CH 43

Sometimes, encounters bring unexpected things. 

In my incredibly fulfilling summer vacation, which has already passed several days, I have never considered any of those days unnecessary. 

In the midst of it all, while Shirayuki had gone out with a friend, it happened when Hisui and I were leisurely shopping together.

“Ah…”

“What’s wrong?”

As we strolled through the department store, owned by the influential Hououin family, Hisui and I wrapped up our shopping in no time. Engrossed in thoughts about our dinner options, we were taken aback when we unexpectedly bumped into someone.

“… Ara!”

“…”

Before us stood Kagetaka, Arashi’s father, accompanied by his sister, Kana.

While I was taken aback by the unexpected encounter, I managed to maintain a composed demeanor and met their gaze without revealing any specific emotions.

It seemed that my father, having previously met Hisui and knowing about his vulnerabilities that could be exploited, appeared somewhat uneasy. On the other hand, Kana continued to regard me with a disdainful gaze, but her confusion was evident as she observed her father’s behavior.

“Oh, it’s been a while.”

“Yes…”

“Um, Father?”

Since I no longer have any thoughts about them, I feel nothing towards my father’s demeanor. 

On the contrary, I think it’s impressive how much Hisui has managed to scare him. I truly have nothing to say to my former family.

Since I had no intention of talking to either my father or Kana, I was about to pass by them when Kana raised her voice.

“Hey, did you do something to Father? Have you caused trouble again?”

“Trouble?”

I didn’t remember causing any trouble for my father. 

Well, I suppose my mere existence could be seen as troublesome, but at least my sister was simply trying to find fault with me, so there seems to be no need to worry.

“Stop it, Kana.”

“Why!?”

My father firmly placed his hand on Kana’s head, as if enduring something.

It seemed that, as I suspected, my father hadn’t explained things to the rest of the family… Well, I somewhat understood the reason behind it.

He probably didn’t want it to be known—about me, and more importantly, about the numerous secrets held by Hisui that could undermine trust.

“Gundo-san, did you perhaps not inform your family about this?”

“Well, that’s…”

Hisui smirked, wearing the face of a wicked woman.

After giving me a sly wink, she turned to face my father and Kana, continuing with these words.

“So, she’s your daughter, right? If you haven’t explained it yet, shall I give a brief explanation? Your brother here is going to become a son-in-law in our family in the future.”

“Huh?”

Kana’s eyes widened at the sudden revelation.

If I were in her position, I would undoubtedly be left speechless, wondering what she was talking about. But all I could do was silently watch over Hisui’s words.

“Not just me, but my daughter is also quite fond of your brother. When I got to know Gundo-san through work, we discussed the possibility of him becoming a son-in-law after he graduated from high school, and we received approval for it.”

“What… Huh? You’re going to adopt this fatso…?”

Hisui let out a small click of her tongue but managed to hold herself back.

Shirayuki is the same, and she’s always on the verge of reacting to the insults and condescending looks and words towards me… But that, too, is a source of happiness for me.

“It’s alright, Hisui.”

“I… alright.”

As I patted her shoulder, Hisui smiled… although her eyes didn’t reflect the smile.

“We had heard about Arashi-kun having a difficult relationship with his family. From our perspective, as people who have taken a liking to him, that worked out perfectly. Gundo-san graciously agreed.”

“…”

“Father did…?”

Kana still couldn’t fully comprehend the situation.

Hisui continued, as if making a declaration to both Kana and my father.

“As I mentioned before, when he graduates from high school, he will become a member of the Hououin family… and he will marry my daughter.”

“Marriage!? Hououin…!?”

Finally, Kana seemed to be at a loss for words as well. 

By the time one reaches middle school, I believe they would come across the name “Hououin” through magazines or the internet, even without actively seeking it out. It appeared that Kana, too, was familiar with the fame of “Hououin.”

After this, Hisui took my hand and gestured for us to leave, so we departed from the scene.

“I actually wanted to say more, but since Touma-kun doesn’t particularly have any thoughts about it, this should be enough, I suppose.”

“Sorry. I’ve caused you to worry about me in many ways.”

As I said that, Hisui placed her hand on my head.

I feel tempted to surrender to the sensation of being caressed, but as expected, it’s scorching hot outside when we step out of the department store, given that it’s summer. While short sleeves and shorts provide some relief for me, Hisui’s outfit, with her cleavage on display, well… It would be quite provocative to be walking around like that in public.

“Now then, we’ve done some shopping… What should we do next?”

“Well… Is there anywhere else you want to go?”

“Not particularly. Shirayuki won’t be back until evening… Hehehe, maybe I should take advantage of this opportunity to squeeze you out as much as I can before the night?”

“Please stop.”

“Too bad♪”

Afterward, we got into the car driven by Hisui and returned home.

While it would be nice to spend some sweet time together as she suggested, I immediately changed into my workout clothes and went outside.

“You’re really determined, Touma-kun.”

“Hahaha, it seems like exercising has become my hobby.”

“It’s good for your body. Take care, okay? We’re having sukiyaki tonight, so make sure to sweat a lot.”

“Seriously!? I might end up consuming more calories than I burn.”

Well, occasionally indulging in a lot of meat isn’t a bad thing.

After bidding farewell to Hisui and leaving through the gate, I started running along my usual jogging route.

Panting… Panting… Panting…

I’ve become accustomed to this rhythm of breathing. I sweat, my breath becomes heavy, but I never reach a point where I feel completely exhausted.

In fact, Shirayuki and I have recently decided to participate together in a marathon event that anyone can join in the city, so this is also a practice run for that.

“…Huh?”

I kept running for a while, and it was during a moment when I stopped to buy a small bottle of sports drink.

I spotted Shirayuki happily walking with a group of about three friends. However, I figured if she didn’t notice me, there was no need to call out to her, so I averted my gaze.

(It’s not just about spending time with me. Shirayuki’s time with her friends is also important.)

They’ve been out since morning, so they might already be disbanding. But in the end, I’ll see her when I go back home, so it’s not necessary to go out of my way to call out to her.

“Alright, let’s keep going.”

“Touma-kun.”

“Eh!?”

Just as I thought, I still have more running to do, a voice suddenly called out from behind, causing me to jump and leap away as if I had seen a ghost.

Seeing my exaggerated movement, embodying the mobility of a movable chub, Shirayuki, who had somehow appeared behind me, shook her shoulder and burst into laughter.

“You got startled too easily, Touma-kun.”

“Well… Where are the others?”

“We just disbanded. I know perfectly well that Touma-kun looked at us and then quickly averted your gaze.”

“…Are you an esper or something?”

“What are you saying? I just happen to know everything about you, Touma-kun.”

It seems that’s how it is.

At this point, it wouldn’t be right to leave Shirayuki behind, especially since I had already run quite a bit. So, I decided to accompany her and head back home.

“Sorry if I interrupted you if you were planning to run a little more.”

“It’s alright. I did plan to do some more exercise, but I thought maybe I’ll do some strength training when I get back.”

“Well then, I’ll join you.”

“Okay.”

As we walked together towards the mansion, Shirayuki suddenly gazed at me intently. Wondering what was on her mind, she said something unexpected.

“Touma-kun, sweating like that… that’s great.”

“…Isn’t that usually something men feel about women?”

I think that’s something men typically feel towards women… Well, from my perspective, I appreciate not only revealing outfits like Hisui’s today, but also the cool-looking dress Shirayuki is wearing.

“No, it’s not like that. I mean, the sweat on your cheeks and neck is a proof of your effort. When I see it, my heart flutters.”

“…I see.”

“Yes. I’m only thinking about half of what’s considered erotic, so don’t worry.”

I wanted to ask what she meant by “don’t worry,” but she suggested we put it into practice, so I just shook my head.

When we got home, Shirayuki and I started doing strength training together. Eventually, Hisui joined us, and the three of us ended up doing the workout together. Exercising as a group gave us a sense of unity, and it felt really great.

“Don’t you think Touma-kun, sweating like this, is amazing?”

“It’s amazing… Fuh.”

That day’s strength training was properly wholesome.