Reborn as the Man Who Takes Away the Protagonist’s Beloved Childhood Friend

chapter 51



Ayana’s Fury

“Ahh, that was a good bath.”

I muttered after getting out of the bath following Ayana. I’ve gotten used to taking baths at Ayana’s place, and I’m even used to finding my change of clothes there. Well, it’s not strange since Ayana’s clothes are also somewhat placed at my place.

“Hoshina-san, I’m done.”

“Got it. Then Ayana, please.”

“Understood.”

After seeing Hoshina-san off, I shifted my gaze to Ayana. As Ayana started cooking, following Hoshina-san’s lead, I asked her with a small nod of determination.

“Ayana, let me help.”

“hahahaha, it’s okay. Towa-kun, please relax.”

…Well, in this situation, whether it’s Ayana or Hoshina-san, this kind of response is expected.

I chuckled softly and decided to obediently follow those words. As I watched Ayana cooking, I once again thought how nice it was.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nah, just thinking how you seem to enjoy cooking.”

“It’s fun to cook for someone you like.”

“I see.”

“Yes ♪”

She really says nice things. Trying to hide my slight embarrassment, I sat on the sofa, but then my phone vibrated.

“Sagara?”

The caller was Sagara. It was unusual, I thought, but there was no reason not to answer, so I pressed the call button.

“Hello.”

“Hey, sorry for calling at this hour, Yukishiro.”

“No problem. What’s up?”

“…Well, you know… there’s something I want to tell you, or rather, report.”

Hmm?

“We’re somewhat close, you and Yukishiro. So, partly for that reason, I thought I should tell you.”

That child… could it be Mari? Sensing a somewhat embarrassed atmosphere from Sagara on the other end of the line, this might actually be what I think it is.

“Actually, I confessed today and we’re starting to date.”

“Oh, really? That’s great. Congratulations.”

I had some expectations, but when I actually heard it, I was a bit surprised and my response was delayed. But… I see, so the two of them are dating.

Perhaps curious about me mentioning Mari, Ayana came over while drying her hands with a towel. Thinking it’s fine, I turned on the speaker so Ayana could hear too.

“Thank you. There were ups and downs, but I’m glad my feelings got through.”

Sagara’s joy was clearly conveyed through his voice. Ayana, who had been concerned about Mari, listened to Sagara’s report and smiled happily.

“Congratulations, Sagara-kun.”

“Ah, thanks, Nonomiya-san… Wait, did you make it so Nonomiya-san could hear!?”

“Was that a misstep?”

“It’s not a bad thing, but… Mami was looking so happy when she said she would report to Yonan at night.”

…I messed up. I didn’t consider that enough. Ayana smiled wryly and said this.

“I’ll make it sound like I heard about it for the first time, so don’t worry. I’m good at acting.”

“If that’s the case… Is it okay…? Well, I think Mami will smile, but let’s leave that to Ayana.”

“But I never expected Yonan to be around. Are they going out to eat together?”

“No, I plan to stay at Ayana’s house tonight. She’s even cooking for me.”

“Yukishiro, you’re something else. Well, I knew you and Yonan had that kind of relationship.”

We haven’t explicitly mentioned staying over at each other’s houses frequently, but well, now that Ayana’s voice is involved, there’s no point in hiding it.

“hehehe, that just shows how lovey-dovey we are.”

“I-is that so?”

I think Aisaka will have a similar experience eventually. I don’t know when that will be, but if we deepen our feelings, it will surely happen.

“…So, that’s all I wanted to convey. Hey, Yukishiro, I might ask you about how to deal with a lover in the future, so I’d appreciate your advice.”

“I’m not sure if I can advise you, but I’ll do my best to help.”

Everyone has their own way of dating, and whether our situation can serve as a reference is uncertain. But I think I can at least lend an ear to their concerns.

“Aisaka-kun. I… No, it’s nothing. Please take care of Mami-chan for me.”

“Huh? Oh, of course!”

After a little more conversation, the call ended. I can vaguely imagine what Ayana was about to say. Because Mami is similar to Iori in some ways. Although Mami’s partner is no longer Shuu, she was still guided by Ayana in the same way.

“hehehe, I’m really glad. I’m looking forward to Mami-chan’s message.”

Saying that, Ayana smiled.

But… I see. Aisaka and Mami are going out now. That baldy who blushed and tried to cover up when I pointed out his crush. The post-summer break will be exciting in many ways.

“Ah! The fish is burning!”

I chuckled as Ayana rushed back, and I looked up at the starry sky from the window. Ayana, I, Shuu, and Iori are all moving forward bit by bit, and Aisaka and Mami have taken a big step forward too.

“…It’s only been a few months since then.”

It hasn’t been that long since I understood this world. But the environment around us has changed in many ways since then. We are undoubtedly walking the path beyond the ordinary days depicted in the game.

What the future holds for us depends on us… or does it?

“…?”

I suddenly saw something pass through the sky. It was probably a shooting star. There’s a saying that if you make three wishes, they’ll come true, but realistically, that’s impossible and it’s hard to say it three times.

“…May I always be with Ayana and everyone.”

Well, wishing doesn’t cost anything. If there is a god, I hope they listen.

“Phew… The temperature of the bath was just right.”

Shortly after that, Hoshina-san returned. Like Ayana, her mother, Hoshina-san, looked incredibly s*xy after a bath. I’ve gotten used to it by now, but not long ago, I would have instinctively looked away.

“It’s perfect timing. All that’s left is to set the table.”

“Thank you, Ayana.”

As the dishes were arranged on the table, I joined in to help. It’s a bit too extravagant for three people, but that’s usually how it is when I stay over. It’s not that I don’t feel guilty, but the food is so delicious that I can’t help but keep eating one dish after another.

As usual, Ayana and I sat next to each other, and the meal began with Hoshina-san sitting across from us.

“Here, Towa-kun. It’s salmon.”

“Thank you.”

It was the fish that Ayana was worried about burning earlier. It doesn’t look burnt at all, and it looks delicious at first glance.

“hehehe, seeing you two like this really makes you look like a married couple.”

Staring at us, Hoshina-san said so. Unlike me, who was eagerly devouring my meal, Ayana puffed up her chest upon hearing Hoshina-san’s words.

While thinking how cute Ayana looked, I glanced at the beer placed by Hoshina-san’s side.

“…We won’t end up like last time, right?”

“hahahaha… Who knows?”

Well, back then, the atmosphere was fun because Mother and Mr. Kanzaki were there, but this time it’s just Hoshina-san. Besides, it’s just one beer, so there’s no need to worry.

…And this is the situation a few minutes later.

“…………”

“Hey, Ayana! Mom still really wants to apologize to you! Even though you’ve forgiven her, but still… but stillll!!”

Hugging Ayana, Hoshina-san’s time for repentance. We should have stopped her when she was onto her second beer can. But Ayana was feeding me, so we were caught off guard, and by the time we realized it, it was too late.

“Mom, you smell like alcohol.”

“Well, I am drinking alcohol!”

“It’s gross for an adult to do that, so please stop!”

“Hmph. Despite how I look, I’m in my late twenties. I’m still active, you know!”

Well, she does look young enough to be mistaken for Ayana’s older sister, so she’s not lying about her appearance age. My mom also looks young, but Hoshina-san seems even more youthful.

“By the way, Hoshina-san, you weren’t much of a drinker, were you?”

“When I drink with Akemi, I… kind of… can handle more.”

“Hmm.”

If she’s this drunk from that, it’s beyond help.

“Um…”

Enjoying the meal cooked by Ayana and Hoshina-san, I couldn’t help but smile at how delicious it was. The two were still close as ever, but Ayana seemed to have given up, eating her meal without minding Hoshina-san’s teasing.

“Ayana~?”

“…………”

“Ayana~ chan?”

“…………”

“…Boobie squeeze!”

Oh, she’s mad now.

After that, as expected, Ayana got angry, but tipsy Hoshina-san showed no signs of fear. On the contrary, a glimpse of the dark Ayana was visible.

“You darn old hag…”

“Ayana, a lady should always be elegant.”

“…(Twitch!)”

After that, Ayana’s scream echoed, needless to say.

And so, this noisy yet enjoyable summer vacation passed. As the break ended and school started, the time for the first event, the sports festival, arrived.


Tip: You can use left, right, A and D keyboard keys to browse between chapters.