After Picking up a Runaway Girl From the Same University on My Way Home From Work, We Started Living Together in Secret - Chapter 8

“…I knew the food court would be crowded at this time.”

By the time Kototori had finished buying lingerie at the shop, it was already past noon, the perfect time for lunch. It was too much trouble to go home and cook, and I’d be late, so I thought I’d eat here before heading back, but… was that a mistake?

As I walked through the food court looking for an empty seat, my eyes darting around, I noticed a family leaving their table after finishing their meal. If someone else sits there, I don’t know when I’ll find another free spot.

I led Kototori toward the available seat, and—

“Ah.”

Our hands met as I tried to pull out the chair, and a woman’s voice overlapped with mine.

…Wait, doesn’t that voice sound familiar?

I hesitantly looked up to confirm the voice’s owner.

She had a mature face and clothing, but her large eyes gave off a lively impression. Rather than cute, she was more of the beautiful type. In contrast to Kototori, she was taller and had a more pronounced chest.

I looked away from there and noticed her light brown hair swaying gently as it reached her shoulders.

“…Miyamae-senpai, is that you?”

I recognized her for sure.

How is it that out of all the people I know, I run into one of the few acquaintances I have in such a random place?

Grumbling internally, I spoke out, and the woman in front of me, Miyamae Kazuha, smiled.

Miyamae-senpai was someone I met at a welcome party for freshmen at university about a year ago, and she was the one who introduced me to my current part-time job.

“I never thought I’d run into you here, Yukimura-kun. What are the chances of our hands meeting while pulling out a chair? Is this fate? Want to get married?”

“No, I’m not.”

Her joking remark was dodged lightly.

“You’re so cold. Wait… could that girl be ‘Snow White’?”

Miyamae-senpai’s gaze shifted toward Kototori, and she let out a surprised exclamation.

…Well, it’s bound to happen.

“Minato. Who is this person?”

“Uh… she’s a senior from university, Miyamae Kazuha. She’s the one who introduced me to the café where I work.”

“I see.”

“Wait… are you talking to ‘Snow White’ like it’s normal…? And her voice is so cute, that’s not fair!”

Miyamae-senpai, though confused, kept calling Kototori “cute.” I understand the sentiment, but I wish she’d keep it in check in public.

To be honest, with how she was acting, she looked more like a stranger.

“Um, how about we sit down for now? There aren’t any other open seats.”

“Is it okay for me to join? I thought you two were on a secret date.”

“We’re not dating.”

“Then why is Yukimura-kun, who never seemed like he’d have a girlfriend, here with ‘Snow White’… Kototori-chan, in a place like this?”

“It’s just a coincidence. I came to shop, and I happened to see Kototori getting bothered by some weird person, so I helped her, and it just… happened.”

It’s a weak excuse, but I can’t let Miyamae-senpai find out the truth. I need her to believe this for now.

I exchanged a small glance with Kototori, hoping she’d play along, and she nodded slightly. I’m thankful that we can communicate like this.

“That makes sense. Yukimura-kun is such a softie. I’ve been helped by him too.”

“Really?”

“Let’s talk about it over lunch, though. I’m starving.”

Miyamae-senpai smiled bashfully.

That’s fair, I thought, so we took turns ordering. In just a few minutes, everyone had their lunch in front of them.

I had cold udon with tempura and kakiage on top. Kototori, surprisingly, had a hamburger, hot fries, and even a vanilla shake. Miyamae-senpai had a hearty steak set sizzling on a hot plate.

…Am I the lightest eater here?

“Yukimura-kun, is that enough for you?”

“The udon fills me up pretty well. But Miyamae-senpai, you’re going all out.”

“Sometimes I just crave a big meal. Want a bite?”

“No, it’s fine.”

I wasn’t really in the mood for it.

Next to me, Kototori was eating her hamburger as best as she could with her small mouth. She looked like a little animal, so cute.

“Do you like fast food, Kototori?”

“…The hamburger, fries, and shake triangle is the perfect balance. Want some fries?”

She held out a long fry toward me.

…She wants me to eat this?

…

…

Kototori was just offering me a fry. The way she held it out made it look like she was feeding me, but it was a perfectly normal gesture.

It should be fine to accept it.

I steeled myself and brought the fry to my mouth.

“…Yeah. It’s really good.”

The right amount of salt and the slightly soggy texture of the fry. It’s impressive how delicious it is, hot or cold.

“Minato.”

“What?”

“I want some udon too.”

…Huh?

Before I could process it, Kototori had her mouth open and was waiting for me to feed her, like a baby bird waiting to be fed by its parent.

Why does she expect me to feed her?

“…Just eat it yourself, it’s too much trouble to feed you.”

“I guess that makes sense.”

“Ah, wait a second. I’ll get a new set of chopsticks for you.”

I was about to stand up, not wanting her to use the chopsticks I was using, but—

“Don’t worry about it.”

She took the chopsticks from the tray, leaned in close to me, and without hesitation, took some udon from the bowl, chewing and swallowing as though nothing had happened.

…Did she just use my chopsticks?

Right in front of me, she did something that felt like an undeniable indirect kiss. My mind went blank, and my gaze followed the motion from her mouth down to her slim, white neck as she swallowed.

“Mmm, it’s refreshing and delicious.”

“………”

“Thanks for the chopsticks.”

She returned the chopsticks to their place.

…

…

“…Hey, Yukimura-kun. Are you really not dating ‘Snow White’? That whole exchange was totally…”

“We’re not dating, really.”

I answered seriously when Miyamae-senpai leaned in close, making sure Kototori wouldn’t hear. She pulled back, looking at me with genuine skepticism.

This isn’t a lie or a joke. It’s the truth.

“Minato?”

The only one who didn’t seem to understand the situation, Kototori, looked up at me. I quickly said, “Nothing,” to brush it off.

Then, to distract myself, I grabbed my tempura and dipped it into the broth, taking a big bite.