No Wonder I'm Unwanted in This Chastity-Reversed World - Chapter 11

Chapter 11

“Rui, I’m coming in~”

“Ah, sure.”

I knocked before entering the changing room. In the bathroom, I could vaguely see the silhouette of Rui, who was showering.

“How is it? Is the water good?”

“It’s perfect for a body chilled by the rain.”

“That’s good to hear. I’ll leave your change of clothes here.”

“Ah, thank you.”

I placed them conveniently on top of the washing machine. In the basket I’d prepared, Rui’s rain-soaked uniform was there.

I wondered, should I put it in the dryer with my own uniform?

They would be in separate laundry bags, and distinguishing between the uniforms should be easy enough. Though we were both guys, some might be uncomfortable sharing the same laundry machine. I felt I should ask Rui just in case.

“Hey, Rui. Is it okay if I put your uniform in the dryer along with mine?”

“… Yeah, sure. My uniform is a size larger than yours, so it should be easy to tell them apart.”

“Okay.”

Guess I’ll put them both in the dryer then.

I took my uniform that I’d taken off earlier and folded Rui’s neatly. Then, I placed them into separate laundry nets and put them in the dryer.

“What about your underwear?”

I asked since I couldn’t see any lying around.

“Ah, no. I’m fine…”

“Alright. The change of underwear I brought is mine, but it’s new, so feel free to use it. If you’d like, you can even keep it.”

“Uh, okay… Thanks.”

Rui’s voice grew fainter. Maybe I’d talked too much while he was in the shower.

“That’s all I needed to ask. So, take your time.”

“Ah, Ikuto… I’ll be out soon.”

“Are you done already?”

“Yeah, I’ve warmed up enough. Besides, I want you to get warmed up too…”

I was thankful for his concern. Even though I’d changed into new clothes, my body remained cold.

“…Ah-choo!”

“!! Ikuto, did you catch a cold?”

“No, no! It’s just a sneeze. I’m totally fine!”

I quickly reassured Rui, who seemed genuinely concerned. I would be able to take a shower soon, so this was nothing to worry about.

That’s when it happened.

BOOOOM!

“Kyaa!”

“Whoa!?”

Suddenly, there was a flash of lightning, and the sound was incredibly loud. It seemed like it struck nearby.

“Seriously… isn’t this getting intense?”

I had thought the rain would stop soon, but now there was thunder as well. Even inside, I could hear the sound of the fierce rain and wind.

“I hope there’s no power outage…”

I wanted something warm to drink. Maybe I should boil some water now. Also, just to be on the safe side, I should look for a flashlight.

“Rui, be careful. I’ll go to the living room and make some warm drinks.”

“Ah, w-wait…!”

“Hm?”

“Um…”

I heard Rui’s voice from beyond the bathroom door. The sound of the shower had stopped; he must’ve finished by now. His voice was clearer than before, but he seemed hesitant to say something.

“What is it, Rui? It’s not like you to hold back. If you don’t tell me, I’ll feel lonely.”

“Lonely, you say… Heh… Okay, got it. Then I’ll be unabashedly needy.”

He said that, pausing for a moment.

“Would you stay close by until I get dressed?”

Even as he said it clearly, there was a hint of uncertainty in Rui’s voice.

“…Perhaps you’re scared of thunder?”

“Yeah… Is it strange to be scared of thunder?”

“It’s not strange. Everyone has their own fears. But staying in the dressing room might be awkward, so I’ll just stay outside the door.”

“Okay… thank you…”

Leaving the changing room, I waited for a moment. Then, the sound of the bathroom door opening rattled through the air.

“Ikuto… are you there?”

“I’m here. Go ahead and change without worries.”

“…Okay.”

Rui’s voice sounded timid, which was hard to imagine coming from him usually. He must be really scared of thunder. I leaned against the door, listening for his voice more intently.

“…I’m sorry, Ikuto. Not only did I take a shower before you, but now I’m making you wait while I change.”

“Don’t worry about it. But it’s surprising that you’re scared of thunder. Gap moe, is it? Knowing a cute side of the usually cool Rui… feels like a bonus.”

What am I even saying?

I found myself questioning my words. I was just trying to cheer Rui up, but that last bit was said mostly in jest.

“…”

Rui’s lack of response is scary! Even scarier than the thunder!

“S-sorry. I shouldn’t have mentioned ‘gap moe’ when you’re already scared of thunder.”

“…No, thank you, Ikuto. For trying to cheer me up.”

“Oh, okay…”

Seems like he saw right through me. A bit embarrassing. But it felt like Rui’s mood brightened up a bit.

“Ikuto, you’re always so kind.”

“Hm? Well, I aim to be the kindest, coolest guy in the world, all for the purpose of becoming irresistibly attractive to girls someday!”

“…And yet, you’re kind to me?”

“Of course. Rui, you’re my bodyguard and a dear friend.”

“…Thank you.”

“Y-Yeah…”

Somehow, talking about this directly is a little embarrassing… Well, it’s the truth, so maybe there’s nothing to be embarrassed about.

“Hey, Ikuto.”

“Hm?”

Perhaps to distract himself from the thunder, Rui struck up a conversation. It went on for quite a while. Of course, I went along with it.

“You often talk about wanting to be popular with girls, don’t you?”

“Yeah, I do say that.”

In fact, there hasn’t been a day when I haven’t wanted to be popular with girls.

“So… do you have a type?”

“Ah…”

Caught off guard by the unexpected question, I paused to think.

Even though I keep saying that I want to be popular, it’s not like any girl would do. I do have a specific type.

“Well, I like girls who are cute, kind, and fun to be with!”

“Huh, really? What about busty girls?”

“Who doesn’t love them?”

“Heh, you’re honest.”

A faint chuckle came from Rui. While I did say I have a type, it’s pretty mainstream. But hey, mainstream is best, right?

“But if I were to indulge in the ultimate luxury, I’d like to date someone who likes me.”

“… “

Being in a mutual love is the best. Being with someone you both like and who likes you back makes everything fun.

“So, would you be happy if such a girl were close by?”

“Yeah, I’d be ecstatic! If a girl likes me, I’ll definitely make her happy!”

“…〜〜〜〜”

“Hm?”

Something seems off with Rui.

By the way, how far has he gotten with changing? The thunder has stopped for now.

“Hey, Rui, how’s the changing going—”

“Then, I should be good enough for you.”

“Eh? Whoa!”

Just as the sound of the door creaking open reached my ears, I was embraced from behind.

The warmth of Rui’s flushed body slowly seeped through my back.

“R-Rui? What are y—”

I began to speak but stopped midway. To be precise, my mouth remained open, frozen in place.

Through my back, I felt something different from body warmth… something soft.

It took me a moment to understand what it was.

In the meantime, the arms wrapped around me from behind tightened their grip, as if unwilling to let go.

A feverish breath.

And then a voice followed.

“Ikuto—see me for who I truly am.”