I Asked A Beautiful Girl, Who Was About To Jump Off The School Rooftop, 'If You're Going To Die Anyway, Could You At Least Take My Virginity Before You Go?' To My Surprise, She Agreed. - Chapter 82: The Former Introvert Returns Home For The First Time In A Long While.

The Former Introvert Returns Home For The First Time In A Long While.

This time, my journey to another world was my own decision.

Unlike the previous time, when I got swept up in the events, this time it was a deliberate choice. So, I left messages for Hatsune-san and my family in advance.

Thanks to that, it didn’t escalate to the point where my family had to call the police.

Apparently, Hatsune-san, who knew I had previously traveled to another world, had helped cover for me. She and her grandfather, the chairman of the Ichigaya Group, coordinated and crafted a story, making it seem like I had been helping out with work at the Ichigaya family’s business while I was away.

Since my purpose in going to the other world was to help Hatsune-san’s parents, it wasn’t far from the truth.

Though we had created a cover story for school and my family, the fact remains that I was away from home without giving them the details. Bracing myself for some scolding, I returned to the Ueno family home.

In this world, it had been about two weeks; for me, it felt like two months since I’d last been here.

“Ah, welcome home, Yakumo.”

The first to greet me was my mom, watching TV in the living room.

“Oh, uh, I’m back.”

“What’s with that look? You seem surprised.”

“Well, I thought you’d be a bit angrier.”

Though I had thought through how to apologize, my mom’s reaction was unexpectedly calm.

“I heard from your girlfriend… Hatsune-san contacted us, so it’s fine. She mentioned something about helping with the Ichigaya Group’s business and attending training for that.”

Muttering, “I didn’t realize she came from such a prominent family…” my mom got up and headed toward the kitchen.

I couldn’t be more grateful to Hatsune-san for crafting such a solid alibi.

“Is it just you at home?” I asked.

“Mayuki’s in the bath, and your dad’s at work.”

“By the way, was Dad upset?”

“We’re very similar, so he felt the same way I did.”

“Ah, I see…”

As I sank into the sofa in the living room, my mom came over with a glass of barley tea.

“We were worried about you, you know? Especially with what happened in the spring… Next time, make sure you contact us yourself.”

“I’m really sorry about that.”

“And remember, you’re still a high school student. Even if you’re helping out your girlfriend’s family, get your parents’ permission next time instead of having Hatsune-san inform us afterward.”

“Absolutely… You’re completely right.”

With my mom’s firm but reasonable lecture, all I could do was apologize.

“In any case, I’m relieved you’re back safe.”

Mom sat down on the sofa, looking me over again.

“Yakumo, you look a bit worn out. Was helping with the Ichigaya work that tough?”

“Yeah, pretty much,” I replied, taking a sip of the tea. The familiar taste was comforting.

“Oh? If they trusted you with such important work, does that mean things with Hatsune-san are progressing faster than I thought?”

“Progressing? What do you mean?”

“Is there any talk of you marrying into Hatsune-san’s family? If that’s the case, tell us beforehand next time, alright?”

“Stop making assumptions. I’m still in high school.”

“Still, it’d be a shame to let such a wonderful girl slip away, you know.”

“That’s none of your business.”

As I sighed, my mom laughed out loud.

After she finished laughing, she started speaking again.

“By the way, I saw on the news that Hatsune-san’s parents, who had been missing, were found.”

“Yeah, I know. Hatsune-san was really happy about it.”

“I see…”

Mom seemed to be deep in thought.

“What’s up?”

“This recent news… does it have anything to do with the work you were helping with?”

She’s surprisingly perceptive, my mom.

“It’s not like a mere high school student like me could help find people who’d been missing for years.”

“Well, I suppose that’s true. In any case, I’m glad Hatsune-san could reunite with her parents.”

Just as my mom accepted my response, we heard footsteps approaching from the bathroom.

“Thought I heard voices…”

It was my little sister, Mayuki.

Still in her pajamas, holding a bath towel, she looked fresh out of the bath.

“It really is you, Onii-chan?!”

Her voice was a mix of surprise and anger, and she ran over to me, pressing her head against my chest with a force that felt almost like a headbutt.

“You just show up all of a sudden without responding to any of my messages… what were you thinking…?!”

“I’m sorry. Also, you’re, uh, very wet.”

It seemed Mayuki hadn’t dried her hair yet.

“If you’re going to complain, you can dry it for me, Onii-chan.”

Mayuki tossed me her bath towel and sat down next to me.

Normally, I’d make up some excuse to decline, but I felt guilty for going off the radar and leaving home for so long.

So, I decided to go along with what she asked. I took the towel, stood up, and moved behind Mayuki.

Trying to be as gentle as possible, I started drying her hair with the towel.

“You’re so oblivious, Onii-chan.”

“I mean, I know I’m completely at fault here, but that’s a bit harsh.”

“If you’re going to leave, at least let me know.”

“I’m really sorry.”

With my little sister pouting like a child, all I could do was keep apologizing and pampering her.

“If you’re really sorry, as an apology, you have to do what I say.”

“Do what you say… isn’t this it?”

“Just drying my hair isn’t enough. Show a little more sincerity.”

“What do I need to do for you to forgive me?”

“Buy me an assortment of sweets to eat at home.”

“And how much is that gonna cost?”

“About 6,000 yen.”

Six thousand yen, huh.

That’s a painfully steep expense for a high schooler, but I guess it’s the price to pay to make amends with my sister.

“Fine, I’ll buy it.”

“Good. And also, take me to a hotel dessert buffet sometime.”

“So it’s not just one thing… and more sweets, and something expensive too?”

“Any objections?”

Mayuki turned to face me with a pout.

“No, I’ll make it happen somehow.”

“Good.”

Satisfied, Mayuki nodded and turned to face forward again.

“Mayuki really is a Onii-chan’s girl, isn’t she?”

“No, I’m not… it’s not like that at all! I’m just getting an apology for the trouble he caused me!”

“Oh my, but who was the most worried when Onii-chan was gone?”

“Mom, stop talking!”

Even though Mayuki was denying it, Mom just laughed teasingly.

If she was enjoying watching my and Mayuki’s exchange, she could give me a little extra allowance, but I guess I’m not in a position to make such a request.

…Looks like I might actually need to help out with work at the Ichigaya family soon to earn some extra money.

“If going to the dessert buffet is your goal, you could go with your friends, you know. I’ll cover the cost somehow.”

“Oh, that’s not the point…!”

“Then what is?”

“Well… it wouldn’t be a proper apology if you don’t go with me!”

After a moment of hesitation, Mayuki said that.

“Really? Just treating you to an expensive buffet seems like enough of an apology.”

“You’re so oblivious, Onii-chan! Anyway, it’s an apology, so do as I say!”

She’s got a point.

“…Alright, alright.”

I decided to quietly go along with what she said.

“I’ll figure out when we’ll go.”

“I know you’re busy with exams and all, so I’ll leave the timing up to you… okay, it’s mostly dry now.”

“Then next, dry it with the hair dryer.”

“I don’t have a hair dryer with me.”

“Then go get it!”

“Alright, alright.”

With the towel still in my hand, I headed to the bathroom.

This time, it really was my fault for disappearing without letting anyone know.

It wouldn’t hurt to go along with my sister’s whims a little.

If you asked me if it was bothersome… no, not at all.

In fact, it feels reassuring to be back in my usual daily routine.

And at the same time, knowing that with her parents back, I was able to help Hatsune-san regain her own sense of normalcy made my second journey to the other world feel worthwhile.

Even so… I can’t tell my family about the other world.