02 The Bath Towel Incident

A sliver of dazzling morning light peeked through the gap in the curtains.

The chirping of small birds heralded the start of a brand-new day.

────Except, a graceful morning like that has never existed in my life...

Chiririririri.

“Ngh... Just five more minutes...”

As that thought crossed my mind, I reached for my phone to check the time. A long list of alarms, set at five-minute intervals, stared back at me.

“Crap!!!!”

Finally realizing the gravity of the situation, I kicked off my futon and dashed toward the bathroom like my ass was on fire.

“I totally forgot to shower last night because I fell asleep! This is the worst! I’m gonna be late again, and she’s gonna chew me out... Ugh, should I just give up now?”

Driven by sheer momentum, I scrubbed my entire body and exited the bathroom as quickly as humanly possible.

“Phew~~ Man, a morning shower really is the best! I feel wide awake now! So refreshing!!”

I swung the door open. Inside the silent room was my messy, unmade bed... and Miu, sitting daintily at my desk, tilting her head in confusion.

“Wh... Hah!?”

“...Huh?”

The two of us faced off. Me, with a stupid look on my face and... nothing but a single bath towel on.

“W-Wait, what!? Are you an idiot!? You pervert~~~!!”

“Hah!? A pervert!? What the hell are you talking about!? This is my room!! And I!! just walked into it!!”

“Why did you go out of your way to walk in naked!?”

“No, no, that makes no sense!! I just got out of the shower, so it’s only natural! Besides, I didn’t think you’d be in here!!!”

“Hey!! Don’t come any closer! You! Pervert!!”

“Nghaaaaaaahhh!?”

In the middle of our heated argument—the incident happened.

Suddenly, the towel wrapped around my waist... slipped right off.

“Eh────”

My hand immediately cut through the air, trying to grab the towel. But there was no way I was going to be fast enough.

In that instant────everything seemed to move in slow motion.

It was like my life was flashing before my eyes.

My breath, time, everything stopped. Is this where my life ends?────

────Fasah.

“GYAAAAAAAHHHHH!!”

“AAAAAAHHH!?”

“I knew it! You’re a total pervert!!!”

──Bago!!

The student bag in Miu’s hand connected with my stomach in a clean hit, making a dull thud.

As I collapsed onto the floor, Miu stood over me like a guardian deity.

She had a cold expression that didn't seem possible for someone who had just swung a bag with all her might... If anything, the shock made time stop for me again for a second.

“Guh... Hey, that seriously hurts!!”

“What do you mean ‘it hurts’!? I can’t believe you’d walk in naked! I mean, think about me, the one who had to see... that!!!!”

“I’m—telling—you! This! Is my room! ...Wait, hey... from this angle, I can almost see your panties. You should really be more careful about that. You don’t understand men at all.”

“H-Hah!? What are you saying!? You’re seriously the worst!! Pervert!! Mega-pervert! You really have no delicacy at all!!”

This girl... She looks at me naked without permission and then has the nerve to talk to me like that!?

“Geez! Stop staring and get changed already!! Hurry up and get ready to leave the house!!!”

“Ugh!! What is your problem!?”

◆◇◆

────Well, despite all that commotion...

The summer morning sky was a clear, piercing blue, and the relentless sunlight beat down on us.

The air shimmered above the asphalt like a heat haze, and the cicadas chirped rowdily, as if trying to pierce through my eardrums.

“...So hot!!”

I loosened my tie, fanning the collar of my shirt as I walked.

Sweat was starting to soak into my back, and my damp hair was starting to curl and frizz.

It was because I’d rushed out of the house without even having time to dry it properly.

“Running a full sprint since morning, getting hit with a bag... and then this heatwave... Did I do something wrong? Huh...?”

I kept grumbling, but I didn't stop walking.

I was right on the verge of being late, so I timed it perfectly and went into a full sprint the moment the signal changed.

Beside me, Miu walked in silence, sweating just as much and looking straight ahead.

Miu’s long hair occasionally brushed against my arm. Her hair had been long since we were little, and her twin-tails moved so much it was like they had a mind of their own. I remember teasing her about it and making her mad... She’s still wearing the same hairstyle in high school, but the difference now—even I can tell—is that it’s glossy and well-maintained. It’s not just her hair; her overall appearance is... well, it’s annoying to admit, but I can see why guys turn their heads. Come to think of it, I heard someone say she was the “cutest girl in class.”

Miu’s face was currently flushed a faint red. I couldn't tell if it was because of the heat or the lingering embers of her anger────.

“...Hey, that thing earlier really was an accident. I didn't mean any harm by it──”

“Shut up. It’s hot, and I don't have the energy to talk right now.”

“...Fine, fine.”

The two of us hurried toward school.

Even when the wind blew, it was lukewarm; there wasn't a hint of coolness to be found.

◆◇◆

──Garara!

We threw the classroom door open. With our uniforms disheveled and hair a mess, Miu and I slid inside.

“Whew... Made it just in time!!!”

The homeroom teacher checked the clock at the front of the room and narrowed his eyes at us.

“...Well, I suppose you're technically on time. Hurry up and get to your seats~”

“Yes, sir...”

I staggered toward my seat. Miu, who sat next to me, kept her arms crossed and her face turned away.

“...A-Anyway, good morning...”

“...Whatever.”

A cold reply. Her mouth remained firmly set in a pout.

“No, but seriously, was that really my fault...?”

“Seriously, shut up. Be quiet, you pervert.”

“Guh!!”

I heard a giggle from the seat behind me.

“Getting all lovey-dovey so early in the morning, aren't we?♡ You childhood friend couple~♡♩”

“We’re not! It’s not like that...!”

“It’s not!!!”

Our voices overlapped and echoed through the classroom.

“...Oh? What’s this? Did a classic school rom-com just start up~?”

“Whoa!! This is the start of a turbulent drama!”

The classmates started buzzing. Honestly, I’m not very good at handling this kind of vibe...

As I slumped face-down onto my desk with a sigh, Miu gave my back a small, sharp glare.

“Honestly... you’re always like this...”

I was so caught up in the farce that I didn't notice her cheeks were flushed even redder than before.

◆◇◆

──Lunch break.

Since summer vacation was just around the corner, the girls in the classroom were getting excited talking about their summer plans.

Even though the air conditioner was barely doing its job, the air in the room was lukewarm and lethargic... In the middle of it all, I was sitting with Morishita at our desks, stuffing sweet bread into my mouth.

This guy is Morishita Ryou.

Initially, he was just a classmate, but before I knew it, he became the friend I’ve spent the most time with.

We have the kind of relationship where we understand each other without needing deep conversations. Though, he’s seriously annoying when he takes his teasing too far. Well, I guess he’s what you’d call a best friend.

“Still, it’s way too hot even inside the classroom... Is the AC even on? It must have been hell outside, right!?”

“I heard the outside temperature was over 37 degrees. At that point, it’s no different from a bath,” he said.

“It felt like 42 degrees to me...”

“Yeah. It’s not a survivable environment for humans anymore. The fact that we’re living normally right now is actually amazing.”

“Yeah, yeah. It’s a miracle. A total miracle.”

As we were laughing over that pointless talk, Morishita suddenly asked as if he’d just remembered.

“By the way~ did you buy the sequel to that game?”

“Hmm? Oh~ the fighting game?”

“Yeah, yeah, that one~”

“I bought it! I’ve already put quite a bit of time into it. When there’s a rank involved, you end up overdoing it because you want to climb higher, you know?”

“I totally get it~! Ugh~ I wanna go home and play right now~ Maybe I’ll pull an all-nighter tonight. I want to reach at least Platinum. For these ranks, the period right after release is crucial.”

“Spoken like a true addict.”

“Damn right. I can’t afford to lose to you, of all people.”

“Me!? Hah... Aren’t you directing your efforts toward the wrong thing...?”

Just as a little laughter broke out from our trivial conversation──

“...Hey, is that game the one everyone's talking about lately?”

A voice flew in from the seat next to me.

Miu, who had been listening to our conversation while leaning on her elbows, was glancing over at us.

“Yeah, that’s the one. What, you interested?”

“I am. I want to try playing it too! That game.”

““──Eh?””

“After school... can I come over to your house to play?”

Morishita turned toward me with such force he almost spat out his Coke. It was actually kind of funny.

“Wh-whaaa!? Miu-chan is going to your house!? Wait, does that mean────”

““Does that mean what?””

“Two people alone in a sweltering room where the AC barely works... Getting fired up over a competitive game, the distance between them naturally closes, and before they know it, they’re close enough for skin to touch... They become strangely conscious of their heartbeats through their sweaty, flushed bodies—and unable to withstand the atmosphere of the room, as if guided by God, they k... k............ ki—s”

“Seriously, what the hell are you saying?”

“You have a bit of an otaku streak, don't you, Morishita-kun?”

“You’re talking really fast, it’s creepy.”

“Morishita-kun, you look like you could write erotic novels.”

“No, no, no, yeah, yeah, I get it. It’s for the game. For the game. Look! I heard your place has ice cream, too!”

“I mean... it’s not weird for there to be ice cream at someone’s house... what have you been talking about this whole time?”

Morishita, with an incredibly creepy grin on his face, continued to provoke Miu even further.

“But still~! It’s pretty rare for Miu-chan to ask ‘Can I come over?’ herself, isn't it~?”

“Geez, you’re so annoying~. We’ve been going back and forth between our houses since we were kids, so it’s not rare at all!”

“Oof~! And there’s the childhood friend privilege appeal~!”

“I’m telling you! It’s really not like that!”

“Saying ‘It’s not like that’ is exactly what makes it feel ‘like that’... Heh heh.”

“............!”

I felt my face heat up. This is the worst part about him.

“Well! Whatever~! I’m coming over after school, okay~? I’m gonna watch your play very carefully~”

“Play!? ...Hah! See, it is like that after all!!!”

(T/N:Play: Morishita is using a double entendre here. While the surface meaning is "gameplay," in a romantic/erotic context, "play" (purei) often refers to sexual acts or "bedroom play." Shintarou picks up on this immediately.)

“I—am—telling—you! That’s not what I meant!”

Irritated by his persistence, I slammed my hands on the desk and stood up.

Silence...

The worst... In my excitement, I’d drawn the attention of the entire classroom.

“Ah... sorry...”

Beside me, while I was frantically apologizing, Miu was giggling quietly.

“...Idiot♡”

She whispered to me while covering her mouth with her hand.

...It might be these kinds of interactions that cause everyone around us to get the wrong idea.

◆◇◆

────After school.

Homeroom ended, and after meeting up at the school gate, we naturally headed toward my house.

While chatting about nothing in particular, we found ourselves in front of my home before I knew it.

“Yeah, yeah, go ahead, come in~”

“Pardon the intrusion.”

Miu entered the house with her usual practiced air.

Her small, dark brown loafers were neatly placed alongside my shoes.

It was a sight I was used to, but for some reason, it seemed kind of cute.

“Oh, right, Mom’s gonna be late again today, so it’s just me in the house right now.”

“I-Is that so... well, if you’re saying it’s awkward for us to be alone, I guess I could go home for you~~??”

“No... laughs You definitely have no intention of going home laughs.”

Exchanging jokes like that, Miu put her foot on the first step of the stairs.

“Hey~ shouldn't you usually go up first? You aren't going to pretend you’re not interested while trying to look at my panties, are you!?”

“...H-HAH!? As if I would! I have zero interest in your panties!”

Leaving Miu behind, I went into the living room with an exasperated look and took two soda-flavored popsicles out of the freezer.

To keep them from melting, I dashed up the stairs and opened the door to my room.

Since I’d rushed out of the room this morning, the sight was even messier than usual.

...And there, sitting daintily on the bed in my man-smelling room, was Miu.

She spoke with an expression that looked somewhat hesitant.

“...I-It’s kind of, been a while, hasn't it? Playing together like this...?”

“Hmm? Really??”

“Yeah. I come over often in the morning to wake you up, but we don't really have time to relax.”

“Ah, true.”

A conversation with no particular meaning. But for some reason, the air felt heavy.

Maybe it was because we were alone in the house, but it felt unusually quiet.

“Here, eat this. It was way too hot outside, so let’s cool down for now.”

“Whoa~ how thoughtful~ thanks~”

Saying that, Miu licked the popsicle I handed her.

Since we had just gotten back, the air conditioner wasn't doing its job at all.

In the sweltering room, I bit into the soda-flavored ice that was starting to melt.

I felt my sticky, sweaty skin being cooled down little by little from the inside.

“Ah~ I feel alive again~~~”

“Heh! You eat fast!”

“You think so? This isn't enough, though~”

“Then, you want to eat mine? There’s one bite left.”

“No... the one you’ve already put your mouth on is a bit...”

“What, are you trying to say I’m dirty...???”

“Well, maybe that too, but that’s not the issue...”

“Hilarious. What, what? An indirect kiss? Hmmm♡ So you do care about that kind of thing~?♡”

“You...”

“That’s actually a little unexpected♩”

Saying that, she put the rest of the ice in her mouth, sat down in my desk chair, and gave it a quick spin.

“...Wait?”

“──Hmm? Something wrong?”

“You left the PC on. You have to turn the power off properly, right? Wait...”

As Miu’s hand lightly touched the mouse, my monitor woke up from sleep mode and breathed back to life.

“W-Wait... what is... this...”

“NOOO!! WAIT!! THAT’S!!”

On the 27-inch monitor, a “slightly naughty” start screen appeared, featuring a line-up of characters ranging from busty older sisters with great bodies to beautiful young girls.

In a cute font using mostly pink, the title was displayed in huge letters across the center──

『~Love-Love Harem School!? Whose Heart Will Be Yours?~』

What the hell? To think I’d make such a basic mistake and let her get leverage over me...

“Heh~? A beautiful girl romance simulation game?”

“N-No!! This is, how do I put it... Y-Yeah! A trial version! I was tricked by an ad I saw~ Man, I’m really troubled by it~”

“Hmm, you were tricked, huh... and yet you left it on the title screen?”

“Yeah, yeah! In the end, I didn't even go past this screen! I have no idea what the content is! I just forgot to turn it off! Haha!”

“I see, I see... and is this save data...? Oh, you’re on your third playthrough...”

“WAIT!! DON’T LOOK AT THAAAAAAAT!!!!”

“Ahaha♡ Shintarou~ you like this kind of thing~?♡”

Miu wore a mischievous, wicked grin.

My face was bright red, and I had no room left for resistance.

From the time I was born until now, I had lived my life as an otaku while taking the utmost care to ensure no one ever found out. And yet, it had come to this.

I don't think I’ll ever hate myself as much as I do now for my “lack of clean-up.”

Well, it’s obvious that she’ll tease me no matter what I say at this point, so I decided to...

Be a man... and just own up to it.

“Heh... Yeah, that’s right... This is a man’s romance!! It’s the ultimate simulation game where you can experience the supreme situations that every man yearns for!!!!!”

“I see, I see, I see. In other words, you have a desire to do these kinds of things?”

“Ngh... No, it’s not like that...! Not that it isn't like that, either. Hmmm...”

Miu chuckled and gave the chair another half-spin.

“You don't have to panic so much~♡ I’m not exactly blaming you~”

“Th-then stop teasing me...”

“But it’s so funny♡ You always act so cool, and yet you’re so desperate about this kind of thing♡”

“Of course I am... Girls usually find these kinds of games repulsive, don't they?”

“Hmm? I wonder. I’m the type who’s interested in everything... Well, but I might understand a little! Those kinds of simulation games? I have a feeling I’d want to try them too, in a way.”

“Eh? Really?”

“Yeah. Romance in reality doesn't progress this conveniently. ...I honestly think it would be so much easier if you could raise someone’s affection just with a single choice...”

“...Miu?”

“Hehe, just kidding. It’s a joke. You’re a guy who’s unrelated to romance, after all~”

After showing a slightly lonely expression, she suddenly put on a bright smile as if she’d reached some kind of realization.

I tried to say something too, but I couldn't find the right words.

“A-Anyway, we were supposed to play games together!”

Saying that, I turned off the monitor.

“Eh? Am I playing a romance simulation game with you?”

“No! The fighting game!!”

“Ahaha. I know, I know~”

The air that had felt a bit heavy until a moment ago lightened up.

──But I’m sure I wasn't the only one who felt a strange flutter deep in my chest…

◆◇◆

“Aaaaah! I lost again~~!”

Miu cried out in frustration with a crumpled face. As she looked like she was about to throw the controller, I frantically caught it.

“I—told—you! Don’t throw the controller! These things are expensive!!!”

“I wasn't actually gonna throw it! But, but? That was cheating just now! Take it a little easy on me...!! Stingy.”

Sitting daintily on my bed, Miu adjusted her slightly disheveled uniform.

She must have been really excited, because there was a light sweat on her neck, and her hair was sticking out in places. I wonder if she’d been ruffling it during the game. She’s just like a kid.

“Setting that aside, you’re really bad at games... Well, I guess from a guy’s perspective, that kind of thing might be considered cute~”

“H-Hah!? I-I’m just letting you win, that’s all...!”

“You don't have to act tough laughs.”

“I am not acting tough at all!? You’re getting way too ahead of yourself... it’s annoying.”

Saying that, Miu puffed out her cheeks, pouting her lips into an “nmmuuu~” as she brought her face close to mine.

“...W-What is it?”

“What? Are you blushing? Your ears are bright red just from me getting a little close~♡”

“S-Stop teasing me!!”

“Why? You should be used to this from your favorite beautiful girl romance simulation games♡, right~?”

As she said that, Miu’s face finally moved in until it was right next to mine.

The distance was only a few centimeters... or rather, at a level where our noses might touch if we weren't careful.

“...Huuu.”

Miu let out a small breath that brushed against my cheek.

It was soft and lukewarm...

What is this...? It didn't feel unpleasant at all; in fact, my heart skipped a beat.

The sensation on my cheek was so sharp I was surprised that a single breath could make me feel this much.

This is bad. I can’t find any words.

In fact, it felt like if I said anything, I would end up breathing in that breath of hers. Forget opening my mouth, I even held my own breath.

(H-How long is this staring contest gonna last...?)

Finally unable to bear holding my breath any longer, I pulled back with a sudden burst of energy.

Then──

“Gotcha~♡♡ You lose~♡♡♡”

“...!?”

“I lost the competitive game, but I won the staring contest~♡♡”

“H-Hah...? What was that...?”

“I mean~♡ your face was so red, you know? You reacted just from a little ‘huuu~’—you’re way too easy♡”

Miu, striking a victory pose on the bed, peered into my face with a smug look.

Honestly... it was very frustrating.

She had an incredibly satisfied face; to put it in anime terms, it was like she had sparkles and flowers flying around her head.

(This girl... she’s completely underestimating me...!!)

I made up my mind────to teach her a lesson.

(Heh heh heh... you just pushed... my switch!!)

“Yeah, yeah... I see...”

“...Hmm? What? What do you mean ‘I see’...!?”

──Gaba!

Just like that, I leaned over Miu as if pinning her down on the bed.

Yes, the time had finally come to put that “romance simulation game” she’d teased me so much about into practice.

It’s now or never. I’ll throw all the knowledge I’ve gained from games...

I’ll throw it all at her!!

“...Wh-! Hey! What are you doing!?”

“Haha, what? You’re doing this on purpose, aren't you? Even if we’re childhood friends, this is a guy’s room, you know? And the room of a guy who’s at an age where he’s very interested in ‘that kind of thing’~!!”

“The things you’re saying are way too dangerous!! Also, you’re heavy! Get off me already~!”

(Good, good... I can feel it... the atmosphere seems like it’s working...)

──Mission 1: “Make her blush with cheesy lines.”

“You know, when I look closely, you have a pretty cute face...”

“H-Hah!? What’s with you all of a sudden...?”

“You always make your hair look cute, you pay attention to your beauty... you really feel like a girl... Even though there’s such a cute girl close to me, I... I’ve done a good job holding back until now...”

“Th-that’s right... you should be more happy that there’s s-such a cute girl always by your side.”

At the same time, Miu’s legs, which were caught between mine, were fidgeting and moving around.

Every time they moved, I could see the white knee-high socks she was wearing slipping down a little.

(Heh, it seems her body is being honest...)

──Mission 2: “A little bit of body touch.”

About two minutes must have passed while I was leaning over her on the bed.

To be honest, this is pretty tough for a virgin like me...

Even if she’s a childhood friend I don't see as a woman, she’s still a girl...

I have no idea how long I can keep this posture.

When I accidentally let my gaze wander downward, her thighs peeking out from her knee-highs caught my eye...

I started to feel a mysterious emotion toward this girl who was being quiet and not resisting as I leaned over her.

(Wait... why am I doing this again...? I’m... actually really embarrassed!!)

The confident me and the timid, cowardly me were alternating in my head.

※ Confident Side (No, no... you’re doing the missions to teach Miu a lesson, right? If you stop here, you’ll just be the same old you.)

※ Cowardly Side (It’s true that I’ll end up the same if I stop... but isn't this just plain creepy!? “When I look closely, you have a cute face...”!? Who could have imagined those words coming out of my mouth!? No way. This mission ends here.)

※ Confident Side (Geez... this is why virgins are... Listen, what did you learn from eroge? The next step is body touch, right? What’s the big deal about lightly touching her hand!? You were teased so much, and you made up your mind to get back at her! Now is the time to show her!! Do it!! Go!! Teach her a lesson!!)

...Nghaaaaaa!! Shut up, shut up!!

I don't care what happens anymore~~~!!

“Heeerrreee I gooooo~~!!”

──Mugyu♡

In that moment—I became a man.

I was supposed to grab Miu’s hand as she lay there on her back.

But what my hand actually closed around was... Miu’s...

Miu’s...

“Wh—!? N-Noooo! Get off me!!”

“Gwah?!”

“Let go of me this instant!!”

──WHAM!!

“Ow, damn! You didn’t have to actually deck me...!”

“You pervy skirt-chaser! Don’t think you can just grope my boobs in all the chaos!! Idiot!”

“No, you’ve got it all wrong! Seriously! I was just trying to grab your hand! My hand just slipped and ended up on your... wait, you’re actually kind of stacked, aren’t you? I’m honestly shocked I could get a full grip.”

“Huh?! Gross!! I really hate you!! No one’s ever touched me there before—! Why does it have to be some guy who isn't even my boyfriend!?”

“Well, look at the bright side? At least your first time was with me. We’re childhood friends; we even used to take baths together back in the day, remember? At least I’m not some random creep. Let’s just call it a win.”

“Uugh... well, when you put it that way, I guess...”

“You’re actually agreeing with that...!?”

“Hmph... don't get cocky! From this day forward, your name is Pervy Skirt-chaser!!”

“Yeah, yeah... call me whatever you want...”

I sat back up on the bed, doing my best to soothe the fuming Miu.

She adjusted her posture as well, though she kept a bit of distance between us—clearly still on high alert.

“It’s because of stuff like that that you’ll never get a girlfriend, no matter how much time passes.”

“Whatever! I don't care...!!”

Right in the weak spot. That actually stung.

“So... how was it? You know, the feeling.”

“Eh? Oh... well...? I mean, honestly, I was so surprised I don't really remember... I definitely felt like I grabbed something, but it’s kind of a blur.”

“Hmph! What a boring review.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

Miu stared at me intently. I could tell the atmosphere had shifted from her earlier irritation. She leaned in close, closing the gap she’d just created...

“...Then, do you want to try touching them? Mine...”

“Wh—touch what!?”

“I said—do you want to touch my boobs? I’m asking if you want a do-over!”

“Are—are you serious!? For real... wait, are you actually okay with that?”

Wait!! Is she actually serious right now!?

“Huh? ...Of course it was a lie, you moron.”

──!?

“Are you kidding me—!! That is exactly why you’re so troublesome! The world will literally punish you for teasing a virgin like that!!”

“Excuse me?! I don't want to hear that from Mr. No-Delicacy! Besides... I can’t believe you’re still a virgin...”

Miu suddenly looked down, appearing embarrassed.

“Well, duh! It’s not like I have a girlfriend right now. Although... I’ve had a kiss or two, at least!”

“A kiss or two...? Hmmm, I see...”

“And what about you?”

“...Ngh. I... I haven’t done anything yet.”

“O-Oh... I see...”

(Crap, did I just ask something super awkward...?)

In the dimly lit room, I felt the humidity rising—or maybe it was just the tension.

Outside the window, a crow cawed in the distance. Before I knew it, evening had arrived.

──Hm?

Miu was blushing even harder than before, hugging her knees in a fetal position.

Bathed in the evening sun streaming through the window, she looked even redder than usual.

I think this is the first time I’ve ever seen her like this...

Wait, that’s right. My first mission... wasn't it to make her blush?

...Does this mean I win?

(Haha... See, I can do this if I try!!)

I felt a sudden, inexplicable surge of confidence.

Though from Miu’s perspective, I was probably just a tactless, insensitive jerk...

──Ping! ♩

A message arrived on Miu’s phone.

“Hm? It’s from Onee-chan... Ah! We were supposed to go out for dinner tonight! Dang it—I totally forgot. Okay, I’m heading home! A-As for today... let’s both just forget it happened!!”

“O-Oh...? Yeah, sure. I guess we’re calling it a day then...”

Miu stood up, slinging her bag over her shoulder and gripping the strap tightly.

With her wrinkled skirt and slightly messy twin-tails, it really hit home just how long we’d been... messing around.

“I’ll walk you home.”

“No, I’m fine. It’s still light out, and besides, Onee-chan is coming to pick me up nearby.”

“I see, I see. That’s a relief then.”

“Yeah. I mean... are you actually worried about me?”

“Of course I am. It’s dangerous for a girl to walk alone at night. Even if it’s you.”

“I see... Well, that was one comment too many... but, thanks.”

“Oh, and make sure to message me when you get home!”

“What’s with that? LOL. It’s not like I’m your girlfriend.”

“True... that would be weird. Haha.”