Chapter 1 | “The Future Dreams of a Beautiful Foreign Student”
“—I… as a guy, am I not just too pathetic…?”
On the night of the sports festival, I was alone in my room, holding my head in my hands.
The reason being, a kiss on the cheek, a confession, and then a kiss on the lips—all of it had been initiated by Charlotte-san first.
Come to think of it, she was the one who suggested we walk to school together too.
Normally, as the guy, I should be the one taking the lead, but at this rate, won’t she just get fed up with me…?
At the very least, should I be the one to bring up something like sex first?
…But if I say something like that right after we started dating, Charlotte-san might think I’m only after her body.
On the other hand, while I’m agonizing over this, Charlotte-san might take the initiative again… Honestly, I had no idea what the right move was.
I’d completely turned into an indecisive mess.
“…For now, I’ll just take care of one other important thing.”
Deciding that endlessly worrying wouldn’t give me an answer, I switched gears.
This was important too, after all.
“Will they even pick up…?”
Feeling a little nervous, I dialed a certain person’s number.
It was someone I’d tried to avoid getting involved with up until now.
Naturally, this was my first time calling them.
“—What do you want?”
After about three rings, that person—my adoptive father, President Himeragi—answered the phone.
“It’s been a while. I called today because I’d like to discuss something important with you.”
“Hmph, something important? Sounds like a waste of my time.”
He was clearly trying to provoke me, but that’s just how he’s always been.
He probably enjoys riling people up to make them slip up.
Sure, he’s looking down on me completely, but it’s not worth getting worked up over every little thing he says.
“That may be true for you. But for me, it’s important, and I believe it’ll concern the Himeragi family moving forward as well.”
“Heh, already acting like you’re part of the Himeragi family, huh? Fine, go ahead and talk.”
“I apologize for the delay in reporting this, but about a month ago, I got a girlfriend. So, I—”
“Ha, ridiculous. Your sole purpose is to serve the prosperity of the Himeragi conglomerate. I’ve already lined up a few fiancée candidates for that. Break up with that girlfriend of yours immediately.”
…As expected, he has no intention of giving me any choice in the matter.
But to think he’s already found candidates… He’s moving faster than I’d anticipated.
“I have no intention of breaking up with her.”
“You dare defy me? Who do you think has been letting you live comfortably all this time? Who’s been spending money on a worthless orphan like you, with no blood ties, since you were a kid? You’re not a Himeragi yet, but don’t you dare forget the debt you owe this family.”
There wasn’t any anger in his voice.
He stated it all so matter-of-factly, making it painfully clear he only sees me as a tool.
“Of course, I haven’t forgotten that debt. I intend to repay everything I owe by working for it.”
“That’s exactly why I’m telling you to serve the Himeragi family. Fine, our agreement was to let you do as you please until high school’s over. I’ll overlook you having a girlfriend for now. But mark my words—things will get tough for you and that girl later on.”
With that, President Himeragi hung up.
Guess he didn’t see any more value in talking.
The whole “free until high school” thing is because I’m not officially a Himeragi until I graduate.
It’s surprising he’s not forcing me to break up right away, but maybe he thinks I’ll eventually back off on my own for her sake.
Too bad for him—I’m not sensible enough to take that route anymore.
At least one thing’s clear: I don’t have much time left.
If I don’t do something before the fiancée talks are finalized, I might end up making enemies of not just the Himeragi family but other conglomerates too—and President Himeragi will probably force me into that engagement one way or another.
If that happens, Charlotte-san could end up in harm’s way.
So I’d like to come up with a plan soon—but honestly, I’m still wavering.
It’s a fact that I owe the Himeragi conglomerate a lot.
Especially Kanon-san, the Himeragi family’s young lady, who’s taken care of me in so many ways since I was little.
I was able to play soccer because of her, and she even made sure I had a proper environment to study in.
According to the maids, all those expenses apparently came out of Kanon-san’s own allowance.
Sure, the conglomerate’s put me through some awful stuff, but is it really okay to turn against a family that’s still supporting me now—a family with someone who treated me like a little brother?
That’d be like repaying kindness with betrayal.
“Dammit… Why does it always have to be such a complicated mess…?”
I couldn’t help but let out a grumble.
If the situation were clearer, I wouldn’t have to agonize over it like this.
Still, there’s one thing I’ve already decided.
And that’s—to prioritize Charlotte-san’s happiness above everything else.
No matter what happens to me, I’ll protect her happiness.
That’s my duty as her boyfriend, right?
“—Akihito-kun, sorry to keep you waiting!”
A few minutes later, Charlotte-san and Emma-chan, who’d gone back to their room to take a bath, returned to mine.
As always, both of them looked absolutely adorable in their pajamas.
“Onii-chan, soccer…!”
Emma-chan climbed onto my lap and held out her hands like she was begging for something.
Lately, she’s been into not just cat videos but soccer videos too.
Seems like she got hooked after playing with me.
Thanks to that, she’s been playing outside more, which is probably a good trend for her.
“Here you go.”
“Nnh, thanks…!”
Emma-chan took my phone and started searching on her own.
Until recently, I’d just pick random cat videos for her, but lately, I’ve been letting her search herself as a way to study.
She can only type in English for now, but she’s learned words like “cat” and “soccer” in Japanese too, so I plan to have her search in Japanese eventually.
“Emma-chan’s mood seems better now, huh?”
As I watched Emma-chan, Charlotte-san rested her head on my shoulder.
She spoke in Japanese, probably meaning she wanted to talk just the two of us.
Emma-chan doesn’t pay attention to us when she’s watching videos, so it’s not an issue.
“Yeah, when I went to pick her up from daycare, I was worried about how it’d turn out.”
“We did overdo it a bit, staying out until it got dark…”
Charlotte-san’s cheeks turned red, and she shyly looked away from me.
The reason Emma-chan was upset was, of course, because we didn’t come pick her up for so long.
And the reason we were late was because we couldn’t stop ourselves from kissing over and over again.
Charlotte-san might be remembering those kisses right now.
…They were so soft.
“Sh-Should we turn on the TV?”
Thinking back to the kisses, Charlotte-san gave an embarrassed smile and turned on the TV.
She probably wanted to change the mood.
From the TV came the voice of a guy who sounded about my age.
“…”
Recognizing that voice, I couldn’t help but glance at the screen.
And there was—
“Ah, Kannagi-kun…”
It wasn’t me who said his name.
It was Charlotte-san, who’d turned to look at the TV with me.
Sure enough, the person on the variety show right now was Kannagi Riku, someone my age.
But he’s not a celebrity.
Riku is—a soccer player shining in the youth leagues.
“You knew about him?”
I couldn’t help but ask as she stared at the TV with interest.
“Uh, well…”
For some reason, Charlotte-san awkwardly shifted her gaze, like she’d said something she shouldn’t have.
I don’t think I asked anything weird, though…
“I’ve been seeing him on TV a lot lately, so…”
True, Riku’s been showing up on TV more often recently.
He’s been on so many shows, you’d think he’s a full-on celebrity.
It’s not surprising that Charlotte-san knows his name.
“He’s good-looking, great at talking, and has real soccer skills as a standout youth player, so maybe that’s why he’s getting called onto shows. Seems like he’s active on video streaming sites too.”
Riku’s an odd one.
Even though he’s been called up to the national youth team since starting high school, he’s not a pro yet—but his fame’s already on par with top pros.
Even regular people who aren’t soccer fans know his name and face.
That’s probably thanks to his video streaming activities.
These days, streaming sites have as many viewers as TV—sometimes more.
Among students especially, I hear more kids watch videos than TV by a landslide.
With his idol-level looks, and the fact that he’s not just stuck to soccer but making all sorts of fun videos like other streamers, it might’ve been inevitable that Riku became famous.
Plus, his soccer skills are the real deal, so honestly, I’m kinda jealous.
“He’s the same age as us, right?”
“Yeah, but…”
Charlotte-san, you’re totally interested, aren’t you…?
No way, is it because he’s idol-level handsome and a tall, nice guy…!?
“Akihito-kun…?”
“No, it’s nothing.”
Charlotte-san looked up at me curiously, so I brushed it off with a smile.
I’m not pathetic enough to let it show on my face or in my attitude.
Still—
Damn you, Riku…!
Back in the day, you hated the media and even avoided interviews—so why, of all times, are you tempting Charlotte-san now…!
I mentally grumbled at the culprit, knowing full well it’s just me overreacting.
“Shimizu-san must be into guys like him, huh…”
As I felt a slight irritation toward Riku, Charlotte-san muttered something.
She looked weirdly serious.
…Huh.
“Charlotte-san.”
“Eek!? Oh, Akihito-kun!?”
Feeling something click, I gently pulled Charlotte-san’s head toward my face, and she turned bright red, panicking.
I might’ve overdone it a little.
Because of that, Emma-chan, who’d been watching videos on my lap, looked up at me with a pout.
Probably because Charlotte-san’s voice was too loud.
Then, noticing I was holding Charlotte-san close—
“Lottie is cheating! Emma too!!”
For some reason, she started getting competitive with Charlotte-san and pressed her face against my left cheek.
Somehow, I ended up sandwiched between two adorable girls.
“Akihito-kun, you’re too bold…”
Meanwhile, Charlotte-san seemed to misunderstand why I’d pulled her close.
With her face flushed red, she closed her eyes and slightly tilted her lips toward me.
This… totally looks like she’s waiting for a kiss, but has she forgotten Emma-chan’s here?
Doing it in front of her wouldn’t exactly be good for her education—or rather, it’s embarrassing in front of others.
“Emma-chan’s right here, you know…?”
“Ah…”
When I pointed it out, Charlotte-san looked down in embarrassment.
Seems like when she gets caught up in the moment, she stops noticing her surroundings.
…Emma-chan was making quite a fuss, though.
“Onii-chan, Emma too…!”
“Um, like this?”
“Nnh!”
Since she tugged at my clothes, I gently pulled Emma-chan’s head toward me like I did with Charlotte-san, and she smiled, looking satisfied.
She probably wouldn’t settle down unless I treated her the same way.
She’s so cute that I couldn’t help but pat her head with a “there, there.”
“Ehehe…”
Emma-chan loves being petted like this, so she gave me her usual adorable smile in return.
But—
“Muu…”
Charlotte-san looked unhappy.
Her jealousy seems to be getting worse lately.
Still, that’s cute too, so I don’t mind.
For now, to make sure Emma-chan didn’t notice and get worried, I adjusted her so her face rested against my chest and kept petting her.
As I continued, Emma-chan happily rubbed her face against me.
On the flip side, Charlotte-san stared at Emma-chan with envy.
This girl really is a big softie too.
After waiting for Emma-chan to be satisfied and start watching soccer videos again, I reached out to Charlotte-san’s head.
“Sorry for the wait.”
I spoke in Japanese so it’d be fine if Emma-chan overheard.
“Yes…!”
Charlotte-san’s eyes sparkled with joy, like a puppy who’d been kept waiting.
I could almost see her wagging an imaginary tail.
After that, I kept petting her until she was satisfied.
—Come to think of it, why did I pull her close again?
◆◆◆
“…”
By the time the clock struck midnight, Emma-chan was fast asleep, and Charlotte-san and I were sitting side by side, studying.
The time I spend doting on Charlotte-san or being close to her is pure bliss, but studying’s important too, so we make sure to set aside time for it.
Lately, we haven’t had time to read manga together, and that time’s been replaced entirely with me spoiling Charlotte-san.
Then we study for about two hours after that.
Charlotte-san wanted it that way, and I respect her wishes.
Of course, we still read manga or watch anime together sometimes.
But yeah, she definitely prefers being spoiled.
—Honestly, I’d love to increase our study time more, but ever since we started sleeping together, if I study late, Charlotte-san ends up joining me.
That ends up making her sleep-deprived too.
So we’ve been wrapping up by 12:30 a.m.
Instead, I sometimes study on my own while Emma-chan’s working on her Japanese, or during times when she’s watching videos, to make up for it somehow.
“…”
Hm?
What’s this?
I feel like Charlotte-san keeps glancing over at me.
I can’t tell for sure with just my peripheral vision, but she’s probably checking on me.
Should I say something?
As I debated that, Charlotte-san started moving slowly and cautiously.
And then—with a little tap—she pressed her arm against mine.
“Charlotte-san?”
“Ah, uh…”
When I called out to her, she looked troubled and let her gaze wander.
Could it be she still wants more attention?
But lately, I’ve been letting this kind of thing sidetrack me, and my studying’s been falling behind…
“…”
As I wondered whether to just go with the flow and stop studying like usual, Charlotte-san stared at me with a longing expression.
No way—I can’t ignore a face like that.
“—Come here.”
I set my mechanical pencil down on the desk and spread my arms.
Instantly, Charlotte-san’s face lit up.
“I-Is that okay?”
“There’s no way it wouldn’t be. Let’s call it a night for studying.”
Yeah, if Charlotte-san wants it, I want to make it happen as her boyfriend.
I’d rather take the hit later than let her feel lonely.
Besides, being close to Charlotte-san makes me happier anyway.
“Then… I’ll take you up on that…”
Charlotte-san acted calm, but she was fidgeting like she couldn’t wait and climbed onto my lap.
So cute.
“Not sleepy?”
“My chest feels warm and happy… so not at all.”
Why does this girl always say such adorable things?
It makes me want to spoil her even more.
“Ah… nnh.”
When I gently petted her head, Charlotte-san twitched a little.
Maybe it tickled.
But soon, she smiled with an “ehehe…”
Seeing her look so happy, there’s no way I wouldn’t feel the same.
I kept petting her gently.
After a bit, Charlotte-san, seemingly satisfied, looked up at me.
“Akihito-kun.”
“Hm?”
“Do you have any dreams, Akihito-kun?”
“What’s this all of a sudden?”
“No… I’ve just been wanting to talk about this kind of thing with you someday…”
So she just happened to feel like now was a good time to ask, huh.
“Dreams, huh… Back in the day, it was to go pro with Akira, but… I haven’t really thought about what I want to be in the future since then.”
The path to being a pro soccer player closed off, and after that, I didn’t have the mental space to think about the future.
Or rather, I probably don’t even have any future options to begin with.
“Akihito-kun…”
“Don’t make such a sad face. I’ve already come to terms with it myself, so there’s nothing to worry about.”
“But…”
“More importantly, what about you, Charlotte-san? Do you have something?”
I figured she’d keep looking gloomy if we stayed on this topic, so I asked about her dream instead.
“I…”
Charlotte-san glanced at my face, then quickly looked away.
For some reason, her face turned redder by the second, and she brought her hand to her mouth in embarrassment.
…Okay, what’s she thinking about?
“Charlotte-san?”
“Uh… There’s one thing I’ve wanted to be since I was little.”
“What’s that?”
“A bride…”
After answering, Charlotte-san hid her face with both hands in embarrassment.
But since she was curious about my reaction, she peeked at me through her fingers.
Seriously…!
She’s too cute!
How am I supposed to stay calm when she says something like that…!
“That’s a really wonderful dream.”
Honestly, I want to say “let’s get married right now.”
But a proposal’s a once-in-a-lifetime thing, and even if I proposed now, we couldn’t legally marry yet.
So I want to save that until we can actually get married.
“…”
As I smiled back at her, Charlotte-san gazed at me with feverish eyes.
Her hands, which had been hiding her face, were now just covering her mouth.
This—
“Charlotte-san, close your eyes.”
Feeling like her eyes were begging me, I placed my hand on her cheek.
“Ah… Yes.”
She smiled happily, gently closed her eyes, and lowered her hands from her mouth.
Slowly, I pressed my lips against Charlotte-san’s soft ones.
“—chu”
It wasn’t an adult kiss—just a light one where our lips touched.
Even so, we stayed like that for a few seconds, and my heart was pounding.
Above all, it felt incredibly happy.
“Nnh…”
But for Charlotte-san, one kiss probably wasn’t enough.
When I pulled away, she looked at me with that same longing expression again.
And unlike before, she was puckering her lips toward me this time.
I think once she gets one, a switch flips in her.
After that, I kept giving in to Charlotte-san’s pleading over and over.
As a result—it goes without saying that the next day, both of us ended up sleep-deprived.
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