuk bekerja, berterima kasih kepada Haruto dengan tulus.

Kemudian Ayaka kembali berbicara kepada orang tuanya.

“Dan, kami berencana membawa bekal ke Taman Hutan Binatang. Jadi, bolehkah kami
membuat bekal bersama Otsuki-kun di dapur rumah pagi itu?”

“Tentu saja! Silakan gunakan dapur sesuka kalian!”

Ikue langsung menjawab kata-kata Ayaka. Shuuichi yang tampak lebih gembira dari
sebelumnya menambahkan sambil mengunyah gyoza:

“Makan malam hari ini enak dan sangat menyenangkan ya!”

Setelah itu, makan malam di keluarga Tojo termasuk Haruto berlanjut dengan riuh
dan menyenangkan.
KAJI DAIKŌ NO ARUBAITO O HAJIMETARA V2 CHAPTER 2
Chapter 2
Animal Forest Park

A day before going to the "Animal Forest Park", as usual Haruto worked part-time
as a housekeeper in the Toujou family.

He continued today's task to clean the kitchen area. There, Ikue who was working
from home greeted him.

"By the way, today you will go grocery shopping for tomorrow's bento with Ayaka,
right?"

"Ah, yes."

"In that case, you don't need to clean the house too much today. Use a lot of
time to shop together with Ayaka. Here, the money for shopping."

"No, no! I can't accept this much!"

Haruto waved his hands refusing the money that Ikue offered.

"Tomorrow I'm coming not as a housekeeper, but as Ayaka-san's friend, so I plan

to split the cost of the bento ingredients in half..."

"You don't need to worry. You will play with Ryouta. As parents, allow me to do
this little thing."
While saying so, Ikue caught Haruto's hesitant hand and forced the money into
his palm.

"Okay? Otsuki-kun, please."

Ikue tilted her head slightly and looked up as she spoke.

Although she was a mature woman, her gestures were somewhat childish and
adorable. Coupled with Ikue's own beauty, Haruto unconsciously blushed and
averted his gaze.

"Um... Alright. I understand"

"Fufu, thank you Otsuki-kun"

Haruto nodded while still averting his gaze, unable to look directly at Ikue.
Seeing his behavior, Ikue smiled amusedly.

At that moment, Ayaka who was doing her summer vacation homework in her room
came to the living room.

"Hey Mama, do you know where the mechanical pencil lead is... Eh, wait a minute
Mama!?"

Her daughter who initially wanted to ask her mother something, suddenly panicked
and cut in between Haruto and Ikue.

"Why is Mama holding hands with Otsuki-kun!?"

Seeing her daughter who looked panicked and anxious, Ikue smiled widely. "Ara
ara, what's with being so panicked? I was just giving Otsuki-kun the shopping
money."

"Then just give it normally! Look, Otsuki-kun is confused, quickly let go of his
hand!"

"Ara? Is it uncomfortable to be held by an old lady like me? I'm sorry"

While saying so, Ikue released Haruto's hand that she was holding. Haruto just
answered briefly "It's okay," while bowing his head slightly.

Seeing Haruto's reaction, Ayaka stared sharply at her mother.

"Mama, don't you have a remote meeting soon? If you don't get ready soon, you'll
be late, you know?"

While saying so, Ayaka pushed Ikue's back to move her away from Haruto.

"There are still thirty minutes before the meeting, no need to rush like that."

"Mama is a director, so you can't be late! Come on, hurry up!"

"Ara ma, alright. In that case Otsuki-kun, I'll leave it to you."

Ikue who was being pushed by Ayaka, turned slightly and waved at Haruto. Then
Ayaka pushed her even harder.

Compared to when Haruto first started working as a housekeeper, his daughter's

reaction was gradually changing. Ikue smiled amusedly seeing it, then whispered
something in a small voice that Haruto couldn't hear.
Whether it was because of the whisper or not, Ayaka continued to push her
mother's back with a blushing face.

As Ikue said earlier, Haruto finished cleaning the Tojo family house quickly,
then got ready to go shopping. At the same time, Ayaka also started getting
ready to go out. Ryouta who was watching a sentai show on the living room TV as
usual approached Haruto, wanting to come along for the shopping.

"Shopping? I want to come too!"

Haruto, who had no reason to refuse, smiled at Ryouta and was about to nod.

However, Ayaka had already opened her mouth before that.

"This time you can't. Ryouta has to stay at home."

"Eeh! Why not!"

Ryouta pouted and showed a dissatisfied expression upon hearing his sister's
words.

"This time there might be a lot of things to buy, and I have to discuss many
things with Otsuki-kun while shopping, so Ryouta, stay at home, okay.
Understood?"

"I don't want to! I want to come too!"

"You can't. Please listen to Onee-chan this time, okay? Please?"

Ayaka crouched in front of Ryouta, looking into his eyes and pleading. But
Ryouta's dissatisfied expression did not change.

"Just say Onee-chan wants to be alone with Onii-chan!"

"Th-that's not it! It's not like that. This time we have to discuss the bento
while--"

"Onee-chan likes Onii-chan that's why you want to be alone, right! I'm just a
bother!"

"N-no! Ryouta, listen, okay? I absolutely did not--"

"Even though I also like Onii-chan..."

Ryouta looked down resentfully while saying so.

"Um, Tojo-san"

Haruto, who couldn't bear to see it, called out to Ayaka, and Ayaka started to
speak in a panic.

"Ah, Otsuki-kun, it's like this! I-I absolutely didn't mean to monopolize
Otsuki-kun or anything, and, um, about the like thing, that's just Ryouta
talking nonsense..."

"It's okay, I'm also happy to be liked by Ryouta-kun."

Haruto smiled wryly as he said that, and Ayaka showed a confused expression.

Regardless of what was actually in Ayaka's heart, it was true as she said
earlier that this time the shopping would be a lot and they planned to discuss
the bento contents while shopping. Therefore, it would indeed be smoother if
Ryouta was not there.

However, seeing Ryouta who looked sulky, Haruto and Ayaka started to feel
guilty.

Just as they were about to decide to take Ryouta along, Ikue who had just
finished her remote meeting appeared in the living room.

"Ryouta. While Onee-chan and Onii-chan are out shopping, let's eat ice cream
together with Mama while waiting."

Both of Ikue's hands were each holding a container of high-class ice cream. As
soon as he saw it, Ryouta's face immediately lit up.

"Ice cream!!"

On the other hand, Ayaka let out a sad sound "Aah" when she saw the ice cream
Ikue was holding.

"The ice cream I saved..."

Joy and despair. Their mother smiled widely seeing the contrasting expressions
of the siblings.

"How about it? Want to go shopping? Or eat ice cream?"

"...Ryouta, you can eat my ice cream so please stay at home, okay?"

"Hmm... Alright. I'll stay at home."

Ryouta chose the ice cream after hesitating, responding to Ayaka's decision
which was made with a heavy heart.

"In that case, be careful on your way~"

"Okay, we're leaving"

"Uuh... Even though it was a limited flavor... we're leaving"

Seen off by Ikue, Haruto and Ayaka left together to buy side dishes for the
bento.

While walking on the road to the supermarket with Otsuki-kun, I tried to forget
my regret over the limited edition ice cream.

This summer's limited edition apple pie flavor.

The ice cream that was a hot topic on social media, which I finally got after
struggling to go around convenience stores and nearby supermarkets.

Even though I had stored it carefully at the bottom of the freezer as a special
summer vacation treat...

Bu-but! Thanks to that ice cream, I can have time alone with Otsuki-kun, so I
have to think positively! For the sake of the ice cream that has also
sacrificed!

"By the way, the ice cream that Ikue-san was holding earlier is the one that's
been a hot topic lately, right?"

"Ah, yes. Otsuki-kun knows about it too?"

"Yes, I happened to see it sold at a convenience store that time so I bought it

and tried it, it was very delicious, you know."

"Eh...? Otsuki-kun has eaten that ice cream before?"

"Yes, you know? Tojo-san hasn't eaten it yet?"

O-Otsuki-kun, you traitor~!

Even though I had gone around all the convenience stores and supermarkets in the
city under the hot sun and finally managed to buy it...

"No, I've never eaten it... Even though I really want to try it..."

"Ahaha... In that case, next time I see it, I'll save one for Tojo-san."

Perhaps because my disappointed expression was very visible, Otsuki-kun said

that with consideration.
Somehow it feels comfortable being treated gently by Otsuki-kun...?

Maybe I should look even sadder?

“That ice cream, I’ve been looking forward to it for a long time... I even
dreamed about it, but...”

“Um... The convenience store near my house seems to be a little-known spot,

maybe it’s still being sold there. I’ll check next time, okay?”

“But... I’ve checked on the internet, they say it’s sold out everywhere...”

“In that case, how about we go together to look for that ice cream next time?”

Otsuki-kun proposed with a wry smile as if joking. I couldn't help myself and
stopped pretending to be sad, then smiled widely.

“Really!?”

“Eh? Ah, yes. I also want to eat that ice cream again.”

Yes!! I got a reason for another date with Otsuki-kun!

I feel like I lied a little by pretending to be sad, so I feel guilty towards

Otsuki-kun...

But, this is also part of a love strategy! I have to try so that this love
succeeds!
“I wonder if that ice cream is still being sold?”

“If we search all over the city, and if it’s not there, we can go to the next
town. If we search all day, I think we’ll definitely find it.”

“That’s true. If we search all day we’ll definitely find it! All day...”

I can be with Otsuki-kun all day.

What should I do... I want to eat the ice cream, but I also want to keep
searching with Otsuki-kun without finding it.

Uh... Love is indeed full of suffering.

But I never expected to be able to make a date promise with Otsuki-kun because
of a limited edition ice cream. Maybe the limited edition ice cream is my lucky
item today. I should have checked my horoscope this morning.

“Thank you, Otsuki-kun.”

“Ah no, I also want Tojo-san to experience the deliciousness of that ice cream.”

Otsuki-kun said so with a gentle smile.

Ah, he's so kind. It feels like my heart warms just by seeing his smile.

“I have to thank Otsuki-kun. Especially for tomorrow too.”

Because I've troubled him a lot, I also want to repay his kindness.

“Is there anything Otsuki-kun wants? Something you want to do or something you
want?”

“You don’t need to think too much about it.”

“But I’ll be thinking about it, so just say anything? If it’s Otsuki-kun’s
request, I... will do anything, you know?”

Otsuki-kun, who usually seems mature and never seems selfish, if he suddenly
asked me to do this and that...

What should I do! Just imagining it is so adorable!

If he says something like that, I will definitely obey all his words. I will
serve him with all my heart!

“In that case, um... I can’t think of anything right now, so I’ll think about it
first, okay.”

“Is that so... Okay. Don’t hesitate, okay?”

“Alright, I understand.”

Otsuki-kun nodded with a smile.

I see... There's nothing he wants to ask for...

Even though I have many things I want to do with Otsuki-kun, that I want to ask
Otsuki-kun to do.

Even now, I want to walk while holding hands with Otsuki-kun like that time...

I secretly glanced at his hand. At that moment I remembered the words of Saki,
my best friend.

In love, not only pushing, but sometimes pulling is also important.

Saki said that if I could use this push-pull technique well, Otsuki-kun would be
crazy about me.

But, how do I pull?

If it's pushing, I can imagine just showing a "I like you" signal. But what is
pulling? Since it's the opposite of pushing, should I act cold towards Otsukikun?
Like "I'm not happy at all about looking for ice cream with you!!"
something like that?

...Hmm, this seems a bit wrong.

Pulling... Pulling Otsuki-kun... Trying to pull him...

I stared at Otsuki-kun's hand while thinking about "pulling".

Pushing and pulling, swaying Otsuki-kun's heart... Swaying? Pulling and swaying?
At that moment, an image suddenly appeared in my mind. In accordance with that
image, I held Otsuki-kun's arm and pulled it a little.

“Whoa!?”

Otsuki-kun, whose arm was suddenly pulled while he was walking, let out a
surprised sound, then stopped and looked at me with a confused face.

...Huh, what am I doing pulling him physically like this!? That's not what
pulling means, is it!?

“Tojo-san?”

“Ah, that! Um, you see... A bug!! There was a bug! There was a big bug on
Otsuki-kun's leg!”

I hurriedly looked for an excuse. He looked at me who was stretching both arms
wide with a surprised expression.

“Huh!? Really? I didn't notice at all.”

“Y-yes. But it was very fast so it might have already gone. Maybe it was a
cockroach?”

Seeing me trying hard to make an excuse, Otsuki-kun said “That’s a monster G,

maybe it’s good I didn’t see it,” with a tense face.

Th-thank goodness... I managed to fool him...

Just as I breathed a sigh of relief, suddenly Otsuki-kun's left arm extended and
gently pulled my shoulder.

“Eh!?”

Huh!? What what!? What happened!?

My heart was pounding because of this sudden event. Then, a small truck passed
by at high speed right next to me who was still confused by the situation.

It was only then that I realized.

Otsuki-kun changed his standing position to protect me from the truck.

“Th-thank you.”

“No, sorry I didn't notice either.”

After saying that, Otsuki-kun casually guided me so that he was on the side of
the road.

I-it feels like I was protected by Otsuki-kun, my heart is pounding so fast...

(Tln: me too me too)

I walked slowly beside him with my head down so that Otsuki-kun wouldn't see my
face, which might be blushing.

Even though I intended to push and pull to sway Haruto-kun's heart, instead my
heart was pounding because of his attentiveness.
I repeatedly took deep breaths slowly so as not to be noticed by Otsuki-kun,
trying to calm my pounding heart inside my chest.

Finally we arrived at the destination supermarket without me being able to do

anything, just walking obediently beside Otsuki-kun.

“For the bento side dishes, we'll choose tamagoyaki and karaage, right?”

“Yes, that's right.”

Otsuki-kun said as if confirming while taking a basket at the entrance. We had

already talked a little about the bento contents at the cafe after our movie
date.

We carefully chose the ingredients displayed in the supermarket, then put them
into the basket.

“Oh? A pack of cherry tomatoes for 98 yen!! How about for the bento? The color
will be nice, you know?”

“Fufu, yes. I think it's good.”

I unconsciously smiled as I replied to Otsuki-kun who looked excited.

That time when we were buying sesame oil too, I thought that Otsuki-kun always
looked radiant when he saw cheap items. That kind of expression is very
adorable, making me flutter because of the contrast with the mature image he
usually shows.

As I was thinking about that, this time he looked lethargic because the price of
cabbage had gone up compared to yesterday. But then he found shiso leaves on
discount, and his face lit up again.
I was unconsciously captivated by his changing expressions. It feels very fun to
shop with him.

Because my mood improved, I wanted to tease Otsuki-kun a little.

I mustered up the courage to get closer to him, then spoke in a voice I

purposely made a bit loud.

“Somehow, shopping together in a supermarket like this feels like we're living
together.”

When I said that jokingly, Otsuki-kun who was seriously choosing ingredients
lifted his face and looked at me.

“If I were to live with Tojo-san, I would try my best to cook every day, you
know.”

“Re-really? But that would also be a problem. Otsuki-kun's cooking is delicious,

so I might get fat from eating too much.”

“If you get fat from enjoying my cooking, I’d be happy, you know.”

Ah, he's a devil!! Otsuki-kun is a kind-hearted devil!!

Even though he was showing a very serious expression just now, he suddenly
smiled and said sweet things like that, how could I not get flustered!

If... If I really lived with Otsuki-kun, I'm sure in a week my weight would
reach the highest record of my life.
“Besides, Tojo-san's charm is not something that can be diminished just because
of body shape.”

“—Eh!?”

O-Otsuki-kun! Otsuki-kun is scary!! Eh? Did Otsuki-kun just say I was charming?

Why? What's wrong? Could it be that he got too excited from seeing cheap items
at the supermarket? Is that it? Is that what it means!?

As I froze hearing Otsuki-kun's words, he also looked surprised and awkwardly

averted his gaze.

“Ah, no, sorry. I went a little too far.”

“N-no. Not at all...”

An awkward silence flowed for a moment.

What should I do. I have to talk about something to change the atmosphere!

As I was thinking about that, Otsuki-kun started to speak hesitantly.

“Um, it seems we have bought enough ingredients for the bento, so how about we
look at the snacks to bring now?”

“Ah... Y-yes. That's right...”

Otsuki-kun sometimes suddenly says I'm cute or something like that. And it's
always so sudden...

He's a natural flirt, isn't he. If I'm not careful, my heart might not be able
to take it...

The time showed a little past six in the morning.

After finishing getting ready, Haruto sent a message to Ayaka.

(Good morning. I'll be leaving now)

(Good morning! Okay, I'll be waiting!)

A reply came quickly. Haruto smiled a little at that and then walked towards the
front door.

“Grandma, I'm leaving.”

As he called out towards the living room, his grandmother appeared with her
hands folded behind her back.

“Yes yes, be careful on your way. Have fun.”

“Yes, I'm off.”

Seen off by his grandmother, Haruto went out carrying a rather large backpack
filled with his things.

“It seems like it will be a good day for playing in the water.”

Even though it was only a little past six in the morning, the air outside
already felt a bit humid and hot.

When Haruto looked up at the sky, he saw the usual clear weather. Surely when
the sun reached its peak later, it would be so hot that one would want to pour
cold water on their head.

While thinking about that, Haruto walked towards the Tojo family's house. Then,
just before seven o'clock, Haruto arrived in front of the familiar luxurious
house and took out his phone.

(I've arrived in front of the house)

Although it wasn't too early, Haruto felt hesitant to ring the intercom bell
this early, so he sent a message to Ayaka.

Soon after, he received a rabbit sticker showing an OK! sign.

A moment later the door opened, and Ayaka herself appeared.

“Good morning, Otsuki-kun.”

Ayaka greeted with a shy smile.

Perhaps because she was going to make a bento, her hair that usually hung down
to the middle of her back was now tied in a ponytail.

“...Good morning.”

Haruto was a little stunned to see her different hairstyle, then replied after a
short pause.

Ayaka said “Come in” while opening the door wide, inviting Haruto into the
house. It seemed the other family members were not yet awake, because the house
felt quiet.

“Papa and Mama will probably wake up soon. As for Ryouta, he might be a while.”

Ayaka said while walking towards the kitchen.

Although for most ordinary employees this might be the time to get ready to go
to work, it seems that because the Tojo couple are entrepreneurs, they sometimes
go to work a bit late. On the contrary, she said there were also days when they
left while it was still dark.

“In that case, while making the bento, I'll also make breakfast for everyone.”

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“Eh? Don't don't! Otsuki-kun is not working part-time today, so you don't need
to go that far, you know?”
Ayaka shook both her hands in response to Haruto's proposal.
In response to that, Haruto said with a smiling face.
“Actually, I was thinking it might be difficult to make breakfast while making a
bento, so yesterday I already prepared a little.”
“Huh? Is that so? In that case... Can I ask for your help. Papa and Mama will
surely be very happy with a breakfast made by Otsuki-kun.”
“Alright. I'll make it quickly.”
After saying that, Haruto took out French bread that had been soaked in an egg
mixture since yesterday from the refrigerator, then started cooking it in a
frying pan.
“Wow! French toast!”
Ayaka smiled brightly, smelling the sweet aroma of eggs and sugar.
“Tojo-san hasn't had breakfast either, right?”
“Yes. What about Otsuki-kun? Have you eaten already? If not, want to have
breakfast together?”
“May I? In that case, I will gladly join for breakfast.”
“Yes!”
Haruto also smiled seeing Ayaka who nodded happily.
Next, he took out chicken ham that had been cooked and cooled yesterday from the
refrigerator, sliced it thinly, and then arranged it on a plate.
“Is there anything I can help with?”
“Ah, in that case, could you please cut the tomatoes and lettuce, then arrange
them next to the chicken ham?”
“Okay.”
Haruto took yogurt from the refrigerator as well as taking tomatoes and lettuce
to give to Ayaka.
The two of them stood side by side in the kitchen, Ayaka cutting vegetables and
arranging them, while Haruto added sugar to the yogurt and made a sauce for the
chicken ham.
“After you finish cutting the vegetables, could you please boil this in a pot?”
While saying that, Haruto gave three types of spices – cinnamon, cloves, and
cardamom – to Ayaka.
“Hm? What are you making?”
“I plan to make chai.”
“Hee~ I didn't know you could make chai at home.”
“Because we have the spices, and incidentally the Assam black tea is also
suitable.”
“Ah, because Mama often drinks milk tea, the black tea at our house is Assam,
not Darjeeling.”
“Oh, I see.”
While chatting like that, the two of them cooked side by side in the kitchen.
Then Shuuichi who had just woken up and came to the living room became excited
seeing Haruto in the kitchen.
“Oh! Good morning Otsuki-kun!”
“Good morning, Shuuichi-san. Breakfast will be ready in a moment, please wait a
little while.”
“What! You're making breakfast!? Even though today isn't your part-time work
day, I'm sorry.”
“It's alright, this is not a troublesome thing.”
“Just being able to say that is already amazing.”
Shuichi said with admiration as he sat at the dining table. Then he smiled at
his daughter who was standing beside Haruto.
“Good morning Ayaka.”
“Good morning Papa.”
“Hmm. When you made the cold oden the other day I also thought this, but you two
standing side by side in the kitchen really look like a newlywed couple.”
“Ah!! Papa always says such weird things!!”
Ayaka protested to her father who looked pleased. At that moment, Ikue also
entered the living room.
“Ara? It seems there's a nice smell?”
“Good morning Ikue-san. Breakfast is ready, please enjoy.”
While saying that, Haruto began to arrange the prepared food on the dining
table.
“Wow! You made breakfast? Thank you very much! Even though today isn't your
part-time work day, I'm sorry.”
Haruto smiled wryly because all the members of the Tojo family said the same
thing.
“Because later I will be using the kitchen to make the bento.”
“Ara ara, you don't need to worry about such things.”
While saying that, Ikue sat at the dining table and her face lit up seeing the
arranged food.
“Wow! A breakfast that looks delicious and beautiful. Right, honey?”
“Right. If I eat Otsuki-kun's cooking in the morning, it seems today's work
efficiency will increase.”
The breakfast menu Haruto made today was French toast and chicken ham with
yogurt sauce. Plus a fresh vegetable salad.
“For drinks, what would you all like? I tried making chai, but would you prefer
coffee?”
"Ara, in that case I'll have the chai as well. What about you? Coffee?"
"No, I'll also have chai."
The Tojo couple chose chai together.
Haruto asked Ayaka who was next to him.
"What would Ayaka-san like to drink?"
"I'd like chai too. The aroma has been nice for a while."
As she said, the kitchen smelled of freshly baked French toast, plus the aroma
of the spices from the warming chai, and the elegant scent of black tea.
"Alright."
Haruto added milk to the chai which had a good color, then poured it into
glasses while straining the spices and tea leaves with a tea strainer.
"Here you go, sorry for the wait."
"Hmm~ the aroma is nice."
"This is quite a luxury for the morning."
The Tojo couple showed satisfied expressions. Then Ayaka said.
"For breakfast, is it okay if Otsuki-kun also eats with us?"
"Of course!"
"Come on, let's eat together."
Shuuichi and Ikue gladly agreed for Haruto to join them for breakfast.
He said "Sorry for the intrusion," while preparing breakfast for Ayaka and
himself at the dining table.
After everyone was seated, Shuuichi clasped his hands together.
"Well then, itadakimasu."
Followed by the others who also clasped their hands and said "Itadakimasu".
"Hmm, this French toast is incredibly delicious. The outside is crispy, but the
inside is soft and the flavor has soaked in well."
"The chicken ham is also moist and very delicious. The sour and sweet taste of
the yogurt is also just right, hey Otsuki-kun, can you teach me the recipe next
time?"
"Yes, since it's simple, please try making it."
Shuuichi and Ikue praised the breakfast, making Haruto who made it smile
happily. Next to him, Ayaka took a sip of chai and breathed out "Hoo".
"Delicious..."
After muttering one word, she took another sip of chai.
"Well, like this, it feels like Otsuki-kun has already become a member of our
family."
Shuuichi said with a happy expression.
"That's true, isn't it."
After agreeing with Shuuichi's words, Ikue smiled at Haruto.
"How about becoming a real family while we're at it? Otsuki-kun?"
Hearing Ikue's words, Ayaka's face turned red and she refuted.
"Mama! Stop it! Why do I and Otsuki-kun suddenly have to get married!!"
"Ara? Even without marrying Ayaka, Otsuki-kun can become our family, you know?
For example, by becoming an adopted son."
"Adopted... son..."
Her daughter who froze while muttering softly was answered by her mother with a
smile.
"But if Ayaka can win Otsuki-kun's heart, we will welcome it very much. Right,
honey?"
"Absolutely. When that time comes, we will gladly welcome Otsuki-kun as our sonin-
law! Hahahahaha!"
Seeing the Tojo couple absorbed in their conversation, Haruto smiled wryly while
Ayaka's face turned red.
"Geez! Normally people wouldn't talk about such things in front of the person
himself, right!"
Their daughter's very loud protest was simply ignored by both her parents who
continued to eat breakfast happily.
After the lively breakfast was over, the Tojo couple left for work.
In the kitchen, now with just the two of them again, while washing the breakfast
dishes, Ayaka apologized to Haruto.
"I'm sorry. Papa and Mama always say such weird things."
"Ahaha, well, compared to being hated, I prefer a situation like this."
Haruto said while making tamagoyaki.
"That's true... But Papa and Mama really like Otsuki-kun."
"I'm very grateful for that. Truly."
Haruto replied while skillfully flipping the egg. Seeing him, Ayaka's face
flushed slightly and she said in a small voice.
"If we let the two of them continue like this, we might really end up getting
married, you know... Eh, just kidding!"
Ayaka said the last sentence in a very cheerful voice, as if to cover up her
previous words. In response, Haruto muttered as if talking to himself while
slightly directing his gaze upwards.
"If I invited grandma to the wedding ceremony, she would surely be very
happy..."
"Eh!? Gr-grandma?"
Hearing Haruto's words which could be taken positively, Ayaka unconsciously
became nervous.
Seeing Ayaka's reaction, Haruto came to his senses and smiled wryly. "Well,
marriage is still a long way off for us and hard to imagine."
"Y-yeah, right! We're still high school students!"
Ayaka replied while nodding repeatedly in response to Haruto's words.
However, she still seemed to be thinking about Haruto's previous words, her face
blushing. While occasionally stealing glances at Haruto beside her, she
continued to make side dishes for the bento.
After that, Haruto and Ayaka continued making the bento while chatting lightly.
When most of the side dishes were done, Ryouta came into the living room,
rubbing his eyes sleepily.
"Good morning Ryouta-kun."
"...Huh? Onii-chan...?"
Ryouta looked at Haruto standing in the kitchen with a confused gaze.
"Hey Ryouta, don't just stand there dazed, hurry up and have breakfast and get
ready to go."
Ryouta was still half-dreaming. However, hearing his sister's words, he
immediately came to his senses.
"The zoo!"
"Yes. That's why you should hurry up and get ready if you don't want to be
late."
"Yes!"
Ryouta nodded enthusiastically, then immediately sat at the dining table and
started eating the prepared breakfast.
"Sweet and delicious!"
Ryouta said while chewing on the French toast.
Haruto smiled seeing Ryouta enthusiastically finishing his breakfast. Next to
him, Ayaka informed him in a low voice.
"Yesterday Ryouta kept saying 'To the zoo with Onii-chan!' and couldn't sleep
all night."
"Ah, no wonder he woke up with such a sleepy face."
"It seems he was really looking forward to going to the Animal Forest Park with
Otsuki-kun."
"Fufu, I feel honored."
Without realizing he was being talked about, Ryouta continued to eat the
breakfast made by Haruto heartily.
After Ryouta finished eating, they put the prepared bento into a cooler bag, and
put a picnic mat and a change of clothes into a backpack.
"Ah, Tojo-san. I brought a rather large backpack, so Ryouta-kun's bento and
change of clothes can fit in here."
"Okay, I understand. In that case, I'll put the picnic mat in my backpack."
"Yes, please."
Haruto and Ayaka shared the task of preparing the things to be brought.
At the Animal Forest Park, there is a grassy area, an animal interaction area,
and also a water play area, so a change of clothes is essential.
"Alright! Everything's ready, right?"
"It seems nothing is left behind."
While the two of them were doing a final check of their belongings, Ryouta
looked impatient and restless.
"Onii-chan, Onee-chan! Let's go quickly!"
"Yes yes, I understand. Hmm, it seems the luggage is okay. In that case, let's
go."
Ayaka casually calmed her brother while finishing the luggage check and calling
out to Haruto.
"Alright. Ryouta-kun, let's go."
"Yes!!"
As soon as Haruto called Ryouta, he immediately ran to the front door like a
released arrow.
"Hey Ryouta, calm down a bit."
Ayaka chided with a wry smile, but it seemed Ryouta didn't hear her.
Ryouta quickly changed his shoes and immediately ran outside full of spirit.
"That Ryouta."
Following her energetic brother, Haruto and Ayaka also went outside.
Outside, compared to when Haruto arrived, the air temperature had risen another
level, and Haruto squinted his eyes because of the glaring sunlight from above
his head.
"Ryouta, here, wear your hat."
Ayaka called out to Ryouta who was running around full of energy, unaffected by
the humid and hot air.
Seeing the interaction between the Tojo siblings, Haruto smiled gently.
Haruto and the others left the Tojo family house and walked towards the nearest
station. The Animal Forest Park they were heading to was on the outskirts of the
city; after taking the train they would take a free shuttle bus.
Because it was summer vacation, the shuttle bus was full of families and
couples. After arriving at their destination, their group went straight to the
entrance ticket counter.
"Two adults and one child, please."
"Alright, two adults and one child comes to 2000 yen."
Behind the counter, an aunt served them friendly with a warm smile.
Haruto handed the money through the gap under the counter.
“Alright, exactly 2000 yen. Here are the tickets.”
“Thank you very much.”
Haruto gave the tickets he received to Ayaka and Ryouta. Then Ryouta bowed to
thank the aunt at the counter.
“Thank you very much!”
“Wow, what a polite child.”
The aunt who received the thanks said happily, then leaned forward a little from
the counter and smiled at Ryouta.
“Son, because it's crowded today, don't forget to hold hands with your father
and mother so you don't get separated, okay.”
“Ah!”
Hearing the aunt at the counter's words, Ayaka reacted with a shock and glanced
briefly at Haruto.
“Auntie is wrong! This Onii-chan and Onee-chan are not my father and mother!”
“Oh! I'm sorry, I misunderstood. That's right~ you two are still so young.”
The aunt at the counter bowed her head to Haruto and Ayaka with a regretful
expression.
“It's okay, really.”
In response to that, Haruto smiled wryly, while Ayaka looked down with her
cheeks slightly flushed.
Then, Ryouta approached the counter to explain the aunt's misunderstanding.
“You see, this Onee-chan is indeed my biological sister, but this Onii-chan is
not yet my biological brother. So, this Onii-chan is... umm...”
Here Ryouta had trouble explaining.
For Ryouta who was still in kindergarten, it was difficult to fully understand
that Haruto came to the house as a part-timer to help with housework, and the
relationship between Ayaka and Haruto.
So, he explained as far as he understood.
“This Onii-chan is Onee-chan's boyfriend! And if Onii-chan and Onee-chan get
married, Onii-chan will also become my biological brother!!”
“H-hey!! Don't say such weird things!!”
Ryouta tried hard to explain to the aunt at the counter.
Hearing her brother's explanation, Ayaka's face turned red and she hurriedly
stopped him.
“C-come on! We have to go quickly, or we'll disturb the people behind us!”
Ayaka lifted Ryouta from behind and hurried away from the counter. At that
moment, she heard the aunt say “Youth is nice, isn't it~” which made her face
blush even more.
After putting Ryouta down in a place a little far from the crowd, Ayaka
immediately reprimanded her brother.
“Listen Ryouta? Otsuki-kun is not my boyfriend! And don't talk about marriage or
things like that to other people! Understand?”
“Eh~ but don't people marry the person they like?”
“W-well, yes, but...”
“In that case, Onee-chan won't marry Onii-chan?”
“Wh-why did it turn into that?!”
“Because you like Onii-chan, ri—”
“Listen Ryouta! Marriage is not that simple!”
Ryouta was about to say something with an innocent look, but Ayaka cut him off
with a shy and slightly high-pitched tone.
Ryouta didn't seem to fully understand his sister's words, and he turned to
Haruto next to him.
“Onii-chan doesn't want to marry Onee-chan?”
After thinking for a moment hearing Ryouta's question, Haruto slowly answered.
“...Well. If I could get married... Maybe I would want to?”
“Eh?!”
Hearing the unexpected answer, Ayaka unconsciously made a sound.
Haruto crouched down to match his eye level with Ryouta, then smiled and began
to speak.
“But Ryouta-kun, marriage is not as easy as you think, you know?”
“Is that so?”
“Yes. Getting married means becoming a family.”
“I want to be Onii-chan's family!”
Hearing Ryouta's quick reply, Haruto smiled happily and patted Ryouta's head.
“Thank you Ryouta-kun, I'm very happy.”
“Hey hey, Onii-chan likes Onee-chan, right?”
“Eh, ah... yes, I like her.”
In front of Ryouta, Haruto had no other choice and answered with a slight
stutter. Hearing that, Ayaka averted her gaze from Haruto and looked down.
“Then you two will get married, right?”
“Marriage isn't enough with just liking someone, you know.”
“Why?”
Haruto gently explained to Ryouta who was tilting his head in confusion.
“Ryouta-kun and Onee-chan are family, right?”
“Yes.”
“You like Onee-chan?”
“Yes, I like her.”
“But sometimes you fight too, right?”
“...Sometimes, yes.”
“At that time, how does Ryouta-kun feel about Onee-chan?”
Hearing Haruto's question, Ryouta thought for a moment “Hmm...”
“A little... I start to dislike her...”
Ryouta answered hesitantly while glancing at his sister, and Haruto smiled
gently at him.
“It's like that when you fight. But you don't continuously dislike her, right?”
“Yes.”
“Well, that's what's called a family.”
“...?”
Ryouta tilted his head again.
Haruto patted Ryouta's head while saying.
“People who stay together even though sometimes they don't like each other.
People who are always by our side no matter what. That's family. And that can't
be achieved just with ‘like’ alone.”
“Just liking is not enough?”
“That's right, not just like... But it has to be love.”
Haruto said clearly though a little embarrassed, and Ryouta looked at him with
an innocent gaze.
“So, Onii-chan doesn't love Onee-chan?”
“It takes time for a person to love another person. I still need a lot of time
to be able to love your Onee-chan. Conversely, if your Onee-chan were to love
me, the time is also not enough yet.”
“Hmm, I see.”
Ryouta finally seemed to understand Haruto's explanation, and he smiled widely
while looking at his sister.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhMyVOqSl7twzu9-
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"Onee-chan! I hope you can love each other with Onii-chan soon!!"
The little brother who spoke innocently made the older sister blush to her ears,
answering in a voice that was almost inaudible.
"Y-yes..."
Although Ayaka nodded awkwardly at Ryouta's pure and innocent words, her body
trembled slightly from embarrassment.
※

Haruto didn't expect to talk about love as soon as he arrived at the Animal
Forest Park.
He remembered his own words from before and felt embarrassed inside. In his
mind, the words "Love is necessary for marriage" which sounded pretentious kept
replaying.
Haruto tried to look calm on the outside, but inside he was squirming with
extreme embarrassment.
Even though it was to convince Ryouta, for a high school student in the middle
of puberty, talking about love had a considerable mental impact. Plus, it was
heard by his female classmate as a bonus.
Haruto wondered what Ayaka thought about his words just now.
He glanced at the girl walking right beside him.
At a glance, she didn't seem uncomfortable. On the contrary, since earlier she
had been smiling and seemed to be enjoying herself.
Although he didn't know what was in her heart, at least on the surface Ayaka
seemed not to be thinking about anything in particular.
Haruto felt relieved about that.
Then, Ayaka, who had a slightly mischievous expression, said to Haruto with a
smile,
"Otsuki-kun, you want... to marry me, don't you."
"Ah, no, that... That was to convince Ryouta-kun..."
Even though he knew Ayaka was just joking, Haruto still stuttered.
Seeing his reaction, Ayaka laughed happily.
"Fufu, yeah. I know."
She said, then smiled mischievously again.
Although her cheeks were slightly flushed with embarrassment, she laughed
cheerfully. Haruto sincerely thought she was cute.
Today too, Ayaka still appeared as a beautiful girl, attracting the attention of
people passing by.
Different from her feminine clothes during the previous movie date, this time
she wore jeans and a t-shirt that prioritized comfort for movement. That outfit
also suited her very well, to the point that Haruto thought there was probably
no fashion style that didn't suit her.
Haruto smiled wryly while slightly averting his gaze from Ayaka who was sweeter
than the summer sun.
"Well, I'm no match for Tojo-san."
Naruto said a little jokingly to divert his embarrassment from having talked
about love.
However, Ayaka's reaction was stronger than he expected.
"That's not true! Otsuki-kun can clean and cook well! Besides, you are kind and
considerate, you are attractive enough that I think I want to make you my
husband!!"
"...Um... Thank you."
Haruto thanked awkwardly to Ayaka who suddenly spoke with enthusiasm.
Then, with a face red as a beet and an averted gaze, Ayaka said, stuttering.
"Umm... What I said about wanting to make you my husband, it doesn't mean I... I
mean, it's a general view or an objective analysis from a woman's point of view
about Otsuki-kun..."
Ayaka's voice grew smaller and smaller.
Haruto smiled gently at her.
"Thank you. Hearing Tojo-san say that gives me confidence."
"Yeah... uu..."
Hearing Haruto's words, Ayaka's face turned even redder and she looked down.
Seeing his sister's state, Ryouta, who was worried, peeked at her face from
below.
"Onee-chan, are you okay? Your face is red, you know? Here, a water bottle."
Ryouta offered the water bottle with both hands.
"A-ah, thank you..."
Ayaka accepted the water bottle from her brother and drank it quickly.
"It's really hot today. Let's buy more drinks later."
Haruto said while watching the sweet interaction between the Tojo siblings.
Hearing his suggestion, Ayaka replied shyly, "Y-yes..."
While conversing like that, Haruto and the others headed to the animal
interaction area first.
"Onii-chan look! There are rabbits!"
Ryouta's eyes sparkled seeing the rabbits hopping inside the wire fence. Next to
him, Ayaka's eyes also sparkled as she held rabbit food. "Ah! He's getting
closer! Wow! This white one is so cute!"
"It's so soft and calming."
Ayaka smiled gently while stroking the back of the white rabbit that was eating
food from her hand.
A beautiful girl and a small animal. Seeing that strongest combination, Haruto
nodded greatly and replied.
"Onii-chan! Look at this! Its nose keeps twitching!"
Shifting his gaze, there was Ryouta surrounded by several rabbits asking for
food.
An innocent child and a small animal. That sight also made the heart feel warm
and precious.
"Here Ryouta-kun. They want food, give them this."
Haruto gave the food he was holding to Ryouta.
"Look look Otsuki-kun! This one is following me! So cute~! I want to take it
home!"
The white rabbit that Ayaka was stroking earlier followed behind her, hopping.
Seeing that, she melted and squatted down again to feed it while stroking the
white rabbit's back.
That white rabbit is the type that is good at socializing.
Even while thinking so, Haruto truly felt at ease seeing the Tojo siblings
playing with the rabbits.
In the animal interaction area, besides rabbits, there were also ponies, mini
pigs, chickens, guinea pigs, and goats that could be touched.
In the guinea pig area, Ayaka cuddled a white and brown furry guinea pig until
she melted, while in the chicken area, Ryouta was chased by a rooster until he
was almost in tears.
After being satisfied interacting with the animals, Haruto felt very satisfied.
"We've seen quite a lot."
Ayaka said while feeding a carrot to a pony behind a fence.
"Yeah. Ryouta-kun, did you have fun?"
"Yes, it was fun."
Although he answered Haruto like that, Ryouta kept glancing warily at a rooster
that was pacing nearby.
When the rooster crowed "Cock-a-doodle-doo!!", Ryouta immediately hid behind
Haruto.
"Next, let's go to the grassy area to play."
"Yes, okay." Haruto said while stroking the head of Ryouta who was holding the
edge of his pants.
Ayaka nodded in agreement, then took a brochure from her backpack after she
finished feeding the pony.
"Hmm, this is the interaction area, so the grassy area is..."
She checked the direction while looking at the map.
Suddenly, a goat approached her bleating "Mbeee~", mistaking the brochure for
food.
"Oh dear, this isn't food."
Ayaka hurriedly turned around to face the goat.
"After playing in the grassy area, let's eat our bento there."
"Yes. They say at the grassy area there are also rentals for balls and other
things."
"There are also rentals for badminton rackets and shuttlecocks. Lots of
choices."
Haruto also peeked at the brochure that Ayaka had opened.
"Right. Next, Ryouta wants to go to the grassy area too?"
"Yes! Let's go quickly!"
It seemed Ryouta's attention had already shifted to playing in the grassy area,
he slowly pulled Haruto's and Ayaka's hands.
"Yes yes, I understand."
Ayaka smiled wryly as she folded the brochure she had just opened.
Then the sound "Mbee~" was heard again from behind Ayaka. Haruto turned his gaze
towards the sound and saw a goat eating the hem of Ayaka's t-shirt with gusto.
"Ah! Tojo-san! Your shirt is being eaten!"
"Eh? Ah!"
Hearing Haruto's words, Ayaka also looked back and realized her shirt was being
eaten by a goat.
"Wh-what should I do."
Ayaka pulled her shirt gently, but the goat had no intention of letting go and
continued to chew on the hem of Ayaka's t-shirt.
Ryouta approached the goat to help his sister.
"Hey! Onee-chan's shirt is not food!"
While saying so, Ryouta pulled hard on the shirt in the goat's mouth.
The goat that felt annoyed by Ryouta turned its face sharply while still biting
Ayaka's T-shirt.
“Kyaa!”
She was pulled hard until her clothes were tugged, making her lose her balance
and her body fall towards Haruto.
“Whoa (oops)... Are you okay?”
Haruto quickly extended his hand to Ayaka who had almost fallen.
“U-um... I'm fine...”
Ayaka was startled, her eyes wide open, and she looked at Haruto with concern,
then returned his gaze.
The two were trapped in a similar situation as before when they were at close
range because of a unicycle. They were startled by the sudden event and remained
silent in a state of being close to each other for a while. Meanwhile, the goat,
which seemed to be satisfied, made a "Mbee~" sound and left.
“Onee-chan, your shirt is soaking wet.”
“...Eh? Ah, y-yes... That's right.”
Hearing Ryouta, Ayaka came to her senses and hurriedly moved away from Haruto
whom she had been hugging.
“It seems you have to change your clothes.”
Haruto said so with a bit of awkwardness while glancing at the hem of Ayaka's
shirt.
The part bitten by the goat was filled with saliva and became crumpled and
wrinkled.
“If I'm not mistaken, there's a changing room near the grassy area, so shall we
change clothes there as well?”
“Um, it seems we have to.”
Because they were planning to play in the water, Ayaka had brought a change of
clothes.
After looking at the hem of her clothes that had been eaten by the goat, Ayaka
looked at Haruto with a slight upward glance.
“Ah... Thank you. Um... for catching me...”
“Eh, yes, no problem... I'm glad you weren't hurt.”
“…Um.”
Ryouta walked with spirit towards the grassy area. Behind him, Haruto and Ayaka
walked while enveloped in a sense of embarrassment and awkwardness, stealing
glances at each other, but still looking away, towards the grassy area.
KAJI DAIKŌ NO ARUBAITO O HAJIMETARA V2 CHAPTER 3
Chapter 3
Fascinated By Her

Haruto and the others arrived at the grass area and immediately played with the
ball that they borrowed.
"The weather is nice, spacious and fun, isn't it," said Ayaka who had changed
her clothes while looking at the expanse of grass in front of her.
In the grass area, many families and groups of people were playing with balls or
relaxing on picnic mats and small tents. However, because the area was very
spacious, it did not feel crowded and people could enjoy the feeling of openness
under the clear sky.
Haruto, Ayaka, and Ryouta played a mini game with the soccer ball they borrowed.
"Come on Ryouta-kun, over here!"
"Uh! Hiyah! Ah!"
The game was simple: one person controlled the ball, the other two tried to take
it.
Currently, Haruto was in control of the ball, and Ryouta was trying hard to take
it. However, the movement of the ball skillfully controlled at Haruto's feet was
difficult to snatch.
"Onee-chan, over there! Stop Onii-chan!"
Ryouta worked together with Ayaka to surround and stop Haruto's movements.
"Hup!"
But Haruto managed to turn and escape from their encirclement.
"Otsuki-kun, you're too good," said Ayaka, laughing as she watched Haruto's
actions.
"Are you in the soccer club, Otsuki-kun?"
"Not at all. It's just because I've often played like this with my friends since
I was little, so I'm just a bit used to it."
"I feel like it's more than just 'a bit'."
Ayaka smiled amusedly seeing Ryouta overwhelmed by Haruto's ball-handling
skills.
Since it seemed impossible to take the ball, Ayaka smiled as if she got an idea.
"That means you're experienced, Otsuki-kun, so it's only fair that we get a
handicap, right?"
"That's true. What kind of handicap—Eh!?"
"Hiyah!"
With that cute shout, Ayaka hugged Haruto's arm.
Haruto was surprised because he didn't expect Ayaka to blatantly use her hands
in a soccer game. His body tensed up feeling the tempting softness from the arm
hugging him.
"Now's your chance, Ryouta!"
"Yes! Hiyah... I did it!!"
Ryouta successfully snatched the ball from the silenced Haruto and cheered
joyfully.
"Ufufu, we won, didn't we."
"But, that just now was a bit..."
"Is it not allowed? Was that a foul?"
Ayaka moved slightly away from Haruto's arm, tilted her head and looked with
pleading eyes. For Haruto, that gesture was a foul equivalent to a red card.
"N-no... It's not that it's not allowed..."
Haruto glanced briefly at the arm she was hugging, then averted his gaze while
muttering. Seeing his reaction, Ayaka also blushed but smiled happily "Fufufu".
"Onii-chan! Let's switch positions!"
"Y-yes, that's right. Alright! I'll get the ball back right away!"
Haruto raised his voice to cover his embarrassment, responding to Ryouta's
cheerful voice.
After that, the game became more balanced because Haruto's movements were
severely restricted by Ayaka's hug.
After that, they also played with things other than a soccer ball. When the sun
was at its peak, Ayaka said while squinting from the strong light.
"Is it time for lunch?"
"You're right. How about we lay out a picnic mat under that tree?"
Haruto pointed to a suitable shady spot near them.
"Ryouta is also hungry, right?"
"Yes! I want to eat the lunch box!"
"I made your favorite karaage and tamagoyaki, Ryouta-kun."
"Hooray!"
Hearing Haruto's words, Ryouta cheered happily and ran with all his might to the
shady spot.
"The energy of a child is truly frightening, isn't it."
"No, I think you're also amazing, Otsuki-kun, to be able to keep up with Ryouta
but still seem fine?"
Ayaka, who had only been watching until then, said in admiration while looking
at Haruto.
"Ah no, I'm also almost out of energy."
"Really? You look very relaxed though? Your breathing isn't ragged at all."
Ayaka looked at Haruto's face with a suspicious gaze.
"Of course, I can't match the stamina of a kindergartener."
Haruto slightly averted his gaze from the approaching Ayaka.
"We're still continuing this afternoon, will you be okay?"
"I'll recover if I eat the lunch box."
"You recover so fast."
After that conversation, they smiled a little at each other.
"Onii-chan! Onee-chan! Hurry up!"
Ryouta, who was already in the shady spot, called out to them both while jumping
up and down.
"Yes, yes, we're coming."
After answering her brother, Ayaka looked at Haruto and smiled.
"Let's go, Otsuki-kun."
"Okay."
Haruto and Ayaka walked side by side towards Ryouta.
※
After finishing their lunch box, the three of them relaxed on the picnic mat.
The sunlight was very strong, feeling like it was burning the skin. But under
the shade of the tree, the heat was slightly reduced. The wind that occasionally
blew moved the grass, making them feel the summer and their hearts become
spacious.
"How about we go to the water play area this afternoon?" Haruto suggested while
putting the lunch box into his backpack.
"Yeah. The temperature has also risen quite a bit."
The heat radiating from the sun had reached its peak, it felt impossible to keep
moving outside the shade like before.
"Ah, but I don't have a change of clothes..."
Ayaka suddenly remembered.
"Oh yeah, your clothes were eaten by a goat, weren't they."
Ayaka's shirt, the end of which was eaten by a goat, became wet with saliva, so
now she had already changed into the clothes she brought for playing in the
water.
"I have a change of bottoms, so maybe I'll just get my feet wet."
"Right. You have to be careful not to slip."
"Yes."
After that conversation, they immediately headed to the water play area.
"Wow... it's so crowded..."
"Well, since the weather is this hot, everyone has the same idea."
Ayaka was surprised to see the number of people in the water play area. Haruto
responded with a wry smile.
The water play area consisted of small and large pools scattered here and there
with a depth of about an adult's calf, and in some places there were fountains.
In those pools, especially children of Ryouta's age were playing happily, but
there were also parents accompanying them and couples playing under the
fountain.
"Onii-chan, it looks empty over there?"
Ryouta pulled Haruto's sleeve, pointing to a relatively quiet place.
"You're right. In that case, let's go play there."
"Yeah!"
Along with a nod, Ryouta ran towards the pool and immediately went into the
water.
Ryouta, who was making a huge splash, turned towards Haruto and Ayaka with a
wide smile.
"Onii-chan! Onee-chan! It feels so good!!"
Seeing Ryouta, whose hair was dripping with water and playing cheerfully, Haruto
and Ayaka smiled and also entered the pool.
"It's cold and refreshing, isn't it."
"Soaking in water in the middle of summer is truly the best."
In the midst of the scorching heat, the refreshing cold of the water made
Haruto's and Ayaka's faces light up.
Ryouta approached and splashed the water he cupped in his hands towards Haruto.
"Onii-chan! Here!"
"Whoa, you, Ryouta-kun. Take this in return!"
"Uwah! Ahahahaha!"
Ryouta, who was splashed back by Haruto, looked very happy and splashed water
back in return.
Haruto and Ryouta were playing with water together. Ayaka sat on the edge of the
pool, only dipping her feet into the water while watching them both with joy.
"Ryouta, be careful not to disturb other people, okay."
"Yes! I understand!"
In that pool, besides Ryouta and the others, many other children were also busy
playing.
"It looks so refreshing," said Ayaka while propping up her chin, slightly
regretting not bringing a change of clothes, watching Haruto and Ryouta play
happily. Suddenly, Ryouta waved his hand vigorously, calling his sister.
"Onee-chan! The water here is very cold and nice!"
"Really?"
Ayaka tilted her head, and Haruto nodded in response.
"The water is very cold and fresh, want to try just dipping your feet?"
"Oh, I see. Alright, I'll try it."
Ayaka rolled up the ends of her pants a little higher, then approached Haruto
and the others.
"Wow, it's true! Cold and refreshing!"
"It seems there's a water inlet here."
As Ayaka and the others were fixated on the cold and refreshing water, a boy who
was running nearby accidentally bumped into Ayaka.
"Kyaa!?"
Along with a "Thud!" sound, the boy who bumped into her fell down sitting and
Ayaka lost her balance.
"Danger!"
Haruto reflexively stretched out his hand, trying to support Ayaka.
However, being in a watery place, Haruto couldn't keep his footing and also lost
his balance while still holding Ayaka's hand.
Realizing he couldn't avoid falling, Haruto pulled Ayaka's hand strongly,
hugging her body. Then he reversed their position so that he would be the one
underneath when they fell into the pool.
Both of them fell with a big splash of water.
Although the water wasn't very deep, if one lay down, their face would be
submerged.
Haruto, who fell with Ayaka on top of him, immediately lifted his neck, bringing
his face out of the water.
"Otsuki-kun! Are you okay!?"
"Yeah, I'm fine-..."
As soon as Haruto lifted his face, right in front of his eyes and nose was
Ayaka's face, with her eyes wide in shock and worry.
Haruto was lost for words for a moment seeing Ayaka who was on top of him,
pressing him down and looking worried. For some reason.
The reason was not very clear. However, at that moment Haruto was more
fascinated by the girl named Tojo Ayaka than ever before.
Was it because of her worried expression?
Or because her wet hair, glistening in the sunlight, looked fantastic?
Or was it because the softness and weight of her body in his arms felt tempting?
Or maybe because all those things mixed into one?
Haruto was lost for words, just staring blankly at Ayaka.
"...Otsuki-kun?"
Haruto, who suddenly fell silent and kept staring at Ayaka after falling. Seeing
his condition, Ayaka wore a worried expression, thinking maybe he was hurt
somewhere.
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“......”

Haruto did not respond to her call.

Instead, the arm hugging Ayaka tightened slightly.

“!? O-Otsuki-kun?”

Ayaka was surprised at being hugged tighter.

Haruto could feel Ayaka's body tense up and press down.

However, a few seconds later.

Ayaka's body suddenly went limp, and her weight increased on top of Haruto. As
if struck by a spell, Haruto couldn't take his eyes off Ayaka's wet eyes.
Their gazes met, slowly getting closer.

Without knowing who started it, both of their eyelids slowly began to droop, at
that moment...

“I’m sorry!!”

It seemed to be the mother of the child who bumped into Ayaka.

A middle-aged woman hurriedly approached, bowing deeply to apologize to the two

who had fallen on top of each other.

“--!”

“!?”

Instantly, Haruto and Ayaka flinched away, hurriedly standing up.

“Come on! You have to apologize properly too!”

“I-I’m sorry...”

Forced by his mother, the boy bowed his head dejectedly, apologizing to Haruto
and Ayaka.

“Ah, i-it’s okay... We’re not hurt.”

“Are you okay?”

Ayaka smiled kindly, Haruto asked gently to the boy who had bumped into Ayaka
and fallen down.

“U-um. I’m okay...”

“I see, next time be careful to look around when you play, okay.”

“Yes, I’m sorry.”

“Once again, I sincerely apologize.”

The mother and son bowed repeatedly in apology before leaving Haruto and Ayaka.

After they had gone far away, Haruto opened his mouth hesitantly to Ayaka.

“Umm... That just now, well... I'm sorry.”

“I-it’s fine. If you hadn’t pulled me, Otsuki-kun, I might have fallen and hit
my head... Are you okay yourself, Otsuki-kun?”

“Me, yes. I’m fine.”

“I see, thank goodness...”

The two of them glanced at each other for a moment then averted their gaze in an
awkward atmosphere. Haruto's chest was still pounding hard, as if still affected
by the incident just now.

Ryouta ran over and looked at the two of them.

“Onee-chan, Onii-chan, are you okay?”

“Yes, we’re fine.”

“I’m fine Ryouta-kun, thank you.”

Hearing their answers, Ryouta looked relieved then said, looking at his sister's
clothes.

“Onee-chan, your clothes are all wet.”

“Ah, yes...”

Ayaka looked at her own clothes, thought for a moment, then smiled in
resignation.

“Since it’s already wet, I might as well just play in the water to my heart's
content.”

“Hooray! Let’s play together Onee-chan!”

Ryouta immediately became excited hearing his sister's words. Ayaka also looked
very happy, and started splashing water with Ryouta.
“Onii-chan, you play with us too!”

“Yes, alright.”

Haruto smiled at Ryouta's innocent face and approached.

While feeling a palpitation he had never felt before, seeing Ayaka's smile
glittering under the summer sun, with the same innocent expression.

Haruto and the others played while being soaking wet from head to toe.

Ayaka, who was holding back before because she didn't have a change of clothes,
was now resigned to being soaking wet.

While glancing at Ayaka who was engrossed in playing with her little brother,
Haruto reflected on his actions just now.

When he reflexively hugged Ayaka who was about to fall, there was absolutely no
ill thought.

He was only thinking about helping Ayaka. That's all.

But after falling, Haruto unconsciously hugged Ayaka who was on top of him
tightly.

If he wasn't careful, or even without needing to be careful, his action just now
could be considered sexual harassment. If Ayaka had screamed and slapped his
cheek at that time, he couldn't have protested.
Did the summer heat make me weird?

Haruto asked himself.

The scene was still clearly and strongly imprinted in his mind. At that time,
Ayaka didn't look angry.

It felt like there was an accepting atmosphere, like she was letting go of her
body's strength. Thinking about that, his heartbeat became faster and he
couldn't stop it.

Ayaka's figure, which could be called fantastic, stirred Haruto's chest.

Shiny hair that shone under the sunlight, adorned with water droplets like
pearls. A blushing cheek, a sigh that escaped from lips that looked soft and
full. Watery eyes, as if swaying between hope and anxiety, attracting his gaze
like magic and he couldn't let go.

The sight of those eyes slowly approaching.

If only at that time there was no one around them.

If only it was just the two of them.

Maybe...

Suddenly, water splashed on Haruto's face, who was starting to think about what
would happen next.
"Wapuh!"
"Fufufu, Otsuki-kun, you let your guard down!"
Haruto shook his head and blinked. In front of him was the figure of Ayaka
smiling happily.
After catching Ayaka in his sight, Haruto suddenly averted his gaze.
Haruto himself couldn't explain it well.
However, Ayaka at this moment looked very attractive to Haruto, more than ever
before.
Haruto was indeed aware that Tojo Ayaka was a very cute girl. In his opinion,
Ayaka's appearance was very beautiful, and he understood why the gazes of the
boys at school and men on the street were fixed on her.
However, that was just the notion that "Tojo Ayaka is a cute girl", or maybe it
felt like looking at a painting with high artistic value.
And Haruto was also a man.
He liked to see cute girls, and felt happy to be able to talk or interact with
them.
Yes, so far it was only limited to a "feeling of happiness".
No, maybe it was more accurate to say that for Tojo Ayaka, he "tried to limit
himself to just that".
A part-time housekeeping service job during the summer vacation. To provide good
service to the Tojo family who signed a permanent contract. In order not to
bring inappropriate feelings, Haruto had turned his eyes away from the center of
his own heart, trying not to have special feelings for Ayaka.
However, now Haruto felt that it was very difficult. He felt there was a feeling
he couldn't control, a feeling of happiness that he had been trying to stop, and
another feeling that he himself didn't quite understand, swirling inside his
chest.
"Yosh! I caught Ryouta!"
"Ahahaha! Onii-chan, help me!"
Ayaka and Ryouta were joking around.
Haruto also joined in, pretending to be "as usual" while hiding the feelings in
his heart.
"Here! Take this!"
Haruto spread both his arms wide and splashed water with all his might towards
Ayaka and Ryouta.
"Ahaha! You did it, Otsuki-kun!"
"Even though I asked for help! Onii-chan is mean!"
The two who were splashed with water by Haruto protested while laughing happily.
"Ryouta, let's work together to defeat Otsuki-kun!"
"Yeah! I'll take care of Onii-chan!"
The Tojo siblings, who were fired up to defeat Haruto, slowly approached.
"It's not that easy to catch me."
Haruto smiled mischievously then ran to avoid the two of them.
"Ah! Wait! Don't run, Onii-chan!"
"Let's chase him, Ryouta!"
Haruto occasionally looked back while running to avoid the two who were chasing
him frantically.
After running quite a distance, Haruto slowed down his pace and deliberately let
himself be caught.
"I caught Onii-chan!"
"I'm caught. Ryouta-kun, you're fast."
Haruto gently patted the head of Ryouta who was hugging his waist.
Then Ayaka also joined in, not just Ryouta.
"I also caught Otsuki-kun!"
"Eh!? Wai-!?"
Unlike Ryouta, Ayaka hugged Haruto's arm tightly from a different direction.
Haruto shouted in surprise at her action.
The feelings swirling in Haruto's chest began to surface as he saw Ayaka hugging
his arm and smiling without a care.
Sweet.
Haruto really thought so about Ayaka.
That feeling was not just about her appearance. Her figure playing cheerfully
with her little brother. Her dazzling smile like now. Her attitude of trying to
get closer to him even with blushing cheeks. All of it made Haruto's heart
churn.
"Next, Otsuki-kun is the 'oni' (devil), okay?"
"Hooray! Let's run!"
Hearing his sister's words, Ryouta released his hug from Haruto and ran away
cheerfully.
Without having time to wonder since when it turned into a game of tag, Ayaka
whispered in Haruto's ear.
"Catch me?"
Hearing those words, Haruto was surprised and turned towards Ayaka, but the girl
immediately released Haruto's arm and ran away.
A moment before running away, their gazes met and Ayaka gave a mischievous
glance, making Haruto's chest pound.
Haruto wanted to immediately run with all his might and catch Ayaka. However, he
couldn't just follow that desire, and ended up chasing Ryouta who was running
with all his might.
Haruto tried hard to chase Ryouta, as if wanting to avoid Ayaka's gaze which
looked a little disappointed.
Even after that, Haruto continued to play in the water with all his might, as if
wanting to divert his attention from the turmoil in his heart.
Finally, after playing in the water for longer than they thought, the three of
them got out of the pool as the sun began to set.
"That was so much fun!"
Ryouta shouted with his body soaking wet.
"Come on, dry your head with a towel."
Ayaka took a bath towel from her backpack and put it on Ryota's head, then
Haruto rubbed the boy's head.
"Tojo-san, please use this if you want."
While drying Ryota's head, Haruto offered his own spare shirt to Ayaka.
"Eh? But this is your spare shirt, Otsuki-kun..."
Ayaka showed a slightly hesitant reaction.
"It's not good for a woman to let her body get cold."
"But... my shirt was indeed eaten by a goat, but I still have a spare camisole,
so I thought it would be fine..."
"But if the shirt is wet, the newly changed camisole will also get wet, you
know?"
"Hmm..."
Seeing Ayaka still not nodding, Haruto showed a slightly sad expression.
"Do you feel disgusted wearing my shirt? If so... It can't be helped..."
"Ah, n-no! That's not what I meant!"
Seeing Haruto who clearly looked disappointed, Ayaka hurriedly explained.
"I mean, if I wear Otsuki-kun's shirt, then Otsuki-kun will have to wear a wet
shirt, right? I feel bad."
"It's fine. With this weather, if you wring it out strongly with your hands and
then wear it, it will surely dry quickly."
"Really? Is it okay?"
Ayaka looked with a pleading gaze, and Haruto nodded big.
"It's fine. On the contrary, I would be more worried and not at ease if Tojo-san
continued to wear a wet shirt."
For Haruto, wearing a dry shirt himself while letting a woman wear a cold, wet
shirt was very much against his standard of decency.
"For my sake too, please use this."
"...Alright, thank you, Otsuki-kun."
Ayaka accepted the spare shirt from Haruto.
"In that case, Ryouta-kun, let's go to the changing room together to change
clothes."
"Yes."
Haruto held hands with Ryouta and headed to the changing room in the water play
area. Ayaka also followed towards the women's changing room.
After helping Ryota change clothes in the changing room, Haruto wrung out his
own shirt with his hands to get out as much water as possible, then put it back
on.
Feeling the sensation of the wet shirt sticking to his skin, Haruto
unconsciously winced, but immediately returned his expression to normal,
remembering Ayaka.
Haruto and Ryouta, who had finished changing, waited for Ayaka to finish
changing in front of the entrance to the women's changing room, holding hands.
Ryouta seemed tired after playing since morning, his eyelids looked heavy and
sometimes his head drooped.
Just as Haruto was thinking that maybe it would be better to carry Ryouta, Ayaka
came out of the changing room door.
"Sorry, did I make you wait?"
"...Ah, no. Not at all."
Haruto was a little late in responding.
He was stunned for a moment seeing Ayaka's figure wearing his shirt.
The shirt was oversized and loose on Ayaka. The neck part was very loose, and
the length reached a little above her knees.
"Otsuki-kun, since the size is a bit big, may I tie the bottom part?"
"Eh? Ah, yes, please do."
After getting Haruto's approval, Ayaka tied the excess bottom of the shirt
around her waist.
“How is it, does it suit me?”
Ayaka smiled a little shyly as she asked, making Haruto think for a moment
before answering.
“I think... It doesn’t look strange.”
“Thank goodness.”
Even though he was the one who lent the shirt, Haruto couldn't praise Ayaka
directly by saying that the shirt suited her. He couldn't get those words of
praise out of his mouth.
Nevertheless, Ayaka still smiled shyly with a face that looked happy.
“Well then, let’s go home.”
“...Yes, let's go home.”
Haruto felt his heart beat faster and had a little trouble answering.
On the way home from the Animal Forest Park, Haruto repeatedly stole glances at
Ayaka who was next to him.
Seeing Ayaka now wearing a “boyfriend shirt” as it is often called, for some
reason aroused a possessive feeling in Haruto.
Ayaka was wearing a shirt that Haruto usually wore. This made Haruto feel as if
Ayaka had truly become his girlfriend, so he became very aware of Ayaka's
presence.
On top of that, Ayaka tied the end of the shirt around her waist, making her
stomach visible.
He knew he shouldn't look, but his gaze kept being drawn there. Haruto struggled
hard with that forbidden feeling throughout the journey home.
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At that time, Ryouta seemed to have reached his limit of sleepiness. On the way
from the station to the Tojo family's house, Haruto placed a bath towel on his
back and carried Ryouta. This helped Haruto divert his mind from temptation to
some extent.
When they arrived at the Tojo family's house, the sky had completely turned into
a bright twilight.
"Ryouta-kun, we've arrived at home," Haruto said gently, while shaking Ryouta
who was on his back to wake him up.
"Mmm... mmm, huh? Where is this?" Ryouta, who was still half-asleep, mumbled
with his eyes half-open. Ayaka answered him.
"We're home. Come on, get off Otsuki-kun's back."
"…Yes."
Ryouta nodded weakly, then hurriedly got off Haruto's back.
"Ryouta, Otsuki-kun is going home, say thank you and goodbye."
"...Yes, Onii-chan... thank you... goodbye..."
With his eyes still half-closed, Ryouta mumbled softly, making Ayaka smile
wryly.
"Otsuki-kun, thank you for carrying Ryouta."
"No problem."
"And also, about this shirt, I'll wash it and return it later."
Ayaka spoke while pinching a little of the collar of the shirt she was wearing.
"Today was very fun. Thank you very much."
"I had fun too."
They smiled at each other. After that, they were silent for a moment, looking at
each other for a moment.
"…Umm, well then, see you at the next part-time job."
"…Yes, see you."
With a little awkwardness, they said their goodbyes to each other.
It felt comfortable, but there was also a sense of embarrassment. I want to
leave soon, but I also want to stay there.
In that complex atmosphere, Haruto finally spoke.
"Well then, I'll be going now."
"…Yes."
With a small wave of his hand, Haruto turned his back and left Ayaka.
As he turned, he felt for a moment that Ayaka showed a sad expression, but he
couldn't turn back to confirm, and finally he continued on his way home.
The distance from Tojo's house to Otsuki's house takes about thirty minutes on
foot, but without realizing it, Haruto had already arrived in front of his house
door.
Throughout the journey, his mind was constantly filled with today's events with
Ayaka, so he felt as if he had teleported in an instant.
Haruto slowly opened the front door and entered the house. "I'm home."
He called out to his grandmother in the dark house with no lights on.
When he was about to sit down in front of the door to take off his shoes, Haruto
felt that something was strange and suddenly stopped.
This is strange, something is not right.
The sun had almost completely set, and the house was very dark. However, not a
single light was on in the house.
Even though, today his grandmother had no plans to go anywhere. Grandma should
be at home, but why are there no lights on...?
His mind, which had been filled with Ayaka until now, switched to various
possibilities that immediately crossed his mind. All of them were bad
predictions that he was reluctant to face.
"Grandma!!"
Haruto shouted for his grandmother in a panicked voice, while taking off his
shoes and running quickly.
Not in the hallway.
Not in the living room!
Not in the middle room either!
Haruto suppressed his panic and went around the whole house.
Since earlier, his heart was beating so fast it felt painful.
"Haa... haa... Grandma!!"
With ragged breaths, Haruto entered the kitchen at the end of the living room.
There, he finally saw his grandmother.
However, his grandmother was lying on the kitchen floor.
Haruto felt his whole body instantly go cold.
He quickly ran to his grandmother.
”Grandma!!”
In the house inhabited only by Haruto and his grandmother, Haruto's cry full of
sorrow echoed.
WHEN I STARTED A PART-TIME JOB AS A HOUSEKEEPER V2 CHAPTER 4
Chapter 4
Lies And True Feelings

In a room in a general hospital.

Haruto was facing a doctor wearing a white coat.

"This is a case of heatstroke."

"...Ah, heatstroke huh..."

Hearing the diagnosis, Haruto let out a small sigh of relief.

"These past few days have been really hot, haven't they."

"Umm... Are there any other problems?"

"For now, there's nothing in particular. Her consciousness has also returned, so
it should be fine. But considering Grandma's advanced age, just in case, how
about we have her hospitalized for one day tomorrow?"

"Yes, please do that."

After receiving various explanations, Haruto bowed to the doctor and left the
consultation room. He then headed to the hospital room where his grandmother
was.

"Grandma, how are you feeling?"

Haruto asked as he sat on the round chair beside his grandmother's bed. The
grandmother looked at Haruto with a regretful expression.

"I'm sorry, Haruto, for making you worry."

"Really, Grandma. I thought my heart was going to stop."

"I'm sorry..."

After dropping Ayaka home, Haruto found his grandmother collapsed in the kitchen
and panickedly called an ambulance. Inside the fast-moving ambulance, Haruto
kept praying while holding his grandmother's hand, almost drowning in worry.

"Grandma is the only family I have left."

Haruto's eyes trembled with anxiety as he said that.

Realizing her grandson's feelings, the grandmother slowly held Haruto's hand.

"It's okay, I'm still healthy."

"Really?"

"Of course. I'm not going to leave Haruto alone yet."

"Yeah..."

Hearing his grandmother's words, Haruto showed a mixed expression of happiness

and sadness.

"What's with that face?"

Grandma laughed with her deep wrinkles.

"If I leave Haruto alone now, your father and mother, and also your grandfather
in the afterlife will surely be mad at me." Grandma added while gently patting
Haruto's hand that she was holding with her other hand.

"Besides, you said it before, didn't you, Haruto? That you would introduce me to
a very beautiful girlfriend. Until I see that girl, I can't die in peace."

"Grandma..."

Haruto's joking words at the beginning of the summer vacation. Seeing his
grandmother who believed and looked forward to it, Haruto's heart churned
violently.

For Haruto who lost both his parents since he was a child and lost his
grandfather when he was about to enter middle school, his grandmother was the
only family he had left. He wanted to reassure his grandmother.

Want to make her happy.

Want to fulfill her hopes.

With such strong thoughts, Haruto's mouth slowly opened and the words just came
out.

"Actually... I... Already have a girlfriend."

Because he was thinking too much about his grandmother, a lie came out of
Haruto's mouth.

"Today too, actually I... Went out with that girlfriend."

Haruto's unstoppable lie.

However, the grandmother had no idea that her grandson was lying, and her face
immediately lit up.

"Wow! Really? Don't tell me, is it that girl who went to watch a movie with
you?"

"Eh? ...Ah, yes. That's right... that girl."

"I see, I see! Then? What is Haruto's girlfriend like?"

Seeing his grandmother who seemed very interested, the figure of a girl appeared
in Haruto's mind.

"Mm... She's a very sweet girl. Really, too good for me. Her hair is long and
shines golden when hit by the sunlight. Her smile is also very beautiful, her
personality is a bit naive, but she is kind-hearted and loves her little brother
very much..."
The girl who appeared in Haruto's mind.

It was Tojo Ayaka.

Haruto described Ayaka as the model for his girlfriend to his grandmother. The
grandmother accepted Haruto's words just like that and smiled broadly.

"I see, you've found a good girl."

Seeing his grandmother who seemed genuinely happy from the bottom of her heart,
Haruto felt his chest tighten for having lied. However, at the same time he also
felt relieved to see his grandmother's happy face.

"She really is a very attractive girl."

Those words were not a lie.

For Haruto right now, Tojo Ayaka was a very attractive and sweet girl. Precisely
because of that, he felt guilty for arbitrarily making Ayaka his imaginary
girlfriend and telling his grandmother about it.

Without knowing her grandson's feelings, the grandmother said gently while
smiling.

"You really got a good girlfriend, didn't you."

"Y-yes..."

"Haruto has really fallen in love with that girl from the bottom of your heart,
haven't you."

"Eh!?"

Hearing his grandmother's words spoken with deep meaning, Haruto unconsciously
cried out in surprise.

Seeing Haruto's reaction, the grandmother smiled broadly.

"From Haruto's face, it's clear how much you like her."

"W-well... Of course I like her, right? We're dating."

Feeling as if his grandmother could see everything, Haruto turned his face away
and said somewhat stiffly while scratching his cheek.

Seeing Haruto's reaction, the grandmother chuckled.

"That's right. In that case, I'll look forward to meeting your sweet
girlfriend."

"Ah, that... Since we just started dating, I'll introduce her to Grandma after a
while."

Haruto said while slightly averting his gaze, and the grandmother nodded while
still smiling.

"Alright, I'll wait patiently."

"Ra-rather than that! Since the hot days will continue, I'll lower the AC
temperature a bit so Grandma doesn't get heatstroke again."

Haruto tried hard to change the topic of conversation.

"They say that indoor heatstroke is also on the rise now. Even if the AC is on,
the heat from the kitchen stove and so on can accumulate and cause heatstroke.
So Grandma has to be careful too."

"Yes yes, I understand. From now on I will be more careful."

"Promise? Grandma isn't young anymore. This time because the handling was quick,
nothing serious happened, but the doctor said that if heatstroke isn't treated
immediately, it can be life-threatening."

The cause of grandmother's heatstroke this time was the kitchen stove.

Exposed to that heat, the grandmother fainted from heatstroke. After fainting,
the stove fire went out automatically thanks to a safety device, but if that
fire had remained on, maybe their house would be on fire by now. If that had
happened, grandmother might not be lying in a hospital bed like this.

Imagining that, Haruto's body shuddered in fear.

Now his grandmother is safe. He should be grateful just for that.

Brushing aside unnecessary thoughts, Haruto stood up from his chair.

"Well then Grandma, since visiting hours are over, I'm going home, okay?"
"Yes, be careful on your way, Haruto."

"Yes, Grandma you too rest peacefully today and tomorrow. See you, I'm heading
home."

Haruto waved to his grandmother and left the hospital room.

Exiting the hospital door, Haruto started walking home in the humid and hot
tropical night.

Under the perfectly dark sky, he recalled his conversation with his grandmother
earlier.

"Haah~ this is bad..."

Haruto let out a long sigh.

"Why did I lie like that..."

At that time he was too worried about his grandmother that he lost his composure
a bit.

However, after thinking calmly while walking on the night road, he realized he
had told a pretty bad lie.

"Also, I selfishly made Tojo-san a girlfriend..."

Not only did he lie to his grandmother, he also selfishly made Ayaka the model
for his girlfriend.
"I guess tomorrow I have to tell Grandma the truth."

Lying is indeed not good.

Moreover, this could also trouble Ayaka. He should quickly confess to his
grandmother that it was a lie. Maybe he should also apologize to Ayaka.

Although he thought so, Haruto felt anxious imagining Ayaka's reaction if he

told her about this.

"Will she think I'm disgusting... Well, it's my own fault..."

Even though he said that, when he imagined being truly hated by her, his chest
felt much tighter than he had expected.

Haruto remembered the words his grandmother said earlier.

"Haruto has really fallen in love with that girl from the bottom of your heart,
haven't you."

When his grandmother said that, Haruto felt his face flush with embarrassment,
but at the same time he felt something that made him understand.

"Am I in love with Tojo-san..."

Haruto muttered softly.

"I don't want to be hated by her."

As Haruto uttered those words, a thought briefly crossed his mind.

That is, to make the lie a reality.

If he confessed his love to Ayaka and could date her, he could proudly introduce
her as his girlfriend to his grandmother.

However, Haruto shook his head and erased that thought.

Confessing love just to justify his own lies, before talking about manliness,
that's already very low as a human being. A confession like that is very
disrespectful to Ayaka.

A love confession must be done sincerely and wholeheartedly, not by bringing

hidden bad intentions.

Haruto, who had such thoughts, even felt disgusted with himself for the idea
that had just crossed his mind.

"Am I really strange today..."

This afternoon he did something that was almost sexual harassment to Ayaka, then
lied cruelly to his grandmother. And now he's thinking of covering up that lie
in any way possible.

"Am I tired..."

As soon as he thought about it, for some reason his body felt heavy and his head
was dizzy and a little sore.
Today felt very long for Haruto. It felt like a long time ago since he had
breakfast with Ayaka's parents at the Tojo family home this morning.

"I should go home and sleep quickly."

Usually, no matter how tired he was, Haruto never skipped studying before bed,
but especially for today he couldn't focus on studying at all.

With a slightly wobbly gait, Haruto hurried home.

"Hahaha, don't tell me this is what they call being lovesick..."

While smiling a little self-mockingly and pressing his temples with his thumb to
relieve the headache, Haruto continued to walk towards home in the tropical
night.

※

"What lovesick... This is real sickness..."

Haruto, who only lifted the upper part of his body from the bed in his room,
felt listless seeing the number shown on the thermometer.

38.7 degrees. A real cold.

"Hahh..."

Haruto let out a hot sigh as he lay back down on the bed.
Even when lying down, he was attacked by a sensation of his body swaying,
accompanied by a headache and nausea.

"This might be bad..."

Feeling weak, Haruto reached for the phone next to his pillow.

The time showed past 7 in the morning. He operated his phone while enduring the
headache.

"Good thing I have a day off from my part-time job today..."

In this condition, let alone doing housework, even going out of the house is
difficult.

"Ah, but today I have plans to go to the dojo... I have to tell Kazu-senpai and
Shizuku..."

Although attacked by a lethargy that made him lazy to operate his phone, Haruto
sent a message to Ishigura and Shizuku, his dojo friends.

(Sorry. I have a cold. I can't go to the dojo today.)

Ishigura and Shizuku had been Haruto's dojo friends since childhood, and the
three of them had a group in a chat application.

After about 10 minutes, the sound of a "pikon" notification came from the phone.
(Are you okay?)

First a message from Ishigura arrived. Immediately after, a message from Shizuku
also appeared.

(Haru-senpai has a cold, that's rare)

(It's been a long time since I had a cold. It might be quite bad.)

(A summer cold, huh. You were careless, Haruto.)

(That's right.)

(Want me to visit?)

(No, it's just a common cold so it'll get better with rest. No need to bother
visiting.)

(I see, if it gets really bad just call. I'll take care of you.)

Haruto smiled a little at Ishigura's message, which was rough but full of
concern.

By the way, Shizuku hadn't reacted since her first message. The number next to
the "read" mark showed 2, so it seemed she saw the conversation.

(Thank you, Kazu-senpai.)

(Yeah.)

After finishing the conversation even without a response from Shizuku, Haruto
then sent a message to Tomoya, his best friend.

(Tomoya, if you don't have plans tomorrow, I want to ask for a once-in-alifetime
favor.)

A few minutes after sending the message, a reply from Tomoya arrived.

(Oh? What's up?)

A sticker of a bear tilting its head with a question mark above its head was
also sent.

(Actually, my grandmother fainted from heatstroke and is hospitalized right

now.)

(Is she okay!?)

(Since she was taken to the hospital right away, it's fine. The plan is for her
to be discharged tomorrow.)

(I see, that's good. So? What do you want to ask for help with?)

(Actually I also have a cold. If I'm not better by tomorrow, can you pick up my
grandmother from the hospital for me?)

Haruto, who had no relatives to rely on, asked Tomoya, his best friend, for
help. Then, a call from Tomoya came in.
Haruto tapped the phone icon that appeared on the phone screen to answer the
call.

[You said a once-in-a-lifetime request, you made me tense for no reason.]

[Well, picking up a grandmother from the hospital is a once-in-a-lifetime

request level, right?]

[For a best friend, I can go to the hospital as many times as you want.]

[In that case, I'm worried grandma will be hospitalized too often.]

When Haruto replied like that, Tomoya's laughter was heard through the phone.

[So, is your cold okay?]

[Ah, since I haven't had one in a long time, it's painful, but it'll probably
get better if I sleep.]

[I see, in that case tell me the hospital name and your grandmother's room
number. Pick her up around noon?]

[Yes, thank you.]

[No problem.]

Haruto expressed his heartfelt thanks to Tomoya who gladly accepted to pick up
his grandmother, then told him the name of the hospital and the room number.
[Well then, I'm counting on you. I'll repay you later.]

[Okay! I'm looking forward to an amazing repayment!!]

Haruto felt grateful to his best friend who spoke exaggeratedly, then ended the
call.

If his cold hadn't healed by tomorrow, he would have to contact his grandmother
as well to let her know that Tomoya would be picking her up instead of him. But
for today, he would refrain from telling his grandmother about his cold so that
she could rest peacefully.

If Haruto's cold isn't better by tomorrow, another problem will arise.

That is, the problem of not being able to go to work at the Tojo family.

He didn't know the cause of his cold. Whether it was due to fatigue from the
heat for days, or due to extreme mental stress from his grandmother fainting.

However, if Haruto told Ayaka now that he had a cold, the girl might think that
the cause was because he changed clothes after playing in the water yesterday.

"Giving a change of clothes yourself, and then catching a cold, that's so

embarrassing and pathetic..."

Haruto looked down and covered his face with one hand.

Because that girl is kind-hearted, she might feel guilty, thinking that his cold
was her fault.
But, not giving any notice and being absent from housework at the Tojo family is
also rude.

“Well, if it gets better by tomorrow it's not a problem, so for now it's
better to stop thinking about unnecessary things..."

Muttering so, Haruto threw his phone to the side of the pillow and collapsed
onto the bed. Because of the cold, he had no appetite at all, so he decided to
close his eyes and sleep.

The next time Haruto opened his eyes was past noon.

Hearing the sound of the intercom from the front door, he slowly opened his
eyelids that felt heavy as lead.

Is there a package scheduled to be delivered today?

Haruto thought with his head still aching badly.

He, who even felt it was a burden to get out of bed, had thought of pretending
not to be home. However, the feeling of unease towards the courier defeated that
thought, and he slowly got up from the bed. Then, with a wobbly step, he managed
to reach the front door, unlocked it and opened the door.

Seeing the figure standing behind the door, Haruto was surprised.

"Huh? What's wrong, Shizuku?"

Haruto, who thought it must be a postman or a courier, widened his eyes slightly
at the arrival of an unexpected person.
"I came to attack Haru-senpai who is weak from a cold."

The girl, as usual with a minimal expression, threw a joke, extending both her
hands forward and saying "Gao~" unenthusiastically.

"Ah, you came to visit. Thank you, Shizuku."

Haruto, who was used to Shizuku's attitude, gracefully ignored her joke.

"Haru-senpai, you look really miserable. What's your fever?"

"Umm, when I measured it this morning it was 38.7 degrees."

“Hoe~ Then you should be lying down. Go back to your futon quickly.”

Shizuku immediately entered the house and pushed Haruto's back, directing him to
his room.

Shizuku, who had been friends with Haruto since childhood, had often visited his
house and of course knew where his room was.

Pushed by Shizuku, Haruto lay back down on the bed.

“By the way, what about your grandmother?”

Shizuku, who knew about Haruto's family situation, tilted her head because his
grandmother was not at home.
“Ah, yesterday grandma fainted from heatstroke, she's currently
hospitalized.”

“Eh!? That's serious? Is she okay?”

Even Shizuku, who was usually expressionless, showed a surprised face.

“It’s okay, she’s just being hospitalized today as a precaution, she can go
home tomorrow.”

“I see, thank goodness.”

Shizuku heaved a sigh of relief, then suddenly looked at Haruto's face.

“So, right now in this house, there’s only Haru-senpai?”

“Well, that's right.”

“And you have a bad cold.”

“Bad is an exaggeration, but that's how it is.”

“It means, you need care from this Shizuku-sama.”

Shizuku said while nodding to herself, while Haruto who was lying on the bed
shook his head slowly.
“No need. It'll probably get better if I sleep.”

In response to Haruto who gently refused her offer of care, Shizuku put on an
expressionless face.

“Haru-senpai, have you eaten anything today?”

“Eh? Ah~ No, I haven't eaten anything.”

Haruto, who felt his body was listless and his throat was sore, was not in the
mood to eat anything right now.

“I have no appetite, later when I'm a little better and can eat, I'll make
something myself.”

“No. Even if you have no appetite, you have to eat something nutritious.”

Shizuku said so and stood up.

“I'll make some porridge. I'm borrowing the kitchen, okay.”

“No need. I can do it myself.”

“Haru-senpai just stay quiet and sleep.”

Shizuku stopped Haruto who was trying to get up.

“If you don't rest properly, what should heal won't heal. Or do you not like
my porridge?”

Shizuku stared sharply with narrowed eyes, making Haruto give up and stop trying
to get up.

“Alright. Thank you, Shizuku.”

“Leave it to me. Haru-senpai just stay quiet and wait for Shizuku's special
porridge.”

After saying that, Shizuku left Haruto's room.

After that, while Haruto was half-asleep in a languor that made him feel like
the earth's gravity had tripled, Shizuku returned carrying a tray with a small
earthenware pot on it.

“Sorry for the wait. Shizuku's special porridge is ready.”

While saying so, she opened the lid of the pot. Then, along with the steam, the
aroma of porridge spread and tickled Haruto's nose.

“Egg porridge, huh, it looks delicious.”

“Can you eat it yourself? Want me to feed you? I'll feed you, you know?”

“No, it's not that bad, I can still do it myself.”

Haruto refused Shizuku's offer while accepting the porridge, then took the
provided spoon, blew gently on the porridge before putting it into his mouth.
The porridge with just the right amount of salt felt soft, so it could be eaten
without hurting his sore throat. When the warm porridge entered his stomach,
only then did Haruto feel a little hungry.

“This porridge is very delicious. Thank you.”

When Haruto praised and thanked her from the bottom of his heart, Shizuku showed
a slightly proud expression.

“This is Shizuku's special porridge. There's a secret ingredient too, you

know.”

“Hee~ What's the secret ingredient?”

Haruto, who felt much better thanks to the delicious porridge, began to be able
to respond to Shizuku's jokes.

“I added three drops of my saliva.”

“Bufu!? You!”

Haruto almost spat out the porridge in his mouth, but managed to hold it in at
the last second.

Seeing Haruto's reaction, Shizuku, though expressionless, looked satisfied.

“Just kidding. There's no way I'd do something like that to a sick person.”
“...Really?”

“Really. Or do you want my saliva in it?”

“No, no thanks.”

“Muu, a direct answer like that, for some reason it's annoying.”

Shizuku, who remained expressionless but skillfully puffed out her cheeks, made
Haruto show a tired face.

“Putting saliva in food is dangerous, right.”

“Even if it's the saliva of a beautiful girl, it's not allowed?”

“Still not allowed.”

“Haru-senpai is still as stiff as ever.”

“No, this is normal, right.”

While having a conversation that felt as usual, Haruto finished the porridge
made by Shizuku.

“Thank you for the meal, it was delicious.”

“You're welcome. Is it enough?”

“Yes, I'm quite full.”

“I see, that's good.”

Shizuku left the room for a moment to put away the empty earthenware pot. Then,
when she returned, she brought a glass and medicine.

“Here, Haru-senpai, drink this and then go to sleep.”

“Thank you, that really helps.”

Haruto received the flu medicine from Shizuku, then drank it with water from the
glass.

“Fuuh.”

As Haruto, whose stomach was full, sighed, Shizuku asked.

“Does it still hurt?”

“Ah, still a little...”

“Need another drink?”

“No, this is enough for now.”

“I see.”

“Yeah...”

“Want me to kiss you?”

“...Why?”

Hearing the sudden statement from Shizuku, Haruto who was about to close his
eyes immediately opened them wide.

“They say if you pass on a cold it'll get better. So, if I kiss you, the cold
will move to me and Haru-senpai will be cured, that's the strategy.”

“It's not certain that a cold can be transmitted through a kiss, right?”

“In that case, to increase the chances, want to french kiss?”

Seeing Shizuku joking with a serious face, Haruto showed a bewildered

expression.

“That's not the issue, right.”

“It's not the issue, is it?”

“If you get sick to cure my cold, that's pointless, right.”

Hearing Haruto's words, Shizuku placed a hand on her chin and thought for a
moment, then nodded to herself and said.

“Oh, so Haru-senpai is hitting on me.”

“No, how could you interpret my words like that.”

Shizuku felt a slight fatigue in Haruto's voice as he replied.

“Senpai, stop joking and go to sleep quickly.”

“You're the one who should stop, you.”

Haruto replied with a slight limpness, and soon after he began to snore.

Maybe the flu medicine started to work. Haruto's sleeping face looked a little
better than before.

“Showing such a helpless sleeping face, I'll really attack you in your sleep,
you know, Haru-senpai?”

Shizuku folded her arms beside Haruto's snoring pillow, rested her face on it
and stared at Haruto's sleeping face.

“Gao~”

Shizuku's expression as she whispered that was not her usual expressionless
face, but a warm, gentle smile.
※
Since morning I've been restless and staring at my phone.
Today is the day Otsuki-kun comes to do housework. But earlier he sent a message
saying he wasn't feeling well.
Should I go visit or should I not?
I want to leave the house immediately and go take care of Otsuki-kun. I'm so
worried about his condition that I can't stay still.
But when I look back at our message conversation from earlier, I become hesitant
about whether it's really okay to go visit.
(Sorry. I'm feeling a little unwell, so I'm taking the day off from my part-time
job today. I'm sorry.)
(Are you okay? A cold? A fever?)
(I'm fine. I think I'll get better soon if I rest.)
(Have you taken any medicine?)
(Not yet, I'll take some in a bit.)
(Have you had enough water?)
(Yes, no problem.)
(Want me to visit?)
(No need, it's not a big deal.)
(Are you sure it's okay?)
(Yes, thank you for worrying.)
(If anything happens, contact me right away.)
(Okay. Thank you.)
(Yeah.)
I look back at the conversation screen with Otsuki-kun that I've seen dozens of
times.
"Hahh~"
And again, a long sigh escapes.
"I should have said clearly that I wanted to visit."
Even though with Otsuki-kun's personality, he would definitely answer "It's
okay" even if I asked "Want me to visit?"...
I slumped over on my bed, still in my just-woke-up appearance.
If only at that time I could have firmly said "I'm coming to visit, tell me your
address" instead of asking "Want me to visit?"...
I direct my gaze to Otsuki-kun's clothes folded neatly on the table.
Two days ago, when I wore the clothes I borrowed from him, I was enveloped in a
different scent than usual, as if I was being hugged by Otsuki-kun, and it made
my heart pound so much.
By the way, when I fell down from colliding with that boy, Otsuki-kun also
hugged me...
Even now my face still turns red remembering that incident. Otsuki-kun's body
that held me tightly felt so strong with its muscles.
"Hahh~..."
I sighed again. That day was so much fun. That's why I feel so lonely not being
able to see Otsuki-kun today. Moreover, I'm sure the reason he's sick is because
he gave me a change of clothes. He must have caught a cold from wearing wet
clothes.
My heart is filled with loneliness, worry about his condition, and also guilt.
Is it okay if I send a message to Otsuki-kun now?
Would it be a bother if I asked "Can I still come visit you?"
But, Otsuki-kun is sick because of me... Right? Isn't it rude if I don't visit
him?
"Y-yes, that's right. It's my fault, so I have to visit him!"
It's my responsibility for taking his change of clothes. I should be the one to
take care of him!
I'm going to visit Otsuki-kun! After deciding that, I got up from the bed,
washed my face to cheer myself up, and changed my clothes. Then I sat crosslegged
on the bed with my phone in front of me.
I exhaled slowly "Fuuh~" to calm myself down, then started typing a message to
Otsuki-kun.
(Can I still visit you? Otsuki-kun's cold is because of me, right?)
After re-reading the sentence several times, I mustered up the courage to send
the message.
A moment later, a reply came.
(It's not Tojo-san's fault at all. It's just that I didn't take good care of my
condition. Tojo-san is not at fault at all.)
As I expected, Otsuki-kun sent a gentle and considerate message.
So as not to repeat the same mistake as before, I thought carefully about the
content of the message I would send to Otsuki-kun.
(But I'm worried about your condition, Otsuki-kun. If it's really a bother, I
won't come. But if not, can I come visit you?)
Unlike before, this time I clearly stated my desire to visit. Although it feels
a bit bad because it's like forcing kindness...
After sending the message, I waited for his reply with a pounding heart.
About a minute passed. A reply from Otsuki-kun came.
After a waiting time that felt very long, I checked the content of the reply
from Otsuki-kun.
(I'm sorry. In that case, please do. I'll send you my home address."
After that message, Otsuki-kun's home address was also sent.
As soon as I saw it, I immediately ran out of the room towards the living room.
Because I entered the living room in such a hurry, Mama who was working remotely
on her laptop looked surprised.
"What's wrong, Ayaka? Why are you in such a hurry?"
"Well, Ma. Otsuki-kun has a cold, so he asked for leave from his part-time job
today. And I'm going to visit him now."
"Oh my! Is Otsuki-kun okay?"
Mama asked with a worried expression.
"He said it's just a common cold, but I plan to buy some fruits as a gift."
While we're talking here, Otsuki-kun might be lying weak with a fever. Thinking
about it makes my body restless to go see him right away.
As if understanding my feelings, Mama smiled and said,
"Alright. Send my regards to Otsuki-kun, I hope he gets well soon."
"Yes! I understand!"
I answered Mama while rushing to the front door.
I think I heard Mama's soft laughter from behind, but now is not the time to
think about that!
After leaving the house, I half-ran to the supermarket. I have to buy fruits for
Otsuki-kun!
Arriving at the supermarket, I immediately started choosing fruits.
There's a saying that "When apples are red, the doctor will turn pale," so I
have to buy apples. How about peaches too? Ah, grapes and pineapples are also
good. Does Otsuki-kun like kiwi?
After buying several fruits, I finished the payment and started putting the
items in the bag.
Suddenly, a red onion rolled to my feet.
"Eh? A red onion?"
As I picked it up in confusion, a grandmother who was putting items into a bag
not far from me approached with a small run while bowing her head.
"I'm sorry, the bag net tore."
Hearing the grandmother's words, I looked around and found several red onions
scattered on the floor.
"Oh my! Are you alright?"
I collected the red onions scattered on the floor and handed them to the
grandmother.
"Oh dear, thank you so much for your kindness."
The grandmother bowed politely while putting the red onions into her shopping
bag.
Looking at that shopping bag, I tilted my head.
I feel like I've seen this grandmother's shopping bag somewhere...
A shopping bag with soft pink fabric and a very cute bear embroidery.
The design is quite unique, so once you see it, it shouldn't be easy to
forget...
As I tried to remember out of curiosity about the grandmother's shopping bag,
suddenly a scene appeared in my memory. It was a memory from a few days ago when
I bought discounted sesame oil with Otsuki-kun.
"Ah! That's Otsuki-kun's shopping bag!"
Hearing my words, the grandmother reacted by saying, "Oh?"
"Are you a friend of Haruto?"
"Ah, um, a friend... I mean, we're classmates."
I was confused, can Otsuki-kun and I be called friends? But we've been to the
movies together and to the Forest Animal Park too, so maybe we can be called
friends?
While I was confused, the grandmother bowed very politely.
"I see. My grandson must always be troubling you. I am Haruto's grandmother."
"Ah, no, no! I'm the one who's always being troubled! My name is Tojo Ayaka."
Turns out this is Otsuki-kun's grandmother!?
Although surprised, I hurriedly bowed and introduced myself.
As I bowed, the sunlight coming through the supermarket window slightly dazzled
my eyes.
Ugh, it's bright...
As I lifted my face while squinting from the sunlight, for some reason Otsukikun's
grandmother looked surprised and at the same time very happy.
"Excuse me, did Ayaka-san recently go to the movies with Haruto?"
"Eh? Ah, yes, we went."
As soon as I answered, the grandmother's face lit up like a blooming flower.
Wow, Otsuki-kun's grandmother's smile is so sweet!
As I felt warm seeing her, a shocking statement entered my ears.
"Could it be that Ayaka-san is in a relationship with Haruto?"
“Eh? Um... Yes.”
Ah... I reflexively answered “yes”...
M-my desire! My feelings for Otsuki-kun are revealed...
B-but, but, but, because he often comes to the house for his part-time job, in a
certain sense, we are indeed “in a relationship” as a customer and staff, so
it’s not a lie, right?
As I was thinking of such an excuse in my head, Otsuki-kun's grandmother said in
a very happy and excited voice:
“Wow! Wow! So it's true!! The characteristics are exactly the same as what
Haruto described!”
“Eh? Characteristics? Described by Otsuki-kun? Eh?”
“That Haruto! He got such a sweet girlfriend like this!”
“Ah, um... I'm sorry. Actually I... Hmm? Girlfriend?”
“Ah, forgive me, I got too excited. I just heard from Haruto that he has a new
girlfriend recently, so...”
“Oh, I see... Eh!?”
W-what, w-what, what does this mean!?
Otsuki-kun has a girlfriend!?
Eh, no way... Otsuki-kun has a girlfriend... So, I'm... Heartbroken?
Suddenly, I was attacked by a very strong feeling of emptiness, as if a big hole
had opened up in my heart. My chest hurt so much that even standing felt
difficult.
Otsuki-kun has a girlfriend... And his girlfriend looks like me... Hmm?
Hmm? Similar to my characteristics? ...Hmm??
“Thank you for accompanying Haruto two days ago.”
“Ah... Yes... Yes?”
Eh? Two days ago?
Two days ago was the day we went to the Forest Animal Park, right? Otsuki-kun
was with me the whole time, right?
...Eh?? What does that mean? Eh? No way... Don't tell me, Otsuki-kun's
girlfriend is... Me? Eh? Eh!? Ehh!?
While I was panicking, Otsuki-kun's grandmother bowed politely again.
“Once again, thank you for always taking care of Haruto.”
“Ah, um... Me too, thank you for... your help?”
“Really, you are beautiful and sweet like a doll.”
“Ah, ahaha...”
Otsuki-kun's grandmother kept smiling happily since earlier.
I also smiled along for the time being.
...I wonder since when I became Otsuki-kun's girlfriend? Y-yay~ My first love
came true~?
This... Can I really be happy?
I mean, eh? What's actually happening? Is Otsuki-kun's grandmother mistaken?
But it doesn't seem that way, right? ...I don't understand!! I don't understand
the situation at all!!
What does it mean I became his girlfriend!?
Hey!! What does this mean, Otsuki-kun!?
My head is in the most severe panic of my life.
In that state, we left the supermarket and walked side by side on a narrow
residential street.
When I told her that I was going to visit Otsuki-kun, she said "Then let's go
together. I'll show you the way."
Under the bright summer sky in the morning, grandmother continued to smile
broadly with a very happy face while walking beside me.
I also smiled along because I was influenced, but inside I was panicking
terribly.
Why does Otsuki-kun's grandmother think I'm his girlfriend? Why really?
That question kept spinning in my head since earlier.
“Um... What did Otsuki-kun say about me?”
From grandma's story earlier, it seems that Otsuki-kun told grandma that I was
his girlfriend...
Otsuki-kun thinks of me as his girlfriend?
If so, then how is this... Ah, my face is smiling on its own.
But it's strange, right? It's not like Otsuki-kun.
It feels a bit strange if he told his grandmother that I was his girlfriend
without saying anything to me, considering his personality so far, right? Well,
even though it's a very happy thing.
As I was thinking about that, grandma told me very happily how Otsuki-kun
described me.
“Haruto said Ayaka-san is very sweet. He said especially your smile is very
beautiful, and you are a good older sister who loves your younger brother.”
Waaaa!! I-I'm, embarrassed!!
It feels like my face is going to burn!!
...B-but I see, Otsuki-kun likes my smile... I see... Hehehe.
“Fufufu...”
“Ayaka-san?”
“Ah, n-nothing. I'm just very happy that Otsuki-kun said that.”
Ah, dangerous.
If I let my guard down, my face will become limp and an embarrassing smile will
come out.
I can't be so impolite in front of Otsuki-kun's grandmother. I have to focus!
While chatting with grandma occasionally, we continued walking for a few
minutes.
Finally I arrived at Otsuki-kun's house.
Seen from the outside, the house looks a bit old but still like a normal house
in general.
But to me, just because it's Otsuki-kun's house, this building looks very
special.
“Please come in.”
Grandma opened the front door first and prepared slippers for me.
“Ah, thank you. Excuse me.”
I put on the slippers and entered Otsuki-kun's house.
Ah, it smells like Otsuki-kun.
I took a deep breath slowly so that grandma wouldn't notice.
“Haruto's room is on the second floor, please follow me.”
“Ah, alright. Sorry for the trouble.”
Grandma led the way and guided me to Otsuki-kun's room.
I followed her up the stairs.
With every step up, I felt my heart beat faster.
Because I'm about to enter Otsuki-kun's room and can hear the reason why he said
I was his girlfriend, my heart is pounding uncontrollably.
※
Haruto lay alone on the bed, sighing.
“Haah, I wonder if grandma is okay.”
In the end, Haruto's cold hadn't healed by the next day, so he asked Tomoya to
pick up his grandmother who was being discharged from the hospital.
Then, as soon as she got home and saw her grandson lying sick with a cold, his
grandmother immediately went shopping to make something good for his health.
Haruto was worried about his grandmother's condition who had just been
discharged from the hospital and asked her to stay at home, but his grandmother
refuted his argument by saying "Don't worry about me, worry about your own
health first", making him speechless.
He stared at the ceiling of his room listlessly, feeling the fatigue throughout
his body from the fever.
Today Ayaka will also come to visit him later.
It seems Ayaka thinks that Haruto caught a cold because of her. Haruto felt
guilty for making her think that way, but at the same time he also felt happy.
However, there was something he had to do before Ayaka came to visit.
That is the lie he told two days ago.
He had to explain properly to his grandmother about the lie that he had a
girlfriend.
Otherwise, when Ayaka came to the house, his grandmother would mistake Ayaka for
a real girlfriend. If that happened, he would be a great trouble to Ayaka.
Although he felt nervous to tell his grandmother the truth, besides because of
the flu, Haruto made up his mind because this was the result of his own actions.
At that moment, a sound was heard from the front door.
“Grandma is home...”
Haruto felt relieved that his grandmother came home safely without any problems.
But he also felt tense.
The sound from the front door moved to the hallway, then the sound of footsteps
climbing the stairs was heard.
“Hmm? Why are there so many footsteps? Did Tomoya also come? It seems there's
also the sound of people talking.”
His best friend Tomoya should have gone straight home after picking up his
grandmother because he had something to do this afternoon. Haruto thought he
should thank his best friend properly for helping him in the midst of his busy
schedule.
As he was thinking about it, there was a knock on Haruto's room door and his
grandmother's voice.
“Haruto, may we come in?”
“Yes, please.”
As soon as Haruto answered, his grandmother opened the door and entered.
For some reason, his grandmother looked much more cheerful than before she went
shopping, making Haruto tilt his head slightly.
“Haruto, grandma met your girlfriend at the supermarket just now.”
“...Eh? Girlfriend?”
“She bought a lot of fruits to visit you. What a good girlfriend.”
“Eh? Visit? Eh?”
Hearing his grandmother's words, Haruto couldn't hide his shock.
In his mind, the worst-case scenario was imagined. And it turned out to be true.
A girl appeared hesitantly following his grandmother.
“O-Otsuki-kun. Um... How are you feeling?”
“T-Tojo-san...”
Haruto felt the blood drain from his entire body.
“Wow Haruto, it turns out you really have such a cute girlfriend.”
“Ah, um... no, that, Grandma, actually...”
He panicked, feeling he had to immediately correct his grandmother's
misunderstanding.
However, because of this unexpected situation, his mind was in chaos and he
couldn't speak fluently as he wanted to.
At that moment, Ayaka hesitantly held out the tote bag she was holding.
“Otsuki-kun, here. I bought some fruits, can you eat them?”
“Eh? Ah, um, sorry. Thank you for the trouble.”
Haruto turned towards Ayaka, feeling he had to apologize to her as well.
Ayaka was the main victim of this lie. She must feel uncomfortable.
Thinking so, Haruto was about to open his mouth, but his grandmother started
talking first.
“Ayaka-san bought a lot of fruit for Haruto, you know. You really got a good
girlfriend.”
“U-um... ah, no, that's not it, that's...”
Haruto turned back to his grandmother, trying to clear up the misunderstanding.
But still, he couldn't get the words out well.
An apology to Ayaka and an explanation to his grandmother.
Because he was thinking about these two things at once, his mind was in a mess.
While Haruto was lost in confusion, his grandmother said while looking at the
fruits Ayaka was holding.
“Wow, since you brought them, how about grandma peels them for you?”
“Ah no, that's a bother. If I may borrow the kitchen, I'll peel them
myself.”
“It's okay, don't be shy. You've come all this way, so Ayaka-san, just relax,
okay.”
“Um, in that case, I accept your kindness.”
Ayaka glanced briefly at Haruto, then handed the bag of fruits to grandma.
Grandma accepted the fruits from Ayaka while still smiling kindly, then went
down to the first floor to peel them.
“......”
“......”
Ayaka who looked restless and Haruto who was looking down dejectedly.
A very awkward silence flowed in the room which now only contained the two of
them.
“Um, Otsuki-kun? How's your flu?”
“...Yeah, it's getting better.”
Haruto answered with a weak, listless voice.
“Um, well. Earlier... I accidentally met your grandmother at the supermarket,
and then... Um, how should I put it... I, that... was called a ggirlfriend...”
“I'm so sorry!”
In the middle of Ayaka's sentence, Haruto got off the bed and prostrated himself
on the floor.
Ayaka was surprised by Haruto's sudden action, her eyes widened.
Still in a prostrating position, Haruto continued to utter words of apology.
“I'm really sorry for lying so selfishly and making Tojo-san feel
uncomfortable! I don't know how to make up for my mistake... I'll tell grandma
that it was a lie, so Tojo-san...”
“W-wait a minute!!”
Ayaka cut off Haruto's apology.
“I'm not angry or uncomfortable at all. It's just, I'm curious why Otsuki-kun
lied that I'm... your girlfriend.”
Ayaka said with a serious look.
Haruto, who met her gaze, suddenly looked down and averted his eyes.
“That is...”
“There must be a reason, right? Because Otsuki-kun is not the type of person
who would usually lie like that.”
“......”
Ayaka continued to look at Haruto who was looking down and kept his mouth shut
patiently. Then, in a low voice, she began to speak little by little.
※
“Actually, when I was little... I lost both my parents in a car accident.”
“Eh!? I see... Yes...”
Hearing that shocking fact, I unconsciously covered my mouth with both hands.
Otsuki-kun continued his story with a listless voice.
“Then, I was cared for and raised by my maternal grandparents, but when I
entered middle school, my grandfather also passed away... Now I live alone with
my grandmother.”
Hearing Otsuki-kun's story, spoken listlessly while looking down, I felt like I
wanted to hug him tightly.
I can't imagine it.
For me now, the existence of Papa and Mama and my little brother Ryouta is a
matter of course, surrounded by family. But for Otsuki-kun, there is only his
grandmother as his family...
Then I remembered something.
Once, when I was complaining about being teased by Mama, Otsuki-kun talked about
how precious a mother's existence is with a sad expression.
Maybe all this time I've been insensitive in front of Otsuki-kun who doesn't
have parents...
Otsuki-kun lifted his gaze that had been downcast, and continued his story while
looking at me.
“Then, two days ago my grandmother fainted from heatstroke.”
“Eh!? I-is she okay?”
“Ah, yes. Fortunately, we were able to get to the hospital quickly, so it
wasn't serious.”
“I-I see.”
It's true that two days ago the weather was very hot. But I didn't expect
something like that to happen on that day.
“But I was so panicked when grandma fainted and was taken to the
hospital...”
Otsuki-kun said weakly.
Yes, it's natural. If my only family member fainted, I would probably panic too.
“As soon as we arrived at the hospital, grandma regained consciousness, but in
the conversation at that time, the topic turned to my girlfriend...”
Otsuki-kun paused for a moment with some awkwardness, then continued his story.
“Grandma has often asked me ‘Don't you have a girlfriend yet?’, I usually
just change the subject, but at that time... I really wanted to reassure
grandma...”
“Then, you mentioned me... um, as your girlfriend?”
“Yes, at that time, Tojo-san's face came to my mind, so...”
Otsuki-kun was still speaking in a depressed tone.
Although I felt sympathy for his background and circumstances, hearing his words
just now also made me feel happy.
When thinking about a girlfriend, my face was the one that came to Otsuki-kun's
mind, that means...
In my mind, Otsuki-kun's words were interpreted in a very favorable direction.
But, if there wasn't a little bit of feeling of love, something like that
wouldn't happen, right?
While trying hard to hold back the corners of my lips that were unconsciously
rising, I nodded slightly as if confirming my own interpretation. In contrast to
my heart that was blooming to the point of almost floating away, Otsuki-kun
continued to apologize very regretfully.
“I'm really sorry. Even though it was to reassure grandma, I lied so badly and
troubled Tojo-san...”
Otsuki-kun curled up even smaller.
Seeing him like that, I unconsciously felt a sense of endearment.
Otsuki-kun who is usually mature and reliable, now looks gloomy like Ryouta who
was scolded by Papa and Mama. His figure, which was so different from usual,
made me want to hug him to my chest, stroke his head, and say "It's okay".
“I'll tell grandma that I lied. So...”
“Wait!!”
I cut off Otsuki-kun's words with a rather loud voice.
At the same time, my heartbeat quickened and my chest felt tight with
nervousness.
After seeing a little of Otsuki-kun's feelings, I felt that if I wanted it,
surely... Otsuki-kun would accept me. It was a relationship I had always longed
for since I realized my feelings for him.
It felt like it was right in front of my eyes.
But...
I...
Precisely because I knew his feelings and thoughts, I wanted it more. That is,
his pure feelings, without guilt or doubt.
I became greedy in this love.
Therefore...
I deliberately looked away from the “relationship” in front of my eyes,
which I might be able to grasp if I reached out my hand.
Then, I slowly opened my mouth.
For the sake of wanting his pure feelings.
“...It's okay. I'll pretend to be your girlfriend. In front of your
grandmother, I'll be Otsuki-kun's girlfriend.”
Hearing my words, Otsuki-kun fell silent with his mouth open, looking surprised.
He didn't look like himself, but that's what made him lovable, and I smiled a
little.
KAJI DAIKŌ NO ARUBAITO O HAJIMETARA V2 CHAPTER 5
Chapter 5
Fake Lover

"...It's okay. I will pretend to be your girlfriend. In front of your

grandmother, I will be Otsuki-kun's girlfriend."

Hearing the surprising statement from Ayaka, Haruto fell silent with his mouth
agape.

After freezing for a few seconds, Haruto came to his senses and shook his head.

"N-no! I can't ask for something like that! This is all my fault for having
lied, so Tojo-san doesn't need to think about my lies!"

Haruto tried to refuse Ayaka's proposal in a panic. Seeing that, Ayaka

approached and said,

"Hey, Otsuki-kun. Remember what I said before?"

"Eh? Before...?"

Haruto slightly retreated as Ayaka approached to a touchable distance, while

averting his gaze trying to remember. However, seeing Haruto who couldn't answer
immediately, Ayaka smiled.

"When we went shopping together to the supermarket, didn't I say I would do

anything for you?"

"Ah, yes... But to the extent of pretending to be a girlfriend..."

Seeing Haruto who was confused, Ayaka got even closer. While hesitantly placing
her hand on top of Haruto's hand, she said:

"Or... Does Otsuki-kun not like... If it's me...?"

Hearing Ayaka say that while looking up, Haruto's face, which was already red
from the fever, suddenly became even redder.

"It's not like that... I mean, I'm not in a position to refuse... But, is it
really okay? Pretending to be the girlfriend of someone who has lied like me..."

"Yes, it's okay. I want to repay the favor because Otsuki-kun has helped me a
lot."

"But, I'm just working part-time and have been paid, so it feels too much to be
repaid like this..."

Haruto said while occasionally glancing at his hand that was touching Ayaka's.
Meanwhile, Ayaka looked straight at Haruto and said firmly,

"Besides, after seeing your grandmother's happy face, I can't say that this is a
lie and make her sad. Otsuki-kun also doesn't want to make your grandmother sad,
right?"

Hearing Ayaka's words, Haruto muttered softly, "That's true, but..."

"So, is it okay if in front of your grandmother, I become Otsuki-kun's

girlfriend?"

Ayaka asked as if to confirm.

Haruto was silent for a moment, looking down while thinking, then finally lifted
his gaze as if observing Ayaka's reaction.

"Is it... not a bother?"

"No, not at all."

"Is it... not annoying?"

"No, it's not annoying."

Haruto closed his mouth again, closed his eyes and looked down. Seeing that,
Ayaka said as if to convince him,

"If this lie is exposed, your grandmother will surely be very sad. Even though
she looked so happy and smiled so widely earlier."

"U-uh... But, I'm troubling Tojo-san..."

"Don't think about me, Otsuki-kun should think about your grandmother. Because
she is the only precious family you have, right?"

Hearing the words "the only family" from Ayaka, Haruto's shoulders reacted
slightly.

Then, he slowly opened his eyes and bowed his head towards Ayaka.

"Th-then... May I ask for your help? Please go along with my lie..."

"Yes, I accept."

Ayaka smiled widely as she gently placed her hand on the shoulder of the
prostrating Haruto.

"Now, since Otsuki-kun is sick, quickly get back to bed."

"Ah, okay."

Although slightly staggering due to the fever, Haruto returned to bed with
Ayaka's help.

Ayaka covered the lying Haruto with a blanket. Just then, grandmother returned
to the room carrying a plate of peeled fruits.

"Here, I've peeled the skin."

"Thank you very much."

Ayaka bowed in thanks, and grandmother smiled widely.

"Look Haruto, Ayaka-san bought you apples, pears, peaches, and even kiwis."

Grandmother placed the plate on the bedside table. Seeing the neatly arranged
fruits on the plate, Haruto thanked Ayaka.

"Thank you very much. To even buy expensive fruits like these..."

"It's okay, don't worry about it. This is for... my precious b-boyfriend."

Hearing Ayaka's words spoken with slightly flushed cheeks, grandmother's face
immediately lit up.

"Wow! That's wonderful, isn't it, Haruto."

"Ah, yes..."

Haruto showed a complicated expression, a mix of happy and troubled, seeing his
grandmother's joyous reaction.

Then Ayaka began to carry out the content of the conversation she had just had
with Haruto.

"Ano, may I take care of Otsuki-kun for just a little while?"

Hearing Ayaka's request, grandmother answered, feeling a bit bad,

"But if Ayaka-san catches the flu, we'll feel bad..."

"It's okay. As Otsuki-kun's girlfriend, I want to be by his side even if only

for a moment."
Hearing Ayaka's words which sounded shy yet sincere, grandmother looked at
Haruto with admiration.

"Wow Haruto! How kind your girlfriend is! You must take good care of her!"

"Y-yes. Of course."

Haruto answered with a slight stutter.

In his heart, he felt very bad that Ayaka had to go along with the lie. However,
the grandmother, unaware of her grandson's feelings, bowed to Ayaka with a very
happy face.

"In that case, please take care of Haruto for a while."

"Okay! Leave it to me!"

Hearing Ayaka's reply, grandmother bowed repeatedly as she left the room.

In the room now with only the two of them.

Haruto opened his mouth with a guilty expression.

"I'm sorry, this is really a bother."

"Don't apologize, I don't mind at all."

Ayaka, who showed a very cheerful expression, took the plate of fruits and moved
to Haruto's bedside. Then, she speared an apple with a fork and brought it to
Haruto's mouth.

"Come on Haruto-kun, open your mouth."

"...Ano, Tojo-san?"
Haruto stared at the apple in front of his mouth with a confused expression.

"Hm? What is it?"

Ayaka tilted her head with a confused expression.

"That... I can eat the fruit myself..."

Haruto said so while extending his hand towards the fork held by Ayaka.

But Ayaka pulled the fork away before Haruto's hand could touch it.

"...Ano, Tojo-san?"

"You can't. Otsuki-kun is sick, so you shouldn't force yourself."

"Eh, but... I can still eat fruit without any problem..."

"Otsuki-kun."

"Y-yes."

"Right now I am Otsuki-kun's girlfriend, right?"

"Yes, th-that's right."

Pressured by Ayaka's serious gaze, Haruto answered very politely.

Hearing that answer, Ayaka smiled with satisfaction and brought the apple to
Haruto's mouth again.
"Aaaa~n."

"..."

"A~an."

Haruto stared at the apple in front of his mouth for a few moments.

It seemed he realized that there was no other way to eat this apple than to
accept it directly from Ayaka's hand.

"O-okay, itadakimasu..."

Haruto finally decided to bite the apple in front of him.

Seeing Haruto's behavior, Ayaka smiled very happily.

"Is it delicious?"

"...It tastes very sweet and delicious."

"I see, that's good."

Ayaka looked at Haruto with a wide smile.

While feeling Ayaka's gaze, Haruto chewed and swallowed the apple, and was
immediately offered the next apple.

"......"

"Come on, open your mouth."

"...Hap."

"Fufufu."

Although Haruto felt his face was hot not just because of the fever, he couldn't
refuse Ayaka and continued to obediently accept the "Aaaa~n" spoonfuls from her.

Haruto continued to be fed fruits by Ayaka.

"Now, this is the last one."

Ayaka brought the last piece of peach to Haruto's mouth.

Haruto, who was starting to feel numb, obediently bit into the peach.

"Yes, finished."

"Thank you very much. Thank you for the food."

Haruto had finished all the apples, pears, kiwis, and peaches.

Although he was numb from being continuously fed "Aaaa~n" by Ayaka, eating four
kinds of fruit while having the flu made Haruto feel very full.

At the same time, Haruto was also hit by a strong wave of drowsiness.

"Otsuki-kun, what about your medicine?"

"I'll drink it. Ah, but can I measure my temperature first?"

"Yes, still have a fever?"

Ayaka asked with concern.

Haruto answered with a smile, trying to reassure her:

"Compared to yesterday, it's much better."

"...Oh, I see."

Hearing Haruto's answer, Ayaka thought for a moment before replying.

Though a bit surprised by Ayaka's reaction, Haruto looked for a thermometer to

measure his temperature.

"Hmm, I think I put it around the pillow..."

Saying so, Haruto lay down and reached towards the pillow, fumbling for the
thermometer.

Suddenly, Ayaka placed her hand on the side of the pillow and leaned over.

"Otsuki-kun..."

"...? Eh!? To-Tojo-san!?"

Haruto was startled with wide eyes as Ayaka pressed down on his pillow and
looked down at him from above.

"Your temperature... Let me measure it..."

Saying so, Ayaka slowly brought her face closer to Haruto's.

Ayaka's shiny hair fell around Haruto's face like a curtain.

Seeing Ayaka's face so close like never before, Haruto couldn't even move his
pupils, as if under a spell.
Finally, their foreheads touched gently.

Ayaka's slightly rough and hot breath hit Haruto's mouth.

Haruto's mind went blank.

He couldn't think of anything.

The heat he had never felt before spread throughout his body, centering on the
forehead that was touching Ayaka's.

Time felt like an eternity, yet also a blink of an eye.

After that moment passed, Ayaka moved her face away from Haruto's.

"Ehehe... I tried to do something romantic, but... This way I can't tell if you
have a fever or not."

Ayaka said so while laughing, her face clearly redder than the peach she had
just eaten.

"Ah, eh, yes, th-that's right. Maybe it needs practice."

Haruto said with his mind still blank.

Hearing that, Ayaka smiled a small "Fufu".

"In that case, want to... Practice?"

Ayaka's expression looked very tempting in Haruto's eyes.

As if under Ayaka's spell, Haruto was at a loss for words, his mouth open but no
sound came out.
Instead of words, Haruto shook his head left and right. It was the greatest
resistance he could muster at the moment.

Seeing Haruto's reaction, Ayaka smiled again, and Haruto could only be stunned
by that smile.

A cafe that stands in a quiet residential area.

Jazz music flows gently inside the cafe illuminated by sunlight, creating a
comfortable atmosphere as if separated from the scorching summer.

I slowly twirled the straw in the glass in front of me.

While listening to the refreshing sound of clinking ice, I sipped a cup of chai
I had just ordered. The aroma of tea and spices that spread in my mouth made me
smile.

Hmm, this chai is delicious, but it seems Otsuki-kun's is a little more

delicious, huh?

While thinking about that to pass the time, my best friend Saki entered the
cafe.

"Ah, here!"

I raised my hand to show my seat, and Saki walked towards me while fanning her
face.

"Fuuh~ It's hot today too."

Saki said so while sitting down, then looked at my drink with an interested
expression.
"Huh? Not an iced cafe au lait?"

"Yeah, today I ordered chai."

"Heee~ Why?"

Saki tilted her head while sitting in front of me.

"Otsuki-kun once made it for me, and it was very delicious."

"Ohoho, love talk, is it?"

"N-no! I didn't mean it like that!"

"Yeah yeah, thanks for the treat."

"Uuh."

I puffed my cheeks and glared at Saki, but she didn't care at all and instead
casually opened the menu to choose a drink.

"Is that good?"

"Yes, but..."

Asked by Saki, I almost said "Maybe Otsuki-kun's is more delicious" but I

quickly closed my mouth. If I said that, she would definitely say it was love
talk again.

"But?"

"Ah nothing, this is delicious. Saki, want to try?"

I smiled to change the subject, while stirring the chai with a straw and
offering it to Saki.

"Hmm. No... I think I'll order an almond au lait."

Saki closed the menu she had just opened and raised her hand to call the cafe
owner.

"Saki, you're also ordering something unusual."

"Well, mood. If a friend drinks something different, it feels like we also want
to order something different, right?"

Saki said so while ordering from the cafe owner, then drank some water before
looking at me again.

"So? What is the important consultation you wanted to talk to me about?"

Saki asked me with a smile full of curiosity.

Actually, yesterday after coming home from visiting Otsuki-kun, I sent a message
to Saki that "There's an important consultation, I want to meet".

"Y-yes. Well... umm..."

I remembered my conversation with Otsuki-kun yesterday and felt my face turn

red.

"That... actually, I... Will be pretending to be Otsuki-kun's girlfriend."

"...............Huh? What did you say?"

Saki looked at me with a confused expression.

"So, it's like this. I will be pretending to be Otsuki-kun's girlfriend."

"Hmm... Sorry, can you repeat that one more time?"

"So. I will be-act-ing as a fake-girl-friend for O-tsu-ki-kun!"

I spelled out my words clearly.

Meanwhile, Saki seemed confused by my words. She placed her hand on her forehead
while looking down, then lifted her gaze upwards while thinking, then tilted her
head and frowned, looking very busy.

"Sorry Ayaka, I really don't understand. Eh? What does that mean?"

It seemed Saki couldn't understand what I was saying even after thinking hard,
she looked at me with a confused expression.

"So it's like this. Otsuki-kun has various reasons, now he lives alone with his
grandmother, and... Otsuki-kun told his grandmother that I am his girlfriend,
so..."

"He-heee~"

Hearing my explanation, Saki gave a vague reaction as to whether she understood

or not.

"I don't know, I'm still confused. The point is, Otsuki-kun lied to his
grandmother that Ayaka is his girlfriend, is that it?"

"Yes, that's right."

I nodded, and Saki folded her arms as if thinking.

"I see... A bit surprising. I didn't expect Otsuki-kun to be a person who could
lie like that."

In Saki's words there was a hint of a condescending tone, making me hurry to

defend Ootsuki-kun.
"Otsuki-kun didn't mean any harm when he lied, you know? To him, his grandmother
is a very precious person, and he accidentally lied for the sake of his precious
grandmother. After that he apologized profusely to me, and intended to confess
his lie to his grandmother, but then I..."

"You stopped him from confessing to his grandmother?"

"Yes..."

I nodded slowly.

"It seems... A lot of things happened."

After hearing my frantic explanation, it seems Saki's assessment of Otsuki-kun

didn't drop.

If only I could tell her about Otsuki-kun's parents, or the fact that now he
only has his grandmother as family, Saki would surely sympathize with him.

But of course I couldn't just talk about it without Otsuki-kun's permission.

“So it’s like that. Otsuki-kun has various reasons, so his lie… It was for his
grandmother, not because he was forcing me to be his girlfriend or anything.”

“Hmm… Well, I don’t know the detailed reasons, but the point is you don’t feel
bothered by the lie, right?”

“Yes.”

Seeing me nod, Saki seemed a little relieved, then looked at me with a curious
gaze.

“But, if Otsuki-kun lied that you were his girlfriend, doesn’t that mean he
likes you?”

“So Saki thinks so too?”

Hearing my best friend think the same, my heart started beating faster.

“Isn’t that natural? Well, I don’t know the details, so I can’t be sure. But,
people wouldn’t introduce someone they don’t like as their girlfriend, right?
Even if it’s a lie.”

“Th-that’s true, isn’t it?”

I nodded at Saki’s words.

Saki tilted her head and said to me,

“Ayaka, when Otsuki-kun lied, why didn’t you just declare ‘Actually, I like
Otsuki-kun too’? You could have started dating right away, right?”

“...I thought so too.”

“Eh!? Then why didn’t you do it?? Even though your first love was about to be
realized.”

Hearing Saki’s words, I lowered my head.

This is what I wanted to consult with her about.

“Because, if I confessed my feelings at that time, it would feel like my true

feelings wouldn’t be conveyed…”

“Hm? True feelings? What do you mean?”

Hearing Saki’s question, I explained yesterday’s situation when Otsuki-kun

apologized for his lie.

“Otsuki-kun felt very guilty towards me for having lied. If I confessed my

feelings in a situation like that, Otsuki-kun would surely think ‘She’s
confessing to go along with my lie.’ Whereas I truly like Otsuki-kun and want to
confess my feelings sincerely.”

At that time, if I had confessed my feelings, Otsuki-kun would surely have

accepted me as his girlfriend.

But it feels like it wouldn't just be because of the pure feeling of 'like'.

Otsuki-kun would feel guilty, thinking that 'She accepted me because I lied'.
And because he's a good person, he might try to be a perfect boyfriend as a
penance.

But... That's not what I want.

I want Otsuki-kun to like me sincerely. I want him to make me his girlfriend

just for the reason of 'liking' me, without feeling guilty or burdened by a lie.

That's why I didn't reveal my feelings to him at that time.

I didn't want to reveal them.

Because I wanted sincere feelings from Otsuki-kun, I became greedy.

After hearing my explanation, Saki nodded while folding her arms, "Hmm, I
see..."

"Well, this is Ayaka's first love. I can understand your desire to pursue what
you consider ideal."

"Really?"

"Yes. But honestly, I think it's a huge shame."

Saki leaned forward a little and said to me.

"Ayaka might not know because she always avoids boys at school, but actually
Otsuki-kun is quite popular among some female students, you know? So if you're
not too greedy, he might be taken by someone else, you know?"

"I-is that so? But, it's true... Otsuki-kun is smart and kind..."

"To prevent that, it might be better for you to quickly become his girlfriend,
get the official girlfriend position first, then slowly conquer Otsuki-kun's
heart."

Hearing Saki's words, I immediately felt anxious.

"Besides, Ayaka wants to erase Otsuki-kun's guilt over the lie before officially
dating, right?"

"Y-yes."

"But as long as Ayaka is still pretending to be his girlfriend, Otsuki-kun won't

be able to forget that lie, right? In fact, every time Ayaka pretends to be his
girlfriend, his guilt will only increase, won't it?"

Saki's words stabbed my heart.

Right, the more I pretend to be Otsuki-kun's girlfriend, the greater his guilt
towards me will be. In that case, I will never be able to confess my feelings to
him.

After coming home yesterday and thinking calmly, I realized this and hurriedly
contacted Saki.

"Saki~ Help me~ What should I do~"

Seeing me whining, Saki sighed and shrugged her shoulders. "Good grief, just
fallen in love, and suddenly you're pretending to be a girlfriend... Are you a
rom-com heroine or what?"

Hearing Saki's sarcastic remark that sounded annoyed, I continued to stare at

her with teary eyes.

Saki sighed again, then thought for a moment before speaking.

"Okay, let's straighten this out. First, it's highly likely that Otsuki-kun
likes or is interested in Ayaka."

"...I think so."

"But he feels guilty for having lied. So now, even if Ayaka shows interest, he
will misunderstand and think it's just to go along with his lie."

"Yes."

"But Ayaka wants to convey her love sincerely to Otsuki-kun."

Hearing Saki's words, I felt my face heat up.

"...Y-yes."

"That's it! Don't be shy!"

"B-but..."

"No buts!"

Saki is still a strict love guru...

The strict love guru folded her arms and closed her eyes, lost in thought for a
few moments.

Meanwhile, I continued to wait with an anxious feeling.

Should I have just confessed my feelings back then?

But, at that time Otsuki-kun was in a very low state, it feels like I would have
been taking advantage of his weakness...
Uuh... Saki-sama, please help me!

As I prayed to my best friend sitting in front of me, Saki finally opened her
eyes.

"Hmm, I have one idea but..."

"You have an idea?"

Unconsciously, the corners of my lips lifted full of hope.

"Well, I don't know if this is the best solution."

Saki said with a less confident tone.

It doesn't matter if it's not the best solution! I thought all day yesterday but
couldn't find a good idea.

But Saki can definitely give much better advice than me who has never dated.

"My idea is..."

"Y-yes."

I focused all my attention on listening to Saki.

"Let's make Otsuki-kun be the one to confess to Ayaka."

"Eh? Otsuki-kun confessing? Not me confessing to Otsuki-kun?

Otsuki-kun confessing to me?

“Ayaka wants to start a relationship with Otsuki-kun based only on the pure
feeling of ‘like’, right?”

“Yes, but… It feels difficult to make Otsuki-kun confess his feelings…”

He already feels guilty for lying to me.

With that kind of feeling, I don't think it would be easy for him to confess.

"Right. Otsuki-kun definitely won't confess his feelings easily. But that's
precisely why, a confession of love from Otsuki-kun will be very meaningful."

Saki smiled meaningfully at me.

"Right now Otsuki-kun feels guilty towards Ayaka. So he must be thinking 'I'm
not worthy of confessing my feelings after lying' and won't confess his love."

"Yes, I think so too."

Hearing my answer, Saki smiled widely and continued her explanation.

"But, if he goes so far as to confess his feelings to Ayaka, it means his

feelings of love for Ayaka have overcome his guilt!"

"His feelings of love overcoming his guilt... B-but, how do I make him... like
me to that extent?"

I have never dated, and have always avoided boys.

Can I attract Otsuki-kun to that extent? I only feel anxious...

"Right now Ayaka is pretending to be Otsuki-kun's girlfriend, right?"

"Yes, but..."
"In front of Otsuki-kun's grandmother, you have to act like his girlfriend,
right?"

"Y-yes."

"There it is! Let's take advantage of that!"

Saki pointed at me firmly.

"Ayaka has never dated. So to pretend to be a girlfriend in front of Otsukikun's

grandmother, you need practice. Explain that to Otsuki-kun."

"You mean practice dating?"

"Exactly! Then, with the excuse of that practice, you can be clingy to Otsukikun or
vice versa, anyway, create lots of sweet moments to blur his perception!
Erase the line between a fake girlfriend and a real girlfriend!"

Saki's smile as she laughed like that looked like a face planning something a
little naughty.

"Because of that, Ayaka, from now on you must continuously give a strong 'love
push' to Otsuki-kun in this dating practice and keep showing that you really
like him!"

"A strong 'love push' on Otsuki-kun... c-can I do it?"

Seeing me a little hesitant, Saki said firmly.

"It's not a matter of can or cannot, but you have to do it! If you keep
pretending to be his girlfriend half-heartedly, your relationship with Otsukikun
could become strange, you know?"

"I don't want that to happen..."

"Then! You have to attack him with a spirit that could even push Otsuki-kun
down!"

"P-push down..."

As soon as Saki said that, the incident at the Animal Forest Park immediately
flashed through my mind.

Instantly, my face became so hot it felt like steam was coming out of my head.

"Well, of course that was just a joke. But it might be better if you are a
little aggressive when interacting with him."

After saying that, Saki added an explanation, "Oh, and this is also important."

"To conquer Otsuki-kun's heart, it's not enough just to be affectionate, but
it's also important to be an ideal girlfriend figure for him. Like being
considerate or gentle. Well, I don't know Otsuki-kun's taste at all, so I can't
say anything about that."

It's true, Otsuki-kun seems a bit too serious or has a very strong attitude of
trying to be honest.

To overcome the guilt he feels and make him confess his feelings to me, it will
surely require a corresponding effort.

"Yes, I... will try my best to be an ideal girlfriend for Otsuki-kun! And... try
to make him confess his feelings to me!!"

When I said it with determination, Saki nodded and gave a smile.

"Although it may be difficult, fight for your ideal first love. I will also
always be ready to help if there is anything I can do."

"Yes, thank you, Saki."

I smiled hearing the encouraging words of my best friend.

After that, we discussed strategies to make Otsuki-kun confess his feelings,
under the title "Operation Dating Practice".

It definitely won't be easy.

But... Otsuki-kun must be paying a little attention to me. Because of that, if I

keep trying hard to show my feelings and can get closer to the image of an ideal
girlfriend for Otsuki-kun, then at that moment...

I clenched my fist with enthusiasm.

I never expected something like this to happen before the summer vacation
started.

For the first time in my life, I found someone I like, and fell in love with
him.
My first love.

And even pretending to be his girlfriend.

This is my precious first love. I want to make my dream come true.

Because of that, I will become an attractive girlfriend for Otsuki-kun, not a

fake girlfriend but a real one.

Someday, for sure, I believe...

Haruto, who had recovered from the flu, returned to work as a domestic helper in
the Tojo family.

In front of the familiar luxurious house, Haruto seemed a little hesitant to

press the intercom bell, and pulled back his finger that was about to press the
button.

Ayaka's image appeared in his mind.

“...It’s okay. I will pretend to be your girlfriend. In front of your
grandmother, I will be Otsuki-kun’s girlfriend.”

The girl's words kept echoing in his mind over and over again.

"What kind of face should I show when I meet her..."

Haruto muttered softly with a slight sigh.

On one hand, he felt guilty for involving her in his lie, but on the other hand,
Haruto also couldn't hide his happy feelings even though Ayaka was only
pretending to be his girlfriend.

"I can't just stand here forever..."

Haruto decided to press the intercom bell of the Tojo residence, raising the
finger he had just pulled back. Just then, a voice suddenly called him from
behind.

"Ah, Otsuki-kun."

"Eh!? T-Tojo-san?"

Haruto, who was surprised by being suddenly greeted, his shoulders trembled
slightly as he turned around, and there stood Ayaka.

"Sorry to startle you. I was just taking Ryouta to the nearby park."

"Oh, I see... Is Ryouta-kun alone?"

"No, he's playing with the neighborhood kids. Their parents always help watch
over Ryouta too, so it's very helpful."

"Oh, I see... If there's adult supervision, it must be safe."

"Yes. By the way, is Otsuki-kun's flu gone?"

Ayaka approached a little and looked at Haruto with a worried expression, making
Haruto feel his face start to heat up.

"Yes, it's completely gone. Thank you for visiting me back then. I also received
a lot of fruits..."

"Don't worry about it, I'm glad Otsuki-kun is healthy again."

"Thank you... Oh, I came today for the domestic help job."

"Fufu, yes. Since the weather is hot, shall we go inside?"

Haruto stuttered slightly as he remembered his conversation with Ayaka a few

days ago. Ayaka smiled and opened the front door, inviting Haruto inside the
house.

As they both entered the living room, Haruto asked Ayaka.

"...Are Shuuichi-san and Ikue-san home today?"

"Papa and Mama are at the office for work today."

"Oh, I see..."

Shuuichi and Ikue were at the office together, Ryouta was playing with the
neighborhood kids in the nearby park.

In other words, right now it was just Haruto and Ayaka alone in this house. For
some reason, Haruto felt very awkward with this situation.

In the middle of the awkward silence between him and Ayaka, Haruto was about to
open his mouth to continue the conversation.
However, Ayaka spoke to Haruto first.

"Umm, Otsuki-kun... About our conversation back then..."

"Y-yes. About that... I'm really sorry. About pretending to be a girlfriend, if

Tojo-san feels even a little uncomfortable, we can stop right away..."

"Ah, no, I don't mind at all. But, umm... I've never dated before. So, I don't
really know how to pretend to be a girlfriend..."

Ayaka spoke with a bit of shyness, her cheeks slightly flushed as she looked up
at Haruto.

"That's why... I thought maybe we need to practice pretending to be a

girlfriend... What do you think?"

"Eh? Pr-practice?"

"Yes."

Ayaka nodded with a still-flushed face. Hearing the unexpected proposal from
Ayaka, Haruto was at a loss for words for a moment.

"...No, you don't need to do practice like that, Tojo-san is already attractive
enough as a girlfriend, umm... I mean, you're even more than just a real
girlfriend..."

"Ah, yes... Thank you... B-but, still. If Otsuki-kun's grandmother finds out I'm
a fake girlfriend, it will surely make her sad... That's why, I want to
practice..."

Once again, Ayaka looked up at Haruto and asked, "Is it not okay?"

After hearing such a request, Haruto couldn't possibly refuse.

"...I'm really sorry. For you to do something like this... I don't know how to
thank you."
"You don't need to think about thanks or anything, it's really okay."

Ayaka shook both her hands when she saw Haruto bowing deeply.

"Umm... So, that practice... err... What kind of practice?"

Not to brag, but Haruto was also the same as Ayaka, having no experience in
romance. Therefore, he couldn't imagine at all what kind of "practice" Ayaka
meant.

"Yes, that... I want us to practice so we look like a real couple, but only if
Otsuki-kun doesn't mind. From now on, when you come for the domestic service
job, can you come around noon?"

"Noon, you mean around 1:00 PM?"

"Yes, but if you have something to do, you don't have to force yourself."

The domestic service contract Haruto had with the Tojo family started at 3:00
PM. In other words, the time between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM would be the time for
the "Dating Practice" Ayaka mentioned.

"No, I don't mind... But, if every time I come early before the domestic service
job for... Dating practice with Tojo-san... what if Shuuichi-san and Ikue-san,
umm... Misunderstand or something..."

"About that, I plan to tell Papa and Mama that we are studying together. Otsukikun
is smart, so I can say that we are doing summer homework together while you
teach me. That way it's okay, right?"

"Ah, oh, I see..."

Haruto nodded as if understanding Ayaka's explanation.

"Besides, we can also really study at that time. To be honest, I want Otsuki-kun
to teach me."
Ayaka showed a slightly gloomy expression and said, "My exam results yesterday
were a bit..."

"If you don't mind, I can teach you anytime."

Haruto, whose AC in his room was having problems, was confused looking for a
cool place to study in the hot afternoon. So far he had been moving around to
various places like his best friend Tomoya's room or the library to find
coolness.

If Haruto could study in Ayaka's room every time, it would be very helpful for
him. Besides, since he could immediately do his part-time job as a housemaid, he
could also increase his study time.

"In that case, starting tomorrow, come to the house after noon. How about it?"

"Okay, um... Please take care of me."

Haruto bowed his head to Ayaka. In return, Ayaka also bowed her head to Haruto.

"I also ask for your help."

The two of them bowed politely to each other.

Ayaka, who lifted her head first, opened her mouth again hesitantly.

"Oh, I have one more request..."

"What is it?"

"Um, about how we call each other... Right now we still call each other by our
last names, right?"

Ayaka calls Haruto "Otsuki-kun", while Haruto calls Ayaka "Tojo-san".

In Haruto's case, when doing housework and there are other members of the Tojo
family, he calls Ayaka "Ayaka-san", but other than that he basically calls her
by her last name.

"I think, couples usually call each other by their first names."

"Oh, is that so?"

Haruto tilted his head slightly.

It's true that many couples call each other by their first names, but isn't it
not always necessary? There must be many couples who still call each other by
their last names.

Haruto's doubts were cleared by Ayaka's enthusiastic explanation.

"Yes. Close couples definitely call each other by their first names! That's why,
I want you to call me by my first name in daily life too."

"O-okay... In that case, from now on shall I call you Ayaka-san?"

"...Just Ayaka."

"Eh?"

"Without -san, just Ayaka... I want you to call me that."

Ayaka said while slightly averting her gaze with an expression full of
embarrassment.

Seeing her behavior, Haruto felt his heartbeat increase uncontrollably.

"...A...Ayaka."
Haruto said softly. Hearing that, Ayaka's smile immediately bloomed.

"Yes! What is it, Haruto-kun?" Ayaka smiled widely and stepped closer to Haruto
while tilting her head slightly.

Although it felt a little forced, her cuteness was more dominant so Haruto
forgot to ask why Ayaka still called him with -kun.

"Um... Can I still use -san in front of my grandmother?"

Just calling by the first name without any honorifics.

However, just with that, Haruto felt the distance between them become much
closer. And it also greatly stimulated the turbulent feelings within him towards
Ayaka.

Hearing Haruto's request, Ayaka thought for a moment with a "Hmm" before slowly
lifting the corners of her lips.

"Alright. In that case, in front of Otsuki-kun's grandmother and..."

Ayaka looked straight into Haruto's eyes and said with a friendly smile.

"When it's just the two of us, call me like you just did, okay."

"...Okay."

Haruto could only nod. Meanwhile, Ayaka showed a very satisfied smile.

"Ah, sorry for chatting for so long before work."

"It's okay. In that case... I will start working, are there any special
requests?"

"Oh, Mama said to clean the yard today."

The Tojo residence is indeed luxurious, with a spacious yard next to the living
room. In that yard, there is a wooden deck and a barbecue grill.

Haruto nodded at Ayaka's request.

"Okay. And for tonight's dinner, I plan to make chicken fillet nanban-zuke with
somen mixed with tomato, tuna, and shiso leaves. How does that sound?"

"Wow, that sounds delicious!"

"Alright. Then I will start cleaning the yard."

As Haruto was about to exit the living room into the yard.

Ayaka called from behind him.

"Oh right. Today Papa and Mama said they will be home a bit early, does Harutokun
want to join us for dinner again?"

"May I?"

Haruto replied while feeling a sense of ticklishness and embarrassment because

Ayaka called him by his first name.

"Papa and Mama will be happy if Haruto-kun joins. Of course, Ryouta too."

Realizing the situation where eating with the Tojo family has become a normal
thing lately, Haruto unconsciously smiled bitterly.

"In that case, I will join."

"Okay!"
Hearing Haruto's answer, Ayaka smiled happily.

Haruto, who began to feel more attracted to Ayaka's smile than before, averted
his gaze from her smile out of embarrassment.

He went out to the yard to avoid the silence, then began to clean with
concentration as if to drive away distracting thoughts.

He swept the wooden deck with a broom, then scrubbed it with a brush. Then he
cut the overgrown grass and pulled out the weeds.

After about an hour of cleaning and maintaining the yard. Because he was fully
concentrated while cleaning, the work was finished faster than expected. Haruto
returned to the living room to start preparing dinner.

There, Ayaka was waiting with a glass of tea in her hand.

"Haruto-kun, thank you for your hard work. Are you thirsty?"
(Tln: feels like a real husband and wife)

Haruto accepted the tea while thanking Ayaka for her consideration.

"Thank you. I was just thirsty, so this is very helpful."

Haruto, who had been working under the hot sun, immediately gulped down the tea
he was given. Ayaka watched him with a happy expression.

"Want more?"

"Ah, no need. Thank you very much... Um, in that case I will start preparing
dinner."

"Okay."

Haruto, who felt tickled by Ayaka's gaze, began preparing dinner to divert his
attention.
Ayaka watched Haruto's cooking activities from the dining table.

Haruto tried to concentrate on his cooking, but still felt distracted. While
frying the chicken fillet for the nanban-zuke in the pan, he lifted his gaze for
a moment towards Ayaka.

It turned out that Ayaka was also looking at Haruto, so their eyes met.

When their eyes met, Ayaka smiled sweetly with slightly flushed cheeks.

Seeing Ayaka's behavior, Haruto's heart pounded as if it would stop for a

moment.

"Ng... Oh right, about that dating practice..."

"Yes?"

While flipping the chicken fillet with chopsticks, Haruto slowly opened his
mouth.

"What kind of practice will we be doing?"

"That... maybe practicing acting and talking like a couple, and... um, skskinship
practice too?"

Ayaka's explanation became fast at the end due to embarrassment.

"Skinship... Yes?"

Haruto stopped the motion of lifting the fried chicken from the oil and turned
towards Ayaka in confusion. Hearing that, Ayaka began to explain hurriedly and
in a rather loud voice.

"B-because! If we look awkward, your grandmother might suspect that we are not a
real couple!"
"Suspect...?"

Shy and not holding hands.

Isn't there also a couple like that, and isn't it rather sweet because of its
innocence?

"Um, I already told my grandmother that I just got a girlfriend, so maybe...

Um... Too much skinship would also feel unnatural."

"Oh... Yes, that's true..."

Hearing Haruto's words, Ayaka seemed to lose her spirit and looked down
dejectedly. Seeing Ayaka's reaction, a feeling of guilt slowly emerged in
Haruto's heart.

Remembering that he had already involved Ayaka in his lie, Haruto felt he had no
right to say this and that to Ayaka.

"But it's true, maybe we need to practice to a certain extent. It must be

difficult to suddenly be asked to act like a real couple. If Ayaka-sa... Ayaka
doesn't mind, let's practice... Skinship too."

"...Really?"

Ayaka lifted her face with an expression that looked slightly happy, making
Haruto's heart flutter.

"Right. If you don't mind."

"How could I mind, since I was the one who proposed it."

Ayaka smiled broadly with joy, different from her gloomy expression earlier.

Haruto averted his gaze from Ayaka and hurriedly lifted the chicken fillet that
had been fried for too long from the pan.
Haruto moved the chicken fillet to a tray along with the previously cut onion,
bell pepper, and carrot, then poured his grandmother's recipe nanban-zuke sauce
over it.

After finishing preparing the nanban-zuke, Haruto prepared to make the somen
dipping sauce.

At that moment, Ayaka slowly opened her mouth.

“Hey, Haruto-kun.”

“Yes, what is it?”

Haruto turned towards Ayaka.

“Right now Papa, Mama, and Ryouta are not here…”

Ayaka’s expression as she said that seemed slightly glistening and moist,
exuding an indescribable charm.

“Want to practice dating… For a bit?”

Ayaka stood up slowly and said as she walked around the kitchen where Haruto
was.

“Ah, eh…”

Haruto stood frozen, looking at Ayaka who was approaching while still holding a
tomato for the somen sauce. Ayaka stopped a few steps from Haruto.

She looked down and stopped moving for a few seconds.

Then, as if she had made up her mind, she lifted her face firmly and stepped
forward, looking straight at Haruto.
“To-Tojo… san?”

“When we’re alone, you call me Ayaka, right?”

Ayaka puffed her cheeks slightly with a dissatisfied expression, while stepping
closer to Haruto.

“Haruto-kun…”

Ayaka was within a distance that could be touched if Haruto extended his hand a
little.

Various thoughts churned in Haruto's head.

If he acted on any of those thoughts, it felt like their relationship would

change.

A classmate who attends the same school.

A domestic service staff and a client.

And, a fake couple...

Haruto was captivated by Ayaka's seemingly sparkling gaze.

Big, beautiful eyes. When looking into Ayaka's eyes, Haruto's mind slowly
stopped working, and the desire hidden deep in his heart began to surface.

The calm part of Haruto warned that this should not continue, but slowly the
more desire-oriented thoughts grew larger.

And just as Haruto's hand began to slowly reach out towards Ayaka, a cheerful
voice was heard from the front door.

“I’m home!”
Ryouta's voice announcing his return.

Haruto and Ayaka flinched together and hurriedly took distance. The sound of
pattering footsteps was heard in the hallway, then the living room door opened
loudly and Ryouta, who had just returned from the park, jumped in.

“Ah! Onii-chan!!”

As soon as he saw Haruto in the kitchen, Ryouta ran towards him with a face full
of joy.

“Onii-chan, I’m home!”

“Welcome back, Ryouta-kun.”

“Onii-chan, is your flu gone? Are you all better?”

Haruto smiled gently at Ryota's concerned gaze.

"Thank you for worrying about me. My flu is gone and I'm all better."

As Haruto stroked Ryouta's head, the boy squinted his eyes as if he felt
ticklish.

"When Onii-chan had the flu, an auntie I didn't know came to help with the
housework in Onii-chan's place, you know."

"Oh, is that so, was her cooking good?"

"Yes. But I like Onii-chan's cooking more! And, it's more fun when Onii-chan is
at home!"

Ryouta said with an innocent smile. Haruto's expression softened at his words.

"Today I will also cook delicious food for Ryouta-kun, so wait a little while,
okay. While you wait, how about Ryouta-kun washes his hands and gargles first?"
"Okay!"

Haruto watched the back of Ryouta who was running to the sink with a gentle
gaze.

Back to being alone in the living room, Haruto slowly turned towards Ayaka.

"Let's practice another time."

"Y-yes..."

Haruto nodded awkwardly at Ayaka who was smiling shyly.

While continuing to cook dinner, Haruto reflected on the desire that had just
emerged within him.

When Ayaka approached just now, he thought.

I want to make Ayaka mine.

I want to hold her in my arms.

However, he had no right to do that now. Ayaka was pretending to be his

girlfriend because she trusted him. It was because of that trust that Ayaka was
willing to practice skinship and act like a real girlfriend. Therefore, he must
not betray that trust. But, Haruto stopped cutting the tomato and thought.

Because of the guilt of involving Ayaka in the lie, his feeling of regret
towards Ayaka was very strong. That's why he hadn't really thought about Ayaka's
own feelings.

How does Ayaka feel about this fake relationship...

Haruto recalled the events since he started working for the Tojo family and met
Ayaka.
And he began to consider a possibility.
The possibility that Ayaka likes him.

He wasn't sure, but he also couldn't say it was impossible.

They went to watch a movie together and held hands. Often went shopping together
at the supermarket. And at the Animal Forest Park, although it was
unintentional, they ended up hugging.

Recalling those scenes and Ayaka's reactions, it felt like she never showed an
expression of dislike.

It hasn't been long since Haruto met Ayaka. There's still a high probability
that this is just Haruto's own misunderstanding.

But...

At that moment, a scene flashed through Haruto's mind.

Recently. When Ayaka came to take care of him and pressed their foreheads
together to check his temperature.

Would someone do that to someone they didn't like?

If Ayaka likes Haruto, there is no need for a fake relationship.

Haruto realized the feeling at the bottom of his heart, his feelings for Ayaka.

So, if Ayaka's feelings were the same as his...

Up to that point, Haruto shook his head hard.

"There's no way things would be that convenient... right?"

Through his housekeeping job, Haruto could tell that Ayaka's persona as the
"school idol" was not the real Ayaka. However, the image of Ayaka as the "school
idol" had not completely disappeared from Haruto's mind.

Not interested in love, never close to boys. Only friends with girls, and
rejects all confessions of love.

Because that image still lingered, Haruto felt unrealistic about the possibility
of Ayaka liking him.

He moved the chopped tomatoes to a bowl, then started chopping shiso leaves.

While doing that, he lifted his gaze slightly and glanced at Ayaka who was
sitting back at the dining room table.

And again, their eyes met.

"The food... will be ready soon."

"O-okay."

They averted their gazes from each other out of embarrassment.

Haruto tried to calm his beating heart while chopping the shiso leaves.

From now on, before working as a housekeeper, they would "practice being a
couple" in Ayaka's room. Of course, they would also continue to study seriously.

He didn't know if the thumping in his chest right now was caused by anxiety or
excitement.

While realizing the existence of his own feelings that seemed to know the answer
but didn't want to know it clearly yet, he decided to continue cooking dinner in
silence for a while.

“Wow, Otsuki-kun’s cooking is always delicious!”

Shuuichi praised while enjoying Haruto's nanban-zuke.

“Not just the taste, the texture of the vegetables is also very good.”

Ikue also enjoyed Haruto's cooking with full appreciation.

After finishing his work as a housemaid, Haruto sat at the dining table with
Shuuichi and Ikue who had just come home from work, as well as Ayaka and Ryouta.

"Thank you. This time I might have cooked the chicken for too long, so it might
be a bit tough."

"Ah no, it doesn't feel like that at all. But this sharp spiciness makes me want
to drink sake. This would go well with beer... Ah no, maybe it would go even
better with cold sake, right?"

Shuuichi said while glancing at Ikue.

"Fufufu, don't drink too much, okay."

"Of course! I happened to get a nice souvenir from a colleague."

Shuuichi went to get sake with cheerful steps.

Meanwhile, Ryouta looked at Ayaka's nanban-zuke with a confused expression.

"Onee-chan, is this spicy?"

Haruto smiled seeing Ryouta tilting his head in confusion.

"Ryouta-kun's portion is seasoned differently so it's not spicy, you know."

"I want to eat the spicy one too!"

Perhaps not liking that his food tasted different, Ryouta glanced at the nanbanzuke
of Ayaka who was sitting next to him.

"It's still too early for Ryouta."

Ayaka said as if advising her younger brother. But Ryouta shook his head at his
sister's words.

"I can handle spicy food!"

"Really? Then do you want to try a little?"

"Yes!!"

With a big nod, Ryouta received a little of Ayaka's nanban-zuke on his plate.

Ryouta, with shining eyes, brought the food to his mouth, but his expression
immediately turned grim.

It seemed the nanban-zuke was too spicy for him, but he tried hard to endure the
spiciness and chewed the food. Seeing him, Ayaka couldn't help but laugh and let
out a "fufu".

"How is it, Ryouta? Delicious?"

“……yes, delicious…”

"Want more?"

Hearing Ayaka's words, Ryouta shook his head violently.

As the two of them interacted, Shuuichi with a cheerful face returned carrying a
one-shō (1.8 liter) bottle of sake to the table.
“This is a rare item to find on the market,” he said happily as he placed a cup
on the table and prepared to pour the sake.

“Ah, Shuuichi-san. Let me pour it.”

“No, no! Don’t worry about it.”

“At least let me pour the first cup.”

Saying so, Haruto slowly reached for the one-shō bottle that Shuuichi was
holding.

"Is that so? Alright, then one cup please."

Shuuichi handed the one-shō bottle to Haruto and held the cup.

"Please."

"Thank you… Thank you."

Shuuichi, who was poured for by Haruto, immediately drank his cup.

"Mm! Delicious!"

"Fufu, you look happy, don't you. Being poured for by Otsuki-kun."

Ikue said to Shuuichi who was smiling widely.

"That's right! When Otsuki-kun is grown up, I really want to share a cup with
him."

"At that time, please take care of me."

Haruto bowed his head at Shuuichi's words. At that moment, Ikue looked at Ayaka.

"If Otsuki-kun can drink, that means Ayaka can also drink, right?"

"That's right. Because Haruto-kun and I are the same age."

After Ayaka answered thus, Ikue showed an "oh?" expression.

"What is it, Mama?"

"No, it's nothing. But I see…"

Her mother looked at her daughter with a happy expression. "Ayaka, it seems your
relationship with Haruto-kun is going well."

"U-uhm… Yes, it is."

Although her face was slightly flushed, Ayaka nodded without denying Ikue's
words.

Seeing her daughter's attitude, Ikue smiled widely.

"I hope you can be with Otsuki-kun until you're adults."

"Yes… I want to be with him."

Ayaka said clearly despite feeling shy. At that moment, Shuuichi, who was
already a little drunk and louder, looked back and forth between Haruto and
Ayaka.

"I see! If Otsuki-kun can drink, that means Ayaka can drink too!"

Shuuichi repeated what Ikue had just said.

"This is good news!"

Saying so, Shuuichi downed the remaining sake in his cup.

"Shuuichi-san, please."

"Ah, Otsuki-kun, oto to to. Oh, thank you, thank you!"

After Haruto poured again, Shuuichi happily extended his cup and immediately
brought his lips to the sake that was poured full.

"But, Otsuki-kun and Ayaka, both of them will be able to drink at the same
time... Huh? If they drink at the same time, does that mean? Does that mean it
will be sansankudo?"
(Tln: Sansankudo (三三九度) is one of the rituals in traditional Japanese
weddings, especially in Shinto wedding ceremonies. In this ritual, the bride and
groom will take turns drinking sake from three cups of different sizes. Each cup
is drunk in three sips, so the total becomes nine sips. Sc: chatgpt)

Perhaps because he was a little drunk, Shuuichi with a slightly flushed face
said something unclear.

Hearing her father's absurd statement, Ayaka immediately protested.

"Eh, why would the first time drinking sake be at a wedding?!"

"That's right, dear. Young people nowadays prefer to have ceremonies in chapels
rather than at shrines, right?"
(Tln: a chapel is a place of worship)

"That's not it!! Before the wedding, there's a coming-of-age ceremony, right!!"

Ayaka retorted to Ikue's irrelevant comment.

However, Ikue gracefully ignored the protest and asked Haruto.

"Otsuki-kun, which one do you think suits Ayaka better, a dress or a shiromuku?"
(Tln: a kind of white kimono)
"Eh, Mama!? Don't ask Haruto-kun strange things!"

"It's not a strange thing! Maybe it could be a useful opinion in the future,
right?"

With a wide smile, Ikue said, and Ayaka immediately blushed and fell silent.

"So, what do you think, Otsuki-kun?"

Ikue asked again, and Haruto realized he had no way to escape. He shyly
scratched his cheek and answered hesitantly.

"Umm, Ayaka-san is... Very beautiful and cute, so I think a wedding dress and a
shiromuku would both suit her equally..."

"I see? In that case, what color would you like to see Ayaka wear for a colored
dress or iro-uchikake?"

Ikue asked again with great enthusiasm, and Haruto answered with a wry smile.

"We-well... The classic pink or red would also be nice, but... Since Ayaka-san
has fair and beautiful skin, I think a refreshing blue, or a graceful and
elegant wisteria and purple would also suit her very well."

Hearing Haruto who spoke shyly, Ikue smiled with satisfaction and looked at
Ayaka.

"That's what he says, does that help?"

"...Yes."

Ayaka nodded slightly with a barely audible voice.

She glanced shyly at Haruto, her face red up to her ears. When their eyes met,
they both immediately averted their gazes.
Seeing the reaction of the two, Ikue smiled widely and said, "How sweet~"

"A white wedding dress and a colored one. Shiromuku and iro-uchikake. If she
wears all of them, does that mean we have to hold ceremonies at a church and a
Shinto shrine? Then change clothes at the reception... hmm, maybe we should
start saving money for the wedding from now on."

Shuuichi, whose face was flushed from alcohol, muttered to himself.

Hearing that, Ayaka quickly interrupted.

"Dad! It's too soon!"

"No, but listen. Weddings cost a lot of money, you know? Since it's Otsuki-kun
and Ayaka's wedding, I don't want a cheap-looking ceremony! Hahaha!"

Shuuichi laughed cheerfully while sipping his sake.

Ayaka snatched the empty glass from Shuuichi's hand.

"Dad, you're drinking too much! You're already drunk!"

"No, no, I'm still conscious. By the way, Otsuki-kun!"

"Y-yes?"

Haruto straightened his posture, reacting to Shuuichi who suddenly faced him
seriously.

"Although this daughter of mine is not yet perfect, please take good care of
her."

"Ah, yes... yes? Eh? No, umm..."

"Dad! Don't bother Otsuki-kun when you're drunk!"

Though his daughter scolded him, Shuuichi just laughed happily, "Wahahahaha!"

"Umm... is Shuuichi-san a lightweight when it comes to alcohol?"

Haruto asked Ikue quietly.

"Well, this person gets drunk immediately after just one sip. Today he has had
three glasses, so he's almost perfectly drunk."

Ikue replied with a smile, then added, "He can drink a lot and doesn't get a
hangover, so you can't say he's a lightweight."

"I see..."

Haruto smiled wryly as he looked at Shuuichi.

Right now Shuuichi was arguing with Ayaka about the wedding. Haruto felt a bit
complicated because he was the subject of the conversation, but he decided not
to interfere further to avoid getting more involved.

At that moment, Ryouta was looking at the sake bottle on the table with great
interest.

"Hey, Onii-chan? Is this delicious?"

"This, Ryouta-kun is not allowed to drink yet. Besides, even if you did, I don't
think it would taste good to you."

"Really? But Dad looks like he's drinking it with great pleasure?"

"This is a magical drink that will taste delicious when you become an adult."

Ryouta tilted his head at Haruto's explanation.

"Hmm? Strange."

"When Ryouta-kun becomes an adult, let's drink together, okay."

"Yes!"

Ryouta nodded happily at Haruto's words, then averted his gaze from the sake
bottle and began to slurp his somen.

"By the way, Otsuki-kun. I have a proposal."

"Yes, what is it?"

Shuuichi, who had finished arguing with Ayaka, now called out to Haruto.

Remembering the previous conversation, Haruto was a little wary as he awaited

Shuichi's words.

"This weekend, we're having a barbecue in our yard. How about Otsuki-kun joins
us?"

"Barbecue? Ah, so that's the reason for cleaning the yard..."

"How about it? You can eat all the delicious meat you want, you know?"

"Umm..."

Haruto glanced at Ikue, asking for approval with his eyes.

Seeing Haruto hesitating whether to accept the invitation from the

alcoholinfluenced Shuuichi, Ikue nodded while still smiling.

"If Otsuki-kun doesn't mind, let's have a barbecue together."

Hearing Ikue's approval, Haruto bowed his head.

"In that case, I will come. Thank you for the invitation."

"Great! It looks like this weekend will be fun!"

The Tojo family's dining table, now with Haruto added, was filled with loud
laughter.

After finishing dinner and Haruto was preparing to go home, Ayaka said to Ikue.

"From now on I will study with Haruto-kun. On the days he works as a housemaid,
we will study together in my room after noon."

"Oh really? That's great, Otsuki-kun is very smart, isn't he?"

"He's ranked first in our grade. Isn't that right, Haruto-kun?"

"Ah, yes."

Haruto nodded with a bit of reluctance.

"That's amazing. I have high hopes for the exam results after the summer
vacation."

"Eh? Ah... How about that?"

Hearing Ikue's words, Ayaka smiled faintly and averted her gaze.

Seeing the mother and daughter's conversation, Haruto said with a wry smile.

"I will do my best to help Ayaka-san's grades improve."

"Wow! So Otsuki-kun is not only a housemaid but will also be a private tutor.
Ayaka, you must listen to what Otsuki-sensei says, okay?"

Ikue said in a joking tone, and Ayaka also played along with slightly flushed
cheeks.

"Please take care of me, Haruto-sensei."

Although Ayaka's gaze looked a bit contrived and teasing, it was enough to
affect Haruto.

"I-I will do my very best."

Haruto felt his heart pound with both excitement and anxiety at the thought of
studying alone with Ayaka.
Dating Practice
Spirited voices echoed inside the dojo.

The sound of bare feet rubbing against the wooden floor mixed with the sound of
blocked punches and kicks, producing low impact sounds and dry claps that
answered each other.

Haruto struggled to parry the barrage of attacks in the form of kicks and
punches from Ishigura, his opponent in a sparring match.

Haruto and Ishigura had equal abilities as assistant instructors at the Doujima
dojo. Usually, their fights would be fierce with a rapid exchange of offense and
defense. However, today Haruto seemed less focused and was more on the
defensive.

Seeing Haruto's condition, Ishigura launched his signature high kick from close
range.

Usually, Haruto could easily dodge Ishigura's high kick by tilting his upper
body. But today, due to lack of focus, his reaction was slow and he was forced
to block by raising his arm.

With a dull thud, Ishigura's heavy kick hit Haruto's arm directly.

Even the skilled Haruto could not withstand Ishigura's kick with just one arm
raised late. He staggered slightly before finally regaining his balance.

"Oi Haruto. Your movements are slow today, huh?"

Ishigura said while still in his post-high kick stance.

"Sorry, Kazu-senpai. I was a little distracted thinking about something."

Haruto smiled wryly while moving the arm that had just blocked Ishigura's kick.

"If you keep daydreaming, you could get injured, you know?"

"Right. I will focus more."

Haruto let out a short breath and refocused himself.

Seeing Haruto's serious gaze, Ishigura also returned to his stance and continued
the sparring match.

After training with Ishigura and breaking a sweat, Haruto finished his practice
at the dojo and sat on the floor to stretch and cool down.

Ishigura approached him while wiping his sweat with a towel wrapped around his
neck.

"Haruto, is there a problem you're thinking about?"

Ishigura asked casually while sitting next to Haruto.

"During practice earlier, you said you were thinking about something, right?"

"Ah... It's not a big problem, but..."

Haruto paused his stretching for a moment and answered with some hesitation.
"How should I put it... Um... in your opinion, what is the right distance with a
girl who... Is not a close friend, but something like that... What do you think
it's like?"

"Huh? What do you mean?"

Ishigura looked a little surprised to hear Haruto's unexpected question.

"So what you're thinking about is a love problem?"

"Well... how should I put it?"

"How should you put it what, how would I know."

Ishigura said in an annoyed tone. Suddenly, Shizuku appeared behind him.

"What's this? Two boys talking about girl problems?"

"Woah!? Oi Shizuku! Don't suddenly appear from behind! You could give me a heart
attack, you know!"

Ishigura turned around in surprise, and Shizuku looked at him with a flat
expression.

"Kazu-senpai, you should have said 'Don't stand behind me. You might get hurt'
with a terrifying smile. What a pity."

"Who's smiling terrifyingly?! And what do you mean by 'what a pity'? I don't get
it."
"I mean, Kazu-senpai just missed an opportunity to raise your evil reputation
index. By the way, Haru-senpai, do you like someone?"

Shizuku ignored Ishigura's protest of "Don't just make up weird indexes!" and
stared intently at Haruto.

"Ah... No..."

Haruto scratched his head while averting his gaze from Shizuku's stare.

Shizuku stepped closer to Haruto.

"Haru-senpai, for love consultations, I can help a million times better than
Kazu-senpai."

"Oi, that's an exaggeration, isn't it?"

"Because, can Kazu-senpai talk to a girl for more than three minutes without
making her cry?"

"I'm talking to you for more than three minutes, aren't I?"

"I don't count because I know Kazu-senpai is actually a hidden shy girl."

Hearing Shizuku's words, Ishigura said "A shy girl? Who?" in a slightly tired
tone.

"So, who does Haru-senpai like? Me? Alright, let's date."

"Haha... Thanks Shizuku, I'll ask for your advice next time, okay."

Haruto smiled in response to Shizuku's unchanging jokes. "I have to go home now.
See you later."

Haruto finished his stretches and walked alone to the changing room to change
his clothes.

"Hey, Shizuku. Do you think he really likes someone?"

"I don't know... But, if Haru-senpai has a girlfriend... I think that's a good
thing."

Shizuku muttered softly, and Ishigura turned towards her.

However, he couldn't read the emotion from Shizuku's face, which was flatter
than usual.

※

Haruto felt his palms begin to sweat as he followed Ayaka up the stairs.

"This is my room."

Ayaka said as she opened the door.

"...Excuse me."
Haruto gave a slight bow before entering Ayaka's room.

The room of a girl famous as the "school idol" and considered the most beautiful
in their school.

The room turned out to be a normal girl's room in general.

The only differences Haruto could see were that the room was slightly larger
than his own, and the bookshelf on the wall was full of manga and novels.

"It's a beautiful and comfortable room."

"Fufu, thank you. I'll get some drinks. Please sit on that cushion and wait."

After saying that, Ayaka left the room.

Haruto, left alone in the room, looked around restlessly.

Just being in a female classmate's room was enough to make him nervous. Coupled
with his feelings for Ayaka and their status as a fake couple, it made Haruto
constantly shift his seating position on the cushion.

Every time he breathed, a soft, fragrant scent tickled his nose, making his
heart beat faster.

Ayaka's room was filled with the same scent that sometimes wafted from her hair,
making Haruto even more restless and his eyes kept darting around.
Haruto then noticed the cushion he was sitting on, and another cushion placed
right next to it. The two cushions were placed very close together with no space
between them.

In front of him was a desk that was just right for studying.
Other than that, the only places to sit in this room were the bed or the desk
chair.

Haruto once again looked at the cushion next to him that had no gap, then slowly
pushed it a little to create some distance. Just then, Ayaka returned carrying a
tray with drinks and glasses.

"Sorry to keep you waiting, Haruto-kun. Is barley tea okay?"

"Ah, yes. Thank you very much."

Ayaka placed the tray on the table in front of Haruto, then casually sat on the
cushion next to Haruto.

As she sat down, she returned the distance of the cushion that Haruto had just
shifted back to its original close position.

"......"

"......"
Haruto and Ayaka sat side by side at a very close distance, their shoulders
touching.

"Um... I-I'll have the tea."

"Y-yes. Please go ahead."

As Haruto reached out to take the glass on the table, he accidentally touched
Ayaka next to him, making his heart beat even faster.

Haruto intended to just take a sip, but he had unconsciously finished more than
half a glass of barley tea in one gulp.

"Are you thirsty? Want some more?"

"No, it's alright."

Haruto refused Ayaka's offer while waving his hand.

After that, there was a moment of silence before Ayaka slowly started the
conversation.

"So... shall we start the dating practice?"

Ayaka said with slightly flushed cheeks, making Haruto jolt in surprise.

"Yes... Um, where do we start?"

Haruto asked cautiously, remembering their previous conversation that touched on

skinship.

"Hmm. First of all, I want Haruto-kun to change the way you talk. How about it?"

"The way I talk? What do you mean?"

Haruto tilted his head slightly, and Ayaka said, "That, your way of speaking is
too polite."

"Haruto-kun's way of speaking is too polite, so it feels a bit distant and... A

little lonely."

“You mean you want me to speak more casually?”

“Yes. Besides, before we pretended to be a couple, we were classmates, right?

So I want you to talk more normally.”

“I see...”

Haruto nodded while placing a hand on his mouth.

Their first meeting was as a customer and a housekeeping service staff, so

Haruto naturally spoke politely to Ayaka. But as Ayaka said, that way of
speaking did feel a bit distant.

“If that’s the case, should I speak like I speak to a normal friend?”

“Ah... yes...”

Ayaka replied with a slight hesitation, making Haruto tilt his head again.

“Huh? Is that not it?”

“It's not that. That's not wrong, but... You know, we're pretending to be a
couple, right?”
“Yes.”

“That means, when we're pretending to be a couple, I belong to you, right?”

“That... Well, is that so?”

Haruto replied hesitantly. Hearing that, Ayaka explained with a slightly excited
voice.

“So, not just talking like a normal friend. More like... an ‘ore-sama’
style? Speaking a little assertively and aggressively, I think that would be
more realistic...”

“Is that... Is that Ayaka's preference?”

Haruto asked, a little confused by Ayaka's request.

With a flushed face, Ayaka replied hurriedly.

“It-it’s not about my preference! I mean, in general, don't affectionate

couples look like that? Th-that's all!”

“I-I see...”

Haruto smiled a little stiffly hearing Ayaka's explanation which sounded like an
excuse.
An affectionate couple, where the boyfriend speaks in an ‘ore-sama’ style.

To be honest, this was not common at all. Haruto thought so, but he felt
hesitant to refuse Ayaka's request.

This dating practice was the result of Ayaka's kindness in helping with his lie.
If he refused Ayaka's request now, wouldn't that be the same as ignoring her
kindness? As Haruto was thinking this, Ayaka said with a little anxiety.

“You don't like it? If Haruto-kun doesn't want to, I won't force you...”

“Ah, no... I mean, what's an example of the ‘ore-sama’ style that Ayaka
means?”

When Haruto asked that, Ayaka's previously anxious expression immediately

changed and her eyes sparkled.

“That... for example... ‘Come here’ while putting an arm around my shoulder
a little roughly, or introducing me to others by saying ‘She's mine’...”

“Wa-wait a minute! That's too sudden and a bit difficult... Besides, that's
very different from my character...”

“Really?”

“I'm getting worried about how I look in Ayaka's eyes...”

“Haruto-kun, when it's just the two of us, call me without any suffix, okay?
”

Ayaka pointed at Haruto with her index finger as if scolding him.

“Ah... that's right.”

“If that's the case, how about we start with you calling me ‘Oi, Ayaka’?”

It seemed that in Ayaka's mind, it was already decided that Haruto would speak
in an ‘ore-sama’ style, and she kept pushing the conversation in that
direction.

“Are we really going to do this?”

“Yes!”

Seeing Ayaka with her eyes sparkling with hope, Haruto completely lost his
chance to refuse and hesitantly began to speak.

“...Oi, Ayaka.”

Hearing Haruto's slightly rushed ‘ore-sama’ style of speaking, Ayaka tilted

her head and said “Hmm”.

“Maybe a little more assertive?”

“...Oi, Ayaka.”

“A little more.”

“Oi, Ayaka.”
“One more time.”

“Oi, Ayaka.”

“Just one more time.”

“Oi! Ayaka.”

“...Maybe that's good.”

Ayaka smiled with satisfaction, her cheeks slightly flushed.

Meanwhile, Haruto showed a tired expression.

“Um, how about we practice this ‘ore-sama’ speaking style slowly, and start
with a casual speaking style between close friends first?”

“But Haruto-kun was cool just now, you know?”

“...No, please let's start with a friend's speaking style.”

Haruto's heart wavered a little hearing Ayaka's praise.

However, thinking about the future, Haruto shook his head. Seeing Haruto
pleading while bowing deeply, Ayaka accepted his request, though she looked a
little disappointed.
“Alright. In that case, let's practice the ‘ore-sama’ speaking style
slowly, okay? Until then, let's use a friend's speaking style.”

Haruto actually wanted to pretend the ‘ore-sama’ speaking style didn't

exist, but it seemed Ayaka wouldn't give up.

Haruto felt a little anxious about the "dating practice" that was about to
begin. However, Ayaka didn't care about Haruto's feelings and continued with
their dating practice.

“Then, next...”

“Yes...”

Haruto was a little wary hearing Ayaka's next statement, remembering her rather
surprising request at the beginning about “speaking in an ore-sama style”.

“We have met as classmates, but it hasn't been long since we really started
talking, right?”

“Yes, that's right.”

“So, I think we should get to know each other better first.”

Hearing Ayaka's proposal which turned out to be quite reasonable, Haruto

breathed a sigh of relief.

It was true, if they were a couple, of course they should know each other well.
“You're right, Ayaka. That's a good idea.”

“Right? In that case, let's start. What type of girl does Haruto-kun like?”

Ayaka asked with great curiosity while leaning her body forward slightly, making
Haruto pull his body back a little.

“The ty-type of girl I like?”

“Yes. Even though this is pretend, wouldn't it be easier for you to act if
your girlfriend is a little similar to your ideal type?”

“No, there's no need to go that far. Like I said before, Ayaka is already
attractive enough.”

Hearing Haruto say that, Ayaka brought her face a little closer and whispered.

“In that case, does that mean I'm Haruto-kun's ideal type of girl?”

“Ah, no... That, um...”

Haruto became flustered and his eyes darted around, seeing Ayaka looking at him
with sparkling eyes and an aggressive expression.

“Um, I think women with beautiful smiles are attractive.”

Haruto answered haltingly while avoiding Ayaka's gaze. Hearing that, Ayaka
smiled a little.
“I see, Haruto-kun likes smiles. By the way, do you like my smile?”

“That, well... Ayaka's smile, not just me, but I think all boys would find it
attractive...”

“Fufu, thank you.”

Seeing Ayaka smiling happily, Haruto replied with a flushed face.

“Ah, what type of boy does Ayaka like?”

“Eh? Me? I...”

Ayaka thought for a moment, then answered while looking at Haruto.

“A man who can do housework perfectly, or can cook deliciously, that's quite
attractive in my opinion.”

“...I-I see, I'll use that as a reference...”

“Yes. By the way, Haruto-kun's way of speaking hasn't changed since just now,
you know.”

Ayaka said so while puffing her cheeks slightly, looking dissatisfied.

“Sorry... uh, I mean, sorry. It's a bit hard to change it right away.”
“If this continues, grandma might find out we're lying, you know?”

“Sorry... I'll try to fix it as soon as possible.”

“Ah, you used formal language again.”

Hearing Ayaka's reprimand, Haruto covered his mouth for a moment, let out a soft
sigh, then started talking again.

“Okay. From now on I will try to speak in a more casual style.”

After saying that, Haruto raised his index finger and continued, “But”.

“As long as I'm working as a housekeeper, I will continue to speak as usual,

is that okay?”

“Yes. That's a job, so it's fine.”

Ayaka nodded, then smiled very happily. Seeing that, Haruto asked.

“Why do you look so happy?”

“Eh? Because, Haruto-kun talking normally feels new and refreshing.”

(Tln: from Watashi to ore, and the language becomes more casual, to understand
it better you can read the raw or see it in anime²)

It seemed Ayaka was smiling unconsciously; she looked a little surprised and
caressed her own cheeks.
Seeing Ayaka's sweet reaction, Haruto's cheeks also unconsciously turned red.

"Every time I talk, Ayaka smiles like that, grandma will become suspicious, you
know."

"Am I smiling that much?" Ayaka said while patting her cheeks with both hands.

Then, as if suddenly remembering something, Ayaka looked at Haruto.

"A normal couple should be able to whisper love to each other casually, right?"

"Eh? Well... Is that true? It doesn't seem that common...?"

Seeing Ayaka once again bring out her abnormal 'normal' standard, Haruto tried
to gently refute it.

However, Ayaka gracefully ignored Haruto's objection and continued the

conversation.

"If a couple says 'I like you' to each other and then gets shy or their face
turns red, that's weird, right?"

"No, that's not weird at all..."

"But but! We don't know what kind of situation will happen, so it's better to
practice first, right?"

Whispering love in front of others. Haruto really wanted to avoid a situation

that seemed like an embarrassing game, but Ayaka was already very excited to
practice.

"I-in that case. I'll say 'I like you' to Haruto-kun, then Haruto-kun replies 'I
like you too'. Don't be shy right now, okay? Just be casual like a normal
couple's everyday conversation, okay?"

Expressing feelings with words and conveying them to a partner is indeed

important. Haruto also didn't oppose that.

But saying it like an everyday conversation, isn't that no longer a normal

couple but a stupid couple?
(Tln: stupid couple or bakapuru, it's a couple whose lovey-dovey can't see place
and time, always being lovey-dovey everywhere)

Such thoughts filled Haruto's mind, but before he could convey them to Ayaka,
the girl had already started the practice.

"I-in that case... I-I'll say it, okay?"

Ayaka said so, perhaps out of shyness, she looked at Haruto with teary eyes.

Then, after biting her lip slightly, she slowly opened her mouth.

"Haruto-kun... I like you."

"Ugh...!"

Flushed cheeks. Teary eyes. A distance so close that you could touch her if you
reached out your hand.
Being stared at directly by those eyes from such a close distance. Ayaka's
beautiful and sweet expression seemed as if it were created by God himself.
Words like a love confession uttered from her lips.

The destructive effect was so strong that Haruto felt for a moment that his
heart had stopped beating.

"Ah, you can't, Haruto-kun! Don't be shy!"

"No no no! That's impossible!"

Haruto rejected Ayaka's protest with all his might.

It would be strange not to be shy after that.

Ayaka's words just now were like magic that forced the corners of Haruto's lips
to curve upwards.

"Besides, Ayaka's face is also red."

"Th-that's because... This is the first time I've said 'like' to a boy..."

"Guh..."

Seeing Ayaka looking down shyly as she said it, Haruto couldn't help but let a
strange smile bloom.

"N-now it's Haruto-kun's turn!"

Ayaka urged Haruto, who was struggling hard to regain his normal expression.

"Do I have to?"

"Y-you have to! If we don't practice properly, they'll find out we're lying, you
know!"

Haruto tried to stake his last hope, but it was immediately rejected flatly by
Ayaka.

Actually, even without doing this practice, it was almost impossible for their
fake relationship to be discovered.

In fact, Haruto felt that if they mastered this practice, what would be created
would be a strange couple, or more precisely, a stupid couple.

Haruto peeked at Ayaka's expression while holding the corners of his lips, which
had not yet returned to their normal position, with his palm.

It seemed that what she said earlier was also quite embarrassing for Ayaka, her
face was redder than Haruto had ever seen before.

After Ayaka said something like that, it was impossible for him not to say it
himself.

After making up his mind, Haruto took a few deep breaths without Ayaka noticing,
then used all the strength in his facial muscles to make a flat expression.

Because he was trying so hard to keep his face from smiling, his eyes became
tense as well.
"...Ayaka." As soon as her name was called, the girl was startled and stared
intently into Haruto's eyes.

"I like Ayaka too."

As soon as he said it, Haruto could feel his body temperature rise drastically.

Perhaps this is what is meant by a face that feels like it's burning.

He felt like he could fry a sunny-side-up egg on his forehead right now.

While Haruto was squirming in embarrassment, he felt anxious because there was
no response at all from Ayaka.

As soon as she heard Haruto's words, Ayaka's eyes widened and she froze on the
spot.

"Ayaka? Oi, Ayaka? Ayaka-san?"

Haruto tried calling her name several times.

"Ah! W-what is it, Haruto-kun?"

Hearing Haruto's call, Ayaka came to her senses and blinked her eyes.

"Umm, how was that? Was it like a normal couple, according to Ayaka?"
"Ah... Um... Sorry, it seems my memory disappeared for a bit there."

"Eh!? ...Seriously?"

Haruto was shocked to hear that the words he had uttered while enduring the
greatest embarrassment of his life were not remembered.

"S-sorry... So, um... Could you say it one more time?"

"No way, no way, no way! If I do it again I might die of embarrassment!"

Haruto refused, waving both his hands, but Ayaka pleaded by clasping her hands
together.

"Please! Just one more time! Please?"

Ayaka tilted her clasped hands slightly and peeked from there with a pleading
look. Seeing Ayaka's adorable gesture, Haruto almost nodded, but he managed to
hold back.

Seeing Haruto not nodding, Ayaka made a proposal.

"Alright. If Haruto-kun will say it one more time, I will also say 'I like you'
one more time. It's not fair if Haruto-kun says it twice but I only say it once,
right."

"That's not the problem..."

"You don't want to?"

"...Alright... I'll say it one more time, but this time listen carefully, okay?"

"Yes, I'll listen carefully."

Seeing Ayaka nodding repeatedly, Haruto took another deep breath before
mustering the courage to say his words.

"Ayaka, I like you."

"Hauu..."

As soon as she heard Haruto's words, a sound like a sigh or a gasp came from
Ayaka's mouth.

She looked down with a beet-red face, then after a few moments lifted her face
and said to Haruto with a shy smile.

"Me too, I really like Haruto-kun!"

Hearing Ayaka's words, spoken with a shy expression, Haruto's train of thought
was completely shattered.

In the corner of his no longer functioning brain, Haruto thought a little.

Maybe being a stupid couple isn't so bad.

※
The day after doing "dating practice" with Ayaka.

The sky was still in a pre-dawn state, but Haruto was already awake.

He glanced at the clock beside his pillow, feeling it was too early to wake up,
then tried to go back to sleep by closing his eyelids. However, it seemed his
head was already wide awake, and he didn't feel like he could fall back asleep
at all.

Having no other choice, Haruto, who woke up very early, sat at his desk to do
his morning study routine, moving his mechanical pencil across his notebook with
full concentration.

However, the concentration that usually lasted a long time today disappeared
quickly.

“Damn... I can't concentrate...”

As Haruto muttered that, yesterday's events kept replaying in his mind since he
woke up.

Ayaka's words spoken with a wide smile.

“Me too, I really like Haruto-kun!”

Just by remembering it, Haruto's expression immediately broke into an

unconscious smile.

“Damn... So cute...”
Haruto scratched his head with one hand, as if trying to distract himself from
his racing heartbeat.

Remembering yesterday's dating practice where they said “I like you” to each
other twice, Haruto thought.

That it was definitely not normal.

Ayaka said that a normal couple would casually convey love to each other, but
perhaps only elderly couples who had been together for more than half a century,
or fictional couples in fantasies, could do such a thing.

Even if they did a practice like yesterday's every day for a year, Haruto was
sure he would still smile.

“Where does Tojo-san’s abnormal dating standard come from?”

Speaking to his girlfriend in an ore-sama style, and casually whispering love to

each other.

If that was considered normal for a couple, wouldn't most real-life couples have
a cold and stiff relationship?

“Oh right, the bookshelf in Tojo-san's room...”

Haruto remembered the bookshelf on the wall of Ayaka's room, and the books
arranged there.

He didn't look closely at what books were there, but it seemed the colors of the
book spines were mostly red, pink, and pastel colors.
“Don't tell me... they're all romance novels and shoujo manga...”

At that point, Haruto remembered that Ayaka had once said she had never had a
boyfriend before.

Whether she had any experience with love or not.

But if she's never had a boyfriend, how does she judge what's normal in a
relationship?

“Could it be that she's using romance novels and love manga as a standard?”

It could be.

From their interactions so far, Haruto felt that Ayaka was somewhat innocent and
quite feminine.

If it was Ayaka, it was very possible that she used fictional works as a
standard to judge what was normal in a relationship.

“If that's the case, for future dating practice... Maybe it's not a good idea
to let Tojo-san take the lead...”

If left like this, she might ask for a kabe-don or a chin-kui. She might even
start asking for a back hug.

This dating practice was Ayaka's proposal to help with Haruto's lie.

Haruto was very grateful and appreciated that Ayaka was willing to do all this
for his lie.

He felt bad dictating to Ayaka, who was already trying so hard to play the role
of his girlfriend. However, a dating practice based on fictional standards
seemed like it would be too much for Haruto's heart.

“Besides, it feels wrong to ask something like that from someone who isn't
even a real girlfriend. It must be painful to do dating practice with a guy you
don't like...”

At that point, Haruto remembered Ayaka's wide smile from yesterday.

Would a woman normally smile like that at a man she doesn't like?

A question suddenly popped into Haruto's mind.

During the dating practice, although she looked shy, Ayaka didn't look forced at
all. In fact, she seemed enthusiastic about practicing.

“Would a person normally do something like that with someone they don't
like... no, if it's Tojo-san...”

At school, although Ayaka wasn't close to the boys, she was quite popular among
the girls.

From the fact that she was always surrounded by female friends, it was clear
that she had a good personality.

“It seems Tojo-san is the type who can't refuse people's requests...”

Maybe she was just trying her best to help with Haruto's lie.
For that, maybe she thought hard and tried to do this dating practice. Thinking
about that, Haruto felt a pang of guilt for the lie he had told.

“It seems it would be better to be honest with grandma and stop this lie
soon.”

Haruto said so.

However, he also realized that in a corner of his heart, he didn't want to

change his current relationship with Ayaka.

If this lie ends, Ayaka will no longer be his girlfriend...

“Argh~ Forget it! I'm really terrible... What am I thinking...”

Haruto ruffled his hair with both hands, feeling self-hatred for realizing that
this fake relationship couldn't be allowed to continue, yet still not wanting to
change the current situation.

Because of overthinking, his thoughts became a mess. Haruto leaned back deeply
in his chair and stared out the window with a blank expression.

The sky, which was dark when he woke up, was now starting to brighten.

“Hahh, I'll prepare breakfast...”

It would soon be time for his grandmother to wake up.

Haruto closed the reference book he hadn't studied much, stood up from his
chair, stretched, and then left his room.

After that, having finished breakfast with his grandmother, Haruto returned to
his room and sat at his desk to continue the studying that hadn't gone well this
morning.

However, the air conditioner in Haruto's room was still problematic, and with
the temperature rising as the sun came up, it was difficult for him to
concentrate on studying.

Haruto, who was already restless thinking about Ayaka, finally decided to stop
studying early.

He picked up the phone lying on the table, exchanged a few messages via a chat
app, and then got ready to go out.

※

“Wow~ food paid for by someone else is the best~”

Akagi Tomoya, Haruto's best friend, bit into a large hamburger treated by Haruto
with great enthusiasm and a wide smile.

“This is a thank you for picking up grandma when she got out of the hospital.
Don't be shy, just order whatever you want.”

“Seriously!? In that case, can I have a large order of fries?”

“Sure.” Haruto, who couldn't concentrate because he was thinking about

Ayaka, came to a fast-food restaurant with Tomoya.
As a thank you to Tomoya who had replaced him in picking up his grandmother from
the hospital a few days ago because Haruto was sick with the flu, Haruto was
paying for all the orders here.

“Grandma also says thank you. She said to come to the house next time, she'll
make your favorite ohagi.”

“Oh!! That really gets me excited!! I'll come over to your house next time,
Haru.”

Tomoya said with great joy, then slurped his drink from the set.

After that, Haruto and Tomoya chatted lightly while enjoying the menu they
ordered.

Lately, because Haruto was often helping with housework at the Tojo family's
house, or going to the movies and the Forest Zoo Park with Ayaka, it had been a
while since he had seen Tomoya.

His best friend asked Haruto, who was eating a cheese-filled hamburger with a
teasing smile.

“Oh yeah, Haru. How have things progressed with Tojo-san since then?”

Hearing his best friend's question, Haruto's shoulders moved slightly and he
stopped eating his hamburger.

“Hmm? Does that reaction mean there's been progress? Hmm?”

“Progress... No, this isn't progress... There's nothing.”

“There must be, right!? What's with that reaction of yours!? It's making me so
curious, you know!”

Tomoya pointed the french fry he was about to put in his mouth towards Haruto.

In response, Haruto showed a difficult expression, as if he was hesitating

whether to speak or not.

“Well... Sorry, I still haven't been able to sort out my feelings... I can't
talk about it yet.”

“Oh, you are...”

Tomoya put the french fry he had pointed at Haruto into his own mouth while
looking at Haruto with narrowed eyes.

As if trying to avoid his best friend's gaze, Haruto clearly changed the
subject.

“Oh yeah, how's your band practice? Going well?”

Seeing Haruto who was clearly taking an evasive stance, Tomoya sighed once
before answering.

“Of course it's going well! ...I'd like to say that, but Haru, listen to me
for a bit~”
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Seeing Tomoya speaking with a troubled face, Haruto immediately realized "This
is going to be a hassle". He averted his gaze, feeling he had chosen the wrong
topic of conversation, and reached for Tomoya's french fries.
"Hey! Don't ignore me! Your best friend is in trouble here!"
"Sorry Tomoya. I can't help you. Sorry."
"Hey, I haven't even said anything yet!"
Ignoring his best friend's protests, Haruto continued to stuff french fries into
his mouth with full concentration.
Seeing Haruto like that, Tomoya picked up his bag of french fries and shouted in
protest with all his might, "My fries are going to be gone!!"
"I picked up your grandmother! You're going to ignore your best friend's
problems? You wouldn't do that, right? Because Haru is my best friend, right?"
"...Alright! Alright! What's your problem?"
Haruto, attacked at his weak point by Tomoya, finally gave up and decided to
listen to his problem.
"I formed a band with kids from another school, right?"
"Yes."
"Well, our vocalist seems to go to a very good private school, but he says the
school rules are very strict."
"Hmm. So what's the problem?"
"A big problem, a very big problem. That school prohibits band activities like
ours."
Tomoya said while sighing "Hahh~".
"He said that if our vocalist gets caught by the school, in the worst case he
could be expelled."
"Seriously? Expelled just for band activities, that's too much, isn't it?"
Haruto showed a slightly surprised expression, and Tomoya sighed again "Haah~".
"Bands like ours, to those rigid people, are considered a disturbing presence.
They have an image of us making loud noises, smoking, drinking alcohol, and
causing trouble."
"No, in this day and age, no one has an image like that, right."
"Turns out they do, you know?"
While saying that, Tomoya finished the rest of his drink with a sad expression,
then uttered cool-sounding words like "Our music has always been oppressed in
every era".
"Well, it seems difficult but do your best."
Hearing the half-hearted words of encouragement from Haruto, Tomoya stared at
him sharply. "This summer, our band has been practicing hard for our performance
at the school festival!"
"O-oh."
Haruto responded, getting carried away by the atmosphere because Tomoya suddenly
spoke with great enthusiasm.
"But! Wouldn't it be a huge pity if we can't perform on the day of the festival
because our vocalist isn't there!"
"Th-that, well..."
"So, if our vocalist isn't there, please help out then, Haru."
Tomoya smiled brightly and gave Haruto a thumbs up.
Haruto wore a tired expression seeing his best friend like that.
"...Alright, just as a last resort, if there's really no other way, at that
time, I'll consider it."
"Hehehe, Haru is so nice~"
Haruto replied to Tomoya, who was smiling broadly, with a brief "Noisy" while
reaching for Tomoya's french fries.
Haruto slowly chewed the french fries, then spoke to his best friend.
"Hey, Tomoya."
"Hm?"
"Can I ask for some advice too?"
"Oh? What is it?"
Seeing Tomoya whose eyes were shining and leaning forward, Haruto thought for a
moment then began to speak slowly.
"That... When you had a girlfriend before, what did you guys do when you were
alone?"
"Huh? What's that? What do you mean?"
Tomoya was confused by Haruto's question.
"Well, I mean. You've had a girlfriend before, right?"
"Yes."
"At that time, how did you interact with your girlfriend?"
"How... Just normally, dates and stuff?"
Tomoya answered hesitantly, not understanding the meaning of Haruto's question.
Hearing his best friend's answer, Haruto nodded slightly and said "Oh, I see".
"Hmm, a date, huh..."
It was true, couples were synonymous with dates.
Haruto, who was worried that if they continued their dating practice in Ayaka's
room they would end up becoming a stupid couple, decided to ask Ayaka out on a
date next time.
Dating practice in a closed space like Ayaka's room was dangerous.
However, if the dating practice was done on a date, because they would be going
out and there would be other people around, they shouldn't be able to do things
that were too bold.
They should be able to have a clean, proper, and polite relationship practice.
"Thanks Tomoya. This was very helpful."
"O-oh... You're welcome? By the way, don't tell me you..."
Seeing his best friend who was staring at him curiously, Haruto once again began
to stuff french fries into his mouth with full concentration.
"I told you! My fries are going to be gone!!"
Tomoya's protesting voice echoed in the fast-food restaurant, which was crowded
with customers during lunchtime.
※

On a summer afternoon, the strong sunlight pierced through the room window.
However, although sunlight entered, the heat was not too noticeable.
Indeed, the windows of this luxurious house seemed to be of very high quality.
Haruto, who was slightly escaping from reality, looked out the window while
thinking about that.
Ayaka spoke to him with sparkling eyes.
"Hey Haruto-kun? Are you listening?"
"Ah, sorry... I was thinking about something, could you please repeat that?"
"I think, a normal couple often gives each other lap pillows."
(Tln: hizamakura = lying on the thigh, where the thigh is made into a pillow)
"Really... Is that so?"
Once again, Ayaka's abnormal standard for a normal couple emerged.
It seemed today was about lap pillows.
It's not that there are no couples who do lap pillows. There must be couples who
do it.
However, regarding the frequency, Haruto could not agree with Ayaka's opinion.
Even so, it seemed Ayaka believed that all couples always gave each other lap
pillows every day.
"Yes! Because of that, today let's practice lap pillows!"
Ayaka proposed to Haruto with an enthusiastic expression, but also looked shy.
"Umm... sorry if I'm being presumptuous, but may I ask... This is practice so
that our lie isn't discovered by grandma, right?"
"Yes, that's right."
"In that case, since we won't be doing a lap pillow in front of grandma, I don't
think we need to practice to that extent..."
Haruto tried to steer the conversation to avoid this practice.
However, whether Ayaka realized his intention or not, she still insisted on
doing the lap pillow practice.
"Even if we don't do it in front of grandma, because we're used to doing things
like that, we can exude a couple's aura. Wouldn't that make us more realistic?"
"Well... Indeed... It would be more realistic."
Haruto unconsciously nodded at Ayaka's explanation.
Is she a perfectionist?
Ayaka was really trying to be Haruto's girlfriend perfectly.
Maybe she would be a good actress.
As Haruto was thinking about that, Ayaka said with a little nervousness.
"S-so... Who's going to lie down first?"
"Ah~ In that case, I'll be the pillow first."
Haruto, who finally agreed to the lap pillow practice, chose to be the pillow
first.
Compared to placing his head on Ayaka's lap, he felt he could still endure it if
he was the one being the pillow.
Indeed, they would switch positions later and Ayaka would be the pillow, but he
wasn't mentally prepared yet.
"Okay, I understand. Um... ah, a lap pillow is easier to do if you're sitting on
something rather than on a cushion, right?"
"That's true, but a place where we can sit side by side..."
There was no sofa in Ayaka's room. So the only place where they could sit side
by side was one place.
As Haruto looked towards that place, Ayaka also looked in the same direction.
"In that case... Shall we move to the bed first?"
"...Yes... Right."
Haruto nodded hesitantly and moved towards the bed.
Ayaka also followed him in silence.
"......"
"...... W-well, please... Lap pillow."
After they sat side by side on the bed, Haruto offered his thigh to Ayaka.
"Y-yes... E-excuse me."
Saying so, Ayaka carefully placed her head on Haruto's lap.
"...How is it?"
Because Ayaka was lying facing the opposite direction, Haruto could only see the
back of her head and couldn't see her facial expression.
"...It's harder than I imagined..."Â
Ayaka muttered softly.
"Sorry. It's because I'm tense..."
It seemed the tension made Haruto's thighs tense up as well, so he consciously
tried to relax them.
"Ah, it's a little softer now."
While saying that, Ayaka moved her head slightly, looking for a comfortable
position.
Every time Ayaka's head moved on his lap, Haruto felt a ticklish sensation and
averted his gaze upwards.
For a moment, Ayaka continued to move her head little by little, but finally she
seemed to find a comfortable spot and stopped moving.
"How is it? My lap pillow?"
"...Um. It seems nice."
Although Ayaka's expression when she replied was still not visible, from her
ears which looked red through the gaps in her hair, her feelings were slightly
revealed.
Haruto himself was also feeling his heart pound at this moment.
He slowly lowered his gaze which he had intentionally raised.
And when his eyes caught Ayaka's head lying on his lap, he was driven by an
impulse.
I want to stroke her head...
Ayaka's beautifully shaped head.
Her flowing hair was spread out on Haruto's lap, shining golden as it reflected
the light from the window.
It felt like it would be very pleasant to run his fingers through that hair.
"...Ayaka."
"Hm?"
"...Ah, never mind."
"Eh? What is it? If there's something, just say it without hesitation."
"Um, that... May I... stroke your head?"
Hearing Haruto's question, Ayaka was silent for a moment before answering.
"...Yes, you may."
After getting her permission, Haruto slowly reached his hand towards Ayaka's
head.
When Haruto's hand touched her, a small tremor was felt on his thigh.
"If you don't like it, just say so, I'll stop."
"...No, it's okay. I... Don't mind."
Hearing Ayaka's answer, Haruto's heart pounded as he began to gently stroke
Ayaka's head.
Ayaka's silky smooth hair flowed softly through Haruto's palm.
The sensation felt very comfortable, and Haruto stroked Ayaka's head gently and
slowly.
"How is it?"
"It's a bit... Ticklish... But... Maybe very comfortable."
Ayaka's ears seemed redder than before when she answered.
For several minutes after that, Haruto continued to stroke Ayaka's head while
holding her in his lap.
"Haruto-kun... Let's... switch positions?"
"Ah, yes. Okay."
The sensation of stroking Ayaka's head felt so comfortable that Haruto had
forgotten the time a little.
Ayaka got up from Haruto's lap and looked at him with a slight downward gaze.
"Now it's Haruto-kun's turn to lie down."
Ayaka said so with a face that was flushed all the way to her neck.
It seemed the lap pillow combined with the head stroking had drastically
increased her shyness.
Feeling a little guilty, Haruto bowed his head to Ayaka.
"Sorry, I got too carried away and stroked your head too."
"I-it's okay! Besides, I'm going to stroke Haruto-kun's head too!"
Ayaka waved both her hands with a beet-red face.
"I-is it okay? For me to stroke your head too."
"Well... After I stroked Ayaka's head that much, I can't refuse."
Haruto smiled wryly, as if trying to cover his embarrassment.
Hearing those words, Ayaka smiled happily and patted her thigh lightly.
"Please."
Seeing Ayaka inviting him so innocently, Haruto glanced briefly at her thigh.
"But, my head might be heavy, and Ayaka's legs could fall asleep, so maybe it's
better not to—"
"It's not a problem at all. Come on, please."
Ayaka cut off Haruto's words with a wide smile.
Haruto felt a pressure of "I won't let you escape, you know?" behind her gentle
smile.
"...I-in that case... Excuse me."
"Yes, welcome."
Haruto lay down beside Ayaka, then slowly lowered his head onto Ayaka's lap.
"...Is it not heavy?"
After resting his head completely, Haruto asked Ayaka.
"Um... It's okay. What do you think, Haruto-kun?"
"Um... It's nice."
This was Haruto's first experience with a lap pillow.
And what's more, his partner was Ayaka, who was famous as the most beautiful
girl in school.
The feelings of Haruto, a high school student in the midst of puberty, were
filled with happiness despite a little bit of embarrassment.
However, although there was a feeling of happiness, if asked whether the lap
pillow itself was comfortable, a slight doubt arose.
"Is it really not heavy? Your legs aren't falling asleep?"
"It's not a problem at all."
Haruto kept worrying about Ayaka's legs.
Ayaka's thighs were indeed very attractive and soft, but when he rested his head
on them, Haruto's head sank deeper than he had imagined, making him very worried
about whether Ayaka's blood flow was being obstructed.
He didn't know how much weight he could put on them, so he tried to support his
head halfway, which made his neck hurt a little.
As Haruto began to think that his neck might get stiff if he continued like
this, Ayaka spoke to him from above.
"Hey... Can I stroke your head?"
"Ah, yes... Please go ahead."
After Haruto answered, Ayaka's slightly cold fingers began to gently caress
Haruto's hair.
"Turns out Haruto-kun's hair is quite soft."
"Oh, is that so?"
"Yes, I feel like stroking Haruto-kun's head could become a habit."
"...Because it's a bit embarrassing, if possible, I hope it doesn't become a
habit..."
"Eh~"
Haruto smiled wryly hearing Ayaka's voice, which sounded very disappointed.
If he was often petted on the head by Ayaka, he might go bald from
embarrassment.
As Haruto was thinking about that, Ayaka placed her hand gently on the side of
Haruto's head and said,
"Haruto-kun, aren't you too tense?"
"Eh? Ah... I thought my head might be too heavy."
"I told you before, it's not heavy at all. You can just relax. It's really okay.
Try to be more relaxed?"
"R-really? ...In that case..."
Hearing Ayaka's words, Haruto slowly began to relax his muscles, though still
hesitantly.
Then, after completely relaxing his muscles and letting the full weight of his
head rest on Ayaka's lap, Haruto confirmed again.
"Is it not heavy? Is it okay?"
"Um. It's no problem."
When Haruto asked while glancing up at Ayaka, he was greeted with a gentle smile
from above.
Ayaka seen from below her thighs somehow looked cuter than usual in Haruto's
eyes, making him hurriedly avert his gaze.
Seeing Haruto's reaction, Ayaka chuckled softly "Fufufu".
Then she began to gently stroke Haruto's head.
Ayaka continued to stroke Haruto's head repeatedly with a gentle touch.
The touch of her hand felt very comfortable, but at the same time it also made
Haruto feel embarrassed.
Haruto slowly took deep breaths repeatedly, trying to maintain the calmness of
his heart.
At that moment, Ayaka did something that completely messed up Haruto's heart.
"Ah, turns out Haruto-kun has lucky ears."
Saying so, Ayaka moved her hand from his head to his earlobe, touching it gently
and playing with it as if enjoying its texture.
"—!?"
Haruto, who had almost never had his ears touched by another person,
unconsciously flinched from the unusual sensation.
"Ah, sorry. Was it ticklish?"
"No... It's not ticklish, but..."
"In that case, can I touch it a little more?"
Hearing Ayaka pleading like that, Haruto answered with a slight stutter.
"...You can, but does it feel that good?"
"Yes! It feels very good!"
Seeing Ayaka answer with a bright smile, Haruto couldn't refuse and just stayed
quiet while his earlobe was continuously played with.
Then, Ayaka, who was not getting tired of playing with Haruto's earlobe,
suddenly said,
"For some reason... Haruto-kun's ears look delicious..."
"...Don't bite them, okay?"
"Eh? U-um... Of course I wouldn't do something like that yet..."
The word 'yet' made Haruto worry whether one day Ayaka would actually bite his
ear.
Before that happened, he had to immediately change the direction of this dating
practice from the path of a crazy couple to the path of a pure, proper, and
polite couple.
While still lying on Ayaka's lap, Haruto made a strong resolve in his heart.
WHEN I STARTED A PART-TIME JOB AS A HOUSEKEEPER V2 CHAPTER 7
The BBQ Hosted by the Tojo Family
[So, how is your relationship with Otsuki-kun? Going well?]
Hearing Saki's voice from the phone, I answered with a bit of excitement.
"Yes, I think it's going smoothly. Today we gave each other lap pillows, you
know."
[Oh! You're really attacking fiercely according to the plan, huh, Ayaka-san!]
"Yes, so far 'Operation Dating Practice' is going smoothly!"
An operation to erase Haruto-kun's guilt for having lied, and to make him truly
like me. Its title is "Operation Dating Practice".
In this operation, I will make an aggressive approach to Haruto-kun so that he
confesses his feelings.
I sat on my bedroom bed while continuing to consult with Saki.
"At the very least we have started calling each other's names, and Haruto-kun's
way of speaking has also started to become less formal. Then during the first
dating practice, we said 'like' to each other."
[Then? What was Otsuki-kun's reaction?]
"When Haruto-kun said 'like' to me, he said it with very serious eyes, and his
expression at that time was so cool that I kind of lost my memory."
[...I see. Sorry Ayaka, I want to drink some coffee for a moment.]
"If you drink at this hour, you won't be able to sleep later, you know?"
When I looked out the window, it was already pitch black outside.
If you drink coffee at a time like this, you won't be able to sleep later and
your day-night cycle will be reversed.
Even though it's summer vacation now, I don't think it's good to ruin the rhythm
of life too much.
"Lack of sleep is not good for your skin, you know?"
[Thank you for worrying, but right now I'm wanting to make my mouth bitter as
quickly as possible.]
"Hmm? Is that so?"
[Yes, so wait a moment, okay.]
After Saki said that, the sound of movement could be heard from the phone.
While she was brewing coffee, I recalled the time I spent with Haruto-kun today.
The first lap pillow experience of my life.
Haruto-kun's lap pillow was a bit hard, but warm. It was very heart-pounding and
embarrassing, but somehow it also felt calming, as if my heart was fulfilled. A
very happy time.
When my head was stroked, I thought my heart would stop from being too
embarrassed... But, that too, felt very good.
That might be dangerous.
If I really become Haruto-kun's girlfriend, I might ask for a lap pillow every
day. It really felt that comfortable.
Then, when I gave Haruto-kun a lap pillow was also dangerous.
When giving him a lap pillow, for some reason he looked cute, and when stroking
his head on my thigh, I had a hallucination as if Haruto-kun had become mine.
Besides that, a new discovery that Haruto-kun's earlobes are very nice to touch.
His earlobes are very soft, and also a little cold.
If you keep touching them, they feel like soft and fluffy bread dough, to the
point where I want to bite them.
Well, even though Haruto-kun said "Don't bite it, okay?"
But, someday... If I really become his girlfriend, at that time biting a little
would be okay, right? If it's just a small bite I won't be scolded, right?
As I secretly harbored such ambitions, Saki's voice was heard returning to her
room after brewing coffee.
[Sorry for the wait~ So continuing our previous conversation, what's the next
plan for the dating practice? After saying you like each other and giving lap
pillows, what do you have in mind next?]
"Ah, yes. About that. Actually today, Haruto-kun asked me on a date."
When I said that, Saki's voice was heard coughing as if choking.
Is she okay? Did the coffee go down the wrong pipe?
[Cough cough... Huh? What? Otsuki-kun asked you on a date?]
"Yes."
[Hmm? Then, what was the content of the date invitation?]
From the phone came Saki's happy and excited voice.
I recalled when Haruto-kun asked me on a date, and with a little smile, I
reported it to Saki.
"Next time, Haruto-kun and I will go on a date to look for ice cream."
[...Hm? That's a pretty unique date, huh?]
Hearing Saki's voice full of doubt, I explained how Haruto-kun and I planned to
go on a date to look for ice cream. Previously when shopping at the supermarket
with Haruto-kun, I complained because the limited-edition flavor ice cream was
eaten by Ryouta, then he said we would look for it together next time.
Haruto-kun remembered that, and next week we will go together to look for the
limited-edition flavor ice cream.
[Ah~ That ice cream, huh. It is indeed very delicious.]
"Eh? Saki has eaten it too?"
[Yes. I went around to the three nearest supermarkets and was finally able to
buy it. Coincidentally it was the last one, so I was lucky.]
"It really is rarely sold, huh. I wonder if we will find it next week."
[But isn't it better if it's not easily found? The date becomes longer.]
"That's true... But I also want to eat that ice cream..."
[Ayaka is greedy, huh.]
"Uuh..."
I pouted my lips hearing Saki tease me.
After all, everyone who ate that ice cream said it was delicious! It's only
natural that I want to eat it!
[Well, the important thing is you get to go on a date, right?]
"That's true. Ah, by the way, I want to hear Saki's opinion..."
"Hm? What?"
"Since Haruto-kun asked me on a date, does that mean my approach is quite
successful?"
I asked Saki with a bit of a pounding heart.
Because Haruto-kun took the initiative, that means he's starting to notice me,
right?
But Saki gave a more cautious opinion than I did.
[Hmm, I wonder. That might be the case, but it might also be that he's starting
to not be able to stand being alone with you in your room.]
"Eh!? Why!? I didn't do anything that Haruto-kun would dislike!?"
It's true I was a bit aggressive, but it seemed like he didn't mind...
He did look shy with a blushing face, but...
As I started to feel pressured by worry, Saki said [I don't think he dislikes
you though.]
[You know, Otsuki-kun is also a teenage boy, right? Maybe he's starting to not
be able to stand a girl like you approaching him in a closed space.]
"Not be able to stand? What do you mean?" I tilted my head because I didn't
quite understand what Saki was saying.
Seeing me like that, Saki also looked a little confused as she spoke.
[Umm, how to put it... Well, I think Ayaka should just continue approaching
Otsuki-kun.]
"Is that so? Is that enough?"
I was still a little worried by Saki's way of speaking.
[By the way, that ice cream hunting date? You'll be going around to various
stores, right?]
[Yes, that's the plan. I hope to go to a shopping center that has a food
section.]
"Good good! That means you can also have a casual window shopping date at the
same time."
"Right! That's exactly it!"
Looking for limited-edition flavor ice cream is just an excuse for a date.
The real goal is to enjoy shopping together with Haruto-kun!
[Then you'll look at clothes and ask which one suits you?]
"Hmm, but I don't want Haruto-kun to think I'm troublesome... But I also want
Haruto-kun to choose clothes for me..."
[That's where you can use the dating practice, right? Just ask sweetly 'What
kind of clothes do you want your girlfriend to wear?']
"That's a good idea! Saki is a genius!!"
I unconsciously clapped my hands.
From the phone came Saki's proud voice [Fufun, how about that?
After that, I continued to discuss with Saki about the ice cream hunting date.
When I raised my gaze and saw the clock on my bedroom wall, I realized it was
already quite late.
I was too engrossed in chatting with Saki that I forgot the time.
"Are you going to sleep soon?"
[Hm? Ah, it's already this late, huh. That's right.]
"Ah, yes. By the way Saki, do you have any plans the day after tomorrow?"
I remembered there was something I had to tell Saki.
[The day after tomorrow? Saturday, right, wait a moment... No, it seems I don't
have any plans. What's up?]
"Um, well, on that day we will have a barbecue in the yard, would Saki like to
come?"
[Eh? Is it okay? I want to! I want to!]
"Yes, actually Mama said, since it's been a long time since she's seen Saki, she
told me to invite you."
Before Saki moved to her current house, she lived right next to my house.
So, she often came over to the house, and she already knew Mama, Papa, and
Ryouta.
Especially Mama, she really likes Saki, and before, we often went shopping
together, the three of us.
[Really!? I also want to see Ikue-mama after so long~!]
"In that case, I'll tell her that Saki will come the day after tomorrow."
[Yes! Thank you~]
"By the way, Haruto will also be coming that day, is that okay?"
When I said that, Saki let out a slightly surprised sound.
By the way, I had already told Haruto that Saki might be coming.
[Is that so? I was invited, so it's not a problem at all, but what about Ayaka?
I'm not intruding, am I?]
Saki said with a bit of worry, and even though she couldn't see me, I
unconsciously shook my head while answering.
"There's nothing intrusive! On the contrary, if Saki is there, it will make me
stronger."
[Is that so? In that case, I'll look forward to the day after tomorrow.]
"Yes!"
[I will watch closely when Ayaka and Otsuki-kun practice dating.]
Saki's teasing words made my face flush a little.
"N-no, I won't do something like that! Of course I can't get close to Haruto in
front of Papa and Mama!"
[So, if Ikue-mama's or Shuuichi-san's eyes aren't there, do you want to be
lovey-dovey with Otsuki-kun?]
"I-if that's the case... If Haruto wants to do it, I..."
I imagined the situation and felt embarrassed, so my voice became smaller and
smaller.
[Ah~ it seems today's coffee tastes very good.]
Saki's voice heard from the phone let out a "puhah~".
"Be careful with too much caffeine, okay?"
[Yes, yes, thank you for your concern. Okay, I'm going to hang up now. See you
the day after tomorrow.]
"Yes, good night."
After hearing Saki's voice say "good night~", I ended the call.
The day after tomorrow, I will have a barbecue with my family, plus Haruto and
Saki.
And next week, I will go on a date with Haruto.
This year's summer is busier and more fun than before, and I'm feeling a joyous
summer vacation.
※
Haruto held a shopping bag, walking on a residential street where the shadows
began to lengthen as the sun began to set, heading for the Tojo family's house.
Today, the housekeeping service was off.
Therefore, there was no dating practice with Ayaka today, so he would come to
the Tojo house a little later than usual.
"Will Ryouta be happy?"
Saying so, Haruto looked into his shopping bag.
Inside was a set of fireworks of various types. He bought it in the hope of
playing with fireworks after the barbecue was over with Ryouta and the others.
Imagining Ryota's happy face when he saw the fireworks, Haruto couldn't help but
smile.
As he walked with a slight smile, he suddenly met someone at an intersection.
"Eh? Aizawa-san?"
"Eh? Oh, Otsuki-kun. Hi~!"
Saki, whose name was called by Haruto, waved and greeted him cheerfully.
The two had a slight acquaintance as classmates.
Ayaka tried to avoid interaction with boys at school as much as possible.
However, Saki didn't have such a problem, and they built a fairly good friendly
relationship, greeting each other if they met at school.
"Thank you for today."
"You're welcome, thank you."
Haruto, who had heard from Ayaka that Saki would also be at the barbecue,
returned Saki's cheerful smile with a smile.
After greeting each other, they walked side by side towards the Tojo family's
house.
"I heard from Ayaka, Otsuki-kun is doing housekeeping service at Ayaka's house,
right?"
"That's right. I was surprised at first too."
Haruto laughed and said in a cheerful tone, "I didn't expect to be doing
housekeeping service at a classmate's house."
"I was also surprised when I heard it from Ayaka. By the way Otsuki-kun, it
seems you're good at cooking, huh?"
"Well, maybe I'm decent?"
Haruto answered with a bit of humility, making Saki smile mischievously.
"Oh? That sounds like someone who is confident, you know?"
Hearing Saki's words, Haruto smiled wryly while saying.
"If I wasn't confident, I wouldn't have chosen a part-time job as a housekeeping
service."
"Well, that's true. By the way, what's in that shopping bag?"
As Saki directed her gaze to the shopping bag, Haruto widened it slightly so its
contents were visible while answering.
"Fireworks. I thought Ryouta would be happy."
"Oh! That's great! It does seem like Ryouta will be very happy!"
Saki gave Haruto a thumbs-up while saying "Good job!"
"Aizawa-san, you're carrying a lot of things, huh?"
Saki was carrying a rather large backpack.
"I'm staying over at Ayaka's house today, so I brought a change of clothes and
other things."
"Oh, I see. Then what's in that bag?"
Just like Haruto, Saki was also carrying a bag in her hand.
Curious about its contents, Haruto asked, and Saki smiled slyly.
"Fufufu, it's great that you asked. What I brought is... This!"
Saki took out the contents of her bag while saying "Jajaan~" and showed it to
Haruto.
(Tln: the suffix n if in Japanese is read as ng, so the above is read as
"Jajaang~"(the name of the coconut ice seller in front of my house :v))
"Is that... A banana?"
"That's right! A banana!"
Saki held up the banana with a wide smile.
"If you grill this, then pour chocolate syrup on it and eat it, it's very
delicious, you know."
"It does sound delicious. Oh, so it's for dessert, huh... I didn't think of that
idea for a barbecue."
In Haruto's mind, barbecue was only associated with meat or seafood.
After that, the two of them continued to chat lightly while walking, and finally
arrived at the Tojo family's house.
Arriving at the gate of the Tojo family's house, Saki unhesitatingly pressed the
intercom bell with a familiar motion.
"Yes?"
"Ayaka~ We've arrived~"
"Saki~ I'm opening the door."
Ayaka's voice heard from the intercom was slightly excited by the arrival of her
best friend. Not long after, the front door opened, and Ayaka appeared from it.
"Huh? Haruto-kun came too?"
"I just happened to meet Aizawa-san over there."
Haruto explained to Ayaka who looked a little surprised.
"Oh, I see. What did you two bring?"
Ayaka directed her gaze to the bags carried by Haruto and Saki.
"As for me~ here, it's a banana, you know. Later we'll grill it and eat it
together with a drizzle of chocolate."
"Wow! That sounds delicious! What about Haruto-kun?"
"I brought fireworks--"
"Onii-chan!"
In the middle of Haruto's sentence, Ryouta ran at full speed from the living
room towards the entrance.
In the middle of the hallway, he also noticed Saki's presence next to Haruto,
and his face lit up even more.
"Waaaa!! Saki Onee-chan!!"
"Ryouta~! Long time no see~!"
Saki welcomed Ryouta who charged at her by squatting down, then tousled his
hair.
"It seems you've gotten taller since the last time we met?"
"Really!? I've gotten taller?"
Saki nodded repeatedly, "Yes yes, you've gotten taller," at Ryouta whose eyes
were sparkling.
Ryouta, who was happy with Saki's words, looked towards the bag Haruto was
carrying.
"Onii-chan, what's that?"
"These are fireworks, you know. Look."
When Haruto showed the contents of his eco bag, Ryouta burst with joy.
"Hooray!! Fireworks!! Onee-chan, there are fireworks!! We can play with
fireworks together!!"
"That's great, Ryouta. Come on, say thank you to Haruto-kun."
"Yes!! Thank you, Onii-chan!"
"You're welcome. We'll play together later, okay."
"Yes! I'll tell dad and mom that Onii-chan brought fireworks!"
After saying that, Ryouta ran back at full speed towards the living room.
Saki laughed amusedly seeing Ryouta's storm-like welcome.
"Ryouta is still full of energy around people he already knows."
"Yes, even though he becomes very quiet like a different person when there's
someone he doesn't know nearby."
"Eh? Could it be that Ryouta-kun is shy?"
Haruto was a little surprised to hear Ayaka's words.
In Haruto's image, Ryouta was always full of energy, so he didn't quite
understand the concept of Ryouta being shy.
When Haruto first met Ryouta, there was indeed an incident where he was mistaken
for a thief, so it was natural for Ryouta to be a little wary. But on their
second work visit, they immediately got along.
Because of that, Haruto thought Ryouta was like that with everyone, but it
turned out not to be the case.
Seeing Haruto who was surprised, Ayaka smiled amusedly.
"Not that bad, but if I had to choose, Ryouta is the shy type."
"Hmm, I see."
"That's why when Ryouta immediately got along with Haruto-kun, I was a little
surprised, you know."
"Otsuki-kun, are you the type that children mysteriously like?"
Saki looked at Haruto with an interested gaze. Haruto tilted his head slightly
while answering.
"No... I don't think so."
"If you go to a candy store, are you suddenly surrounded by kindergarten
children?"
"I've never experienced anything like that."
"If you go to a large shopping center, do you definitely meet a lost child and
take them to the information center?"
"That has nothing to do with being liked by children, right?"
"Hm? Oh, right. Well, that means Otsuki-kun just happened to get along with
Ryouta."
Saki thought for a moment while tilting her head, but soon gave up and concluded
on her own.
"It's not nice to talk at the entrance like this, may we come in?"
"Ah, yes. Please do."
After asking for permission from Ayaka, Saki took off her shoes and entered,
then walked towards the living room.
It seemed that because she had often played here, her steps were not hesitant.
"Haruto-kun, please come in too."
"Yes, excuse me."
Haruto also took off his shoes and was about to walk past Ayaka towards the
living room.
However, as Haruto was about to pass Ayaka, his sleeve was pulled slightly by
her. "Hm?"
Haruto, whose sleeve was pulled, turned towards Ayaka.
"You immediately started talking casually with Saki, huh... Right from the
start."
Ayaka pouted her lips slightly, showing a sulking expression.
Seeing that rarely seen expression, Haruto's heart unconsciously skipped a beat.
"...Eh?"
Haruto was silent, not knowing how to answer because of Ayaka's unexpected
words.
Seeing Haruto who was confused, Ayaka suddenly came to her senses and hurriedly
let go of Haruto's sleeve that she was holding.
"S-sorry! Just forget about that! Don't think about it!"
"Eh? But..."
"Sorry I said something weird! You really don't need to think about it! Yes,
please don't think about it. Please, just forget it..."
After speaking quickly, Ayaka lowered her head and jogged towards the living
room.
Haruto stood frozen in the hallway, staring at Ayaka's back with a blank
expression.
"...Eh? That just now... Could it be... Jealousy?"
As he muttered so, Haruto felt his heart pounding fast.
In Ayaka's case, they had almost never interacted at school, and only really
started talking when Haruto worked as a housekeeping service. That's why he used
polite language at first.
On the other hand, he was already quite familiar with Saki as a classmate, so he
spoke casually from the beginning. However, it seemed that Ayaka didn't like
that.
Why is that...
Thinking about the reason, Haruto desperately tried to keep the corners of his
lips from turning up.
"Am I hoping for too much?"
Haruto asked himself.
However, of course there was no answer, and he slowly walked towards the living
room.
If that really was jealousy...
While thinking about that, Haruto entered the living room, where Ayaka, Saki,
and Ikue were chatting.
"It's been a long time~ Saki-chan."
"Yes! Ikue-mama is as beautiful as ever!"
"Wow! Did you hear that, Ayaka?"
"That's great, Mama."
Haruto secretly glanced at Ayaka's expression, but it seemed nothing had changed
and she looked as usual.
"Ah, welcome Otsuki-kun. I heard you brought fireworks? Thank you."
"Ah, it's nothing."
Ikue, who noticed Haruto's arrival in the living room, smiled at him.
"Shuuichi is lighting the fire in the yard, so just relax until it's done,
okay."
"Ah, in that case I will also help light the fire."
"Oh, you don't have to. Otsuki-kun is a guest today, so just relax."
"It's okay, I actually like lighting fires."
"Oh, is that so? Otsuki-kun is a real boy, huh. In that case, please help."
Ikue said while laughing, "Ryouta is also sticking close to the stove, you
know."
When he went out to the yard from the living room, there was Shuuichi fanning
the barbecue stove with a fan, and Ryouta watching him enthusiastically beside
him.
"Oh! Welcome Otsuki-kun!"
Shuuichi, whose face was slightly red, probably from constantly fanning the
charcoal, greeted him while wiping his sweat with one hand.
"Thank you for inviting me today."
"Saki-chan came too. It's always more fun with more people."
Shuuichi, who saw Saki's figure in the living room, said happily.
"Dad, the red part on the charcoal is getting smaller, you know?"
"Oh!"
When Ryouta informed him, Shuuichi started fanning again, and Haruto offered to
take his place.
"Shuuichi-san, let me take over lighting the fire."
Shuuichi waved his hand at Haruto who was smiling and offering help.
"Otsuki-kun is a guest today, so just relax until the barbecue starts, okay."
"It's okay, I like lighting fires."
Haruto answered with the same words as before to Shuuichi who said the exact
same thing as Ikue.
"Oh? Is that so? In that case I'll take you up on your offer and have you take
over for a bit, okay?"
Shuuichi said so, then handed the fan he was holding to Haruto, and took a sip
of the drink on the folding table next to the stove.
Seeing the brown liquid he was drinking, Haruto momentarily thought it was beer
and became wary.
He remembered some time ago when Shuuichi drank alcohol, he became very drunk
and talked about marriage plans with Ayaka.
"Phew~, drinking cold tea when you're thirsty is really amazing."
However, after knowing it was just regular tea, Haruto breathed a sigh of
relief.
Haruto began to fan the gap between the charcoals with the fan Shuuichi gave
him.
Slowly the fire began to spread to the charcoal.
"Ah! Onii-chan! The charcoal is starting to turn red, you know!"
"Alright, Ryouta-kun, can you step back a little from the stove?"
Hearing Haruto's words, Ryouta nodded obediently and took a few steps back from
the stove.
After making sure Ryouta was in a safe place and there were no flammable objects
around, Haruto, who had been fanning slowly, suddenly moved the fan quickly,
sending a strong wind.
Instantly, a fire flared up from the pile of charcoal accompanied by flying
sparks.
"Waa!! It's like fireworks!"
"Hmm hmm, lighting a fire is a man's romance, huh."
Shuuichi nodded with his arms crossed, while beside him Ryouta cheered
"Awesome!" repeatedly with sparkling eyes.
"Ryouta-kun, can you get some new charcoal from that box?"
"Yes! Um, the small ones? Or the big ones?"
"The big ones, please."
When Haruto asked him, Ryouta chose charcoal from the box with a serious look.
It seemed he really wanted to help light the fire. Seeing Ryouta's serious look,
Haruto felt warm and smiled unconsciously.
"Here, Onii-chan! Is this enough?"
"Yes, thank you."
Ryouta looked proud to hear Haruto's words of thanks.
After making sure the charcoal was sufficiently lit, Haruto dismantled the
charcoal arrangement and spread the hot, whitened charcoal all over the stove.
Then he placed the new charcoal that Ryouta brought on top of it.
"This looks good. Let's go get the ingredients."
Shuuichi, who peeked into the stove, said so and walked to the living room.
"Honey, the fire is ready, can you bring the ingredients?"
"Alright. Ayaka and Saki-chan, can you help too?"
"Okay! Are the ingredients in the fridge?"
Saki answered enthusiastically when asked for help by Ikue.
"Yes. There are also some in the freezer."
"Roger!"
Saki immediately headed to the fridge and opened the door, then exclaimed in
admiration.
"Wow! There's so much meat!!"
"Because Otsuki-kun and Saki-chan are coming, we prepared more than usual."
Saki took a tray full of meat with sparkling eyes.
"Wagyu!! So much wagyu!!"
It was indeed fitting for a couple who both worked and owned a company, the
ingredients prepared by the Tojo family looked like jewels in the eyes of Saki,
who was just a commoner.
"It seems you really went all out with the ingredients this time."
Ayaka said to her best friend who was almost drooling.
"Because Saki and Haruto-kun are coming, Papa got excited and wanted to prepare
something more luxurious than usual."
"Shuuichi-san is a god!"
Ayaka brought the barbecue ingredients to the yard with Saki who looked very
happy.
The ingredients began to be arranged on the folding table. Seeing that, Haruto
who was tending the fire with Ryouta widened his eyes.
"Wow... So much beef..."
Haruto showed the same commoner reaction as Saki.
Seeing his reaction, Ayaka smiled amusedly.
"Haruto-kun, since there's a lot, don't hold back, eat a lot."
"Y-yes... But is it okay to have such luxurious food..."
Haruto felt a little intimidated seeing the well-marbled meat in front of him.
Shuuichi said to him as if to confirm.
"Like Ayaka said, don't hold back, okay? We intentionally prepared this so we
can enjoy it together."
"Yes, Shuichi-san! Itadakimasu!"
Saki, who had known Shuuichi for longer, seemed to understand his style, and
answered while saluting.
Following her, Haruto also bowed and said "Thank you very much."
"There are vegetables too, don't forget to eat them."
While saying so, Ikue came to the yard carrying a tray of vegetables like
pumpkin, onions, potatoes, and eggplant.
After everyone had gathered in the yard, Shuuichi led the start of the barbecue
event.
"Alright, everyone is gathered. Then let's start. But before that, Otsuki-kun,
may I ask for your help for a moment?"
"Yes, of course."
Shuuichi and Haruto worked together to arrange the table and chairs around the
barbecue stove.
"I want to sit next to Onii-chan!"
Ryouta pulled Haruto's hand and sat at the arranged table.
"Wah~, Ryouta really likes Otsuki-kun."
"Yes!"
Saki looked at them both with interest while sitting at the table. Ayaka also
sat next to her.
"Ayaka, your beloved little brother has been stolen by Otsuki-kun?"
"Well, because it's Haruto-kun. Nothing to be done."
Ayaka smiled wryly in response to her best friend's words.
Then Saki smiled mischievously and said to Haruto in a slightly teasing tone.
"Making the Tojo siblings fall head over heels, Otsuki-kun is truly a sinful
man."
"Eh?"
Haruto, who had been fascinated by the luxurious ingredients before him, turned
towards Saki with a confused face.
Saki was still smiling mischievously and was about to say something, but Ayaka
stopped her.
"W-wait, Saki..."
"Oh? Ayaka's face is red, you know?"
"I-it's because of Saki..."
Saki seemed to really enjoy seeing Ayaka whose face was red and stammering.
At that moment, Shuuichi who had made sure everyone was seated said loudly.
"Come on everyone, get your drinks first, then let's make a toast."
"Yes everyone, please choose what you like."
Ikue placed several bottles of juice on the table.
"Ryouta-kun, what do you want to drink?"
"Orange juice!"
While Haruto poured orange juice into Ryouta's glass, Saki took apple juice and
poured it into her own glass.
"Ayaka, what do you want to drink?" Saki lifted the apple juice she was holding
slightly and asked "This one?"
"Hmm, Haruto-kun, what are you going to drink?"
After thinking for a moment, Ayaka looked towards Haruto who had just given a
glass of orange juice to Ryouta.
"I'll probably have ginger ale."
"Oh, in that case I'll have the same."
After saying that, Ayaka poured ginger ale into her own glass, then poured it
into Haruto's glass as well.
"Thank you."
"You're welcome."
Seeing the interaction between the two, Saki propped up her chin and said
"Hoho".
"That interaction just now, it's just like a wife pouring sake for her husband,
huh."
"Hey Saki, don't say weird things."
"Sorry sorry, it just slipped out."
"Everyone has a drink?"
Shuuichi, who made sure everyone had a drink, raised his glass filled with beer.
"Well then, let's eat and have fun to our heart's content tonight! Cheers!!"
As Shuuichi said that, everyone also raised their glasses and shouted "Cheers!",
and the Tojo family's barbecue event began.
The ingredients served before everyone were high-quality and luxurious. For
Haruto, who was just a commoner, this felt very luxurious.
"This isn't the thickness of beef tongue I'm used to... and this is wagyu..."
How much does one piece of this cost?
Haruto, who was trembling just imagining it, carefully picked up a very thick
piece of beef tongue with tongs and placed it on the grill.
Instantly, a tempting sizzling sound was heard.
"Otsuki-kun, there's lemon juice here, please use it."
"Ah, yes. Thank you very much."
Ikue placed the lemon juice in front of Haruto.
"Ayaka-san and Aizawa-san, would you like some too?"
Haruto, who had already poured lemon juice into his and Ryouta's small plates,
asked.
"Yes, I want some."
Haruto handed the lemon juice to Ayaka who nodded, then immediately returned his
gaze to the thick beef tongue on the grill.
Seeing Haruto who was looking at the beef tongue with a serious gaze, Ayaka
unconsciously smiled.
"Haruto-kun, you're so serious."
"Meat this good, I don't want it to get burnt."
"I get it~, being able to enjoy such a luxurious barbecue, having a rich friend
is really advantageous."
Saki agreed with Haruto while looking at the meats being grilled with sparkling
eyes.
"Eh, so if I were poor, Saki wouldn't want to be my friend?"
"Of course!"
Saki answered directly while giving a thumbs-up, making Ayaka say "Geez!" and
pat her best friend's shoulder lightly.
Ayaka, who knew full well that Saki's words were just a joke, puffed out her
cheeks.
"I'm not talking to Saki anymore."
"Uwaah~ Don't say such sad things Ayaka~ We're best friends forever, aren't we?"
Saki, who also knew Ayaka wasn't really sulking, hugged Ayaka while grinning.
Ayaka kept puffing her cheeks and turned her face away while saying "I don't
care anymore".
"Otsuki-kun, Ayaka is sulking. Please coax her, okay?"
"Eh? Me?"
Haruto, who had been focused on monitoring the doneness of the thick beef
tongue, looked confused when suddenly asked for his opinion.
"Yes yes, if Otsuki-kun gently strokes her head, Ayaka will surely cheer up
right away. Please."
(Tln: "baikan" here means her mood / atmosphere)
"Eh, umm... here is a bit..."
If it were a dating practice in Ayaka's room it would still be okay, but now
there are Ryouta, Ikue, and Shuuichi.
If he stroked Ayaka's head in this situation, who knows what people would say.
Haruto glanced at the contents of the glass Shuuichi was holding. A goldencolored
liquid with a creamy foam on top. That must be beer.
If Shuuichi, who was drunk from alcohol, saw Haruto stroking Ayaka's head, there
was a chance he would immediately go to the government office to get a marriage
certificate.
Besides, being petted on the head is embarrassing, Ayaka surely wouldn't want it
either, Haruto thought while observing Ayaka's reaction.
"...Maybe I would cheer up..."
Ayaka muttered softly when her eyes met Haruto's.
No no no! What are you saying Ayaka-san!?
Haruto screamed in confusion in his heart.
However, as if not caring about Haruto's feelings, Ayaka continued to look at
him with full of hope. It even seemed like she tilted her head slightly towards
Haruto, perhaps to make it easier to be petted. Behind Ayaka, Saki, who was the
mastermind of this situation, smiled widely seeing the two's behavior.
“......”
Haruto glanced towards Shuuichi and Ikue.
Shuuichi was drinking his beer happily, while Ikue was saying to Ryouta "Don't
forget to eat your vegetables too" while grilling onions.
After thinking for a few seconds, Haruto slowly extended his hand to Ayaka's
head, who was still looking at him expectantly.
"There's ash in your hair."
While saying so, Haruto stroked Ayaka's head as if brushing ash from her hair.
"Ah... Thank you."
Ayaka's face turned red as her head was stroked, making Saki smile
mischievously.
"Ayaka, you cheered up right away. Otsuki-kun is amazing. A capable man is
different, huh."
"I don't really understand what Aizawa-san is saying..."
Haruto, who also seemed quite embarrassed, immediately averted his gaze while
saying so.
"Onii-chan, this meat seems to be cooked?"
"Hm? Ah! The luxurious beef tongue!"
Hearing Ryouta's words, Haruto was startled and looked back at the grill, then
hurriedly lifted the thick beef tongue.
"It was almost overcooked... Thanks for telling me, Ryouta-kun."
While saying so, Haruto stroked the head of Ryouta who smiled happily "Hehehe".
Haruto dipped the cooked beef tongue into the lemon juice a little, then slowly
put it into his mouth.
Instantly, Haruto's eyes widened.
The pleasant texture of the beef tongue, the more you chew, the more the flavor
and umami are felt on the tongue. But it didn't feel overly greasy at all, and
the sour taste of the lemon juice provided a refreshing accent that made it easy
to eat.
"This is... too delicious..."
Haruto was stunned by its deliciousness. Seeing his reaction, Shuuichi happily
offered another meat.
"Eat as much as you like, Otsuki-kun! Here, there's also kalbi and there's
wagyu, you know."
While saying so, Shuuichi continued to place meat on the grill.
Haruto thought he couldn't let such good meat burn, so he quickly lifted the
cooked meat onto a plate.
"Ryouta-kun, do you want to eat kalbi?"
"Yes! I want to eat!"
Haruto took a portion for himself and also a portion for Ryouta, then placed it
on Ryouta's plate.
"It's delicious, isn't it, Onii-chan."
"Right, this is the best."
Haruto and Ryouta smiled while chewing the meat with their cheeks full.
The beef kalbi grilled over charcoal, as soon as it entered the mouth, the
fragrant aroma of charcoal was immediately smelled, and when chewed, a flood of
umami flavor from the overflowing meat juices flowed over the tongue.
Haruto immediately shoveled white rice into his mouth.
The fat of the kalbi and the sauce mixed with the rice, each chew spreading a
sense of happiness in Haruto's mouth.
"Otsuki-kun, there's still more rice, you know."
"Ah, yes. Thank you."
Because the beef kalbi was too delicious, Haruto ate more rice than he thought.
Seeing that noticed by Ikue, Haruto shyly lowered his head.
"Shuuichi-san, can I grill this hotate?"
Next to him, Saki asked Shuuichi while holding a tray of large-sized hotate.
"Of course, Saki-chan. Please grill as much as you like."
"Roger!"
Saki immediately arranged the hotate on the grill with enthusiasm.
Next to her, Ayaka looked towards Haruto.
"Haruto-kun, if I grill shiitake, will you eat it?"
"Oh, such a thick shiitake. Please give me some."
"Onee-chan I want to eat too!!"
"Yes yes. In that case I'll grill a lot."
Ayaka started arranging shiitake next to the hotate that Saki arranged.
Not long after, the hotate shells began to open, and boiling liquid began to
overflow. Then, the cap part of the shiitake also began to release liquid and
the delicious characteristic aroma of shiitake began to be smelled.
"The hotate is ready~, time to add this."
Saki opened the hotate, then placed butter on top.
"Whoa~ the best sight ever~."
Seeing the hotate being grilled with broth and melting butter, Saki's spirit
soared.
"Add soy sauce here."
Along with the sizzling sound, the fragrant aroma of burnt soy sauce and the
fragrant aroma of butter tickled the noses of Haruto and the others.
"Saki, can you put soy sauce here too?"
"Okay."
Nodding to Ayaka's words, Saki also poured soy sauce on the shiitake.
Haruto unconsciously swallowed his saliva seeing the shiitake which gave off a
tempting aroma different from the hotate mixed with the aroma of the sea.
To Haruto who was like that, Ayaka gave a more tempting suggestion.
"Haruto-kun, want to add cheese?"
While saying so, Ayaka slightly lifted the melted cheese to make it clearly
visible to Haruto.
"Truly a terrifying combination... Yes, please."
"Onee-chan I want cheese too!!"
Haruto bowed his head politely, while Ryouta cheered while raising his hand.
Ayaka smiled "fufu" while placing cheese on top of the shiitake. Then, Saki next
to her announced with a wide smile that the hotate was ready.
"Done! Who wants to eat hotate~?"
As soon as Saki said that, everyone raised their hands at the same time.
Haruto received the hotate on his small plate, brought it close to his nose to
enjoy the aroma for a moment, then put the thick hotate into his mouth.
"Hoff! Hot! Huh hah, delicious!"
When bitten, the hotate meat which was still a little chewy but immediately
melted in the mouth released a thick sweet taste.
Haruto immediately drank the remaining liquid left in the hotate shell.
Although it was almost burned by the heat, the sweet taste of the hotate that
still lingered strongly in the mouth mixed with the thick taste of butter soy
sauce and the sea-scented broth, it tasted even more delicious every time it was
chewed.
"Awesome..."
Haruto said softly as if muttering.
Across from him, Shuuichi also held a hotate shell and drank the liquid, then
gulped down beer with a loud sound.
"Fuah! This is truly amazing."
Shuuichi said happily, his face slightly flushed.
The others were also all smiling while chewing the hotate.
"Ah, yes! Ayaka, let's take a picture together."
Saki took out her smartphone as if she remembered something, then started taking
selfies side by side with Ayaka.
"Ayaka, lift the plate a little more so what's being grilled is visible, yes yes
yes! I'm taking the picture~." Saki took a picture with Ayaka happily.
After taking a few pictures, she pointed the camera at Haruto.
"Come on Ryouta, get closer to Otsuki-kun."
"Hmm? Like this?"
Following Saki's instructions, Ryouta shifted his body closer to Haruto.
"Perfect! Say cheese."
Because he was photographed suddenly, Haruto was still focused on the hotate.
"Ahahahaha! Otsuki-kun's face! Too mesmerized by the hotate!"
"Ah Aizawa-san, it's cheating if it's sudden like that."
Haruto smiled wryly while protesting to Saki who was laughing at her photo.
"In that case, Otsuki-kun can take a picture of us too, you know?"
Saki said so while hugging Ayaka and looking towards Haruto.
"Come on, it's a photo opportunity of two JK's, Otsuki-san."
(Tln: JK = Joshi Kousei (high school girl)
"Ah, w-wait, my hair..."
Ayaka, who was hugged by the excited Saki, hurriedly neatened her bangs with her
fingers.
"Um, you can take a picture of me."
"See, Ayaka said so too."
Saki urged Haruto while giving a peace sign towards him.
"Alright, just one photo."
While saying so, Haruto took a photo of the two, Ayaka and Saki, with his phone.
"Did you take it? Let me see, let me see."
Hearing Saki's words, Haruto said "Like this" while showing his phone screen.
Saki smiled widely hugging Ayaka, and Ayaka shyly glanced upwards.
"Oh, the photo is nice, isn't it? You can make it your wallpaper, Otsuki-kun,
you know?"
"No, that would be going too far..."
"But Ayaka is so beautiful here, right? Right, Otsuki-kun."
"Well... I admit that."
"See~ Ayaka."
Ayaka, whose shoulder was being patted by Saki, her cheeks flushed.
"Okay! In that case, next is a photo of Otsuki-kun and Ayaka! Come on Ayaka,
move next to Otsuki-kun."
Saki said so while pushing Ayaka's waist to make her stick to Haruto.
"W-wait Saki!?"
"Come on come on, get closer! If you're like that you won't fit in the frame.
Otsuki-kun too, put your arm around Ayaka's shoulder and hug her."
"Ouch ouch Aizawa-san!? That's too sudden!"
"Oh! Shutter chance!!"
Haruto and Ayaka were half-forced to stick together by Saki's push.
Because of the sudden event, they both showed panicked reactions. Saki didn't
miss that moment and captured it on her phone.
"Oho~ The panic of these two, good good."
Saki looked at the picture she just took and nodded repeatedly while grinning.
"O-oh my Saki... I'll ask for the photo later..."
Ayaka returned to her seat from beside Haruto, pouting her lips in protest while
asking for the photo of the two of them with Haruto. Saki smiled widely in
response.
"Of course! Ah, I'll also send it to Otsuki-kun. You can print it and hang it on
the wall of Otsuki-kun's room later, you know."
"No... I won't do that... But, thank you."
Hearing Saki's words, Haruto also said thank you while looking shy.
Haruto and Ayaka both looked embarrassed. As if to change the atmosphere, Ayaka
turned her attention to the shiitake being grilled.
"Ah, the shiitake is cooked. Here, Haruto-kun. Ryouta too, here's your plate."
Saki smiled widely seeing Ayaka distributing the cooked shiitake.
Then, Shuuichi who was holding a beer in his hand, as if he remembered
something, called out to Haruto.
"Oh yeah Otsuki-kun. You said earlier you like lighting fires, right? Do you
like camping?"
"Hmm, I've never gone overnight, but I like that sort of thing."
Haruto, who was enjoying the freshly cooked shiitake, paused his hand for a
moment at Shuuichi's words.
"Oh! Is that so, is that so! Actually next week we are planning to go camping as
a family, how about Otsuki-kun comes too?"
"Eh? May I come?"
"Of course! Saki-chan, do you want to come too?"
Shuuichi invited Saki as well.
"I can come too!?"
Seeing Saki's slightly surprised reaction, Ayaka said.
"Let's go camping together."
With that one sentence from Ayaka, Saki raised her hand.
"Yes yes! I want to come!"
"Hmm. In that case, you two are coming!"
"Thank you. Um, please take care of me."
Haruto said that while bowing his head. Ryouta, who was sitting next to him, had
a bright expression on his face.
"Are Onii-chan and Saki Onee-chan coming to the camping trip too?"
"Yes, please take care of me, Ryouta-kun."
Haruto said it with a smile, and Ryouta raised his hand happily, "Yatta."
WHEN I STARTED A PART-TIME JOB AS A HOUSEKEEPER V2 CHAPTER 8
Illuminated By Fireworks

"Fuuh~ Full~"
Saki said while leaning weakly on the folding chair.
"Maybe that last banana was a bit heavy huh."
Ayaka who was next to Saki also said while rubbing her stomach with one hand,
looking a little troubled.
"It is said that the stomach for dessert is different, but this time it seems I
really overate."
The two girls were suffering from fullness. Haruto smiled wryly as he turned his
gaze towards the barbeque grill.
On the grill, banana peels that were slightly burnt and blackened in some parts
were scattered about.
Bananas as dessert after being full from eating meat, seafood, and vegetables.
Even for Haruto, a high school boy with a large appetite, it was quite heavy.
Perhaps the chocolate sauce that added sweetness also contributed to the feeling
of fullness.
Because of that, Haruto only ate one grilled banana.
However, the two high school girls next to him each finished three.
The attachment girls have to sweet foods is indeed frightening. As Haruto was
thinking about that, suddenly his sleeve was tugged.
"Hm? What is it, Ryouta-kun?"
Haruto turned towards Ryouta who was pulling the end of his sleeve, and Ryouta
opened his mouth with an impatient expression.
"Hey hey. When are the fireworks?"
It seemed Ryouta was already impatient to play with the fireworks Haruto had
bought.
Hearing his words, Haruto turned his gaze to the sky.
The sky that was still early evening when they started the barbeque, was now
completely dark, the curtain of night had fallen.
"That's right, let's play with fireworks. But before that, we have to clean up
the barbeque first, okay."
While saying that, Haruto looked towards the folding table. There, the trays
that previously held meat and seafood were scattered about.
As Haruto was about to stand up to clean, Ikue called him.
"Otsuki-kun, you just need to bring down the plates and trays. Let me wash the
rest."
"Really? But..."
Because Haruto and Saki also participated in this barbeque, they prepared a lot
of food. Therefore, the number of trays and plates to be washed was also large.
Besides that, there was still the cleaning of the grill and clearing the
charcoal.
Thinking about all that, Haruto looked hesitant.
Seeing him like that, Shuuichi, who was tipsy from the influence of alcohol,
said with a slightly flushed face and a wide smile.
"Really, don't worry. Just leave the cleaning up to us adults, the children
please play as much as you want!"
Shuuichi laughed "hahaha" happily while holding a beer in his hand.
Seeing Shuuichi who was starting to look a bit drunk, Haruto looked at Ikue with
some worry.
Receiving Haruto's gaze, Ikue smiled widely.
"It's really okay, you know? More importantly, please play with Ryouta."
"Alright. In that case, Ryouta-kun. After we bring down these plates, let's play
with fireworks, okay."
"Yes!!"
Ryouta nodded with a wide smile, and the two of them began to divide the task of
clearing the plates and trays.
"We should get moving too."
Seeing the two people starting to clean up, Ayaka and Saki also helped with slow
movements like a sloth.
After clearing the plates and so on, and handing over the rest of the cleaning
to Ikue and Shuuichi, Haruto and the others immediately began preparing the
fireworks.
"Put the used fireworks in this bucket, okay."
"Do we use a match to light them? Or a candle?"
"How about we use the one we used to start the fire earlier?"
Ayaka brought a bucket full of water with both hands, while Saki asked about how
to light the fireworks. Then Haruto said while holding the fire starter that was
used to start the fire earlier.
"The handle is long so it's easy to light."
Haruto handed the fire starter to Saki, then took the bucket of water that
looked heavy from Ayaka's hands.
"Thank you Haruto-kun. Can you please put the bucket in the middle there?"
"Okay."
"Onii-chan, can I play with this one first?"
As Haruto placed the bucket near the center of the yard, Ryouta ran over. In his
hand was a pink handheld firework with bright gold stripes.
"You can. But don't point it at people, okay, you could get burned."
"Yes!!"
"Ryouta, come here. I'll light it for you."
Saki called Ryouta while holding the fire starter.
With an excited face, Ryouta stared intently at Saki who was lighting the fire.
"Ryouta, don't shake the tip. Yes, like that, keep it like that... There, it's
lit."
After making sure the frayed end was lit, Saki stepped back a little to give
Ryouta some space.
The firework in Ryouta's hand began to emit small sparks with a "chichi chichi"
sound as the fire reached the gunpowder part. Then, immediately after that,
bright sparks burst forward like a fountain.
"Waaah!! Look, look!!"
"It's pretty~ I want to play too."
Saki also took the same type of firework as Ryouta, then lit it herself.
Just like Ryouta's, Saki's firework also produced a waterfall of sparks with a
"shuuu" sound.
"It's really fun to play after not playing for a long time! You two should hurry
up and play too!"
She urged Haruto and Ayaka with an excitement that was no less than Ryouta's.
"Yeah, Haruto-kun, let's play together?"
"Okay."
Ayaka held two fireworks and handed one to Haruto.
Ayaka received the fire starter from Saki and immediately lit her firework.
"Waa! It's pretty!"
Ayaka's firework was slightly different from Ryouta's which emitted sparks like
a fountain. Hers produced fine sparks like snowflakes blooming with a "pachi
pachi" sound. Seeing that, Ayaka cheered with delight and looked at Haruto.
"Look, look Haruto-kun! It's so pretty!"
Seeing that joy which was somehow similar to Ryouta's, Haruto felt they were
indeed siblings. He approached Ayaka while holding his own firework.
"Could you please hold the firework a little lower?"
"Like this?"
"Yes, thank you."
Haruto brought his firework closer to the tip of the firework Ayaka was holding.
Haruto's handheld firework, which received the flame from Ayaka's firework,
began to spread beautiful sparks as if they were bouncing. A summer night.
In the yard of the Tojo family home, colorful sparks danced around.
Everyone smiled looking at the fireworks in their hands.
The gentle night breeze mixed with a slight smell of gunpowder, along with the
sound of joyful laughter, all of it was engraved in their memory as a colorful
memory.
"Look, look Ayaka. Two swords!"
"Hihihi, Saki is too excited."
"Onii-chan! This firework changes colors, you know!"
"Ryouta-kun, after that one is finished, want to try this one?"
Haruto and the others enjoyed the fireworks, holding various types.
Shuuichi and Ikue, after finishing cleaning up the barbeque, sat side by side on
the wooden deck, smiling as they watched the children engrossed in the
fireworks.
"Hmm hmm, it really is like youth, isn't it."
"It's nice to be young."
"Right. But adults have their own fun too, you know?"
While saying so, Shuuichi poured red wine into a glass he had brought, then
handed it to Ikue.
"That's true. Thank you, dear."
Ikue accepted the wine with a smile, then raised it slightly.
"Cheers."
"Cheers."
The Tojo couple enjoyed their wine while having light snacks of cheese and
smoked salmon, happily watching the fireworks display.
Haruto held a firework that spread sparks like pampas grass, then spoke to Ayaka
beside him.
"Shuuichi-san and Ikue-san are like an ideal married couple, aren't they."
"Eh? You think so?"
Ayaka shifted her gaze from her firework, then looked towards her parents on the
wooden deck.
"They do get along quite well, but sometimes when they start being lovey-dovey I
want to say 'please stop', you know?"
"Ahahahaha, it's good that their household is harmonious."
Hearing Haruto laugh, Ayaka smiled wryly and said, "From a child's point of
view, it's a bit questionable."
Then Saki came over carrying a pistol-shaped firework.
"Ryouta! Ryouta! Want to play this together?"
"Yes!! I do!!"
"Yosh! Then let's go play over there for a bit!"
Saki moved to a spot a little away from Haruto and Ayaka. At that moment, she
briefly gave a signal with her eyes to Ayaka. After that, she immediately played
cheerfully with Ryouta using the picture-shaped firework.
"Hey, Haruto-kun. Shall we do this together?" said Ayaka while showing a senko
hanabi to Haruto.
(Tln: senko hanabi is a type of firework, for its shape please check Google :v)
"Senko hanabi? That's a good idea, let's do it," Haruto accepted a senko hanabi
from Ayaka.
"Oh right. How about we have a competition to see who can keep it lit longer?"
Ayaka proposed while crouching down.
Haruto also sat down next to her with a challenging smile. "Sure. I accept your
challenge."
"In that case, the loser has to grant one request from the winner in the next
dating practice, okay?" Ayaka whispered in Haruto's ear with a soft voice so
others wouldn't hear.
Their distance was so close it made Haruto's heart pound.
"'Anything' is a bit dangerous, isn't it?" Haruto felt a little worried giving
Ayaka the freedom of "anything", considering that all this time the girl had
dared to say "like" and propose a lap pillow.
Seeing Haruto's hesitation, Ayaka smiled teasingly. "Haruto-kun, you're not
confident you can win?"
"...No, I will definitely win," Haruto reflexively declared his victory because
his competitive nature was tickled just right.
"Then there's no problem, right?" Ayaka smiled sweetly. Haruto nodded, feeling
like he had been trapped.
"Alright. In that case, let's light them at the same time."
"Yeah."
Haruto held the fire starter, while Ayaka moved closer, crouching. Because they
had to light the fireworks at the same time, they had to bring their senko
hanabi to the same flame, making their distance become very close.
With a distance so close that their shoulders were almost touching, Haruto's
heartbeat quickened. Hiding the fluttering feeling in his chest, Haruto lit the
fire at the end of the starter.
Then, they both brought their senko hanabi to the flame at the same time.
"Ah, it lit," Ayaka said softly with joy.
At the tip of both their senko hanabi, a small red ball appeared like a flower
bud. Slowly, the bud trembled and grew larger, occasionally releasing small
sparks. Ayaka stared in amazement at the fire ball that looked like a botan
flower.
The sound of crackling sparks grew louder and more intense, like burning pine
needles. Seeing that sight, Ayaka's face lit up.
"It's beautiful, isn't it, Haruto-kun," said Ayaka.
"Yeah...! It-it is," Haruto was at a loss for words for a moment as he lifted
his face.
In front of Haruto was Ayaka's side profile, absorbed in watching the senko
hanabi. Her face was illuminated by the exploding light of the senko hanabi,
creating shadows in some parts but still looking bright and stunning. What most
caught Haruto's attention were Ayaka's eyes.
In those eyes were reflected the beautiful sparks.
"Really... beautiful.”
The senko hanabi reflected in the eyes of the person he liked. Haruto never
thought it could be so beautiful and enchanting.
He wished that light would continue to illuminate the girl. However, that wish
could not be granted. The senko hanabi that was once intense began to weaken,
becoming thin and gentle like willow leaves.
Along with that, Ayaka's side profile was illuminated by a light that was
growing dimmer.
"Ah... it's about to go out," Ayaka's voice sounded sad, the senko hanabi swayed
gently.
The sparks had lost their energy, only small sparks remained, dancing softly.
"...Ah."
The senko hanabi in Haruto's hand let out a final spark, then its ball of fire
fell to the ground and extinguished like a fallen chrysanthemum flower.
"It's over, huh," Ayaka's senko hanabi went out shortly after Haruto's.
After the senko hanabi went out, Ayaka, illuminated by the moonlight, smiled
gently at Haruto.
"I won, didn't I."
"...Yeah. Please don't be too cruel.”
"Fufufu, I wonder what I should ask for?"
Ayaka smiled like a child about to do something mischievous. Haruto smiled
wryly, but in his heart, he was slightly looking forward to what Ayaka would ask
for.
※
After enjoying the barbeque and fireworks, Haruto-kun went home, while Saki
stayed over in my room.
I opened the closet door while saying, "Saki, do you need a thick blanket?"
"No, a thin blanket is fine for me.”
"Oh, then just use this one.”
"Okay, thanks," Saki accepted the thin blanket that I rarely use.
I was so happy that Saki was staying at my house after such a long time, my
smile widened without me realizing it.
When was the last time Saki stayed in my room? I think it was when I asked her
to stay over because I was sad about us separating when I moved houses.
At that time I was really sad to the point of hugging Saki and crying.
"Fuuh~ Today was fun, wasn't it~”
"Yeah, it was really fun.”
Saki jumped onto the futon that I had laid out next to the bed, then looked
around my room.
"Your room is still nice as usual."
Saki said while swinging her legs on the futon.
Saki looked at the bookshelf on the wall and said, "Oh, a new volume is out,"
while picking up my favorite romance manga.
"Hey, can I read it for a bit?”
"Sure. In that case, I'll just read the previous volume.”
This manga is really interesting, I like to read it over and over again.
For a while, Saki and I read the manga in silence.
The story about two childhood friends who like each other but haven't realized
it yet, slowly they become closer. I always get butterflies every time I read
it.
As I quickly turned the page, my hand stopped at one scene. The scene where the
two friends are playing with senko hanabi in the park at night.
As they were engrossed in watching the senko hanabi, their gazes suddenly met.
Both of their faces turned red because of their close proximity.
Their innocent and adorable relationship makes me feel giddy.
Then I realized something. Isn't this similar to me and Haruto-kun earlier?
The senko hanabi scene with Haruto-kun replayed clearly in my mind.
Haruto-kun's side profile illuminated by the light of the senko hanabi.
Actually, I wanted to look at him directly from the front. But I was too shy to
make eye contact at such a close distance, so I could only steal glances from
the side.
But, I wonder what would have happened if Haruto-kun and I had looked at each
other then...
Under the dim light of the sparks, our faces getting closer...
Uuh, just imagining it makes my face heat up.
But that's so romantic. Like in this manga, it turns out we like each other and
are starting to realize it.
...Huh? Wait a minute, I like Haruto-kun. And, Haruto-kun asked me to be his
fake girlfriend, could that mean he likes me too? ...In other words, we like
each other! It turns out my situation is almost exactly the same as in this
manga!?
I looked at the senko hanabi scene in the manga again.
Both of them are noticing each other and being shy. They are crouching side by
side with a very close distance that their shoulders are almost touching.
Kyaaa, that was exactly like us earlier!
Could it be that the atmosphere between us earlier was very romantic!? If only I
could have been a little more aggressive at that time, maybe I could have
conquered Haruto-kun's heart.
Bu-but I'd be too embarrassed to be aggressive in a moment like that... But if I
want Haruto-kun to confess his feelings, I have to make an effort...
As I groaned "Uuu~" while burying my face in the pillow, Saki, who had finished
reading the manga, said with satisfaction, "So exciting~"
"Oh man~ This manga makes me so curious. The two of them should just start
dating already.”
Saki said as she returned the manga to the shelf.
Seeing me still burying my face in the pillow, Saki asked with wonder, "What are
you doing?"
"If we're talking about dating quickly, Ayaka should also quickly date Otsukikun
then.”
"Eh! But Otsuki-kun hasn't confessed his feelings..."
"Well, that's true. But I don't know, today was the first time I saw you with
Otsuki-kun.”
Saki folded her arms
"The atmosphere between you two is already that of a couple! Why aren't you
dating yet!?"
"Th-that's because... if Haruto-kun doesn't confess his feelings, my guilt for
lying will get in the way of my true feelings..."
"That's it! Why did Otsuki-kun lie? That lie is messing everything up."
Saki said with an angry expression while folding her arms.
"Otsuki-kun didn't want to make his grandmother sad..."
"I've heard that, but if he really thinks about his grandmother, he shouldn't
lie and should just confess his feelings to Ayaka to make her his real
girlfriend! Even though Ayaka is already head over heels for Otsuki-kun."
"Head over heels... Do I look like that?"
I myself felt that I couldn't completely hide my feelings for Haruto-kun, but
hearing it said so clearly made me feel hot.
"Because Ayaka is always looking at Otsuki-kun, right?"
"Really...?"
"And when you talk to Otsuki-kun, you always have a big smile."
"W-well... Lately, when I see Haruto-kun's face, my lips just smile on their
own. I can't help it..."
Just by seeing Haruto-kun's figure, my expression immediately softens and my
heart pounds.
Besides that, for some reason the area around Haruto-kun looks more colorful,
it's hard to explain but it feels like it's sparkling.
"That's clearly a girl in love."
"U-um..."
Since I realized my feelings for Haruto-kun, it seems those feelings have been
getting stronger every day.
Lately, I don't know how far these feelings will go, sometimes I feel a little
scared.
It feels like there's another person inside me.
But I can also realize that it's clearly a part of myself.
Emotions I can't control swirl within me, and I don't know how to handle them.
"Ayaka, how much do you actually like Otsuki-kun?"
Saki asked while sitting cross-legged on the futon, looking at me on the bed.
"If you ask how much... How do I say it?"
"See, even if it's the same 'like', there are various levels, right? From the
light ones like 'Summer vacation is boring, I want a boyfriend' to the heavy
ones like 'This is my destiny, I've found my life partner'. So, how about
Ayaka?"
"Hmm. Maybe more than just a summer love? I think I really like him..."
"In that case, what if... For example, the person who came to help with the
housework wasn't Otsuki-kun, but another male classmate who is also good at
housework and has a calm aura like Otsuki-kun, would Ayaka like him?"
"Eh... I wonder?"
In my mind, housework is already identical to Haruto-kun, so I can't imagine at
all if it were someone else.
"I can't imagine anyone other than Haruto-kun, but maybe I wouldn't like them?"
Even though I said that, honestly I don't know.
My first love was Haruto-kun, and now I also like Haruto-kun. I can't imagine if
it were another boy.
"I see, it seems Ayaka is really head over heels for Otsuki-kun."
"It feels a bit embarrassing to be called head over heels..."
"But it's the truth, isn't it?"
"W-well, yeah..."
After that, Saki and I continued to talk about love late into the night.
The next morning.
I was awakened by the morning sun coming through the gap in the curtains.
"Ngh... still sleepy..."
My body seemed to still want to sleep, so it was hard to get out of bed.
Actually last night, after chatting about love with Saki and as I was about to
sleep, Saki's words suddenly crossed my mind.
"In that case, what if... For example, the person who came to help with the
housework wasn't Otsuki-kun, but another male classmate who is also good at
housework and has a calm aura like Otsuki-kun, would Ayaka like him?"
I couldn't sleep because I was thinking about this question.
The possibility of me falling in love with someone other than Haruto-kun. What
if the person helping with the housework wasn't Haruto-kun...
Because I was thinking about such things, I couldn't sleep at all.
"Huah~ Maybe I should go back to sleep..."
As I thought that, Saki started to move on the futon.
"Nyaa? ...Eh?"
Saki woke up and looked around my room with half-closed eyes, still looking
sleepy.
"Good morning, Saki."
"...Good morning, Ayaka? ...Oh right, I stayed over."
It seemed Saki had remembered her situation, she stretched her body.
"Nnh~! Fuh~ I'm awake~"
"Did you sleep well?"
"Of course, a rich person's futon is so soft and comfortable to sleep on."
Saki said half-jokingly while giving me a thumbs-up.
"That futon is worth more than its price, you know. Are you ready to get up,
Saki?"
"Yeah, I'm up now. How about Ayaka?"
"I'm still a bit sleepy, but I'm starting to get hungry so I'll probably get
up."
After washing our faces and brushing our teeth together with Saki at the sink,
we headed to the living room.
There, Mom was already awake, sitting at the dining table looking at her laptop
and drinking milk tea.
"Ara, Saki-chan and Ayaka. Good morning."
"Good morning."
"Good morning, Mom."
"Are you two hungry?"
Mom asked us as she got up from her chair.
"Yes, I'm hungry. How about Saki?"
"I'm starting to get hungry too."
Hearing Saki say that while rubbing her stomach, Mom smiled.
"Alright. I'll get it ready right away, you two sit down and wait, okay."
"Thank you! I will enjoy it!"
Saki thanked Mom while sitting at the dining table.
I also sat next to Saki and watched Mom who was standing in the kitchen.
"Mom, is it Japanese food today?"
"Yes. Does Saki-chan also want rice for breakfast? Or would you prefer bread?"
"No, rice is fine. Thank you, Ikue-mama."
Hearing Saki's answer, Mom immediately started making breakfast.
Then, in a matter of minutes, various breakfast side dishes began to be served
on the table.
Saki looked surprised to see breakfast coming out as fast as fast food.
I smiled amusedly watching her.
"Eh? Eh? Isn't breakfast really fast? You can make this much in such a short
time? What kind of time-saving technique is this?"
On the table was served horenso no ohitashi (boiled spinach), namasu (daikon and
carrot salad), chikuzenni (stewed vegetables and chicken), and tobiuo no nanbanzuke
(sweet and sour flying fish). Then there was miso soup and freshly cooked
rice.
Saki looked surprised to see the number of side dishes served for breakfast.
"This... Could it be that it was all cooked beforehand?"
Mom smiled and answered "Exactly right" to Saki's question.
"Actually, all of this was made by Otsuki-kun when he came to help with the
housework. In the busy morning, Otsuki-kun's prepared dishes are a great help,
it really makes things easy for us."
"Wow~ Otsuki-kun's skill in housework is truly amazing."
"Besides, all of Haruto-kun's cooking is very delicious, you know."
There has never been a dish by Haruto-kun that wasn't delicious.
Everything is truly delicious, to the point where you have to be careful not to
overeat.
"In that case, itadakimasu."
Saki clasped her hands before picking up some chikuzenni with her chopsticks.
"!? Eh? Delicious!"
Saki's eyes widened slightly before she took another side dish. Every time she
put food in her mouth, she would murmur softly "Delicious!".
For some reason, I became happy when Haruto-kun's cooking was praised.
"Right? It's delicious, right?"
"Yeah, it's crazy. Eh~ I'm a little jealous. Maybe I should ask Otsuki-kun to
help with the housework at my house too?"
Hearing Saki's words, a little restlessness arose within me.
"Ha-Haruto-kun is mine... Eh no, I mean he's already tied to a permanent
contract with the Tojo family, so if you want to ask for housework help, ask
another staff member, okay?"
"Ah! That's cheating, monopolizing this food!"
"It's-it's not cheating! It's an official permanent contract!"
Seeing us arguing about whether it was cheating or not, Mom laughed as she
brought over chawan-mushi (steamed egg custard).
"Saki-chan. This was also made by Otsuki-kun, you know, try it, it's delicious."
"Itadakimasu!"
Saki immediately started eating the chawan-mushi that was served.
As soon as she put one spoonful into her mouth, Saki's expression brightened.
"The texture is smooth on the throat, rich with egg flavor, and the gentle aroma
of the broth... Hey, Ayaka. Can I borrow Otsuki-kun for a bit--"
"No way! Absolutely not!"
I interrupted Saki mid-sentence.

Otsuki-kun is not only an inseparable part of the Tojo family, but also of me!

Even though I have absolutely no authority to decide Haruto-kun's part-time

workplace, I still want him to remain exclusive to the Tojo family.
His cooking is so tempting that it makes me feel like I want to own him myself.
"...I will not hand over Haruto-kun to anyone..."
I muttered softly.
It seemed Saki heard it, she looked at me with a wide smile and said,
"Fufu, the head-over-heels and greedy Ayaka."
※
The morning after being invited to the Tojo family's barbeque.
Haruto was concentrating on his morning study routine, while the morning
sunlight streamed through the window.
For a while, he seriously looked at his reference books and notes alternately,
then put down his pencil for a moment and stretched in his chair.
"Hah~ Yesterday's barbeque was so delicious..."
Haruto remembered the meat and seafood he ate yesterday. Just remembering it
almost made his mouth water. That's how delicious yesterday's barbeque was.
"Besides that, everyone was also happy with the fireworks afterwards."
Haruto propped his cheek on his hand on the desk, smiling.
Ryouta with a wide smile holding a firework while saying "Big brother is amazing
huh!".
Saki holding fireworks in both hands, looking very happy enjoying them.
And Ayaka sitting beside him, staring at the senko hanabi.
"...So beautiful."
Shining eyes.
The light of the fireworks and the light of the moon.
Her face, illuminated by both, looked so beautiful and fantastical.
Haruto squinted at the morning sun that was getting higher.
Without realizing it, the summer vacation was already halfway through. The girl
he met because of a part-time housekeeping service job. As he thought about it,
Haruto felt a little lonely remembering the past days of summer vacation. And
along with that, he also felt something nagging, an unclear feeling somewhere in
his heart.
Dating practice.
His relationship with Ayaka that started from a lie he told.
This can't be left as it is. Haruto turned his gaze from the window and slowly
shook his head. Even though it was a lie to make his grandmother happy, in the
end, he only created a false happiness. A time will come when he has to reveal
the truth. When that happens, in the end, he will make his grandmother sad and
disappointed.
Therefore, someday he must reveal the truth to Ayaka.
Every time he practiced dating with her, that feeling grew stronger within
Haruto. It was caused by the guilt of having involved her in his lie.
However, lately that wasn't the only reason.
When he practiced with her, he couldn't help but imagine.
What if this wasn't practice, but an interaction as a real couple.
Changing his relationship with Ayaka.
Eliminating the guilt and conveying the pure feelings in his heart.
For that, the absolute condition is to clear up the lie he has told.
"...Hahh, today is a day off from work, huh..."
Haruto muttered while looking at the calendar hanging on the wall.
Feeling a certain loneliness because he couldn't meet her...