I'll Take Nanase-san, Who Is Small And Adorable, Away From Her Cheating And Clueless Ex And Make Her Happy. - Chapter 295: Hiyori-san, Me, and the Autumn of Sports (End of Workout Edition)

Hiyori-san, Me, and the Autumn of Sports (End of Workout Edition)

“Yeah. Since it’s your first day, let’s call it here for today.”

“It’s… over…! That was so much tougher than I thought…!!”

Having guided her through a set of strength training exercises, including planks, I informed Hiyori-san that today’s diet workout was finished.

As I watched her collapse onto the floor, completely drained, I chuckled softly and added firmly:

“Just so you know, strength training doesn’t mean anything if you don’t do it consistently, okay? Starting tomorrow, we’ll do the same routine again, and once you get used to it, we’ll gradually increase the intensity. So be ready.”

“Uh… I knew it, but… dieting really is tough…”

She sat up with a sigh, taking a deep breath to steady herself.

For people unaccustomed to exercise, even this much must feel unbearably hard, I thought, as I handed her some water and watched her drink. But then, with a small, almost relieved smile, she spoke up.

“Well, I’m the one who asked for this in the first place. I’ll keep at it from tomorrow too!!”

“Haha, that’s good to hear… I was worried you might say it’s too hard and give up already.”

“Mmmph! Don’t underestimate me! Sure, it was rough, but letting myself keep getting fatter and showing you such a sloppy side would be way worse. Besides…”

“…Besides?”

When I urged her to continue, Hiyori-san clenched her fist and grinned mischievously.

“While I’m dieting, I get to spend more time with you than usual. So it’s not all bad, you know.”

“…! I-I see…!”

Her cheerful words sent my heart skipping a beat.

Honestly, the reason I offered to help with her diet in the first place was selfish—I just wanted an excuse to spend more time with her. Knowing she felt the same way made me quietly happy.

Trying to suppress the smile tugging at my lips, I took a calming breath before replying.

“I’ll prepare dinner tonight too. It’ll be diet-friendly, but I’ve planned something delicious.”

“Yay! I can’t wait! Then… I’ll help you cook— ah, wait.”

She sprang to her feet in delight at my invitation, but suddenly paused, her cheeks turning red as she spoke.

“Um… before that, can I take a shower? I’m way sweatier than I expected…”

“Ah, yeah, of course. Should I run you a bath too?”

“No, it’s fine! I’m too embarrassed to stay like this, so I want to rinse off quickly…!!”

She took a small step away from me, looking genuinely flustered. Understanding how embarrassed she felt, I gave her a silent nod of approval and gestured toward the bathroom.

“Go ahead. I’ll shower after you.”

“Okay, thanks! …You know, it feels kinda… naughty, you telling me to go first for a shower.”

“It’s not naughty. If you’ve got time to say things like that, maybe I should go first instead~?”

“Wah, no no no!! If I stay sweaty like this any longer, my dignity as a woman will be ruined!!”

Laughing softly at her panicked reaction, I teased her lightly as she rummaged through the box of spare clothes she kept at my place.

She turned back to me with a playful smile and said before heading off:

“Alright, I’ll shower first… just wait a little, okay, Yuusuke-kun… ♥”

“…Hiyori-san, you’re saying that on purpose to sound seductive, aren’t you?”

“I tried to add a little erotic vibe! Anyway, excuse me!!”

No matter what, she’s always so Hiyori-san, I thought. But it’s exactly those parts of her that I love. Smiling despite myself, I called out as she hurried off to the bathroom.

“I’ll go ahead and run the bath anyway. You’ll probably be done before it’s ready, though.”

“Okay! Then, maybe I’ll take a nice long bath after dinner too… Oh, by the way, my dad and mom will be home late tonight, so… can I stay over?”

“I don’t mind. I’m sure my mom won’t say no either.”

“Yesss! Then tonight, I’m challenging Masato-kun and Taiga-kun to a game battle!!”

“If you don’t keep a proper routine, you’ll gain weight again, you know.”

“Gweh…!”

Even through several walls and doors, our loud conversation carried until I heard the bathroom door close.

Moments later, the sound of running water reached my ears, and I let out a small breath, feeling oddly content.