87: Teacher Kumikawa's Harm

"There's no rush, so why don't you stay and have dinner?"

Utaha offered, trying to keep him there.

The situation felt familiar.

"It might not be convenient."

Chisato glanced at the clock on the wall.

"It's already past five. Your parents should be coming home soon."

"They usually come back around seven. We have over an hour, which is enough time for me to prepare a full meal. It would be just right for you to eat and then head home."

"Even if they come back, it won't be a big deal. You're already in high school. You should be past the age where you feel awkward meeting your friend's parents, right?"

"I'm not awkward, just worried about how you'll explain things later."

"There's nothing to explain. I'll just say you're a friend. They probably won't ask any more questions. So, it's settled."

"No, it shouldn't be just settled."

"Alright, stop sitting there and come help me."

"I don't really know how to cook."

That's the truth.

Even though Chisato received a [Basic Cooking Skills] reward from the Pure Love System, which claimed he could handle everyday home cooking, he hadn't had a chance to practice much. 

Given the Pure Love System's track record of failure, he was skeptical of his cooking skills.

"You don't need to cook. Just stand by my side in the kitchen and watch me cook."

"Is there any point in that?"

"Not really, but it makes me happy. Is that reason enough?"

Utaha took off the apron from the kitchen corner, put it on, and turned her back to Chisato, handing the ties to him.

"Help me tie this."

Chisato obediently complied.

"The ingredients in the fridge aren't many, so there aren't many choices. But you're not picky, so it should be fine."

As Utaha spoke while taking out the ingredients from the fridge, it seemed like she was talking to herself.

"I'll help. I think I can manage some simple tasks."

"Great, then could you cook some rice?"

"Electric rice cooker... found it. Where's the rice?"

"Over here."

Utaha, busy washing vegetables, pointed with her toes to a nearby cabinet.

Chisato squatted down, opened the cabinet, took out the rice, and then moved to the sink to rinse it, standing close to Utaha.

The scene was oddly charming, like a couple working together in their kitchen.

Utaha had likely anticipated this, which is why she invited Chisato to create this situation.

"In the dreams, you often liked to sneak up behind me while I was cooking, hugging my waist and resting your chin on my shoulder."

While Chisato was cooking the rice and shelling peas, he froze at her words.

What's she implying? That he should hug her now?

"Did that remind you of anything?"

Luckily, he didn't misunderstand.

"Not really."

"That's fine. If you want to hear about it, I can tell you more later." 

"If you don't want to hear it, I won't bring it up again." 

"We can experience real life and create wonderful memories and moments together at our own pace."

"Oh, and about Eriri, I don't know how she'll react when she finds out about your situation. From what I know of her, she might be conflicted for a while, but she'll probably accept it in the end."

"But whatever she decides, it doesn't affect me. Don't worry, I won't stray or leave you. Let's continue to get along well, Chisato."

As Utaha spoke casually while preparing the food, her expression seemed calm, but the words carried a significant amount of emotion.

Chisato stopped shelling peas and looked at her, feeling a bit dazed.

He took a deep breath and pinched the bridge of his nose.

"I'm sorry, Utaha. What you just said... does it mean...?"

"Please don't misunderstand."

Utaha looked at him with a serious and determined gaze.

"Yeah, I must have misunderstood! There's no way it's that kind of meaning!"

"What you're hoping for should only happen after I officially accept your confession and we become a couple." 

"We'll go through various experiences together, and when you truly develop feelings and dependence on me, not just physical desire, then we can take that step."

"…"

Chisato was stunned by Utaha's words. He couldn't understand why she suddenly said all this.

Had he ever shown an extreme eagerness or desperation?

Chisato found it amusing and unfair, so he protested.

"Utaha, I admit you're a very beautiful girl, but honestly, I don't have the intentions you might think. You can rest assured about that."

"So, you're saying I misunderstood you?"

Chisato met her questioning gaze and nodded.

"Without a doubt."

"I see."

Utaha stopped her task, turned off the faucet, and dried her hands with a towel.

As Chisato watched her, she reached into her skirt pocket and pulled out something, holding it out to him with her palm up.

"So, what's this?"

A mischievous smile and a teasing tone accompanied Utaha's words.

Chisato stared at the small, square package in her hand—three packages connected together—with a cartoon banana wearing a transparent hat, looking smug.

"…"

Chisato was stunned into silence by the familiar packaging.

"Looks like you've figured it out. Yes, this is what fell off the sofa when you took out your phone earlier."

Utaha didn't seem embarrassed as she put the packages back into her pocket.

"So now you can't make excuses." 

"But don't be embarrassed. I know teenage boys are eager for that kind of thing, but for girls, even one is pushing it, let alone three." 

"I'll keep these for now. Aim to use them soon and work hard."

"…"

'What a confusing mess!'

'Teacher Kumikawa, you've caused me trouble!!!'

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