My Cool and Straightforward Girlfriend Won't Let Me Sleep Today Either - Chapter 3

Episode 3: The Unyielding 4th Year Girlfriend

After finishing lunch and hanging the laundry on the balcony, we once again spent our time lazing around.

Natsuki was reading manga on the bed, while I was playing a first-person shooter (FPS) game on my computer.

FPS games, which boast immense popularity among young people, bring joy when you win and frustration when you lose.

And currently, having lost five times in a row, I was making a frustrated face.

“…Sigh.”

Well, I’m not the type of guy to violently slam the desk just because I’m frustrated.

But still, I felt like I was getting too worked up, so I decided to take a little break.

Stepping away from the computer desk, I approached Natsuki, who was reading manga on the bed.

“What?”

“I lost in the game and I’m frustrated, so comfort me.”

“It’s a hassle, so no.”

In the first and second years of our relationship, whenever I felt down, she would ask, “Are you okay?” with concern, and in the third year, she would show a bit of concern with a “There, there.”

But in the fourth year, she bluntly says, “It’s a hassle, so no,” with a serious face.

The passage of time is cruel…

Thinking such thoughts, I approached Natsuki, who seemed a bit down from losing the game, seeking comfort.

“Annoying.”

“…Sorry.”

Since she seemed genuinely bothered, I quietly backed away from Natsuki.

Well, even if I were to force it, she probably wouldn’t get angry.

“Where did that shy girl go…?”

I murmured softly, and I couldn’t help but smile wryly.

It’s true that I can touch Natsuki freely now, but… it wasn’t always like this.

Back then, I always asked, “Is it okay if I touch you?” and watched Natsuki’s reactions closely.

“No, even now, I’m quite the reserved guy when it comes to you.””

“Pfft…”

Though I couldn’t see her face, Natsuki was undoubtedly smiling.

Perhaps she was imagining me being shy and asking her, “Is it okay to touch you?” all over again.

Well then, I’ve seen her cute side, so let’s get back to the game.

This time, I’ll definitely win!

One hour later…

“I lost again… That’s seven losses in a row…”

I had just broken my losing streak record.

I leaned back on my gaming chair and gazed up at the ceiling in a daze.

At that moment, Natsuki peered into my face.

“I have a circle drinking party tomorrow, so I’ll be going.”

“Why are you telling me?”

“I thought if I missed the last train, I could stay over at your place.”

“Well, if that’s the case. But still, be careful, okay?”

“…You worry too much.”

“Ah, how about just saying ‘thank you’?”

“…Yes yes, thank you.”

Natsuki said to me with a deadpan expression. Although her attitude seemed to contradict her true feelings, it didn’t bother me. After all, there are often scenes where people get irritated even though they’re clearly in the wrong.

“Well, if you really seem to be in bad shape, give me a call. I’ll come pick you up…”

Natsuki and I had just turned 20 three months ago in April. Our experience with drinking parties was limited, and we still didn’t fully understand our alcohol tolerance levels. The thought of Natsuki getting drunk and almost being escorted away by some strange guy made me shudder.

“…That attitude of yours is really annoying.”

She said I was annoying, but Natsuki had her hand over her mouth, her cheeks slightly flushed. After four years together, I knew exactly what this meant. She was a bit embarrassed to show me that she was happy, so she tried to hide it, but it was pretty obvious.

“Sorry about that. I won’t worry anymore.”

“I didn’t say not to worry…”

Even after four years, she’s still cool and indifferent. Somehow, that’s both amusing and funny to me.

“Alright.”

“…Ugh. I’ll go get the laundry.”

Natsuki, feeling awkward after being laughed at by me, went to retrieve the clothes she had hung on the balcony.

Watching her walk away, I thought to myself.

Would I find Natsuki’s slightly troublesome aspects even more irritating if we spent a little more time together?

As I pondered this, Natsuki, having brought in the laundry from the balcony, took off the clothes I had lent her. And just as I thought she was going to change into the clothes she came in…

“In the end, we’re not going to do it today.”

Natsuki’s delicate, delicate hands gently touch my cheek.

I thought there was no need to change…

※

Before I knew it, it was nighttime. Since I didn’t have work today, I spent a really leisurely and lazy time. It’s still hot outside, but it’s much more bearable than during the day.

“I should head home soon.”

Natsuki, who had come to my room to hang out, said as she changed clothes.

“Should I walk you to the station?”

“Don’t worry about it. I usually walk alone outside at much later times anyway.”

“I see.”

“Being overly nosy is a hassle. So, it’s okay if you don’t see me off.”

“If you say so, then I guess it can’t be helped. Oh, make sure you don’t drink too much at tomorrow’s drinking party.”

“…I’ll keep that in mind. Well, I’m done changing, so I’ll head out.”

Natsuki left my room, walking a bit briskly. Well, I should at least see her off to the entrance, even if I don’t walk her to the station… As Natsuki put on her shoes at the entrance, I called out to her.

“Just give me a quick text once you’re home.”

As I said that, Natsuki lightly kissed my cheek. It’s rare for her to do that as she leaves.

“If I miss the last train, will you let me stay over?”

“Do I get paid upfront for that?”

“Of course.”

With that, Natsuki opened the door and left my room. I went out of my room to see her off from the apartment corridor. But I guess she saw right through me. As soon as Natsuki stepped out of the apartment entrance, she turned around and looked at me.

“So you noticed…”

I smiled wryly and waved my hand. In response, Natsuki, feeling embarrassed, gave me a deadpan expression.

If I kept waving, she’d probably get mad. So, I stopped waving and muttered to myself as I watched Natsuki walk toward the station.

“I wonder if she’ll come over again tomorrow…”

It’s easy to imagine Natsuki coming to my room drunk.