Act 2: Our First Time Living Together

And so, on Saturday, just past 2 PM.

The place Tou-san drove me to was a three-story apartment building about 500 meters from Hazakura Station.

It's a Western-style apartment with a brick-like facade. Judging by its clean exterior, it seems to be a recently built property.

The interior is more important than the exterior, but when I asked about the floor plan, I was told, "That's a surprise for when you get there". At this point, I don't mind if there's only one bedroom. But please, at least let there be two beds...!

Praying for that as I got out of the car, I readjusted the school bag bulging with textbooks on my shoulder amidst the cool, blowing wind, when Tou-san went around to the trunk and casually lifted a cardboard box.

「I'll carry that.」

「You have your bag, Haruki. Leave this to your father. ...But this is pretty light. You haven't forgotten anything?」

There is only one cardboard box. Inside are enough clothes to last if I couldn't do laundry for a few days, plus some unread paperbacks. When we moved back here four and a half years ago, I needed at least five boxes, so this is quite a reduction.

The reason for the large luggage last time was the manga. But this time, there is none. I mean, I have several hundred volumes in my collection. It's a pain to sort through them, and packing them would be hard labor. More than anything, I don't have the peace of mind to leisurely enjoy manga. I'm about to start living with a person of the opposite sex who isn't even my girlfriend after all...

「I haven't forgotten anything.」

I did pack seriously, as I was told. But the reality of living together still hasn't sunk in.

Even at this late stage, I still couldn't fully accept the situation. To be honest, if someone told me "living together was a prank", I could readily believe it. In fact, I wish it were a prank. Then it would have been easier for me to say, "The long-distance relationship was a lie"...

「If you remember anything you forgot, just let us know. We'll send it.」

「Of course, you can buy new things too. We'll be transferring your living expenses every other month.」

After talking it over with the Kousaka family, it was apparently decided that the Hayakawa family would transfer living expenses on odd-numbered months, and the Kousaka family on even-numbered months.

「Well then, let's go in.」

「Yeah. ──Ah, but wait. It looks like the Kousakas are here.」

Kaa-san pointed down the road.

A black car pulled up next to us, and out came Oji-san and Oba-san with cheerful faces, and Nanami, whose face was clouded with anxiety. I can imagine how you feel...

「Yaa Hayakawa-san, glad the weather cleared up.」

「It's the perfect weather to celebrate our children's new beginning, isn't it?」

"Indeed it is", our fathers laugh with each other. Nanami, watching them awkwardly, walks over towards me. In her hand was a heavy-looking school bag.

「Should I carry your bag?」

「Thanks. But it's okay.」

「I see. By the way, were you able to sleep yesterday?」

「Not really. How about Haru-kun?」

「Me neither.」

Like me, Nanami has faint dark circles under her eyes. She probably couldn't sleep well last night due to anxiety and nervousness.

「Nanami here was so excited yesterday she apparently couldn't get to sleep.」

「Oh my, my Haruki too. He kept asking me over and over again if he was really going to live with Nanami. He seemed to suspect it was a prank.」

「Oh my, as if we'd tell such a mean lie.」

"Ahaha", our mothers laugh together.

It doesn't seem like a prank... Nanami's gaze told me. Yeah... I nod powerlessly.

While this was happening, the Kousaka family's preparations were complete. Oji-san and Oba-san hold cardboard boxes, while Kaa-san, the only one with empty hands, energetically leads the way, saying, "This way!"

We go up the sturdy exterior staircase and stop in front of room 203, at the very end of the second-floor walkway.

「Go on, hurry and open it.」

She must be eager to see my happy face. Urged on by Kaa-san, I take the key from my pocket, unlock the door, and open it.

Sunlight streamed in from the balcony, brightly illuminating the room.

"It's bright", I remarked on what I saw, and she replied smugly, "It's south-facing, so the sun exposure is excellent". With that same expression, Kaa-san shows us around the apartment.

To the right of the entryway is the toilet, to the left is the washroom, and beyond that seems to be the bathroom.

And in front of the entryway stretched a wood-floored room of about twelve tatami mats.

It's a Western-style room with a combined living room and kitchen. There's a TV and a sofa with a low table between them, and a vacuum cleaner is propped up against the wall.

On the kitchen side, there's a refrigerator with a microwave on top of it. It's also equipped with cooking utensils, and the shelves were stacked with dishes and cooking appliances.

「The bedroom is this way.」

When Kaa-san opened the door, we found a Western-style room of about eight tatami mats. A large bed commands the room, and a long desk is accompanied by two chairs. A full-length mirror was placed next to the dresser, and hangers were hung in the empty closet.

The bed... there's only one bed...!

「It's a nice room, isn't it!」

Faced with such a smile, Nanami and I can do nothing but nod.

「I-I think it's a really, really nice room.」

「Y-Yeah, you're right. It's a very nice room. B-But... hey, is this all of the rooms?」

"This is all of them", Oji-san says as he puts down a cardboard box, answering Nanami's question to no one in particular.

「There were some properties with more rooms among the candidates, but you two have been patient through a long-distance relationship. We thought you'd be happier if you could spend time more closely in a place with fewer rooms.」

Is that why there's only one bed? I'm glad it's a semi-double, and it looks comfortable, but sharing it with Nanami is awkward. Nanami is also looking at me awkwardly with furtive glances.

「Now then, shall we meddlesome guardians make our exit?」

「Yeah. Well then, Nanami, Haruki-kun, take your time and nurture your love.」

「I know you're happy to be living together, but come back to visit every now and then.」

「Haruki-kun, take care of Nanami, okay?」

With those parting words, our parents left the room. The door closes with a click... and we, left behind, look at each other.

「It's really started, our life together...」

「The possibility of it being a prank has been completely crushed...」

We both let out a sigh.

To think that not only would I have to pretend to be her boyfriend, but I'd also end up living with her...

We used to be in and out of each other's houses, living a semi-cohabitating life, but at this age, living together is just plain awkward.

Even though we know each other well, Nanami is a girl. And because she's a girl, I have to be considerate. She was happy about our reunion, but I doubt Nanami wanted me to be by her side twenty-four-seven.

But our cohabitation has begun.

It's too late to say it was a lie. Whether we cry or laugh, there's no turning back. So, we have no choice but to accept it and move forward.

Steeling my resolve, I speak to Nanami cheerfully.

「Now that it's come to this, let's think positively! Let's just think of this as a continuation of our old secret base game!」

「Secret base game?」

「You know, during summer vacation in third grade, we built a secret base in my yard and played in it, remember?」

「Ahh... now that you mention it, we did build one out of cardboard back then. But in the end, Haru-kun's relatives came to visit and took it over, didn't they? We tried to take it back with water guns, and it got all soggy...」

「Yeah. Life here is a continuation of that secret base game. And this time, there's no worry of it being taken over. Plus, even our parents can't just enter as they please unlike back then. In other words, this place is our one and only safe zone.」

「Y-You're right...! I mean, it's not like we're being watched! So that means, as long as we're here, we don't have to feel embarrassed!」

「Yeah. As long as we're here, we don't have to pretend to be a couple.」

Of course, living with someone of the opposite sex is awkward... but what we really need to worry about is the lie being exposed.

「Well then, let's discuss our strategy for the future right now.」

「Strategy for the future?」

「A strategy to make sure no one finds out about our lie.」

The moment we step out of this room, we have to become a couple. We have to be mindful of acting like one.

This is near Hazakura High School. The chances of us running into people we know are high. If we go out, there will probably be many sightings.

That's why it's better to come up with a strategy now that can lower the chances of our lie being exposed, even by a little.

「For example, when we go shopping from now on, how about one of us goes out while the other stays home? I think if we go out alone, we can reduce the risk of being found out.」

I thought it was a good idea, but Nanami tilts her head with a troubled "Mmm".

「Wouldn't that make people more suspicious...」

「Why?」

「I think the students at school will eventually find out we've started living together. I mean, this apartment is right next to the school.」

「That's true... I saw some Hazakura High School students on the way here by car...」

「Our school has club activities on weekends too. I think if we go out shopping, we'll be seen by students with high probability, and if only one of us is seen each time, they'll start to doubt, "Are they really dating?" I kept telling my friends that when I was reunited with Haru-kun, I'd want to be by his side all day...」

「So you mean if I go out alone, that in itself could be suspicious...」

It's true that if you were reunited with the lover you wholeheartedly adored after four and a half years, you'd probably try not to leave their side for a moment.

Nanami hung her head as if dejected.

「Haru-kun, I'm really sorry for taking away your time alone...」

「It's fine, don't apologize. I prefer spending time with Nanami to being alone.」

Nanami looks up, a happy smile on her face.

「Thanks. I love spending time with you Haru-kun! ...Well, because of what people think, we can't be as carefree as we used to be, though.」

「Yeah. ...But well, we can be carefree inside this room. It's not like anyone is watching us.」

「Yeah, you're right...」

Once again, Nanami looks down slightly. She must be feeling guilty for dragging me into this situation because of her lie.

I won't tell her to just get over it, but I don't want her to blame herself too much. I don't want to see Nanami with a gloomy face. I want Nanami to be smiling cheerfully like she used to.

「...That's right, Nanami. Wanna play some games after all this time?」

「Eh, games?」

「Yeah. I mean, right now we can play games together as much as we want. Tomorrow is Sunday, so it's no problem if we stay up late. And there are no parents here to get mad and tell us "Go to bed".」

「That's true...」

「Of course, we have to think about our future strategy too. But for today, let's just enjoy our first game tournament in four and a half years!」

「Sounds good, let's do that! To be honest, I thought I wouldn't be in the mood for that, but I did bring some games just in case! ...I didn't have the mental space to organize them, so I don't remember what box I put what in, though.」

「Then let's start by organizing our things. We should hang up our clothes and stuff before they get wrinkled too.」

「Okay!」

Nanami nods cheerfully and immediately starts unpacking.

We each open our cardboard boxes and first hang our uniforms on the hangers in the closet. I was done in one trip, but Nanami went back and forth between her box and the closet, hanging up jackets and coats.

「You brought your winter clothes too?」

「I won't wear them yet, though. Did you only bring autumn clothes, Haru-kun?」

「Just autumn clothes. I figured I'd have them sent over when I need them.」

「It might get cold suddenly, so since I have a lot, I can lend you some.」

「They're for girls, right?」

「Some are unisex. Em... here, this one would look good on Haru-kun.」

She handed me an off-white boa jacket. As I put on the fluffy-textured jacket, a sweet scent envelopes me.

「...Did you wash this?」

「I-I did. ...Does it feel dirty?」

「Ahh, sorry. That's not it. It has a sweet smell, so I was wondering what it was.」

「It's fabric softener.」

「Fabric softener, huh...」

I thought it might be Nanami's scent and got a little excited. Well, whatever the source of the scent, it's embarrassing to think I'm wearing clothes a girl has worn.

「It looks good on you, Haru-kun.」

「You think so? ...It actually does.」

I'm not a fan of fluffy things, but it's comfortable to wear, and as far as I can tell from the mirror, it suits me.

「Then, lend this to me when winter comes.」

「Okay.」

Nanami nodded with a smile. I put the boa jacket in the closet, and we both resumed unpacking.

I put my clothes in the bottom drawer of the dresser, placed my paperbacks on the desk, and my games in front of the TV stand... and in no time, the unpacking was done.

Next to me, as I was folding the empty cardboard boxes, Nanami had stopped moving. She was looking down, glancing over at me. What is it? Did a bug get in that she wants me to remove?

「What's wrong?」

As I said that and looked at her hands, I saw they were full of underwear!

Nanami hurriedly closes the cardboard box.

「I-It's nothing!」

「I-I see! I'll just go check out the bath and stuff!」

「Y-Yeah! See you later!」

Sent off by a blushing Nanami, I fled the bedroom. I put my hands on the sink and let out a sigh.

Nanami has surprisingly flashy underwear... Rather, living together means we'll be washing our underwear together, right? In that case, will I be the one hanging the underwear to dry? Or will Nanami?

And the balcony is one thing, but if it rains, we'll have to dry them inside. Having a girl my age's underwear hanging in our living space is crazy. Am I going to have to get flustered every time it rains?

「I'm doneー」

Nanami came into the washroom. While there, she peered into the bathroom,

「What a nice bathroom. I was worried it would be a unit bath. There's nothing here, so we'll have to go buy shampoo and stuff later.」

「Yeah. For now, let's make a list of what we need. The game tournament can be after that.」

We return to the bedroom. I take out a pen and paper from my bag and sit at the desk, and Nanami moves a chair to sit next to me.

「Are you particular about shampoo, Nanami?」

「Not really particular, but for shampoo, rinse, and conditioner, I use One Hair.」

She uses a lot of products. I only use shampoo. No wonder her hair is so silky.

「I'm not particular about the brand, so let's go with One Hair. Is it okay if we share?」

「Yeah. For body soap, anything highly moisturizing is fine.」

「Got it. I like facial cleansers with scrub in them, how about you, Nanami?」

「Hmm... I'm not good with scrubs. I tried using Otou-san's once, and it had a cooling sensation that stung.」

「Then let's get separate ones. Also, I'm a mint person for toothpaste...」

「I find it too strong, so I'm not good with them.」

「Then separate toothpaste too.」

「Let's do that. Also, we need hand soap, a body towel, a bath towel, a face towel...」

「And a cleaning set for the bathroom, and laundry detergent. What about fabric softener?」

「We use a detergent with fabric softener already in it.」

「Then let's buy that. What else... right. What about toilet paper? Single or double-ply?」

「Either is fine, but... hold on a sec.」

Nanami leaves the room and returns a moment later.

「There's already toilet paper. It was double-ply.」

「I see. Our parents must have prepared it beforehand in case we ran out and were in trouble.」

「Ah, that's right. I checked while I was at it, but there's juice and tea in the fridge.」

「What about food?」

「There was just some rice in the kitchen cupboard.」

On the balcony were a clothes-drying pole and laundry hangers, and under the desk were tissues and a trash can. Just like the toilet paper and rice, it seems they had prepared the heavy and bulky things for us in advance.

「It's helpful that there's rice, but we'll have to buy ingredients if we're going to cook.」

「Yeah. Also... let's buy a blanket.」

「There's already a blanket.」

「I want a second one. I'm planning to sleep on the sofa. You'd be embarrassed to sleep with me too, right?」

「Y-Yeah... but, even so, Haru-kun should use the bed. This all happened because of me...」

Nanami looks apologetic. I'd prefer the bed if possible, but I don't want to put Nanami through all the trouble.

「In that case, how about you use the bed on even days, and I use it on odd days?」

「Okay, got it. If that's okay with Haru-kun.」

「That's settled then. Okay, buy a blanket... check. Is there anything else we need?」

「Hmm... I can't think of anything in particular.」

「Then we'll buy what's on the list... Nanami, are you familiar with this area?」

「Yeah. There's a mall nearby if we want to shop. The sun will set in about two hours, so should we get it done now?」

「Yeah... let's finish the shopping while it's still light out. The game tournament will be tonight after everything's done.」

I put the shopping list in my pocket and take out my wallet from my bag. It contains just under 8,000 yen. It's a bit of a tight budget for buying household goods.

「By the way, has this month's living expenses been transferred yet?」

「Otou-san said he transferred it. Leave the payment to me.」

「I'm counting on you. Next month is my turn.」

"Leave it to me", Nanami said with a smile.

When we first came here, I was nothing but anxious, but it seems I've found the room to smile after talking with her.

I get anxious when Nanami is tense, but when she smiles at me like this, I feel calm too.

And so, after getting ready to go out, we went to the nearby shopping mall.

...Going shopping for our daily necessities together, just the two of us, felt a little strange, as if we were really dating.

◆

About ten minutes after leaving the apartment. As I felt her warmth on my left, we rounded the corner towards the east exit of Hazakura Station, and the shopping mall came into view.

It's a small-scale mall, but we're not looking for anything rare. We should be able to get everything we need there. It's a relief to have a store like this nearby.

「...Right, there's something I have to tell Haru-kun while I have the chance...」

Just as we were about to step into the mall, still holding hands, Nanami spoke to me apologetically.

「Something you have to tell me?」

「I told my friends before. That I promised Haru-kun that "we'd link arms during dates"...」

「Link arms... like this?」

When I struck the pose the owner often does in ramen shop posters, Nanami, blushing, said, "The couple-like one..." Of course...

Just holding hands should make us look enough like a couple, but it's better to do as Nanami says just in case. We have to be thorough so no one suspects we're a fake couple.

「Then... let's link up.」

「Y-Yeah. Excuse me then...」

Nanami moved closer and timidly linked her arm with mine. Even though we aren't that close, something soft touches my arm, and my body threatens to heat up.

Heart pounding, we entered the shopping mall and were greeted by lively voices. It seems there are a lot of families here since it's a day off. The grocery section was right inside, but where were the other things sold?

「...What are you looking for?」

「The mall directory.」

「You don't have to look for that. The directory is right here.」

Nanami taps her temple with her finger. It's a gesture you don't see much in real life.

「Are you serious?」

「Ah, that's mean. You don't believe me?」

「I want to believe you, but there's a precedent. Remember, during summer vacation in third grade, our families went to your grandma's house together, right?」

「We did. Obaa-chan's still doing well.」

"That's good to hear", I replied, and continued,

「That day, there was a summer festival at a park two kilometers away, and Oji-san and the others were considerate enough to offer to take us, but Nanami refused, didn't you? You said, "I've been there many times, so we won't get lost".」

「D-Did that happen?」

Nanami is looking away. She definitely remembers.

「Don't say you've forgotten. We weren't getting to the festival grounds, and when I pressed you, "When are we going to get there?" you suddenly burst into tears, "I'm sorry, Haru-kun! I'm soorryyy, I'm loooost!"」

「M-Mmm. I can't seem to remember.」

Nanami is playing dumb.

Well, I can understand why she'd want to play dumb. After getting lost, she fell and hurt her leg, and I had to carry her on my back, but on the way she wet herself.

There was no way we could enjoy the summer festival in that state, so we borrowed a smartphone from a kind woman who voiced her concern, summoned Tou-san, and headed home.

Nanami clears her throat with a cough.

「A-Anyway! This place is like my backyard, so we won't get lost! I've become a responsible person in the last four and a half years.」

Maybe she was really happy that I called her "a responsible person" the other day.

Well, if we get lost, we can just look at the directory. For now, let's rely on Nanami's mental map.

「There's a place I want to go before our hands are full with shopping, can you guide me there?」

「Sure. Where?」

「The arcade.」

「Got it, the arcade!──Wait, the arcade?! We came to shop, but we're going to the arcade?!」

Nanami's straight-man routine exploded.

「I'm not kidding. This is near Hazakura High. Students might be watching us at the mall from somewhere. If someone sees us playing at the arcade, they'll think we're doing proper couple-like things.」

「That's true... Haru-kun, you're thinking about this really seriously.」

「Well, it's not someone else's problem. So, is there an arcade in this mall?」

「Yeah, there is. I took some purikura with Ikeda-san and the others before. Look at this.」

Nanami showed me her smartphone. Tucked inside the clear smartphone case was a purikura of the gyaru, Ikeda-san, and Nanami. Both of their eyes were abnormally huge.

At any rate.

「Take me to the arcade.」

「Leave it to me. The crane games at this arcade are really extensive.」

With a cheerful Nanami, we take the escalator to the second floor. We pass the women's clothing section and step into the arcade, where upbeat music is playing.

「You're right, it's all crane games.」

「There are so many types, it's fun just to look at them.」

"Yeah", I reply as we walk side by side, looking at the crane games. After the stuffed animal section, we came to the figurine section, and further on is the snack corner.

「Have you been playing crane games recently, Nanami?」

「Nope, I haven't. I don't go to arcades by myself, and I don't publicize my otaku hobbies. Even when I play with friends, I only aim for cute stuffed animals. Like Chicowa.」

「Chicowa, huh. It's popular these days. I bought a rubber strap too. Were you able to get the stuffed animal?」

Nanami laughs self-deprecatingly.

「I gave up after 1000 yen. I've always been bad at crane games. Have you been playing recently, Haru-kun?」

「The last time I played was two months ago. Among my friends at my old school, I was the best at crane games. When I gave a small stuffed animal I won to a friend, she was really happy.」

「You're so kind, Haru-kun. What kind of stuffed animal was it?」

「I have a picture, I'll show you. Mmm... here it is, this one.」

I found the photo in my folder and showed it to Nanami. And then with a puzzled look she said,

「Eh, a girl?」

On the smartphone screen is a girl with a ponytail holding a small stuffed animal. I wanted her to focus on the stuffed animal, but Nanami seems more interested in the girl and asks in a probing manner.

「...Haru-kun, did you have a girlfriend?」

「How did you get to that conclusion?」

「Because this is a date, isn't it?」

「It's not like that. This girl... Natsukawa, is one of my several otaku friends. I didn't give her the stuffed animal because I wanted to get her attention. Natsukawa said to me, "This is really hard. Why don't you try it, Hayakawa-kun?" I gave it a try, won it, and just passed it on to her.」

「Wouldn't she fall for you if you did that?」

Life would be easy if a girl fell for me just for giving her a stuffed animal... but well, Nanami has been popular without doing anything.

「She wouldn't fall for me. I mean, is that something to get so hung up on?」

「It is. Because, this situation is bad for Natsukawa-san. Even if she comes to see Haru-kun during winter break, she'll find out you're supposedly in a passionate relationship with me.」

Ahh... she's feeling guilty.

Natsukawa is just a friend. We didn't have romantic feelings for each other. She's not going to chase after me when it's not easy to meet.

However, Nanami doesn't know my relationship with Natsukawa well. It's hard to convince her with just words that "Natsukawa isn't into me". I need to make her believe "Natsukawa isn't in love with me" through a method other than words. Otherwise, the guilt will stick with Nanami.

In that case──

「Should we test it?」

「Test it?」

I nod at Nanami, who tilts her head.

「I'm going to get a stuffed animal for Nanami. How you feel then is how Natsukawa felt.」

「You don't have to go that far...」

「I can't leave you feeling anxious. ...Well, I'll try to pick an easy one.」

Saying that, I look around at the crane games.

My target is an easy-looking machine, but it's meaningless if the prize is weird. Just as I did for Natsukawa, I have to get a prize that Nanami would be happy with.

「How about that one?」

I point to a smaller machine. It's a colorful chick keychain plushie. It's fluffy and looks like it would feel good to touch.

「It's cute. Are you really going to get it for me?」

「Would you be happy if I gave it to you?」

「If you did that, I'd treasure it.」

「Then I'll get it for you.」

It's a one-hundred-yen-per-play crane game. From experience, I can get this type of machine within 1500 yen.

I have 8000 yen on me. There's a game I want coming out at the end of this month, so I'd like to get it within 1000 yen if possible.

For a moment, I move away from Nanami and put a coin in the machine.

「Do your best...!」

Amidst Nanami's cheers, I press the button and operate the crane. The first time failed, the second failed, the third failed, and on the fourth try, I got the sky-blue chick!

「You're amazing, Haru-kun! You got it in 400 yen!」

「How about that!」

Thank goodness. When I failed three times in a row without even coming close, I braced myself for a long haul.

I take the chick from the prize chute and hand it to Nanami. She accepted it with a smile.

「So, what did you think?」

「Let's see... "I'm happy", "Thank you", "It's cute", "You're so kind", I guess.」

「Did you fall in love with me?」

「I've always loved Haru-kun.」

「I know that. I'm not talking about that, I mean romantic feelings.」

I brushed it off lightly, but at this age, "I love you" has a lot of destructive power. My heart skipped a beat...

「That's not there.」

「See? Natsukawa is the same. We were good friends, but I don't think she had romantic feelings for me.」

Nanami's cheeks relaxed as if she were relieved.

「That's good. So there are no girls in love with Haru-kun.」

「That's it.」

And what a way to put it. Let's try to be a little more diplomatic.

I was a little dejected, but... I was able to buy Nanami's smile for 400 yen. Let's call it a win.

「Well, what's next? Do you want to play a crane game too, Nanami?」

「No. I had enough fun, so I'm good for today. Our main purpose is shopping, so should we go soon?」

「Let's do that.」

Having come to an agreement, Nanami carefully puts the chick in the pocket of her cardigan. Then we linked arms again and left the arcade.

With Nanami's guidance, we go to the cart area, and while pushing one with one hand, we visit the household goods section. Then, following the list, we throw the necessary items into the cart. We remembered things that weren't on the list along the way like trash bags and dish soap, and added those to the cart too.

「That's everything we need.」

「As far as we can think of. It's nearby, so we can always come back if we remember something else... by the way, did you not need lotion?」

As we passed the shampoo aisle, it suddenly occurred to me, so I asked.

「I have my own toner and moisturizer, so I brought them. What about Haru-kun?」

「I don't use them at all.」

「Eh, no way. You don't use them?」

「It's a pain to pat it on my face after a bath.」

Unlinking her arm, Nanami touched my cheek. My surprise must have shown on my face, because Nanami lets out a small "Ah". It seemed she had touched me out of old habit, and she quickly pulled her hand away, clearing her throat to hide her embarrassment.

「I-It's not dry yet... but it'll get rough in the winter.」

「It just gets a little itchy, it didn't get rough.」

「But skincare is important. Otherwise, your skin will age, and you'll be the first one to be called "Oji-chan" by your younger relatives. I'll let you use mine, so starting today, toner and moisturizer for you.」

It's a strange way to worry, but she's still being considerate. I don't want to worry Nanami, so I decided to make my skincare debut.

After paying, we head to the first floor.

We pile the shopping bags on the bottom rack of the cart and put the basket on the top. Then, linking arms and pushing the cart, we first head to the vegetable section.

「It feels like we've become adults.」

「We don't usually buy groceries for ourselves. What do you want to eat, Nanami?」

「Let's see... how about curry?」

Nanami seems somewhat unconfident. Does she think I don't like curry?

「Then let's have curry today.」

When I agree, Nanami says in a somewhat pleading tone,

「I want to eat keema curry.」

「Keema curry, huh. I've had it before, but it seems hard to make.」

「Should we do something else?」

「No, if that's what Nanami wants keema curry is fine.」

I have no experience with cooking. When it comes to cooking for ourselves, Nanami is my only hope. If Nanami says she can make it, I would very much like her to make keema curry.

"Then I want keema curry", Nanami says with a smile.

「For keema curry, the ingredients are... onion, carrot, and minced meat, huh.」

I can't remember the last time I ate keema curry. It was finely chopped, so I'm not confident, but I think those were the ingredients.

It seems I wasn't wrong, as Nanami didn't point anything out and just said, "The meat is over there", pointing. For now, I put the bagged onions and carrots in the cart and head to the meat section. I'm not sure how many grams we need... but well, if there's extra, we can just freeze it.

I put 200 grams of minced meat in the cart, and I was about to go look for the curry roux, but then I thought a soft-boiled egg would be delicious, so I added a pack of six eggs to the cart.

「Are you buying eggs?」

「I thought it would be good with a soft-boiled egg on top.」

「Good idea! Just imagining it makes me want to eat it sooner.」

「Me too. I'm looking forward to dinner tonight.」

Hoping for some delicious keema curry, we continued our shopping date.

◆

We arrived back at the apartment just as it was nearing 6 PM. The sky, which had been a clear blue, is now dim.

I turn on the room lights and take the items out of the shopping bags. Nanami is in charge of the food, while I place the daily necessities in the changing room and bathroom.

And when the shopping bags were empty, we looked at each other and said, "Well then".

「Let's make dinner.」

「Yeah. Do you have an apron, Haru-kun?」

「I don't. Do you?」

「I do. I'll lend it to you.」

I'm the taste-tester, but today it's curry. I should probably wear an apron so I don't get my clothes dirty.

「Then lend it to me.」

"Okay", Nanami said, running to the bedroom.

...Still, Nanami has her own apron. That's proof she usually cooks, so I can probably look forward to the curry.

As I was getting excited, Nanami returned with an apron in her hand.

"Here you go", she said, holding out a familiar-looking apron. This is...

「The apron we made in class in fifth grade, huh.」

「You remember it well.」

「I remember you crying to me, "I can't make it, help me".」

「I was in your debt back then. If it weren't for Haru-kun, I would have been the only one to bring home an unfinished one. You've really been reliable since way back then.」

Being told such nice things with a smiling face made me feel embarrassed. Wearing the apron while my cheeks were still slightly hot, Nanami stared at me intently.

「The apron looks good on you, Haru-kun.」

「Thanks. ...Well, it's embarrassing to wear a dragon-patterned apron as a high school student, though.」

「Is it embarrassing? At the time you were all excited, "This is so cool! I'm definitely getting this one!"」

Actually, I did think it was cool at the time. That's why when Nanami and I were looking at the apron order form, I immediately decided on the dark dragon apron. Then Nanami, though she said, "Dragons are scary, but I want to match with Haru-kun!" was the only girl to choose the dragon pattern.

I was happy that she chose the same one even though she was scared of dragons. And... it's been five years since then, but the apron is as clean as new. It feels like she's cherishing our childhood memories, which makes me happy. I'll have to wear it carefully so it doesn't get dirty.

「By the way, where's your apron, Nanami?」

「That's the only one.」

Because she's used to cooking, does she not worry about getting her clothes dirty? I think she should wear one just in case, but if Nanami says so, I guess that's fine.

「Well then, let's start making the keema curry.」

「Okay! I'm expecting some delicious keema curry!」

「I'm expecting it too! ...Mmm?」

「Huh?」

We both tilt our heads. As if sensing a bad premonition, Nanami's expression gradually clouded over, seeming to reflect my own feelings.

「...Nanami is the one making the keema curry, right?」

「N-No, no, isn't Haru-kun making it?」

「W-Wait a minute! I can't cook!?」

「I can't either!?」

「Are you serious!?」

「I'm serious! What about Haru-kun, are you not kidding? You were shopping like a guy who cooks for himself...」

「What kind of shopping was that... A normal high school boy can't cook!」

「I'm a normal high school girl too, so I can't cook either! I'm not bragging, but I can't even cook rice properly!」

"If you leave it to me, it'll turn into porridge, so be careful", she warned.

She can't even cook rice? Nanami's cooking skills are worse than mine...

Well, I didn't think Nanami could cook back in elementary school. But she has that responsible aura, and more importantly, Nanami was the one who suggested making keema curry. And yet, she can't even cook rice...

「Then why did you say you'd make keema curry...」

「I-I didn't say that! I just requested it. Haru-kun's always been reliable, so I thought maybe you could make keema curry.」

Looking back, her tone was indeed a bit pleading. And she never once said, "I'll make it".

「Was I misunderstood...」

When I sighed, Nanami drooped.

「Uhh, I'm sorry. For saying something that made you misunderstand...」

「No... it's fine. It's not something you have to apologize for. In fact, it might be good that you're bad at cooking.」

「W-Why?」

「If you were good at cooking, I would have ended up pushing it all on you. Since we're living together, we have to cooperate on everything.」

「You think like an adult...」

Nanami looks impressed, but her anxiety doesn't seem to have lifted. I'm just putting on a brave face for Nanami, but I'm feeling anxious too. At the same time, I'm keenly feeling the gratitude for my parents who made delicious meals every day.

「What are we going to do now...?」

「There are three options.」

I count on my fingers as I propose what to do next.

「First, gnaw on a raw carrot.」

「Uhh, that's definitely going to be tough... I at least want some mayonnaise...」

「Unfortunately, you'll have to enjoy the taste of the ingredient as it is.」

We didn't buy any kind of condiments.

「What are the other two?」

「Second, go buy frozen food right now.」

「That's an easy solution.」

「Right? However, this is just postponing the problem. As long as we don't try to cook, we'll stay bad at it. And to add to that, if we tell our parents we're eating frozen food every day, they'll worry.」

「I don't want to worry our families... What's the last option?」

「The two of us try our hand at cooking, something we're not used to. Of course, it doesn't have to be every day. We can have frozen food days. But, I want to make keema curry today. Otherwise, the ingredients we bought will go to waste.」

「But... do you know how to make keema curry?」

「If we don't know, we can look it up. If we follow a recipe, it should taste decent enough.」

Luckily, it's curry. If we throw in some curry roux, anything will taste like curry. As long as we don't try to get fancy with it, it should be delicious.

A ray of hope appeared on Nanami's face.

「Listening to Haru-kun, I feel like we can do it!」

「Alright, now that's decided, let's start cooking. Nanami, you're on rice duty! Watch the water level, and cook it so it doesn't turn into porridge!」

「I'll try...!」

Nervous but determined, Nanami begins to act. As I watch Nanami pull the heavy rice bag from the kitchen cupboard, I search for a keema curry recipe on my phone.

According to the recipe written there, the 200 grams of mixed minced meat we bought today is enough for four servings.

It's a pain to have leftovers. I'll just throw it all in and make four servings, and we can have half for lunch tomorrow.

I read further into the recipe. We're missing some ingredients, but it seems we'll use the onion and carrot. Keema curry apparently means "minced meat curry", so as long as we have minced meat, it works.

We don't have the seasonings written in the recipe either, but we have curry roux. With this, it's guaranteed to taste like curry.

I put a cutting board and a knife on the kitchen counter and first finely chop the carrot. Next, I start dicing the onion...

「Kuh...」

「What's wrong, Haru-kun?」

「The onion is stinging my eyes...」

「Wait a sec.」

Nanami wiped my tears with a tissue. "It's like surgery", I joke, and Nanami giggles.

「You're good at dicing, Haru-kun.」

「It's just chopping finely. How about you over there?」

「I just have to press the button. But there are a lot of buttons, so I'm confused. Should I set it from this "menu" thing?」

「Is there no "cook rice" button?」

「There is.」

「Then just press that. When you press it, get out the frying pan.」

With a beep, Nanami presses the button and takes out a frying pan. In the meantime, I finish dicing the onion, add some salad oil, and then stir-fried the onion and carrot.

「My hands are full, so put the meat in here for me.」

「Is it okay if I just dump it in?」

"Go ahead", I nod, and Nanami, looking slightly nervous, drops the mixed minced meat into the frying pan. As I continue to stir-fry, I next ask her to "prepare the water and curry roux".

「How much water and roux?」

「I don't know. Anyway, it's for four servings. Isn't the amount written on the back of the package?」

「Em... ah, it's written here! Can I put it in now?」

「Wait a little longer.」

When the red minced meat was cooked through, I added water, and when it came to a boil, I had her put in the curry roux and stirred while it dissolved.

「It smells like curry.」

「It does. Very much like curry.」

Smelling this scent, I feel relieved, like it's getting close to being done.

Breathing a sigh of relief, I stirred well so the roux was evenly distributed, and the keema curry was complete.

「It's done...」

「It is... I was wondering what would happen for a moment. ...Ah, right. What about the soft-boiled eggs?」

「I can make soft-boiled eggs.」

「As expected, Haru-kun! I can't sleep with my feet pointed towards you tonight~」

「Given the direction of the bed, you'll be sleeping with your feet pointed right at me, though.」

I say jokingly, as I fill a small pot with water and bring it to a boil. Then I turn off the heat, put the eggs in the hot water, and decide to wait for about fifteen minutes while watching TV.

Soon after, the rice cooker beeped. I opened it to find it perfectly cooked.

「Thank goodness. It's cooked all fluffy.」

It's a relief it didn't turn into porridge. I leave it to Nanami to serve the white rice, and I take the eggs out of the small pot. I pour the curry over the white rice, top it with a soft-boiled egg, and today's dinner is ready.

「It looks delicious!」

「We can do anything if we try!」

I feel like I've grown as a person. This experience will lead to confidence. If we cook for ourselves every day like this, we'll probably be quite good at cooking by the time we move again.

I carried the curry to the low table, prepared glasses of tea and spoons, sat down on the sofa,

「「Time to eat!」」

we said, putting our hands together, and immediately dug into the curry.

...Yeah, it's delicious! It's moderately spicy, just like a medium-hot curry. The cooking time was just right, and the minced meat wasn't dry.

More than anything, the fact that we made it ourselves enhances the deliciousness. Come to think of it, the curry we made at the forest school also tasted delicious.

「It's delicious.」

「Then we can face tomorrow's lunch with peace of mind.」

「Curry is at its best on the second day. Should we have curry for dinner tomorrow too?」

「I like it, but every day is a bit much... How about we try making some easy dishes and expand our repertoire, not just for tomorrow's dinner?」

「Easy dishes... like udon, or yakisoba?」

「Yakisoba has a lot of ingredients, and the leftover vegetables would just be sitting in the fridge... let's try making meat udon first.」

We still have leftover onions. All we need to do is stir-fry beef with sweet soy sauce. Tomorrow we'll buy sugar and soy sauce... and while we're at it, maybe some mayonnaise and ketchup.

「I'm looking forward to tomorrow~」

Just a little while ago, she was anxious, but now Nanami's cheeks are loose. Making delicious curry seems to have completely cleared her anxiety.

After finishing the keema curry, we clean up together and sit down on the sofa.

The time is just past 7:30 PM. We decided to have a game tournament tonight, but before that, we both wanted to take a bath.

「Do you want to go first, Nanami?」

「I think I will. You haven't filled the tub, have you?」

「If you haven't filled it, it hasn't been filled.」

"Then I'll get in while it's filling", Nanami said, heading to the bedroom. Holding her pajamas and other things, she disappears into the washroom with a "See you later". A voice shortly after announced, "Filling the bath."

Well then.

「I'll do my homework while I can.」

I voice my thoughts to motivate myself and spread my study materials on the desk in the bedroom.

I had almost forgotten amidst the chaos of our sudden cohabitation, but I have to turn in my homework on Monday, and we have midterm exams on Thursday, Friday, and then Monday and Tuesday after the weekend.

The high school I attended before transferring was slightly better academically than Hazakura High. I'm still keeping up with the classes. If I don't let my guard down, I should be in the upper-middle range. Plus, Nanami is apparently one of the top students at Hazakura High, so if there's a problem I don't understand, I can just ask her.

Anyway, first is the homework. I finish the math workbook and then move on to English. As I was translating the English sentences while looking up words in the dictionary, I heard a noise from the bathroom.

Looking at my smartphone, it's been thirty minutes since I started studying. She's taking a much longer bath than she used to. In elementary school, her baths were as quick as a crow's.

「I'm out of the bathー... ah, you were here. I'm out.」

Nanami came to the bedroom. She's wearing loose sweatpants on the bottom and a short-sleeved T-shirt on top. A towel is draped over her shoulders, and her black hair is damp. Her flushed skin is alluring, and since she's just wearing a T-shirt, the shape of her chest is clearly visible. I can't help but stare, and my heart rate goes up.

The flower on a high peak known as the Unfallable Beautiful Girl, and I are spending time alone together. The reality of that fact hits me now.

「...Ahh, okay. Aren't you cold in just a short-sleeved shirt?」

「I'll put on a jacket later. I accidentally fell asleep in the tub, so I'm really warm. Are you... getting in now, Haru-kun?」

「I'll get in in about five minutes. I'm almost done with my homework.」

「Ah, you were doing homework. I was thinking we could do it together.」

Nanami approached me and peered at my notebook. A scent of shampoo I'm not used to wafts over.

「Heeh, you're translating it properly.」

「You can tell just by looking?」

「I'm good at English! If there's a problem you don't understand, you can ask me anything.」

「I'll take you up on that. If you have a problem you don't understand, don't hesitate to ask me either.」

"I will", Nanami smiled and headed back to the washroom. As the sound of a hairdryer fills the air, I finish the last of the translation and take out a change of clothes from the dresser.

As I sat on the sofa waiting, Nanami came over and said, "I'm done". I go to the washroom in her place... and the washing machine with its lid left open comes into view. The thought that there is a girl's underwear in there makes me inevitably conscious of it.

「...Calm down, me.」

She's a girl, but it's Nanami. She's like a little sister I grew up with as family. Just because she's become a beautiful girl doesn't change the fact that she's Nanami.

She's changed in front of me countless times, we've even bathed together, and I've even seen her naked. And I'm getting flustered now!

I banish my worldly desires, throw my clothes into the washing machine, and step into the bathroom. I finish washing my hair, lather my body with the gray body towel I bought for myself, and rinse myself clean with the shower.

「......」

I glance at the bathtub. The thought that Nanami had been soaking in it just a moment ago made my heart race again.

It's relatively warm today, so I'd be fine without getting in, but the temperature is going to keep dropping. In winter, if I don't soak in the tub, I might catch a cold. It's better to get used to it now than to struggle with the decision in a cold bathroom then.

Steeling my resolve, I soak in the tub. It had gotten quite lukewarm, but because I was so flustered, I warmed up faster than usual.

I got out of the bath, put on my pajamas, and as instructed, tended to my skin with toner and moisturizer, then brushed my teeth and dried my hair before heading to the living room.

I thought she would be doing her homework, but Nanami was lying on the sofa. The TV was on, and it seemed she had fallen asleep.

The game tournament we had promised... well, we can do that another time. She said she couldn't sleep well yesterday, and seeing her breathing peacefully, I started to feel sleepy too.

It's still just past 9 PM. It's early to go to bed, but let's just rest for today.

「Nanami, sleep in the bed. You'll catch a cold if you sleep on the sofa. ...Nanamiー wake upー Oii, Nanamiー Nanamiー」

It's no use. She shows no signs of waking up.

I tried shaking her shoulder lightly, but she's fast asleep.

What should I do... I could just put a blanket over her, but today is Nanami's day to sleep in the bed. And she's only wearing a T-shirt on top. She might catch a cold like this.

「I guess I have no choice...」

I go to the bedroom once, lift the covers, and go back to Nanami. I put one arm under her back and the other under her knees and scoop her up, princess-style.

「...She's surprisingly light.」

Nanami has grown taller compared to before. I had braced myself for her weight to have increased proportionally, but she was much lighter than I had imagined.

Her height is taller than the average girl's, and her chest is quite large, yet she's this light... she has too little excess fat, or rather, how good is her figure?

「......」

Careful not to stare at the large chest swaying below my eyes in time with her breathing, I carry Nanami to the bedroom.

And just as I bent down and gently laid her on the bed, Nanami's eyes snapped open. I was in a position almost hovering over her, and we ended up staring at each other from an extremely close distance.

With her eyes wide open, Nanami's cheeks instantly turn red.

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-11706" src="https:sainokantls.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/fnbd08.jpg" alt="" width="1452" height="2048" />

「──Eh? Ehh!? W-W-W-What!? W-What's going on, Haru-kun!? D-Do you want to sleep together like we used to!?」

「T-That's not it! You wouldn't wake up when I called or shook you, so I carried you to the bed.」

「I-I see. Thanks for carrying me. ...Was I heavy?」

「You were light. Then, I'm going to sleep on the sofa.」

「Okay. ...Ah, but I haven't brushed my teeth yet...」

「In that case, I'll leave the living room light on, so turn it off when you come back to the bedroom.」

"Okay", Nanami said, getting up.

I grab the blanket that was next to the bed and lay down on the sofa. As I cover myself with the blanket and close my eyes, perhaps having finished brushing her teeth, the other side of my eyelids goes dark.

「...Haru-kun, are you asleep yet?」

I thought about pretending to be asleep... but if I ignore her, we might start the next morning with lingering awkwardness.

「...I'm awake, what is it?」

「No, it's nothing. I just wanted to say goodnight.」

She was flustered in the bedroom, but Nanami's voice is calm now. Maybe she regained her composure while brushing her teeth.

「Goodnight, Nanami.」

「Goodnight, Haru-kun.」

Exchanging goodnight greetings like we used to, the awkwardness lessened somewhat.

Nanami heads back to the bedroom with somewhat satisfied steps.

I was flustered when we were staring at each other up close... but it seems Nanami isn't bothered by it anymore. With this, we can continue our cohabitation without feeling awkward from tomorrow on.

However, while the awkwardness has faded... the earlier incident blew away my sleepiness, and I couldn't get to sleep easily again today.