No Wonder I'm Unwanted in This Chastity-Reversed World - Chapter 05

Chapter 05

“Nii-san… what’s going on?”

“Well, you see…”

After coming home, I was sitting in the traditional Japanese “seiza” position of my own accord.

Why did Rui have to let my family know? He made a good call as a male bodyguard, but still!

“Nii-san… what is this about?”

Standing before me was a person emanating a dark aura and wearing a stern expression.

Kuno Ichise.

He’s my cousin.

With a bob-cut black hairstyle, elongated eyes, and slim features, he exudes a neutral voice and cool expression.

He’s a different type of handsome than Rui—more like a pretty boy.

“Nii, san…?”

Ah, I need to say something soon, or I’ll be in real trouble.

“As per the email from Rui…”

“…”

“Right, I should say it myself! After school today, I went to the supermarket alone to buy some potato chips!”

Straightening my back I stated it clearly.

However, instead of softening, Kuno’s expression hardens even more.

“Why did you go out alone? Haven’t I always told you that women outside are dangerous? Men like you, who unknowingly and generously sprinkle kindness, can easily be taken advantage of with just a single glance.”

Kuno says that, but such a thing has never happened to me.

If I say that, he’ll just get more upset, so I nod in agreement quietly.

Kuno is currently in his third year of junior high school.

He serves as a male bodyguard in that school.

Due to his bodyguard role, he has an above-average level of wariness towards women, which extends to his overprotectiveness toward me.

“…?”

Still, the atmosphere and his gaze are intimidating…

“Nii-san, do you really understand?”

“I get that you’re incredibly worried about me, Kuno. But…”

“But what?”

His tone and narrowed eyes seem to ask, “Do you have a problem with that?”

“It seems you still don’t fully understand…”

Kuno began to move closer, inch by inch.

Sitting in seiza, all I could do was lean my body backward.

Kuno’s face came closer to mine…

Wait, hold on—

“Both of you,”

A beautiful soprano voice interrupted, halting our actions.

“It’s good that you two get along, but it’s almost time for dinner, so help out.”

“…Yes.”

Upon hearing Mom, who had been watching from the kitchen, Kuno went to help, although he looked rather sulky.

“Who said we were getting along just now?”

I also went over to where Mom was and received the dish she’s prepared.

“Ara, so you’re not getting along?”

“No, we are, but…”

“Well then, that settles it. You’re family, so continue to get along.”

“Of course.”

Today might be an exception, but we usually get along well.

Kuno may be my cousin, but I think of him as my real younger brother. 

And more than anything, we’re both guys. Until each of us finds someone special, it would be nice to maintain this best-friend-type relationship.

“When you take the hamburger, serve yourself the amount of rice you like.”

“Okay.”

“Since we’re having hamburgers today, I’ll go for an extra-large serving of rice.”

Kuno and I grabbed our bowls and eagerly headed to the rice cooker. Mom was already seated at the table, smiling warmly at us from behind.

In a world of chastity reversal, you’d expect a mother to be overly indulgent and excessively anxious, but my mom is different. 

She doesn’t give me special treatment just because I’m a guy. She expects me to handle my own affairs and help with chores, much like a mother from my past life would.

Kuno receives the same treatment, and that’s how we like it.

Having memories of my past life, I’m comfortable with or fond of special treatment.

I’m perfectly content as things are. I can feel the love and care Mom provides in raising both of us.

I genuinely feel grateful for this family.

And so, the three of us join hands and begin eating. 

Mom’s cooking is exceptional, as always.

“Nii-san, I plan on taking the entrance exam for the same high school as you next year.”

“Alright, I’ll be waiting for you!”

“Yes. If I pass, I’ll become your junior, so you better get your act together.”

“Uh, sure…”

Get my act together, huh. 

I do take my classes pretty seriously, though I might not remember much from, say, the fifth period because I get a bit sleepy. Still, I don’t skip classes.

I might not be wanted by girls, but I try to behave in a way that at least makes me seem like a nice guy.

So, I doubt that Kuno joining my school would lower his reputation because of me.

…Wait a second. If Kuno joins my school, wouldn’t that make me even less attractive to girls?

I took a quick glance at Kuno.

He has fair skin, strikingly handsome features, and a high-spec position as a male bodyguard…

Next to him, I don’t just pale in comparison; I might even end up being asked to introduce him to others.

“Nii-san?”

“No, it’s nothing! Hahaha! Today’s dinner is really delicious!”

I shovel in some white rice and head back to the rice cooker.

Kuno is popular, which should make me proud as an older brother, right? So I definitely won’t be jealous!

I promise, Nii-san won’t be crying into his pillow every night.

◇◇

“Kuno, the bath is ready.”

As today’s bathroom cleaning duty was mine, I finished and called out to Kuno who was sitting on the living room sofa.

“Thank you, Nii-san. But I’m going to have a call with Rui-san shortly, so you go ahead.”

“Alright then, I’ll go ahead and take the first bath.”

“Please do.”

As I headed toward the bathroom, Kuno left the living room.

“Those two really get along, don’t they?”

They have a call at least once a week. I wonder what two male bodyguards have to talk about?

“Ikuto, you should start noticing a little, you know.”

“Huh? Notice what?”

Mom was sitting at the table working on her laptop. When I tilted my head in confusion, she just sighed exasperatedly.

“Sigh… Well, maybe it’s better that you don’t notice… Just do your best, Ikuto. Mom is rooting for you.”

“Thank you?”

I feel like I was just cheered on, but for what?

◆◆

“It’s been a while, Rui-san.”

“Good evening, Kuno-kun. Although we did talk two days ago. Since it’s just the two of us, should I call you Kuno-chan?”

“Either is fine.”

“As cool as ever, huh.”

And so, a call between Rui and Kuno had begun…