CH 3

“… It’s cold”

I was coming home from a bookstore, rubbing my shivering arms.

It was already dark as I had had dinner outside today.

Summer had almost arrived, but it was colder than normal today.

It’s probably because of the unusual weather today.

I went up the stairs of my apartment, to my house on the second floor.

Let’s take a quick bath and relax.

“Huh?”

I stopped in my tracks.

Going up the stairs, one can see the back of the building, from where I was standing.

There wasn’t anything special about it, but I saw something unusual.

“Tachibana-san?”

A figure could be seen standing in front of a room on the second floor.

From here, you can only see the upper half back of her body because of the railing but that’s definitely Tachibana.

That’s because beautiful girls have a different aura.

But still… pajamas?

Damn… It’s frustrating that I can’t see the front.

Tachibana didn’t notice me standing there, rather she kept silent and still.

I had no clue what was happening.

I looked at the situation for a while, but Tachibana didn’t move.

Was she waiting for someone?

Or was she locked outside?

I don’t think she could be locked out.

It’s not a hotel where the room auto-locks.

“…”

As I thought about that, I went down the stairs to building B.

I went up to the second floor to see a girl in pajamas standing there.

I mean, it’s Tachibana after all.

If a person you knew stood alone in front of a room on such a cold night, anyone would be worried.

So, it’s just natural to help her out right now.

It’s not that there’s something wrong with you.

“Hey.”

“HA?!”

When I called out to her, Tachibana jumped back to look at me.

It was an unusual, distraught expression.

But when she realized that it was me, she looked somewhat relieved and blushed slightly.

What’s with that reaction?

“Kusuba-san, you surprised me.”

“Same here, you surprised me too. Also, what are you doing here?”

“…I don’t want to say it. It’s not related to you.”

Her way of refusing was straightforward as expected.

But, indeed, it’s not related to me.

I was worried and curious but I had no energy to question her until she answers.

“Alright then.”

“Yes.”

Leaving her, I went back to building A.

Tachibana isn’t a child, she can do what she wants.

I took a peek at building B again as I went up the stairs to building A.

Tachibana had still not moved from there, she was standing there like before.

A sudden cold wind blew.

Going up the stairs, I saw Tachibana again. She was hugging her body as if she was frozen.

…Ah, it is cold.

There must be a light jacket in the closet somewhere.

I went and got a navy-blue jacket I had worn a few months ago.

I ran down the stairs and went back to the other building and went up to Tachibana.

“Here, take this.”

I handed over the jacket to Tachibana while sticking out my hand.

“What’s this?”

“Just wear it. Or I can’t stop worrying.”

“…It’s alright, I don’t need it.”

She was as stubborn as ever.

Trying to persuade her will just be a waste of time.

So, I threw my jacket at her.

Tachibana reflexively caught it, as expected.

“I don’t need it either. Bye.”

“Eh, hey!”

Before the question-and-answer session began, I quickly ran away and left her.

As I returned to my building, I looked toward Tachibana. She had a grudge-like expression on her face.

My focus was never to be appreciated.

So, I didn’t take much notice of the reaction.

However, I think she should quickly wear that jacket in her hand.

I returned home. I boiled some water to eat a cup ramen.

By the time I had finished and took a break, 30 minutes had passed.

Has Tachibana gone back in?

I left the house to go to the stairway.

But I didn’t find Tachibana standing there anymore.

But still…

Just in case…

I lost count of how many times I went up and down the stairs today.

I was an indoor type student, so it was quite a pain.

I went up the stairs of building A once again and looked towards the house.

…and she was there.

Tachibana was sitting down with her back against the wall.

Apparently, she was hidden under the railings so I couldn’t see her.

And, she was also wearing my jacket I had lent her.

I ended up laughing involuntarily as it looked quite funny.

“Eh?….AH?!”

Tachibana finally noticed me and started to take off the jacket in a hurry.

However, probably because of the size, it was hard to take out.

“Eh? What are you doing?”

Even though she was so resolute, she ended up wearing it again.

I don’t know if she was honest or not.

“It’s cowardly to sneak a peek!”

“You were sneaking over there too. You can just wear the jacket, you know?”

“…It’s cold today, it can’t be helped…”

I didn’t dare say that it was the reason I lent her the jacket.

If I did, she would probably pout.

“Ok then, why are you standing out of your house anyway?”

Let’s just stop the troublesome discussion of wearing a jacket.

Looks like the other one had similar thoughts. Tachibana’s expression softened, and she spoke.

“…I went inside my house.”

“…Yes?”

“…There was a cockroach.”

The expression on Tachibana’s face, surprisingly, was actually a serious one.

“Cockroach?”

“Cockroach.”

“…”

“There were three.”

“That’s quite a lot.”

“It was a numerical disadvantage. I was forced to move out.”

“This…”

As my voice leaked, Tachibana’s face stiffened.

“The horror of cockroaches is that you think there is one, but there are actually many. Don’t you even know that?”

“Even if there are many, that’s disgusting, not scary.”

“Anyway, I can’t go to sleep in a place like that. I don’t know where they are, so I was standing outside here.”

I get it, now I can understand the situation.

If a cockroach hides, it’s hard to find it again.

And there are probably many.

It can’t be ignored

Now that’s a problem.

“What are you going to do?”

“I’m still thinking, Unfortunately, today is quite cold.”

Before I realized it, Tachibana had completely covered herself with my jacket.

“Can’t you contact a friend?”

“I only have 2 friends I can contact in this situation, but both live far from here. And my phone is also in the house.”

I wonder if they are the ones I saw out of the classroom the other day.

One of them is Kyoya’s girlfriend, Hinata Satsuki.

The other being the one wearing glasses who was standing with Tachibana.

“Surprisingly, you only have a few friends.”

“The amount does not matter. It’s the trust and intimacy that’s important.”

Tachibana’s reply was perfect.

Well, I completely agree with that.

Kyoya is the only one I call a friend.

“Do you have “Barusan?”

“Ba-ru-sa-n?”

“…you don’t know what Barusan is?

“I don’t.”

Eh?! Really?

What’s Barusan? It’s the best weapon for pest control.

“Well… with it, you can eliminate all the pests in a room.”

“EH? That’s Amazing!”

“Yes, I have a non-smoke model. With it, the smoke alarm of the building doesn’t go off, it’s perfect for apartments.”

Tachibana looked deeply impressed by my speech.

I never meant to say it to show that I’m an amazing person, but I didn’t say that cause I felt cool.

“It takes time though, around 2 hours.”

“Hmm… 2 hours…”

Tachibana went into serious thought while putting her hand on her chin.

That’s not an unreasonable time.

But now when you think of it, more problems spring up.

“First of all, who will apply it? And where should we wait?”

“How does it work?”

“You just place it in the center of the room and just press on the switch. Oh, also, you have to cover the TV, got it?”

As I asked if she understood, she shook her head.”

Her face was pale.

Seems like she really hates cockroaches.

“Then you have no choice but to ask someone who doesn’t mind cockroaches. Do you want to call someone on my phone?”

“No, I don’t remember my friend’s number. And it’s not a good idea to call at this time.”

“Oh, I see… so…”

“…”

We were both standing in silence.

Maybe we were thinking of the same thing.

Meaning, that I should go instead.

But, needless to say, there are a few issues.

Mainly, the laundry…

…

Yes, it’s not a good idea for me to propose.

If I ask in the wrong manner, it might seem that I am using an excuse to take advantage of the situation to enter her house.

For my innocence, I shall leave the decision to Tachibana.

As soon as I had thought to keep silent…

“Kusuba-san, I’m sorry, but can I ask you for a favor…”

I nod reflexively.

But… Is that really a good idea?

“Alright, I’ve set up the Barusen.”

In the end, it was decided that Tachibana will come over to my place.

And, obviously, things that shouldn’t be seen were hidden in advance.

Also, I cleaned the room a little.

That’s because it’s usually really untidy.

As long as people don’t come over, I’ll be able to live comfortably.

“Thank you.”

“Wait for about 2 hours, they’ll be gone by then.”

“Yes… That’s really good.”

“You are making a scary face…”

Or is it a dreadful expression?

Anyway, there was nothing particular in Tachibana’s room.

There was no laundry or clothes thrown around.

The word, “tidy” would be appropriate.

Well…That’s given.

Or you would’ve never allowed me into your room.

“Here, your smartphone, right?”

“Ahh… yes, Sorry for the trouble.”

“No, It’s alright.”

I had just found the smartphone on the bed.

So I picked it up. It had the nice smell of futons on it.

But I didn’t smell it voluntarily of course.

“It doesn’t have a smartphone case on it.”

“Yes, it’s much easier to handle this way. If you don’t drop it.”

“…That’s true”

Yet again, I was surprised, I have the same view as hers.

As usual, our thoughts strangely overlap each other.

I’m not going to be surprised anymore.

“Thank you again, Kusuba-san.”

Tachibana sat upright on the cushion and bowed. 

(TN: Sitting in “Seiza”. Then bowed.)

“Don’t worry about it, I don’t use Barusen anyway.”

“Really? Why do you have it then?”

“My father gave it to me when I started living alone.”

And what else did he give…

A good futon or a good chair.

While I was cursing at my father’s lack of common sense, I suddenly realized something.

The reason I was so late to realize was that it was too normal for me.

“Kusuba-san also lives alone.”

“Well… so do you.”

There aren’t many high school students who live alone.

This, as well we share in common.

The reason I am living alone is because my father wanted me to get “life power”.

Well… I definitely haven’t got any of it till now.

“I will return your favor in the near future.”

“You don’t need to… well, even if I say that, I don’t think you’ll listen to me.”

“Yes. That’s right.”

“I understand…”

It’s pretty clear from the lunch incident that it’s useless to argue with her.

It would be safer to take the favor.

“Kusuba-san.”

“Yes?”

Tachibana avoided my eye contact and looked away.

As I looked around my room, she continued to speak.

“I think you’re a good person…”

“…Thanks.”

It was the day after I put “Barusen” in Tachibana’s room.

Kyoya didn’t come and talk to me so today’s lunch break was quiet.

I took out the bread I had bought from my bag and started chewing it while fiddling with my smartphone.

Being who I am, I’m really grateful that using a phone here is allowed.

The school rules are not so strict, probably because it’s anyway a good school.

I eat my meal quietly, not being called by anyone around me.

In the center of the class, Kyoya is having fun with several guys.

Looking at the hallway, I saw many students walking past heading somewhere.

People who get lunch boxes tend to go to the courtyard.

Only normies can go to such a place filled with people like themselves.

I have never gone to the courtyard before.

Nor do I want to.

“Hmm?”

As I was watching the hallway, a familiar figure came past.

The aura that can be seen clearly in the sea of students is, of course, Tachibana.

Also, Kyoya’s girlfriend, Suzuki Hinata was present with another girl who was wearing glasses.

With just the appearance of these 3 people, the corridor became much brighter.

This the ability of a beautiful girl…

“Kyoya, let’s get going.”

“Yes, coming.”

Hinata called Kyoya in the classroom from the door, while Kyoya left the classroom with a lunch box in his hand.

I was just looking around, but my eyes met Tachibana’s, who was standing nearby.

Before I could redirect my eyes, Tachibana gave me a small nod.

She is definitely looking at me.

After some hesitation, I nod back at her twice, giving a response.

Even though there are people around, I still can’t just ignore her.

She is as polite as always.

Tachibana and her friends then went away for lunch.

Ding Dong.

I woke at the sound of the doorbell.

Who is it?

Is it for the newspaper subscription?

I look at the intercom camera while rubbing my tired eyes.

But, suddenly, all my drowsiness disappears.

Rika Tachibana was standing outside with something like a plastic bag.

What on earth…

When I went to the front door and opened it, I saw Tachibana relieved and loosened her shoulders.

“Good evening.”

“…Good Morning.”

(TN: He’s just drowsy, as he was sleeping, it’s evening.)

“I had planned to visit you earlier, but I didn’t know how to return the favor, so I was late. I’m really sorry.”

As I heard her voice, speaking quickly without stopping, it seemed like it was on her head for some time.

So that was the story…

“I really appreciate what you did yesterday, Thank you very much. There are no signs of the cockroaches in the room anymore.” 

“Ah, that’s a relief. Seriously, use a cockroach trap next time.”

“Yes, my friend had told me that. It’s already been installed.”

“You have a smart friend.”

“If you don’t mind, can I come in?”

“…Why?”

“Here, see.”

Tachibana brought out her palm and showed me a bag.

It was a bag from the supermarket that I use a lot.

Inside were various vegetables and chicken meat along with curry.

“When I saw you cook yesterday, I understood your eating habits. So, I decided that the best way to repay the favor was to cook a nutrition balanced diet for you.

“Oh…”

I was really impressed.

To be honest, I still hadn’t forgotten that taste of Tachibana’s bento from the last favor.

It’s a weird story, but to be able to eat her homemade food again…

But…

“No… That’s too much. The favors are not equal.

“Hmm…? Is it?”

As I said that, Tachibana became wide-eyed and shook her head.

“For me, it’s still not enough. Our values are different, so for both of us to be satisfied is quite hard,”

“That’s true…but…” 

“Don’t think too much about it. We’re friends, so as you helped me, I’m just returning your favor by cooking for you.”

“Huh? Friends… us?”

I said in a stupid voice because Tachibana unexpectedly said these words.

We are friends?

Tachibana and me?

“At the very least, I do think so. I don’t know about Kusuba-san.”

Tachibana replied after those words.

It was a direct statement, with no hesitation to it.

Friends…

We both…

“I will not be discussing that, because I don’t think clarifying the relationship is worth it.”

Tachibana slipped past me and went into the house, not wanting to be questioned by me.

…surprisingly stubborn.

“…somehow, It looks much more untidy than yesterday.”

“Uhh…”

“Well… I’ll be borrowing your kitchen.”

“Sure.”

Tachibana wore an apron she had brought along and moved steadily.

She is good at cooking.

Maybe she is used to it so she doesn’t mind it much.

While Tachibana was cooking, I decided to clean the place a bit.

It was so untidy, that there was no space for Tachibana to sit down.

Still, Tachibana came over to my house to serve me food.

It was a strange way to step forward in the relationship.

“By the way… I forgot to buy the barusen as I used yours.”

“No no. It’s okay. I didn’t use it anyway.”

“Then I’ll make up for it with something else.”

“What ‘something else’.”

“I’ll think about it.”

Tachibana talks to me while she continues to cook.

I was getting more and more excited as I had not been told what she was cooking.

“Anyway, how can you enter a boy’s hose so carelessly? Aren’t you afraid?”

It was a topic I didn’t want to speak of.

However, I can’t just stay still.

“If it is any boy, then yes. But not when it’s Kusuba-san.”

“Hey, what does that mean?”

Am I not a normal boy?

“There is a risk if something happens. But some people don’t understand it and do stupid things. But Kusubu-san isn’t like that.

“…oh.”

I felt like I couldn’t breathe properly.

Did I just get a compliment?

Let’s just take it as “Trusted” for the time being.

“But you’re such a beautiful girl, it’s better if you are a bit cautious.”

Involuntarily, my true thoughts leaked out.

Tachibana didn’t seem disgusted as I had thought she would, rather, she didn’t seem to care.

Maybe such compliments are common for her.

“In such a situation, I will take a defensive stance according to the situation. But It’s not the time to do that right now.” 

“…I see.”

An exceptionally simple response.

As expected, it’s been 16 years for this girl, so she might have already gone through such situations.

“Hmm…That’s a lot of food.”

While looking over to Tachibana’s hand cooking food, I was neither happy nor surprised by the amount of food.

“I made it so it can be stored, so I cooked a lot of it.”

“Oh… nice idea.”

“It’ll last around 3 days, you will probably finish it before you get bored eating it.”

As she finished speaking, Tachibana removed the frying pan and started to place all the dishes on the plate.

We used all our serving dishes to place the food as there were a lot of dishes.

“Done.”

An aroma that makes you hungry comes from the dishes placed there.

They look really good.

“Bacon and vegetable curry stir fry and Negimayo Chicken.

“Oh… It looks really good.”

As I said that, Tachibana’s hand extended to her waist as she slightly puffs her chest.

Needless to say, it was really adorable and cute.

The rice, by the way, was warmed in the microwave.

Both of us sit across each other and hold our hands together.

“”Itadakimasu”.”

Well…

The food was delicious.

I had just said that it tasted good with rice, but my chopsticks couldn’t stop, especially for the Negimayo Chicken.

“It was really delicious.”

“Thank you.”

Tachibana looked really happy.

To be honest, even I am quite satisfied. 

To eat this food again, I’ll burn as much Barusen I can.

“Hmm… I wonder if the cockroaches will come out again…”

“…?”

Tachibana, of course, had a strange expression on her face

“Gochisosamadeshita.”

“It was delicious.”

We both bowed our heads at the same time.

It was so delicious that I couldn’t stop eating.

“Keep the rest in the refrigerator, you’ll be able to eat it again if you heat it in the microwave.”

“Alright, got it…Thank you, really.”

“Now onwards, eat nutrition based meals instead of ready-made food.”

“…eh.”

(TN: instead of “Hai”, he said “Hyai”, I didn’t know what to translate it as)

“That answer was suspicious.”

“Cup noodles and pasta are the companions of boys living alone.”

“It’s a typical bad habit, don’t you ever cook for yourself?”

“It’s troublesome.”

“…I am saying such a thing because your complexion looks pale, and so do your eyes.”

“My eyes were already like that.” 

“Is that so?”

Tachibana looks surprised.

I have a feeling that I have said something unusual.

Or is she serious about being worried about me?

“Does Tachibana cook well?”

“Well…as it is.”

“As it is, hey!”

You can cook such delicious food, what do you mean by, “As it is”.

I mean, Tachibana is a ridiculously beautiful girl, who can cook. Isn’t that already way too high?

And, she can study as well.

Even if she is afraid of cockroaches, that can be taken as an advantage.

The only downside can be that we are a bit similar.

After the meal, Tachibana doesn’t show any signs of returning to her apartment.

But it’s rude to just tell her to go home.

Let’s just wait and see what happens.

“Now that I remember, Tachibana-san isn’t doing any club activities, right?”

“Yes, I don’t have any interest in them.”

Tachibana answered the personal question that I had asked as a trail.

I wonder if she is an open person.

“Hmm… What do you usually do at home?”

“Read a book, watch a movie, then study.” 

“Hmm…”

It was surprisingly normal.

Well… Tachibana might be quite pretty, but she is still a high school girl.

“What does Kusuba-san do?”

“Either eat or sleep.”

“Studies?”

“Do studies count? Did you count studying?”

“I did that earlier.”

“Oh, come to think of it, you did.”

“After your studies, what else do you do?”

“Eat or sleep.”

Tachibana tried to endure it but yet giggled.

I felt like I had done something.

(TN: As in getting closer)

Before I knew it, Tachibana and I started talking like friends.

So many things have happened in the last few days that it couldn’t be helped…

“Hey, Kusuba-san.”

“What is it?”

Or maybe I’m just in high spirits…

Tachibana is happy and calm as she says, “I think you’re a good person.”

If so, I have to immediately calm down.

Because I’m sure it will be a source of regret and disappointment.

I would probably do something unexpected.

“Do you actually hate me, tell me?”

“…No, really.”

As Tachibana answered, I thought she had a suspicious look.

“Why?”

“Is there a reason for me to hate you?”

“No… but… I…”

I was speechless. 

Because I’m disgusting

Because I’m dark.

Because it’s obvious.

“I think it’s going to be a tough game,” he said.

No matter what I told Tachibana, I felt like she would just tilt her head.

“…I don’t what kind of relationship you have with people around you…”

“…”

“…but, I am grateful to you and don’t have a bad impression of you. I like talking to you here, like today. If you don’t like it, I won’t come here.”

“…I see.”

There was no hesitation or a hint of deception in her voice.

To me, it seemed like she spoke from the bottom of her heart.

I want to purge these expectations I have in me.

The reason I asked this question was to be rejected.

…But that was not the answer I received.

If I were to be honest, I might have been waiting to hear this answer all this time.

“…you’re strange, Tachibana.”

“No way as much as you.”