Kicked Out of the Bottom Soccer Team, I Found My Strength Thanks to My Beautiful Junior Manager. What Began as a Simple Act of Kindness Turned into Her Coming Over Every Day. - Chapter 22: Warning the Beautiful Girl Kouhai Manager.

Chapter 22: Warning the Beautiful Girl Kouhai Manager.

“Senpai! I’m done cutting!”

“Thanks.”

“What should I do next!?”

“Ah, yeah. Next is—”

As soon as he gave the instruction, Kana saluted with an energetic “Roger that, suke!” and began working briskly.

(Ever since she went home once, her tension has been completely off the charts…)

Takumi could only smile wryly.

Still, since she was simply in high spirits, he didn’t mind at all.

—and as the cooking neared its final stages,

“Senpai, I’ll do the cutting board.”

“…Huh?”

Not understanding what she meant, Takumi stared at her blankly.

“Ah, sorry. I shortened it too much. I’ll wash the cutting board.”

“That was obviously on purpose, wasn’t it?”

“Ehehe~”

Kana stuck her tongue out playfully.

“You thought ‘You’re not the cutting board’ for a second, right?”

“Yeah, I did.”

“You actually admitted it.”

Kana laughed, clearly amused.

“Well, denying it would’ve been even more forced.”

If Kana were a cutting board, the very concept of large breasts might disappear from the world.

“You say such nice things. For a senpai like that, here’s a reward! Shall I specially tell you my cup size?”

“No thanks.”

“E? It might be D, or maybe even F, you know?”

Kana puffed out her chest with a proud, smug expression.

“Ah, sorry. I didn’t mean the alphabet E—I meant I don’t need to be told.”

“…O-Oh, I see.”

The previously hyper-energetic Kana instantly deflated. Her cheeks flushed cherry-blossom pink, and she shifted restlessly.

The shame was probably racing through her body like blood, driving her to the brink of wanting to scream.

“…I got soaked-shirt harassed again.”

“That one was self-inflicted. Actually, that last one was pushing the line a bit.”

“…So dirty jokes are no good after all?”

Kana lowered her gaze.

“It’s not that they’re completely off-limits, but if people realize you’re okay with that kind of talk, there’ll be plenty of guys who’ll keep bringing it up nonstop.”

“I’m happy you’re worried about me, but it’s fine. I only plan on saying those things to you, senpai.”

“…Even so, anything that involves your own body is off-limits. That goes for panties and cup sizes too.”

“Yeees. But normal ones are okay, right? You don’t dislike girls who make dirty jokes, do you, senpai?”

Kana asked anxiously.

“I don’t hate them as long as they’re not too extreme. Actually, I think girls who can roll with that kind of mood are nicer. It means we don’t have to be overly careful around each other.”

“Then I’ll say them every now and then!”

“Yeah, I have a bad feeling about that, so please don’t.”

“Senpai, a man doesn’t go back on his word. Are you sure you’re okay with it?”

“You’re saying it already.”

Takumi gave a wry smile, then returned his expression to a serious one.

“Also, try not to say things that involve me too much either. I’m a guy too, so it’s not like I feel nothing.”

“Eh, senpai. Does that mean you might get turned on~?”

Kana grinned mischievously.

“Yeah. I might.”

Takumi slowly stepped closer to her.

“Heh…? U-Um, senpai!?”

Kana stumbled backward, her cheeks twitching.

When Takumi closed the distance further, her face turned bright red and tears welled up in her eyes.

“U-Um, that is… I…! My heart isn’t—!”

“Just kidding.”

“…Hoeh?”

Kana let out a dazed, silly sound.

Takumi put on his gentlest smile.

“Don’t worry. I have no intention of attacking you, Shirayuki.”

“Eh…? Ah, w-were you teasing me!?”

Kana’s face burned crimson with indignation. Takumi shook his head.

“No. That was a serious warning. Right now it’s still completely fine, but I don’t know what might happen if things keep escalating. That’s why I wanted to put a stop to it early. I know you’re just relying on me as your senpai and being spoiled, and honestly I’m glad about that. But since you’re coming over to a single guy’s house, just keep that awareness in mind, okay?”

“Y-Yes…!”

Kana replied like a shy new student visiting club practice for the first time.

“You don’t have to be that formal. Sorry for sounding threatening. But basically, feel free to relax and be yourself around me.”

Even though it had been necessary for both of them, Takumi felt a belated wave of embarrassment. He quickly said what he needed to say and returned to cooking.

“S-Senpai… May I use the bathroom for a moment?”

“Go ahead~”

“Excuse me!”

Kana dashed off.

(Does she need to go that badly? Maybe that stiff expression earlier was because she was holding it in.)

Takumi reflected that he might have done something regrettable.

(From now on, I should try to create a more natural atmosphere where it’s easy for her to go to the toilet.)

He mentally reminded himself.

Unfortunately, no one was there to retort, “That’s not what she meant at all.”

Kana returned after a full ten minutes had passed. By then, the cooking was just finishing.

“Sorry for making you do everything alone, senpai.”

“It’s fine, it’s fine. Shirayuki, you can sit down.”

“No, at least let me do the plating! Here, please come this way.”

Despite her refined tone, Kana boldly grabbed his arm and pulled him over to a chair.

“Are you sure?”

“Yes. Senpai, you can just stomp your feet in frustration if you want.”

“I’m not frustrated at all. I’m genuinely grateful.”

“I’ll headbutt you.”

“…That would make you Zidane.”

The French technician who couldn’t endure the opponent’s provocation in the World Cup final and headbutted his way to a red card.

“Oh~ As expected!”

Kana cheered “Yay!” and held up her hand for a high-five.

After returning from the bathroom, her tension was even higher than before the warning.

She’s like a roller coaster, Takumi thought with a wry smile as he met her palm.

Since Kana didn’t swing with full force this time, there was no repeat of the previous accident. The two successfully completed the high-five.