The Pure-Hearted Beauty Who Only Dotes on Me Despite Not Being in a Relationship—And How She Became Even Sweeter After We Started Dating - Chapter 46: ...Then, if I'm in trouble, I'll rely on you, Kougami-kun

…Then, if I’m in trouble, I’ll rely on you, Kougami-kun

It was the first day of our three-day weekend. Mizuki and I traveled by Shinkansen and bus to arrive at Kiyomi-san’s house. Upon arrival, we were greeted by Hasebe-san who had arrived earlier.

“Long time no see, Mizuki-chan, Kougami-kun! I’ve missed seeing you around the shop lately.”

“Hello, Hasebe-san.”

“Seems like you got here early, Hikari-san. You said you’d be arriving after us…”

“I ended up coming early. Come on in, I’ve prepared your rooms, so drop your bags.”

Upon Hasebe-san’s invitation, Mizuki and I entered the house and politely accepted. Kiyomi-san emerged from the kitchen area.

“Mizuki, Kougami-kun, I’ve been waiting. I’ve prepared a room at the end of the hallway, so please follow me.”

Following Kiyomi-san’s lead, I couldn’t help but wonder… Could it be?

“This way. I’ll go prepare lunch with Hikari, so settle in after you’ve put your bags away.”

With that, Kiyomi-san left us to our devices. Mizuki and I stood in front of the tatami room with our bags.

(Hmm? Could it be… that?)

The room we were shown was a single room. Could this mean we were supposed to share this room together?

“There should be other rooms available, why would Grandma be… Kougami-kun, please use this room. I’ll take the one next door.”

“Ah, uh… okay.”

My fleeting dream of an exciting development vanished in an instant, leaving me a bit disappointed. Sleeping in the same room as Mizuki would definitely mean not getting any sleep at all, so perhaps this arrangement was for the best.

After settling into the room and placing our bags, Mizuki and I headed to the kitchen to lend a hand. Together with Kiyomi-san, Hasebe-san, and myself, the four of us enjoyed lunch.

“Thank you for the meal. It was delicious.”

“I’m glad you enjoyed it. So, what are you two planning to do for the rest of the day?”

Kiyomi-san’s question prompted Mizuki and me to exchange glances. We hadn’t made any specific plans, but it somehow felt like a waste not to do anything special.

“Plans… Kougami-kun, how about we go to my recommended spot?”

“Recommended spot?”

“Yes, there’s a place I always visit whenever I come here. I want you to see it too.”

“In that case, let’s go there.”

As Mizuki and I discussed our plans, Hasebe-san, who had been smiling mischievously, suddenly spoke up.

“Hikari-san?”

“It feels like something’s different compared to when we last met…”

By the way, I hadn’t yet told Hasebe-san that Mizuki and I had started dating. Remembering this, I informed Hasebe-san.

“Hikari-san, actually, Mizuki and I have been dating since before summer vacation.”

“Eh!? I didn’t hear about this! Since before summer vacation? That’s quite a while ago!”

The last time Mizuki and I met Hasebe-san was just an hour before I confessed. I had assumed she already knew from the conversation. It seemed she was genuinely unaware.

“But finally, huh? I’ve been wondering why you two weren’t together while being all lovey-dovey.”

Mizuki blushed at Hasebe-san’s words and shook her head.

“W-We’re not being lovey-dovey. I’m just leaning on Kougami-kun.”

“Calling that not being lovey-dovey? Anyway, hey, Kougami-kun looks like he wants to go soon, so you should go ahead.”

What kind of face looks like ‘wants to go soon’? It’s not like I was making an impatient expression or saying ‘let’s go’ in irritation.

“Alright then, I’ll go. I’ll be come before dinner.”

“Have a good time! Grandma, tell me more about what you did back in the day! You know, the thing you did when you were young.”

“Oh, that thing.”

As I said ‘I’m off’ and was about to leave the room, I overheard Hasebe-san and Kiyomi-san’s conversation.

(I wonder what Kiyomi-san did when she was young… If Hasebe-san is this interested, it must be quite an unusual story.)

“Kougami-kun, what’s wrong?”

“Oh, nothing. Let’s go.”

“Yes. Leave the guiding to me.”

After putting on our shoes and closing the front door, Mizuki extended her hand to me, and I gently held it.

“Here, you can see beautiful stars at night. Let’s watch them together.”

“You can see stars here?”

“Yes. Speaking of stars, we’ve watched them together once before, haven’t we?”

“Yeah, that’s right…”

It was back when Mizuki and I weren’t yet close enough to have long conversations. One evening at 7 o’clock, I was asked to run an errand and went to the supermarket. After paying at the checkout, I met her as she also finished and was leaving the supermarket.

“Oh, Kougami-kun. Good evening.”

“Uh, good evening…”

I was taken aback by her unfamiliar casual clothes, and my voice came out strained. We talked briefly at the exit, mindful not to obstruct others leaving the supermarket, then Mizuki and I left.

“Is your house around here?”

“Yeah, I was asked to run an errand. And you, Tsuyuzaki?”

“I live nearby too. I’m not running an errand but buying dinner for tomorrow night.”

“I see…”

Just as I was about to say “See you at school,” Tsuyuzakispoke up.

“The stars are really visible tonight.”

“…Yeah.”

Until she mentioned it, I hadn’t noticed how clear the stars were. I rarely ever look up at the sky.

When I glanced at her, she was happily gazing at the stars beside me.

“I guess that’s the face Tsuyuzaki makes…”

“Are you saying that in a good way?”

“Of course, in a good way. I prefer that natural vibe.”

“I see… Thank you.”

She smiled happily, but I didn’t understand why she was thanking me.

“Does that mean you dont like me at school?”

“It’s not that I do not like you, but…”

“But what?”

I hesitated to say what I was thinking, afraid it might upset her.

“Never mind. Just don’t push yourself too hard.”

“I’m not pushing myself. Thank you for your concern, Kougami-kun.”

“Liar.”

I lightly flicked her forehead with my finger. She winced.

“Ouch, Kougami-kun.”

“Sorry, sorry. You don’t have to do everything alone. If you ever need help, you can rely on me. Humans aren’t that strong, after all.”

“…Then, if I’m in trouble, I’ll rely on you, Kougami-kun.”

There are probably other people Tsuyuzaki could rely on more than me, but she chose me.

“Okay, got it. See you tomorrow then.”

“Yes, see you tomorrow.”

I still remember that conversation from that night. I wonder if Mizuki remembers it too.