We ended up going to the third floor, where all the fitness and sports-related stores were.
The first thing that surprised me was the atmosphere. The spacious floor was filled with trendy brands that I, an ordinary university student, had never even heard of. Various colorful sportswear and shoes were displayed at storefronts. I didn’t know that sportswear could be this stylish.
“Well, let’s see, what should I buy? Running shoes, clothes… If I’m going to exercise in my room, I’ll need some indoor ones as well.” (Hiyori)
Hiyorin murmured as she looked at the floor map. Further back, I could see that there were golf or tennis items. Rows of short skirts for women lined up, and the mischievous little devil residing in my mind pictured my oshi dressed up in them.
“Well… let’s just look around for now.” (Souma)
Hiyorin’s healthy legs, extending elegantly from the white skirt, were more than enough to shatter my rationality. I shook my head, trying to expel the little devil from my mind. If I continued like this, I would be completely exhausted before we finished we even finished a single floor.
I decided to storm into a nearby store to refresh my mood, and Hiyorin followed suit.
“!?” (Souma)
What awaited us were a variety of women’s sports underwear. The mischievous devil that was in my mind had evolved into a formidable foe, and of course, I couldn’t let Hiyorin know about this.
We hastily slipped out of the store. Why on earth was there a lingerie shop on the sports floor!?
“Sorry! I wasn’t paying attention!” (Souma)
“Ah, ahaha… It’s okay, everyone makes mistakes, right? L-Let’s just go to another store, shall we?” (Hiyori)
My face must have been red, and Hiyorin’s face was also flushed. We awkwardly moved towards another store.
◆
“How about this one? I think it’s cute and perfect for summer.” (Hiyori)
Hiyorin held up a lemon-yellow zip-up hoodie and layered it over her body, then turned to face me.
“Well… um, excuse me for a moment.” (Souma)
First, I decided to touch it to confirm the material. The surface felt smooth, and it was quite different from the hoodies I usually saw Shizuka wear. This one seemed designed specifically for sports, and according to the tag, it was excellent at absorbing sweat.
Yeah, it seemed pretty good. The washing instructions were straightforward too.
“I think it’s a good choice. It seems to have good functionality as well.” (Souma)
As I let go of the hoodie and expressed my opinion, Hiyorin directed a dissatisfied look my way.
“Souma-kun… you can’t do that, you know? When a woman asks for your opinion on clothing, you should answer based on whether it’s cute or not.” (Hiyori)
She once again placed the hoodie against her body, this time looking at me with an expectant gaze.
“Well, um… you’re right.” (Souma)
I know. It was probably what she wanted to ask from me in the first place. But right now, it was a high hurdle to look directly at Hiyorin.
Because… the hoodie was resting on her chest. When you try to look at the hoodie, you inevitably end up staring at her chest. Please, realize that I’m trying my best not to do that.
Hiyorin, you’re a very dangerous presence for young men, you know.
“How does it look…? Maybe it doesn’t suit me…?” (Hiyori)
“Uh…” (Souma)
Unable to bear Hiyorin’s sad voice, I found myself looking at the hoodie. It was unlike Shizuka or Mafuyu’s outfits; the hoodie was sticking out unnaturally in a certain area. In my mind, the devil started to dance. Stop it, don’t imagine Hiyorin’s chest without permission!
“I think it suits you…” (Souma)
“Really? That’s great. Then, shall we go with this one?” (Hiyori)
As Hiyorin happily put the hoodie back in its place, I took a deep breath, making sure not to get caught.
“…Phew.” (Souma)
The phrase “a drop of water on a hot stone1” came to mind. The part of me that my reason couldn’t control was relentlessly making my head hot. When did I become so weak in the presence of women? I felt like I wasn’t myself, but there was no doubt that I was still Tendou Souma.
“Alright, let’s go look for bottoms next.” (Hiyori)
“Yeah… let’s do that.” (Souma)
Somehow, my whole body feels itchy again. My blood must be rushing into my head rapidly.
I don’t care if it’s Shizuka or Mafuyu, someone, please help me.
I was so distressed that I found myself looking for a non-existent pair. I never thought a date with my oshi could be this exhausting. No, of course, it’s fun and enjoyable, but there’s an equal amount of mental fatigue.
When I went shopping with Shizuka for household appliances, it wasn’t like this… The reason for that was clear, but I felt bad putting it into words. Where the nutrients go in the human body is something we can’t control.
TL Notes:
Thanks for reading!
Bruh so it’s just her chest that is causing him distress. Well, ask and you shall receive cause those two are just waiting to make an appearance.
Also, I swear that this is the title of the chapter. I guess the imaginary Shizuka in MC’s head decided to name this chapter after what he said at the end.
Thanks for the update ~~~