My Seatmate is Apparently My Wife from My Past Life; She Still Loves Me in This Life as Well

“So, what are you going to make, brother?”

“Well, let’s see. How about ramen?”

“Such a calorie bomb! I’m still a high school girl, you know!?”

“Well, well.”

“It’s not ‘well, well’… Geez, you’re really hopeless, brother…”

Despite her endless complaints, I head to the kitchen. Aika follows me, not trying to physically stop me, which means I must be barely allowed to proceed.

Or maybe she’s just observing the first time I’m saying something like this.

Feeling a bit nervous, I took out the instant noodles and prepared some vegetables. Meat… is probably unnecessary. Personally, I’d like to add it, but it would only increase the complaints.

As I heat the pot and chop the vegetables, Aika lets out an “Oh.”

“You’re more skilled than I thought. Can you really cook by yourself, brother?”

“I wouldn’t say I’m that confident, but I don’t dislike cooking.”

“And yet, you always have that stuff for breakfast and lunch…”

“Well, it’s convenient…”

Just because I don’t dislike it doesn’t mean I particularly like it. The most accurate way to put it is that I became somewhat capable out of necessity.

I generally prefer food that’s quick and easy to prepare.

“That’s why you always choose the easy way, brother. It’s not good.”

“That’s harsh… Don’t say too much truth, or I might cry.”

“It would be a relief if you did cry.”

“Don’t say such scary things… Besides, crying is your specialty. Remember when you were little?”

“Brother! What time period are you talking about?”

“Whoa, whoa, calm down. I’m sorry! I’m sorry, don’t attack me!”

And stop shouting! What if Asahi wakes up? After telling them we don’t need dinner, if they come home to find us making a late-night snack, it’ll cause problems.

I don’t want to create unnecessary issues like that…

“How about we have a family meeting with Mom and Dad? It’s a great idea, right?”

“Ugh… Non-violence! Words can hurt more than fists sometimes.”

“Yes, that’s true. Next time, I’ll stop your breathing.”

“No, that’s not what I meant! Aika?”

I was starting to feel like one of those background characters who keep talking even after they’re killed. This level of ruthlessness is too much.

Please, be a little kinder…

“Don’t call me by that nickname, brother. It gives me goosebumps.”

“What a coincidence, I also thought it was gross. Should I apologize?”

“Don’t even think about it. If you do, I’ll step on your head.”

“If you’re willing to step on it, that means you’re really into it…”

At that moment, Aika looked like she might burst into a triumphant laugh. Her face turned red as she stammered, “It’s just a hypothetical! I wouldn’t actually do it!” but it seemed fairly plausible.

If I closed my eyes, I could vividly imagine it.

Ignoring her sharp, cute glare, I continued stir-frying the vegetables. Then I added the noodles to the boiling water, poured the powdered soup into a bowl, and finished the dish after a few minutes.

Aika’s eyes still looked full of dissatisfaction, but I decided to ignore it, thinking about how persistent she was.

I brought the completed ramen to the living room, and we sat facing each other.

Reluctantly, Aika put her hands together and said, “Itadakimasu,” before slurping the noodles.

“Well, it’s good. For someone with elementary-level cooking skills like yours, it’s pretty decent. The progress of civilization is remarkable.”

“Too harsh! Your words are too harsh. You could be a bit more straightforward… No, I mean, you could flatter me a bit more, right?”

“Empty flattery is the most meaningless thing… But thank you, brother—or rather, Naa.”

“Brother is fine. Besides, that’s what I wanted to talk about.”

Sighing, Aika widened her eyes in surprise.

It’s an understandable reaction. I’ve never played the “brother” role or even tried to be part of the family until now.