CH 42

Rinka’s Misunderstanding

Translated by HamletJr

Edited by

A familiar tune blared from the speakers in the studio.

All the members of Synchronicity, who had changed into their practice clothes in the provided changing room, danced happily to the music.

We were allowed to watch from the back so as not to disturb them.

Damn, my favorite idols are dancing in jerseys and T-shirts with their hair pulled back…

Hasumi and I were excited to see idols dressed so roughly, and in lieu of glow sticks, we were cheering them on by waving drum sticks from the studio next door.

By the way, if Shiina finds out about us using her drum sticks, I think she’ll be pissed off.

As we all watched them practice, Rinka abruptly stood up.

“Ritsuki… I’m gonna head out for a bit. I think I find the studio too loud and noisy.”

With that, she left the studio.

Worried about Rinka, I spoke to Hasumi.

“I’m gonna go check on Rinka.”

“O-Okay! Got it!”

I left the studio, immediately beginning my pursuit of her.

I caught up with her when I got to the first floor and, as I grabbed her arm from behind, whispered in her ear.

“Rinka, there’s a bed on the second floor… Follow me there.”

When she heard my words, Rinka’s face turned bright red.

Then, she reacted to my words in a flustered manner.

“N-N-No! Is that really okay?! To leave everyone else to practice so seriously while I alone get to have all the good stuff?!”

Rinka, a reserved person by nature, was about to turn down my offer.

But I didn’t back down. I pulled her arm and pulled her body closer to me so that she wouldn’t run away.

“It’s okay. You’re always working hard after all, Rinka. Besides, you’ve been with me for a long time, so it must’ve been building up inside you, right? Don’t worry, I’ll make you feel good for sure.”

Rinka looked flabbergasted at my words, but she also had an expectant look in her eyes as she gazed at me.

“B-But, this is so sudden… I-It’s not that I hate you or anything like that! I’m actually really happy, but… everyone else is practicing seriously downstairs, so for me to do such a thing―”

“You’re always holding back too much, Rinka. You need to be more honest with yourself about your desires.”

“R-Ritsuki… are you sure? At this rate, I’ll be accompanying you to bed…”

“Of course I’m sure. After all―”

I squeezed Rinka’s hand tightly as she stared at me, her face completely flushed deep red.

“That ‘loud noise in your head’ thing is a sign of mental fatigue. You couldn’t sleep well last night because of Shiorin’s phone call, so you should rest in bed until they finish practicing. I’ll go with you to the bedroom and show you around. The bed here is made out of hinoki cypress, and the mattress provides minimal amounts of resistance, so you can relax while enjoying the feeling of being wrapped around by it. I’m certain you’ll feel good sleeping on it!”

“―Heh?”

Rinka listens to my explanation with a confounded expression on her face.

Rinka was a much more attentive and cautious person than me.

On the way here, she kept watch on her surroundings to make sure that no strange people would come near her and the others.

I guess she was also worried about me carrying Hasumi’s bag, because she kept sneaking glances at me.

I’m sure she’s getting fatigued from being with such an unreliable person like me.

Even now, her face is red and sweaty.

“Ah, if you have trouble sleeping the way you are now, there are some nightclothes in the wardrobe that you can use. Of course, you can also take a shower if you’d like. When you’re done using the nightclothes, you can place them in the basket provided before leaving, and the housekeeper will wash them for you later.”

When I boasted about this with pride, Rinka’s shoulders slumped down for some reason.

“I-I see… I guess I’ll take you up on your offer then. Haah…”

Rinka heaved a huge sigh.

I guess she really is tired, huh. I’ll let her get some nice shut-eye.

【Extra】

・Hasumi Renka

【Notes】

A second-year student in high school. In the same class as Ritsuki.

She’s an introvert in class, which naturally makes her a loner.

The owner of the bookstore Ritsuki frequents, the Hasumi Bookstore.

A beautiful girl whose appearance doesn’t match her personality, she hides her face with her long bangs because she doesn’t want to get involved with the outgoing people in her class.

Has surprisingly large breasts.

Is in love with Ritsuki.