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Episode 13: “Challengers Are Rejected”
I thought I had no regrets. However, the next morning, I found myself regretting immediately.
“I’m scared of nighttime energy…”
I muttered, sitting up in bed and holding my head. Why did I suddenly ask her out at night? I must have seemed really pushy.
From Nanami-san, who isn’t used to boys, it might have been intimidating. I reflect on that.
But well, at least her tone of voice seemed happy… or at least, I want to believe that. So, let’s consider it not a failure.
Still, I should apologize for that when we meet today.
I got up and started preparing for school, and surprisingly, my mother was in the living room. I thought she had already left for work, so it’s unusual.
“Good morning, Mom.”
“Good morning. Yesterday and today… you’re quite early, Youshin. Is something going on?”
…She’s sharp. Maybe she stayed behind without going to work because she wanted to ask that?
I couldn’t honestly say, “I have a girlfriend,” so I casually made up something about having something to do at school, received today’s lunch money from her in person after a long time, and went to school without delay.
As I was leaving, my mother called out to me.
“On Saturday, both your father and I can have dinner together, But both of us have business trips from Sunday morning… Sorry, but you’ll have to eat alone.”
“Yeah, I understand.”
I just listened to that and headed to the meeting place with Nanami-san. The meeting time is 7:30, but I moved to arrive 30 minutes early.
We talked about it yesterday, and it was decided to stop arriving an hour early.
So today, I moved to arrive 30 minutes early… and I arrived at the meeting place before Nanami-san did.
“Good, I guess I won’t have to make her wait.”
“Too bad, I’m already here!”
Startled by the voice from behind, I trembled and turned around, and there was Nanami-san with a smiling face.
“Good morning, Youshin. You’re early. I wanted to say ‘you’re late’ when I arrived first.”
She had such a cute thought.
No, rather than that, why did I get surprised all of a sudden?
When I asked her that, she said it was payback for surprising her yesterday. Oh, right, I did poke her cheek and surprise her… I understand now.
No, more importantly, greetings. Although I was caught off guard by Nanami-san’s expectant eyes, I have to gather my courage.
“Good morning, Nanami-san… That hairstyle suits you… It’s… it’s… cute.”
Today, I was able to say it. It didn’t go smoothly, but I managed to say it. And judging by Nanami-san’s delighted expression, it seems my answer was correct.
“Thank you. As a reward for that, I’ll grant you the right to hold hands with me on the way to school and today’s lunchbox.”
( TLN: although she confessed as a punishment but still can she say that? I mean you confessed haha anyways )
“…I’m grateful for this happiness.”
She is beaming with a smile, satisfied with my response. Since earlier… what is it? Her reaction is different from yesterday, and she seems more relaxed.
No, rather than being relaxed, should I say she’s in high spirits?
I wonder if something good happened… Well, if she’s enjoying herself, that’s fine. It makes me happy too.
We continue holding hands as we head to school.
There are more people today than yesterday, but there are fewer students looking at us with curious eyes. Finally, has the rumor spread? I hope nothing weird happens.
“Oh, by the way, Nanami-san… I’m sorry for suddenly asking you out yesterday.”
In response to my words, she places a finger on her cheek and tilts her head.
“Why are you apologizing?”
“Well… you know, Nanami-san, you’re not used to boys, right? I invited you impulsively yesterday, so I thought it might have scared you… I apologize if that was the case.”
“Mm… It’s okay. It’s true that I’m not used to boys, and it’s a little scary, but I was happy about your invitation, Youshin… Yes, I was really happy.”
She said that with a bashful smile. Maybe, is she in high spirits because I asked her out on a date?
Is it okay for me to be conceited about that? If that’s the case, it already makes me feel relieved…
“Huh? But did I… tell you that I’m not used to boys, Youshin?”
I suddenly realize my own mistake.
She didn’t tell me that she’s not used to boys. That information was something I accidentally overheard on the first day.
I can’t say, “Oh, by the way, I eavesdropped on that day.” In fact, I absolutely can’t say it.
“Well, you know, yesterday, you mentioned it was your first time dating a boy. So, I just thought that since someone as cute as Nanami had her first experience with a boy, maybe you weren’t used to them… Looks like my guess was right.”
I say it quickly and in a rush, trying to cover up. It’s embarrassing that I inadvertently mentioned she’s cute again, but in response to those words, she murmurs “cute…” and her cheeks turn red.
( TLN: cute…)
Well, it seems like I was able to cover it up without any problems.
But why is Nanami-san not good with boys? She’s such a cute person… In fact, she could easily manipulate boys as much as she wants… Did she have some unpleasant experiences in the past?
If that’s the case, I hope I can help her get used to boys even a little bit. The world isn’t filled with weird boys only. It’s hard for me to say that I’m not a weird guy…
“Oh, it’s not like there’s a serious reason, so don’t worry. It’s just that… I don’t know why, but I feel a bit uneasy or scared… It’s just that kind of feeling.”
She leans in to peer at my face and pokes my cheek as if to reassure me. Is this her way of teasing me in return for yesterday?
While she continues poking my cheek, Nanami-san continues speaking. Maybe she likes the sensation?
“When I was in elementary school, boys used to tease me a lot. But I didn’t feel that scared or uncomfortable until around sixth grade…”
That’s probably the typical behavior of boys who are mean to the girls they like… Young Nanami-san must have been cute, without a doubt.
No, more importantly…
“…You understood what I was thinking?”
“It’s only the third day, but I am your girlfriend, after all.”
She proudly puffs her chest, and I touch my own face with the hand that’s free. Did it show on my face that clearly?
If that’s the case, I need to brace myself… I shouldn’t let her know that I know about the punishment game… I can’t let her know.
But… if Nanami-san puffs her chest, it would be incredible… How should I put it… It’s like a violent shaking… Well, just that would make me energized for the whole day.
She notices my gaze, and she twists her body to cover her chest with one hand.
“…Pervert.”
With flushed cheeks, she utters that one word with half-closed eyes, and I desperately apologize while trying not to collapse from embarrassment…
“I don’t mind your gaze, Youshin… unlike the gazes of other boys… So, I’ll forgive you.”
…That one word is unfair, Nanami-san.
After that, we arrive at the classroom together. While I didn’t face a barrage of questions today, Nanami-san is once again taken away by Otofuke-san and Kagone-san to somewhere.
Are they checking on the progress of the punishment game? It’s alright, Nanami-san was perfect today too, that’s what I want to say.
The conversation seems to be over as Otofuke-san and Kagone-san return to the classroom with a smirk. Nanami-san’s face is all red. I wonder what they talked about?
And so, the classes continue without any major incidents, and lunchtime arrives in no time. I was looking forward to lunch.
I never thought I would be looking forward to lunch… I blame myself for getting sentimental…
The incident happened during lunch.
She handed me a blue lunchbox… the one we bought together yesterday.
It’s a lunchbox that embodies happiness, with yellow rolled omelet, sausages, and two large hamburgers… I naturally took multiple pictures of it.
“If there’s enough food in this amount…”
“Thank you, Nanami-san. It looks delicious again today.”
“That’s good. But if it ever runs out, I won’t be able to feed you with ‘aaahn’.”
Her words reminded me of yesterday, and I blushed, but Nanami-san also blushed, recalling the same thing.
She intended to tease me, but it turned into self-sabotage. I quickly corrected myself, saying, “Sorry, it’s nothing.”
While we chatted and enjoyed our lunch, a large shadow suddenly appeared in front of us.
“Excuse me… Nanami-san, can I talk to you for a moment?”
“I’m sorry, but we’re having lunch together. Shibe-senpai.”
A tall, handsome guy stood there.
He’s quite big. He looks even taller when I’m sitting down. He must be around 190 centimeters.
Although I haven’t done anything, he exudes an intimidating aura… it’s a little scary.
If it’s already a bit intimidating for me, a guy, then Nanami-san might find him even scarier.
So I moved closer to Nanami-san and subtly leaned my body against hers.
Ignoring the surprised Nanami-san, I pointed to the seat next to me.
“Senpai, it’s not good to stand and talk. Please sit here next to me. Also, we’ll finish our lunch soon, so could you wait a bit?”
“Hmm… and who are you?”
“Ah, I’m Youshin Misumai. I’m Nanami-san’s boyfriend.”
Upon hearing my words, Senpai’s cheek twitched slightly. He seemed a bit hesitant, but after glancing briefly at Nanami-san, who was not paying him any attention, he obediently took a seat beside me.
“Nanami-san, you’re really good at cooking such a big hamburger. I remember when I tried cooking once on a whim, the inside was raw. In the end, I had to split it in half and cook it, so it turned out dry.”
“It’s not that difficult. It’s big, but not that thick, right? You just need to be careful with the heat and maybe steam it a bit. Anyone can do it.”
“The rolled omelette is also beautiful, and the sweetness is just right. I like it.”
“Really? That’s a relief. You know, my dad likes rolled omelettes with dashi, but everyone else in my family prefers sweet ones. It’s a hassle for me to make two different kinds.”
“You go through the trouble of making two kinds? You really care about your dad, Nanami-san.”
“It’s not a big deal…”
I honestly spoke my thoughts, but Nanami-san pouted and turned away. She’s truly a good girl. I couldn’t help but smile at her cuteness.
“I’m sorry… Misumai-kun, was it? Can I ask you something?”
“What is it, Senpai?”
Suddenly interrupting, Senpai stared at my lunch. There’s barely anything left in the bento. Only the rolled omelette and a piece of hamburger remained… Did he come after lunch?
“Could it be… Is that lunch homemade by Nanami-san?”
“Huh?… Yes, it is.”
As soon as I answered, Senpai’s eyes widened. He alternated his gaze between Nanami-san, who seemed slightly pouting, and my bento.
I had a bad feeling about this, so I quickly stuffed the remaining rolled omelette and hamburger into my mouth.
“Ahh… damn it… I wanted to have some…”
As I thought. It was a good idea to stuff my mouth before he said anything. Well, even if he had asked, I wouldn’t have given it to him. This is mine. I wouldn’t give him a single bite.
“Thank you for the meal. It was delicious today.”
“You’re welcome.”
After repeating the same exchange as yesterday, I handed the bento box to Nanami and then turned to the senior.
“So, what’s the matter, senpai?”
“Well, it’s not about you, but it’s related to Nanami-san… Well, it might concern you too.”
“Me too?”
With that, the senior stood up from the bench and moved in front of us again. He crossed his arms and looked a little displeased as he alternated his gaze between me and Nanami. Then, while glancing at me from the corner of his eye, he opened his mouth to Nanami.
“Nanami-san… Do you prefer this guy over me?”
“…Yes, I do. And senpai, please don’t call me Nanami. Call me by my last name. The only person who can call me by my name is my boyfriend, Youshin.” ( TLN: les goooo)
The senior, who was easily shut down by Nanami, was glared at by her. Then, trembling and blushing, he pointed at me and shouted in a loud voice that resounded throughout the area, like a true sportsman.
“It’s a challenge, Youshin!! If I lose, I’ll accept your relationship! But if I win, I’ll take Nanami-san!”
“Oh, no thank you.”
When I easily declined, the senior froze in his pose with his finger still pointing.
“Oh, Youshin… You have some bento on your cheek.”
“Huh?”
Nanami said that and took the rice grain that was stuck to my cheek… and put it in her own mouth.
Surprised by her unexpected action, I, like the senior, also froze.
Interlude: Nanami’s Aftermath
Was that… a bit too bold of me? No, but… I have to be assertive like this, right?
But it’s so embarrassing! Youshin, say something instead of staying quiet!
TL notes : Haha that’s was great Nanami.