When I Picked Up A Stunningly Gorgeous Downer-Type Beauty In Front Of The Entrance.

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Adolescent high schoolers love talking about romance way too much. Part -2.

“Seriously.”

I eat the grilled octopus with slightly rough movements. …Why real octopus instead of octopus-shaped sausages? Is it a favorite?

While I wonder about that, well, it’s delicious so it’s fine. Besides, I can’t complain since I just received it as a gift.

And really, what kind of relationship are they asking about? Honestly, I can only answer “neighbor.” In more ways than one.

The day before yesterday, I let her borrow a bit of the roof. It was a peculiar and memorable event, but that’s all. That’s all I’ve done.

I don’t want to create any debts. Just as Sajou-san said, it’s neither more nor less than that.

Moreover, a favor as small as sheltering from the rain is more than enough with this lunchbox. If anything, it’s almost too much.

So, our relationship remains unchanged.

Just neighbors. Passing by each other, exchanging greetings to the extent of being ignored. It’s a little sad.

Well, no matter how many facts I list, they probably won’t be satisfied.

The fact that a neighbor is making a lunchbox? That’s unlikely. So, they’ll undoubtedly link it to love. They might even say, “Then confess to her! We’ll support you!” while being meddlesome under the guise of concern, eagerly fueling the fire of curiosity.

Being the subject of gossip among girls is no picnic.

That’s why it’s better to stay silent and wait for the fuss to die down naturally. Adolescent girls’ interests are easily diverted. If there’s another topic, they’ll flock to it like bees to flowers.

…If asked whether there’s a more interesting topic than me right now, I’d have no choice but to shut my mouth.

“Hinata-kun. Do adults use adult toys?”

Shut up.

***

During what’s supposed to be lunch break, I endure the public humiliation session, slipping through like a statue. Then, the moment school ends, I bolt out of the classroom, escaping the curious crowd.

Today has been exhausting…

I want to go home and sleep, but I really should change the bed covers at least. Otherwise, I’ll end up sleep-deprived again.

At the entrance of the apartment building, I rummage through my shoulder bag for my keys. Rustle, rustle.

I’m sure I put them in the same spot as last time… As I fumble around, the glass door swings open on its own.

Seems like someone came from the other side.

Perfect timing. I pull my hand out of my bag and prepare to slip through the open door. Then, I lift my head and see a woman walking towards me, and my eyes widen.

Sajou-san…?

I tilt my head and inadvertently stare. She looks remarkably similar. Almost like the real deal.

But I quickly realize she’s someone else.

With her flawless complexion, she’s a stark contrast to the makeup-free Sajou-san.

Unlike Sajou-san, who builds walls between herself and others, this woman intentionally exudes an alluring vibe, as if consciously trying to bewitch men.

But above all, what’s different is her expression.

With her cheeks lifted and smiling gracefully, she’s nothing like Sajou-san.

While Sajou-san keeps people at arm’s length, this woman radiates an aura consciously designed to captivate men.

“Hello.”

“…Hello.”

We exchange polite greetings as she passes by, offering a seductive smile.

I nod slightly in response, then watch as she walks away, the sound of her heels echoing.

I stop in my tracks, turning to look at her retreating figure.

She’s probably Sajou-san’s mother, I guess.

Not her sister… or her aunt.

They have identical looks. But everything else, from makeup to expression to atmosphere, is completely different.

I somehow felt like she wouldn’t get along with Sajou-san. There’s no real basis for it. Just a vague feeling.