My stepmother's burden is my ex-girlfriend.

Page 327

My mind went completely blank, and I said:

"Huh?...Taking a picture?"

"It's the data! The data! We need it for next Valentine's Day!"

Ah, oh... what is it? Oh, I see...

Judging from the atmosphere just now, although it wasn't like it was just yesterday, it was only last month. I thought she would...

"Ouch, ouch?"

……Oops.

She probably felt relieved, and that feeling was written all over her face. Izana suddenly put on a mischievous smile and leaned closer to look at my face.

"No way, how can you be swayed by something so small? I'll tell my girlfriend on you!"

"Please don't... Given the atmosphere just now, anyone would have some doubts."

"Seriously, who would confess their feelings to someone who just got a girlfriend last month? What kind of shameless woman do you take me for?"

"I just can't figure you out. Who knows if you'll completely change your mind in just a month?"

"Who are you calling a hypocritical, scumbag woman?"

"I didn't say anything that bad."

"There's really nothing I can do," Isana sighed.

"Let's do it one more time. Make sure you shoot it well this time!"

"Okay, okay."

I reenacted the whole thing and took pictures. After trying several different poses and compositions, the chocolate finally ended up in my hands.

"Thank you. What would you like to receive for White Valentine's Day?"

"Well, how about a nude model then..."

"The cookies from the convenience store are ready."

"...Okay, that's fine too."

Izana pouted, seemingly not very satisfied. I wonder how serious she was when she said that. In fact, drawing only pretty girls every time has limited variation; it's about time she learned how to draw men. White Day really needs someone like that—

"That's right."

I walked to the light novel shelf next to me and picked out a book.

"Since we're already here, let's discuss the illustrations for next month's White Day before we leave."

"Yes, that's exactly what I wanted to ask! I'm out of jokes except for lewd ones..."

Starry Sky Guide: How to Please a Difficult Girlfriend

Swish—the basketball quietly sways the net.

"……call."

As I adjusted my breathing, I watched the basketball bounce high under the basketball hoop.

The feel... seems to be coming back a bit.

I walked over to the ball that was rolling on the field and picked it up.

The outdoor basketball court in February was swept by a biting wind, and I was the only one there. But this was perfect for re-energizing my sluggish body. The contrast between my warm internal muscles and the chilly skin seemed to sharpen my senses.

That's what I said, but my fingertips were starting to get a little numb—maybe I should call a halt after throwing two or three more balls?

“—Ah.”

As I moved away from the basketball hoop, I checked my watch and realized that time was passing faster than I expected. Looking up, I saw that the sun was almost setting, and the eastern sky was already dark.

Oh no, I'm going to be late.

I took a towel from my bag by the court and quickly wiped away the cooling sweat. If I acted fast enough, I should still be able to make it—no, before that…

I looked down at my clothes.

Look at this lightweight tracksuit soaked in sweat.

"...It might not be appropriate to wear this."

I've really made great progress; now I can even judge whether my clothes are appropriate.

Everything was ready. I slung my bag over my shoulder and rushed into the public restroom, changed into a business shirt and khaki pants, then put on a vest and coat in that order, before leaving the restroom and hopping on my bicycle.

The meeting place is a bit far, but it's a quick bike ride. In Kyoto, cycling is the fastest way to get anywhere.

Even so, I still missed the best opportunity slightly.

"Why is it so slow?!"

Esa, wearing a coat over her uniform, was already there with her cheeks puffed out.

"How could I make my lovely girlfriend wait in such a crowded place for so long! She almost got hit on!"

"Someone hit on you?"

"I meant almost!"

It seems she's just overthinking things. Well, I haven't actually witnessed many instances of people being approached for conversation.

Aisha stared blankly at the bicycle I brought.

"Senior... isn't it a bit much to bring a bicycle when you meet your girlfriend?"

"Sorry, I don't have time to take it to the parking lot."

"I really can't do anything with you. I'll just forgive you for prioritizing the time you spend with me."

"I'm glad you have such a positive outlook."

This is a small square nestled between two arcade streets, and besides us, there were many other people who had arranged to wait for each other here. Talking here would be inconvenient for others, so we started walking through the shopping street, which had a Valentine's Day atmosphere.

"Senior."

Aisha walked beside me, bent down slightly, and a satisfied smile appeared on her lips.

"Your outfit today is pretty good; it makes you look mature and composed."

"I knew you liked this kind of thing."

"Wow! Senior really understands me~"

I was forced to learn this, okay? Thanks to someone's thorough guidance.

"……But……"

Aisha playfully nudged my shoulder with one of her shoulders and said:

"If I'm the only one wearing the uniform... don't you feel a sense of danger?"

"...Then I'd better go back. I don't want to lose my chance to apply for admission in February."

"Wait a minute! Wait a minute! ...Ugh, you're always so mean."

Aisha pouted, and I patted her shoulder twice to coax her. You can't just make jokes like that. I'll be a college student in a month and a half, while you'll be a high school girl for another year or so.

The moment we got close to each other, Aisha quickly pulled out a bag of Valentine's Day-themed items and gave it to me.

"Here, senior, this is for you."

"it is good."

She casually handed me the things, and I casually accepted them.

This is the second time I've received chocolates from this guy, following last year, but his attitude is already so natural that it doesn't seem like it's only the second time.

Aisha glanced up at my expression, and then spoke as if hesitant:

"Senior, you..."

"Um?"

"Senior, have you... received chocolates from the others yet?"

"Huh?"

I turned to look at Aisha's face and noticed a slightly uneasy expression on her face. I snorted and laughed it off.

"How could I possibly receive that? I'm free to come to school now. You're the first person I've met today."

"Is that so..."

Seeing that Aisha still looked uneasy, I asked her:

"What's wrong? What are you worried about?"

"Is it because the senior isn't very popular with girls? Just thinking about how he'll receive lots of chocolates after he goes to university makes me feel..."

Aisha groaned softly, sounding sullen. The fact that she was so eager to be jealous about something a year from now wasn't cute, it was just difficult to handle.

I held back my sigh, carefully considering which words to say.

Let me think... Okay, I'll go with this one.

"...If I have classes at university on Valentine's Day, I'll probably receive a few during the day."

"Yes, yes, yes, men with endless romantic opportunities are really something else!"

"In other words, what you're giving me will be the last one."

Aisha opened her mouth and said "Huh?" I smiled and said to her:

"Just try your best to cover up everything in front of you. Isn't playing dirty tricks your specialty?"

This statement had an immediate effect.

Aisha's face immediately lit up with joy, and she excitedly rushed over and hugged my shoulders.

"Yes! Then let's go on a date now, in preparation for next year—"

"Get back here, you idiot. Why would I be wandering around at night with a high school girl?"

"mean!"

Kawanami Kogure ◆ Choice Valentine's Day

When I got home, I saw my childhood sweetheart dressed in a uniform and apron, making chocolate.

"Oh, you're back—"

Nan turned around as she slowly stirred the melted chocolate in a large bowl. Her ponytail, the hem of her apron, and the hem of her pleated skirt all fluttered in the air.

As I tossed my backpack onto the living room sofa, I asked:

"What are you doing?"

"Let's make chocolates. It's Valentine's Day."

"Aren't these usually prepared the day before? School's already over."

"It's okay, this one is yours."

As Nan spoke, he scooped up some chocolate from the large bowl with his fingers and put it in his mouth.

I'm not ashamed to say something like this... Well, it's so late, I'm probably the only one who still has time to deliver it.

"No, actually I made it with Yui and the others—but I accidentally ate yours too!"

"Even if I want to make another one, I can just make it at home."

"I was planning to eat at your place today anyway, and it's easier to clean up in your kitchen."

I sat down on the sofa in the living room and watched Nan's back as she stood in the kitchen.

So-called handmade chocolate is just store-bought chocolate that's cooled and solidified, right? Many men would say that, but that melting and solidification step is more time-consuming than any dish. But women still refuse to use store-bought chocolate, purely because they want to add something to that complicated process…

A wave of nausea, like motion sickness, washed over me, and I looked up at the ceiling to get through it.

Damn, I've become so narcissistic. I really miss the me when I first started junior high, the ignorant little brat I was back then.

"Sit down and rest~"

Just as I was trying to make myself feel better, Nan came over and sat down next to me wearing an apron.

I turned my gaze from the ceiling to my side and said: