Chapter 5 Nawagami-san and the Rocky Start to Cohabitation
The room next to Nawagami-san’s own. It was a single-occupancy residence, though it felt excessively large for one live-in butler.
I was finishing up my tasks for the day that evening, emailing Sayuki-san.
"I hope this message finds you well. There were no problems today, and Seren's health condition is also stable. She was previously anxious due to the game she picked up, 'The innocent love story suddenly taking a bizarre turn with the heroine's behavior,' but her mood recovered with the stunning narrative twist that followed—"
Immediately after sending it, I quickly calculated the time difference. Sayuki-san is apparently working in Brazil this week, so it should be around noon there. I was actually quite surprised by the heroine's behavior myself. It was suddenly revealed that she was an utterly jaded bitch, but that everything, even that, was all out of love for the protagonist.
"—I’ve confirmed the various expenditures and card statements for this month. Also, your attempts at economizing on consumables and groceries are permitted, provided they don't affect Seren’s living standard."
"Regarding the need for accompaniment during transportation, defer to Seren's personal judgment. If she deems it unnecessary, that is fine, and if she wishes to take a car from the main estate, simply call Mononobe."
"So you finally realized Seren's intelligence... I anticipated an incident like this the moment you refused her private data. Should I send it to you now?"
As I casually re-read the replies I'd received up to that point…
“...Speaking of which, what exactly was the cause of that fight?”
Given that she apparently wreaked enough havoc to destroy some assets, there had to be a considerable reason.
I’d just never brought it up with Nawagami-san. I could guess that things hadn’t been smooth without asking, especially since she opted to leave such a prestigious family estate and live alone.
"...More accurately, I never gave this much thought in the beginning, did I?"
I chuckled self-deprecatingly. But the reason I cared now was probably...
Because I want to know Nawagami-san better, even more than before.
She’s an indoor type who loves anime and games, meticulous about stocking her favorite ice cream.
She uses filthy language, is fundamentally self-centered, and above all, sometimes so utterly D.M. that I can't keep up.
Precisely because I've gotten to know the sides of her I hadn't before, I want to understand her more completely.
The woman who is both my Master and the person I can occasionally become the Master for…
It's my honest feeling right now, born from a sense that we've grown closer.
"Well, still, you wouldn't exactly want to talk about the reason you fought with your big sister, would you?"
“It was a difference in vision. It was a fresh reminder that I can't work with people like them.”
...A comment sounding like the reason a minor band breaks up echoed in a space that should have been empty save for myself.
No way, I thought, lifting my gaze and face from the smartphone in my hand.
“The floor plan is the same, but Imashino-kun's room is so austere. Like a new PC’s desktop.”
“...Like a desktop, you say?”
“Because the only furniture you have is a trash bin.”
I saw Nawagami-san observing the surroundings. A faint mist was rising around her oversized sweatpants, perhaps because she'd just come from the bath. She held a freeze pop in her hand.
In my mind, I immediately shouted—Why the hell are you here!!
"...Ahem. And how, Ojou-sama, did you manage to get in here?"
“Eh? You're sticking with the persona? The workday is already over for today, isn’t it?”
“It is my personal definition that an exclusive butler’s duty lasts until I shed the suit I have donned for the day, watakushi.”
“Hmm. Well, I don't really care. Oh, and I forgot to mention—this room and mine are both set up to unlock for any personnel authenticated as Nawagami family.”
It seems she just breached the defenses directly. Don't be so capable. And more importantly, don't even try it!
“Ah, but while it looked desolate at first glance, I can see traces of your life now.”
Nawagami-san began to wander the room—She briefly observed a framed soccer jersey, looking bored, and then gave an even more bored look to a basket containing a towel and a sauna hat. Alright, alright, I admit I’m boring, just go home already.
She finally spotted the mattress in the corner, and... dove right onto it.
“Why are you sleeping in the living room? You have a proper bedroom, and plenty of empty rooms available, so you should be sleeping there... Hiss, haa... Sniff-sniff, hnnnghh, fuuuuh♥.”
She immediately flopped down to lie there. And not only that, she seized the opportunity to smell the mattress!
Wait, what did this hyper-perverted-to-me-only girl actually come here for?!
“...Haaah. Overall, it’s a room utterly devoid of interest. Is there nothing amusing... Ah!”
Perhaps visible only from the angle she was lying down—She pointed at a storage box containing the various 'props for fantasies' (euphemistically speaking) that Nawagami-san had strewn about before.
“Did I tell you to clean these up... Wait, you didn’t throw them away. Does that mean you were actually interested too, Imashino-kun? You should have just said so! Don’t be a stranger, you ♥♥.”
Alright. I’ve made up my mind.
It's time for a little punishment—
"...? Um, Imashino-kun? If you want an ice cream, I have some in my freezer..."
I walked over to the utterly unconcerned Nawagami-san, snatched the ice cream from her hand, and held it to her mouth.
"Open your mouth, and suck it."
"E-Eh!"
"Now."
"T-That is a little too obscene, isn't it..."
"Huh?"
"Ngh///"
Looking thoroughly ashamed, Nawagami-san reluctantly began slurping the freeze pop.
“If you look closely, those very sweatpants you’re wearing are technically mine.”
"Chuuu♥"
“You are free to wear or even come here whenever. What’s unacceptable is doing it out of the blue—You understand that, don’t you?”
Even while she vigorously nodded in response, she continued to suck down the ice cream.
"Now, are you settled? Tell me why you came. You had some kind of business here, didn’t you."
“Pu-puhhh... Haaa, that was delicious...♥”
“I’m glad you enjoyed it. Now, go back to being the Master you were supposed to be.”
“E-So soon? I want to enjoy this just a little longer, Master♥... Ahem. A-I got it.”
Nawagami-san regained her usual commanding tone, remaining seated in a demure kneeling posture and mumbled her answer.
“It doesn't look like you’ve bought any large furniture, have you?”
“—...No. I wanted to save money wherever possible, and I saw no necessity for it.”
Just as I said, I wanted to spend everything I saved as an exclusive butler on the Archangel Ritsu. Plus, neglecting my family to splurge on interior decoration somehow felt... guilty.
I hope everyone’s doing alright... I wonder if my working parents are getting enough sleep. And above all, is Rittan (My Little Sister) (The Cutest Girl in the Solar System) eating her meals properly?
It was in the midst of worrying about my family that...
Out of the corner of my eye, the perverted props again flickered into view.
...Wait, there IS a problem! What the hell am I doing in such a luxurious mansion?!
“This means you wouldn’t have any trouble if you had to move suddenly, doesn’t it.”
“Understood. I shall vacate the premises immediately. Thank you for all your support up until now...”
“Th-That's not what I meant, you’re supposed to do the opposite of sudden mood swing!”
Her tsukkomi released me from my abrupt self-loathing. Ah, right. I know I can't tell this to anyone, but my suddenly morphing into the Sadist for her is a necessary thing. Right... isn’t it?
“That last question was simply a confirmation.”
“? A confirmation of what?”
“Fufu, now, don’t be so hasty... A brilliant idea came to me while I was taking my bath.”
She made it sound as though I was deeply excited to hear it, but it was the complete opposite. I knew whatever she had cooked up wouldn't be anything good. And this time, that premonition was perfectly spot-on.
“Wouldn't it be better if Imashino-kun just lived in my room too?”
For the record, I started going to and from school with Nawagami-san around the time this happened.
'Hey, considering you're an exclusive butler, wouldn't it be weirder if you didn’t accompany me?'
'I see your point. I don't mind at all; allow me to arrange a car with Mononobe immediately.'
'Wrong, that's not it. We’re taking the train... Honestly, you’re always asking for something extravagant!'
She shot me down. Though I thought, You're a genuine young Ojou-sama; you have no right to say that, I let it go.
Having suddenly realized this, she'd been swaying alongside me on the Odakyu Line ever since.
She even waits for my Student Council duties to end. It’s not that I mind having Nawagami-san with me—when she’s outside, her crazy antics are toned down compared to her home antics.
It’s actually the reverse that's the issue. If I enjoy this, that's bad.
What if someone from the same school sees us, misreads the situation, and spreads the rumors?!
After Student Council work, around 6 PM.
We were in a booth at a burger joint not far from the nearest station.
We were forced to have dinner here today after she suddenly demanded, "I want to eat out sometimes." I hear the average Google star rating is over four, so it must be good, though.
“I still can't believe you carry your full suit to school.”
“One can never be sure what will happen, so I am always prepared.”
“You went out of your way to use the academy’s shower room to change, didn't you? Was that really necessary?”
“It was both to wash away the day's sweat and as an attempt at a disguise.”
“Ah, I wondered why you were wearing sunglasses and your hair was pulled back. I guess that’s why...”
She was staring intently at me from the opposite seat as I adjusted the knot of my tie.
“I understand it is unflattering, but please forgive the appearance.”
“? What do you mean unflattering? You look wilder than usual, and I think that style looks hot on you.”
Ehh... She genuinely complimented me. W-What the hell? Being told that out of the blue, I'm starting to get embarrassed...
“A Master with that look should torment me even more abrasively than usual... Something like, ‘Don’t talk back, motherfucker,’ gripping my head, and then shutting me up with a sudden kiss... Nghhhh/////”
Ah, good. It's just my usual Nawagami-san. Thank you; I’m calm again.
I slid the menu across the table toward Nawagami-san and spoke.
“Ojou-sama. As I’ve mentioned before, it’s best we keep the nature of our relationship under wraps.”
“That is... true. I want only Imashino-kun in the world to know that I am a shallow D.M.”
That's an absolute necessity, not just "best," but moving on.
“Your personal fetish is understood and entirely correct, and I intend to ensure it is never made public, but—”
“! Declaring your devotion even in public like this, we've moved up a rank, haven't we♥.”
“Ignoring me for the Nth time. Moreover, should watakushi, Imashino Seishirou, be revealed to be working as your exclusive butler, we would both surely be subjected to intense public scrutiny.”
Presenting the reality check, Nawagami-san finally turned serious enough to answer.
“Well, if that happens, it’s definitely going to be annoying. The shame of being exposed to a crowd is somewhat pleasing, but naturally, the drawbacks are significant. Besides, Imashino-kun teases that level of M-impulse out of me plenty already, and you’ll continue to satisfy me in the future, too.”
This is strange. She’s agreeing, yet I have absolutely no feeling of shared intent...!
“Regardless, I think I grasp your point. You would prefer to avoid occasions like eating out together when you’re dressed in your suit—that’s the gist of it, correct?”
Staring at the menu, Nawagami-san summarized my feelings effortlessly.
“No. I will do as I please, and you will deal with the fallout, Imashino-kun.”
Yeah, I knew it. Actually, I already suspected that was what she’d say all along.
“Besides! If you really don't want to be found out as the exclusive butler, why don't you just not wear the suit?”
“...If my current attire were a blazer, things would become more troublesome.”
“More troublesome? How?”
“It would appear I was eating out with Ojou-sama for no good reason, wouldn’t it?”
“And that is... unappealing to you, Imashino-kun?”
“It is not unappealing, but it is slightly... I don’t know.”
Nawagami-san traced the menu with her finger, wringing her hands, and somehow I couldn’t find the right words either.
It wasn't a bad atmosphere, but it felt a little too awkwardly tender to continue...
“...W-Wait. What is this sudden, moist, little volley of feints we’re doing?!”
You started it!
“A-Anyway, you handle all the troubles, Imashino-kun! That’s the end of it!”
Finished. And thus, I resigned myself. I should think of a cover story right away for 'what if.'
“Besides! ...There’s something more you need to tell me, isn't there?”
“? ...Ah. The payment will be made with the corporate card provided; please refrain from attempting to pay yourself.”
“No, not that! Something vital... S-Something that will decide the future of our relationship!”
Seeing Nawagami-san acting fidgety again, I tried to recall... Ah, yes.
Something extremely important, yet also a question that made me think, Why the hell did you suggest that?
“That’s right. The proposal you made last night, isn’t it?”
“Yes, that. The story of Imashino-kun and me finally, finally living together under the same roof!”
Hey, she made it sound like this was the long-awaited announcement, but it was anything but—it was completely abrupt!
“Your furniture wasn't even set up yet, and you have no lingering attachment to your space, right? Hehe, good.”
I threw a bucket of cold water on the now visibly ecstatic Nawagami-san.
“Could you please give me a little more time to think?”
“...Huh?”
At once, the cheerful look on Nawagami-san’s face became piercingly sharp.
She was shredding the wet wipe in her hands to pieces... Scary!
“Of course, I adore abandonment play, but being truly left behind afterward without being spoiled is something I can never tolerate. That’s too big of a breach of contract, do you understand?”
“Yes.”
“In short, what I mean to say is, I’ve had enough of that restraint.”
Is this restraint? No, isn’t this more like, ‘Think about this logically’?
“...In all honesty, it's fine with me. If Ojou-sama genuinely desires it, I shall comply, and since the trouble of gaining entry would disappear, it could potentially improve time efficiency in various ways.”
“In that case, what’s the problem, then?”
Nawagami-san seemed determined to steamroll this, pinning me down with a sharp stare.
There were many issues, but the biggest one was probably...
“To have me constantly present in your private space—is that truly not an imposition?”
“It is not, and that’s essentially the same as how things have been all along.”
“…………”
I used the wrong choice of words... But it’s alarming that using those words is a mistake in this situation!
“Th-Then, how about this. I believe there might be times you want to be alone, or days when you aren't feeling well. Wouldn’t physical distance prove useful in those instances?”
“I understand what you mean, but if anything, that makes it even more imperative that you are right by my side.”
It was an impeccably firm statement. Unlike her D.M. Mode, she showed absolutely no signs of relenting.
“...You’re likely concerned with others again, aren't you? Whether I’ll feel discomfort with you so close, or whether you'll offend the Nawagami family or my older sister.”
She cut me down with unerring precision. It was exactly true. Especially the second part—since I have a little sister myself, I couldn't bear the thought... If Rittan started doing something like that, I doubt I could stay sane.
“But that consideration is unnecessary. It is my command, and you simply comply. That’s all you need to do.”
“However, with all due respect.”
“Compared to being begged to be your D.S. Master, this should be an absolute cakewalk, shouldn't it?”
That's true... Damn it, Nawagami-san is surprisingly persuasive when she’s serious!
“And in the first place, why are you so intent on being in the same space?”
“...Does there have to be a reason?”
“Preferably, yes, but if you don't wish to give one...”
“...”
“...”
Ugh, not this moist silent deadlock again...!
“W-Well, what is it going to be? Are we going to live together, or are you refusing? Give me a clear answer!”
“Right... Gnnnngh! Th-This is bad...!!”
Nawagami-san slammed the ‘Anger’ and ‘Sorrow’ parts of her emotions against me as I suddenly stood up.
“Ah! Wait, are you trying to run away? C-Could it be... you really don’t want this?”
“That's not it, Ojou-sama—No, I mean, of course, I can’t give an immediate answer, but that over there...!”
I noticed first from my seated position, gesturing with my palm for her to look the other way.
“Over in the booth seats!”
“The counter seats are fine; let's just eat and leave already.”
“Eh, no. I only ever sit at counter seats in sushi or ramen places!”
“I see. In that case, Atori-Senpai should never again enter a stand-and-eat soba shop.”
A familiar pair of customers had just entered the shop near the entrance.
Yes, needless to say, Yuika and Miran. A far-too-soon reunion since the Student Council meeting.
...Already?! This crisis arrived too quickly! And why those two of all people?!
“Ah, so that’s what’s going on... Thank God, I was starting to worry that I truly repelled you...”
“Ojou-sama, this is no time for relief. We are still in a major crisis.”
“...? Why? Imashino-kun has disguised himself properly, hasn’t he?”
“He has, but things change drastically when the opponents are particularly close acquaintances! Yuika is sharper than she looks, and Miran is simply impossible—she’ll see straight through this immediately!”
Nawagami-san seemed a little taken aback by my frantic scolding as her exclusive butler.
“Oh. Is that so. That sounds tough. Good luck.”
In the end, she calmly continued sipping the craft cola she'd ordered. Are you fucking kidding me?!
“Speaking of which, didn’t I hear those two don’t get along?”
“N-No, quite the opposite. They butt heads precisely because they know each other so well, but lately, they were fighting too much, so I suggested, ‘Why don't you two go out and deepen your friendship?’...”
“I bet that's why they came here.”
"Eh?"
"So, this is a mess you sewed yourself, Imashino-kun.”
...The situation was beyond urgent, and there was no time to waste on arguing.
I rapidly thought of my options and signaled a waiter nearby.
“I deeply apologize. Could you please show us to one more vacant table?”
I needed to somehow bypass this obstacle temporarily.
It's a power play, in the end, but somehow, I need to make this strategy work...!
“I would be happy to, but regrettably, the only available seating right now is at the table right next to yours.”
However, luck was absolutely not on our side.
The table the waiter indicated was the one right next to where we were sitting.
“...Hehe. Well played, Nawagami—checking out this restaurant is quite insider!”
“I just randomly stumbled in here, and I don't think there’s anything insider about a hamburger joint.”
“Nnn-n, that’s not true. This place is famous for its heavily beefy patties using Aussie beef, and the fries are skin-on and super crispy, and the cola is spicy...”
Yuika's appetite-whetting commentary sounded off right behind my head.
“Thank you so much for letting us join your table so suddenly, Nawagami-Senpai!”
“It was just easier to give up. I already know Atori-san gets annoying when she sulks.”
“Ahaha, that might be true. But... I'm a little surprised Nawagami-Senpai is the type to come to a place like this alone. In a good way, of course!”
Miran’s attempt at harmless, formal chit-chat was also clearly audible from the table behind us.
The three girls quickly settled into the same booth. I listened to their conversation, thinking...
This is going to last a long time.
‘Why did you allow them to sit with us? This will delay my rejoining you even further.’
‘Because Atori-san found me, and immediately demanded we eat together, as is her custom.’
‘You could have refused firmly.’
‘You heard me? I did refuse, but then she immediately looked like a kicked puppy!’
‘Ojou-sama has gone soft. Just a month ago, you’d simply pinch her cheek on impulse.’
‘People change, and shut up! Just wait patiently. You’re the butler!’
She ended the text chain with the ultimate trump card.
I don’t mind waiting. However, because the assigned tables are so close, I still have to remain in Maximum Alert Stealth Mode. Damn it, why is this happening...
“Ah, here it comes! This is Nawagami’s Special Burger Set, Miran’s Avocado Burger Set, and... this is my Big Bang Meteor Ultimate Burger Set!”
While I fretted, their orders arrived. The delicious aroma wafted over.
“I thought it when I saw the menu, but is Atori-san's order not just a little too primary school in its naming?”
“Itadakimasu! Mmm-mmm-mmm... Ahhhhhh... I am the happiest person on Earth right now...!”
“Hehe. Being able to become the happiest on Earth so easily, Atori-Senpai sure is a high-cost-performance woman.”
Shit. Their conversation sounds far too friendly. While that's fine on its own, a lack of immediate purpose means their stay is likely to be prolonged...
...Oh, well.
Perhaps it’s because, unlike her earlier spring days, Nawagami-san has calmed down to an almost semi-isolated state. The three of them seem to be genuinely enjoying themselves, and now that I've secured this hidden position, I'm less worried about Yuika and Miran catching a good look at my face.
Slightly lowering my guard, I seized an opening and put a single fry into my mouth.
I ate it, quickly went for a second, and as their conversation started to drift out of my consciousness...
“By the way. Hachisuka-san, if I have the name correct? There's something I want to say to you.”
“Yes, what is it♪”
“I’d like you to stop with that fake persona. It’s annoying me.”
...The hot, crispy potato almost choked me.
“? What do you mean by that? I'm not quite sure what you're talking abouttt...”
“There’s no one here from whom you could possibly gain a return by faking your demeanor.”
“O-Oh, no return at all... I just wanted to be friends with Nawagami-Senpai too!”
“If you truly mean that, drop the pretense right now.”
“...”
“...”
“...Tch! You are an even more bothersome person than the rumors claimed, Nawagami-Senpai.”
Sensing instinctively that she couldn’t hide any longer, Miran finally showed her true colors.
“Since we’ll likely never talk again, I’ll indulge you and ask. Just how did you figure out my disguise? We haven’t even had a face-to-face conversation!”
She had a point. And Nawagami-san, for better or worse, doesn’t seem all that interested in the people around her.
The questioned Nawagami-san sipped her cola through the straw again before answering.
“...Eh? You were really faking it? I just threw out a casual provocation, that's all.”
“Haaaaa?! What the hell is that?! Don’t just push me like this on a complete guess!”
“Ah, no, I’m sorry. Come to think of it, it might not have been a complete guess. After all, normal high school girls don't converse in such an unnaturally syrupy voice. Plus, I did once witness you in Ikebukuro at a pop-up store or something, with your eyes bloodshot, clutching a shopping bag.”
“The more you open your mouth, the more irritating you are! Just be quiet and eat your fries!”
...It seems they did have a minor connection, judging by that conversation.
In any case, Miran, her disguise revealed, pointed a single fry aggressively at Nawagami-san.
“Anyway! ...That being said, I also have something I want to ask Nawagami-Senpai!”
“From the sighting in Ikebukuro, you’re assuming I’m an otaku too? Well, that would follow. Though I'm more the type to be drawn to beautiful girls, whereas Hachisuka-san seems to be drawn to handsome guys. Different genres, I suppose.”
“I don’t care about that at all! That's not what I want to ask. And Nawagami-Senpai should have some kind of hunch what I'm going to ask...”
Distracted, I signaled a waiter and ordered a cheeseburger set. I couldn't handle this chaotic situation without a solid meal.
“What exactly is your relationship with Seishirou-Senpai?”
...Huh? Why did I become the topic? Stop it! This is guaranteed to lead to nothing good!
“Suddenly, starting from one day, you began to care about him... That much is fine. But after becoming involved with Nawagami-Senpai, Seishirou-Senpai has completely changed.”
“...Continue.”
“He started to push Atori-Senpai to finish her tasks on her own, and told me to refrain from making altars in the Student Council room. To top it off, the number of times he reacts to game and anime references in conversations has definitely increased... This must be because of Nawagami-Senpai.”
In addition to this torrential outpouring of accusations, Miran started doing crappy impressions of me.
“...Seishirou-Senpai should be the person who doesn’t play games or watch anime, and who reacts to my fast-talking rants by retreating, 'I-I see, you really like that...'"
Was my reaction really that cold? Also, stop using that phrasing!
“And yet. Compared to before and after his contact with Nawagami-Senpai, he is a completely different person. This isn't just my observation, but a general consensus among others! See, Atori-Senpai agrees, doesn't she?”
“Oh, excuse me, can I add a fried chicken burger to my order, please?”
“Listen to me! Also, how much are you going to eat, considering how petite your body is!”
Yuika, who was ordering again from the waiter, looked completely uninterested. Thank you, Yuika. I’m almost moved to tears that Yuika is standing on the side of common sense today.
“I mostly understand Hachisuka-san’s intent—So what? Do I have a duty to tell you?”
“Not at all, absolutely not. However, the rumor about your unusual relationship with him has already spread, and I could, on a whim, significantly amplify the curiosity of the bystanders.”
She's being deceitful... But it’s probably just a bluff. Miran wouldn't actually do that.
“Fufu. How about that, do you still intend to hide it? I’m perfectly fine if you do, though♪”
“Maybe they’re just secretly dating or something.”
“Moron. No way! Atori-Senpai, just shut up and chew!”
“Y-You told me to listen, and then you told me to stop... Munch, munch, munch...”
Yuika’s mouth was firmly sealed with a fry. Miran was surprisingly tense.
Finally, my attention returned to Nawagami-san, who was now being forced to answer.
...Please, just say something inoffensive. Even she wouldn't say something like, ‘He’s my exclusive butler’ or, ‘By the way, he’s also my Master♥,’ but I wanted an utterly neutral, bland explanation with absolutely no hint of a suggestive tone.
“Right. My relationship with Imashino-kun is...”
“Is...?”
“Is... issssss...............”
Her words suddenly trailed off. Curious, I secretly stole another glance at her face.
“............It’s a secret...!”
The moment she finished, Nawagami-san’s face was beet-red.
Not with the type of flushed embarrassment you see in her D.M. Mode, but a truly pure form of shame. She pouted and averted her face, stammering out defensive words, her cheeks a bright crimson.
I couldn’t see Miran’s expression, but she must have sensed the implication. That simple evasion was extremely suggestive. Not giving any reason and simply calling it a secret is the ultimate hint-dropping.
“Oh, I should have ordered a blueberry shake, too. I forgot...”
The only person acting like herself was still Yuika.
It took about thirty to forty minutes for Yuika and Miran to leave the shop.
Once I was absolutely certain their presence had vanished, I got permission from the waiter and returned to Nawagami-san’s booth. They must think I'm insane. I am truly sorry...
“This is exactly why it would be preferable if we went out only to places that are farther away.”
“How much of that did you hear...?”
She countered with a completely different question, and without giving me time to answer, she cut in again.
“N-No, forget that, what I wanted to ask about was... your answer about living together.”
Perhaps the previous situation was still affecting her, but Nawagami-san’s expression was a kaleidoscope of emotions.
She looked expectant, and simultaneously worried and nervous.
She could be interpreted as being demanding and simultaneously as pleading.
I should absolutely refuse. Our spatial distance is already far too small; any closer is too much.
I understood that, yet, why was it? In the end, I...
“...Understood. I will begin using your room starting today. I look forward to our cohabitation.”
“! Yes... Thank you...!”
When I finally agreed, Nawagami-san broke out in an undeniably happy smile.
The atmosphere now made it impossible to suggest going back on my word.
Well, yeah. Maybe, once we start, it won’t be that big of a deal, after all—
By the way, it absolutely was not fine.
Our cohabitation was fraught with challenges and, in many ways, only escalated the existing issues.
Case 1: A cloudy, drizzling morning.
“Ojou-sama, please wake up. At this rate, we will be late for the first time in a while.”
“Munyooo... Uuugh. The weather looks terrible today, and I can't be bothered. I don't want to go...”
“You've been getting out of bed on your own lately, without needing me to wake you.”
“Precisely because of that, you have to let me off today... Without a proper balance, your carrot and stick strategy will be ruined...”
“Understood. This is a final check—there are absolutely no problems with your health?”
“If there were, I’d be telling you...”
“I see. In that case—Get your ass out of bed now.”
“Guh! Ahhh, he’s tearing the towel blanket away by forceeee!♥”
“Get moving instead of doing an obviously fake commentary. If you can't, I will drag you out forcibly.”
“Dr-Drag me...? Gulp. Would you mind demonstrating what that’s like, just this once... ///”
“Alright. If you’re not out of bed in ten seconds, I'm leaving without you. Do what you want.”
“U-Understood, Master. I’m getting up... Please, unh, don’t abandon meee.”
Case 2: Mathematics was made self-study, and I was explaining the work to a classmate during the morning
“This requires a natural number... So use that formula... In which case, the coordinates...”
“Imashino-kun. About the oppai mousepad I ordered a while back, its arrival confirmation...”
“Oi, did someone just say ‘oppai’ (breasts)?”
“Nah, you must have misheard. Must be thinking about Pi (π).”
“! Hey, Nawagami-san, let’s step out into the hallway with me for a second—”
“...And? What's the matter, pulling me aside so suddenly?”
“I just wanted to check if you had changed the delivery date for the package.”
“I handled that just fine. But more importantly, you can't discuss that stuff at school.”
“Huh? All I did was talk to you. If you whine so much about it, I’ll make you spank your own ass.”
“That’s probably the first time that specific threat has ever been used in human history...”
“Besides, you commanded me to solve any mess I made, didn't you?”
“There are limits! Regarding slips of the tongue, they’re hard to cover up after they’ve been spoken.”
“Haa, you're such a pain... Fine, then, why don't you use some kind of gag on me... Fughii”
“I can't possibly use a gag in public!—Mind your tongue, do you understand?”
“Y-Yesh... Snatching my cheek all of a sudden, you're becoming quite the aggressor♥.”
“—...That's something you did to Yuika about a month ago.”
Case 3: In the Student Council room, in the afternoon, while we were looking after Wasabi while the chairman was in a meeting.
“Alright, Wasabi! Sprint after me... Now, JUMP!”
“Woof!”
“Ahahaha! You completely failed to jump, but you're so cute I forgive you!”
“...Seishirou-Senpai. Do you know why a Chow Chow's tongue is blue?”
“Hmm, why is that? I guess because their cells contain a certain pigment or something.”
“I don’t know either.”
“So neither of you know.”
“That’s correct. Because apparently, it’s still unexplained.”
“Whoa! N-Nawagami-san, why are you here?”
“I just happened to see you two—Hachisuka-san, may I borrow him?”
“............Uh, sure. You don’t need my permission. Feel free to do as you please.”
“You came all the way looking for me, so I’m assuming you have business this time.”
“I only approached you because I saw you. Do I need a reason to talk to you?”
“No, but still...”
“Hmph... Oh, speaking of which, I was looking into dog behavior before.”
“H-Her subject just changed so quickly...”
“Apparently, there is a theory that when they are unnaturally fond of a person, they perceive them as being of a lower rank, or as an equal.”
“Heeh. I didn't think dogs had that much social complexity. And?”
“Meaning—Wasabi considers me an equal-ranked doggie pet.”
“N-Now, I’m not so sure about that. He’s probably just showing simple affection.”
“And I realized and thought simultaneously... I might just have talent as a pet.”
“That logic is highly flawed, isn’t it? What in the world is 'talent as a pet'...?”
“Therefore, how about we try out some kind of pet play in the near future, just to verify this?”
“...I’m checking on my smartphone now. That ranking theory seems to be a complete myth.”
“...Kuuuhn...♥”
“There seems to be no need for verification.”
“Please, stop whimpering.”
“………………Ahh———I’m exhausted... Phew.”
In the bathroom. A faint scent of cypress bath salts wafted around as I dropped into the tub.
“...Why did she turn out like this after we started living together?”
My thoughts echoed off the bathroom tiles, all revolving around Nawagami-san.
Because her enthusiasm lately has been truly intense—she deliberately tries to get me to scold her to feel good, she aggressively harasses me at school whenever she feels like it, and she even confessed her wish to try out the whole pet thing. That last one is just her wanting to be pleasured, most likely.
Haa. Honestly, she’s so difficult to deal with, Nawagami-san... Yet, despite thinking this.
I found myself not minding that sheer assertiveness.
Because, she must trust me enough to show me that side of herself.
Sometimes as her exclusive butler. Sometimes as a classmate, and sometimes as her Master.
Her accepting me in these roles feels uniquely special and delightful.
...This was a long time ago. During the peak of my exhaustion, with the cultural festival and part-time job busyness overlapping, she helped me with my work even though we were practically strangers.
And not only that. She used her own unique way to tell me to think about myself more, not just about my work or others—and that made me genuinely happy.
Deep down, I think I secretly craved someone to acknowledge and praise my efforts, even just a little. And I am still grateful to her for fulfilling that desire in that moment.
That's why no matter how selfish, D.M., or perverse Nawagami-san is, I end up accepting her demands. If the plea comes from her and not someone else...
“...Wait, is it kind of creepy for me to be thinking about her even while I’m taking a bath?”
I abruptly became sober-minded, shaking my head a couple of times.
Enough of this. This is my precious chill time; I should immerse myself in that right now.
Yes, for now, I should forget my roles and just relax...
“—Oh, what a coincidence, our bath times overlapped.”
“BUFFAH!? Gurgle, gurgle, gurgle...”
The glass door slid open suddenly, and the shock caused me to sink underwater.
D-Don’t tell me, another intrusion? No, that can’t be. That shouldn’t happen.
I surfaced from the water like an Umibōzu monster, emboldened by disbelief.
“Since this space is unnecessarily vast, we can definitely fit two in here easily.”
Regrettably, it was a reality... and she seemed intent on staying.
“You’re seriously too exposed. Can you cover yourself with something?!”
“! I was wondering which tone you'd use, hehe. You chose that one, after all. And you were the one who said it yourself—that you remain an exclusive butler until you take off the suit you donned.”
Why the hell is that detail the part she’s focusing on? That's completely irrelevant right now!
“And what do you mean by ‘cover yourself’?”
“The whole body! I'm closing my eyes, so hurry up!”
“Ah, in that case, it’s perfectly fine. I attend all my hair removal appointments, you see.”
The formula 'Attending hair removal = Fine to be looked at' simply doesn't hold true when you factor in basic human shame!
...Besides, she’s past the 'only in lingerie' stage—this is an entirely different level.
Because she is wearing literally nothing. She is stark naked.
Her breasts wobble slightly with small movements. Her entire body line, all the way to her crotch; the soft curves of her buttocks, the subtle dewdrops on her skin—everything is an absolute eyesore.
I did avert my eyes, of course, but the afterimage is crystal clear. I’m telling myself it’s okay because she attends all her grooming sessions, and maybe I can justify it with the idea of mixed-gender public bathing, but no, I know I can't. And I know I must be creepy for feeling this way, but isn't the one who can remain cool in this situation even weirder?
Unlike me, who was asking rhetorical questions to the void, Nawagami-san spoke naturally.
“I was meaning to ask you. Where do you buy the shampoo and conditioner you use, Imashino-kun? I can't find them anywhere, in stores or online.”
“Ah, Yuika's family runs a hair salon, and they often give testers to me and Miran to try...”
“...Hey, is it normal to bring up other girls' names while we're bathing together like this?”
Nawagami-san said this, annoyed at the mention of two other girls! I only answered what she asked, and frankly, I desperately wish she'd realize that the situation of us bathing together is what's truly abnormal.
Afterward, I heard the sound of the shower running from her side. She was absolutely intent on staying.
...I knew the reason for the intrusion without having to explicitly ask her.
“You wanted to provoke me like this, only to ultimately be punished, didn’t you?”
“G-Gulp///”
“Don't give me that! Nawagami-san, you should be embarrassed right now—especially that you are still—”
“No, I'm perfectly fine. You see, your relentless, abrasive domination has completely warped my perception!♥”
“I'll overlook the 'domination' part if you'd withdraw your biased reporting that I’m ‘relentless’?”
Following up the stream of comebacks, I voiced the option a gentleman should take.
“I’m getting out, for now. As for the hot water... I can refill the tub if you want.”
“It would be too much trouble, so just leave it as it is.”
“Ah, okay...”
“...”
“I'm free to leave now, right?”
“Of course. Just go out as you please.”
A minor detail: I entered the bath without a bath towel. Thus, I have nothing to conceal myself with.
I had no safe means of exit from the gently colored, steaming tub to the changing room...
“...Haaah. She got me. She really calculated this whole thing out.”
“No, I wasn’t aiming for this, but since it happened naturally—and even if it resulted in me catching a glimpse of Imashino-kun’s abs, or perhaps something else... that would be an unavoidable natural phenomenon, ah, and in the event you find yourself stiffened up and unable to rise—”
Stop playing with such obscene words!
“That's just an unavoidable reaction, a natural physiological phenomenon in the face of such an appealing presence, so I forgive you... ♥♥”
“Is that so? Thank you. Although, why is it I am the one who needs to be forgiven?”
The back-and-forth while soaking in the tub was robbing me of my cognitive abilities. This was the worst possible zen state, where I couldn't distinguish between my own sweat and the bathwater. Oh god, what am I going to do...
...Wait.
Why am I asking 'What am I going to do'? I already know the answer, don't I?
As a result of my self-interrogation, I pushed the switch to turn into a Sadist with the smoothest transition ever.
“Alright, if you insist so much—then you better not try to run away.”
Opening my eyes, her entire wet, naked body leaped into my sight, along with the overwhelming glare of the lights.
Nawagami-san, seated on the bath chair, was initially stunned. Despite starting all this herself.
“Eh... W-Was that serious, about actually sharing the bath with me?”
“You’re the one who suggested it. —It's 'perfectly fine' for you, isn’t it? Hey, why are you turning your back to me?”
Nawagami-san busied herself trying to hide her body. That's entirely pointless, seeing as she's already naked.
“Did you lie to your Master?”
“N-No, I didn’t lie! But I just thought Master would leave eventually! ///”
“In other words, you intended this as a little game. —Don’t screw with me! My switch is completely flipped now. Not only am I not leaving, I'm going to stare at you from head to toe.”
I casually swept my damp hair back and subjected her to a thorough inspection from a side angle.
Stare, stare, stare—
The frustration of having my bath interrupted, and I was going to abandon all restraint.
“I-If you look at me with that much passion, even I will start to get flustered...♥”
“You lied again, didn’t you? Be honest with me. You wanted me to look at you, didn't you? You inwardly craved to be aroused by my stare, correct? —Now, where do you usually start washing your body?”
Despite the ridiculous nature of the question, Nawagami-san smiled widely. Ah, of course, she would.
“I usually start behind my neck...”
“And next?”
“Next, oh, wait, cleansing first!♥”
“Next?”
I prompted her to confess everything she usually did, even the stuff she should have been doing regardless of whether I knew or not.
“Then get to it already. I have nothing but time; I'm going to watch everything—”
“Y-Yesss!♥”
Nawagami-san pushed the pump, lathered up both her hands, and started gently rubbing her pristine body.
As she said, she began behind her neck, moving to her arms, then her legs, her ribs, and then—
“—Look this way, already.”
I commanded this just as she was about to touch the parts she could no longer deny.
“I told you I’d watch everything, didn’t I? —If you can’t do it yourself, I could do it for you.”
“F-For me, Master?.... ////”
“Such a stunning and attractive body you have. I have to make sure you wash your entire body thoroughly with bubbles, don’t I? —Your answer? Are you going to beg for me to do it, or will you do it yourself?”
Amidst the swirling steam in the bathroom, Nawagami-san played up her hesitation for an excruciatingly long time.
“Gnnnghhhh...kay.”
“Huh?”
“I-I’m a hundred times more embarrassed than I thought!♥”
“That’s not an answer, and I don't care. Why the hell do I have to take your feelings into account?—Did you spare a single moment to consider whether I would feel shame before you intruded?”
“...U-Uuughh…………♥♥”
“Prepare yourself. Accept being stared at from head to toe as the inevitable consequence of your actions—”
“Gnnnnnnnhhh…………! ...Y-Yes………………♥♥♥”
After a long period of internal conflict, Nawagami-san finally complied with my order and started to turn—
As she began to face me, she simply slipped against the wall, remaining half-turned.
Her face was blazing red, but it looked less like embarrassment and more like—heatstroke.
“—...Nawagami-san?”
“Kyoo... (Knockout)”
“! Nawagami-san, are you alright?!”
I shot up, scrambling towards the entirely bubble-covered Nawagami-san.
When she collapsed onto the bathroom floor, the idea of being seen naked no longer mattered.
“O-Ow, I’m hot, so hot I think I’m going to melt...”
“You are! We need to get you out and cool you down! ...But if we do that, I'll need to dry you off, and, well—”
I tried implicitly pleading for her to gather her last ounce of strength.
But Nawagami-san, having instantly weakened completely, was desperately clinging to me with anxious eyes.
“I’m sorry, Master... Can you pleassse carry me under the air conditioning?”
“O-Okay, well, that, yes, I’ll try my best.”
“Also, my body feels all sticky and gross, so can you wipe me off quickly?”
“Eh?”
As soon as she said it, Nawagami-san gave me a 'Do what you will' look. Her eyes were closed. Her whole body moved slightly with every shallow breath. In the process, the shoulder I was supporting kept slipping.
Everything had been entrusted to me, but was it truly acceptable...?
A difficult internal struggle swirled within me. Attending to her needs was an obvious necessity, and I would do it immediately, but in doing so, I had to touch her body.
It looked so soft, supple, and captivatingly beautiful... Damn it, why am I thinking unnecessary things again? I have enough perverts in my life already just with Nawagami-san!
“Please, Master...”
“Tch...”
Her index finger abruptly clasped mine, a reflexive grip like a baby's.
No words were needed; the gesture made it explicitly clear that I was the only one she depended on.
...Resigning myself, I gently shifted her and rushed out to get a bath towel from the changing room.
Step 1: Wipe her body dry
“I’m back, Nawagami-san. So, I will wipe you down, just as you requested.”
“Uugh...”
“I’ll try to neutralize all emotion as I do this, so please try not to move too much, if you can.”
“Uuh, nngh, mmmm... (Nawagami-san rolls over unconsciously)”
“Hey! I just said not to move! Ah, wait, the bath towel I just covered you with is slipping!”
“It would be too much trouble, so you can just be rough about scrubbing me down if you want...”
“Y-You idiot, I can’t possibly do that! That’s more trouble!”
“Eh... Did you just call me an idiot...? Hehehe, I like that, but it's making me even hotter!”
“I apologize! That was a lapse in judgment! So please, just stop writhing naked, for god’s sake!”
Step 2: Carry her to the cool living room
“Are you feeling nauseous? You can tell me anything, no matter how small; just take your time.”
“It’s not at a critical level yet, so I’m fine, but... u-uuugh... (Cries)”
“A-Are you okay? Is something hurting? Why are you suddenly crying like that...?”
“T-To have the Princess Carry achievement unlocked under these conditions...”
“Eh! What a flimsy reason! Besides, there were countless other things you should have been concerned about!”
“If it were a piggyback ride, at least I could have said, 'You’re touching me...!’”
“Ah, in that case, don’t worry, you’ve been touching me plenty before today—don't remind me of that!”
Step 3: Make her drink something
“I'm glad I stocked up on sports drinks in case of illness. Take small, slow sips.”
“Feed me...”
“Okay, I get it. I’ll tilt the bottle gently, so hang on...”
“Nnn-mmh, mm-nnghh...”
“I share responsibility here, and I said I'd care for you. I suppose I can handle this much.”
“~Nngh... Hn, nnnn, HAAAAAH!”
“...”
“Thank you, Imashino-kun...”
“Y-Yeah... Watching your throat move as you swallowed was, well, a really strange sensation.”
“…………”
“Eh, hey, what’s wrong, why so suddenly somber, N-Nawagami-san...?”
I provided quick care. Because, as her exclusive butler, her health is paramount. Once I reminded myself of that, I could momentarily forget the shame and everything else.
And this was the result.
“Ah, Nawagami-san... Yes. Your complexion is back, and you look better now.”
About an hour had passed. Nawagami-san, in a T-shirt and holding an ice pillow, returned to the living room.
“I've prepared drinks, and you can have ice cream. Come on.”
“...”
“Wh-What's wrong?”
However, she remained silent and expressionless. It’s true that she's probably not fully recovered, but this felt more like an emotional attitude...
“...No, you’re right. First, I need to apologize.”
“…………T-That’s not it, Imashino-kun isn't wrong...”
I offered a sincere apology to the Nawagami-san speaking in a small voice.
“I was naked in the bathroom, and I subjected you to all that shame... It makes sense you got heatstroke. I am truly sorry. Next time, if we do something similar, it will be done somewhere cool.”
“! NNNGGHHHH! Wrong! Th-That itself was absolutely COMFORTING! !!”
With that shout, Nawagami-san instantly darted back into her room.
Being left alone, I took the opportunity to remember her naked body.
“............This is bad. She's going to be in my dreams.”
Three days passed since the sudden bathroom intrusion and heatstroke incident.
Since then, Nawagami-san has avoided interacting with me almost entirely.
...Talk about an overreaction!
“Hey, Seishirou. Don't you think Seren is acting strange?”
“She’s always been eccentric, but... wait, since when are you on a first-name basis?”
“Fufun. I got her permission when we had hamburgers the other day!”
During a break between classes, Yuika suddenly approached me, sipping canned cocoa.
She pointed, saying, Look over there! Nawagami-san was sitting with strangely perfect posture.
“N-Nawagami-san? Could you pass the printouts back?”
“...Yes.”
H-Her expression is totally blank... The palpable loneliness surrounding her seemed to drop the ambient temperature by about three degrees. Classmates nearby who noticed the shift were clearly unnerved.
“See? She wouldn't be like that if nothing happened, right?”
“Yeah, I know.”
“Seishirou, did you two have a fight?”
“No, we didn't 'fight'."
“Mmmm. No matter what happened, you need to make up properly, just like I did!”
That's the absolute truth. Any emotional misunderstandings should be resolved before they escalate.
However, knowing that, if I can just squeeze in a single crumb of an excuse...
How the hell am I supposed to act normally towards someone I just shared a naked bath with?!
I haven't been neglectful of my duties as her exclusive butler.
If anything, I think they've progressed the smoothest since I was hired—because Nawagami-san has been acting like a perfect lady. She's stopped being selfish and throwing around sensitive jokes. No more D.M. fantasies or dramatically writhing in pain. She's like an Ojou-sama who's become a sheltered lady of distinction. Nawagami-san isn't supposed to be that character.
“Well then, Ojou-sama. I shall return tomorrow morning. Good night.”
“...Yes.”
She’s been reserved at home, too, like this. She occasionally looks at me with a longing expression. When I ask her, “Is something the matter?”, she just nervously shakes her head.
It's incredibly awkward.
And I suspect the root cause of the entire strain is that one thing.
“You’re not going to live in my room anymore, Imashino-kun?”
As expected. When I gave her a vague answer to her quiet whisper.
“That... W-Well, yes. To omit the process and details, I believe that is for the best.”
“... (Nawagami-san's eyes grow teary and she looks down slightly.)”
She looked like a puppy whose favorite toy had been taken away.
She directed her lonely eyes towards me, yet still, she refrained from any complaints.
Looking at her for too long made the guilt intense, so I bowed and quickly fled from her presence.
...It was my decision to stop the cohabitation. But it wasn't because I was fed up with her.
If so, then why did I cut the cohabitation short and run away?
The answer came late that very night.
“Snn... Snnn... Uu-mmh... ...? ............ —!!”
I woke up to a nudging sensation near my chest—I was so shocked I couldn’t even scream.
In the dark, it was probably Nawagami-san (it would be terrifying if it weren't) sitting near my pillow.
W-What? An emergency? A practical joke? Or maybe an ambush in my sleep?
All sorts of possibilities popped into my mind as I fumbled to turn on the small standing light, but...
When the orange light illuminated her face, I realized all my assumptions were wrong.
“I’m sorry, Master………… Waah... Hic... Sniff...!!”
Sh-She was bawling! Her shoulders occasionally jumped due to the hiccups.
“Huhh? What’s wrong, are you okay? Did a ghost appear? Or did something else happen?”
“I just got too carried away! That's why... Uuuh, hnghh...”
Nothing had happened; it seems even she simply couldn't endure the awkwardness anymore.
“O-Okay, wait, let me grab some tissues or something... Guf!”
I tried to get up for a comforting item, but her desperate embrace canceled my movement—This pose made it look like I was trying to abandon her, which was bad, but on another level, I felt distressed because I was also thinking about how great she smelled.
Inferring from the situation and her behavior.
Nawagami-san likely believed I had given up on her and left because I was fed up.
But that was entirely wrong. It was, in fact, the opposite of giving up on her.
“...Nawagami-san. Just stay like that and listen to me.”
Yuika was right. Misunderstandings won't resolve unless you talk them out.
Even if I would inevitably feel profoundly awkward by revealing my true feelings.
“The reason I stopped us from living together was, well—because I was too aware of you.”
“............Eh?”
“It was just that whenever I was near you, I would remember things... Like your completely naked form in the bath, or your weakened, dizzy state when you were sick... DAAAAAAH! So, anyway, just!”
Running my fingers roughly through the hair at the back of my own head, I finally confessed.
“I'm not angry, and I'm not tired of you. It’s true, so please just believe me on that for now!”
Why was it so frustratingly hard to communicate something so simple?
Though I myself wasn't completely sure, as I voiced an undeniably true feeling, Nawagami-san responded with...
“............Mm...”
Unlike her quiet voice, the force of her hug surprisingly became much stronger.
I got two cartons of soy milk from the refrigerator.
“Here.”
“Thank you... Speaking of which, Imashino-kun, you don’t drink coffee, do you?”
“No. Caffeine doesn't agree with me, so energy drinks are out, too.”
I handed one to her, still sitting on the mattress.
“Dairy milk is out for me, too. So by elimination, I tend to drink soy milk.”
“Ah, that explains why your skin is so smooth...”
I don't think that's related, but even if it were, this talk itself might just be a buffer for the real conversation.
“...I think you already know this. The reason I live alone is because I had a fight with my sister.”
Seeing me sit down on an assorted box of consumables, she started.
“With my sister, or rather, the whole Nawagami Family, to be more precise. You knew about that, didn’t you?”
“Yes. You apparently went on a bit of a rampage.”
“I did. But, to them, that was likely just a drop in the ocean of assets.”
...I should probably avoid thinking about the four-digit-million-yen teaware incident.
With eyes still swollen from crying, she inserted the straw into the carton and continued.
“You probably think that’s ridiculous—a grown woman having a temper tantrum like a child. But it's not. That’s just how my family has always been, and that’s why... You know, that’s why...”
Sensing this was truly an important discussion, I braced myself to listen more attentively.
“T-To be honest, I want to create an explicit fan-made video game someday.”
Yes, okay. I suppose this counts as an important conversation, after all.
“The kind where the heroine gets completely ravaged by her lover, but it's an absolutely pure-love storyline.”
Sensing that interjecting would be gauche, I remained silent and listened.
“There are so many other things I want to do, too, that I always wanted to do. Joining a club and focusing on it, getting a part-time job, getting a pet when I grow up, traveling to different places, or working in a field I love...”
She paused, and I gently observed Nawagami-san’s face.
She held the soy milk carton, her expression a mix of weariness and loneliness.
“But almost none of those will come true. Because I am a member of the Nawagami Family.”
“That’s not true...”
“Unfortunately, it is. 'A Nawagami must be so-and-so'—that premise always binds me in that house. No matter how much I reject it, it always hunts me down.”
It was a story I, as a commoner, couldn’t fathom. Yet, hearing Nawagami-san say it, it all made sense.
“The fight happened because of that, too. 'Your period of indecision is only until high school; once in university, you will study in the faculty designated by the Nawagami family, and after graduation, you will work in this division of the group—’ Amazing, isn’t it? The path is completely paved from the cradle to the grave.”
I silently listened to her list of complaints. Empathizing with her dissatisfaction was the least I could do... But.
“It ended with, 'We need to start selecting a fiancé eventually.' None of my other sisters were told that. Why me? That's what made me completely snap.”
“...Did you firmly refuse?”
“Eh? O-Oh, yes. I firmly refused the fiancé discussion, of course.”
“I see. That's good. And if they ever say the same thing again, I want you to talk to me.”
“Talk to you? That would be a trouble for Imashino-kun—”
“Would it be bad?”
“...U-Uh, no, I’ll do that.”
When I said that, Nawagami-san, illuminated by the indirect light, looked obviously flustered.
“So then. It must be quite an achievement that your request to live alone here was approved, wasn’t it?”
I changed the subject slightly, and Nawagami-san cleared her throat before replying.
“It is. Though they probably think they’ll let me blow off steam and vent my frustration for now.”
As if drinking down her frustration, Nawagami-san finally put the straw to her lips.
“And you know what? Part of why I wanted to be alone was to get away from people like that. That was my stance at school, too... It was honestly easier for me to be feared or avoided.”
“Mhm.”
“So. When I was first told I’d have an exclusive butler, I thought it was the absolute worst. I'm not alone, now! I even considered going on a rampage and destroying things in the house again... But...”
She paused again, then, as if making up her mind, she opened her mouth.
“I don’t think like that at all anymore.”
Our eyes met, and in that moment, my heart started to sway uncontrollably again.
“I'm so glad Imashino-kun came into my life. You're usually obedient to me, but you know how to tell me that the things that shouldn't happen won't happen. I simply cannot imagine a world where you didn’t come into my life.”
“That’s... No, well, thank you anyway...”
I had countless opportunities to humbly downplay her praise.
Yet, I easily accepted those genuine words from Nawagami-san.
“I was only able to ask you to become my D.S. Master because it was you. Because Imashino-kun is an honest and kind person, and I wanted to be dominated and criticized by someone I could trust. That’s why... 'Mhm...' I was so happy you accepted that, and it’s the same with the bath incident, and that’s why!”
I realized that all her roundabout conversations were leading to this one point.
“I will fully reflect on my actions! So, please, come back to my room... I want you there.”
After saying that, Nawagami-san nervously bit her lip. She looked very anxious.
Simply returning to how things should be was, to her, seemingly unbearable.
...That was a relief. Because I felt the same way as Nawagami-san.
“It's annoying to carry this mattress back and forth—This time, you help me.”
“! I’d be happy to be put to work, whether it’s ten times or twenty!”
When I obliquely agreed, she gleefully lit up, her eyes sparkling.
Seeing her expression soothed my heart, and I couldn't help but genuinely think she was beautiful. So.
“Don’t make those faces in front of anyone else but me.”
“? Why, isn’t that just the default setting, Imashino-kun?”
The innocent tilt of her head peeled away my own Master persona.
Well, I'm fine if she gets it. Besides, what kind of question was that to ask?
Lately, an increasing number of mysterious feelings have been rising inside me, but...
The fact that I didn't hate those feelings made it all the more strange.
“By the way. Were you really intending to stay until the very end during your suggestive verbal sparring in the bath?”
“Nnn-nn, I planned to stop right at the critical moment. I mean, doing it all the way is obviously too much.”
“I see. So it was a two-step plan: Plan A was to make me submit with maximum shame, and Plan B was to stop just short and make me writhe in torment instead... That's a clever squeeze, you’ve utterly entrapped me.”
“I’m not some grand strategist, you know.”
Post a Comment