CH 19

19 - Mizuki Kasumi 2

"You know, you could've just stayed overnight if you wanted to." (Kasumi)

"As expected, that's........." (Kazuto)

"Ahahaha, just kidding, just kidding." (Kasumi)

Kasumi-san, who is sitting in the driver's seat and holding the steering wheel, smiles mischievously at me.

I don't think it's kidding.

As I sit in the passenger seat, I gaze out the window at the changing nighttime cityscape.

I remember what happened just a few minutes ago.

After a lively dinner with the Mizuki family.

It was late in the day for students to be wandering around.

The Mizuki family, concerned for my safety, suggested I stay overnight, but I politely declined.

Tomorrow is Monday and I have a normal school day.

......I don't dare stay overnight even if it's a holiday.

When I told them I was going home, Kasumi-san said she would give me a ride home.

By the way, Rinka stays at home to take care of Nonoa-chan and her mother.

She is such a kind girl.

"Like this, I wanted to talk to my little sister's boyfriend alone~" (Kasumi)

"I'm not her boyfriend yet, though." (Kazuto)

"Ooh? 'not yet', ye~s." (Kasumi)

"......That's not what I meant." (Kazuto)

The car slowly comes to a stop as the traffic light signal changes.

I don't mean to be rude, but I think that Kasumi-san is the type of person who will boldly ignore traffic lights.

Well, it's a normal violation, so she won't do it.

"Hey, Kazuto-kun" (Kasumi)

"What is it?" (Kazuto)

"If you are going to cross the line with Rinka, make sure you use contraception, okaay." (Kasumi) (PTW/N: ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)  )

"Bufff―! Wh-what are you talking about!?" (Kazuto)

"The pregnancy scandal is indeed a big problem, isn't it? You see, Rinka is a popular idol after all." (Kasumi)

"Th-that's true......!" (Kazuto)

How can you say such words calmly, Kasumi-san!

Does one's sense of sexuality change when one becomes a college student......?

Am I just not used to it?

Or it just Kasumi-san's personality is.

"Ah, I'm still inexperienced by the way." (Kasumi)

"I-I didn't ask it......" (Kazuto)

"Really? But you have a face that looks like you did?" (Kasumi)

"......Can we not talk about it any further? I don't know what kind of face to put on." (Kazuto)

"Ahaha, you're so innocent, yes." (Kasumi)

"......Sorry." (Kazuto)

I don't know why I'm apologizing.

The light turns green and the car starts running again.

I don't know how to describe it, but driving in the city at night has a mysterious feel.

Inside the car is enveloped in a quiet atmosphere, with only the sound of the car running echoing through the cabin.

"Kazuto-kun, is there someone else you like?" (Kasumi)

"There isn't...... why?" (Kazuto)

"No, it just you're still keeping your reason even though Rinka is approaching and compelling you so much, aren't you? So I wonder if there is anyone you really like." (Kasumi)

"......I don't have anyone I like." (Kazuto)

"Hmm. Then, you're very popular? Like you're too popular to be satisfied with just Rinka." (Kasumi)

"I'm not popular at all." (Kazuto)

"Isn't it just that you don't realize it, Kazuto-kun? If I'm in the same class as you, I'll never leave you alone." (Kasumi)

"I'm glad to hear you say that, Kasumi-san. Even if just a joke." (Kazuto)

"Ahaha, It's not a joke. I'm actually a little envious of Rinka." (Kasumi)

"......" (Kazuto)

I'm a little envious of Rinka.

I feel that those words she just said contain many different meanings.

......What should I say in response to?

I'm not confident in my communication skills, so I don't have any idea at all.

Why don't you try jumping out of a car like in an action movie? aiming for her laughs.

......I must be crazy.

What kind of thinking I have here.

"I know I said a lot today, but if you really don't like Rinka, just tell me honestly. I'll take care of it." (Kasumi)

"......I don't hate Rinka, It's just that I haven't made up my mind yet." (Kazuto)

"I see...... well, think about it carefully okay. I'm glad you're not one of those boys who mess with girls without thinking twice." (Kasumi)

Kasumi-san smiles at me with a sense of security.

She behaves like she's joking around, but I guess she's serious at heart.

I think I've been able to understand a little more about Kasumi-san's personality in this short time we've been together.

In a calm atmosphere, I continue talking with Kasumi-san for a few minutes.

Then the car arrives at a square near the station.

"Are you sure you want to be dropped off here? I can give you a ride to front of your house, you know." (Kasumi)

"No, I'm fine. My house is just a short walk from here." (Kazuto)

"Really? You don't have to hesitate, you know." (Kasumi)

"I feel like walking a little, So thank you very much." (Kazuto)

I get out of the car and bow to Kasumi-san.

She opens the car window and speaks to me.

"I know I'm being insistent, but Rinka and Kazuto-kun seem to be a good match, so I'm sure you two will somehow make it." (Kasumi)

"Thank you very much. I will try my best to become a man worthy of Rinka." (Kazuto)

"Ahaha. You are fine as you are, Kazuto-kun. You should have more confidence in yourself." (Kasumi)

"Y-yes." (Kazuto)

Smiling gently, Kasumi-san encourages me.

I guess this is what so-called the charm of older people.

It makes me a little nervous.

"See you, Kazuto-kun. Good night." (Kasumi)

"Likewise, good night." (Kazuto)

After waving lightly at me, Kasumi-san starts the car and drives away.

"......" (Kazuto)

Perhaps this is because the lingering effects of my conversation with Kasumi-san are still in my heart.

My heart is thumping soothingly.

"In many ways, college students are amazing, yes." (Kazuto) (PTW/N: heeehh~ )

It's like a first-grader looking up at a sixth-grader and realizing the huge difference between them.

"Now, shall I head home?" (Kazuto)

It's surprisingly fun to take a walk in the city at night while recalling what has happened on the day.

With that thought in mind, I head home.

Tomorrow will be the start of another extraordinary day with a popular idol, I thought with a little smile on my face――――.