Actually, the Hungry Gyaru Who Eats a Lot Was Being Cheated On, so I Decided to Win Her Heart (And Stomach) From Her Jerk Boyfriend - 17

Chapter 17: The Hungry Gyaru and the Loud Stomach Growls

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After Kushina finished her bath, I took a quick shower as well. However, knowing that she had just been in the same bathroom as me made me feel strangely unsettled. I ended up leaving the bathroom almost immediately. The washing machine was already running, but with both washing and drying still in progress, it would be a while before it was done. When I returned to the living room, I found Kushina sitting comfortably on the L-shaped sofa with my older sister and Ichika. The three of them were chatting like they were old friends.

“Hey, hey, Shizuku-chan. What’s Gaku like at school?”

“Well… He’s always by himself. He can respond well when someone talks to him, but he never initiates a conversation himself. At lunch, he usually eats by himself on the emergency staircase.”

“Uwahh… I knew it. I mean, I kinda figured he’s like that. He hasn’t had any interest in people since he was young, and he literally has zero desire to work with others. In fact, back in elementary school, he—”

“Don’t go spilling other people’s past without permission.”

Feeling relieved it didn’t take long for them to warm up to each other, I tried to join the conversation. However, my older sister only casually raised one hand and pretended as if she hadn’t just about to tell Kushina my embarrassing past without permission. 

“Huh? You’re done with your bath already?”

“I couldn’t exactly take my time taking a bath with a guest around, could I?”

Though, to be honest, I just couldn’t stand staying in the bath any longer than that. 

I headed to the kitchen. While taking some barley tea out of the fridge, I checked the ingredients we had. 

“Let’s see… What do we have here?”

Glancing at the window, I saw the rain had stopped. The sky was gradually being painted in crimson hues. It was still a bit early for dinner, but… Well, whatever. I was starving since I hadn’t eaten anything since lunch, and besides, I would be the one cooking anyway.

“Ichika, I’m about to start dinner. Is there anything in particular you want to eat?”

“Hmm… Oh! I want omurice!”

“Got it. Omurice it is.”

“Wait a minute. What about me? You’re not going to ask what I want to eat?”

“Why do I need to consider your opinion when I’m not going to cook for you?”

“So cruel! You’re still not going to cook for me?!”

“Of course.”

I had no intention of cooking for her for the next two or three days at least. After confirming we still had eggs for omurice, I popped back over to where the three of them were lounging at. 

“Kushina, you’re going to eat with us, right?”

“Huh? Me!? No, no, I couldn’t! Just being able to use your bath is more than enough. I can’t possibly let you cook dinner for me—I’d feel guilty about it!”

Kushina flailed her hands in protest, looking clearly flustered. I knew why she would feel bad about it, but leaving her out wasn’t an option either. 

“But still, there’s no way we can just sit down and eat while our guest goes hungry.”

“I’m fine! No need to worry about me! You can take your time eating after I leave! I will be leaving soon anyway!”

“I can’t wait that long. I’m already starving.”

I said that, but I actually had ulterior motives. A perfectly selfish reason. I wanted Kushina to eat the food I made. That was all. I didn’t actually care about social norms or whatever. Not to mention, given her hearty appetite… I could see why she hesitated. As a fellow big eater, I could understand why she insisted on leaving without eating dinner first. 

“Then, don’t mind me. Just go ahead and—”

But before she could finish speaking, a loud growl erupted from Kushina’s stomach. It was so loud that even I, who was standing on the edge of the living room, could hear it clearly. 

“~~~!!!!!!”

Kushina let out a soundless cry of despair and began writhing in embarrassment, understandably so. she curled up into a small ball on the couch and buried her face into her sweatshirt. 

“See? That’s why I said—”

But then, another loud growl echoed through the room, as if the growls were coordinating a perfect symphony. However, the last growl didn’t come from Kushina’s stomach. It was mine and my growl was far louder than hers. A moment of silence ensued between us. Then, Kushina slowly whipped around to face me. She blinked a few times. Her eyes were wide with surprise before she laughed out loud. 

“AHAHAHAHA!! Suou-kun! Your stomach is growling too! So funny! You’re not kidding when you said you were starving, huh?”

I see… I could understand why Kushina reacted the way she did earlier. It was really embarrassing indeed. I couldn’t tell her why I was starving, but at least…

“Well, of course. I only ate a little this morning and that was it. Of course I’m starving now.”

“You must be at your limit then! Well… Me too. I’m hungry too…”

It turned out Kushina hadn’t eaten anything yet today too. Kushina laughed, trying to mask the embarrassment when Ichika peered at her worriedly. 

“Huh? Shizuku-oneechan, you haven’t eaten anything yet?”

“Ye-Yeah… That’s right.”

“You need to eat properly! Or you won’t be able to grow well, you know?”

Ichika said. Just from her gaze alone, anyone could tell she was genuinely worried about Kushina. That must be the reason why Kushina didn’t have the heart to refuse my offer anymore. 

“U-Uggghhh…. I… I will be in your care then. Please let me eat dinner here…!”

Apparently, Ichika’s pure heart was super effective against Kushina. 

“Yeah, just leave it to me.”

I’m going to give it all in cooking for them.

I decided in my heart. Then, I started taking out the ingredients for today’s dinner from the fridge.

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