abcnovels
Chapter 33
Chapter 33
Chapter 33
Matsuda-kun, just sit next to me.
Following Miyukis guidance, I sat down somewhat nervously and looked at the
dining table.
A feast was spread before me. The main dish appeared to be sukiyaki?
Judging by the simmering pot, it seemed like they had turned on the induction
stove right when I arrived.
There was also saba miso-nimackerel cooked in miso. The side dishes mostly
consisted of home-cooked meals like spinach and lotus root, but they were all
beautifully plated. It was evident that a lot of care had gone into the
preparation.
So Miyuki was right.
Compared to this, I havent been eating well indeed.
Perhaps, thats why she prepared all of this?
As everyone took their seats, Wateru, who sat at the head of the table, spoke.
Firstly, I wish to extend my heartfelt gratitude to you, not only for
graciously accepting our invitation but also for being the esteemed benefactor
who saved our Miyuki.
The atmosphere suddenly became solemn. I sensed that showing discomfort with a
simple no need to thank me wouldnt be appropriate here.
I looked at Wateru and slightly bowed my upper body.
Thank you for inviting me as well.
In the Japanese custom of Ojigi, or bowing, my gesture was the lightest form
known as Eshaku.
We had exchanged pleasantries at the door several times, so I thought a simple
bow like this would suffice now.
After all, since Im here, I should aim to get closer to them or at least earn
some points.
And as expected, smiles blossomed on the faces of Wateru and the rest of
Miyukis family.
To spare you the lengthy talk, shall we eat now?
Upon hearing Waterus words, Midori, Miyuki, and Kanna all chorused their
agreement, saying they would eat well.
Matching the timing as their words came to an end, I spoke in a
straightforward voice, devoid of any pretense.
Ill also eat well.
Wow... Just listen to that nice voice...
That was Kanna, who couldnt help but exclaim.
Wateru, who glanced at her with stern eyes, turned to look at me and broke
into a slight smile.
Eat a lot.
Yes, sir.
I wonder what dining etiquette is like at Miyukis house.
I had a rough idea from playing Tokiaca, but this is the first time Sukiyaki
has been served, so I decided to figure it out first.
Everyone naturally held the rice bowl while eating.
When serving Sukiyaki, everyone scooped a fair amount into their own bowls.
It seems you dont immediately dip the beef from the Sukiyaki into a raw egg;
first, you let it drain.
When eating the side dishes, you also pick up a bit of the plated ingredients,
like the sliced onions on top. I did the same.
Midori kept refilling the water when it ran low. If I were to reach for the
water myself, it might come across as intrusive, and Midori could feel
burdened.
Better to just graciously accept what is given, as a guest should.
My expression and my consistent sampling of the side dishes served as my
unspoken praise for the meal.
In response, the corners of Midoris mouth arced upward.
Is the food to your taste?
I chewed and swallowed the food in my mouth before answering.
Yes. Its so good it makes me want to live here.
The family, starting with Midori, burst into a sincere yet light-hearted
laughter. Perhaps its because Ive garnered a favorable impression during the
previous meal that they take even my hyperbolic compliment in stride.
Feel free to come by whenever youre hungry. Ah, peel the skin off the fish
before you eat; it can be a bit oily.
A helpful assist from Midori.
I promptly used my chopsticks to peel the skin off the mackerel.
Yes, maam.
With that, the floodgates of conversation opened.
Matsuda, do you drink alcohol?
At Waterus question, I respectfully nodded.
Yes.
Do you enjoy it?
To be honest, I do. Although I havent been drinking much lately.
Miyukis lips twitched immediately.
Judging by the way her lips twitched even without food in her mouth, it seems
Miyuki is itching to bring up something about my past.
Pretending to adjust my clothing, I subtly lowered my hand and discreetly
poked her near the hip.
Startled, Miyuki quickly regained her composure and flashed me a playful smile
before giving a slight nod. She understood my gesture as a sign to refrain.
Unaware of our silent exchange, Wateru posed another question.
So, how about a casual drink later tonight?
My dear, Matsuda-kun drove here today, remember?
Caught off guard by Midoris chiding, Wateru replied.
Ah, right...
Given that he even considered offering me a drink, it seems Wateru holds me in
high regard.
While its mentally exhausting to be so constantly aware of my actions, the
rewards seem to be worth it. I can see myself coming back here often.
***
Ahem... Matsuda-kun, have some fruit.
While seated on the living room sofa and chatting with Wateru, I turned my
head upon hearing Miyukis voice from behind.
Fruit? Id love to...
But my response was cut short in surprise.
It was because Kanna, wearing a wide grin, was holding out a plate of fruit to
me.
She had imitated Miyukis voice, just like at the Itshiki Beach.
Is teasing me that fun?
Quickly regaining my composure, I stood up from the sofa and took the plate.
Thank you, Hanazawa-san.
Were you startled?
A bit. But why do this...?
Its fun. Matsuda-kun is quite amusing to tease.
Seems youre overflowing with playful mischief.
Having two sisters with the same voice together... Itll be quite
challenging to handle.
Kanna, is it always jokes with you? You even do the same with Tetsuya...
At Waterus reprimand, Kanna responded with a bright smile.
Tetsuya-kuns reactions are boring. Hes so shy, he doesnt know what to do.
If hes shy, doesnt it mean Tetsuyas reactions are better compared to
Matsudas?
No, Matsuda-kun is more fun to tease.
Why though?
Right in front of the person in question, the family suddenly launched into a
discussion.
As I was listening to their conversation while peeling an orange, I quietly
got up from the sofa when Miyuki, who had silently approached, tugged on my
sleeve.
Leading me out to a small flower garden, Miyuki asked,
Is the house too noisy for you?
No, I like that its lively.
Im relieved to hear that. I was thinking of taking a walk to help digest,
but...
Miyuki trailed off at the end.
She seemed anxious that Tetsuya, who lives in the same neighborhood, might
spot us.
If you were that worried, you shouldve hidden my car too. Or you couldve
just told me to walk here in the first place.
You keep trying to deceive Tetsuya, but wont that just deepen the pain hell
feel later on?
Though to be honest, I like what youre doing.
No, the cars fine.
Um. But, Miyuki dont you want to go on a walk? I mean you must be full. You
ate a lot...
What full? Are you underestimating me?
At my playful jab, Miyuki chuckled and deftly changed the subject.
Are you heading back right away?
Yeah, I dont want to overstay my welcome... Maybe I should go meet up with
Takashi?
Thats definitely not happening.
Quite firm, arent you?
Why not? Hes been remorseful.
Hes worse than even the old Matsuda-kun. Thats why I really dislike him.
How about other friends, then?
Thats also a no-go. A lot of your friends are bad people, you know.
Why are there so many restrictions? Are you my guardian? Are you my mom?
Wasnt I listed as your guardian at the hospital? And you did call me Mom
once before, didnt you?
So you were conscious of it. Or maybe youre just getting sensitive now that
weve grown so close.
Whatever the case, her reaction was a positive development.
But now that shes said that, Im at a loss for words.
Scratching the back of my head awkwardly, I looked out over the fence and shot
a question at Miyuki.
So what should I do, then? Meditate?
Just stay here. Its fine to stay for a while.
I slowly turned my head to stare directly at Miyuki, as her voice carried a
hint of shyness.
Was my gaze making her uncomfortable?
She cast her eyes downward and softly said, I dont mean anything by it...
Just stay here, and later, lets go out... just you and me.
This is the first time Miyuki has initiated a date. And she said Just you and
me, conspicuously leaving out Tetsuya, who she always tried to include. She
didnt even seem to hesitate while doing so.
Why so forward all of a sudden?
Its both unfamiliar and heart-fluttering.
After watching her for a moment, I asked.
Where are we going?
Just... anywhere... You decide, Matsuda-kun.
How about a love hotel, then?
Should we go inside and think about it?
Mm-hmm...
Judging by the situation, it doesnt seem like Miyuki will invite me to her
room first.
If thats the case, then Ill make the first move.
Can we think it over in your room?
My room...?
Miyukis eyes roll around, big as saucers. She looks like shes contemplating
multiple thoughts.
After a moment of consideration, her response was...
Itll be hot in there...
Not bad. Time to push a little more.
I want to take a look, though.
Theres nothing to see...
Shes nervously fidgeting with her fingers. Cute.
Still, I want to go.
When I say this with a sly expression, Miyuki bursts into disbelieving
laughter. As if admitting she cant deter me, she nods her head, and words of
acceptance fall from her lips.
Fine, wait for me on the second floor...
Why? Making the bed?
No, thats not it...? I did it as soon as I woke up
I saw her shoulders twitch. Whats she denying? Ive hit the nail on the head,
havent I?
***
Following Miyukis directions, I headed to the second-floor bathroom and took
a mouth-freshening tablet from my pocket, popping it into my mouth.
As I chewed it with my lips tightly closed, the solid tablet transformed into
liquid, tingling my tongue.
Thoroughly freshening my mouth, I stepped out of the bathroom. Then I went to
the door of Miyukis room and pushed the doorknob right after knocking twice.
Swoosh.
The door opened smoothly. Miyuki, who was adjusting her bed covers, looked at
me, startled enough to jump out of her skin.
Ma-Matsuda-kun! Youre supposed to open the door when I tell you to come in,
what are you doing...!
Sorry. Should I close it and ask again?
...Forget it. Youre such an idiot... Just come in.
Walking in with unhurried steps, I quietly closed the door behind me.
Tap. Tap.
Then I heard the sound of something hitting the middle of the door. It was
unmistakably the Maneki Neko necklace that Tetsuya had given her.
Ill have to get rid of it later, and hang something new. And I should also
replace all those star stickers on the ceiling, the ones Miyuki and Tetsuya
put up when they were kids.
Not just that. Ill completely change everything in this room that holds
memories of Tetsuya.
Fueled by a flaming resolve, I looked around the room.
The scent of plum fills the air.
While I was using mouthwash in the bathroom, she must have sprayed some air
freshener, as the smell was rather strong.
Books of all sorts were neatly lined up on the bookshelf built into her desk.
On the desk itself, a notebook and pencil case were arranged tidily.
Its exactly as I had expected. Just like Miyuki.
Dont just stand there... Um, sit down over there for now...
Following Miyukis gesture toward the desk, I crossed the center of the room
and quietly pulled out the chair to sit.
Then Miyuki, who had delicately perched herself on the bed, asked,
Isnt it super cramped?
It may be small, but I like the room.
The beds a single, so it seems perfect for holding you tight as we sleep.
Its cozy and nice. Have you made the bed?
I told you, I made it as soon as I got up, okay?
Then why were you straightening the cover just now?
Thats because... it was just a little rumpled...
Fine, lets go with that. What time did you wake up today?
Um, eleven oclock...
Sleeping in late, huh?
Its the weekend, isnt that allowed? That can happen, you know...!
Im not criticizing; why are you getting defensive?
Miyukis lips jut out in a pout. Perhaps irked by my cheeky demeanor, shes
grumbling and glaring at me.
I find myself wanting to pinch those fluffy-looking cheeks and stretch them
out long.
Ignoring her gaze, my eyes land on the notebook placed on her desk and I call
out to her as if something just came to mind.
Hey, Miyuki.
What...!
Did you do something interesting at school recently?
Something interesting?
Like doodling in your notebook.
.... What are you... Ah...!!
She looks bewildered for a moment before her eyes go wide.
Her ears turn red in an instant, and she barely holds back a choked voice.
I have no idea what youre talking about...?
Really? Then what was that Ah just now? By the way, you drew really well.
Is that supposed to be you and me?
I dont know... what youre talking about... Did you snoop through someone
elses notebook? You shouldnt do that... Its bad behavior...
She begins to fan herself, her eyes restless as if she truly doesnt want to
discuss the matter.
I should drop it for now. Theres always time to tease her later.
The atmosphere in the room is somewhat subdued right now.
Miyuki seems different than usual today as well.
Is she vaguely aware? That something important might happen today?
Alright.
From now on, I shouldnt act too nonchalant.
If I do, Miyuki could misunderstandthinking that Im behaving this way
because I see her as just a friend.
Of course, given our history, Miyuki is unlikely to jump to such a drastic
conclusion.
Still, its important to maintain a certain level of tension and let her see
that side of me.
Even if we dont go as far as a kiss today, Ill at least aim for a peck on
the cheek.
Thats why I took extra care with my mouthwash and pretended to look around
the room...
If I just leave without making a move, the regret will keep me up all night.
*