SWNOVELXO Chapter 10 - A Long Holiday
Well, a few days had passed since the matter with Section Chief Matsuura.
Somehow, just in the nick of time, I was able to buy the game.
The reservation gets cancelled if you don’t pick it up within three days, so it was a close call.
Today is Saturday and the weather is nice, a perfect day for gaming.
Huh? Shouldn’t I go out if the weather’s good?
No, no, that’s a big misunderstanding.
It’s a luxury to stay home and play games when the weather is nice.
“Who am I explaining this to… A lot has happened recently, I might be getting tired. I should recharge by playing a game.”
But really, I think it’s a luxurious time.
Being able to play my favorite game from the morning…
In my student days, I had seemingly endless time and the stamina to keep playing.
However, as a working adult, time is limited… and more importantly, I don’t have the physical strength.
Just until recently, I could play all day and not get tired…
Now, I have to take a break after about three hours of gaming.
“It’s 9 o’clock now… Let’s play until noon.”
After that, I enjoy playing the long-awaited new game, Monster Hunter.
And… time flies by so quickly.
“Seriously, it’s already noon. Really, time flies when you’re playing a fun game… I guess I should go out now.”
I change from my sweatpants into regular clothes and leave the apartment.
“I feel like… going to McDonald’s. I’ll take it home and leisurely eat it while reading a web novel. In a way, this is the ultimate luxury for me.”
In my student days, I used to eat like crazy…
I don’t go there as much now, and the nutritional balance isn’t great.
By the way, I don’t use delivery services.
Walking is refreshing, and it’s better for my health.
I used to stay up late reading web novels, but I can’t do that now.
“Ah, it’s tough being a working adult… But, it’s necessary for survival.”
The company I’m at now is one of the better ones.
The salary is normal, netting 250,000 yen, but they let me leave on time.
There’s rarely any weekend work, so that’s a relief.
Then, after a bit of a detour, I arrive at McDonald’s.
“Teriyaki is the only choice. Fries and cola are a classic.”
After buying, I head home the quickest way.
Cola is all about the fizz, and the fries need to be eaten before they get soggy…
Somehow, I maintain the delicious state and enjoy a luxurious time.
“It’s crazy, eating this while reading a web novel. The guilt is real… Hmm, so NTR and infidelity are trending in romcoms these days… Times are changing.”
With these thoughts, time passes.
Then, my smartphone rings.
“Huh? Who’s this? My older sister…?”
I have parents living in Saitama, and an older sister who lives in Tokyo.
We’re not on bad terms… But I’ve always been intimidated by her, so it can be a bit troublesome.
“Do I ignore it? No, that would lead to trouble later. Sigh… Hello?”
“Ah– you picked up. It’s your sister.”
“I can tell just by looking.”
“What? Are you mad? Were you masturbating?”
“I wasn’t! And even if I was, I wouldn’t tell you!”
“My! Such rude language! Is that how you talk to your cute older sister?”
“Hey, you’re already 30…”
“What’s that…?”
“Nothing, never mind.”
Close call, I almost touched a nerve…
“Why are you talking like you’re into older women… I’m still young, you know!”
“Alright, alright, sure. So, what’s up?”
“I just feel like eating my little brother’s home cooking for once.”
“What? Did you break up with your boyfriend?”
“That’s right! The guy was cheating on me!”
“Aren’t you just jumping to conclusions?”
She’s always been the type to jump the gun…
“No, I’m certain!”
“Alright, I get it. So, where are you now?”
“I just got here. Let’s go quickly.”
“What!? You never change, do you!?”
Why do sisters always ignore my circumstances?
It’s an eternal mystery…
The doorbell rings.
Looking through the peephole…
“You’ve got to be kidding me…”
Reluctantly, I change clothes again and head to the apartment entrance.
“You’re slow!”
“Can’t be helped. You come over all of a sudden…”
“Because if I told you beforehand, you would refuse, right?”
“…I can’t deny that.”
I can see myself refusing to make time for her because of a game or a novel.
“Come on! Let’s go shopping!”
“Ugh… alright.”
Well, I was planning to go grocery shopping for dinner anyway.
And… she probably came because she was worried about me.
After that, we go to the supermarket in my sister’s car.
“What do you want to eat?”
“Um… I’m in the mood for Italian!”
“Okay, first the salad. Chicken thighs or pork loin, which do you prefer?”
“…Chicken!”
“Do you want tomato sauce or steak sauce?”
“Tomato!”
“Tomato… chicken thighs… fresh sauce… maybe pumpkin soup and a side dish…”
“You’re quick, as always. You’ve always been good at cooking.”
Due to certain circumstances, I’ve been cooking since I was little.
Even before it became a question of liking or disliking it.
Of course, I don’t dislike cooking…
“That’s because you can’t cook, right?”
“So what! I’ll find a husband who can cook!”
“Stop clinging to me! It’s creepy for siblings of our age!”
“Rude! …Wait… There’s a really beautiful woman over there, and she seems to be staring at us…”
“Huh? What are you talking… Wait, Section Chief Matsuura…?”
“Oh, Mito-kun… so that’s… that’s how it is…”
And there, in the direction of my sister’s gaze, stood Section Chief Matsuura holding a shopping basket…
Moreover… for some reason, she seemed very downcast…