I Was Reincarnated As a Man who Steals The Protagonist’s Childhood Friend - 13 - The Cause

3rd person perspective

Following an unknown path, Hoshino found herself in front of an aged and deteriorating structure. As her gaze ran over the uncomfortable scene, her expression was a mix of concern and anxiety. She couldn’t help but wonder if Takeshi seemed afraid about living in a location like this. Takeshi led her up to the second story as they made their way through the building, eventually leading her to a little, weathered wooden door.

Takeshi opened the door, motioning for her to enter ahead of him, with the groceries from the supermarket in hand. “Please come in, Hoshino. Make yourself at home,” he said warmly as he crossed the entrance into his beloved home.

“Sorry for intruding,” Hoshino said sheepishly, her steps tentative as she ventured into Takeshi’s dwelling.

Her first impression was one of a small size, with everything being far smaller than she was used to in her own home. Takeshi’s place was dwarfed by the sensation of expanse in her own living quarters. Despite her stature, she felt a sense of peace and familiarity as she relaxed into this new surrounding.

“You’re free to choose wherever you’d like to be, Hoshino. I’ll just step into the bathroom to change,” Takeshi informed her, his tone polite and considerate.

With Takeshi’s words in mind, she explored her surroundings briefly, her eyes taking in the cozy details. As he departed to tend to his own matters, she couldn’t help but feel a blend of gratitude and curiosity for this glimpse into his world.

Before Takeshi would do his business, she ventured to ask, her voice carrying a hint of curiosity, “Then, Takeshi-kun, could I go to your room?”

“My room?” he echoed, slightly taken aback by the sudden request.

“Yes,” she confirmed with a gentle smile.

The thought made Takeshi consider the current state of his room—a brief mental inventory. A rush of recognition washed over him as he remembered leaving his study desk in shambles, a clear sign of yesterday night’s hunt for clues. 

“Are you sure, though? My room’s not exactly in the best shape currently…” he cautioned, his tone laced with a touch of concern.

“I don’t mind,” she replied, her gaze unwavering. Despite his doubts, she seemed resolute in her request.

“Alright, suit yourself.” he sighed, giving in to her determination. “It’s that door over there,” he pointed to the door leading to his room.

“Thank you, Takeshi-kun” she expressed her gratitude before making her way into his room.

As she took over the space, he headed into the bathroom to change out of his school uniform and into something more comfortable. Time was ticking; he had guests to attend to and a meal to prepare.

Meanwhile, Hoshino explored the territory she had been granted access to, her eyes sweeping over the surroundings.

“So this is Takeshi-kun’s room. It’s rather pleasant…” she remarked appreciatively.

To her surprise, the room wasn’t as disorderly as she had expected it to be. There were remnants of clutter on his desks and scattered across the floor, but the overall ambiance held an unexpected tidiness.

Her gaze was pulled to the bed, which looked spotless and appealing. With no one to stop her actions, she allowed herself to drop into the bed with curiosity and a touch of whimsy.

“Takeshi-kun’s bed. It’s so warm” she murmured, the snug sensation wrapping about her like a welcoming embrace.

While relishing the comfort of Takeshi’s bed, Hoshino became increasingly aware of a growing warmth enveloping her body, particularly emanating from below. An unexpected sensation stirred within her, prompting an instinctual urge that she quickly recognized. Fortunately, her rational thinking and respect for the surroundings intervened, halting any actions that might have been inappropriate within the confines of someone else’s home, let alone their bed.

Unsure of how to keep herself occupied in the meantime, a thought struck her. Rather than giving in to her desires, she vowed to be useful while waiting for Takeshi. With a newfound sense of purpose, she set out on a mission to clean up his room, her movements meticulous and methodical. She began sorting the books on her desk, organizing the items that had fallen to the floor, and restoring order to the space.

She took a step back, satisfied with her work, scanning the neatened room with a sense of accomplishment.

“I’m sure Takeshi-kun will appreciate it,” she said, a sweet grin on her lips as she looked across at her friend’s hideaway.

Content with her handiwork, Hoshino made her way out of the room, her footsteps carrying her to the living room. Her intent was to check whether Takeshi had completed his own preparations. And as she expected, he was already in the kitchen wearing his casual outfit. Hoshino can’t help but to be smitten by this beautiful sight. 

“Ah, there you are, Hoshino. I’ll be preparing our dinner, so you can just relax in the living room,” he said, his attention focused on washing the just acquired veggies and pork meat.

Desiring to contribute in some way, Hoshino overcame her initial reluctance and approached him.

“Takeshi-kun, if you don’t mind, I’d like to take care of dinner tonight,” she said, her words genuine.

“Since you’re my guest, Hoshino, I’ll be the one making it.” Takeshi replied with a kind smile.

“I insist, Takeshi-kun, I’ll be the one to cook our meals just for today,” with her resolve unwavering, she persisted, her voice calm yet firm.

And that’s how it began.