My stepmother's burden is my ex-girlfriend.

Page 337

"However, showing that you're influenced by other girls on a date is a big no-no. Remember that!"

"You were the one who chose to see it, what could I do?"

Good luck!

"So domineering..."

I chuckled softly and teased Mizuto, then immediately bought the casual shirt he said was nice. Mizuto offered to pay for it, but I felt it was a bit wasteful to give it as a White Day gift.

"Let's go pick out a skirt or pants that would suit this casual top."

"This kind should go with everything, right?"

"That's true, but if you're going to buy it, you'd want to complete the set, right?"

I tilted my head slightly as I spoke.

"Don't you want to see your girlfriend wearing only the clothes you picked out?"

"...You've really become quite the clever one."

"Can't I just say I've become more attractive?"

I simply enjoyed the slight conquering desire my boyfriend was displaying and continued strolling with him through the shopping street.

Although we are a couple living under the same roof, we are fundamentally different from cohabiting couples.

This is because we have to hide the fact that we are dating from our parents who live with us, so we can't be affectionate at home—but we also can't be overly affectionate in public places.

So, where is the best place for our rendezvous?

In the past two and a half months, the answer has been revealed.

It's like a two-person private room in an internet cafe.

"I feel so conflicted."

Hearing me say this while sitting on the cushioned mat with my knees drawn up, Shuidou asked as he closed the door of the private room:

"What's complicated?"

"You thought of meeting at the internet cafe because you came here with Dongtou, right? The fact that Dongtou's shadow keeps popping up makes me feel like I'm inferior to others."

Shuidou revealed an expression that seemed to combine a wry smile with a forced smile, neither here nor there.

He sat down next to me with that face and said:

"I can only sincerely accept your complaint, but... in terms of both budget and conditions, there's no better location than here, is there?"

"That's right~"

Seeing my puffed-up face, Shuidou gently nudged me with his shoulder.

"I've only been here once with Izana, but this is my third time with you. You've already beaten her."

I leaned on Shuidou's shoulder, pretending to push him back.

Shuidou reached out and put his hand on my back to support me.

—What you did to Dongtou, I want to know too.

Mizuto probably wanted to uphold this childish promise for my sake.

If that's the case... it naturally reminds me of something.

Actually, I had asked Dongtou about his experience at the internet cafe before.

I also learned about the little accident that happened at the time.

"........."

I stole a glance at Shuidou's profile.

Shuidou seemed to have no memory of what happened so long ago, and reached out to grab the mouse in front of him to start the computer.

"Would you like to watch a video or something?"

I couldn't help but lean back slightly.

When Mizuto leaned over, his arm... almost touched my chest.

"Hmm... okay. Then I'll just pick one..."

I was the only one feeling uneasy, and time kept slipping away in the small, secluded room.

We didn't really do much at the internet cafe. We just watched videos on the computers, read the novels we brought, and of course, we'd browse comics.

I did something similar in the library when I was in junior high school, and now we can get closer and spend more free time together.

They may not be able to speak.

For us, who are a family living together day and night, silence is not scary.

It's simply about not having to worry about what others think and being able to kill time in my own way.

...That's why...

That's why—some things that can only be done by couples in a secluded room... are still possible.

No, no, no, of course I know I can't do anything lewd. The soundproofing here isn't very good; if I don't speak quietly enough, people will hear me... But, well... in such a small space, and with everyone so close together, of course, one or two accidents might happen...

"........."

While I kept stealing glances at Shuidou's face... I gently placed my hand on top of his.

Shuidou glanced at me quickly... then, slowly, turned around and took my folded hand in his.

This little trick... isn't too much.

I shifted my hips slightly closer, pressing my shoulders even closer to his. Then, I shifted my weight slightly onto the water bucket, but not to the point of leaning my whole body against it.

It's alright...it's alright.

Their clasped hands slowly loosened. Then, somewhat embarrassed, I wrapped my other hand around Shuidou's waist. It was as if I were implying a request...for him to do the same for me...

"........."

"........."

We didn't speak, but expressed our wishes to each other through the atmosphere.

Finally, Mizuto, also a little embarrassed, reached out and put his arm around my waist. His hand came around from behind and gently placed on my side, pulling me closer to him with a little force.

...It's alright.

This level is definitely not a problem.

Even if I shift my posture even slightly, the position of my hands will shift... and they might touch my chest.

But that was just an accident, so...it's okay...it's okay...

Shui Dou's hand slowly moved upwards, little by little.

Finally, it touched my ribs through my clothes... and then moved to the lower edge of my breasts—

“—Ah.”

Suddenly, the water bucket made a sound, which startled me and made me jump.

“What, what happened?”

"Time's almost up... Shall we extend it?"

I felt flustered as the water scoop watched me.

They asked me if I wanted to extend it... I don't know either.

If I say yes, will you do it?

What should we do after the extension...?

"…………No, please."

I shook my head.

"It's time to go home. Mom and the others will be back soon."

"……Too."

After saying that, Shuidou let go of me and started packing his things.

I sighed quietly.

Anyway, there's only so much you can do here... So where should you go instead?

I gently shook my head, trying to banish the thoughts that flashed through my feverish mind.

Thinking about this kind of thing all day long, when did I become so lewd?

Although... sooner or later... of course it will happen.

But not now... nor here.

When and where would that be?

No matter how much time has passed, I still can't figure out the answer to this question.

I arrived home before dinner and before my mother and the others came home.

These are our dating rules.

Although it's already March, the days are still short, and the sky is almost completely dark. When summer arrives, it will be still quite light before we have to go home, and I'm sure I'll start to feel nostalgic again.

Even when we're at home, we can still be together, but we can't be lovers. As a family, we won't hold hands or kiss. We won't lean on each other's shoulders.

I'm finding this situation making me more and more anxious every day.

Alas, human desires are truly endless. Even when we're already so happy, once we get used to it, we crave more.

At what stage will I be truly satisfied?

If there is no end, there is nothing more despairing. If happiness, no matter how much you yearn for it, becomes taken for granted once you obtain it, no longer as wonderful as you imagined...

How deep is the meaning of love?

Is its content profound enough to uncover something that one could desire for a lifetime...?

"After looking at it for a long time, I still bought the safe option."

Shuidou looked down at the bag he was carrying and spoke.

"A White Day gift. I could have gotten something better, but I ended up choosing a cookie gift box."

"That's good too, we can eat it openly at home."

As long as Mizuta is by my side, I'll be content.

Unfortunately, I don't seem to be so detached from worldly desires that I could say such a thing.

We walked slowly forward, the neon lights of the bustling area dancing around us.

In the past, I had never searched for it with my heart.

But if you look carefully, I think you can find one or two. Those places where we don't have to hide from other people's gazes and can become adults—places where we don't have to be family members anymore.

Although it would be very difficult for two high school students to enter that kind of place.

Moreover, I am a member of the student council, which makes the problem even more serious.

...However, one senior student has already actually done it.

Thinking about that makes it seem like it's not all that special. It makes me want to think, "Well, then..."

In my heart, I murmured to the water bucket that was walking hand in hand with me:

—I'm asking you. Would you want to...do it with me?

The reason I didn't say anything must be because I felt it was despicable to ask such a question.

It seems like I'm leaving the decision to the water bucket, wanting to take it easy and be lazy, which makes me feel very uneasy.

Besides, since I've already asked this question, my answer couldn't be clearer.

"...Yume."

Suddenly, he called my name in a low voice, and my heart skipped a beat.

"Thank you, I had a great day."