A Man Who Lost Confidence, to a Gentle Chastity-Reversed World - Chapter 93

Chapter 93: Minced Meat Mixed, Words Slipped

“…Yes, just knead it like that, and it’ll be fine!”

I listened to Yukari-san’s voice while mixing hamburger patty ingredients in a bowl. Wearing a spare apron she lent me, I was tackling tonight’s dinner prep.

“Then, we’ll put Kaori-sama and Yuki-sama’s portions in the fridge. So, next, you’ll shape them… like this, denting the center…”

I’d helped with serving before, but cooking in our kitchen was definitely a first. My impulsive offer to help with chores was the cause, so I had to be careful not to mess up.

*

It all started when I told Yukari-san about the literature club camp. She responded positively, even showing concern for me.

“You don’t need to worry about me. In fact, it makes me so happy that you’d check with me…”

I’m the one who should feel happy. I’m getting carried away, and she could complain, but she didn’t, continuing instead.

“…It might be late to say, but having you come into my room without hesitation… being able to talk alone with you, Shun-sama, is the greatest luxury. I could never feel dissatisfied with your actions, and above all, if you want to go, that’s what matters most.”

Yukari-san, our housekeeper, family-like figure, and lover, said this. I bowed, saying, “…Thank you so much.”

But her kindness deserved more than words. Sitting on a small chair, facing her, I tried to express my sincerity.

“Um, Yukari-san… if there’s anything I can do to repay you, I will, anytime. Not just what you want, but… helping with chores, too. You do everything for us, so… if I’m not in the way…”

I didn’t want to think, “She’s a housekeeper, so it’s her job.” Even if she’s paid, treating someone who works for me like a tool is wrong.

Yukari-san murmured, “Repay…” then shook her head as if dismissing it.

“No! I’m so grateful for your feelings, but… it’s my job! You don’t need to worry, and you always help me!”

But what had I done? She handled most chores, with Yuki or Mom doing the rest. I lacked the initiative to step in.

Maybe this was my chance. If it wasn’t a bother, I hoped she’d allow me to ask.

“…Yukari-san, if it’s okay, if it’s not a bother… I want to learn housework. Like helping with dinner prep today… please!”

Bowing to ask for guidance, she exclaimed, “Eh, p-please raise your head, Shun-sama!” Startled, I sensed no anger in her voice.

“…Being asked by you could never be a bother…! I just don’t want to trouble you…”

Her words prompted repeated thanks from me. As a result, we ended up working together in the kitchen.

*

I’d read that in this world, men rarely cook, likely because mothers or housekeepers handle it, reducing the need. Financial aid for male households makes hiring help easier, so living alone like I did in my old world is unthinkable (and culturally odd).

Thus, a man learning to cook is rare. Yukari-san even said, “I never imagined cooking with you, Shun-sama…”

A cooler guy might add value, but I stood at the stove. Yukari-san hesitated about letting me use fire but taught me carefully and allowed it. It felt like being treated as a kid cooking for the first time, but it couldn’t be helped.

“If they’re this size, we can fit two… Is it okay to cook mine too?”

I nodded, placing two patties in the pan. Having lived alone, I could cook a bit and use a pan, similar to my old world.

“Cook them for a bit… about three minutes, then flip.”

But as I aged in my old world, I lost motivation, relying on convenience store meals. I’d never made something labor-intensive like hamburgers alone, only knowing rough methods.

Cooking for more than one was a first, and I worried about hindering Yukari-san, who was practically a pro. Still, her patient teaching and kindness kept me going despite my inexperience.

The result was two hamburgers for Yukari-san and me. Honestly, I fumbled flipping them, and they weren’t pretty.

I felt self-loathing for not mastering hamburgers after living into my thirties. But Yukari-san kindly said, “Great job! For your first time, you were so efficient.”

“Kaori-sama said to make hers and Yuki-sama’s portions when they return. So, she wants us to eat first… um, excuse me…”

Unlike usual, Yukari-san sat across from me, handing me chopsticks while watching me. After a pause, I realized I should speak first.

“I-Itadakimasu.”

Usually Mom or Yuki says it, so my voice nearly cracked. But Yukari-san followed, “…I’ll say it too,” and our two-person meal began.

The hamburgers, thanks to her recipe, were delicious. Eating freshly made food felt reassuring, and I realized it anew.

“…Shun-sama’s hamburgers…”

Yukari-san murmured, taking a bite. I was anxious, but her soft smile reassured me and made my heart race.

Like at the amusement park, a beautiful woman eating was picturesque. Her lovely eyes and small lips consuming the hamburger were mesmerizing.

But staring might bother her, so I focused on my rice and cutting my hamburger, trying to eat.

“…Shun-sama.”

But Yukari-san looked at me, speaking gently.

“It’s really delicious… thank you.”

I didn’t deserve thanks, yet she gave it, eating happily while glancing at me.

*

Later, I cooked hamburgers for Mom and Yuki when they returned. Seeing Yukari-san’s joy, I hoped they’d feel the same.

Yuki, seeing me in the kitchen, shouted, “Really?!” and said, “Shun-nii’s cooking… I’m so happy…” Mom laughed, “I never thought this day would come, fufu.”

Yukari-san checked with Mom about me using fire, but Mom was unconcerned.

“For most boys, even in high school, it might be dangerous. But I think you’re different, Shun-kun, especially since you wanted to try.”

Mom and Yuki ate happily. Though I had help, seeing them enjoy my food filled me with relief.

Sitting with Yukari-san, the four of us talked. Mom mentioned trip destinations, debating hotels versus hot spring inns.

The term “hot spring” excited me, but this was family bonding. Yuki’s desire for a hot spring tilted us that way, slightly scary, but I couldn’t think lewdly.

Amid these topics, Yuki let out an “Ah!” as if remembering something. Fearing a mistake in my cooking or words, I tensed as she faced me.

“Hey, Shun-nii, I feel bad eating alone… so, have a bite!”

Grinning, she held a piece of hamburger with chopsticks before me—an unmistakable lover’s “aah.”

“If you want, okay?”

Her cute act made me nervous. Doing this in front of Mom and Yukari-san felt bold, and my eyes wavered.

But Mom had seen Yuki kiss my cheek before. I couldn’t hide anything, so I ate her offering.

The hamburger vanished from her chopsticks, and she grinned angelically. Mom smiled, “Ara, you two are close, fufu.” Yukari-san blushed beside me.

I wasn’t sure if this was ethically right, but the warm, gentle atmosphere was undeniable, and I wanted to believe it was okay.

“…Of course, you’re so welcome! If you come, Sato-kun, Akiyo and Ami will be thrilled… and honestly, I’m really happy too. I wasn’t sure if a guy would join an overnight event.”

The next day, I was in the literature club room with Maki-san, formally telling Shina-senpai I wanted to join the camp. Though nervous, she was delighted and approved.

I worried about intruding on a mostly female space, but Shina-senpai showed no such concern, explaining the camp.

“It’s not formal at all. We’ll play on the grounds, do games in a big room… and don’t worry, there are facilities for guys. The pension-like building has about seven rooms.”

She said I’d likely get a private room, though some might share depending on numbers. Currently, there were fewer people than rooms.

The third-year Ishikawa-senpai, second-year Asai-senpai, Maki-san, and I made five.

Another girl, joining us at the table, had come to confirm her participation.

“Aaah… I can’t believe this…”

A beautiful girl with a neatly trimmed bob and sharp eyes—Kizaki-san from the next class.

Having grown up with few guys, she seemed distant with me. I was no one to approach actively, but she treated me like speaking to me was an imposition.

We’d exchanged contacts at the cherry blossom viewing, but only sent initial greetings. Starting a conversation with a girl was a hurdle I couldn’t easily cross.

“I haven’t come to the club much, so I wanted to join the camp, but… a guy, Sato-kun, joining… what should I do, Shina-senpai?”

Kizaki-san asked anxiously. I hoped it wasn’t rejection, but she might feel fear.

“…Sato-kun wants to join, and so do you, so there’s no issue. It’s a bonding camp, after all.”

Indeed, I rarely saw Kizaki-san in the club, as she struggled with studies, I’d heard from Maki-san. We had little contact.

I worried she’d feel more fear meeting me in such a setting. Then, Maki-san, beside me, spoke to her.

“Um, Kizaki-san? I agree with Senpai… Sato-kun doesn’t mind being around girls, so he’s joining… that’s what I think.”

Hearing this, Kizaki-san murmured, “I-Is that so…” glancing between the three of us. I feared she’d say, “I don’t want him there,” but was grateful she didn’t.

She said, “Then… I’ll join too…” and Shina-senpai replied, “Thank you, Kizaki-san,” with a bright smile.

Her voice and smile made Kizaki-san yelp, “Hyai!” Shina-senpai had a cool, boyish charm, a beautiful yet princely aura.

But to me, her thin blouse, unbuttoned top revealing her neckline, and prominent chest made her undeniably sensual.

Her face turned to me, and I feared she’d noticed my thoughts, but she thanked me.

“Sato-kun, honestly, I thought you might decline, and it could feel stifling with mostly girls, but I’m really glad you’re coming.”

Five cute girls in a club camp with me was unpredictable, but it was just a camp. I should thank Shina-senpai, Maki-san, Kizaki-san, and the others for letting me experience this missed youth.

“And Yamamoto-san… sorry for asking you to pass the message. I got a bit anxious.”

“No, it’s totally fine!”

Shina-senpai thanked Maki-san, bowing, and continued.

“I thought you spend more time with Sato-kun and are closer, so it’d be better coming from you… was that okay?”

“Closer” might mean as lovers, but we hadn’t told the club about our relationship. It wasn’t something to hide, but Maki-san might want to keep it private from the seniors.

My class’s girls knew about me, Asagi-san, and Maki-san, but a couple within the club was new to me, especially as a participant. I couldn’t decide alone.

Lacking experience, I could only overthink.

“No need to worry! We’re lovers, after all!”

Maki-san’s reply cut through my spiraling thoughts.

I noticed the oddity as Maki-san gasped, “…Ah!” The room’s atmosphere shifted slightly. She’d leaped over my concerns about whether she wanted to keep it secret or if I should’ve spoken.

Shina-senpai’s eyes widened briefly, then she murmured, “…I see,” nodding. Kizaki-san, flustered, said, “…Aah, that rumor was true… really…”

Still shaken, I turned to Maki-san, my lover, wanting to understand her sudden words.

“…S-Sato-kun…”

It was clearly an accidental slip, not intentional. Seeing her tense, I straightened up too.