NOVEL NEXT Chapter 39
According to Chiaki, it seems that making jokes about personal grooming, like body hair, is a no-go. On the other hand, she’s fine with lewd jokes as long as I’m the one saying them, which probably means there’s some line there that only girls can understand.
“Are there any other topics that are off-limits?”
“Hmm, well, it’s pretty common sense stuff, but making fun of someone’s appearance, their body, or daily care routines is just hurtful.”
“Appearance… Hey, Chiaki, you’re super cute!”
“That’s not what I meant! Well, if it’s compliments, they’re more than welcome! In fact, can you give me more?”
“Your enthusiasm for jokes is off the charts…”
Please stop inching closer with those eager eyes. I was clearly joking.
“Anyway, just keep your jokes within the bounds of common decency. It’s not that complicated.”
“Honestly, when you brought up that shaving remark earlier, I seriously panicked. You probably wouldn’t get it as a guy, though.”
“Is it really that big of a deal?”
“It is. Girls want to show their best selves to the people they like. So jokes that make it seem like we’re not taking care of ourselves? Not funny.”
“Yeah, okay… If someone else said that, I’d probably take it more seriously.”
“Why?! I was spot on with my explanation, right?”
“Because you openly flaunt the dirtiest side of human desire. Like your stalker tendencies.”
“Hehe.”
“Don’t get all bashful—be ashamed.”
I’ve said this countless times, but it’s only because I’m the one involved that she gets away with this. A normal person wouldn’t be okay with being stalked. In fact, normal people don’t stalk to begin with.
“Well, you know, if you’re going to be together for a long time, you have to show each other your ugly sides too. Maybe it’s a necessary step for our relationship?”
“Think about what you said just a few seconds ago.”
She was so proud of her analogy a minute ago, and now she’s trying to flip it around.
“Tsk tsk tsk. Love is something you fall into, but true affection is something you nurture. Ideally, you show your whole self, and your partner accepts all of it.”
“So, if you’re embarrassed about your grooming, does that mean we don’t have true affection yet?”
“Haruto, why are you so good at roasting people?”
“That’s not a face you make after claiming you’re strong enough to be a stalker.”
You should have a thicker skin than that. Losing one argument shouldn’t hurt you that much.
“Fine! I’ll work on nurturing our affection from now on!”
“So you’re admitting we haven’t been doing that.”
“Ugh… When you counter my words like that, it does sting…”
“I can’t tell if you’re tough or fragile.”
She should just laugh it off and act like nothing happened, like I would.
“So, from now on, I’m going to show you all kinds of sides of myself! Starting with how I react to naughty pranks!”
“You’re really set on pushing it in that direction, huh?”
“It’s embarrassing… really embarrassing… But! This is a chance to seduce you, Haruto! If it means I can make you blush and flustered, I’ll endure anything!”
“Seduction only works when it’s subtle and natural. Declaring it upfront makes it seem like some sort of weird performance.”
“I’m okay with it being a weird performance.”
“Well, I’m not.”
Unlike you, Chiaki, I haven’t thrown away my dignity. I’m not strong enough to participate in your shameful play.
“And to be honest, I have to say, I’m not really into dirty jokes.”
“…Wait, but you’re a guy, right?”
“That’s a stereotype.”
Don’t give me that stunned look. Not every guy finds dirty jokes funny, you know. Some of us genuinely don’t like them.
“But earlier, when I lifted my skirt, you totally stared at me.”
“Well, yeah. I mean, I do have a sex drive. I respond to sexy things.”
“Then isn’t it weird that you don’t like dirty jokes?”
“To be precise, I’m bad at using dirty jokes in conversation. It’s like a high-stakes game of chicken. Watching from the sidelines is one thing, but I don’t want to jump in. Over time, I guess that reluctance just turned into a full-blown aversion.”
“Ohhh.”
Yeah, it’s a tricky balancing act. If you pull it off, it’s a strong communication tool, but if you misjudge it, the mood tanks, and people will think you’re gross.
“So, in conclusion, after all this dumb conversation, I have no intention of playing naughty pranks.”
“Why not?”
“Why not?”
Wait, *why not?* Didn’t you listen to what I just said?
“Well, you said you’re scared of crossing the line, right? So just practice with me.”
“You dropped the pretense halfway through.”
“I told you, embarrassing things are still embarrassing!”
Then let’s just move on and pretend none of this happened.
“But you’re so stubborn about avoiding these situations! I had a hunch, but now I’m sure! You plan on keeping this ‘more than friends, less than lovers’ relationship forever!”
“Wow, you slipped that relationship upgrade in smoothly.”
“That’s not important right now! What matters is that I want to get out of this lukewarm situation! So from now on, I’m going to drop all my shame and push forward!”
“You’ve never really had much shame to begin with.”
“Shut up! You’re not brushing this aside with jokes this time! You won’t escape anymore, Haruto, so get ready!”
“You’re getting all fired up, but can you lower your voice? The neighbors might hear.”
“Oh, sorry.”
You’ve got a lot of nerve saying you won’t let me escape.