Returnee from Another World - Chapter 10: A Troublesome Day

Chapter 10: A Troublesome Day

“The price is, in other words, the cost.”

Those words stuck in my head, refusing to let go.

They came from a dream I had this morning.

Maybe I’d heard them somewhere before, which is why they appeared in my dream. But I couldn’t recall where. Not a clue.

In that world, perhaps?

Or maybe it’s just my brain twisting some proverb from this world into something else.

I’ve heard dreams are fragments of past memories stitched together into a story. If that’s true, there’s no need to dwell on it.

Pointless to think about.

There might be no meaning at all. Even if there was, I can’t remember, so it’s a dead end.

Still, for some reason, those words clung to me, lingering.

“Shuu-kun, what’s wrong? You’ve been spacing out. Tired or something?”

Kyouka’s voice, from the seat across from me, snapped me back to reality.

We were at a trendy café-restaurant near the station, grabbing a bite after window shopping. The place buzzed with the chatter of customers, a sign of its popularity.

It was already past evening.

Exhausted salarymen were starting to head home in scattered groups.

“Hm? Nothing. Just thinking about a weird dream I had this morning.”

“Oh? What kind? Tell me!”

“It’s not a big deal, don’t worry about it.”

“Wait, was it a naughty dream?”

“Why’d you jump to that?”

“No need to hide it. Healthy boys have those, right? So, was I in it?”

“Sorry to disappoint, but it starred a more… glamorous, mature woman.”

“Ugh, what a shame. So, are you into that kind of thing, Shuu-kun?”

As she asked, the purple of 【Anxiety】 deepened in Kyouka’s aura.

“What kind of thing?”

“You know, a girl’s figure… Like, you’re dating her, but when it’s time, her body’s not what you expected, and you’re disappointed.”

“Oh, I see. Hmm, I don’t know. Does that kind of thing bother you?”

“Yeah, it does. I know it’s not something I can change, but I want to know what you like.”

Is she self-conscious about something?

Kyouka doesn’t seem like someone with physical insecurities. But maybe it’s a personal worry she’s carrying.

Given the context, it’s not likely the purple of 【Embarrassment】. The fact that 【Purple】 intensified suggests it’s anxiety.

But I could tell right away it wasn’t about her breast size.

“It’s hard to pin down preferences. Upper body… lower body… it’s different for each. Shape, color—there’s something to like about every part.”

Not color, but shape.

Her reaction was strongest when I mentioned the upper body.

Breast shape?

No, it’s not about size, and they don’t seem saggy. That leaves the nipples or areolas.

“Well, if I had to say, I like bigger chests and hips. Haven’t thought much beyond that.”

That’s a safe answer. It aligns with Kyouka’s features, cherry-picked for her.

It’s unrelated, but mentioning color could come off as crude, so I avoided it. The trick is to sidestep what she doesn’t want brought up.

Using my cheat ability like this mimics techniques I saw mentalists use on TV, but seeing emotions directly makes me a pro. It was handy in that world too.

“Hmm, boys do love boobs, don’t they? Just lumps of fat, but somehow fascinating.”

“Maybe. It’s almost like worship or faith.”

“Pfft, worship? Faith? That’s dramatic. So, mine are like divine to you, huh?”

Kyouka said it so casually.

Our relationship feels leaps and bounds closer than before. Maybe because I’m openly expressing my feelings for her now.

Back then, I couldn’t say those words. Voicing them helps us both reaffirm our feelings, even if mine are tainted by desire.

“You two, got a moment?”

A voice from outside our bubble shattered the sweet moment.

The annoying intruders were middle-aged women at the next table, apparently eavesdropping.

“Sorry to interrupt. I overheard you talking about religion and faith. I just think it’s wonderful that young people like you are interested in God.”

“Uh… it wasn’t that kind of talk.”

“No, no, it’s heartwarming to see a cute girl like you care about faith. This pamphlet explains it all, but there’s a God who listens to our troubles and saves us in unseen ways. Everyone has worries, right? Even you must have something you can’t tell anyone.”

“Well, I guess.”

“Exactly, it’s normal. But don’t worry—everyone’s like that. Sharing those worries with God cleanses your heart, freeing you from pain. It brings true happiness. I had a rotten husband and a tough life. Then I found the Gospel Love Church, and my worldview changed completely. So…”

“Oyama-san, Oyama-san. Minors are off-limits, aren’t they? The assistant bishop said to focus on hardworking adults.”

“Oh, Kudou-san, I haven’t heard that. The founder always tells me he wants young, beautiful maidens to serve at God’s side. Pure faith is needed for sacred teachings.”

What a perverted god.

I don’t deny religion, but how do they believe such nonsense?

Well, best not to mess with gods and their curses. Time to get out of here.

“Ready to go?”

“Yeah, let’s.”

“Wait. You should hear us out—it’s for your own good. You’ll regret it otherwise.”

“No thanks. We’ve got exams next year, so we’re pretty busy.”

“Let it go, Oyama-san. Sorry, you two. She’s not a bad person, just gets carried away sometimes.”

I gave a polite smile and nod to the more reasonable one.

I could hear the hysterical shouting behind us, but we ignored it.

After paying, Kyouka and I stepped outside, chuckling. The bad mood had vanished.

“That was intense. I was totally overwhelmed.”

“Yeah. That’s the kind of people out there. Definitely don’t want to get involved.”

Even in that world, I wasn’t fond of religion.

Not that I liked anyone there, but still. That said, few believe in gods more than me. I mean, I’ve been to another world.

I couldn’t explain that phenomenon without thinking a god caused it.

“Let’s head home.”

“Yeah, today was so fun. Looking forward to next week!”

“Wanna come to my place now?”

“Uh, feels like you’d try something naughty, so I’ll pass. No, I mean, it’s not that I don’t want to with you. I’m just… not ready yet.”

“Kidding, kidding. I’m fine keeping things like this for now. We’ll see how it goes.”

“Sorry. But I really mean it—I’m okay with you. Oh, how about a quick stop at that park?”

“Sure, why not?”

We sat on a bench in a nearby park.

Streetlights were already on, illuminating the dim evening park. Just Kyouka and me, alone in the empty space.

Without talking, we sat side by side, letting time pass.

Suddenly, a soft sensation brushed my cheek.

Kyouka’s lips.

Surprised, I turned to her, and our lips met.

The first was a light, pecking kiss. The second, a slow, deep one, seeking each other.

For me, it wasn’t new with Kyouka, but for her, it was her first. Her face flushed red, her aura brimming with the green of 【Happiness】.

Reluctantly, I felt her lips pull away.

“So, this means I’m your girlfriend, right?”

“Yeah, it does.”

Bitter memories resurfaced.

This moment mirrored the past. No, I was handling it better this time.

But something felt off. Like I hadn’t fully secured Kyouka’s heart.

What was missing?

“Oh, isn’t that guy… you know, Ayano’s childhood friend? What’s his name? Katsuragi? No, Kaburaki?”

A voice broke the silence in the dim park.

Someone who knew my name—probably an acquaintance.

Why is today so full of interruptions?

I felt it—a distinct, almost pungent sensation coursing through me, the kind you get when trouble’s coming.