Chapter 557: The Cohabitation Days Begin

Chapter 557: The Cohabitation Days Begin

They didn’t rent another apartment.

First off, Yukinoshita lived alone anyway, her apartment spacious enough.

Second, Yukinoshita would be leaving soon, and short-term rentals were hard to find.

Third, well, it was just more cost-effective.

Though Himekoji had spare cash and didn’t care, Yukinoshita disapproved. She insisted they’d need to manage their finances carefully together from now on for the future…

Typical Yukinoshita—cool-headed, smart, and planning way ahead!

Many new items filled their place. Himekoji bustled carrying things up and down. Yukinoshita helped too, but her weak stamina showed. After just a few trips, exhausted, she could only pass him water, cheer him on, and wipe his sweat beside him.

Being served by Queen Yukinoshita felt amazing! Each time Himekoji gasped for air, nearly done, Yukinoshita would float over, her sweet scent trailing, massaging his legs or rubbing his shoulders. Then, instantly reinvigorated, Himekoji bounced back full of energy.

Busy until evening, Himekoji collapsed on the living room floor.

Yukinoshita, fresh from her bath, walked over. She took the towel wrapped in her hair and tossed it his way. “Go clean up now. You’re all sweaty.”

“No way, let me rest a bit more. I can’t even move a finger,” Himekoji whined, showing his lazy side. Suddenly grinning, he grabbed her towel, pressed it to his face, and inhaled deeply. “Mmm, smells so good~”

Blushing, Yukinoshita shoved him, annoyed. “Go! Now! Since we live together, personal hygiene isn’t just your business anymore. If you don’t bathe, don’t touch me.”

“So I can touch you after bathing?” Himekoji’s eyes lit up, catching her drift. He sprang up, clutching the towel excitedly.

“…”

Avoiding his eyes, flustered and embarrassed, Yukinoshita pretended to be calm.

No denial? That meant yes!

“I’ll shower right now! Done soon!”

“Why so fast? Scrub properly!”

“Yeah, be quick about it!”

“Hey! Don’t twist my words!”

“Haha, got it, got it…”

Himekoji’s cheerful humming drifted from the Bathroom.

Alone in the living room, Yukinoshita finally relaxed. She covered her burning cheeks with her hands. Hot, unbearably hot…

Before meeting Himekoji, she never imagined herself cohabiting as a high schooler.

Unimaginable, and frightening.

Her life’s path swerved wildly after he crashed into it.

Running smoothly along a predictable, beautiful track at first, Himekoji was an intruder slamming his foot on the gas before halfway.

So where would this future lead?

She’d handed over her steering wheel—her very heart—to someone else.

Whatever now…

Enough! This Yukinoshita must’ve gone mad!

Squirming, she hurled herself onto the sofa, sinking deep as if surrendering all thought.

Himekoji’s voice snapped her back from the Bathroom—

“Yukinoshita, mind if I use your shampoo?”

“Whatever!”

“How about the body wash?”

“Whatever!”

“Your towel, can I?”

“I said anything, fine!”

“Then I’ll help myself to your basket laundry too~”

This made Yukinoshita snap. “Are you a pervert?!”

“Yep.” Himekoji admitted easily, without shame.

“Fine! No! Hands off!”

“Is that so? Oh well, too bad…”

Still, they ended up sharing bathwater.

Got to soak together next time!

Himekoji decided internally.

…

Dinner was a joint effort.

At the supermarket, Yukinoshita refused to hold Himekoji’s hand.

She felt shy about the looks they got.

Two high schoolers shopping like a couple? People probably thought “cohabiting,” “depravity,” “promiscuity”…

Himekoji didn’t press her. But heading home, as dusk fell and streets emptied, he quietly took her hand.

Yukinoshita didn’t pull away.

The kitchen revealed their perfect harmony.

Both were skilled cooks. One handled the wok; the other prepped. They moved in sync like clockwork.

Yukinoshita scooped a spoonful of miso soup, blew to cool it, and lifted it to Himekoji’s mouth.

Without stopping his stirring, Himekoji leaned over and wrapped his lips around the spoon.

“How is it?” Yukinoshita asked.

“Sweet.”

“Huh? Shouldn’t it be salty?”

“I meant Yukinoshita’s spoon tastes sweet. Truly sweet. Because Yukino used it?” Grinning, Himekoji teased shamelessly.

Yukinoshita rolled her eyes. He still hadn’t let go of the spoon.

“Fine. Keep it. Lick it slowly like a lollipop since it’s so sweet to you.”

“Well, I have a ‘lollipop’ for you too, Yukinoshita.” Himekoji leaned close, whispering suggestively in her ear.

Her face flushed crimson. “I refuse!” she huffed.

“Huh? Why?”

“Tastes awful!” Yukinoshita reasoned seriously.

“Pfft— HAHAHA…”

Himekoji burst out laughing, shocked she’d played along.

…

After dinner came a walk.

Yukinoshita brought cat food.

At the Park, she barely heard Himekoji’s remarks, scanning around restlessly. Only spotting stray cats calmed her. Tiptoeing carefully, she placed kibble before them.

Crouching, Yukinoshita watched them intently.

“Feeding’s so cute~~”

Unconsciously, her inner thoughts slipped out.

Yukinoshita adored cats so much it made Himekoji jealous.

He noticed her reaching several times to pet a kitten, only to jerk back nervously each attempt.

This echoed what Himekoji felt sometimes about touching Yukinoshita himself—even though they already lived together.

Good thing Yukinoshita’s apartment banned pets.

Or he’d have to vie for her attention against cats daily?

No way. Absolutely not!

That’d be seriously uncool.

……

……