I Was Reincarnated As a Man who Steals The Protagonist’s Childhood Friend - 14 - Laid Back

Since we hadn’t resolved the ongoing debate about who should handle dinner duty, I suggested to Hoshino that we divide the tasks among ourselves. And guess what? We managed to get it done perfectly! My role was to chop up the veggies, while Hoshino took charge of the cooking. It felt a bit odd since she was supposed to be my guest, yet there she was, whipping up a meal for me instead. I couldn’t help but feel a tad embarrassed about it. But seeing her enjoy herself, I figured it wasn’t that big a deal.

So, we wrapped up dinner and I must say, Hoshino’s culinary skills are truly impressive. Just as you’d expect from a heroine – she’s a jack of all trades. I praised her cooking, but oddly enough, her face turned a shade redder after I said so. Did I maybe go a bit overboard with the compliments?

While she rummaged through the kitchen drawer, Hoshino inquired, “Takeshi-kun, could I use your tea set?”

Hold on a second – when did I even get that fancy tea set? But anyway, I replied, “Of course, go ahead.” I’ve never actually used it myself, so it’s kind of an honor to finally see it be put to good use, assuming that inanimate objects could heel honour that is.

Given that today’s Friday, I’ve decided to give myself a breather. The sports festival is on the agenda for next week, but I’ve opted out of it this time. Despite my moderate popularity, just being a part of the class manages to siphon off all my remaining energy.

Speaking of the sports festival, I can’t help but wonder if Hoshino signed up for any of the athletic events. 

I wandered over to check on her progress. She was in the midst of arranging the tea set, while the kettle bubbled away, heating up the water.

“Hey Hoshino, you planning on taking part in any sports events during the upcoming sports festival?”

“Yep, I’ve signed up for the 100-meter dash and the relay race representing our class!” her face lit up as she responded back.

“Ah, I see…” I don’t have anything to say so I remained silent.

Curious, she asked, “And what about you, Takeshi-kun? Any sports contests on your agenda?”

I shrugged. “Nah, not feeling too confident about my physical shape.”

She looked a bit disappointed, her expression faltering a bit.

Soon after, the kettle let out a sharp, high-pitched whistle, indicating that the water had reached it’s boiling point. Hoshino deftly removed it from the stove, then proceeded to pour the hot water into a small teapot. Inside the teapot were these little round yellowish seeds, which I guessed were the tea leaves.

“Alright, just let it steep for a few minutes, and the tea will be ready. Oh, almost forgot!” She dashed to her bag, rummaging around until she found what she was looking for – a pack of cookies wrapped in a clear plastic covering. She set them neatly on a saucer beside the tea set and carried the whole arrangement to the living room.

“Ta-da~, a little treat for you, Takeshi-kun,” she said with a smile, handing me a dainty cup filled with tea after pouring a small portion for me.

I took a cautious sip. It had a gentle sweetness mingling with a slight bitterness. 

Next, I decided to grab one of the cookies and give it a taste. The cookies she brought is a small round shape one with some small chocochips sprinkled at the top. As I gave it a bite– 

“So, Takeshi-kun, how are the cookies I made?”

……

Lost in my thoughts, Hoshino brought me back with a call, “Takeshi-kun?”

“Oh, sorry, Hoshino. Your cookies are beyond amazing. Honestly, I’m at a loss for words.” I gave my compliments to Hoshino. The cookie itself looks simple but it tastes neither too sweet not too bland, added with the small chocolate pieces, it’s a great cookie. This cookie could use a pair of cold, fresh milk.

“Really? I’m so happy you like them!” she exclaimed, her smile lighting up the room.

I took another leisurely sip of the tea she prepared. Oddly, it had a calming effect, as if it were gently dissolving away all my stress.

As I relished my tea, a sudden knock echoed from the door. I moved to answer it instinctively, but Hoshino intervened.

“Allow me, Takeshi-kun, please.”

If she takes care of it, I might slip into a state of laziness and not move at all. But wait, I feel like I’m forgetting something important…

“Oh my gosh! She’s absolutely adorable! Is she your little sister, Takeshi-kun?”

“Hold on, let me go! Why is there a lady inside Aniki’s house?” A noise could be heard from the living room.

Oh crap! I completely forgot my sister was scheduled to stay over tonight!

I went to the front door and there she was, being squashed by Hoshino and her big assets

“Hey, Aniki, why didn’t you pick up when I was calling you? I’ve been trying to get in touch with you,” my sister inquired, her voice tinged with a mix of curiosity and mild annoyance. As she brought up the missed call, I suddenly realized that I couldn’t remember where I left my phone.

“Well, more importantly, Aniki, who exactly is this woman, and what’s she doing here?” Chisa interjected, her tone carrying a sense of urgency. While I racked my brain trying to remember the whereabouts of my elusive phone, Chisa directed my attention to the unexpected guest in our midst.

Chisa’s grip loosened as Hoshino introduced herself. With a friendly smile, Hoshino extended her hand towards Chisa. “Hi there, Chisa-san! I’m Hoshino Nakano. Your brother and I are classmates.”

Chisa’s gaze bore a tinge of skepticism as she sized up Hoshino. It was clear that her mind was racing with questions. Why would her brother bring home a stranger, especially one of the opposite sex?

I took the initiative, breaking the brief standoff. “As Hoshino said, she’s just a classmate who found herself in a bit of an unexpected situation. That’s how she ended up here,” I explained to Chisa.

Chisa’s suspicion lingered in the air as she gestured for Hoshino to come inside, a gesture that was both welcoming and cautious. Hoshino followed her lead, bringing her small bag along. This scenario feels like I’m a father who awaits the arrival of my daughter. Well, I should pretend I didn’t imagine that just now…

“Aniki, why is she so close to you?” Chisa’s inquiry was laced with curiosity and a hint of protectiveness.

Chisa’s question echoed my own thoughts. “I’ve been wondering about that too,” I admitted with a small, bemused smile, realizing that the situation might have seemed quite peculiar to an outsider.