ODL – Chapter 27 – I Want You to Cook!

“So, this is what you decided.” (Souma)

On a Saturday afternoon, seated at the usual table, were Shizuka and a special guest.

She had orange hair which extended all the way to her shoulders and a hair ornament shaped like a star that seemed to be constantly sparkling. This child, who seems like the cheerful type, had been invited to dinner by Shizuka.

“Nice to meet you! I’m Zeria, a VTuber affiliated with [Virtual Real]. My real name is Honna Miyabi!” (Miyabi)

“Nice to meet you, Miyabi-chan. I haven’t watched your streams, but of course, I have heard of you. I’m Tendou Souma.” (Souma)

“I see. Well then, starting today, I hope you’ll watch my streams!” (Miyabi)

“Sure, I’ll consider it.” (Souma)

From just that exchange, I could tell that she was as cheerful as she looked.

Even though she is probably younger than me, she doesn’t seem intimidated by being around an older guy like me whom she just met. She is most likely one of those types who believe that there is nothing to be afraid of in this world.

“So, Miyabi-chan, what brings you here?” (Souma)

“I want you to meet my colleague,” was the only information I had received from Shizuka.

I didn’t really understand why I had to meet a VTuber, but I assumed it might be related to the off-collab and It seems that my assumption was correct.

“Mmm, is it true that you’re the one who made all the ‘EtteMeals’ Tendou-san?” (Miyabi)

When I glanced at Shizuka, she gave a slight nod. She probably already revealed the truth to her.

“Yeah, that’s me, but… what about it?” (Souma)

I wondered if there might be some kind of rule in [Virtual Real] about interacting with the opposite gender or something like that. Maybe Miyabi-chan was here to confirm the facts… Nvm, that theory is a bit too far-fetched.

“I want to try one of those ‘EtteMeals’ too! I was wondering if Tendou-san can make one for the off-collab.” (Miyabi)

Miyabi-chan’s eyes started sparkling and she leaned forward in her chair while making that request.

“If that’s all you’re asking for, it’s a simple request, but…” (Souma)

A cooking request. That’s not an issue in itself.

However, there is something I need to confirm before agreeing.

“Miyabi-chan, is it safe to assume that you’re willing to support ‘EtteMeals’? I would prefer if you could let Shizuka continue, if possible.” (Souma)

“Souma-kun…” (Shizuka)

Shizuka looked at me apologetically.

Miyabi-chan glanced between me and Shizuka, then strangely grinned.

“Of course, I’m totally on board with it! It’s my first time meeting ‘Ette’, but I consider us to be close friends.” (Miyabi)

“I see… Yeah, in that case, I’ll prepare something luxurious for the ‘EtteMeals’. Is that okay with you too, Shizuka?” (Souma)

“Yeah, sure… Thank you, both of you.” (Shizuka)

“Yay! EtteMeals~ EtteMeals~!” (Miyabi)

Watching Miyabi-chan celebrating with both hands in the air, I secretly became convinced, “This girl is definitely a good kid…”

◆

” …There’s a scent of an unfamiliar woman.” (Mafuyu)

“Don’t say scary things, Mafuyu-chan. This world is full of unfamiliar women.” (Souma)

Lately, Mafuyu-chan has been entering my house so naturally that I wonder if she’s mistaken it for her own.

*Huggg~~ (gyuuu~~)*

” …What are you doing, Mafuyu-chan?” (Souma)

“Overwriting the scent.” (Mafuyu)

I can feel Mafuyu-chan’s warmth against my back.

Her hands are wrapped around my stomach, and gently caressing me through my apron.

Um… this is kinda erotic…

“Mafuyu-chan, that tickles.” (Souma)

Her hand doesn’t stop.

The hand that had been moving between my chest and stomach, whether intentionally or accidentally, started heading lower. So, I caught her mischievous hand.

“I’ll have to punish naughty kids, you know?” (Souma)

“Okay… Please punish me…” (Mafuyu)

While she whispered that in my ear, her breath tickled me.

“…In that case, I won’t make you dinner tonight.” (Souma)

“Eh…? That would be troublesome, sorry.” (Mafuyu)

My body has finally been released.

“If you want dinner, go and wait quietly in the living room.” (Souma)

“Yes.” (Mafuyu)

Without turning around, I could hear her footsteps getting further and further.

“……” (Souma)

She didn’t notice that I was getting nervous… right?

Mafuyu-chan’s level of skinship occasionally crosses certain boundaries, and it’s a bit hard for me to react to it…

“Wait, Mafuyu-chan!? Why are you trying to enter the bedroom!” (Souma)

Her footsteps were moving in a different direction than I predicted, so when I turned around, I saw Mafuyu-chan attempting to enter my bedroom.

“Isn’t it the girlfriend’s privilege to smell her boyfriend’s bed?” (Mafuyu)

“I keep telling you, I’m not your boyfriend…” (Souma)

Mafuyu-chan is still holding onto that incident from before. No matter how many times I explained it, she refused to understand, giving me a headache.

I could only watch as Mafuyu-chan disappeared into my bedroom, with her fingers idly pressed against her lips. I was currently busy with cooking, so my hands are currently tied to the kitchen.

“Onii-chan’s scent… Once you finish dinner, wake me up, okay?” (Mafuyu)

“Oi, if you’re going to sleep, do it at your place.” (Souma)

Without paying any attention to my words, Mafuyu-chan stopped talking after that.

“…Well, there’s nothing I can do about it.” (Souma)

I couldn’t bring myself to push away my younger sister (imouto) who had become more demanding than before. Maybe this is what they call codependency.

In fact, I have already become used to waking up in the morning and finding a half-naked Mafuyu-chan next to me… Maybe I’m the one who doesn’t want to leave her… that can’t be it, right?

Illustration of Miyabi