When I Picked Up A Stunningly Gorgeous Downer-Type Beauty In Front Of The Entrance. - Chapter 8.1: Neighborly Routine: Finding Happiness in a Secluded World, One Small Step at a Time. Part -1.

Neighborly Routine: Finding Happiness in a Secluded World, One Small Step at a Time. Part -1.

Was this the beginning?

Or perhaps it started even earlier? Was it when I first spoke to her on a rainy day?

Sajou-san started coming over to my place quite frequently.

Sometimes she even stayed overnight.

“Rhito, wake up.”

In the mornings, I’d be roused from sleep by Sajou-san in her apron, ready to have the breakfast she prepared.

Her culinary skills were noticeably improving day by day, from perfectly cooked sunny-side-up eggs to mastering the art of flipping them over.

We’d leave for school together.

After making sure the door was locked, as we took a few steps forward, Sajou-san would wave goodbye, her hand raised slightly.

“…Take care.”

I’d return the greeting.

Despite being in the same school and class, it always felt strange to be seen off by her.

But being seen off by someone, even without a smile, was something I found myself appreciating more and more every day. And if that someone happened to be a beautiful girl, all the better.

“Yes.”

During lunchtime, she’d deliver lunch to school.

For that reason alone, she’d change into her uniform and come to the classroom, even though she didn’t attend regularly, ensuring the rumor mill never ran out of material.

My kitchen has lately become Sajou-san’s domain. While it made sense that she wouldn’t want to take food from my place when she had her own, since we could prepare lunch together in the morning, maybe she could take some when she left.

Whenever I suggested this, Sajou-san would always turn away nonchalantly and say, “It’s fine.”

Was there any significance in her delivering it?

In any case, it was only natural that her nickname in class became “Commuting Wife-chan.”

And so, after school ended, afternoons.

There she stood, leaning against the school gate’s pillar, staring blankly at the crimson sky.

Everyone who passed by couldn’t help but notice her, and even the boys seemed to be debating whether or not to approach her, their voices loud enough for her to hear.

The rumored beauty remained unfazed by the hustle and bustle around her.

Her eyes lacked any spark, as if she couldn’t care less about the world, as if she might just fade away with the twilight. When she noticed me, her slightly dark eyes shifted slightly.

“Sorry. Did I keep you waiting?”

“Just now—”

Sajou-san tried to continue, but then shut her mouth with a disgruntled expression.

She pursed her lips tightly and muttered, “I have been waiting,” before walking away.

Her response brought a smile to my face.

Surely, the continuation of her words would have been “just arrived,” and she must have sensed the meaning behind our exchange.

“What is it?”

I followed after the overtly disgruntled Sajou-san.

Although my face may have seemed openly displeased, I had started to wonder if it was a form of shyness. If I were to point it out, she would likely retort with, “What’s that? Creepy,” and those words would sting, so I kept them to myself.

Accompanied by Sajou-san, we made our way to the supermarket.

Morning, noon, and night.

Since we had been having meals together more often, it had become routine to go shopping after school. This was probably why she was called “Commuter Wife-chan,” but since she didn’t seem to mind, I refrained from pointing it out.

Under the streetlights.

With the setting sun behind us, if we stretched our shadows on the sidewalk on the way back, it was time to prepare dinner.

Lately, the condiments had increased, and as if accustomed to it, I took them out of the refrigerator and kitchen shelves without even looking.

After enjoying the prepared meal at night.

Washing the dishes or watching movies on subscription services.

As we spent time together, it was time to go to bed.

“Then… good night.”

With that, Sajou-san disappears into my sister’s vacant room, which now serves as her bedroom.

Watching her go, I return to my own room and dive into bed.

This has been the daily routine for Sajou-san and me for the past month.