Source
https://kakuyomu.jp/works/16818093075629868223/episodes/16818792436823688277
My house is relatively close to school.
Just over ten minutes on foot. Less than ten minutes by bike.
My middle school teacher said I could have aimed for a higher-ranked high school based on my test scores, but I really wanted to prioritize distance. I often make breakfast, and I wanted to sleep in a bit longer.
Well… this is a side note, but apparently Yuzuki chose the same high school for me.
She said, “Poor Tsukkun, right? I kinda felt like I had to be there for him, like he’d be lonely without his big sis!” Later, I heard from a teacher, “Academically, this place is the absolute limit.” I laughed my guts out then.
So, anyway.
When I go grocery shopping after school, I basically head to the supermarket that’s ‘near school’ and ‘on the way home’.
The “way home” part is a real lifesaver.
It means I can handle my sister’s sudden, unreasonable requests. I really wish she’d stop doing that.
Thinking that, I headed to my usual supermarket again today.
Then, to my surprise—
“Well, what do you know?”
“…Why?”
…There was someone I knew.
At the prepared foods section.
“What’s with that ridiculous look on your face?”
Her lustrous, sweet chestnut-colored hair.
A commanding, eye-catching presence and exquisitely beautiful, almost too perfect features.
An appearance so outstanding that she would undoubtedly draw attention wherever she walked, regardless of time or place.
―――Kirishima Kurusu.
One of our school’s Three Great Beauties, and a model currently causing a huge stir in the public eye.
“…No, I was just really surprised.”
“I don’t think I’m dressed that strangely today, though.”
Strange outfit? Hmph… Don’t be ridiculous.
“A year-round cardigan, simple jeans for bottoms… She never strays from the framework of a teenage girl while still projecting a mature vibe. The restraint in exposure suits Kirishima’s composed, more grown-up aura perfectly.”
“I didn’t expect such a serious, proper critique to come from a teenage boy.”
Conclusion: It suits her very well.
“Well, I’m surprised because Kirishima’s here… Didn’t you live far enough away to commute by train?”
If Yuzuki were here, I’d understand.
But I heard before that Kirishima lives somewhere requiring a train commute.
That’s precisely why I find it hard to believe she’d show up somewhere like this, where buying anything would just be extra baggage.
Of course, if she were staying at Yuzuki’s place… that would make sense, but there was no sign of Yuzuki around.
“Ah… I guess I never mentioned it.”
“Hm?”
“I’ve rented a room nearby.”
Kirishima placed a prepared dish into the basket.
“Lately, work’s been pretty busy… Going home and commuting back just wastes time. When I finish work late at night, I stay here. You know, attendance-wise, I can’t exactly skip school too much, right?”
“I-I see…”
True, the farther away you live, the more wasteful commuting time becomes.
If you live near school, you can rest properly. And if you have to leave work early, being close means you can attend classes a bit longer.
A rational, efficient approach… It almost feels like she’s truly becoming a working adult now.
“Actually, I got another drama gig too. Not broadcast TV, but a streaming service drama.”
“Alright, got it. Red rice it is. Leave it to me.”
“At least I know you’re happy about it. Thanks.”
Now I just need to get the sea bream.
“So that’s why I’m stuck with this lifestyle. I have to study and memorize scripts, so cutting down commute time is essential.”
Is this okay? Kirishima answered my question with a teasing smile.
“So that’s why you buy ready-made meals?”
“Muu, is that bad?”
“It’s not bad.”
My feelings are a bit complicated, having just been told by Yuzuki that ready-made meals are good.
Are ready-made meals really the best option? Of course, I think they’re tasty.
“I don’t have the time to cook or the dishes. So when I come back here, it basically ends up being ready-made meals. Cost performance, you know. Cost performance.”
“Hmm…”
True enough, no cooking time needed. Microwave-ready side dishes that taste good are perfect for someone living alone with no time.
“…By the way, do you like side dishes?”
“I don’t dislike them, but I don’t particularly like them either. It’s just… since it’s been side dishes for so long lately, I can’t help but crave something warm.”
“Hmm.”
No time to cook, but she wants something warm.
…I see, I see.
“By the way, let me ask you something.”
“What is it? You’re making such a serious face like you’ve been deep in thought and now you’re finally ready to speak.”
“Do you have work tomorrow or something?”
When I asked that, Kirishima tilted her head slightly, looking puzzled.
“I don’t have work tomorrow, and I was planning to go to school as usual, but…”
“Hmm…”
I see, I see.
If tomorrow’s a day off, then there shouldn’t be a problem.
“Alright, then, Kirishima—”
So, I turned to Kirishima, who was looking puzzled—
“Want to come over to my place now?”
—Yes, I said it.
“………………”
Then, Kirishima looked a bit dazed,
“Huh!?”
For some reason, her face turned bright red.
(TL/N : chapter 44 has been reuploaded to the correct one, thanks !)
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