After Picking up a Runaway Girl From the Same University on My Way Home From Work, We Started Living Together in Secret - Chapter 30

“—So, you two. How was your aquarium date?”

“It wasn’t a date. But it was fun.”

“We even talked about wanting to go again.”

During lunchtime between classes, I, Risa, and Mayu were having lunch at the university cafeteria.

Our cafeteria had a decent variety of dishes and was surprisingly delicious for the price.

Maybe because it’s designed to be student-friendly, it’s always packed during lunch hours, with nearly every seat taken.

Still, it’s cheaper to bring a homemade lunch, so I rarely use the cafeteria. But once in a while, this kind of college-like experience isn’t bad.

As expected, Mayu brought up the topic of the recent aquarium trip.

Since she gave us the pair tickets, it was only natural that Risa and I went together.

Especially since Mayu knew we were living together, it probably felt like the most natural outcome to her.

I honestly answered her questions out of gratitude for the tickets, albeit reluctantly. Hearing my responses, she laughed and shoveled curry rice into her mouth with a cheerful “Well, that’s good to hear.”

“But really, was it okay for you to give us the tickets? Didn’t you want to go that badly if you reserved them?”

“Well, actually, I was planning to go with my girlfriend. But then, all of a sudden, she said she wanted a change of plans! Guess where we ended up?”

I’m not exactly well-versed in date spots.

“The movies or something?”

“Wrong. The correct answer is a night pool. And thanks to that, I got to admire plenty of ladies in swimsuits.”

“…Wait, didn’t you go with your girlfriend?”

“I did. That’s why I got slapped when she told me, ‘Stop staring at other girls and look at me.’”

“Serves you right.”

“Well, after that, we had a lovely little evening together, so it’s all good. That kind of tsundere attitude is pretty cute, don’t you think?”

I don’t care.

Mayu’s smug grin made it hard to react.

Even as a fellow guy, I was at a loss for words. I could only imagine how Risa felt. I glanced at her, but she was eating her rice bowl with her usual calm expression.

She’s always been oddly immune to these kinds of stories.

…Maybe that’s why she could even consider paying a price with her body, though.

While those thoughts crossed my mind, I sipped my salty ramen.

The perfect balance of saltiness and crisp vegetables was just right.

“Hey, why don’t the three of us go somewhere together?”

“Somewhere, like where?”

“Summer’s coming up, so how about the beach? Blue skies, white sands, the sound of endless waves, beautiful girls in swimsuits, flirting, summer memories…”

“The second half of that is nothing but your desires, isn’t it?”

“What else would college guys do at the beach?”

“…Just so you know, Risa would be coming too.”

Even if it were just the guys, as I glanced at Risa, she shook her head without showing any sign of discomfort.

“I don’t mind. Besides, is there anyone our age who knows nothing about that kind of thing?”

“Maybe a super sheltered rich girl. Though Koto-chan seems pretty sheltered herself.”

“I’m not an aristocrat or anything.”

“So she says. What’s your opinion, Yuki?”

“Why are you asking me?”

“You’re the one observing her the most closely.”

It was obvious she was hinting at us living together, but I wished she’d phrase it better.

Recalling our life at Risa’s house, I thought for a moment.

“…A lazy, moody cat?”

“Now I know how terribly you think of me.”

“Any objections?”

“Your evidence might be flimsy, but…”

Risa admitted most of it without remorse.

I didn’t particularly want her to change her attitude, so it was fine by me.

“Only you, Yuki, could describe one of the most beautiful girls on campus that way.”

“For the record, she’s not the type to cause trouble.”

“Yeah, I help out properly.”

“It’s teamwork. How about nighttime teamwork?”

“Undecided.”

“That’s blatant harassment. Also, Risa, you don’t need to answer that.”

I was probably the only one embarrassed by this conversation.

Mayu looked at me like, “Well, it’s you,” while Risa nodded calmly in agreement with her.

Why?!

Am I the weird one here?

Logically, that shouldn’t be the case. But it’s true that guys our age tend to be ruled by their impulses.

Considering that, I know I’m more innocent—or maybe timid—than most college guys.

And since Risa was surprisingly unbothered by such topics, calmly responding to Mayu, I felt like the odd one out.

“This is just a joke. I’m not planning to do anything to Koto-chan. Though I admit I wanted to stir things up a bit.”

“I know you’re not serious, Mayu. Your tone and look aren’t unpleasant.”

“Exactly. I’m a pure love advocate who loves his girlfriend. I’d never steal someone else’s girl.”

“Who’s a pure love advocate? Look in the mirror before you say that. Also, for the hundredth time, Risa’s not my girlfriend—”

Before I could finish, Risa’s phone rang.

“Unknown caller? Who could it be?”

“It’s usually a scam, but sometimes it’s legit.”

“I’ll answer just in case.”

“If it seems shady, hang up right away.”

As Risa took the call, I continued eating, listening to her responses.

“…What?”

Her confused voice was quiet but heavy.

Her face turned pale in seconds.

After a few more exchanges, she ended the call, stunned and motionless.

“—Risa, what happened?”

Trying not to alarm her, I asked gently. She turned toward me stiffly.

“…My dad… was hit by a car and taken to the hospital.”

Her voice trembled with disbelief, and it was clear she hadn’t fully processed the reality.