A Case in Which My House Is a Gathering Place for Girls - Chapter 10: Considering the Origin of the Saying Not Eating a Set Meal Is a Man’s Shame

“I’m sorry to have kept you waiting. The hot water warmed my body.”

“Y-yes. That’s good to hear.”

After taking a bath, her skin became slightly steamy and moist. Maybe the shirt I prepared was a little big, but the sleeves were rolled up and the hem hung loosely. Yet, the part of her figure that even her uniform couldn’t completely conceal was now emphasized which makes it impossible to ignore. She radiated a charm that didn’t seem fitting for someone who had just entered high school.

She is also wearing shorts underneath, and revealed her healthy and well proportioned thighs. A sight that wasn’t easy to the eyes.

“It’s been a long time since we met again… I’m sorry for making you go through so much trouble.”

Kanna sits next to me with her shoulders down. I was about to point out that she should sit across from me but stopped short. A decade ago, it was natural for us to sit side by side like this.

“I’ve said this many times, but you don’t have to worry about it. I was a bit surprised when you suddenly jumped into the fountain.”

“M-My head and body whispered to my instinct that I had to! I was moving on instinct before I knew it!”

Kanna makes incoherent excuses. I couldn’t help but chuckle and silently wonder how it could be that her instincts told her to do that.

“I get it. You probably thought that handkerchief was something special—maybe a gift from her parents or grandparents for starting school. The fabric was high-quality, and it had initials embroidered on it.”

That handkerchief Kanna retrieved from the fountain had “Y.K.” embroidered on it, clearly done by someone who cared deeply for its owner. It must have been a cherished item.

Kanna must have guessed that when she heard the girl’s story. Her mind always worked at least three times faster than the average person’s, constructing stories—real or imagined—about everything. She used to do this often as a child, which sometimes made people uneasy around her. It seemed this habit hadn’t changed even after all these years.

“Jinpei-kun has really understood me so well. I’m relieved that you’re the same as before.”

Kanna breathes a sigh of relief.

What had weighed on her earlier was likely the same as always… The loneliness and fear of being misunderstood when her good intentions ended up puzzling others, causing them to look at her as if she were strange.

“Well… that’s it. If something like that happens again, don’t jump into the fountain without hesitation, because it’ll be a disaster if you’re as wet as you are today.”

“Jinpei-kun, you’re so mean… I won’t show such an embarrassing sight again!”

Kanna puffed out her cheeks and turned away in a huff. It must’ve been pretty embarrassing for her to slip and fall in the fountain and enough to make her break into a cold sweat. If that was the case, it might be better not to bring it up again. Her retaliation could be scary.

“Yes! That’s the end of the story of the fountain! Jinpei-kun, do you have anything to say about how I look right now?”

“What’s with the sudden question?”

“Geez… Jinpei-kun is really insensitive. Now I’m wearing Jinpei-kun’s shirt. That’s what they call a boyfriend shirt, isn’t it?”

Kanna leaned forward on all fours, bringing her face closer to mine as she spoke. Her position created a gap in the shirt at her chest, and I could almost see the treasures hidden within. I quickly averted my gaze.

“Nearly ten years have passed since we last met. I’ve grown up quite a bit, too.”

“Y-you don’t have to go out of your way to say that. I can tell. Besides, aren’t you uncomfortable being looked at like that?”

I couldn’t believe the same person who used to tease me endlessly, calling me a pervert and whatnot, would say and act like this now. My head is on the verge of causing a serious bug.

“That’s only because we were at school! And didn’t I say to you that time, place, and occasion are important? It’s okay when we’re alone.”

Kanna says with a mysterious smile. I couldn’t help but gulp nervously at her charming face. My lovely childhood friend had become a demented woman. But I can’t give in to temptation. She trusted me and came to my house. I can never do anything to betray it.

“Hehe. What’s wrong Jinpei-kun? Your face is red.”

“S-shut up! Don’t get any closer! Get a little further away!”

“What will happen if I get closer?”

There is a saying that not eating a set meal is a man’s shame.

It was a man’s shame not to touch the table offered to eat, and it was a man’s shame not to accept an aggressive invitation from a woman. A set meal refers to a meal prepared in a ready-to-eat state, which in turn refers to a love affair offered by a woman. I try to distract myself with random thoughts to keep my reason intact.

“T-that’s…”

No, I can’t say anything. My head is on the verge of shortening.

“Why… Aah! I’m kidding!”

“…Kanna-san?”

Her name escaped my lips, but my tone carried an unusual edge and it was almost like a growl. However, Kanna ignored my feelings entirely, stood up, and smirked as she touched her chin and her mouth curled mischievously.

“I was just testing Jinpei-kun’s reason. Thanks to that, I understood that Jinpei-kun was more innocent than I had imagined.”

I see. So that’s how it is. If that’s what she’s trying to do, I have my own moves to make. I confronted my smug childhood friend with a declaration while rising to my feet.

“…I understand, too. You’re leaving this place as soon as your uniform dries up. And don’t think about setting foot here again!”

“What!? Why would you say something like that!”

“It’s because you played with the innocent hearts of adolescent boys!? I don’t remember raising you to be such childhood friends!”

“It was all just a joke!? Please don’t get upset! Cheer up!”

Kanna grabbed my sleeve and desperately pleaded with teary eyes as I turned away. If I gave in with a simple “Fine, I get it,” she’d only take advantage of me again. She needed to reflect on her actions, even if just a little.

“Don’t be mean! I won’t do anything like that again, probably, maybe! Let me stay at Jinpei-kun’s place like we used to!”

“I will never let you have a sleepover!”

The moment I answered firmly, Kanna grabbed me by the shoulder and shouted, “It’s Jinpei-kun’s fault!.” She shook me violently.

I thought back to when Kanna would always pull these kinds of stunts whenever I refused her selfish demands, and I couldn’t help but reminisce. I also secretly imagined what it would be like to have a sleepover at my place again.

“…Alright. If you don’t say yes, I have an idea. Just see and wait for me, Jinpei-kun.”

I just ignored what Kanna said at that time, but the next day I deeply regretted not taking her seriously.