Volume 1 - CH 5.3

Encounter with the Shimizu Sisters 3

“Okay-okay. Moving on to the next question. Just so you know, if you find the next question difficult to answer, you don’t have to.”

“I-I understand.”

I wondered what kind of question Ai-san would ask me if she emphasized it so much.

“Alright, First of all… Have you ever had a girlfriend before?”

This was a question I had not expected at all. Indeed, as Ai-san said before, this is a very direct question. It may be difficult for some people to answer. While I was thinking about how I should answer the question, I suddenly make eye contact with Shimizu-san.

“What is it?”

Shimizu-san gives me a sharp glare.

“No, I just thought that Shimizu-san might be a little bored with this conversation, that’s all.”

I’ve been answering Ai-san’s questions the whole time. Ai-san seems to be interested in me for some reason, but Shimizu-san might just be bored and not interested in this conversation.

“Eh〜. That’s not true, right Kei〜? You are trying to play it cool, but inside, your heart is pounding so hard it feels like it is going to burst open when you hear something you didn’t know about Daiki-kun, right?”

“Don’t speak on behalf of others.”

“Then what’s the truth? “

“Ugh… I’m not that bored…”

Shimizu-san doesn’t meet my gaze, but she doesn’t seem to be lying.

“Look, she says she’s interested in what Daiki-kun has to say.”

“I didn’t say that!”

“That’s how it looked to this Ai-Onēchan.”

“You have some serious vision problems. Anyway, Hondō, what’s the answer to the previous question?

“Question?”

“Did you forget already? It was about whether you’ve had a girlfriend before.”

I do remember having that conversation. I don’t know why, but the topic keeps getting sidetracked today. I have to answer before I forget again.

“I’ve never been in a relationship with anyone.”

“I, I see…”

Shimizu-san covered her mouth with her hand, and I couldn’t read her expression, but her voice sounded relieved.

“Then, Kei has never been in a relationship either, so you two are the same.”

“Hey, don’t tell him something like that without my permission!

Shimizu-san glared at Ai-san. I’m honestly surprised that Shimizu-san has never been in a relationship before, considering how beautiful and fun she is.

“If you’re going to spread someone’s secret, you might as well tell him yours.”

“I didn’t do that, did I?”

As we’re having this conversation, the dishes we ordered are being served one by one.

“Oh, this cheese hamburger is the best, as expected.”

“Didn’t you say the tonkotsu ramen here was the best last time?”

“You can have multiple ‘best’ things.”

” …Oh, really?”

After finishing our food, we ordered additional drinks and were still inside the family restaurant.

It was a little early for lunch, so the restaurant was still empty.

“Oh, by the way. Since I finished my question earlier, can I ask you another question, Daiki-kun?”

“Yes, that’s fine.”

“You don’t have to answer any questions you don’t want to answer.”

“Mouu, Kei, I won’t ask him such difficult questions anymore.”

Even the previous question about whether Teruno or Shimizu-san is cuter was a little difficult to answer, but Ai-san seemed to think it wasn’t.

“Now, for the question…”

“I’m going to get a drink.”

As Shimizu-san was about to get up from her seat, Ai-san grabbed her arm.

“What’s the matter? Keep asking your question.”

Ai-san stared at Shimizu-san for a moment, then used the hand opposite to the one holding Shimizu-san’s arm to pick up a cup.

“Please get one for me, too.”

“Go get it yourself.”

“Aww〜, please listen to your onē-chan request.”

Ai-san pouted in dissatisfaction and shook Shimizu-san’s arm.

“Why do I have to listen to your request?”

“Heeh, really? Kei, you’re not supposed to say things like that. Ah, I feel like I’m about to reveal something. Obe, obe, what ‘obe ‘ was it? Before I go too far…”

Ai-san let go of Shimizu-san’s grip and pointed her index finger at her head temple instead.

“Obe? “

The only word I can think of that starts with [obe] is [o-bentō (lunchbox)’], but I wonder if there’s something related to lunchboxes.

“Hey, be quiet for a moment. Got it? I’ll go get your drink.”

“Thanks, then I’ll have ginger ale.”

” …Ai, I’ll remember this when we get home.”

“My beloved sister, you’re so sweet it brings tears to my eyes. “

“I’ll never forgive you.”

With those words, Shimizu-san took two cups and walked toward the drink bar.

“Is it okay? “

“It’s fine-it’s fine, Kei is very kind and she will forgive me. “

Is that so? The last expression Shimizu-san showed me didn’t look like someone who would give warmth to others, though.

“Can I continue with my question? “

“Sure.”

“What do you think of Kei? “

Ai-san had a serious expression on her face, something she had never shown since we first met.

“What do I think about Shimizu-san…?”

“Hmm. Even if it’s short, I want you to answer without lying or avoiding the question.”

I have no idea what the right answer is, but one thing I know is that I shouldn’t make superficial remarks here. If Ai-san is asking seriously, then I need to answer seriously too.

“I think Shimizu-san is a kind person.”

I look at Ai-san. I could not guess what Ai-san was thinking from her expression.

“I see. Why do you think so? “

“As you may have heard, Shimizu-san and I have been in the same class since the first grade. We started to talk with each other after we switched seats, and Shimizu-san is a very good listener. She never interrupts the conversation when we are talking, and when she finishes listening to me, she always replies to my questions properly.”

“Nn, nn.”

Ai-san’s face looks happy as she repeatedly nods her head.

“I don’t think you can do that unless you are willing to listen to what others have to say. I think Shimizu-san’s kindness and seriousness are evident in those moments.”

“I understand kindness, but what do you mean seriousness? I mean, she was ignoring the school rules and dyed her hair blonde until a while ago, you know? “

“Given her personality, I believe that Shimizu-san has her own reasons for doing so. Having that kind of firm character is also one of Shimizu-san’s strong points, I guess?”

“I see. I got it. Can I ask one more thing?”

“Yes.”

I wonder what she’s going to ask me next. I involuntarily hold my breath.

“Why are you on Kei’s side?”