NOVEL NEXT Chapter 64
After suddenly reverting to her usual energy level and starting to spiral out of control, I managed to calm down Chiaki. She asked if she could just make a call home, so I told her to go ahead and stepped out of the room.
“—Oh, Mom? About today, I ended up staying over at a friend’s place. … Yeah, it seems like there was quite a bit of trouble at the part-time job. I’m just here to support them. Oh, so please let Dad know as well. Alright, then. Bye-bye.”
Now that she’s finished the call, I confirm that Chiaki has taken her phone away from her ear and return to the room.
“Are you all set?”
“Yes. I got permission from my mom. So, we can have our sleepover!”
“That’s great.”
Honestly, I’m really relieved. I’m very thankful as someone who made an embarrassing request.
But still, I can’t help but wonder how Chiaki managed to get permission to stay over at a guy’s place. If she had a boyfriend, maybe, but even then, wouldn’t there be a chance of being turned down?
From what I overheard during the call, it doesn’t seem like Chiaki was completely honest with her parents about the situation.
“By the way, can I ask what you told your parents about me? Did you explain things honestly?”
“Ah, no, I didn’t tell them the truth. It’s not something I can say outright, so I said I’m staying over at a friend’s place. When I came over today, I said I was going to check on a friend who had trouble at their part-time job.”
“Ah, I see.”
It seems Chiaki’s parents aren’t the type to casually let their daughter stay over at a stranger’s house. Given Chiaki’s behavior, there was a small chance it was genetic.
“Also, if your parents don’t know about me, then there’s no problem for now.”
“…Does that mean there’s a plan to introduce me to your parents at some point?”
“Why would it lead to that?”
How did the conversation suddenly leap to the point of being introduced to her parents? That wasn’t where I was going with this at all. We were clearly discussing a worst-case scenario, weren’t we?
It’s not that kind of situation. If it were to be misunderstood, it would be a serious apology matter, so just keep that in mind.
“…Sorry. I didn’t mean to say that. I should be focusing on your health and mental state first…”
“You’re suddenly very down.”
“But I came here today with the mindset of taking care of a seriously ill person! And now, prioritizing my own desires like this…!”
“You’re very high-strung. And a bit over the top.”
“Ugh, I know it’s wrong, but I still end up doing it! Seeing you earlier today makes me act on impulse!”
“What do you mean?”
Did I say something that would cause such a reaction? I feel like I’ve only said some embarrassing things.
Summarizing it, asking someone to stay with you because you’re scared is like asking a child to do the same. It’s not something that should be heat-up-inducing.
Moreover, I didn’t ask straightforwardly and added some provocative remarks as a bonus. Even if I had some hidden motives to cover up my embarrassment, it’s still not something to be overly excited about from the other side.
“Haruto-kun, you don’t get it! When someone you like, especially a high-spec guy who can do anything, shows a moment of vulnerability! There’s no girl who wouldn’t be moved by that!”
“Uh, yes.”
“It’s the same in manga and anime! It’s the gap! Only showing their weak side in front of you! It’s a special feeling of trust! How shocking it is!”
“Uh, Chiaki-san?”
“I was hit with that directly! And without any self-awareness! Haruto-kun, you’re so cunning! Too cunning!”
“Chiaki-san, Chiaki-san.”
“What is it?!”
“We need to prepare for bed and, by the way, you should cool your head. Why don’t you take a bath?”
“…”
“You’ve got your underwear and probably brought your change of clothes, right? If you don’t have pajamas, feel free to use any of my room clothes.”
“…I’ll do that. I messed up again…”
Chiaki, who started preparing for the bath while deeply down, has shown that she’s a genuinely serious person in an odd way. Her usual behavior might be different, but she’s really earnest in her own way.