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 30

Peace Never Comes and She Still Doesn’t Learn

The hellish dinner time is over, and now both me and Rinka are about to leave the backdoor of the wagashi shop.

Finally, I’m allowed to go home.

By the way, as a result of the barrage of questions, my parents finally found out that Rinka is staying at my house.

…well, I don’t think it should be kept a secret in the first place, so in the end, I think it’s for the best, but part of me still wished my parents didn’t find out about it.

My mom and even my dad, who usually doesn’t show much emotion, were both a bit shocked. But ultimately, the fact that we got Mika-san’s permission became the decisive factor, and in the end, they accepted it.

My mom was all flustered saying, ‘I need to talk to Rinka-chan’s mom later…’

Anyway, just as Rinka and I are about to head home together, my mom calls out to me.

“Toshiya.”

“Hmm?”

She waves her hand, telling me to come closer.

Then, Mom softly whispers in my ear.

“Don’t worry about coming to help with work tomorrow. If your girlfriend is staying over at your house, you should prioritize her first.”

“…yeah, thanks, Mom.”

“Also, don’t push her too hard.”

“Huh?”

“Make sure you treat someone else’s daughter gently. You understand what I mean, right?”

“A-Ah, yeah…I get it.”

My mom smiles gently and waves at us. Meanwhile, my dad is inside the shop working.

I lightly wave my hand back at Mom and turn around. Rinka repeatedly bows her head to Mom, smiling brightly.

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After nearly an hour of traveling by train and on foot, we finally got back home. The sun has set, and the sky is dark.

We walk closely together under the cold sky.

“I’m really sorry. I ended up getting paid…I didn’t mean for that to happen.”

“No, you worked for it, so you deserve to get paid.”

Of course, Rinka got paid for her part-time work today.

Since Rinka is essentially working as a day labourer, she was given cash directly in an envelope.

“Ah, that’s right. Is there anything you want, Senpai?”

“Me? No, nothing in particular…besides, you should buy something you want, Rinka.”

“But it seems like you bought a present, Senpai.”

“W-Well, that’s…”

Oh no, Rinka is bringing up that topic again.

I haven’t done anything wrong. There is nothing to be ashamed, but somehow my heart tightens.

“Ah, it’s fine. I have a pretty good idea of what happened.”

“…it might take some time, but I promise to properly give it to Rinka one day, so can you wait for me?”

“Yes. I’m sorry if I seem to rush you.”

“No, not at all.”

“Then, in return. I’ll do something to make you happy, Senpai.”

“Ahem, ahem.”

“Are you okay? You’ve been coughing a lot lately, Senpai. Did I say something weird?”

“No, I don’t think you did. Yeah…you didn’t.”

“Please hold yourself back until tonight.”

“Isn’t that a weird thing to say!?”

This is not good. This kind of conversation is not good at all.

I turn my face away to hide my flushed cheeks as I climb the stairs to my apartment.

I insert the key to my apartment.

Then, I notice something is wrong.

“Is something wrong, Senpai?”

Rinka tilts her head in confusion.

I quickly calm myself down.

“The door is unlocked.”

“Maybe you just forgot to lock it?”

“Maybe…but just to be safe, wait here, Rinka.”

I tell her not to enter the apartment.

I’ll check the situation inside by myself first.

I open the front door. The room is dark.

At first glance, it seems like nothing is out of the ordinary.

I turn on the lights and begin to look around.

It’s a one-room apartment. I check around the kitchen, toilet, and bathroom. Everything seem to be fine.

“Senpai, can I come in?”

“Wait a minute.”

I haven’t checked my room.

Slowly and carefully, I open the door and look around the room.

Everything seems to be fine, I think.

There are no obvious signs of anyone having searched around—

Just as I feel somewhat relieved, I notice that there is something unusual with the bed.

Almost at the same time, the bedsheet moves on its own.

Rising slowly, a girl with long black hair reaching down to her waist appears from the bed.

“Ahnn—ah, good morning, Toshi-kun. I’ve been waiting for you.”

It’s my childhood friend, Tsukimiya Airi.