After Picking up a Runaway Girl From the Same University on My Way Home From Work, We Started Living Together in Secret

“…So, how did you and Yuki meet in such a fateful way?”

As I settled into a corner of the cafeteria where there weren’t many people, Mayuzumi asked with a creepy grin on his face.

He probably thought it was just some gossip.

In truth, I couldn’t deny it.

But the question was, how much should I tell him?

It’s not that I didn’t trust Mayuzumi.

But if he found out I was living with Kototori…

“I’m staying at Minato’s place for various reasons.”

“Kototori!?”

The core of the matter came out right at the start, and I quickly glanced at Kototori sitting next to me.

Kototori showed no change in her expression, as if it was nothing out of the ordinary.

Meanwhile, Mayuzumi was laughing with his face down.

…If I suddenly said, “Actually, it’s a lie,” he wouldn’t believe me.

My panicked voice probably gave it away.

And besides, Kototori wouldn’t lie about something like this.

“Maybe I shouldn’t have said it?”

“…It’ll just cause misunderstandings.”

“I get it.”

I wondered why I said it in the first place when I knew it would be misunderstood.

“Haha, that was funny. I didn’t expect a big surprise like that. If this were a horse race, I’d have hit the jackpot. Feels like I used up my luck for nothing.”

“You’re enjoying this because it’s someone else’s business.”

“Honestly, if my friend’s in such an interesting situation, not laughing would be rude.”

“Interesting, huh?”

Mayuzumi had a point, but to me, it felt more like an accident.

“…Don’t spread this around.”

“I know that much. I’m not so bored that I’ll interfere in someone else’s love life.”

“We’re not even dating.”

“So, does that mean you’re just friends with benefits?”

I nearly burst out laughing at such a blunt remark.

If we were living together and not dating, it wouldn’t be strange for someone to misunderstand, would it?

But neither Kototori nor I had that kind of intention.

…Kototori did say it was fine for me to do whatever I wanted, but I couldn’t be sure.

“Why would you think that? It’s rude to Kototori, too.”

“You’re right. My bad, Princess.”

“It’s fine. I can’t blame you if that’s what you think. Also, just call me Kototori.”

“Hmmm… That sounds too similar to Yuki. So, I’ll call you Kot-chan. Call me whatever you like.”

Kototori thought for a moment, then whispered, “Then, Mayu,” and for the first time, Mayuzumi laughed at the nickname.

“I didn’t expect it, but talking to you, Princess, is actually pretty fun. So, if you’re not just friends with benefits, why were you letting her stay?”

“You need to drop the idea that a guy and a girl who aren’t dating would only let each other stay over if they’re friends with benefits.”

“Isn’t it obvious that when a guy and a girl of this age stay together, something happens?”

“Don’t assume everyone’s living a messed-up life like you.”

It was frustrating being judged based on his experience with multiple girlfriends.

“Kototori, if you’re bothered, you should probably stay away from him. Mayuzumi’s like this, as you can see.”

“I’m fine.”

“You’re saying you don’t want to get near the Princess?”

“I think it might cause bad influence.”

“That’s harsh.”

Even so, Mayuzumi didn’t seem hurt by the comment. This was just playful banter. We both knew it wasn’t serious.

…Though it was true that it could have a bad influence.

But Kototori didn’t seem like a sheltered person who didn’t know about these things either.

“Anyway, I’m getting sidetracked, but why are you letting her stay?”

Mayuzumi’s question made me glance at Kototori for a moment.

I only knew it was because she had run away from home, but whether or not to tell Mayuzumi that was up to Kototori.

She seemed to understand the silent question, and surprisingly, she spoke up.

“I ran away from home, and Minato took me in when I was in trouble.”

She admitted it honestly, more so than I expected.

Being too honest could be problematic, but if Kototori was okay with it, I couldn’t stop her.

“I get it now. Yeah, that makes sense, Yuki.”

“That’s what happened, so there’s nothing shady about it.”

“If such a cute girl is staying in the same room and you say there’s nothing shady going on, I’d question your manhood, but you’re the ever-kind Yuki. Well, it’s fine, I guess. She’s like a cute stray cat, right?”

“I’m not a cat.”

“I wish I could see you like that.”

I could agree that Kototori had a cat-like vibe, but no matter how I looked at it, she was still human.

And a cute girl, with a fan club.

Having her in the same room made my nerves constantly on edge.

…Does that make me seem like a virgin?

Well, that’s something you can’t get used to immediately, so it can’t be helped.

“Anyway, if you run into any problems, feel free to ask. I’ll help depending on the price.”

“You’re charging for it?”

“It doesn’t have to be money. We could talk about your everyday life with the Princess, in detail—”

“I’ll pass.”

Once I talk about something, he’d probably bring it up every chance he gets. I wasn’t about to take that risk.