When I Picked Up A Stunningly Gorgeous Downer-Type Beauty In Front Of The Entrance. - Chapter 6.2: I picked up an abandoned, near-death cat. And then, the tower of empty cans is thrown away. Part - 2.

I picked up an abandoned, near-death cat. And then, the tower of empty cans is thrown away. Part – 2.

“…Dirty.”

“I’m sorry.”

What started as an invitation without much thought has turned into a confrontation with the problem that had become routine.

I cover my face with both hands. I want to turn away from reality.

“…Really, it’s filthy.”

But Sajou-san standing next to me doesn’t allow for escape, just bluntly expressing her harsh opinion.

She probably doesn’t intend to hurt me, but combined with embarrassment and awkwardness, Sajou-san’s words pierce sharply into my heart. Oof.

Unlike last time, I had no choice but to pass through the living room to store the groceries in the fridge… Well, to put it frankly, it’s a mess.

Although the garbage is collected neatly, clothes that have only been washed and brought in are piled up on the floor, and PET bottles are lined up irregularly like bowling pins.

If it was going to be like this, I should have cleaned regularly.

Of course, such thoughts are too little, too late, and at a point where I couldn’t predict the future, there was no way I would do it.

“Sloppy.”

“…I’m sorry.”

Bowing my head in response to her words that hit too close to home, all I can do is apologize.

I regret inviting her over, even though it was inevitable.

“…huhhhh.”

Sajou-san sighs.

My heart jumps as if startled, wondering if she’s exasperated with me.

As I watch her with unease, she inexplicably reaches for the laundry.

“Uh… um, excuse me?”

“…There’s no space to walk. At this rate, there’s no room for dinner.”

As she begins folding the shirt, she asks, “You do wash these, right?” and I stutter in response, “I just haven’t folded them yet!”

Sajou-san kneels on the floor and starts folding the laundry with a proper posture.

Isn’t it too much to have invited her and then make her help clean the room? If she were my girlfriend, she’d probably be bringing up the idea of breaking up. Not that I’m relieved she’s not my girlfriend. In various ways.

Feeling overwhelmed by the apology, I was unsure whether I should stop her or join in. Moving my body left and right, all I could only do was to utter sounds like “ah” and “uh,” much like a malfunctioning machine.

As I’m hesitating, Sajou-san continues folding the laundry and says, “And also…”

“Because being indebted bothers me.”

Her hands folding the shirt come to a halt.

Sajou-san’s face, previously downturned, turns towards me. Our gazes meet briefly, then she quickly averts hers, as if trying to escape. “That’s all,” she says firmly, then immerses herself back into folding.

I’m not sure what to make of her reaction.

“I mean, you know. You make me bento boxes.”

There’s no need for debts and favors.

As I say this, Sajou-san smiles ironically.

“They’re poorly made and clueless bento boxes, though.”

“But they taste good.”

My reflexive response leaves her momentarily speechless.

She returns with a terse “I see,” indicating she’s not really taking my words seriously.

It’s true though.

Can’t trust me, huh? I thought, and then she narrowed her eyes slightly and said, “By the way.”

“What’s with that stack of empty cans?”

Her face points towards the pyramid of cans stacked in the corner of the room.

Ah, that.

Even in the cluttered living room, that colorful tower gave off an unusual vibe.

Unable to withstand her accusatory gaze, I mutter an excuse in a barely audible voice. Well, it’s already too late for excuses, isn’t it?

“Well, um, you see… I guess… I got lazy about throwing them away, and, uh, kind of wanted to see how high I could stack them…”

“And?”

Her tone grows stronger. I involuntarily straighten up.

“Well, um, then, it’s just that, you know… it started to feel like a waste to throw them away, and… I thought they looked kind of neat when stacked neatly?”

“And?”

The coldness of her response sends shivers down my spine.

“Oh, um, I do wash them properly, so they’re not dirty, you know? I mean, really, really!”

“I see.”

With an air of finality, she abruptly stands up.

“Throw them away.”

“….Surely…”

In that moment, my embodiment of sloth crumbles away.

Ah…