Chapter 37 - Chapter 36 - He lives with a cold, unsociable junior colleague.

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It was a spring break day at the end of March.

"Finally finished..."

The moving process, which Iroha and I had gradually been working on since we decided to live together, was finally over, and I wiped my forehead with a sigh.

This room, illuminated by the setting sun, was a space that had become a storage room because we didn't know what to do with it. We left a set of usable furniture at the apartment, and my personal belongings were temporarily stored here. Things like textbooks and my computer for Apex Legends.

As I wondered if Tetsuya-san would even have time for Apex once he started working, I walked towards the dining room, and the moment I opened the door, an elegant aroma tickled my nostrils. Standing next to Iroha, who was cooking, I could see steam rising from the lids of the pot and steamer.

"What are you making?"

"Suimono (clear soup) and chawanmushi (savory egg custard) over here."

I see, so that aroma was from the dashi. It seemed like tonight's meal would feature many elaborate dishes.

"Are you done with your work?"

"Yeah, finally."

"Then please, have a seat. It'll be ready soon."

As I was prompted to sit and wait, what was eventually brought out was a luxurious chirashi sushi with splendid ingredients. Along with freshly made suimono and chawanmushi, and even an assortment of sashimi, it was a meal quite different from our usual dinners.

"This looks pretty luxurious."

"Yes. Today is our cohabitation anniversary."

Iroha said that, flashing a sweet smile that made me gaze in admiration. A surge of emotions, both adorable and embarrassing, washed over me at once.

I thought I had gotten used to the relationship of being lovers, but it seemed I still had a lot to learn. Even such a small gesture made me overreact, and everything seemed fresh.

"Let's eat."

Saying that in unison, we first dug into the chirashi sushi with shrimp and bonito. As I silently nodded, "Hmm, hmm," at the exquisite balance of sourness, sweetness, and umami, I noticed Iroha looking at me.

"It's good."

"Oh, you're so well-behaved. You actually said it yourself."

Iroha clapped her hands softly, still holding her chopsticks. This feeling of being played with by my younger girlfriend is quite addictive...

"Here, Senpai."

Iroha switched from chopsticks to a spoon, scooped up some chawanmushi, and held it out to me.

"Say 'ahh.'"

"No, there's a lot of steam coming off it. It's definitely hot."

"Here!"

"Ow! Hot! Hot!"

Iroha watched with amusement as I writhed in agony from the chawanmushi that was shoved into my mouth without a chance to protest.

What is this? Is she toying with me, knowing that if she encompasses my food, clothing, and shelter, I won't be able to escape? I almost want to be toyed with (seriously).

"Senpai."

Meeting my teary eyes, Iroha smiled sweetly and said,

"I'm so incredibly happy right now."

"How can you be happy by burning someone's tongue...!"

Though my burned tongue could still articulate a quick retort.

I understand the feelings Iroha is experiencing very well. Because I was just feeling the same thing myself.

"Speaking of which,"

I said to Iroha after we finished eating, and she questioned me with her eyes, asking, "What is it?"

"How should we divide the chores? I was thinking of doing the dishes."

"Huh... Well, it's helpful to have assistance, but..."

Judging by Iroha's reaction, it seemed to be an unexpected proposal.

However, I'm going to be living here too now. I shouldn't keep acting like a guest forever.

"You've done it before, but do you like washing dishes?"

"It's not that, but... I was thinking about how your hands might get rough in winter or something."

I've heard that women's skin is particularly delicate, and since I can't really help with the cooking, I feel I should at least do the cleaning up. Well, if I thought that, I should have started doing it sooner, is the argument.

Hearing my suggestion, Iroha blinked her eyes, then looked away and mumbled.

"Honestly, that's just how you are..."

"Eh, am I being criticized right now?"

"...No. Then, please only do the dishes."

I didn't quite understand what Iroha was trying to say, but this would probably save face somewhat. However, as a division of labor for living together, it was a bit unbalanced.

"And I can do the laundry, too. I don't really know how to fold women's clothes, but I think I can do it if you teach me."

As I cleared the dishes, Iroha suddenly narrowed her eyes.

"Senpai, do you want to fold my underwear?"

"That's not what I meant..."

I shook my head, exasperated, at Iroha's defiant smile.

I must have seen Iroha's underwear plenty of times, so I shouldn't think anything of it now. ...That's a lie, I'd definitely be nervous. I'm confident I'd fold them meticulously after having seen them more than necessary. That's not really "confidence," is it...?

"For now, just the dishes are fine. I'd be troubled if Senpai didn't depend on me more."

"Dependence, you say..."

The way she put it was a bit much, but perhaps it was already too late the moment she captured my stomach. Well, it's not like I plan to run away or let go now anyway.

Clatter, I placed the dishes in the sink and immediately started washing them. Meanwhile, Iroha... I expected her to go to the living room, but for some reason, she remained standing next to me.

And then, chu.

Iroha pecked my cheek, then quickly took a step back.

"...No, why?"

"Well, why do you think?"

She smiled faintly, leaving me with a mystery, then walked towards the living room.

Seriously, I wish she'd refrain from suddenly doing such cute things. At this rate, far from depending on her, I'll be completely smitten.

"Give me a break..."

I pulled the lever handle to turn on the water, hiding my murmur with the sound of the running water.

* * *

Senpai did the dishes, we watched TV together, and then we each took a bath.

What Senpai and I are wearing now are pajamas of the same pattern but different colors. I bought them on impulse because they just "clicked" with me before we started dating, but seeing how we can use them like this, I think it was a good purchase.

"Time to sleep soon, huh?"

It was almost eleven at night. There were no interesting shows on TV, and we were both on our phones when Senpai said that.

"Yeah."

When I answered briefly, we both stood up. Entering the dressing room and standing in front of the sink, we each took a different toothpaste and put it on our toothbrushes.

Shaka shaka, shaka shaka.

A regular sound flowed between us. Suddenly, I looked in the mirror, and at that moment, my eyes met Senpai's.

"..."

Silently, we bumped shoulders. Senpai gave me a reproachful look.

With our eyes still met in the mirror, I smiled sweetly. Senpai lowered his brows, a faint smile playing on his cheeks. Ah, this is fun. I like Senpai's face the most when he's like this.

After finishing brushing our teeth, we turned off all the lights in the room and got into bed together. The semi-double bed was a little small for two people, but it forced us to cuddle, so I had no intention of replacing it.

"Senpai."

Our gazes met in the dim light. Senpai's usually lifeless eyes looked like a zombie's in the dark. But I don't dislike that at all; in fact, I think it's a privilege that only I can love.

"It's almost been a year, hasn't it?"

When I said that, Senpai tilted his head, perplexed. Indeed, with the way I said it, he might have misunderstood.

"Since Senpai and I reunited at university."

"...Right."

Upon hearing that, Senpai understood, his eyes gently softening. Every time he looked at me with those eyes, my heart would clench into a tiny ball.

"It felt incredibly long. Until we could just be like this, normally."

"Well, that's... All I can say is I'm sorry..."

When I said it reproachfully, Senpai replied with words that were so flustered, it was almost comical.

If he understood, then it was fine. It's in the past, and now we're together like this. Plus, from today onwards, we're living together, and we can cuddle as much as we want.

"──"

Thinking that far, I unconsciously kissed Senpai. Meeting his eyes again, words spilled out.

"Senpai, I love you."

Forgetting my honorifics, simply and directly.

When I said that, Senpai scratched the side of his temple, looking embarrassed.

"You know, you've been really straightforward lately."

Senpai said that as if resigned, but those words displeased me.

It's not "lately" at all. I've been straightforward with Senpai ever since I entered university, maybe even longer.

"That's right. I just love you too much, Senpai."

Being able to put it into words, I felt my heart lighten.

I've truly wanted to say it for so, so long. To be able to express my feelings to Senpai directly, without feeling inferior to anyone, even without crafting my persona. I can truly feel how fortunate I am to be able to do that.

"Well, that's me too, but... Honestly, my vocabulary can't keep up."

Hearing those words, I couldn't help but grin. If he said that much, it was enough. Even though Senpai is good at Japanese, I know perfectly well that he's not good at expressing himself with words.

"Well, I guess it's just a matter of getting used to it. I don't know, though."

Feigning ignorance, I again stole a kiss from Senpai's lips. As our bodies pressed close, Senpai embraced me.

How happy I was. —Just then, a feeling of pressure visited my stomach.

"...Senpai?"

"...No, sorry. Lately, I just can't seem to..."

Senpai said that, looking embarrassed, and averted his eyes from me.

This person truly gets unbelievably energetic when it comes to these things. I wish he'd show that much energy normally.

"No way. You have a part-time job tomorrow morning, right?"

"...I know."

When I admonished him, Senpai said that, slumping his shoulders. His appearance was so adorable, and my heart clenched again.

I wanted to respond to him too, but Senpai's well-being was the top priority. If we started now, we'd surely make love for hours. Even if I was fine, it would interfere with Senpai's work.

"I'll make sure to find the right time to keep you company, okay?"

"Ah..."

His dull, murky eyes, seen in the dim light, truly looked like a criminal's. But the fact that those eyes were only looking at me made me incredibly happy.

"You can use me as a body pillow today, so just bear with that."

"But that's the one that makes it hardest to bear..."

Senpai said that, wrapping his arm around my back. That made me truly happy, and I gently closed my eyes.

Clutched tightly, I slowly drifted off to sleep. And then, just before I fell completely into the depths.

"──"

Something warm was pressed against my lips, and I softly pulled up the corners of my mouth.