My Childhood Friend Who is My Girlfriend was Stolen by My Best Friend. From Now on, I'll Flirt with My Ex-Best Friend's Little Sister! - Chapter 22

Sleepover Preparation

“…w-wait! Hold on! I’m not mentally prepared yet!”

“It’ll be fine, Senpai. Come on, let’s go.”

Right now, I’m standing in front of Rinka’s house—my former best friend’s house. A white, three-story, standalone home.

Rinka needs to go back to her house to grab some clothes and other things she needs to stay over at my place.

I understand that she might need some help carrying things, but…I can’t help but to feel nervous.

After all, this is my girlfriend’s house. I’ve been here many times before, but this is my first time visiting as her boyfriend.

As I hesitate out of nervousness, Rinka glares at me with a sulky look on her face.

“If you keep hesitating, my brother will come home soon.”

“You’re right…alright, let’s do this!”

I slap my cheeks lightly to get myself pumped up.

Rinka unlocks the front door and pulls me by the arm as she walks inside.

As soon as we step over the threshold, the living room door opens.

Standing there is Rinka’s mother, Mika-san.

Since Rinka isn’t biologically related to her, so they don’t look alike.

However, their aura is very similar.

“Welcome home, Rin-chan. Oh, and Toshiya-kun is with you too.”

“I-It’s been a while.”

She smiles warmly, watching us with amusement.

I swallow nervously.

“I’m home. But we’re heading out again soon.”

“I know, you’re here to grab your things, right?”

“Yep. Come on Senpai, this way.”

“Ah, yeah…”

Rinka grabs my hand and starts walking.

Just as we’re about to head upstairs, Mika-san stops us.

“Wait, Rin-chan.”

“Hmm?”

“You’re packing your clothes, right? Are you okay with Toshiya-kun seeing them?”

“…ah, you’re right. Senpai, I’ll pack my things quickly, so can you wait for me?”

“Y-Yeah, sure.”

While packing her things, there are probably things like underwear that she doesn’t want me to see.

With that, Rinka hurriedly runs up the stairs.

So now, I’m left alone with Mika-san.

“Well then, Toshiya-kun, why don’t we chat while Rinka gets ready?”

“Y-Yes…of course.”

I’m getting nervous again. However, at the same time, I’m a little relieved that things have turned out this way.

We move to the living room.

In front of me is a warm cup of green tea that Mika-san has prepared for me.

As I take a sip, Mika-san rests her chin on her hand, looking at me.

“So, Toshiya-kun, you’re Rin-chan’s boyfriend now?”

The first thing out of Mika-san’s mouth almost made me burst out my tea.

I barely managed to hold it in and catch my breath.

“Y-Yes. We’re dating now.”

“I’m so happy to hear that. You know, Rin-chan always talks about you, Toshiya-kun. She’d tell me things like, ‘Senpai was like this today’, and ‘Senpai this, Senpai that’. If there’s a week where she doesn’t get to talk to you much, her mood just plummets. So, I’m really happy that Rin-chan’s feelings have come true.”

I’ve never heard anything about this before.

To be honest, it’s a bit embarrassing to hear that. Unable to give a proper response, Mika-san continues,

“However, that’s why it’s a little surprising. I didn’t think Toshiya-kun sees Rin-chan as a romantic interest.”

“Well…it’s complicated.”

“I see. But still, staying over so soon after started dating is quite bold, isn’t it? I wonder if that’s how girls are these days.”

Mika-san asked straight to the point.

It doesn’t feel like she’s disapproving of the sleepover, but rather, she seems to be questioning how quickly things have progressed. We just started dating after all.

I decide to take this opportunity to play my card.

“There’s actually something I’d like to talk to you about, Mika-san.”

“Something you want to talk to me?”

“Yes. It’s about Shintaro.”

“What about Shin-chan?”

“Well, Shintaro…he seems to see Rinka not as a little sister, but as a romantic interest.”

“…eh?”

Mika-san’s expression freezes. Her mouth is slightly open.

“I’ve confirmed it myself. I also didn’t want to believe it, but it’s the truth.”

“…I’m sorry. I’m having a hard time processing this right now.”

She places her fingers on her forehead, furrowing her brow.

“Honestly, I thought it was just some kind of joke up until now. I thought he’s just an extreme siscon, but seems like there’s more to it than that.”

“…I see. I’m sorry. I haven’t been able to talk much with him lately…no, that’s just an excuse. So, Shin-chan and Rin-chan…”

“Rinka feels unsafe with Shintaro’s presence. That’s why I agree to let her stay at my place.”

“I see. I’ll have a serious talk with Shin-chan. I thought it’s strange that Rin-chan is acting so boldly, but it all makes sense now…”

Mika-san mutters quietly, as if something has clicked for her.

Before Rinka stays at my place, I at least want to tell Mika-san about this first.

It’s hard for Rinka to bring up this kind of issue herself, but at the same time, I know it’s not really my place to say anything about it. Still, if I kept quiet and something happened, it would be all too late.

“Ah, just to assure you, I’m not planning on making a move on Rinka or anything like that. It’s really just a temporary safe place for her. I’ll make sure we maintain a respectful relationship that you can approve of, so please don’t worry, Mika-san.”

“You didn’t have to say that. I’m not worried.”

“Really? You’re not?”

“Yes, I’m the kind of person who respects my daughter’s wishes. As long as the two of you are happy with it, I think they should be free to do as they please. But if either one of you aren’t okay with it, that’s a different story.”

Mika-san raises her index finger, giving me a gentle reminder.

With a smile, Mika-san continues,

“So, please take a good care of Rin-chan. If anything happens, please come to me right away. I’ll be here to help.”

“Yeah.”

I nod my head.

At that moment, the door to the living room opens.

“Hah, hah…s-sorry to keep you waiting, senpai…”

Rinka comes into the living room out of breath with a suitcase in one hand.

“That was quick.”

“I got ready in a hurry.”

I don’t know when my former best friend will be back.

There is no time to waste in a situation like this.

But still, she packed everything faster than I expected.

I stand up from the chair and walk over to her.

“Take care, Rin-chan.”

“Yeah, I will. I’m off.”

Mika-san stands up from her chair and waves at us with a smile. I bow repeatedly in response.

With Mika-san seeing us off, we leave the Nakajo household.