Ichijo Ai’s Home and Third Woman
Eiji’s PoV
We went shopping around the department store in front of the station, where there was a general store.
“I had never been to a general store before, but it was interesting.”
Most of the customers were women, but men could find it enjoyable too.
There were finger massagers, fluffy pillows, unusual bath salts, and snacks to try.
“I know, right? When I have time, I like to go to these stores too. I enjoy seeing all the unusual things.”
Ichijo-san laughs as she adds bath salts and cute notes to her basket.
“There are a lot of things I haven’t seen before, so it’s refreshing and stimulating.”
The foreign goods section had a variety of American candies and juices. I decided to try a cherry-flavored Coke. It felt nice to broaden my horizons like this. I wouldn’t have even known about these juices if it weren’t for this store.
“I’m glad you enjoyed it!”
She smiled happily.
It’s currently 4 p.m., and if you’re a healthy high school student, it’s time to start thinking about heading home. I’m a bit concerned about what to do with Ichijo-san’s parents since she never talks about them.
“Senpai, what are we going to do after this?”
Ichijo-san asks with a hint of worry in her voice.
“What should we do? Hmm, would you like to have dinner with us as usual? Mom and brother would be happy.”
“That’s tempting, but I always get free service, and I feel bad about it. I think I’ll pass today.”
“I see…”
Actually, I was hoping to spend more time with her.
“Don’t look so disappointed. Then would you like to come to my house? I always visit yours.”
“Uhuk!”
I let out a strange sound at the sudden invitation.
“By the way, there’s no one there right now, so no one’s home.”
Ichijo-san said cheekily.
“No, that’s really not a good idea. What if there’s a mistake?”
“Oh, you’re funny… Senpai, you’re blushing because of my teasing. Hmm, I live alone, so you don’t have to worry about meeting my parents.”
Apparently, the teasing continues.
But in her words, I sensed a little bit of gloom in her home life.
“Alright, I won’t hesitate then.”
“What?!”
Apparently, she’s good at attacking but weak at defending.
“Haha, your face is red too.”
When I tease her, she makes a slightly embarrassed face and says,
“Please don’t tease me…”
“Then let’s go.”
With that, she pulls my arm and leads the way to her house.
“Senpai, I wouldn’t mind if you made a mistake.”
She says in a low voice.
Kondo’s PoV
I leave Eri’s house. She has been living alone since her parents abandoned her. Whenever I get hungry, I usually go to her house, and she gladly cooks for me, which has become my usual routine. However, Eri is a very annoying woman, as she’s easily carried away and has a lot of mental instability.
Well, I’m going to keep this relationship for a while because I enjoy it too.
As I’m walking home, my phone rings.
[Kondo-kun? Are you okay now?]
It’s the girl I’m interested in, the one who introduced me to Miyuki.
“Yeah, what’s wrong?”
[No, it’s nothing serious, but do you have any plans for… tomorrow? Do you want to hang out?]
This girl is crazy about me too.
“Okay. What’s up?”
[Because I helped you hunt down Aono-kun and got no reward. I just wanted you to notice me a little.]
“Haha. You betrayed a junior member of the club you adored, but you say funny things.”
[Because you asked me to. It’s okay, I tried my best.]
Her sweet voice makes me happy, and I look forward to seeing her the next day.
“All right, I’ll see you tomorrow. Manager-san of the Literature Club?”