In the After School Library, A Refined Lady's Romantic Comedy Can't Be Compromised - Chapter 4 - Act 5(2)
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- In the After School Library, A Refined Lady's Romantic Comedy Can't Be Compromised
- Chapter 4 - Act 5(2)
Translator: Lilo
Editor: Ryuubii
Chapter 4: Lastly, Creating Memories.
Act 5(2)
As we wandered around, lunchtime came around and we moved to the restaurant area of the building. There we entered a Western-style restaurant.
In front of Takinami-san, I put up appearances and ordered a plate of steak, which was a bit expensive for a high school student to eat, while she ordered an omelet and a plate of grilled chicken.
“This isn’t exactly a good time to tell you this, but I’ll leave Hasumi-senpai’s house and go to my grandparents’ place when summer vacation arrives.”
As I started tasting the food that arrived, I spoke up.
“Eh…?”
Hearing this, Takinami-senpai stopped her movement.
It wasn’t like this was the first time she heard about this, so why was she so surprised?
“Eh? Wait a moment. Didn’t the problem get solved? She doesn’t exactly hate you, right?”
“That’s right.”
Now we even talk normally and she was making my lunch everyday. She even followed us because a certain somebody provoked her. I can say that our relationship is doing well.
“Then, why?”
Takinami-senpai asked, looking like she didn’t understand what was the problem.
“I told you before, right? It’s hardly a healthy family structure.”
“I thought for sure you were gonna stay in that house.”
“I can’t exactly do that.”
I was not trying to worry about it, but the neighborhood was aware of me coming and going out of the house. Whether I explain the situation or not, it will eventually come biting me in the back. I can still feign it for now.
“I see. If that’s what you decided to do, it can’t be helped.”
Takinami-senpai let out a sigh.
“What’s wrong?”
I asked, feeling that there was something she wanted to say.
“I thought that this isn’t the for me to be concerned about other people”
“Hm?”
“Don’t worry about it, Shizuru.”
But her reply was just hollow.
“Did you already tell her that?”
“I did. She seemed convinced.”
“Hmm. How unsympathetic. I thought she cared for you a little more.”
I’m sure this was how it was supposed to be. It was as natural as leaves falling to the ground. Besides, Hasumi-senpai still cares enough about me.
“Put yourself in her shoes, how would you feel if a man not much older than you, suddenly made to live with you under one roof?”
“Oh, I’ll welcome it with open arms.”
Takinami-senpai replied with a smile on her face.
“That’s because it’s me you’re imagining. What if it’s a guy you’ve never met before…”
“Well, ok, sure…”
But this time, she became meek.
“That is Hasumi-senpai’s position.”
“But you and her are different. You may have barely met, but you’re connected by blood even if it’s just half.”
“That is both good and bad. In fact, this time Hasumi’s anger was directed at his father, but it could have been directed at me.”
However, Hasumi-senpai was very rational. Normally, she would have turned her hatred towards me without even realizing that it was unreasonable and misguided.
Thanks to this, I can say goodbye with a smile. An unbelievable good ending, no?
“Then how about going back to your old house?”
Takinam-senpai suggested.
“I thought about it but―”
“I’ll even come by seven times a week to take care of you.”
“Just now, it disappeared without a trace from the list of options.”
Everyday?
In fact, at one time I considered staying in that house. But I had too many memories of my mom there. To be honest, it was hard for me to be alone there.
I looked at Takinami-senpai again.
“What?”
“Nothing.”
She noticed my gaze and asked me about it, to which I responded.
I have previously analyzed my feelings, because I was able to avoid sinking into deep sorrow since I left home immediately after my mom’s death.
‘Maybe she was one of the saving graces in that regard…’
She was concerned about me, but she didn’t stop at that, and made advances to me in the same way as before. Me, on the other hand, was somewhat comforted by her attitude, even though I also treated her in the same casual manner as before.
Even after Mom’s death, my daily life remains the same.
“After this, If you find something you like, I’ll buy it.”
This was a great opportunity. I should get her a gift as a thanks.
“Really!? I’m so happy. Alright, I’ll find something expensive to buy.”
“…Please don’t.”
I let out a sound of despair. Seeing me like this, Takinami-senpai happily smiled.
However, being her, I was sure she would choose a moderately priced item, and she must be aware of my desire to thank her, so she will not refuse.
§§§
After lunch, we moved to Kobe MARUI.
Here, we looked around the ladies’ floor. Naturally, there were only branded stuff, but it was amazing that she could find something that would look good on a high school student. If we even stopped for a moment to take a look, the store staff would immediately rush to us, not wanting to miss out on the sales pitch.
She was dragging me around. I had no choice but to wait until she was done dealing with and fending off the clerk.
I looked around and saw a lingerie store nearby. As a man, I couldn’t help but notice it.
“Oh my, pervert. Look at you, looking so intensely.”
And then Takinami-senpai came back. She was giggling.
“Done?”
“Yes. Are you gonna buy me some? I wonder what you’ll choose. I’m looking forward to it.”
“……”
I would like to say that there were no high school students who would, but…
“What are you expecting? Unfortunately, I have no such plans.”
“Geez, how about you do boyfriend-like stuff for once? Acting all shy and reserved is good and all, but man up once in a while.”
“We’re not even dating in the first place.”
Takinami-senpai’s provocation made me a little annoyed.
“Alright, let’s go then.”
I spoke and stepped out.
And where I headed to was―
“Hey, wait a second, Shizuru. Where do you think you’re going?”
Takinami-senpai rushed to stop me.
It was understandable that she was upset. I had entered the lingerie store in question.
“You’re the one who told me to choose for you.”
“I did say that, but…”
I ignored her confusion and went around the store.
After taking a quick look around, I picked up a few items I had my eye on ― all of them were a set of a bra and panties ― and I shoved them at Takinami-senpai.
“This one, this one, and this one. I don’t know the size though.”
“Eh, you really picked some up?! Oh, this doesn’t look bad.”
She was surprised, but immediately looked at it with interest.
The ones I chose were too mature of a design for a high school student to wear, but perhaps for Takinami-senpai, it would probably suit her. The colors were all clean white. I’m glad I was able to choose ones that she liked.
“Besides, how did you know what to choose?”
However, Takinami-senpai was slightly shivering.
“It’s a trade secret.”
Which company’s trade secret it was, I wonder.
“Ah, I know.”
“Hm?”
Takinami-senpai seemed to have had a flash of inspiration.
“You chose what you wanted me to wear, right?”
“Definitely not. Alright, I’ll be outside. Whether you want to buy it or not, it’s your choice.”
I turned on my foot and turned my body to the outside of the store.
“Oh, you’re not gonna buy it for me? For the gift, you know?”
“I’m not stingy. I’m willing to buy you something, but choose another thing. If I buy it, it’s going to complicate things a bit.”
I left her and went outside the store.
And there I let out a deep sigh. In Takinami-senpai’s eyes, it might have looked as if I had chosen it easily. But to tell the truth, like many boys, I was not good at this kind of thing. In fact, I don’t think there was anyone who was good at it. Of course, you don’t get used to it even if you have a lot of experience. That was exhausting.
After a while, Takinami-senpai came out. In her hand was another bag with the store’s logo printed on it.
“Sorry for the wait, Shizuru.”
“Did you buy it?”
“Yes.”
As she said with a smile.
“But the size was a little different. I wonder if I should tell you my three sizes. Also, what design do you like? You know, for reference.”
“I don’t need that kind of information. I picked some on the spur of the moment, but I’m never doing this again.”
When I retorted, Takinami-senpai chuckled.
“I never thought you had such a sense of style for this kind of stuff.”
But then her eyes suddenly wandered around.
“So, you know, Shizuru…”
“Hm?”
Her speech became unclear and her face was slightly red.
“Did you… um… imagine it when you chose these?”
“……”
In other words, she was wondering whether I chose it because I imagined her wearing it?
“……”
But I couldn’t exactly answer the question. Of course, when giving someone an outfit, I think about whether or not it will look good on them, and I do simulations in my head. It goes without saying.
“Is this also another trade secret?”
“I guess that’s how it’s gonna be.”
For the second time, what kind of company?
“Hmm. That so?”
Takinami-senpai seemed to have guessed the right answer as I kept my mouth shut. She gave a nasty smile, a complete change from earlier. Hey, whatever-company, what was this about? Aren’t you being too lax in managing confidential information?
“Say, Shizuru? Since you went through the trouble of picking these, should I tell you when I put it on? Or should I not only tell you, but also show it to you?”
“You don’t have to say it. You also don’t have to show it. I don’t have time for that.”
I refused flat out.
“Then… You know, I like the type where the side is tied with a lace, can you help me pick one out again?”
“?! Absolutely not.”
She saw this as an opportunity to go on the offensive, so I shook off Takinami-senpai, who was clinging to me, and I started to walk away.
This time, I haven’t decided where to go.