SWNOVELXO Chapter 15 - Dinner Party
I woke up my older sister, and the three of us sat around the table.
“Wow! It looks delicious again today! Let’s eat!”
“I-I’m going to start eating…”
“Please, help yourselves. Both of you, please start with the salad. It’s good for your body.”
First, I watched their reactions without taking a bite myself.
“Mmm! This dressing is just as delicious as ever!”
“You’re right! The garlic really adds a great flavor!”
“I’m glad you think so… let’s see… yes, it’s quite good.”
“And this soup, even though you made it so quickly… it tastes just like restaurant quality…”
“Haha… you’re exaggerating.”
“And this chicken… delicious… The sauce is refreshing, and it’s sour… It’s really easy to eat…”
“This is delicious, isn’t it? I really like it too.”
“Indeed, this is something you could get addicted to…”
“That’s very convenient. You could put anchovies in it, spread it on bread. It can also be used in pasta.”
“Wow! It sounds delicious…!”
“…Would you like to take some home? It should keep until tomorrow or the day after…”
“Eh? Is that okay…?”
“Yes, as long as it’s not too much trouble…”
“No! I’m happy…”
“Is… is that so…?”
Wait a minute… Was she always this honest and cute…?
She was drunk last time, but…
Could this be her true personality…?
Then, as we continue to enjoy our meal…
“So, how are things going for you at work, Yuma?”
“As I mentioned earlier, I think he handles things very seriously and sincerely. He properly handles complaints from customers and inquiries from superiors… How should I put it… He’s not scared or timid, you know…?”
“Ah, I see… Our father was very strict, so maybe that’s why he’s like that.”
“Oh, I see. What does your father do?”
“Our father…”
“Hey, stop talking and eat faster.”
… I’m getting irritated and speaking too harshly…
“Mmm… Alright.”
“I’m sorry… Did I say something wrong…?”
… The section manager didn’t do anything wrong…
This is completely my fault…
“No, I should apologize. My father… or rather, my family runs a small restaurant.”
“I see… That’s why you’re good at cooking…”
“Well… But I left home because I disagreed with my father… So we’re not exactly on good terms.”
“I see… I have a younger brother, and it’s tough dealing with a father and a son…”
“I get it. Oh, you’re just like us.”
“Yes, that’s right. We have a ten-year age difference, so I often can’t understand what he’s thinking.”
“Well, what does your younger brother think of you?”
“He thinks I’m too talkative…”
“I… I see…”
Oh, no… I’ve been getting down on myself since earlier…
I want to cheer her up… Haa… There’s no helping it…
“… But I am very grateful to have her. She even came to check on me today…”
“I’m thrilled!”
“Don’t hug me! We’re eating!”
“Hehe… I wonder if my brother thinks of me that way…”
“… You don’t get along?”
“Hmm… It’s complicated… It’s not bad, but he tends to take care of me too much…”
“Well, if there’s a ten-year age difference, that makes sense. You even changed his diapers, didn’t you?”
“… That’s part of it.”
A strange atmosphere begins to flow… but we’re all adults here.
We let it slide and return to our meal.
“Phew… Thank you for the meal. It was very delicious.”
Huh… She eats very neatly.
Even the sauce is completely gone…
And it’s not a messy way of eating, but a neat way…
Furthermore, the fork and knife are placed in the shape of being finished eating.
… Well, she probably has business meals, so it’s only natural…
“Thank you. I’ll clean up now.”
“Wait—Can’t I do it?”
“But you’re a guest…”
“Still, it’s not right to let you do everything. Right?”
“Then, I’ll get ready to stay over.”
“What?! You’re staying over?!”
“Of course. I have the day off tomorrow.”
“My day off…”
“Don’t worry, I’ll leave in the morning.”
“… Then I’ll allow it.”
After that, we ended up doing the dishes together…
A very nice smell tickles my nose…
And…
“Hmhmhm, hmhmhm.”
She’s happily humming…
And because she’s doing the dishes… she tied her hair up in the back…
It’s sexy… her nape… her back view…
I’m glad my sister is here… My rationality is working…
“Did you enjoy it that much?”
“Huh?”
“No… you seemed to be in a very good mood…”
“Is… is that so…?”
“You were humming.”
“He…? Eh—”
“… You didn’t notice?”
“Yes… Oh…”
“I’m… sorry…”
“No… Of course, it was delicious…? But that’s not all…”
“Huh?”
“Let’s hurry up and finish!”
“Haa… Well, it is getting late.”
By the time we finished the dishes, it was almost 9 o’clock.
“Then… I’ll go home now. Today was very fun. Thank you.”
“Yuuma”
“I know. I’m borrowing a car.”
“Heh, as expected of my little brother. You do understand!”
“Don’t keep patting my back…”
“Eh…?”
“Reina-san, I’ll give you a ride. You mentioned you would walk…”
“N-No way! I couldn’t impose!”
“No, please let me. I can’t let a woman like you walk alone at night.”
Something could happen, and it would be my responsibility.
In that case, it would affect my work… and I’d have to explain.
…Of course, I’m also worried, that’s true…
“M-Mito-kun… um… may I ask you something…?”
“Yes, of course.”
I quickly prepare and get into the car.
“Um… from here, it’s closer this way…”
I know the route somewhat, because I’ve walked it before…
Because… I ran home… It took about an hour…
Well, of course, I’ll use the GPS.
“………”
“Hm? Is something the matter? You’ve gone quiet…”
“N-No! Nothing! Let’s go!”
“…Understood. Then, we’re off.”
The car moves forward without further conversation…
For some reason, the section chief looks very tense…
Ah– I see. I was being insensitive…
How can such a beautiful woman not be cautious, riding alone with a man at this hour?
“Reina-san…”
“Hya!?”
I thought so…
I have to reassure her.
“Please don’t worry. I will definitely take you home.”
“Y-Yes…”
Hmm… it’s not working…
Yes… it seems better to remain silent…
After driving safely, we arrive in about 15 minutes.
“We’re here, Reina-san.”
“Th-thank you…”
I open the door.
“Please.”
“………”
For some reason, she stays in the car, looking at me.
I’m trying hard not to get sucked in…
“Um? Reina-san?”
“M-Mito-kun!”
“Y-Yes?”
“C-Can I… ask for your phone number…?”
“Eh?”
“N-Nevermind! It’s personal, right? I’m sorry! Please forget it! Well then–!!”
“Eh!? Wait–!?”
She didn’t wait for my answer and ran off…
“I’m stumped… Well, I guess I should head home.”
I noticed there’s a part of me that’s relieved… and a part that’s a little disappointed…