When I Picked Up A Stunningly Gorgeous Downer-Type Beauty In Front Of The Entrance. - Chapter 5.2: Bumping into someone unexpectedly at a supermarket just before closing time. Part -2.

Bumping into someone unexpectedly at a supermarket just before closing time. Part -2.

Reducing the consumption of the allowance sent by parents and turning it into pocket money is a common practice for students living away from home.

I’m no exception to that.

It was almost a daily routine for me to visit the supermarket just before closing time and buy discounted bento boxes with price reduction stickers.

The fluorescent-lit store gleamed brightly, making it feel like day and night were blurred.

While there were few customers inside, a few women with glittering eyes gathered around the staff in aprons who were putting discount stickers on products. That area had a higher population density.

Though I was interested in additional discounts, it was already late at night.

If I delayed dinner any further, I might not be able to wake up in the morning.

Despite the reluctance, I headed towards the bento section, my destination, while feeling the tug of my heartstrings, advancing on the smooth, glossy white floor.

And then.

“ “Ahh.” “

Just one sound, and they  overlapped.

Like a mirrored reflection, Sajou-san was there, her mouth slightly open in the shape of “ah.”

With a shopping basket hooked on one arm, her other hand was grabbing a packet of sausages.

The basket was filled with ingredients like chicken, eggs, and tomatoes.

Could it be…?

“The ingredients for bento…?”

“…Yes, but…”

Encountering an awkward situation I shouldn’t have seen, it felt like seeing a crane weaving fabric. Sajou-san’s expression remained unchanged, but her eyes flickered, showing her confusion.

Maybe it’s better to leave quickly.

I thought so, but then I realized something and let out another surprised “ah,” this time with an added bonus of blood draining from my face.

“The cost of ingredients…”

I completely forgot.

Well, nothing comes from nothing, and geese don’t lay golden eggs.

So, it’s natural for Sajou-san to prepare them, and it’s also natural for it to cost money.

Oops. I covered my mouth.

“Nothing.”

Sajou-san didn’t seem bothered at all. In fact, she seemed more interested in the two-pack of sausages she had grabbed, debating whether to put it back or not.

But, still.

Even if Sajou-san doesn’t mind, I do. A lot.

So, I forcefully snatched Sajou-san’s shopping basket.

“…What’s… this?”

At my sudden action, Sajou-san stiffens for a moment, then glares at me as if reproaching me.

Despite feeling intimidated by her sharp gaze, I protectively held onto the basket I took.

“It’s for the bento ingredients, right? So, it makes sense for me to buy them.”

“…Fine. Stop it.”

I had a feeling she would say that.

I’m doing it because I want to. Don’t interfere. I can tell just by seeing the furrowed brow and the expression of annoyance.

“I refuse.”

I grab the sausages and throw them into the basket.

Facing Sajou-san’s increasingly sharp glare and prickly irritation, I speak.

“It’s my fault for not considering the cost of ingredients, but now I feel even more guilty. If it’s about debts or whatever, let me pay for this.”

“…”

Sajou-san falls silent.

She furrows her brow and her gaze sharpens.

We continue to stare at each other for a while, but Sajou-san eventually sighs as if giving up. Maybe she thought it was futile since I didn’t back down.

“Do as you please.”

She says dismissively.

But it’s clear that Sajou-san has yielded, and I feel a small sense of accomplishment.

With a sour expression, Sajou-san walks away hastily.

I follow her with rough steps.

“From now on, I’ll buy them. Oh, and let’s settle up for what you’ve spent so far.”

“I forgot.”

“Liar.” I say, and she pouts, turning her lips away.

Her behavior is like that of a sulking child, and despite feeling guilty, I can’t help but laugh.

…Well.

If it had ended there, I could have gone home feeling pleased.

“What’s with that bento?”

“…It’s dinner.”

At her chilly, cold voice, this time I avert my gaze, trying to escape her stare.

I didn’t do anything wrong. But it feels like being scolded by my mother for being lazy, and I couldn’t bear it.

…But you know, half-price kalbi don is delicious, especially the sauce.