My Overly Anxious and Devoted Girlfriend Never Gives Up on Me - Chapter 2.7

“This is the Sakuraba family’s special hamburg steak. Please enjoy.”

Dinnertime.

At Aina-chan’s suggestion, I ended up joining them for dinner.

Arranged on the living room table were colorful plates featuring thick hamburg steaks glistening with demi-glace sauce as the main dish.

The nutritional balance, color composition, and satisfaction factor were all exceptional.

Even though I’m better at cooking than most people, I had to admire the result.

“Aina-chan, you’re amazing!!”

“Thank you.”

At my words, Aina-chan bowed slightly with a shy “peko” sound.

She’s incredibly cute.

As her future sister-in-law, I want to pat her head.

“Let’s eat!”

The three of us put our hands together before picking up our knives and forks.

I immediately tried a bite of the hamburg steak.

“It’s delicious!!”

“I’m glad it suits your taste.”

“It’s really delicious! You’re amazing for a middle schooler!”

“I cook often.”

“Both our parents work, you see. On days when neither is home, dinner duty is on a rotation system,” Sakuraba-kun explained.

I see, so that’s why his parents aren’t home even this late today.

Wait.

Does that mean Sakuraba-kun also…

“Big brother doesn’t cook much even on his assigned days, right?”

“Well, that’s because Aina always cooks first.”

“It’s because he gets so absorbed in books and movies that he doesn’t start cooking even when it’s time. If I don’t do it, the meal preparation would never get done.”

“When I’m focused, I lose track of time.”

“Forgetting is your own responsibility.”

Firmly told off by Aina-chan, Sakuraba-kun fell completely silent.

It seems like his younger sister Aina-chan is the more responsible one.

“…Speaking of which, Sakuraba-kun?”

“Hm, what?”

Sakuraba-kun turned toward me with an expressionless face.

His features are delicate, but his captivating eyes and fair skin are beautiful and handsome.

Maybe he looks that way to me because I like him.

But even if that’s the case, it doesn’t matter.

To me, Sakuraba-kun’s face and voice are absolutely the most handsome.

And that’s what love is like.

That’s exactly why I can’t help but be concerned.

So, concerned that I want to confirm things.

“Um, about tomorrow night, are you free?”

‘Tomorrow night. Looking forward to it.’

My message exchange with Mikura-san just wouldn’t leave my mind.

But I didn’t want Sakuraba-kun to know I’d seen it.

So, I asked an indirect question to avoid him finding out.

“Tomorrow night, I think I have something.”

“Wh-what something?”

“Hmm, what was it again?”

“Come on, what is it?!”

“Ugh… Anyway, I’m not free. More importantly, why are you asking?”

“Uh… well, no reason, really…”

“…Weirdo. Well, whatever.”

D-damn! I don’t think I can get anything out of him.

But Sakuraba-kun, aren’t you doing something with Mikura-san tomorrow night?

Are you hiding it? Or have you really forgotten…?

“…Hm?”

Sensing a strange gaze, I looked up.

Aina-chan, sitting across from me, was staring intently in my direction.

Wh-what? What is it?!

Even when our eyes met, Aina-chan didn’t look away at all.

But she didn’t say anything either, and I finished dinner feeling this strange pressure.

◆ ◆ ◆

“Well then, thank you for having me.”

It had gotten completely dark, and it was time for me to go home.

In the end, neither my concerns about Mikura-san nor about Aina-chan were resolved.

But it was good that I got to be with Sakuraba-kun.

We didn’t have much time alone, but I feel like we got a little closer.

“Sorry I can’t walk you home.”

“It’s fine. We can’t risk anyone seeing us, after all. Thank you so much for today!”

“See you. Be careful.”

Saying this, Sakuraba-kun gave me a small wave.

I waved back with a smile.

As the door closed, I turned around and began my journey home.

“…Sigh.”

As I walked, I thought about that matter.

After all, Mikura-san is definitely targeting Sakuraba-kun.

And she’s moving faster than I thought.

I never imagined she’d already made some kind of plans with Sakuraba-kun…

And at night!

Nighttime!

I don’t like this!

At least make it daytime!

I don’t like daytime either, but still!

“Shizuno-san.”

While I was holding my head, a familiar voice suddenly called from behind me.

When I turned around, Aina-chan, whom I’d just parted with, was running toward me.

“I’m glad I caught up with you.”

“Aina-chan, what’s wrong?”

“You forgot this.”

What Aina-chan held out was the handkerchief that should have been in my pocket.

Apparently, I must have left it on the table during dinner.

“You came all this way to give it to me? Thank you…!”

“Not at all. Don’t mention it.”

I took the handkerchief from Aina-chan and put it in my bag.

I feel bad that she came out on this dark road for me.

“Shizuno-san.”

“Yeah, what is it?”

“Do you like my brother?”

“Wha?! …Um… well…”

“You don’t need to hide it. It’s obvious if you’re watching.”

Aina-chan said something terrifying and smiled slightly.

I never thought that insensitive Sakuraba-kun’s sister would be this sharp…!

“But you’re not dating yet, are you?”

“Ah… well, yeah, that’s right…”

Sorry, Aina-chan!

I’ll tell you properly someday…!

“You should be careful. My brother is surprisingly popular, you know. And he’s like that himself.”

“…That’s true. Yeah, I’m currently in the middle of a battle.”

“Battle… So, there’s someone competing with Shizuno-san.”

“…Honestly, I might be in trouble.”

“I’m rooting for you, truly. Because I like you, Shizuno-san.”

Squeeeee!!

Aina-chan… such a good girl!

I want her as my little sister!

“Thank you! I’ll do my best!”

“Yes. Then, shall we exchange contact information?”

“Really?! Let’s do it!”

We both took out our smartphones and exchanged contact information.

Now I can message Aina-chan anytime.

She’s quite a reliable ally.

“Well then, take care.”

“Okay! Thank you so much! See you!”

After parting with Aina-chan, I resumed my journey home.

My steps felt lighter than before.

Having his little sister rooting for me. This is practically family approval!

Ping

“Huh?”

A notification sound came from the smartphone I’d just put away.

Who could it be?

When I looked at the screen, it was a message from Aina-chan.

‘Aina-chan sent an image.’

An image…?

I unlocked my phone and opened the chat screen.

And there…

“Wh-what is this…?!”

‘Aina-chan: As a token of our new friendship, here’s a photo of my brother. It’s from last year when he wore a yukata.’

“Kyaaaa!!”

Displayed on my smartphone screen was a close-up photo of Sakuraba-kun wearing a navy-blue yukata with a somewhat displeased expression.

I saved that photo to my folder at the fastest speed of my life.

Thank you, Aina-chan…!!

Asagi Shizuno, I can keep going strong for a while with this!!