Chapter 4
“Ugh… I’m beat,” Yukikawa-san groaned, diving onto the sofa the moment she stepped into my place.
Going to school on no sleep and then hanging out with classmates afterward? Of course she’s exhausted.
“Oh, sorry. I’m hogging the sofa,” she said.
“Nah, it’s fine. So, where’d you go today?” I asked.
“The arcade by the station… then we grabbed drinks and just chatted outside. Totally pointless,” she said, sounding a bit sulky.
“You’re a saint, seriously. I’d never go if I were in your shoes,” I said.
“Hmm… but leaving things messy would’ve been a hassle. It’s easier to go along and smooth things over than deal with them whining later,” she explained.
“No way… you apologized? To, uh… Wata—”
“Watanabe. Watanabe Yuka. Yup, I apologized. She seems kinda clingy,” she said.
“Whoa…” I muttered.
“What? You don’t look happy about that,” she noted.
“I mean… you didn’t do anything wrong, right?” I said.
Why should she have to apologize? I couldn’t wrap my head around it. Yukikawa-san has her own life—ditching a hangout shouldn’t be a crime, especially since yesterday was so last-minute. It’s not like it was planned ages ago.
“I know that,” she said. “But if apologizing stops the nagging, it’s the easiest way out.”
“…That’s so mature, Yukikawa-san,” I said.
“Just cynical. If saying sorry fixes it, that’s the least effort,” she replied.
That kind of thinking feels mature to me, but arguing further seems pointless.
At the very least, caring about relationships makes her way more grown-up than me.
“Plus… I’d feel bad for Haru,” she added.
“You and Momoki-san seem pretty tight,” I observed.
“She’s honestly amazing… funny, thoughtful… I kinda look up to her,” she said.
“Look up to her, huh?”
The class queen admiring someone else? That’s some high praise.
“She’s the one who pulled the group together,” Yukikawa-san continued. “If she hadn’t reached out, I probably wouldn’t have bothered connecting with anyone.”
If that’d happened, she might’ve given off an even more unapproachable vibe. In a way, Momoki-san’s why Yukikawa-san and I even crossed paths.
“Hey, can I use the shower? I wanna wash off the sweat,” she said.
“Sure… wait, hold up. You’re not planning to stay over again, are you?” I asked.
“Is that a problem?”
“No, it’s just… you good with clothes? Two nights in a row and all.”
“I’m set. I stopped by my place on the way,” she said, pointing to a backpack by her feet.
“Oh, and can I wash my uniform shirt too?”
“I’m doing laundry anyway, so toss it in,” I said.
“Sweet. Can I throw it in the machine now?”
“Yeah, go for it.”
Grabbing her change of clothes, Yukikawa-san headed to the bathroom.
Two nights in a row… didn’t see that coming.
It’s not like it’s a hassle, and I don’t mind her staying.
The only issue is how easy it’d be to get the wrong idea.
“Hey, you got any spare body soap?” she called out.
“Gah!?” I yelped, nearly jumping out of my skin.
She’d come back, and her outfit was… problematic.
Wrapped only in a bath towel, her barely-contained figure threatened to spill out.
“S-Sorry! Habit from home,” she said.
“Just—don’t come out like that! Body soap’s under the sink!” I stammered.
“Got it, thanks,” she said, retreating.
The guys’ talk from PE flashed through my mind, making me hyper-aware.
This kind of scene is way too much for a loner like me.
I chugged cold water to calm down.
Then the door creaked open again, and she poked her head out.
“Wanna join me?” she teased.
“Pfft—!?” I choked.
“Kidding!” she laughed, her mischievous grin flashing before she disappeared into the bathroom.
She’s got a playful side, huh? Totally different from her school vibe.
Could it be… because it’s just us?
“…Nah,” I muttered.
Getting my hopes up is stupid.
She’s probably just messing with me for fun. Expecting more would only lead to disappointment.
I’d rather not set myself up for embarrassment.
But why tease someone you don’t care about? What’s the point?
—There’s nothing there… right?
Yeah, nothing.
◇◆◇
After my own shower, I returned to the living room.
“Phew… Hm? What’s up?” I asked.
“Uh, well…” Yukikawa-san fidgeted, glancing at me nervously.
She pulled out her wallet, avoiding my eyes.
“So, it’s kinda late, but… wanna hit the convenience store for ice cream?”
“…!”
It was almost eleven. Not ideal for going out, but a quick trip should be fine.
“Ice cream? I’m in,” I said.
“Right?” she grinned.
“Let’s do it,” I said.
“That’s the spirit!”
Grabbing just our wallets and phones, we dashed out.
“Haa… it’s cool out,” Yukikawa-san said the moment we stepped outside.
Mid-April, the winter chill had faded. A T-shirt was plenty, and the breeze felt nice post-shower.
“Late-night convenience store runs are kinda exciting, huh?” she said, kicking a pebble with a bounce in her step.
It wasn’t that late, but my quiet apartment complex was deserted.
Walking side by side felt like a scene from an anime.
“It’s like… an empty street feels straight out of a manga or anime, right?” she said.
“I was just thinking that,” I replied.
“No way, that’s wild!” she laughed.
Her joyful smile caught me off guard, my heart skipping a beat.
She’s stupidly pretty, no matter the setting.
With a personality this approachable, it’s no wonder I’m drawn to her.
“Man… walking with someone makes the night less scary,” she said.
“Scary?” I asked.
“Yeah, like creeps. Walking alone as a girl? You get targeted a lot. So I usually avoid going out,” she explained.
“…That sounds rough,” I said.
“Yup… super inconvenient. Like when you need something last-minute or get a craving, like tonight.”
“…”
She gave a wry smile, and I could almost see the weight of her experiences in it.
As a guy, I’ll never fully get what she goes through.
But I could feel something.
“…When we’re together, I’ve got your back,” I said.
“Hm? Say it louder! That was a cool line!” she teased.
“N-No, I mean…” I stammered.
I’d blurted out something so out of character.
“But… you’re right. Having you with me means I can hit the store. So… I’m kinda grateful,” she said.
It sounded dramatic, but her bright expression told me it was genuine.
“Totally unrelated, but… we haven’t eaten dinner, have we?” she added.
“What!? You didn’t eat? I thought you grabbed food with Momoki-san and them,” I said.
“I had a corn dog at the store, but I’m starving.”
“Then… let’s grab something to eat too.”
“Or you could cook,” she said.
“Sure, I can whip something up…”
“Huh?”
She turned to look at me, walking a step ahead.
“I usually cook for myself… simple stuff, though,” I said.
“I was joking, but… I’d totally eat that,” she said.
“Alright, alright,” I said, nodding under her intense stare.
“Uh, yakisoba okay? That’s what I’ve got,” I offered.
“Love it,” she said.
“Then yakisoba it is.”
Nice and easy.
We grabbed ice cream and headed back.
In the kitchen, I got to work.
“…Kinda embarrassing with you watching,” I said.
“Don’t mind me,” she replied, smirking.
“Easier said than done… Whatever,” I muttered.
Her staring made me weirdly nervous.
I pulled yakisoba ingredients from the fridge—chopped cabbage, thawed some frozen pork, stir-fried it all, and mixed in the sauce.
“Done. Basic yakisoba,” I announced.
“Thanks… you’re super efficient,” she said.
“I do this every day, so…” I trailed off.
“You cook daily? That’s impressive,” she said.
Her praise made me blush.
It felt good, but still embarrassing.
“Eat before it gets cold. It’s… decent, I guess,” I said.
We moved to the sofa and dug in.
“Mmm! This is good!” she said after one bite, beaming at me.
Seeing her so happy made it worth the effort.
“You’re legit amazing, Nagai-kun. I’m always eating convenience store bentos or instant noodles,” she said.
“Gotta save for otaku merch… cooking’s a necessity,” I replied.
I’d rather not cook sometimes, but if the effort buys me a manga, I’ll deal.
Otaku passion even reshapes your lifestyle.
“I buy lunch at school too. It’s cheap,” I added.
“Same. I even stock up for dinner,” she said.
“Doesn’t that get you in trouble?”
“Nah. The lunch lady just thinks I eat a ton,” she laughed.
“That’s kinda rough,” I said.
Chatting like that, we polished off the yakisoba.
Yukikawa-san offered to wash the dishes, so I sat alone on the sofa.
—Feels… like we’re living together.
Glancing at the kitchen, I saw her scrubbing plates.
It was almost midnight.
Another night with Yukikawa-san…
Nothing’s gonna happen, but my heart’s all over the place. Embarrassing.
I know we’re not special. So why do I keep hoping?
If she finds this place relaxing, I don’t want to ruin it with dumb feelings.
“Sorry for the wait… You okay?” she asked, returning.
I’d been clutching my head and snapped up, shaking it off.
“N-Nah, I’m fine. Thanks for doing the dishes,” I said.
“You cooked, so it’s only fair… So, what’s the plan?” she asked.
“…Sleep? We pulled an all-nighter yesterday,” I said.
I’d been acting fine, but I was at my limit.
“Hard agree. Tomorrow’s a day off… got any plans?” she asked.
“Nope, nothing,” I replied.
“Then… wanna just chill all day? Grab some snacks and veg out?”
“That sounds perfect,” I said.
“Right?” she grinned, plopping next to me, kicking her legs playfully.
Even that small motion was weirdly captivating.
“Take the bed tonight. I’ll crash on the sofa,” I said.
“What? No way, I’ll take the sofa,” she protested.
“You’re a guest. No way you’re sleeping on the sofa.”
“Doesn’t matter.”
Letting a girl sleep on the sofa feels wrong, even in my own place.
For comfort, especially when tired, a bed’s best. But she wasn’t budging.
“Guess it’s… rock-paper-scissors,” she said.
“I was just thinking that,” I replied.
We raised our fists.
When we disagree, this settles it.
It’s written in the ancient texts.
“Rock, paper, scissors!” we chanted.
—I won…
Lying in my bed as usual, I stared at the ceiling with a weird mix of emotions.
“…Hey, maybe—” I called toward the living room.
“Nope. Rock-paper-scissors is final, right?” she cut me off.
“Yeah… but still—”
“If you’re that hung up, wanna share the bed?” she teased.
“Wha—”
“Kidding! Let’s sleep. I’m dying here,” she said.
“…Got it. Night,” I said.
“Night,” she replied.
Her joke nearly gave me a heart attack.
Yukikawa-san’s teasing is bad for my health.
“Haa…”
With a twinge of guilt, I closed my eyes.
The all-nighter hit hard.
My hesitation vanished, and I passed out in no time.
◇◆◇
“Nn…”
I woke up in bed for no particular reason.
I’d slept like a rock—felt amazing.
Best way to start a day off.
“…?”
As I moved to get up, my hand brushed something odd.
A bad feeling hit me, and I looked over.
There, where she shouldn’t be, was Yukikawa-san, fast asleep.
“Nn…”
—Oh, crap!
It might sound cliché, but my hand, of all things, had ended up touching Yukikawa’s chest.
The sensation was unlike anything I’d ever felt, like sinking endlessly into something soft, and for a moment, my brain felt like it was about to boil over.
I hurriedly pulled my arm back, but for some reason, Yukikawa reached out as if reluctant to let go. Eventually, as if giving up, her hand fell limply onto the bed.
“Why is Yukikawa in my bed…?”
This was something I’d need to get to the bottom of as soon as she woke up.
“Sorry, I thought it’d be kinda funny to surprise you by being next to you, so I crawled into bed… and then I just passed out.”
When Yukikawa woke up a bit later, she explained it in a still-drowsy haze.
“That’s seriously bad for my heart…”
“Ugh, my bad, for real. I’m gonna go wash my face. I know I look like a total mess right now.”
“Huh? Nah, you don’t look bad at all…”
“In my mind, I’m a mess.”
Even though I thought her sleepy eyes were honestly pretty cute, Yukikawa bolted toward the bathroom as if escaping.
Left behind, I tidied up the bed and decided to wait in the living room.
“Sooorry for the wait… Waking up makes me look so bad it’s almost funny.”
“I thought you looked kinda cute, actually.”
“…Is that just flattery?”
“You think a guy with zero friends like me has that kind of social skill?”
“…Well, thanks, then.”
With a shy smile, Yukikawa plopped down next to me.
You’d think she’d be used to compliments like “cute” by now, but she still gets embarrassed, huh?
“Anyway… wanna eat breakfast? I can whip up something simple again.”
“For real? Yes, please!”
“Got it. Toast, sausage, and fried eggs work for you?”
“Yup. Thanks!”
“Alright, hang tight for a sec.”
I headed to the kitchen and started prepping breakfast.
Popped the bread in the toaster, tossed eggs and sausages into the frying pan.
Added a splash of water for the fried eggs to cook just right, and once the yolks were set, it was done.
Yukikawa likes her eggs slightly runny, so I made sure to keep that in mind.
“All done!”
I brought over plates with toast, sausages, and fried eggs to Yukikawa.
“Whoa, this is legit fancy…”
“What’re you talking about? It’s just this. Come on, let’s eat.”
We sat side by side on the sofa and dug in.
This is my usual morning routine, so it’s nothing special to me.
But for Yukikawa, it seemed different—her eyes were practically sparkling for some reason.
“This is so good…! It’s been forever since I had a proper breakfast like this…!”
“You’re exaggerating…”
“I’m serious! I’d never make something like this at home.”
Oh, right—she mentioned yesterday that she usually just eats convenience store food or instant noodles at home.
“For me, just getting to eat something homemade makes me happy.”
“…If this is enough to make you happy, I’ll cook for you anytime.”
“Oh, you said it! I’m totally holding you to that whenever I crash here.”
Yukikawa poked my shoulder playfully.
Feeling a bit flustered, I looked away.
Her casual touches are lethal.
It’s like she’s trying to make me hyper-aware of her.
“…You said you were just gonna chill today, right? So… what’s the plan?”
“The plan?”
“Well, now that I think about it, what does ‘chilling’ even mean?”
“…Good question.”
Yukikawa tilted her head.
“For now, maybe I’ll borrow some of your manga.”
“Want some coffee, then? Instant, as usual, but…”
I cleared the empty plates, washed them in the kitchen, and brewed some coffee to hand to Yukikawa.
“Thanks. Your place is seriously too comfy. Like, why even go home?”
“Come on… You’d probably get bored if you stayed here forever.”
“Nah, I’d never get bored talking with you, Nagai.”
She said stuff like that while sipping her coffee, catching me off guard again.
Ugh, she’s gotta think about what that does to my heart.
“…Hey, Nagai, why do you live alone, anyway?”
“Whoa, where’d that come from?”
“I just realized I never asked. You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to.”
Now that I think about it, I don’t think I’ve ever brought it up.
It’s not like there’s some deep, dramatic reason or anything…
“My parents are both workaholics, you know? Growing up, I was kind of a latchkey kid.”
With both parents working, I was often home alone, just like Yukikawa is now.
Not that I was lonely or anything.
I had manga and anime to keep me obsessed.
“In the end, I figured being alone at home or living on my own wouldn’t make much difference. So I just suggested it on a whim, and they were like, ‘Honestly, it’d be easier if you lived closer to work so we could visit you faster.’”
“Wait, that’s why you started living alone?”
“Pretty much, yeah.”
“Your family’s wild…”
Yeah, I guess that’s fair.
I wasn’t planning to tell Yukikawa this part, but there’s one slightly negative reason.
My parents never said it outright, but I could tell they struggled to balance raising me with their jobs.
So me living alone now is probably a relief for them.
Taken out of context, that might not paint them as great parents, but they’ve given me a good life, so I’m not about to complain.
“But the way manga and anime filled that loneliness… sounds like we’ve got that in common.”
“You too?”
“I told you I went to school overseas until middle school, right? I wasn’t exactly outgoing to begin with, but being half-Japanese got me treated like a total foreigner. I never really fit in… That’s when I found anime and manga.”
“…I get it.”
That explains why Yukikawa and I click so well.
At our core, we’re kind of the same.
“But overseas, it was hard to keep up with new releases, so I kinda fell behind on recent stuff.”
“That’s what happened, huh?”
“Yup. So I’m gonna read through all the stuff I’m curious about here.”
Yukikawa glanced excitedly at my bookshelf, practically bouncing.
She looked so adorable that I couldn’t help but burst out laughing.
“Haha, go ahead, read as much as you want.”
“…You know, I think that’s the first time I’ve seen you laugh for real.”
“Come on, that’s not true…”
“But it’s like… you’ve always been holding back or something.”
“…Have I?”
I guess I did have a bit of a wall up around someone like her, a “popular girl.”
If that came off as me being reserved, maybe she’s not wrong.
“Well… you being that way makes it easier to feel comfortable around you, so it works out.”
Seeing Yukikawa’s completely relaxed expression, I realized this space was becoming a sanctuary for her.
If a place like this can bring her peace, I don’t mind her sticking around as long as she wants.
“So, what should I read today… Can I ask for another recommendation?”
“You wanted newer stuff, right? The Demon’s Repayment was pretty good.”
The Demon’s Repayment is set in a folktale-like world where the strongest demon lends his power to a village girl who once saved him. The story follows their bond as he helps her overcome hardships.
The scene where he obliterates a loan shark’s hideout to save her from her parents’ crushing debt is just… breathtaking, with jaw-dropping art and dialogue to match.
“Sounds cool… I’ll start with that.”
“Cool, I’ll grab it for you.”
As I turned toward the bookshelf, an idea hit me, and I glanced back at Yukikawa.
“…If we’re staying in all day, wanna hit the convenience store for snacks first?”
“Oh! Yes! We need snacks!”
Just like last night, we headed to the nearby convenience store.
And so began the perfect day off—
“Nice…”
Yukikawa nodded, eyeing the spread of snacks on the table.
Potato chips, chocolate, cookies. We’d grabbed a random assortment.
This should easily last us the whole day… or maybe even a few days.
“Alright, time to chill.”
“Let’s do it.”
I sank into the sofa and cracked open a new manga volume I’d bought recently.
Yukikawa, meanwhile, sprawled out on the sofa and dove into The Demon’s Repayment.
For a while, the only sound in the room was the rustle of turning pages.
“…Phew.”
I let out a small breath after finishing the first volume.
I’d gotten way more absorbed than I expected.
Honestly, I’d been a little worried. With Yukikawa here, I thought I might not be able to focus on reading.
I’ve never really “hung out” with a friend like this before, so I wasn’t sure if I’d even enjoy it.
But those worries turned out to be pointless.
Yukikawa was already on the second volume of The Demon’s Repayment, her expressions shifting with every page, clearly having a blast.
I didn’t want to interrupt, so I grabbed the next volume for myself.
“Nagai-kun, can you grab my juice?”
“Juice?”
I glanced at the table and spotted the juice she’d been drinking.
As requested, I handed it to her.
“Thanks.”
“No prob.”
With that little exchange, I went back to reading.
A bit later…
“Nagai, can you pass the tissues?”
“Sure, sure…”
I handed her the tissue box from the table.
“Thanks. Oh, and the chips too.”
“Right…”
“And the chocolate!”
“Got it—wait, you can grab those yourself, you know.”
I’d been about to pass her the chocolate when I realized I was being totally used.
Yukikawa stuck out her tongue like a kid caught pulling a prank and shrugged.
“Aw, I thought I could get you to do everything.”
“If you keep being this lazy, you’ll turn into a sloth one day.”
“Sloths are fine by me.”
“You’re just… okay with that?”
“They’re totally cute.”
“Well… yeah, they’re cute, I guess.”
But, like, her turning into a furry animal would be… I wouldn’t even know how to react.
“Hmm… alright, how about this?”
Yukikawa clapped her hands together, like she’d just had a brilliant idea.
“When I’m at your place, you have to totally spoil me. In return, I’ll do something for you.”
“Something for me?”
“Like… the right to massage my feet?”
“Isn’t that just you getting pampered again…?”
“What? You’d get to touch my feet.”
“…”
Okay, that might actually be a reward.
“Hey, don’t go quiet like that… I was kidding!”
“…Right.”
Not that I was disappointed or anything. I don’t have that kind of fetish.
At least… I think I don’t.
“I’ll save the massage for another time, but seriously…”
“Hm?”
I could’ve sworn I heard something I shouldn’t ignore, but I let it slide for now.
“Is there anything you want? Just name it.”
Yukikawa leaned in, peering into my eyes.
The word “anything” threw me completely off balance.
For the record, I know she didn’t mean it in some sleazy, wish-fulfillment way.
But my instincts? Yeah, they’re not exactly cooperating.
I didn’t ask to react like this, okay?
“…Why’re you blushing? Perv.”
“N-No, it’s not like that!”
“Pfft, haha! You’re way too serious!”
Yukikawa burst out laughing.
Ugh, she totally got me.
We might bond over nerdy stuff, but moments like this remind me she’s still got that gal vibe.
“Just so we’re clear, that kind of stuff is off the table. You knew that, right?”
“Obviously… Geez, my heart can’t take this.”
“Sorry, sorry. Your reaction was just too funny, so I had to tease you a bit.”
“…”
Yukikawa’s smug grin was making me feel weirdly awkward.
“So, nothing comes to mind?”
“…Not off the top of my head.”
“Yeah, fair.”
Even leaving out anything inappropriate, I don’t know where the line is—what’s okay to ask for.
It’s easy to forget when we’re like this, but our friendship is still pretty new.
“Can I… hold off on deciding?”
“Sure, no problem.”
“Then I guess I’ll rack up a bunch of favors in the meantime…”
“…Maybe I’ll rethink this whole ‘being spoiled’ thing.”
We laughed at the joke, and just like that, my first day off with Yukikawa slipped by slowly.
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