My stepmother's burden is my ex-girlfriend.

Page 377

Nan Xiaoyue ◆ Common Behaviors of Men and Women Crossing Boundaries - Part Two

After a swaying bus ride of half an hour, we got off at Ichijoji Shimomatsucho Station and used our phones to check the route to the ramen street.

This area is considered the suburbs of Kyoto, and looking back, you'll find the mountains on the eastern edge of the city not far away. I remember there were two mountains nearby where bonfires were lit during the "Gozan no Ouki" (also known as "Daimonji no Ouki," one of Kyoto's four major traditional festivals). I went on a field trip there when I was in elementary school, and the mountain was called Daimonji-yama.

The neighborhood's atmosphere wasn't too rural, but it wasn't particularly bustling either, exuding a standard local town charm. A large pachinko parlor at the entrance to the shopping street leading to the ramen street further reinforced this impression.

And so we arrived at Ramen Street. At first glance, it was just an ordinary two-way street. There were no glaring neon lights or signs, and the crowds weren't so dense that they were shoulder to shoulder.

But if you look closely, you'll find that the whole street is lined with ramen shops, restaurants, ramen shops, secondhand bookstores, ramen shops, ramen shops—and many of them have long queues that fill the sidewalks.

"Ugh, which one is good? Which one should we go to?"

"Look at this place, the whole decor is incredibly stylish."

"But isn't the atmosphere of a ramen shop supposed to be a bit run-down?"

The three of us girls huddled together, looking at our phones as we selected shops.

Kawanami and the others seemed to be huddled together behind us, engaged in a heated discussion. During breaks in their conversation, I kept noticing a gaze fixed on us, so frequent it was impossible to ignore. It was Kawanami stealing glances at me, his eyes darting around as if he couldn't resist.

Isn't he afraid of being discovered by others if he keeps staring at me like that? I really can't do anything with Xiaoxiao. Is he so concerned about the reaction of girls he's slept with? He might be thinking about what happened last night right now.

Seeing the suspicious signs in Kawakami's actions, I've already come to the conclusion that there's no other possibility. Forgetting the process is indeed frustrating, but at least the stagnant relationship has made some progress. I can only be optimistic.

Five months ago—on White Valentine's Day—I discovered that Kawabata's allergies had improved significantly.

This allergy caused him to develop hives or vomit whenever he became aware of a girl's romantic feelings. My repeated exposure therapy finally worked, and his condition gradually improved without him even realizing it.

But if I rush to get closer to him because of this, his condition might relapse. After all, I am the culprit who caused him psychological trauma, so I originally planned to observe the situation while gradually helping him adapt to his post-recovery body.

But to my utter surprise, I found myself unknowingly crossing the line that I had previously been hesitant about.

Although I have absolutely no idea how things turned out that way, since we've come this far, confessing again anytime shouldn't be a problem, right? Then we can finally unleash the pent-up desire we've been holding in for a year on each other, imprinting this passion deep in our minds. Hee hee hee hee…

Alright! Let's get a little fired up now!

Freed from the curse of "favorability allergy," I am now invincible. We finally chose a restaurant and waited in line for a while. After entering the restaurant, I cleverly grabbed a seat next to Kawabata, glancing at the menu while leaning slightly closer to him.

"Hmm... which one should I order...?"

As I spoke, I secretly reached under the table and touched Kawabata's thigh.

“…Hmm!”

Kawanami was startled, but quickly feigned composure. That's right, everyone's watching.

"Tonkotsu is fine... How about we order a soft-boiled egg... Kawanami, what do you think?"

"...Why are you asking me? How would I know how hungry you are?"

Kawanami looked indifferent, but I still stroked the inside of his thighs back and forth.

So, aren't you getting impatient? Want me to touch you a little more? Want to do it yourself too? I haven't been afraid for two days in a row!

My mind is filled with lewd thoughts.

What does it matter? A sexy girl is awesome. I'll show you that it's not just big-breasted girls who can be sexy!

Kawanami Kogure◆ We're all friends, right?

"well……"

Standing in front of the urinal, I let out a long sigh.

I ended up in the karaoke bar's restroom. After finishing our ramen, we decided there was no rush to go home, so the six of us went into a karaoke bar we found nearby. While some of the girls were happily choosing songs, I ran to the restroom to take refuge.

That guy... he's exaggerating a bit too much.

She exudes a pink aura, her eyes like those of a wild beast spotting its prey. To put it bluntly, she's none other than Nan Xiaoyue, the miniature erotic beast who descended upon us during middle school. Despite appearing petite, lively, cheerful, and healthy, she transforms into a breathtaking embodiment of desire once a spark is ignited.

The one who lit the flame... was probably me last night, I guess.

Ughhhhhh...! Seriously, what did I do...?! Did I really do it...?!

Just as I was deep in thought, someone opened the bathroom door, and Yamato walked in.

"Hi."

"……oh."

Yamato was one seat away from me, standing in front of the urinal.

After I finished urinating, I left the urinal and went to the sink to wash my hands.

Just as the cool water was making me relax, Yamato suddenly blurted out:

"Kogure, are you and Minami still dating?"

Water splashes.

I quickly pulled my hand back.

"...Why, why are you asking that?"

"I just feel like you two are very close, is that too much of a good relationship for a couple who have broken up?"

Huh? Did I tell Yamato we broke up? We went to the same junior high school, so it's normal that she knew we dated...

No... I know now. It was what I said yesterday, wasn't it?

"That's...there's a reason for it. Even if we're not dating anymore, we're still neighbors, and we can't keep holding a grudge forever."

"Is this how all breakups are? I don't understand..."

"You'll understand when you get a girlfriend and break up with her."

"Stop cursing me!"

I finally got away with it... Could you please ask that woman to consider what other people think?

I dried my hands with a hand dryer and walked out of the restroom with Yamato. Makoto was waiting for us at the restroom door.

"Leaving me there all alone is just too much!"

"What are you doing—do we still have to hide from those women soldiers?"

After being teased by Yamato, Makoto awkwardly looked away.

"I'm really bad at talking to girls... I can't find anything to talk about..."

I said with a smile:

"Makoto has only changed his appearance; his inner self remains the same."

"Mind your own business!"

Makoto has never been good at joking around with lively and outgoing girls, so he always hangs out with us.

The nostalgia for the past slightly eased my emotions, which had been disrupted by Nan's actions. Seeing Makoto made me feel at ease. She's become so stylish now; I thought she debuted in high school!

Makoto stared at me, as if observing my expression.

"Kogure... I overheard part of your conversation just now."

"Um?"

"No need to hide it, just say you're dating Nan."

"What?"

"That's exactly what I meant!"

Yamato enthusiastically came over and put her arm around my shoulder.

"Why are you being so formal? We've known each other for so long! Back in junior high, everyone knew you two were dating!"

"I told you it wasn't true! We really have broken up! That guy and I are just childhood friends now!"

"'Just childhood friends'... I really hope I'll have the chance to say that too..."

"So annoying..."

I'm used to being teased like this, but this time it's particularly strong. Because we're very likely no longer just childhood sweethearts.

"Alright, since Kogure has said so, I'll let you off the hook."

Makoto said with a smile.

"If you encounter any problems, come and talk to me. We're friends, after all."

"Bullshit, you should talk to Makoto about this!"

"Who says it's impossible!"

We joked with each other as we walked through the karaoke corridor.

If I can prove that nothing happened last night, I can more openly deny my relationship with that guy...

Irito, are you still not done...? It's been so long, why haven't you figured it out yet?

Irito Mizuto ◆ Testimonies from someone who's been there

The riverbank was filled with the aroma of barbecue.

At the usual BBQ gathering at Zhongli's house, I once again hid in a corner reading. Fortunately, the sunlight was still quite gentle, and the shadows cast by the drooping leaves weren't too dark, making the words on the pages easier to read.

"Water bucket".

Hearing the sound of sandals crunching on gravel, I looked up from my book.

Wearing a swimsuit different from last year's, with a sun-protective jacket over it, Yui came up to me.

The swimsuit she wore was a white bikini that she wore in Okinawa, and it was more revealing than last year's. This swimsuit was originally meant to be worn under a wetsuit, so a little exposure is reasonable, but I think it also reflects Yui's confidence.

Could it be said that her attitude has become more poised and confident...? The words and actions she put on last year now seem to have finally become a part of her.

...Okay, maybe it's just that my body size has changed.

After all, she looks about the same age as her cousin Yuanxiang this year. Her slender waist also adds to her charm.

The girl, carrying two paper plates, knelt on the picnic mat where I was sitting.

"You wouldn't have been tempted by anything, would you?"

"That would be best."

"Really...? I have a feeling you're watching me."

She placed a paper plate in front of me. The plate contained meat and vegetables drizzled with sauce.

"You've never been one to wear your heart on your sleeve, and I used to never be able to figure you out. But things are different now; I can see through a lot of things now."

"...Same to me."

"I guess so."

Jie Nu sat down beside me, tilting her head closer to my face.

"If you like it, how about I wear it for you again next time?"

"...I'll wear it when Dad and the others aren't home."

"Wow, what do you want to do to me in my swimsuit?"

"You can think about how you want me to treat you first."

Otherwise, I might not have the energy to ask questions later.

I consider myself the type to be celibate and detached from worldly desires. However, after crossing that line with Yui, I find myself admitting my mistake every day. I don't know if I'm just naturally lewd, or if Yui was simply too lewd; only future historians can judge that.

"—Don't go too wild, okay?!"

“Wow!”

A ghostly voice came from behind me, and Jie Nu screamed. I turned around silently.

My cousin Yuanxiang, wearing a swimsuit, appeared in front of us with a strange look in her eyes.

"Being overly flirtatious now will only cause you pain... You won't find a way to release your pent-up emotions..."

"W-what venting? We didn't do anything..."

"And don't even think about doing things outside... Even if no one sees you, watch out for insect bites..."

"W-What are you saying?!"

Jienu blushed and retorted. Cousin Yuanxiang giggled mischievously.