After Picking up a Runaway Girl From the Same University on My Way Home From Work, We Started Living Together in Secret - Chapter 20

“It’s time for my shift to end, so I’m heading off. Good work today.”

I said goodbye to the manager and Miyamae-senpai, then left the café, Hideout, where I work part-time.

Today, I had an afternoon shift. Miyamae-senpai, whose shift lasted until the evening rotation, tried to cling to me, whining, “I’ll miss you~!”

Of course, I politely declined her attempt.

“Well then, I wonder how Risa’s doing?”

While I was at work, Risa mentioned she would go back to her house to pick up some things.

Thinking she must be back by now, I decided to send her a quick message just in case: “Are you home yet?”

“Still at my place.”

Her reply came almost instantly.

I figured she probably left later than planned, but given the circumstances, I couldn’t help but worry a little.

“Want me to come pick you up?”

“Please.”

After her concise reply, she sent me a screenshot of a map.

I had suspected as much from something I’d seen near the shopping district, but it turned out that Risa’s home was in the next station over.

The area was a well-known upscale neighborhood. I never thought I’d find myself heading to a place like that.

I sent her a final message, “I’ll be right there,” and headed to Risa’s house.

To be honest, I felt no nervousness at all about visiting the home of someone of the opposite sex. I guess spending several days sharing the same space can do that to you.

While mulling over such thoughts, I rode the train for one stop and entered the residential area where Risa lived.

The neighborhood was an elegant, quiet area clearly meant for the upper class.

Right away, I saw a madam strolling in front of me with a large dog, as if to make that fact perfectly clear.

It was remarkable how just one station away, the atmosphere and the people’s demeanor could feel so different.

“…I better not get lost.”

Using my phone’s map for guidance, I made my way to the destination without wandering too much.

I was hyper-aware of how out of place I must have looked, but I tried not to let it bother me as I finally found a nameplate that read “Kototori” adorning the wall around a house.

“As expected, it’s ridiculously fancy.”

The house was a two-story building with the appearance of a Western-style mansion. Judging by its size, it could easily accommodate a dozen people.

Crossing the stone path that cut through a neatly trimmed lawn, I approached the front door.

After ringing the doorbell and waiting for a few seconds,

“Sorry to keep you waiting.”

Risa appeared, dressed in what could only be described as elegant, princess-like attire. Her hair was braided on both sides and hung neatly down in front of her chest, exuding a composed, refined aura.

“For now, come in.”

“…Alright.”

Following her lead, I stepped inside and was guided to the second floor—to Risa’s room.

A mix of mild curiosity and hesitation swirled within me as I entered, wondering what kind of room it might be.

The first thing that caught my eye was a full-length mirror placed against the wall.

The open closet was packed tightly with clothes, leaving no empty space.

Aside from that, the only notable items were a desk for working on a desktop computer, a dressing table, and a bed.

The room was overall quite tidy, with the exception of one opened cardboard box sitting on the floor.

On the bed, neatly folded, were the clothes Risa had borrowed from me.

This meant the outfit Risa was currently wearing must be—

“I was trying on one of the samples.”

“Figured as much.”

The outfit bore a resemblance to the Lolita-style clothes she’d worn before, so it wasn’t just my imagination.

But then, silence fell between us. Risa and I found ourselves locked in eye contact, as if caught in an inexplicable pause.

“…Does it suit me?”

Risa finally broke the silence, her words tinged with uncertainty.

Her expression was serious, and she didn’t break eye contact, as if awaiting my answer with bated breath.

…Honestly, I felt relieved by her question.

Previously, she would’ve asked, “Does this look weird?” instead of, “Does it suit me?”

“Of course, it suits you. This is Lolita-style… right?”

“Classical Lolita. It’s a simple yet elegant variation of Lolita fashion.”

I knew there were many substyles within Lolita fashion, but I wasn’t well-versed enough to distinguish them just by sight.

Having her explain it like this was really helpful.

“For the actual shoot, I’ll pair it with shoes and accessories, but this is just a fitting.”

“Will the photos end up in a magazine or something?”

“Most likely. I think I’ll get a sample copy once it’s published.”

“When it arrives, would you let me—”

“About that…”

Risa suddenly grew serious.

Her demeanor made me reflexively straighten up as well.

“For the photoshoot day, I want you to come with me, Minato.”

She made an unexpected request.

Following Along for the Shoot? Me?

“Is it okay for an outsider like me to be there?”

“If I ask, they’ll probably allow just one person like you.”

“…By the way, when is it?”

“This weekend. Do you have work scheduled?”

When I nodded once, Risa cast her gaze downward slightly.

She must have already guessed about my part-time job. Even so, she asked because she had a reason for wanting me to come along.

“If I tell the manager, they might make it work… Are you nervous about going alone?”

“…Honestly, very much so. Wearing clothes like this for a photo shoot brings back memories of the past.”

“The past?”

Without thinking, I asked her naturally, unable to hold back my curiosity.

Even as I hurriedly covered my mouth, the words I let slip couldn’t be taken back.

Risa gave a resigned smile as if she had no choice.

“It’s okay, you don’t have to hide it. You didn’t ask before, but anyone would naturally wonder.”

“Well, I…”

“Come sit beside me on the bed. This might take a while, and standing while talking is tiring.”

Risa sat down and patted the bed, inviting me over.

Sitting side by side on a bed with her like this might easily cause a misunderstanding, I thought for a moment. But it was clear that Risa didn’t have any such intention.

Pushing aside unnecessary thoughts, I sat down, leaving enough space for about three fists between us.

“Oh.”

“What’s wrong?”

“Should I have gotten drinks or something?”

“…No, it’s fine. I’m not that thirsty right now—”

Just as I gently declined, I heard the sound of a car engine from outside.

It stopped right around this house, then abruptly fell silent.

In that instant, Risa’s expression stiffened. She stood up hastily, moved to the window on the side facing the entrance, and peeked out.

“…They’re back.”

Her voice quivered with rejection and disgust, overflowing with unease.

Risa had run away from home. That meant she used to live here, with her family.

And judging by her reaction, it seemed one of the family members she was uncomfortable with—or outright hated—had returned.

The sound of the front door opening echoed.

Then came the noise of footsteps climbing the stairs.

“Sorry. Let’s finish this talk… later.”

Her words carried both an apology and an acknowledgment that this wasn’t her place anymore.

Before either of us could say anything more, the door to the room opened.

Standing there was a man in a finely tailored suit. His expression was stern and seemed uptight, and his sharp gaze shifted from Risa to me in one smooth motion.

He snorted, as if deliberately expressing his displeasure.

“First you disappear without a word, then return unannounced with a boy? You’ve grown quite bold, haven’t you?”

Even though his high-handed attitude was laced with harsh words, Risa didn’t flinch.

From the way he spoke, it was clear this man was her father.

“I only came to pick up some things. I have no intention of coming back to a house like this. Besides, you have no right to meddle in my relationships.”

“…Fine. But what’s with that outfit? Don’t tell me you’re still playing childish dress-up?”

“It’s not dress-up. I’m serious about this. These clothes are an important memory—”

“—Don’t be ridiculous! This house… your mother’s death… was your fault, Risa!”

The room was filled with his furious, explosive voice.

I found myself replaying his words in my head, wondering if I’d misheard.

Risa killed her mother—his wife?

There was no way that could be true.

Reason told me to deny it, but without having seen the truth myself, I couldn’t make a definitive judgment.

Confused, I glanced at Risa. She just stared up at him, biting her lip. Her expression neither confirmed nor denied the accusation, which only deepened my unease.

Then, clearing his throat as if to regain his composure, he continued in a calm, icy tone.

“…I’ll be returning to work shortly. Do as you please. Stay in this house, leave, or continue your childish nonsense—it’s none of my concern.”

After spitting out those cold words, he turned and left the room.

The unpleasant tension left behind was suffocating. There was no way we could continue the conversation about her past now.

I needed to say something. But no words came to mind.

“Minato, I’m sorry you had to see that.”

“…Was that your father?”

“Kototori Sadaomi. He usually stays at a workspace he rents separate from the house, so it’s rare for him to come home. Today was just bad luck.”

Bad luck.

That was how she described her own family. It was hard to believe.

“I’m sure you have a lot of questions, but can we save them for later…?”

Risa’s voice was heavy and dark.

I felt the same way—overwhelmed with a sense of gloom.

Because it was now painfully clear that Risa had no place in this house.

“Let’s go.”

The only thing I could do was offer her my hand.

To let her stay at my place, just like before, and provide her with a sense of normalcy.

Understanding my intentions, Risa silently took my hand.

Her hand was small and slightly cold, and the way she weakly held mine felt almost helpless, like that of a fragile child.