The Story of Becoming a Drinking Friend When I Saved the Cutest Senpai in University - Vol 1 Chapter 15

White rice, miso soup with eggplant, asparagus meat roll, tofu hijiki^[1]Hijiki is a dark edible seaweed usu. Sold in dried black strips; Hizikia fusiformis. hamburger steak, kimbap, and sesame-flavored kidney beans.

Many dishes on the table are not fit for the rooms of university students living alone.

“…Are you sure I don’t have to pay for this? At least let me pay for the ingredients. I feel really bad about it.”

“Don’t worry. It’s something I do because I enjoy it.”

“B-but…”

“Well, let’s get ahead of ourselves. Itomori-kun can return the favor whenever it’s convenient for you.”

Then she continued, “Let’s hurry up and eat.”

“Thank you for the meal.”

“T-thank you for the meal…”

We put our hands together and pick up our chopsticks.

What is this, I’m nervous.

Come to think of it, it may be the first time I’ve had such a decent meal in my room.

In a small room, a small table, full of food and senpai in an apron… It’s almost like we’re a newlywed couple.

“Is it good?”

“Ah, y-yes! It’s really delicious!”

No, let’s not think nonsense and concentrate on the meals.

“I really like asparagus meat rolls. Thank you for coming all the way to make it even though it takes a lot of time.”

“No, I like asparagus too.”

“Is this kimbap made by hand? That’s amazing senpai, it’s as good as eating at a Japanese restaurant.”

“My grandmother taught me. I’m glad you liked it.”

Every dish was really delicious, and it was just a happy meal.

However, no matter what senpai says, her expression remains the same. I’ve already confirmed at the last drinking party that she’s happy, but I’m still somewhat worried.

“Itomori-kun.”

“W-what is it?”

“Do you happen to not like eggplant?”

Gulp.

I didn’t touch it at all, so I was caught as expected.

“Well, you know… yes, I don’t like it…”

“You can’t be picky. Come on, eat.”

“…Huh?”

Senpai picked up the eggplant with chopsticks and offered it to me while putting it on a plate to prevent miso soup from dripping on the table.

“S-senpai… T-that’s a bit…”

“Ah, you’re right.”

If things go on like this, I’m going to end up like that.

What’s more, an indirect kiss, it’s like we’re lovers.

I thought it was not good, so I smiled bitterly, and perhaps senpai understood, so she put her chopsticks back towards me.

She then slowly puffed at the eggplant… did senpai think that I refused to eat it because it was hot?

“Yes, here you go.”

She offered the eggplant again in the same way.

“…Um, are you alright? This feels a bit… like something lovers would do.”

“What’s the problem? Itomori-kun, do you hate me?”

“I-I don’t hate you.”

“You don’t dislike me?”

“…I-I like you. I like you, as a friend.”

My face burns at the forced words.

Senpai didn’t even smile, but there was a warmth in her eyes, and put the chopsticks close to my mouth and said, “Hurry up and eat.”

I took a bite, and it was actually delicious as usual.

Maybe it’s just because I’m nervous and my taste is dull.

“…Hehe.”

Senpai’s face was emotionless as a mask and turned slightly blushed.

But soon she returned to her usual form and offered the next eggplant, “Here you are.”

“T-that’s enough. It’s all right, I can eat it myself…!”

“…You mean you don’t like me?”

“No… Aah, come on! I’m going to eat it! I love it!”

When I gave up and raised the white flag, senpai let out a snort in a good mood.

◆◆◆

“Thank you for the meal.”

“It was nothing special.”

After the meal, I took the dishes to the washing-room, and senpai immediately took the sake out of the refrigerator and started preparing for the drinking party.

The table, lined with warm meals, soon became the usual sight.

Senpai made a highball and raised her glass for a toast, but I spoke up.

“Senpai sometimes forget to act when you talk to me.”

“That’s true. When I’m with Itomori-kun, I tend to let my guard down a little.”

“In that case, then wouldn’t it be possible to be your true self in front of me even without alcohol?”

Senpai frowned a little anxiously at my words.

I understand what she might have thought and immediately begin to correct it.

“No, I’m not saying you shouldn’t drink. I just mean… it’s not good for you to come and drink every day from now on. If you can unwind without relying on alcohol, I think that’s the best thing.”

Of course, I was worried about her health, but if she simply remained expressionless, I would not be able to respond.

I want her to smile as usual at meals.

However, since I could not force her to drink, so I thought I’d ask if there was a way for her to relax without it.

“…You’re right, I’ve thought the same. The fact that I can’t be my true self, even around Itomori-kun, makes me question whether I’m really being a good friend.”

“Please don’t get down about it!! I… I like senpai even when you’re sober!”

It’s not a lie. It is the truth.

There is no doubt that both versions of senpai are important to me. It’s just that it’s easier for me to get in touch with senpai with her true self.

“What kind of situations do you often think you can solve with your acting skills? Aah, of course, in a way other than drinking alcohol. If you could remember what that feels like, you could train yourself to return to your true self on your own.”

“The most common time would probably be when I see insects. They are mainly cockroaches and moths… I’m not good with those.”

Well, I’m in trouble.

It’s easy to procure insects, but it would be way too cruel to scare her just to get her to relax. It’d be much better if she enjoyed drinking instead.

“And… when I’m embarrassed or really happy, I often let my guard down.”

“I see. Then let’s do something to make you happy. If you want something sweet, I’ll run to buy it right now.”

Senpai tilted her head at my suggestion.

She thinks for tens of seconds. “Well,” she said without moving her eyebrows or eyes at all.

“Hold me in your arms and whisper ‘I love you’ in my ear.”

Her emotionless-like voice made me lose all my expression this time.