My stepmother's burden is my ex-girlfriend.

Page 375

"...How could I have forgotten so completely?"

Even if I could somehow forget what happened yesterday, I'd still be hungry. I was out of bread, so I decided to go buy some breakfast. I thought about going to the supermarket, but it was too early and they weren't open yet. So I decided to just grab something from the nearby convenience store.

I came to the convenience store with this idea in mind, and ended up meeting someone who shared the same idea.

"……ah……"

"ah."

Nan Xiaoyue stood in front of the sweet bread display case.

The other person stared at us in disbelief, and I froze on the spot.

I paused for a moment, then belatedly realized something. If I wanted to know what happened yesterday, I could have just asked the guy in my room. It couldn't have been anything serious. We've had a few flirtatious moments, but we've never crossed that line. Although saying that makes me sound pathetic and unpleasant.

In short, start by naturally asking a question. "I think I saw you in the room this morning, is there something wrong?" Just ask that!

I was planning to start with "Good morning," and was just about to speak—

"Ah──...hehe."

Seeing Nan's embarrassed smile, he closed his mouth again.

Good morning, Little one.

"Oh...yes, good morning."

Wait a minute... Little?

She usually calls me by my surname. Sometimes she does revert to our old nickname, but only in special circumstances. I should say, only when she wants me to remember the past—the period when we were dating—will she…

(Illustration 005)

"Little one's here to buy breakfast too?"

"Huh? Oh, right..."

"I recommend this bread; it's delicious and healthy!"

At that moment, I noticed that Nan kept her hand on her waist while she was speaking, as if she was supporting her back.

I asked Nan, with trepidation—but unable to ignore it:

"What's wrong with your back?"

"Oh, no, it's just a little sour. Don't worry about it."

Cold sweat poured down my back like a waterfall.

Change the way you address someone.

It looks like my lower back is very sore.

The atmosphere was a bit awkward.

It's not going to be anything serious... right?

It shouldn't cross that final line... right?

I felt my body temperature plummeting. The blank spaces in my memory almost terrified me.

What good thing did I do last night?

I grabbed a quick sweet bread and hurriedly fled the convenience store. As soon as I got home, I pulled out my phone to call for help.

Not many people know about my relationship with Nan.

A few acquaintances from junior high know we've dated, but the only one who understands our current delicate relationship—and can calmly listen to me—is—

Now that things have come to this, I no longer believe I can resolve this on my own.

I dialed that number while struggling against the overwhelming loneliness that was almost crushing me.

"Hello?"

"...Irito...! Help me...!"

Mizuto Irito: The Armchair Detective - Part 1

"...So, you've come to me for help?"

"I'm terrified of myself last night...! What on earth did I do? And why can't I remember anything? Irito, you're such a genius, you should be able to figure something out!"

The topic turned out to be far more inappropriate for children than I'd imagined, so I moved to the sunlit veranda to avoid being overheard by Takema. It's so hot. Whether out of concern or simple curiosity, Yui followed me.

"How would I know things that you yourself don't even remember? I don't have superpowers."

"But I heard that during school trips, you immediately spot any minor conflicts that happen between girls, right?"

A travel guide theft case? Looks like I've been a bit too high-profile...

"I feel innocent! Just a little bit, I need a clue to regain my confidence!"

"After all you've said, the answer is pretty obvious, isn't it? I knew this day would come. Congratulations, have the courage to admit it and take responsibility."

"Impossible...it can't be possible..."

On the other end of the phone, Kawanami kept repeating the same sentence, almost as if he were hypnotizing himself: "The illness is more serious than I thought. Why does he refuse to admit it?"

However, listening to what he said, I did notice some suspicious points, especially regarding his memory. According to the junior high school classmates who attended the small reunion, not only Kawanami, but everyone else didn't drink. Yet, an empty can was found, which means... most likely, Kawanami drank it himself after the reunion. But I don't think he's the type to break the underage alcohol ban out of mere curiosity.

If that's the case, why doesn't Kawanami remember what happened last night, and who was drinking?

"...Okay, I'll try my best to analyze your actions last night."

I am extremely grateful...

I recall Kawabata's description and point out a few parts that caught my attention.

"...You said you woke up wearing only your underwear, right?"

"yes……"

"Where did yesterday's clothes go? You can't possibly not remember the clothes you wore, can you?"

"Ah...right, where did you lose it? Wait a minute, I'll call you back when I find it."

The call was disconnected, and I put the phone down from my ear.

What kind of armchair detective is this? I have absolutely no desire to think about the truth behind a one-night stand with an acquaintance. Besides, based on what I've heard, Nan's reaction probably doesn't allow him to make excuses...

"that……"

The girl who had been sitting next to me spoke up with a slightly embarrassed expression.

"What's wrong?"

"I overheard part of your conversation... I think I'm starting to understand..."

"A clue?"

Jie looked away and said with a wry smile:

"About an hour ago... I received it too."

"...What did you receive? Who was the other party?"

"I received a call from Xiaoyue."

The girl laughed awkwardly to cover up her embarrassment, and then recounted the situation.

"This is what Xiaoyue said—"

Nan Xiaoyue ◆ A Girl's Memories

I feel very comfortable.

Warm, smooth, and elastic... It's more reassuring than sleeping on a kotatsu table, giving you a feeling of happiness.

Why am I so happy? This question prompted me to slowly open my eyes. Only then did I notice the faint snoring in my ear. Who am I sleeping with?

Little... his sleeping face is so close to my eyes.

Not only that. I also saw his exposed collarbone and chest. It turned out that I was hugging his small chest up to his waist, practically using him as a pillow.

No wonder I felt so comfortable. I was only wearing a sports bra and underwear, which clung tightly to my skin without any gaps. Every part of my body felt comfortable and relaxed.

Oh, so you were having a lewd dream.

Am I sexually frustrated...? My mind was hazy, and this sudden thought made my body act on instinct. Since it's a dream anyway, I might as well take advantage of it.

I caught a glimpse of a small nipple out of the corner of my eye and gently pressed it with my index finger.

"...Hmm──..."

Xiao Xiao groaned in her sleep and twitched as if tickled.

Oh dear, he's still not awake.

So unprepared, you can't complain even if I play a prank on you, right?

I shifted my languid body under the thin blanket, leaned closer, and peered at the small sleeping face—

...The analysis of this dream is really high.

The chest muscles beneath my palm were firm, the touch just right. That slightly uncomfortable sleeping face, the voice and the hair, combined with my level of excitement—for a dream, this was incredibly rich in information.

strange?

Could it be... that this is reality?

I tiptoed off the small bed.

Then he looked down to examine his own appearance.

All I had was my usual sports bra and a pair of underwear.

Then he looked down to examine the tiny creature.

He was wearing light blue boxer shorts.

Underwear-clad men and women share a bed.

I felt the blood rushing to my head, which I had just woken up.

Does this mean we did it?

Although I felt something was bound to happen someday, I've always tried to remain rational and restrained. Has my rationality finally crumbled? Have I gone into berserk mode? And I have absolutely no recollection of it?

So, what's the situation now?

Panicked, I hurriedly dressed and left Kawanami's house. Then I rushed back to my own house next door, ran into my room, and collapsed to the floor.

What exactly is going on?!

I racked my brains, but couldn't remember anything. My memory of last night was completely blank. I only remembered eating dinner; as for what happened afterward, it was like a torn page in a book—I couldn't recall anything clearly. What is this? This is terrifying!

"What, what, what to do, what to do..."

After frantically searching for my phone like a headless fly, I finally noticed it on the table. "Oh, so you were here," I instinctively breathed a sigh of relief. I thought I'd left it at Kawanami's house.

I stood up and instinctively picked up my phone. What to do, what to do? My mind was still a complete mess. What to do, what to do? It's already done, I really hope the memory is still there. What a waste. No, this isn't the time to dwell on this. What to do, what to do? Maybe I really am unsatisfied. What to do, what to do—

"—What should I do, Yui!"

"What's wrong so early in the morning?"

When I came to my senses, I had already called Yui. After thinking it over, it seemed that she was the only one I could discuss my relationship with Kawanami.

I frantically explained what had happened to me. Thinking about it carefully, I realized this was probably not something I should tell Jie Nu, but unfortunately, I didn't have the energy to care.

"Um... let me ask first, are you feeling alright?"

"Huh? W-what, you're alright...?"

"If you were in a state of amnesia, and... did that kind of thing, wouldn't you be unprepared...?"

"Ah! Right! If it's ejaculated inside, it might be noticeable! I'll go check!"

"Please don't say things like that so loudly first thing in the morning, okay?"

I went to the bathroom to check. I heard that it usually leaks out the next day, and since it's only been one night, there should still be some residue. However—

"It seems not..."

"Why do you seem a little disappointed...? Please take better care of your health, okay?"

"I also checked myself for hickeys or something, but I didn't find any."