When My Younger Brother Stole My Girlfriend, I Began Living Together with My Beautiful Childhood Friend Almost As If We Were Married - Chapter 16

Episode 16: Proposal for a Date

After finishing lunch and returning the dishes to the return counter, Misaki-san clapped her hands as if she had just remembered something.

“Ah, that’s right! I had a proposal for Reina!”

“What is it?”

Curious, both Yuma and I leaned in to listen to their conversation.

“Reina, you came by car today, right? It was quite big, if I remember correctly.”

“Yeah, it’s a minivan, so it’s big.”

“That’s right! Hey, how about we go on a double date to Round Zero after this?”

Misaki-san made the suggestion.

A double date, huh? It sounds interesting, and I’d like to go too. But honestly, it’s a bit difficult. Ever since we started living together, I feel like we’ve been indulging a bit too much. I have savings from part-time jobs I started as a freshman, but I rarely bother to check how much is left in my account.

Since we don’t know what the future holds, I think it’s time to start saving on expenses.

“Well, I…”

“Sounds good. But don’t we all have classes after this?”

“I’m done after my second class.”

“My fifth class got canceled today, so I’m done too.”

“What about Hayato?”

“I just have to go to the student affairs office after this, but…”

I feel like I missed the opportunity to mention the financial reasons.

Oh well, it’s fine. I’ll just have to work hard from tomorrow onwards.

“Alright then, it’s settled! So, you’ll be driving, right?”

“Yeah, yeah.”

Misaki-san’s suggestion passed somewhat forcefully.

Well, let’s just enjoy it to the fullest. It’s been a while since I went bowling, probably since middle school. I should be careful not to get muscle soreness.

As Misaki-san happily walked arm in arm with Yuma, I followed them from behind, and Reina slowed down to walk beside me.

“Leave it to me. I’ll cover the expenses, so Hayato, just focus on having fun.”

Reina seems to see through everything. I’ll take her up on her offer this time, but I’ll have to repay her generously later, even if it’s not with interest.

I’m hesitant to involve them in my errands, so I’ll have them go to the parking lot first while I head to the student affairs office on the first floor of Building 1.

I’ve never done this before, but it shouldn’t take too long.

I gather the necessary documents and hand them to the staff.

I thought they might ask for something I didn’t have, but everything went smoothly without any deep questioning. Changing the address information registered on each individual’s electronic page will complete the process.

It didn’t take as much time as I thought. I might even have time for a little detour without getting in trouble, right?

I step outside and enter the convenience store next door.

Since I’m already here, I might as well buy some hot snacks. It’s a bit of a walk to Round Zero, so it might be nice to have something to munch on.

As a habit, I also check out the sweets section, just like I do at supermarkets.

And there…

“Oh, this.”

A cream puff filled with plenty of whipped cream and custard, adorned with a newly released sticker.

Reina might like something like this. I’ve noticed she seems to have a sweet tooth these past few days.

Although it’s not even close to repaying the favor, I’ll buy this for Reina, and we can all share the fried chicken snacks.

I pay for the cream puff and fried chicken snacks and head to the parking lot.

Since Reina mentioned it’s a minivan, it should be easy to spot her car.

Exactly as expected, and Reina was waiting outside her car, making it easy to find.

“Over here, over here!”

“Sorry to keep you guys waiting.”

“No, but that was quick, wasn’t it?”

“I finished quickly.”

Reina opens the passenger door, and I get into the car.

A pleasant lavender scent fills the air, and I feel a bit guilty for bringing in the aroma of fried chicken snacks.

Yuma, who was sitting in the back, seems to notice it too and leans forward.

“Did you bring something?”

“I thought we could eat it. Want some?”

“Thanks!”

Since it’s during a limited-time promotion with increased quantity, even if I give two each to Yuma, Misaki-san, and Reina, I still have one left for myself.

I borrow tissues from the car to divide them among everyone, then pass them to the two in the back.

“Thank you!”

“No problem.”

After receiving thanks from Misaki-san, I passed one to Reina along with the cream puff.
“Wow, this much?”

“You’ve been taking care of me, so it’s only fair. Just be careful while driving.”

“Of course!”

After fastening my seatbelt, Reina starts the engine.

Well then, let’s head to Round Zero.