When I Was Rejected and Returned Home, My Childhood Friend, Who Should Have Been Distant, Was in My Room - Chapter 19: The Privilege of Childhood Friends

Chapter 19: The Privilege of Childhood Friends

“Speaking of which, Himuro and Masaki-kun’s lunches are the same, right?”

Hoshino mentioned this after she ate about half of her lunch.

“Yeah, Manaki made it for me. It’s all homemade.”

“Wow, that’s impressive!”

“Well, it’s only natural, being childhood friends and all.”

Hoshino admired her, and Manaki puffed up proudly.

“So, does Himuro always make Masaki-kun’s lunch?”

“From now on, I plan to make it every day.”

Hoshino hit a sore spot, and after a moment’s hesitation, Manaki prioritized her position.

“You don’t have to push yourself…”

“I’m not pushing myself. I can do it every day for Masamune.”

“It’s fine, it’s fine. If Mom knew I let Manaki, who lives alone, cook for me every day, what would she say?”

Knowing Mom, she might even insist on cooking for Manaki too. While I thought about this, my phone pinged with a Line message. I checked the sender, and it was from Mom. Perfect timing. Let’s see, the message said…

“Manaki.”

“What?”

“Mom sent a Line. She asked if you want to come over for dinner tonight.”

“Oh, what should I do?”

“She said she’s making your favorite Japanese food, so you should definitely come.”

“Really? Then maybe I’ll drop by.”

“Okay, I’ll let Mom know. She’ll probably be happier if you come.”

The moment she heard her favorite food, Manaki flashed an innocent smile. Her usual mature, cool vibe vanished, and she looked like an excited kid.

“Ugh, you’re totally showing off!”

“Seriously, we’re completely in the background here!”

Seeing the two girls in the next lane sulking, I hurriedly tried to smooth things over.

“Sorry, sorry, it was just a Line for Manaki. I already replied.”

“You’re childhood friends, so your families are close too, huh? I don’t even know what Masaki-kun’s mom looks like. I’m your friend, you know!”

Hoshino raised her voice, sounding sulky. Was being left out that upsetting? But Manaki gave Hoshino a bold smirk.

“Yep, Masamune and I have a family-level bond. That’s the privilege of being childhood friends for ten years.”

“Oh, really? You’re throwing that out there, huh?”

For some reason, Manaki’s tone was provocative. Hoshino ate a piece of fried chicken in one bite, firing back. Were these two just bad with each other?

“But, Hoshino, you’ll probably come to my place sometime. You can meet Mom then.”

I said it casually, but their reactions were totally opposite.

“Masamune, don’t tell me you’re thinking of inviting this girl to our house…?”

“Hey, you’re saying ‘our house,’ but it’s technically my house, you know?”

Since she comes over to eat so often, calling it Manaki’s house isn’t exactly wrong… or is it?

“Really? You mean it?”

“Yeah, sure, come over whenever you want.”

Honestly, I didn’t get why she was so thrilled, but that’s how friends are, I guess. Hoshino was so happy she lightly patted my back.

“Hey, what’s that for?”

“I just got excited confirming our friendship!”

“You don’t have to hit me for that, you know?”

“It’s fine, just a little pat!”

“Stare…”

I noticed two cold glares piercing us as we confirmed our friendship.

* * * * * *

Some time passed, and that night, I heard Mom cooking downstairs. I spent the gap before dinner meaningfully.

“Hehe, this character is funny.”

I invited Manaki for dinner, but she naturally came up to my room. As usual, she took over my bed, kicking her feet while flipping through a manga.

I thought she went back to her apartment, but she changed clothes and knocked on our door again. I told her I’d Line her when dinner was ready, but…

“Maiko-san is cooking just for me, so if I wait to be called, it’ll get cold. Plus, I want to read manga.”

That’s what she said. Mom was touched, saying, “How sweet!” but that’s another story.

Mom only started cooking recently, so with rice and everything, it’ll probably take about an hour.

“By the way…”

I looked at Manaki rolling around on my bed. She wore an oversized T-shirt and long sweatpants. Super casual, but it suited her because she’s naturally stunning. Beautiful people have such an advantage.

Watching Manaki lie on her stomach, stretching her arms to read manga, I felt something stir. As someone who likes the gap of a beautiful girl in casual clothes, if she wasn’t my lifelong childhood friend, this would be a pretty great situation.

“I feel like Masamune is looking at me with creepy eyes.”

“No! I mean, I’m not doing that!”

“Really?”

Noticing my gaze, Manaki kept her position but turned her face, narrowing her eyes.

“Whatever. I finished this manga, but where’s the next volume? It’s not on the shelf.”

“Oh, sorry, it’s this one.”

I read it yesterday, so I grabbed it from my desk and handed it to Manaki.

“Thanks.”

She said shortly and went back to reading.

“Is that manga good?”

“Yeah, honestly, it’s super fun.”

The manga she’s reading is my current favorite.

At first, I thought it was a harem school rom-com where girls chase the protagonist, but the girls were actually spies from an enemy organization trying to kill him before he grows up to start a world-changing revolution…! That kind of story.

“The protagonist, Tooru, seemed like a weak guy at first, but he’s surprisingly tough and cool.”

“I get that. But I like Nagisa-chan the most.”

“Oh, a Nagisa fan, huh…”

Nagisa is the main heroine, part of the organization protecting the protagonist. At first, she seemed like a nag interfering in Tooru’s life, but it was all to protect him. After the enemy started targeting him, she’s with him 24/7.

“Nagisa being a childhood friend is a big plus. I bet the author loves childhood friends.”

“Exactly.”

Compared to other heroines, Nagisa’s portrayal is detailed and clearly written to be adorable, which fans notice.

“Childhood friends are the best, right, Masamune?”

“Uh, yeah, I guess…”

Manaki pouted at my vague reply. I didn’t mean anything by it, but her face darkened. Then, she put down the manga I just gave her and sat on the bedside.

“Are you mad, Masamune…?”

“Huh?”

Her unexpected words threw me off. Mad? What?

“No, I have no idea what you’re talking about…”

“Don’t lie, you know what I mean.”

I stood there confused, and Manaki looked down. When I stayed silent, she suddenly bowed her head, her long silver hair falling softly.

“Sorry! I messed up your omelet by mixing up sugar and salt!”