Someone Who Believes They Can Live Normally in a World Where Chastity Is Reversed (Did You Think You Could Live Normally in a World With a Male-To-Female Ratio of 1:5?) - Chapter 30: Tsundere OL Is Distorted

Saturday night emotions are complicated.

Since tomorrow is also a day off, I sometimes think, “I can stay up late tonight!” But then, oh, the day off has already ended. That feeling sinks in.

Anyway, fundamentally, I’m the type of person who wants to use my precious holidays for myself.

“Hey Megu, how have you been lately?”

“Oh~, nothing’s changed~! But yeah~, I guess living together is unexpectedly difficult.”

“Aww, I’m so jealous! I want to live with my boyfriend too!”

…

Tonight, I was invited by friends from college, with whom I used to be close, to a dinner-drinks gathering at a somewhat nice izakaya.

Everyone else besides me has a boyfriend, so honestly, I feel a bit out of place.

I didn’t really want to come, but I was strongly invited by Mai, who I was closest to.

It’s been about an hour since we switched from dinner to drinks, but the conversation has mostly revolved around boyfriends.

I knew it would turn out like this, so I didn’t really want to come…

“So, what’s it like in reality? Living together… do you do it every day?”

“Oops. That’s a bit too much detail. But it’s intriguing.”

These friends have always liked explicit topics, so naturally, the conversation leads to this kind of topic.

“Isn’t it hard to talk about that kind of stuff?”

“What are you saying?! You’re interested, aren’t you, Seira? You used to like these kinds of talks too.”

“That’s right, that’s right! People who live together have obligations, you know! We came to hear some real talk!”

Sigh…

Even if I’m told about other people’s romantic affairs…

I did get to see my friend’s boyfriend’s face at least. He’s definitely handsome enough. Well, Masato is more handsome though.

I listen to my friends’ gossip and continue eating the food brought to me.

“So, what about you, Seira? How are things lately?”

“Huh? Me?”

Before I knew it, the conversation had turned to me.

These girls know about my ex-boyfriend… It sends a shiver down my spine even to call him that. They know about what he did and about our breakup.

So, I didn’t really want to meet up with them either…

“Lately, I’ve been having a pretty good time.”

“Huh?! Is there a guy?!”

“Seira, do you have a boyfriend?! Show us a picture!!”

“…You guys always jump to conclusions so quickly… Well, you’re not wrong though…”

The friends, with flushed faces from alcohol, lean in eagerly.

They’re way too into romance…

Reluctantly, I showed them a picture of Masato that I took on our last date.

During our last date, after we finished eating and he was drinking tea, I aimed my phone at him, and he smiled and flashed a peace sign. He’s too cute. An angel.

“He’s handsome! He’s not like a typical macho handsome guy, but he gives off a refreshing vibe.”

“He looks so kind~ I wish I could meet someone like him. Where did you meet him?”

As my friends praise Masato, I feel proud too.

That’s right, of course. Masato is handsome, kind, and an angel.

With the alcohol starting to affect me and my mood improving, I end up talking too much.

“I met him at a bar. He works there once a week. So, I go see him on his workdays.”

“Huh?…”

“…A bar, as in a host club?”

“Huh? Yeah.”

The three of them exchange glances. What? Did I say something weird?

Mai returns my phone to me hesitantly.

“Oh, by the way, Seira, are you dating this guy?”

“Mm, not yet.”

“So… Seira, how much do you spend on this guy each month?”

Huh? The atmosphere suddenly feels weird.

I don’t think money is a big deal, though.

“Money?… It’s not a significant amount. About half of my monthly salary?”

“Half of your salary?!”

What’s with the loud voice?

I go there every week, so I think it’s probably fine. Plus, I splurged on our last date, and I’m thinking of getting him a present next time.

I hope Masato will be happy…

“Seira.”

“…What?”

Mai’s cheerful expression from earlier has disappeared, replaced by a serious look as she takes my hand.

The other two also have worried expressions as they look at us.

“Let’s stop talking about this person. I’ll ask my boyfriend to organize a mixer next time, so come to that.”

“…Huh?”

A mixer? I have zero interest. Right now, I don’t have money to spend on any guy other than Masato. Plus, why? Why should we stop?

“Seira, I’ll be blunt. You’re being taken advantage of.”

“Oh, that’s your concern. It’s fine. Masato isn’t like that. He only works once a week, and I’m his only regular customer. So, if I don’t pay, it won’t work out.”

I see, I understand. These girls think Masato is just like any other boy out there.

But there’s no need for that concern. Masato is different. He’s special. I’m fine.

“Seira…”

…So stop making that face.

“Seira, it’s still a no-go. You have to come to the mixer. And then, give up on that person. It’s not good for you, Seira.”

…For my sake, what?

Anger bubbles up inside me.

“What do you mean, for my sake? If you really care about me, why don’t you support me?! What do you girls know?!”

“Seira…calm down.”

“This isn’t a joke! Do you know what I’ve been through?! When I was struggling, in pain, Masato was there for me! He’s not like those guys! Why can’t you understand?!”

He always worries if I spend too much money on him. He says kind words. But it’s not like he wants to do this kind of job.

So why is it wrong for me to pay if it helps even a little?

“Don’t worry about anything strange. Masato isn’t like that. Things are going smoothly now. Please, don’t interfere.”

Still, Mai and the other two look at me with sad expressions.

Stop it.

Don’t look at me like that…

—

Surely, it was already the next day.

On the way home from drinking, I walked alone on the night road lit by streetlights, remembering what my friends said today.

[You’re being deceived.]

[He’s using you for money.]

[It’s because of his job.]

No.

No no no no no no!!!

Masato isn’t like that. I know better than anyone.

He’s kind-hearted. His smile is cute, and he’s someone I want to protect.

He’s definitely not like the guys those girls are talking about. He’s not the kind to manipulate women’s hearts and squeeze out money like a miser.

I know that best of all.

I’m not wrong.

I opened my phone and tapped on the SNS app.

There was a message to Masato that I sent earlier.

<From Seira>: [Just came back from drinking with friends.]

“[I’ve been invited to a mixer next time. I’m not really feeling it though…]

…It’s okay. Masato will surely stop it.

He’ll say, “You have me, don’t you?”

As I gazed dreamily at the photo of Masato that I had set as the background on the SNS chat screen, the message showed as “read.”

I instinctively returned to the previous screen.

Surely, a reply would be sent.

“Ah…!”

A message came.

<Masato>: [Good work! Did you have fun?]

[Oh! That sounds nice. Maybe you’ll find a good person there!]

…Why?

Why won’t you stop?

There’s no good person…

There’s only you for me…

Only Masato…

Tears fell onto the screen of my phone.

It wasn’t raining.

They were flowing from my eyes.

—-

Friday.

Even though I had decided not to work overtime on Fridays, I was forced to stay late because of that damn boss.

Seriously, I can’t forgive that guy…

With that situation in mind, I was hurrying towards the store.

This past week has been filled with frustration. But my feelings haven’t changed. There’s only Masato for me. I’m the only one who can spend money on Masato at that store.

So, I’ve decided on one thing.

After we start dating, I’ll inform my friends.

Right now, they’re worried because we’re not officially together. So, once we are, there shouldn’t be any problem. At that time, my friends will surely congratulate us.

That’s why Masato and I have to move on to the next stage.

We’ve already gone on a date… so, next is the after-party or something.

With Masato’s kindness, he’ll surely give his approval.

I’m feeling excited. Having a nice meal with Masato, creating a good atmosphere. Gathering the courage to invite him to my house.

And then, spending the night together. How wonderful and romantic would that be?

To reach that point, preparation is necessary now. I have to shorten the distance between Masato and me.

I arrived at the store.

It’s quite late. Is Masato still at the reception or something?

I tidy myself up so I can meet Masato and open the store’s door.

“Welcome, miss… Oh, Welcome as always.”

It’s not Masato at the reception.

But maybe because I’ve been coming every week, the male staff here recognize me, which is embarrassing.

“Um…”

“Masato, right?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

Embarrassing as it is, I feel a slight sense of superiority. It’s as if it’s already been decided that I’ll request Masato at this store.

“I’m sorry, but Masato is currently with a customer… I can guide you with another boy if that’s okay?”

Huh?

Masato is with a customer?

With whom?

Someone other than me?

While waiting for Masato, I step outside the store.

I need time to sort out my feelings, and I have no intention of accepting service from anyone other than Masato. Although I’ve thought about talking to others, I felt guilty for some reason.

Masato is attending to someone.

It’s because of me.

Because I arrived late.

I should have come back immediately after finishing my overtime, no matter what excuse I had to make.

I’ve given another woman time with Masato…!

I inadvertently stomped my feet.

I’ll never work overtime on Fridays again. I’ll make any excuse, even a sick leave, to come back immediately.

I check my watch.

Is it about time?

Let’s go back to the store.

I walked back to the store.

Unless there’s an extension or something, it should be almost over.

It’s okay. It was probably just an unusual customer today, that’s all.

Today was just a coincidence.

Surely, I spend more money on Masato, and I receive a lot of affection from him.

So, it’s okay.

Telling myself that, I approach the store… 

Just as Masato is seeing off a customer.

At the end of his gaze…

I saw her. 

I recognize her.

I know her.

Even though her hairstyle is different, I immediately recognized her.

The girl who Masato was kind to at the drugstore…!

A dark emotion swirls in the depths of my chest.

I understood when I saw her. I had a different impression of her before.

She’s a lively, twin-tailed girl.

And Masato, seeing her off, is also smiling.

Ah. Masato is smiling.

Something overflowed from the bucket of emotions within me.

No. No no no no!!!

Absolutely not!

He’s, He’s mine!!!

“Then, see you later.”

“Yeah, see you.”

Again…?

I put my hands on my knees right there.

“Ugh… Oh…”

I felt like throwing up.

It’s clear no matter how you think about it.

They’re more suited for each other.

A bright and cheerful young girl, and the cool Masato.

Their interaction looks dazzling. Anyone would say that they’re more suited for each other compared to me.

…But.

I’ve made up my mind.

I take out a handheld mirror and tidy myself up again.

My complexion is terrible. But there’s nothing I can do about it.

I won’t give up. No matter how dirty and ugly, I’ve decided that there’s only Masato for me.

I won’t give in. I stagger and stand behind Masato, who is still seeing off that girl.

What should I say…

Ah, I got it.

It’s not good to start by denying that girl outright.

Masato might have his reasons too.

Besides, it might give Masato a bad impression of me.

I should praise her instead.

So, yeah.

Let’s go with that.

“She’s quite a cute girl.”