Episode 8 – “First Day of School, and an Invitation”
I hadn’t thought about it. The meaning of holding hands with her on the way to school.
No, I understood it, but… I got too excited… I was so flustered that I forgot its significance. Nanami-san has rejected countless handsome men before.
The sight of me, a plain and introverted guy who doesn’t stand out in the classroom, holding hands with such a girl, drew curious, surprised, jealous, and hateful gazes from those around us, accompanied by various emotions.
…Fortunately, there are fewer students coming to school early in the morning. Still, a few people were definitely watching us.
Nobody approached us, but those who knew about Nanami-san were whispering to each other.
It doesn’t feel great… but I have to accept it. Nanami-san, on the other hand, glanced at me and said…
“…It might become a rumor, you know?”
As expected of Nanami-san… she was enjoying this situation and teasing me… She had a smile on her face, baring her beautiful teeth. Her pearly white teeth sparkled.
By the way, during the journey so far, she had been talking to me non-stop, unlike yesterday.
“What are your hobbies?” or “What do you do on your days off?” or “Do you have any other girlfriends?” We walked along the way while having such conversations.
Yesterday, Baron-san advised me, “Don’t talk too much about yourself and listen to her. You need to be a good listener.” But all of that was meaningless.
I ended up talking about myself excessively.
And her way of speaking is really clever… or rather, the way she expands the conversation is impressive. When she asked about my hobbies and I answered “video games,” she immediately saw through that the character in my avatar was a game character. Then she smoothly connected it to the question of whether she also plays this game, even though she has never played it herself…
I mean, the way she seamlessly connects questions during the conversation is remarkable. I realized that I had forgotten about the advice Baron-san gave me yesterday, and I ended up talking mostly about myself.
Is this what being a good listener is all about…? It’s completely different from me.
I talked about myself too much, and I apologize if she finds it boring… But for now, I want to believe that it was alright since she seemed to be enjoying it.
“Yeah, you’re right. It might become a rumor… I feel sorry for Nanami-san.”
As soon as I said that, she puffed up her cheeks.
“What’s that? That’s not the reaction I wanted, you know? We’re dating, so it’s fine, right?”
I had the impulse to poke her puffy cheeks. I wonder what would have been the correct reaction? This part might be difficult without understanding Nanami-san’s preferences…
“Besides, stop saying ‘might become a rumor.’ Right now, Youshin is my boyfriend… He helped me yesterday, and he was cool. So… let’s have an equal relationship, okay?”
…This is supposed to be a punishment game relationship, right?
Ah, I see. That’s what she means. An equal relationship. That’s the ideal form of a relationship for her, and I’m simulating it.
I understand.
“Sure, I got it… Nanami-san.”
When I replied, she smiled back at me, but her smile clouded slightly. Her previous radiant smile suddenly turned into a sad smile.
“…I should be the one apologizing… I’m sorry.”
I wonder what that apology meant. Was it an apology for the possibility of it becoming a rumor… or perhaps an apology for this being a punishment game relationship?
If I were to tell her that I knew it was a punishment game, I wonder what kind of expression she would make?
Feeling tempted to see her reaction when I reveal it, I resisted the urge and instead poked her cheek with my index finger.
In response to my sudden action, she widened her eyes and looked at me in surprise. It was meant as a playful gesture, but her unexpected reaction surprised me as well.
“W-Wha… Wha… What was that?!”
“Oh, sorry… You mentioned wanting an equal relationship, and I suddenly apologized, so… Did you not like it? I’m sorry.”
“I… I… I didn’t dislike it, but… it just surprised me… Yeah, I was just surprised…”
Emphasizing her surprise, her face turned bright red, and her eyes were a bit unfocused. It seems like I really surprised her… I feel sorry for that.
She remained silent for a short while, and by the time I noticed, we had apparently arrived at school. We let go of each other’s hands and changed into our indoor shoes from the outdoor ones.
The classroom was the same as always… I thought that holding hands was the end of it, but after she changed her shoes, she reached out her hand again. Even in this short amount of time, can we call it holding hands? Is that so?
“Isn’t it… a little embarrassing?”
“It’s fine. It’s morning, and there aren’t many people around… Just a little longer…”
With her words, I resigned myself and took her hand. The moment we entered the classroom, there was a commotion. Except for the two friends of Nanami, the classroom became lively as soon as we walked in… It seems like her friends arrived quite early.
Amidst the commotion in the classroom, the two of them approached us with smiles.
…Um, what were their names again?
While expressing my gratitude to the two people who came to my rescue, I called them by their last names again. As a result, the sullen expression on Nanami’s face seemed to have improved, and she smiled at me. Then she took a deep breath.
“Youshin, what are you going to do for lunch today?”
“Lunch? I usually just eat at the school cafeteria… Maybe I’ll have some bread or something.”
“I made a bento for you, Youshin… So, um, if you’d like… Would you mind eating it together?”
“…I’d be delighted.”
Amidst the attention of the entire classroom, I responded with all my might to the unexpected lunch invitation. At the same time, I finally understood why she was carrying a slightly larger bag than usual…
Is this still part of the punishment game confession? Nanami, are you being too serious?
Interlude: Nanami’s Inner Thoughts
Phew, I’m relieved! It wasn’t Youshin’s bento after all! I’m glad! (TL notes: maybe she is happy cause Youshin didn’t bring his lunch i guess)
Oh, I wonder if there’s anything he dislikes? Is he okay with homemade food?
Hmm… I’m such an idiot. Why didn’t I ask him properly in advance? I invited him, but now I’m getting nervous…
