When I Got My Heart Broken by a Childhood Friend, I Ended Up in a Romantic Comedy With Her Mother - Chapter 11 - Slurp, Slurp

Chapter 11 – Slurp, Slurp

Entering “attractive man” into the search bar is only done by men who are not attractive.

And the search results are…

“…Cooking Men, huh?”

Lately, perhaps due to the trend of women becoming more assertive, they are increasingly making strides in society.

On the other hand, influenced by the trend of men becoming more passive, they are increasingly focusing on domestic life.

It’s not uncommon these days to hear about “househusbands” instead of housewives.

I hear that some good-for-nothing freeloaders are skilled in cooking and manage to satisfy women.

Well, I’m not aiming to be such a good-for-nothing freeloader.

I just want to do what I can for my lovely girlfriend.

A romantic relationship of only one month… No, it’s a pseudo romantic relationship.

I want to leave an impression of who I am, even just a little, in Haruna-san’s heart.

…That might come off as arrogant… Or maybe even disgusting…

“Is Mom… at work? She’s not really that into cooking in the first place.”

I’m not sure if she’s a career-focused person, but it seems like she works diligently.

She probably earns as much or more than my father.

Even in my household, the power dynamic between men and women is shifting.

So, instead of resisting this wave, let’s embrace it.

Let’s become skilled at cooking, just like modern men should.

However, Haruna-san is a good cook to begin with, and she doesn’t even try that hard.

The benefits of me being a good cook may not be so much for her.

But on the other hand, she cooks all the time and does all the house chores.

Even if it’s just a small thing that I can do to alleviate that burden, even if it’s just a little bit, I believe it’s a huge help.

So I stood in the kitchen with a small amount of hope and a huge amount of self-satisfaction in my stomach.

“Let’s start cooking.”

It would be impossible for me to acquire the same level of cooking skills as Haruna-san in such a short period of time.

Then it would be best, or better, to showcase the value that she doesn’t have, the quality that only I have.

“…Ramen noodles.”

That was the first thing that popped into my head.

When it comes to ramen, it is usually cup noodles that I eat.

Sometimes I go out to eat at a ramen restaurant though.

Anyway, what caught my eyes were instant noodles from a packet.

Come to think of it, this option is actually the one I’ve chosen the least.

It’s not as convenient as cup noodles, and it doesn’t have the quality of a restaurant meal.

I’ve ignored this half-hearted presence until now.

But this is a good opportunity.

“Soy sauce ramen, huh…?”

I like rich, thick miso or soy sauce pork bone ramen.

But Haruna-san doesn’t have the image of eating ramen like that.

To begin with, I don’t feel like she eats ramen in the first place.

But it’s summer now.

She’d probably prefer something relatively light, like soy sauce ramen.

とりあえず、俺は鍋にお湯を張って、コンロの火をつける.

For now, I filled a pot with hot water and turned on the stove.

Sizzle.

“…Hot!”

In a matter of minutes, the temperature in the surroundings rose drastically.

I have proper air conditioning, though…

“If she eats something this hot, Haruna-san will end up all sweaty.”

Haruna-san, drenched in sweat and slurping ramen…

‘Haa~n, Ikkun, it’s too hot~… Nooo~~!’

…Hah…hah…

I was about to enter a dangerous fantasy world.

I didn’t accidentally touch my groin, but I washed my hands again just to be safe and returned to preparing the meal.

I have to put aside my silly erotic fantasies.

In reality, it’s best to avoid becoming all sweaty as a woman.

Then, what should I do?

Should I go ahead and make cold Chinese noodles?

But that’s a mess of ingredients, and it’s a bit overwhelming.

“…Ah!”

I suddenly had an idea.

◇

I opened the front door.

“Sorry to disturb you, Ikkun.”

“Ha-Haruna-san…”

Of course, it’s not just us visiting the Shirai household, but they also come over to our Shibata household from time to time.

Well, this time I invited her.

“Today is your day off from work at the supermarket, right?”

“Yes.”

“Sorry, I called you when you were on your day off.”

“It’s okay. Because…my boyfriend invited me over.”

“Ah…”

When I replied in a dumbfounded manner, Haruna-san’s face also turned red rapidly.

What is this otherworldly cuteness.

In my age group, there are incredibly cheeky girls (though if I were to say it, I’d be scolded), especially my childhood friend. But Haruna-san is just dozens of times—No, hundreds of times cuter.

Or rather, this person is my childhood friend’s mother.

Wait, are they really mother and daughter?

“P-please, come in.”

I’m an unpopular virgin, so I ended up becoming unintentionally uptight.

If it was that damn Miho, she’d probably make me look like an idiot, but…

“Thank you.”

Haruna-san, who is ever so kind and lovely, smiled and said that.

I was on the verge of tears with all my feelings, but I managed to hold it together and lead her into the living room…

Of course, it is kept cool with an air-conditioner.

“I’ll bring it to you right away.”

“Fufu, thank you.”

Haruna-san gracefully smiled and elegantly lowered herself onto the cushion.

I want to be that cushion… Damn it!!! (T/N: Dem monkey MC… I relate though, dem)

Idiot! This is not the time to say that!

I brought the food I’ve already finished cooking to the table.

“H-here you go.”

“Well, this is…”

“Yes, it’s chilled tsukemen noodles.”

“Wow… Did Ikkun come up with this all by himself?”

“No, I just followed a trending recipe video… I just made it using instant noodles.”

“Well, that’s true. But it’s amazing. I’m so happy.”

“It’s salty and has a lemon flavor…is that okay? Come to think of it, I don’t know Haruna-san’s food preferences…”

“Don’t worry, I’m not a picky eater. Thanks to that, I grew up healthy.”

“R-right…”

As I was saying that, my eyes were on Haruna-san’s ample breasts, and I had to restrain myself just as my nose was about to twitch.

“Well, before it gets cold, please try it… Eh, it’s cold already!!”

“Hahaha!”

S-so embarrassing… But Haruna-san laughed, so it’s OK!

“Then… Itadakimasu.”

“P-please enjoy.”

While I said that awkwardly, Haruna-san continued to act with the same graceful manner, and she put her long hair over her ears…

Each of her gestures makes me nervous.

“Fuuu, fuu…Ah, it’s already cold.”

She stuck her tongue out.

This cuteness, it’s really from another dimension.

“I, I tend to do that sometimes, even with dishes like chilled tsukemen noodles.”

“That’s right~ …Well, let’s get back on track.”

Haruna-san dipped the chilled noodles into the chilled dipping sauce.

And then, slurps.

Surprisingly, she made a good slurping sound.

“…It’s delicious.”

“R-really?”

“Yes, it’s very delicious…”

At that moment, a drop of water spilled from Haruna-san’s beautiful eyes.

“Eh? Ehh? Ha-Haruna-san…? W-was it actually bad…?”

“No, it’s not… I’m rather happy… I’m impressed.”

“I-Is that so?”

“Because the cute little Ikkun has become so great…”

It’s true that since I was little, Haruna-san has taken care of me like a second mother.

So it’s nice to hear her say that, but…

“…I can’t say I’m great yet, but… I’ve grown as a man as well.”

When I stared straight at her, Haruna-san stared back at me.

“So… I won’t be a child forever…”

“…Yes, I know. As I said the other day… I’m conscious of Ikkun in that way.” 

“Haruna-san…”

We stared at each other.

Eh, maybe we’re going to…

K-k-k-kiss…….

“Ha-Haruna-san…”

I involuntarily leaned forward and put my face close to Haruna-san’s…

“We, we can’t, Ikkun…”

“Ah… It’s wrong to go that far, after all…”

“R-rather… Kissing after eating, that’s just no good…”

“R-right…”

I said quietly, withdrawing.

But my naughty junior was just looking forward, or rather upwards…

“…But it’s lemon-flavored. In fact, it smells good, doesn’t it?”

“Eh?”

“Well, they often say that the first kiss tastes like lemon, right? So, um…”

Argghh!! I’m the worst! Damn virgin!

“…R-right…”

“Eh?”

N-no way, could she…

“…Ikkun, have you ever kissed anyone?”

“I-I-I haven’t…”

“I see… Then, if possible… I’d like Ikkun to do it first.”

“!!!”

I went beyond rejoicing to sighing.

This woman in her forties, no, this beautiful goddess… She’s so cute that I’m going to die.

Seriously, she’s at a level where she makes me forget to breathe forever and just suffocate.

Oh, my God, what is this? My heart’s beating so fast.

“Okay, then… Can I come closer?”

“…Yes, come here.”

So enticing… Ah, now’s not the time.

Now is not the time to be daydreaming.

Or rather, when I stand up, will she find out that my crotch is bulging?

But I can’t come this far and back away.

There is only one way! To go forward!

I stood up and moved.

I came to Haruna-san’s side.

“Ha-Haruna-san… Is it really okay?”

“Ye-yes…”

We looked at each other.

Seriously, this too beautiful woman and I are going to…kiss.

A kiss…as lovers…

“T-then…”

“Yes…”

When Haruna-san quickly closed her eyes, my heart started pounding faster than ever before.

But I can’t call myself a man if I come this far and back away.

Even herbivores do it when they have to!

Let’s go!

“Ha-Haruna-san…”

“I-Ikkun…”

As we came super-close to each other, we could feel each other’s breaths on our lips——

Pin-pon.

…………

Okay, nevermind that. Let’s go again…

Pin-pon.

Please, just wait a little longer…

Pin-pon. Pin-pon. Pin-pon♪

“Damn bastardd!”

I stood up screaming.

You damn visitor who can’t read the atmosphere!

“Ha-Haruna-san… Just a moment, please.”

“Ye-yes.”

I smiled at Haruna-san and headed for the door with an angry look on my face.

Shit, it’s must be some fucking delivery guy.

Did mom or dad buy something online again?

Either way, it’s so annoying!

I’m sorry, but depending on the circumstances, I’ll punch them in the face.

I opened the front door.

“Yes, yes, who is it for?”

When I said this in a clearly displeased voice——

“Yahoo~♪”

What was there wasn’t a sweaty delivery guy under the scorching sun…

It was a beautiful girl (only on the surface).

“…Miho?”

“Yes~”

“Eh, why are you… I heard you’re going on a date with your boyfriend?”

“You see~ Shuuta-kun got called out by a senior member of his club. You see~, in sports clubs, socializing like that is important, isn’t it? That’s why I went home.”

“…But your house is that one, remember?”

“This is my house too. Right, childhood friend?”

“…………”

Ughh…

“Hmm? Hey, I’ve seen those shoes before… Ah, they’re Mama’s?”

!!!

“Ehh, is Mama here?”

“W-well…”

“But Auntie’s at work right now, right? So Ippei and Mama…are alone in this house?”

“…………”

Oh, this is bad. I have nothing to say.

There’s nothing wrong with me and Haruna-san being alone together.

Because we are like mother and son.

But because of the current state and situation…

“Ippei, what’s wrong? Surely… There’s nothing suspicious going on, is there?”

Miho squinted and said.

She’s always so bright and noisy, but she suddenly asked me a question calmly.

I was speechless from the intense chill that froze me inside out.

“Hey, Ippei, you…”

“——Oh, if it isn’t Miho.”

As I could only keep my mouth shut, someone came up from behind me.

“Oh, Mama… Wait, isn’t that a bit too stylish? It’s just meeting up with Ippei, after all.”

“Come now, don’t talk so badly about your childhood friend.”

“So, what is Mama doing here?”

Miho’s questioning mode didn’t stop.

“We were having lunch.”

“Lunch?”

“Yes. It seems Ikkun has recently taken up cooking. I’ve been teaching him a bit.”

“…Hmm~? Really?”

Miho turned to face me.

“R-right. Y-you see… Auntie is a good cook, that’s why she taught me a lot of things.”

“I see… Anyway, I just missed lunch and I’m hungry, so can I eat?”

“Eh?”

‘What, is that wrong? Or is Ippei’s cooking actually bad?”

“You…”

“No, it’s not. It’s very good.”

“Auntie…”

“Heh~? Well, I’ll have some then~!”

Miho entered without hesitation.

“Wow, what’s this?”

“Chilled tsukemen noodles…”

“Wow~ You’ve got quite good taste for someone like Ippei.”

“Tha-thank you.”

“Well, you probably made it from a popular recipe, didn’t you?”

“…You’re right.”

“Well, that’s good enough. But where’s my share?”

“Ah, well, I only made enough for two people.”

“Tch.”

“Don’t click your tongue!”

“Okay, Miho. I’ll give you my share.”

“Eh, really?”

“But Haruna-san hasn’t eaten most of it yet… I’ll give you my share.”

“Ah no, I don’t want Ippei’s leftovers.”

“That dish has my hand stains all over it though?”

“Eh, you made it without washing your hands properly? Gross.”

“You, just go home.”

“No.”

“Tch.”

I got annoyed and clicked my tongue.

Then I was gently touched on the back of my hand.

It was Haruna-san.

“I’m sorry, Ikkun.”

“Ah, no, this is…”

Haruna-san smiled gently at me as I clammed up…

Just like that, my irritation that was at the maximum subsided.

“Itadakimasu♪”

Slurp, slurp♪

“Ah, it’s yummy~♪ You’re not so bad, after all, Ippei♪”

“Yes, yes, thank you.”

“I feel sorry for Mama because she can’t eat this.”

“All because of you.”

As I got frustrated again,

“Um, Haruna-san. If you don’t mind, you can have mine.”

“Eh, but…”

“Please have this.”

When I handed it to her with a smile, Haruna-san took it without hesitation.

“Thank you.”

Then, with another elegant gesture, she slurped the noodles.

“…Ah.”

“Eh, what is it?”

“N-no… It’s nothing.”

That said, Haruna-san’s face looks red…

“…Ah…”

Haruna-san is eating the noodles with my chopsticks.

Of course, I had those chopsticks in my mouth…

In other words, this is…

“Phew~ That was really good~♪”

“Seriously, you…”

“Ippei, another one please♪”

“There’s no more, idiot.”

“Then make it♪”

“Make your own.”

“Stingy~!”

Miho protested noisily, but I ignored her.

Because I don’t have time for that right now.

Slurp, slurp…

“…So delicious.”

“Tha-thank you…”

I’m desperately trying to imprint the extremely cute Haruna-san in front of me on my retinas right now.