Chapter 2: Progress 1

Chapter 2: Progress 1

It had been a few days since I started to live in Hoshimiya's house.

I wonder if I'm starting to get used to this lifestyle.

At first, we had some discussions about laundry and sleeping arrangements, but we eventually settled the routine. And the sleeping arrangement was resolved when I bought a futon.

I heard that the convenience store robber give himself to police, so the only remaining issue was the stalker.

However, I haven't felt any signs of the stalker at all.

Could it be that the stalker is being cautious because I'm here?

With all these things going on, I was leading a relatively peaceful and fulfilling life.

However, I had a feeling that something was off.

Since that day when we went out for a date for the first time... Hoshimiya's acts unusually kind for some reason.

"Wake up! Kuromine-kun, wake up already!"

As she shakes my shoulder, I woke up to see Hoshimiya's face against the backdrop of the ceiling. It was Hoshimiya in gal mode. She had changed into her school uniform and had done her makeup perfectly.... Since it's morning, my head doesn't seem to be functioning properly.

◇◇◇

"Hey, Kuromone-kun. Hurry up and get ready, or we'll be late for school."

"I see... Goodnight."

I'm sleepy. I keep my eyes closed and go back to sleep, but apparently she's not willing to give up. "Hey! Wake up!" As I unable to ignore this situation, I reluctantly force myself to get up, feeling lethargic.

"Come on, go wash your face."

"...Yeah."

"And make sure to brush your teeth."

"...Yeah."

In a daze, I make my way to the bathroom, wash my face and brush my teeth.

...Something is definitely off.

While brushing my teeth, I examine my reflection in the bathroom mirror with a sense of doubt.

No, it's normal for Hoshimiya to wake me up... It's strange that everything is normal.

"Kuromine-kun, I made you a bento."

"Mm."

"Don't forget it!"

"Mm."

As I hear Hoshimiya's voice coming from the other room, I give short replies while continuing to brush my teeth.

What should I do? She's taking care of me to another level.

I came here for dealing the stalker, right?

Feeling bewildered by the situation, I finish brushing my teeth and return to the room.

"Kuromine-kun, breakfast."

Hoshimiya begins to set the table with breakfast. It consists of rice, rolled omelet, grilled fish, and miso soup... A classic lineup.

I might be accusing another prejudices here, but I can't believe a gal made this breakfast.

Speaking of which, is Hoshimiya really a gal? Like in fundamentally sense?

With such thoughts in my mind, I sit down near the table, pick up the chopsticks that have been prepared, and start eating silently. It's delicious.

One of the things I discovered living together is that Hoshimiya is skilled at cooking.

"Hey, Kuromine-kun! Your bedhead isn't fixed!"

"...Is it really that bad?"

"It's bad! Stay still."

"...Mm."

With a comb in hand, Hoshimiya untangles my hair and fixes my bedhead.

It feels more like I'm being taken care of, than just being looked after.

Am I like a pet or something? ...Well, whatever.

"There, all done! We're already late... So, Let's eat!"

After fixing my bedhead, Hoshimiya also starts eating her breakfast.

She's becoming more like a mother figure.

The time we spend together in the morning, across the table, has become a natural part of our daily routine. While I wonder if this is really okay, it's also true that I feel a sense of fulfillment that I've never experienced before.

◇◇◇

After finishing breakfast, I wash the dishes. It's one of the routine before going out for school.

"Kuromine-kun! Hurry up and change into your school uniform!"

"Oh, right."

"Why are you starting to take off your pajamas in front of me!?"

"...Haven't you gotten used to it by now? You've seen my underwear so many times."

"I-I haven't seen it! I never had the chance to see it!"

Seeing her face flustered, Hoshimiya turn her face away from me.

It seems she's still not used to situations like this.

Although she should have seen my underwear when doing the laundry.

"We're living together in this cramped apartment, so there's nothing we can do, about seeing various things about each other."

"Even so, I wish you should be little more considerate. It makes my heart race..."

"How about you come to my place instead? My room is spacey, and we can live comfortably."

"T-That's... still too early, I think. I mean, for me to go up to a boy's house...!"

"It's easier than having a guy stay over at girl's place, right?"

I look at Hoshimiya red face, I think she's feeling a bit dumbfounded.

It seems like she has strange values or maybe she's just naive...

◇◇◇

We are going out to school together, but we will eventually separate to took our own seats.

In the past days, we used to attract attention from our classmates, but now it seems it become natural for everyone, and there are no longer any exaggerated reactions when Hoshimiya and I are together.

The people around us seem to have gotten used to our relationship (we're not really dating).

However, it seems convenient for Hoshimiya to pretend to be in a relationship as a measure against the stalker. Although about the 'living together' is secret, it would be easier to convince others if they know the circumstances.

"...It's peaceful, isn't it?"

My true thoughts slipped out after experiencing a relaxing life.

However, there was one thing that bothered me.

It's that Haruno hasn't been talking to me. It feels like she's intentionally avoiding me.

She said before that she wanted to be together as childhood friends... but now...

Keeping a distance from Haruno was something I also wanted, but it still makes me feel a little sad.

"Kuromine-kun?"

"Ah!"

Hoshimiya appears in front of me.

For some reason, she had her right arm behind her back and was leaning over, peering into my face.

"Hey, Kuromine-kun. Is there... something you forgot?"

"Something...? Oh is that it?"

"Yes, that."

"You mean Good morning Kiss."

"Not that! Jerk!"

Yes, I'm a jerk. And it seems that some of our classmates who were listening to our conversation were whispering, "Kiss... Good morning kiss..." "Damn, they're really getting lovey-dovey." Hoshimiya apparently caught those words sensitively and her face turned red in an instant.

"K-Kuromine-kun...? I'm going to give you a sermon later."

"...I'm sorry. By the way, what did I forget?"

"It's your bento, the bento."

Hoshimiya, who spoke in a small voice so that no one around could hear. In her right hand, she was holding a black tote bag. It's probably the bento.

"I told you not to forget it right?"

"You did."

"Kuromine-kun, you ignored the bento and left home... I've been waiting all this time, wondering if you will remember."

"My bad..."

"You need to be more responsible, okay?"

With a dissatisfied expression, Hoshimiya handed me the bento and returned to her seat.

And then, she was approached by Kana, her gal friend sitting next to her.

"Oh, so you're making a lunch for him?"

"Well.... As a side thing you know? I make mine while I'm at it."

"Hmm, it didn't seem like that to me though. It feels like you're more obsessed with him."

"N-No, that's not true! The bento is really just a side thing! There's no deep meaning to it!"

"The panicking is kinda sus... Maybe while you're doing this out of pity, you actually fell in love for real?"

"N-No way! It's just... I can't leave Kuromine-kun alone. He's like a lost puppy."

"What's up with that? Lately, you've been unusually kind. So that's the reason, huh?"

I had a vague sense of it before, but it seems like I was really being treated like a pet.

Feeling dumbfounded, I instinctively looked at Haruno's seat. My heart skipped a beat.

Haruno was looking at me with a rather displeased expression.

-Oh. The moment our eyes met, she quickly turned her face away.

...I don't know what she's thinking.

Maybe I don't need to worry about it anymore. I wanted to enjoy my current life.

"Anyway..."

I took out a letter from the drawer of my desk. It was in my shoebox this morning.

The contents were, "Come to the back of the school building after lunch break."

The sender is not specified. The handwriting is a bit rough. It has a vibe of a woman writing it, but...

(TL: The wording of "飯食った後" (after eating) doesn't have a feminine touch at all.)

Anyway, there's no choice but to go and see.

◇◇◇

Following the letter, I arrived at the back of the school building.

After a while, Kana appeared.

She had an expression that seemed impressed as soon as she saw me.

"Oh, you came."

"I'm sorry, but I can't go out with you." I answered immediately.

"Huh? Are you retard? But, I'm more shock that you actually rejected me."

"Eh, Uh.... so it's not confession...?"

"It's not. I'm not that desperate to asked Ayana's boyfriend."

So it wasn't a love letter, huh. Then why did she call me here?

"Getting to the point... Are you getting along with Ayana?"

"Well, I think we're getting along reasonably well..."

"I see. It's a one-month limited relationship, right?"

In response to Kana's question, I nodded.

"You and Ayana have been dating... for about two weeks, right? So, you already know that Ayana isn't used being with guys, right?"

"Well... I found that out before you told me."

Kanade nodded and continued speaking, saying, "Because Ayana is like that, I've been watching out so that she won't be get hurt by some weird guy."

"What are you trying to say? Are you telling me to break up with Hoshimiya?"

"Huh? I would never say something like that."

Her tone was queen as always. Then what is she trying to say? I can't grasp the point of this conversation.

"Ayana has been quite lively and energetic lately."

"...Then?"

"She used to be a bright and cheerful girl, but especially recently, she's been shining. It's like she's saying, 'I'm fully enjoying my life' with that kind of aura."

"And?"

"Ayana seems to be genuinely in love."

"With whom?"

"Huh... Are you seriously asking? There's no one but you. You." Pointing her index finger to me.

"T-That's ridiculous..."

I couldn't hide my surprise at Kana's words. Really Hoshimiya...?

"To be honest, I used to make fun of you. Like, 'What's up with confessing while crying? How about being a man?' But maybe it's better for Ayana to face someone like that, a guy who's a bit of a coward. It might put her at ease."

"Are you really serious about that?"

"You're aware to Ayana's feelings, but you're not making any moves. She's also struggling to gather the courage to express her true feelings."

"But I'm currently with Hoshimiya..."

"Kuromine, Ayana has found new love. That's what I think. It seems like the promise of one month dating, will get extended."

"That's something Hoshimiya will decide, not me."

"Well, then it's fine. Ayana is only looking at you right now."

"Seriously?"

"I'm dead serious. What I wanted to say is, please take care of Ayana from now on. Jyaa..."

After saying whatever she wanted, Kana waved her hand lightly and left from behind the school building.

Her carefree and self-centered attitude was closer to the image I had for gals.

Left alone, I murmured, "Seriously...?"

◇◇◇

──Hoshimiya likes me.

I had been thinking about that the whole time, because of it I couldn't focus on the class. Before I knew it, it was already after school.

While my classmates were leaving the classroom, a girl approached me with her usual lighthearted appearance.

"Kuromine-kun, shall we go home?"

"Hoshimiya..."

"Hm? What is it?"

Hoshimiya tilted her head with a puzzled expression. Uh-sh*t, my heart just skipped a beat.

I can't believe someone other than Haruno managed to make my heart race...!

"Hoshimiya, I haven't lost yet, you know."

"Hmmnn... Did we have some sort of competition?"

Even with that troubled smile on her face, I feel a hint warmness in my heart.

Oh no, this is bad. I might been falling for her without even realizing it!

No, considering everything that happened so far, wouldn't be strange if I haven't fallen for her!

She saved me from suicide mindset, encouraged me, treated me kindly at every opportunity, and lately, she's been taking care of me on a daily basis.

Haha, hey, hey. It would be abnormal if I didn't fall for her after all what happened.

"Kuromine-kun?"

"Hoshimiya, marry me right now."

"Eh, wha-whaaat!? Wh-what's with that sudden request!? We-it's too early for that!"

"Understood. Then let's talk about the venue tomorrow."

"Wait, w-wait! We should take a few more steps before that...!"

"Oh, I see. So we should take a few more steps. What step?"

"W-Well... I don't know..."

Hoshimiya's face turns bright red. It's evident that she's mentally cornered.

In that state, an unexpected character appears.

"Kuromine... I'm counting on you with Ayana."

"Hold on a minute, Kana!?"

"Leave it to me. I will make Hoshimiya happy."

"K-Kuromine-kun!?"

Oh no, it's fun to see Hoshimiya flustered like that.

Perhaps she saw through my slight enjoyment because Hoshimiya says angrily,

"S-Stop saying weird things! I will ignore from now on!"

"Ah--"

Hoshimiya dashes out of the classroom.

I've gone too far. I need to chase after her quickly...

◇◇◇

"Hoshimiya, I'm really sorry. I got carried away."

".........."

"Hoshimiya-san."

I called out to Hoshimiya's back as she quickly walked away.

Did I seriously anger her? What should I do...?

Regretting what I had done, Hoshimiya suddenly stopped in her tracks.

"Hoshimiya?"

"...Do you want me to forgive you?"

"Well... Yeah. I want you to forgive me."

I approach Hoshimiya, without looking ay her face.

"Then if you take over today's bath cleaning, I'll forgive you..."

Bath cleaning... Hoshimiya and I take turns every day, alternating in washing the bathtub.

Thinking it's a reasonable condition, I agreed.

"Alright. I'll do the cleaning today."

"...In that case, okay."

Seemingly satisfied with my apology, Hoshimiya walked beside me without rushing ahead. We started walking together, side by side. It become normal for us to walk home together.

"Kuromine-kun, by the way... When did you become friendly with Kana?"

"It's not like we're particularly close."

"Really? But earlier, the two of you seemed to be in perfect sync."

"We just had a little chat during the lunch break."

"A chat? What did you talk about? ...Ah, never mind. I guess prying too much is annoying, right?"

"What did you talk about? ...Ah, never mind. It's probably better not to pry too much, right?"

"It's nothing big deal. She just asked me to take care of you."

"W-What's that supposed to mean? You really love meddling in other people's affairs... Anyway, Kuromine-kun, you call her by her name, Kana."

"Huh?"

"Oh, it's nothing."

Hoshimiya shook her head, ending the conversation. I couldn't quite grasp her intentions, so I decided not to pursue it further. By the way, I don't know Kana's last name.

I wonder what was that from earlier... Could it be that she's jealous?

I discreetly peeked at Hoshimiya's face.

Her lips were slightly pursed, and she had an expression of dissatisfaction. But that wasn't all.

She was also fidgeting with her hair, as if trying to calm herself down.

As Kana said, Hoshimiya is really...

Damn, my face is getting hot...!

What is this? Am I really in-love with Hoshimiya?

The thing from earlier was just a joke...! And I still have feelings for Haruno...

What should I do? I've ended up falling for two girls at the same time...!

"Hmm? What's wrong, Kuromine-kun? You've been acting unsettled since earlier."

"R-Really? Just the usual though?"

"Your way of talking seems forced..."

I want to know. I want to know Hoshimiya's feelings.

It's definitely important to clarify things for future of our relationship...!

"I know this is sudden, but... do you have someone you like, Hoshimiya?"

"Huh!? That really came out of nowhere!"

"...Do you?"

"W-Well... that is..."

"I've asked before if you boyfriend, but I've never asked about someone you like, right? Considering the future of our relationship, I think it's a rather important question to ask if you have someone you like."

"Oh, uh... yeah, that might be true...?"

"D-Do you...?"

I was nervously straightforward. It was probably the most nervous I've ever been in my life. My palms were getting sweaty.

When I confessed to Haruno, I was confident it would be a success, so I didn't feel any nerves at all.

But now...

"...I-I might..."

Hoshimiya blushed and hesitantly spoke.

"What do you mean by 'might'?"

"...I still don't know, I guess. It's like... I'm experiencing these feelings for the first time... like, um... I wonder if this is what it means to like someone to."

"......."

"I still... haven't found the answer within myself... I guess?"

What's with that? We're not in elementary school, so she should know her own feelings.

"Who... is it?"

"Huh?"

"I want to know who the other person is."

Unintentionally, I asked her with a greedy tone.

"Well, uh... th-that..."

A flustered Hoshimiya tries to distance herself from me, stepping back and accidentally tripping on a step, losing her balance. She almost falls backward, but I quickly grab her arm and support her.

"Are you okay?"

"Y-Yeah..."

I release my hold on Hoshimiya's arm. She moves slightly away from me and expresses her dissatisfaction.

"Kuromine-kun, you lack on consideration."

"─Uh."

"It's not good to persistently ask about that kind of thing."

"But... I'm curious."

"I understand your feelings, but... asking too much can make people hate you."

─Hate.

"...I'm sorry."

I might have gotten a bit carried away.

In the end, I wasn't able to bring back the conversation we had earlier.

"Don't get depressed, Kuromine-kun. It doesn't mean that I hate you."

"...I'm not depressed."

"Really? You have that puppy-like face after being scolded."

"What kind of face is that..."

Expressing my dissatisfaction, Hoshimiya smiles brightly as if to encourage me.

Then, she stretches herself and desperately reaches to pat my head.

"There, there."

"Treating me like a dog."

"Shake hands."

"Woof."

Since Hoshimiya extends her hand, I promptly offer my paw.

...Do I no longer have any pride left?

"Hahaha, you're surprisingly going along with it. Well then, let's go, loyal dog, Riku-kun."

"Woof."

Chapter 2 Part 1 End

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