A few days had passed since the graduation ceremony.
Today was the day our parents were going on a one-night, two-day hot spring trip.
“Well then, Yuuka-chan, Yuuto, we’re counting on you two to take care of the house. Split the chores between yourselves, okay? And you’re lucky Yuuto—Yuuka-chan will be cooking for you.” (Mom)
Our mother said in a cheerful, “get along now” kind of tone.
“Don’t worry, Mom. We’ll split the chores properly. Leave the cooking to me—I’ve practiced a lot just to win over Yuuto’s stomach.” (Yuuka)
Yuuka puffed out her chest and answered with pride.
“Then you two have fun over here. We’ll be having fun together on our end as well.” (Dad)
After we both nodded, our parents left for the hot spring town, carrying their luggages.
“So, what should we do first?” (Yuuto)
The moment Yuuka heard that, she jumped onto my back.
“First, I want to be spoiled by Yuuto. We’ll think about the rest afterward.” (Yuuka)
…And with that, she fell asleep on my back.
I sighed, thinking there was no helping it, and carried Yuuka on my back into the house.
After laying her down to sleep in my room, I began cleaning the house.
Even so, all I did was quickly vacuum the place—it was a simple job that I finished in just a few dozen minutes.
After that, I kept going, cleaning the bathroom and the toilet. Just as I was finishing up, Yuuka came downstairs.
For some reason, her face was bright red, and she had changed clothes, which caught my attention.
“Huh? Yuuka, did you change? You’re not wearing the same outfit as when we saw Mom and Dad off.” (Yuuto)
“I got sweaty, so I changed. Don’t worry about it.” (Yuuka)
Since she said that, I figured there was no helping it and left it at that.
“Yuuto, let’s go shopping for lunch and dinner.” (Yuuka)
I nodded at Yuuka’s suggestion and quickly got ready.
Then the two of us headed out to buy groceries.
And of course, we walked arm in arm.
Along the way, an older, flashy-looking guy started staring at Yuuka.
Maybe because she was sensitive to gazes like that, Yuuka immediately clung to my back to block his view.
But from my perspective, the way he looked at us didn’t seem lewd—it actually felt like a warm, gentle gaze.
When I looked directly at the guy, our eyes met.
For some reason, he smiled at us and gave us a thumbs-up.
Even though I was confused, I returned the gesture.
He nodded in satisfaction and walked off somewhere.
“I wonder what that was about?” (Yuuto)
When I asked Yuuka that—
Her eyes had grown teary. So I patted her head, and she narrowed her eyes, looking like she was really enjoying it.
After a while, as I kept patting her, Yuuka reached her hands out toward me.
Thinking that it can’t be helped, I picked her up and carried her behind me toward the shopping district.
TL Notes:
Thanks for reading!
Footnote:
- None