ODL – Chapter 75 – Rinjou Shizuka Saw It

[Hiyorin’s PoV]

I wish I could just get drunk and forget.

But yesterday’s beer didn’t seem to be enough to take away my memory.

Even after I woke up, I remembered yesterday’s disgrace vividly. I could still recall the coldness of the floor against my cheek when I tumbled onto the ground.

“…Why did I do something like that?” (Hiyori)

While burying my face in my bed, my self-loathing kicks in… How many times have I done this already?

How much trouble have I already caused to Souma-kun? Even yesterday’s menu, I’m sure he made it because of me. If I keep relying on his kindness, I’ll definitely be hated someday. That future is probably not too far away.

“(Hiyorin’s my oshi after all. I want to be there to help you whenever you’re going through a tough time.)” (Imaginary Souma)

…As long as he said that, things are still okay. I still have time to change myself. Starting from tomorrow, no… Starting from today, I need to change.

“Alright!” (Hiyori)

I got up from the bed and took out all the beer from the fridge.

Souma-kun, Shizuka-chan, would you like some beer?

◆

[Souma’s PoV]

“Alright, I’m opening it now… Huh, Hiyorin?” (Souma)

As I was preparing breakfast, our home, which had become a hotspot for unauthorized entries, had its doorbell rang. When I opened the door, Hiyorin was standing unsteadily, holding a cardboard box. I hurriedly took it from her and listened to her explanation, and it seemed to contain beer. She mentioned she wanted to seal away the beer for a while.

“Also… I’m sorry about yesterday. Or, well, not just yesterday but the day before as well…” (Hiyori)

“Don’t worry about it. I enjoy drinking with my oshi. And… I’ve already gotten used to it.” (Souma)

“Hahaha…” (Hiyori)

Hiyorin’s face contorted, and she let out a dry laugh. Even with her contorted expression, she looked cute, and I couldn’t help but marvel at her beauty. By talking to the normal Hiyorin, I once again realized that she still had that gem-like face…

“Well, I’ll gladly accept the beer.” (Souma)

For now, I was relieved that Hiyorin seemed to be in better spirits. I had been worried about what to do if she continued to feel down just like yesterday.

I let go of the door and placed the cardboard box in the hallway. As I turned to lock the door, Hiyorin was still standing there. I wondered if she had something else on her mind.

“What’s the matter?” (Souma)

“Well, I have a little request…” (Hiyori)

“A request? What is it?” (Souma)

There’s basically no reason to refuse a request from my ‘oshi’.

“…You mentioned yesterday that you’d help with my diet, right? I mean, I was thinking that I might slack off if I do it alone, so I was wondering if we could do it together…” (Hiyori)

“A diet, huh? Alright, but… what exactly are we going to do?” (Souma)

“I haven’t decided yet. I was thinking of doing things like morning runs and maybe playing some Ringfit Adventure¹.” (Hiyori)

“I see…” (Souma)

Ringfit Adventure is something that has been getting popular recently. I believe Ette-sama also played it on a livestream once. However, this is a single-player game, so I can’t assist with that. But if it’s morning runs, I can join her. It sounds refreshing and could be beneficial for me too.

…However, there was one issue here.

“Of course, I’d love to help. But the thing is, I don’t have any running attire. I’ll need to buy some. Is it okay to start doing it together after I get it?” (Souma)

In response to my words, Hiyorin’s face lit up.

“Oh, I was actually planning to go buy some myself. How about… we go shopping together?” (Hiyori)

“Oh, in that case, we should.” (Souma)

I nodded without putting in much thought. It’s possible that my genes are wired to make me nod in agreement when Hiyorin asks for a favor.

“Yes, are you free this Saturday?” (Hiyori)

“I’m available on that day. It’s okay.” (Souma)

“Great. So, I’ll see you on Saturday…?” (Hiyori)

With a cheerful smile, Hiyorin left, closing the door behind her. Once I was alone, I contemplated the situation.

◆

[Shizuka’s PoV]

“….Oh, this is…” (Shizuka)

There was someone watching the two of them, and that someone was me.

I had opened the door, intending to go to the convenience store, but I quickly hid at my entrance when I saw Souma-kun and Hiyorin talking. However, my curiosity got the best of me, so I opened the door just a bit and listened in on them. It seemed like they were planning to go out on Saturday.

“Well, I guess I have to tail them, right?” (Shizuka)

I quickly pulled my smartphone out of my pocket and opened Rime. From the Souma-kai room, I searched for a certain name and sent her a private message.

“(Mafuyu, do me a favor and hang out with me on Saturday. Also, approve my friend request already.)” (Shizuka)

Does she know how troublesome it is to switch from the group chat to the individual chat every time?

Mafuyu, who has pretty good time management, was still awake (while I was about to go to sleep), and she quickly read the message. A reply followed not long after.

“(Who is this?)” (Mafuyu)

This girl is really asking for it.