NOVEL NEXT Chapter 61
“Oh man, that scared me. I was seriously freaked out. I thought it was a burglar.”
“Is it really something to be that shocked about…? Sure, I did tell you I wouldn’t be able to come today.”
“Today was a nightmare for me, seriously. You might not know this, Chiaki-san, but I even had to deal with the police.”
“That’s it! That’s why I’m here! It was a big deal, right!? Are you okay!?”
“Uh, how do you know about that, Chiaki-san…?”
“Because it caused a huge commotion, obviously.”
Chiaki-san said this as she pulled out her phone. When I checked it, I couldn’t believe my eyes. Today’s incident had already made the news.
There was a picture of a familiar store, and the article was filled with way too many things that hit close to home. I couldn’t stop sighing.
On top of that, it was also blowing up on social media. Apparently, someone had recorded the whole thing and uploaded it, and now the video was spreading like wildfire. I really wish they’d stop.
“Look, check out this video. Isn’t this you, Haruto-kun? This started circulating out of nowhere on social media, and I was so shocked! Then I looked into it, and it had turned into a huge news story. I couldn’t stop worrying!”
“I see.”
Well, I suppose it makes sense. If you heard that someone you know was caught up in an incident, you’d want to rush over, even if it meant changing your plans. Especially since it’s me, you know? As weird as it is for me to say, I’m still the person Chiaki-san has feelings for.
Even though our relationship is still strange, I’m genuinely grateful and happy that she came rushing over like this. Today, Chiaki-san’s familiar voice is especially comforting.
That said, I’m definitely more tired after this unexpected encounter. I’m not complaining, but it feels like I messed up a little. I mean, Chiaki-san is close enough to me that I should have told her beforehand.
I just didn’t think it would get out so quickly. I’d only been in touch with my family and the members of Marine Snow, so I thought I could just tell her later… Maybe I should’ve messaged her tomorrow or something.
“So, let me ask again, Haruto-kun. Are you really okay? You didn’t get hurt or anything?”
“I’m fine. As you can see, I’m perfectly fine. Isn’t there even a video of me fighting back?”
“Yeah, but that’s not the point! I can’t feel relieved until I see for myself that you’re okay! I was really worried, you know?”
“Yeah, I can tell.”
I can tell from her tone of voice. We haven’t known each other for a long time, but we’ve had a deep connection.
Her expression when she met me at the door was the same. The mix of anxiety and relief on her face—I probably won’t forget that look anytime soon.
At first, I thought she was a burglar, and when Chiaki-san showed up, I felt a wave of exhaustion wash over me. I was shocked to see someone who wasn’t supposed to be there.
—But despite all that, I felt relieved. The moment she greeted me, I felt a sense of peace, knowing I’d made it back home safely.
“…Chiaki-san, you’re really something else.”
“Wait, why are you suddenly dissing me!? I was being super serious just now, wasn’t I!? There’s no reason for me to get dissed, right!?”
“There isn’t. That’s why I was just thinking… why do you keep raising my opinion of you like this?”
“Uh, what do you mean… wait, raising your opinion?”
Chiaki-san did a double take, but I ignored it and stepped inside. I’d been standing in the entryway this whole time, but I was in no mood to linger. I just wanted to get things done and rest.
“Wait, Haruto-kun. What do you mean, your opinion of me? Is it really going up? Your opinion of me?”
“Well, of course. How could I not be happy that someone’s worried about me? Most people would feel the same way.”
“Then why would you diss me for it…?”
“Because today, Chiaki-san, you’re so different from your usual self. You’re like a really great woman today. If only we’d met under different circumstances…”
“Wha…? Uh, what!?”
“Haha, what’s with that reaction?”
Her face was a picture of confusion, and then she suddenly turned bright red. All I did was give her a little compliment, and her ears are as red as can be.
“Wh-What’s wrong, Haruto-kun!? Are you sure you didn’t get hurt!? Did you hit your head or something!?”
“How did we get there? I actually praised you for once.”
“Exactly!! You’re always brushing me off or only half-listening, and now you’re suddenly showering me with attention! Of course, I’m going to be shocked!”
“Showering you with attention? You don’t seem that surprised, though. Judging from how you usually act, I thought you’d freak out and start screaming or something.”
“Well, I want to, but I’m too rattled to do anything. I’m also a little worried that you’ve hit your head or something…”
“Have I really treated you that carelessly…?”
I didn’t expect her to be this cautious of me. And I’m not too thrilled about her repeatedly asking if there’s something wrong with my head. I didn’t think I’d been that dismissive.
“No, listen. Haruto-kun, I’m really, really happy that you complimented me, but today was a huge ordeal, right? Like, a life-threatening level of ordeal. So when you start acting completely different from usual, I can’t help but worry that something’s seriously wrong with you.”
“Ah, I see.”
So, it’s more concerning when I don’t act like myself. Yeah, I get it now.
Still, I didn’t expect this. Knowing how Chiaki-san usually is, her reaction was the complete opposite of what I anticipated. I didn’t think she’d be this concerned.
“…Yeah. Chiaki-san, you’re really something else, you know.”
“Oh, you’re still saying that. Well, I guess Haruto-kun does have a habit of getting carried away, so in a way, this is normal for you, huh…”
“That’s not what I meant…”
Oh well. I’ll stop trying to explain. If I push it too much, it’ll come across wrong, and in this atmosphere, it’ll just sound like I’m making excuses.
“So, um… Chiaki-san, could I ask you for a favor?”
“Hm? Sure. Ask away. I can stay as late as you need tonight.”
“Then I’ll take you up on that. I’m going to take a bath now, so could you make dinner for me? You can use whatever’s in the fridge. I just don’t have the energy to cook tonight.”
“Okay, I’ll take care of it… wait, what?”
“Since we’re here, I’d really like to try some of your cooking.”
“…Whaaat!?”