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 - 70

Chapter 70: Late-Night Girls’ Talk

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“Thank you, for always keeping Gaku company, Shizuku-chan.”

Shizuku heard those words from Mio shortly after being shown into her room. She had parted ways with Gakuto in the living room, and Ichika had gone as well. After the two of them sat side by side on the bed, Mio smiled gently.

“What’s this all of a sudden?”

“There’s no deep meaning or anything. I just kind of felt like thanking you properly again. And besides, we don’t really get chances to talk face-to-face like this, just the two of us, so I figured this was the perfect opportunity.”

“Ahaha, true. But if anything, I’m the one who should be saying thank you. I’m seriously always indebted to Suou-kun! Mostly when it comes to food!”

As she recalled the many dishes Gakuto had made for her, she added that last part in an earnest tone.

“He’s helped me in a lot of other ways too. If Suou-kun hadn’t been there today, I don’t even know what would’ve happened…”

After pushing herself too hard in an effort to lose weight as quickly as possible, she had nearly ended up being taken to the hospital. It might have turned out even worse. Including the situation with her ex-boyfriend, she truly felt from the bottom of her heart that she could never repay him for all his help.

“That was definitely Gaku’s fine play. Even though he’s my foolish little brother, he really did well.”

While Mio nodded with her arms folded, Shizuku gave a modest, awkward laugh. If he heard her call him that, he’d probably frown and say that last part was unnecessary. Just as that thought crossed her mind—

“…Still, Gaku’s changed.”

Mio murmured it pensively.

“The old Gaku would’ve, without a doubt, pretended not to see… well, maybe he wouldn’t go that far. But if he’d lent a tiny hand, he would’ve headed home immediately. He’s not heartless enough to abandon someone in trouble, but he’s completely uninterested in other people. At the very least, he would never have gotten deeply involved on his own volition.”

“…Yeah, I kind of get what you mean.”

“Right?”

There had actually been a time when she and Sawa joked that he looked like the type who would totally ignore someone collapsed on the side of the road. Of course, that had been back when it hadn’t been long since she’d gotten to know him.

So even Mio Onee-san had that kind of impression of Suou-kun…

“But he wasn’t like that with you, Shizuku-chan. Maybe it’s because you’re close to him, but even so, carrying you on his back and bringing you home is a big deal for him. That just shows how important you are to him.”

“Do you think so? If that’s true… I’d be really happy.”

“Hehe,” an unguarded smile slipped out. Hearing it from his own family made the happiness swell up inside her even more.

“So… Thank you for being there for Gaku.”

After expressing her gratitude once more, Mio gently narrowed her eyes.

Looking at her up close like this, they really do look alike. Well, they’re siblings, so of course they do.

Especially the jet-black hair, like ink, and the sharp, almond-shaped eyes they inherited from their mother. They were strikingly similar. Perhaps because of the difference in gender, Mio’s gaze wasn’t as sharp as his, though in fairness, Gakuto’s was unusually intense—but even taking that into account, anyone told they were siblings would easily believe it.

That said, if one considered more than just facial features, Mio and Ichika were more obviously sisters at a glance. According to Gakuto, Mio and Ichika’s overall aura resembled their father’s, so that might have something to do with it.

As Shizuku idly pondered that… 

“By the way, Shizuku-chan… How far have you and Gaku gone?”

“—!!!”

The sudden bombshell nearly made her choke. At the same time, she desperately held back a coughing fit and thrust both hands out toward Mio.

“W-Wh-What are you suddenly saying…!?”

“…I see. Judging by that reaction, it’s going to be a long road ahead. Well, considering the other party is Gaku, it can’t be helped. He was eternally single until you showed up, after all.”

While Mio shrugged as if to say “what can you do,” Shizuku sat there, face bright red, trembling.

Waaahhh, Mio Onee-san totally figured it out~~~!!

Clutching her head inwardly, she barely suppressed the urge to scream. She had hoped that someday she and Gakuto would become that kind of couple, and if that happened, she had no intention whatsoever of hiding it from Mio or Ichika. Even so, having her feelings already seen through was downright mortifying.

Ughhh, if there were a hole here, I’d dive into it in a second…!!

Maybe she should just burrow under the futon and hide. As she seriously debated it, Mio spoke in a slightly apologetic tone.

“…Hey, Shizuku-chan. It might be none of my business to say this as his family, but… I want you to be patient with Gaku. Once he sorts things out in his own head, I’m sure he’ll make a move himself.”

“…I hope so.”

“It’ll be fine. I guarantee it.”

Thumping her chest lightly, Mio nodded firmly. For some reason, even without any concrete proof, a strange sense of reassurance filled Shizuku. 

After that, they chatted idly about this and that for a while.

“Well then, we should probably get to sleep soon. Sounds like tomorrow’s going to be an early morning.”

“Yes, good night!”

Shizuku lay down to sleep beside Mio.

In truth, maybe all it would take was for her to lay her feelings bare herself. Even so, if possible, she wanted the final step to be taken by Gakuto. She understood more than anyone that this was a selfish wish. And yet, knowing that, Shizuku quietly continued to wait for that moment.

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