Translator: Lilo
Editor: Ryuubii

Chapter 1: Makabe Shizuru’s New Daily Life

Act 2

After eating, I helped with whatever thing I could, then I returned to my room to get ready for school.

I changed into my school uniform and went downstairs to find Hasumi-senpai, also in school uniform, reading a paperback book in the living room.

She has glasses on.

The square frames made Hasumi-senpai look intelligent and it suited her well.

Hasumi-senpai read books this way in the morning.

It was not because it was her habit. She simply can’t go to school with me, and I don’t have the key to this house, so Hasumi-senpai has to leave after me. It’s just a way to pass the time.

Turning my attention to the living room, I found a lunch box wrapped in cloth on the dining table. It was lunch that Hasumi-senpai had made for me.

My mother used to make them for me all the time. But after she passed away, I thought I would never get to eat packed lunch again, but now Hasumi-senpai makes it for me every day. She says it’s not really a problem since she already makes lunch for herself and Uncle, and I’m grateful for that.

“Thank you as always.”

I expressed my gratitude and was about to pick it up.

“Heavy.”

“Eh?”

For some reason, Hasumi-senpai’s voice came out as a reprimand.

Not knowing why she got angry, I looked back at the living room. Hasumi-senpai was looking at me with half-lidded eyes.

“It’s nice getting thanks but stop with that ‘as always.’ Your gratitude is heavy.”

Certainly, it does sound like I’m thanking her for everything that she had done prior.

“Then… thank you very much.”

“Mhm. You’re welcome. Although it’s not a big deal.”

When I thanked her again, Hasumi-senpai responded in a lighthearted manner.

I put my lunch in my bag and returned to the living room. By then, Hasumi-senpai was already looking down at her paperback book.

“I must say, those glasses look great on you.”

I once told Hasumi-senpai before that if you’re going to wear glasses anyway, you should choose the ones that suit you. I know it’s just a take-away, but glasses are an accessory that no one can be offended by. Since I can elaborate with confidence, it would be a loss if I don’t.

But even with her current glasses, they looked good enough on her.

“You should take responsibility for what you say.”

Hasumi-senpai closed the paperback book and quietly replied.

“Yes?”

“Because you told me to buy something that suits me, so you’re coming along with me.”

“……”

I shouldn’t have let my mouth run off.

“No, why don’t you just pick those out by yourself? You’re gonna be wearing it after all.”

“How could I know? This is coming from a person who thought all glasses are the same. Besides, didn’t Takinami-san say that you have a good sense of style? That’s why you notice unexpected things. Or what, you specialize in lingerie?”

“Please don’t make me out to be some kind of weird expert.”

With nothing to refute Hasumi-senpai’s words, I replied just that. Come to think of it, when I was picking out Takinami-senpai’s lingerie, Hasumi-senpai was also there.

“In the first place, how can you pick that out like it was nothing?”

“I didn’t pick it out like it was nothing.”

I went back to the living room and put my bag on the sofa. I didn’t sit down, but stood up and continued talking.

“It was already embarrassing enough for a man to be in a place like that, it would’ve been even more embarrassing if I picked out the wrong item. So, I racked my head hard to pick out something.”

When I confess, Hasumi-senpai bursts out laughing.

“I guess that’s true… Then keep up the good work and pick something for me as if your life is on the line.”

“Underwear, you mean?”

“O-o-o-of course not!”

Hasumi-senpai grabbed a cushion by her side and threw it at me. I was used to it, so I caught it with one hand.

“A-anyway, I’m going to have you go with me to buy some glasses. Understand?”

“Sure. When should we buy some?”

“Ah, my bad. Not yet, I’ll let you know when it’s decided. If it’s inconvenient, just say so and we’ll reschedule it to another day.”

I have no right of refusal, yet she’s always willing to adjust for me. She truly can’t become selfish.

“Then, I’ll leave first.”

“Mhm. Take care.”

I spoke as I held my bag in my hand again, and Hasumi-senpai replied. She, too, will be leaving one train ride later.

So I left the living room.