My Cool and Straightforward Girlfriend Won't Let Me Sleep Today Either - Chapter 13
Episode 13: Motivated 4th Year Girlfriend
On my way home after finishing my part-time job, I remembered that the toilet paper at home was running low.
Since Natsuki started coming to my home, it was running out faster than ever.
Thinking about that, I headed to the nearby drugstore.
As I entered the store, I spotted Natsuki walking around with a shopping basket.
I lightly tapped Natsuki’s shoulder, and she jumped, turning towards me.
“…I wish you wouldn’t surprise me like that.”
“My bad. So, what did you come to buy?”
“Oh, just some stuff.”
I looked into the shopping cart that Natsuki was holding while hesitating.
Inside were razors, shaving cream, moisturizer, and a mirror with a stand.
Seeing the obvious purpose of the items, Natsuki responded bluntly to me.
“Guess it’s about time…”
She seemed to imply, “You know what I mean, right?”.
I see it almost every day, or rather, I touch it, so I understand exactly what Natsuki is trying to say.
“It’s starting to feel a little prickly.”
“Hey, don’t talk about that stuff in public.”
“Sorry…”
By the fourth year, we’ve grown comfortable with each other.
Natsuki scolded me for my tactless comment on impulse.
“So, what did you come here for, Minato?”
“I came to buy toilet paper. Also, I thought I’d get you some hand cream. You know, since you cook for me.”
I’ve heard that people who cook often have rough hands due to prolonged exposure to dish soap.
So, I thought I’d buy some to protect Natsuki’s beautiful hands.
“…Thanks.”
“You’re welcome. Well, I can’t afford anything too expensive, though.”
As we chatted, Natsuki and I walked through the store together.
First, we headed to the aisle with toilet paper.
I was about to pick a cheap one when Natsuki asked me.
“It’s a bit pricey, but how about double-ply?”
“Sure, that’s fine.”
“Then, this one.”
Natsuki took the double-ply toilet paper from the shelf.
Next, we went to the hand cream section.
By the fourth year, we understand each other well…
“Up to what amount?”
Natsuki asked me for the budget directly.
Up to any amount? I’d like to say that, but…
Even if I said that, Natsuki knows I’d prefer something within our budget.
“Up to 2000 yen, or maybe 3000 yen…”
I’d be fine with something expensive, but then we’d have less money for summer activities.
Taking that into account, Natsuki chose a hand cream within the budget without hesitation.
She picked one that wasn’t the cheapest but still within the low price range.
“Then, this.”
“Is that okay?”
“Yeah. Do you want to buy anything else?”
“Since there are two of us and we can carry a lot, let’s buy tissues on the way back.”
“…Do you mind if I get selfish again?
“I don’t mind, but…”
“Then I’d like a soft tissue.”
“Oh, right, when you are wiping… ugh.”
If it’s a hard tissue, it’s a bit painful and sticks to you when you wipe, she said.
Just as I was about to say something, Natsuki punched me in the stomach.
“That’s why I said not to talk about that stuff outside.”
“…I’m really sorry.”
Once you get used to your partner, you lose your tact and say weird things.
I apologized while thinking to myself, “I’m really just an introvert…”
“Sigh… So, can I buy the soft ones?”
“It’s fine. Actually, you know, it feels like we’re living together.”
“Well, we practically are.”
Saying that, Natsuki, who had picked up the tissues, started walking.
Where is she going? I wondered as I followed her.
The place we arrived at was where couples buy important things for the night.
Oh, right, we didn’t have much left.
“I guess this is enough.”
“Um, Natsuki-san? That’s a bit… ”
What Natsuki chose was a value pack where three boxes were bundled together.
Each box contained 12 pieces, and there was one sample of a new product included in the 3-pack.
That makes 37 pieces in total.
Until Natsuki goes abroad to study, there’s just over a month left.
In terms of days, that’s roughly 40 days… it seems a bit excessive.
No, it’s not just a bit, it’s definitely excessive…
“T-This box should be enough.”
I picked up the one with fewer pieces and suggested it to Natsuki.
“It’s definitely not enough.”
Natsuki stubbornly refused to let go of the value pack.
Moreover, she didn’t want me to say anything more, so she threw the value pack into my basket.
“Well, then I’ll buy this one.”
Holding a basket with various care items, Natsuki headed to the cashier.
Left alone in the aisle, I hesitated.
Should I put the value pack back on the shelf and buy something else?
Natsuki seemed to notice my indecision, as she returned to me on her way to the cashier…
“Are you embarrassed to buy it? Then, I’ll buy it for you.”
What I wanted to say wasn’t that…
Natsuki quickly took the value pack from my hand and disappeared again towards the cashier.