After returning from the grocery shopping for dinner, I immediately retreated to my room.
"Uuu... so embarrassing..."
I dived onto my bed and buried my face in the pillow.
Why did I even ask Ootsuki-kun something like that?
I've never really cared about how others perceive me before. Especially evaluations from guys were not just unimportant; they were somewhat bothersome.
But...
"...I wonder if Ootsuki-kun thinks I'm cute too?"
I felt embarrassed saying it out loud. Somehow, I felt my face getting hot.
I buried my face in the pillow again and let out an "Uuu~" without reason as I flapped my legs.
Ootsuki-kun has only come to the house twice. That's right, just twice.
And yet... am I really becoming conscious of Ootsuki-kun?
"Could it be that I...?"
A single answer bubbled up inside me.
"No, no, no! Absolutely not! That can't be!"
I vehemently denied that answer.
The possibility of me having feelings for Ootsuki-kun was extremely low. I mean, there's just no reason to like him. We haven't had that many conversations, and I don't even fully understand his personality yet. There's so much I don't know. So, falling for him is definitely out of the question.
Well, compared to other guys at school, I do feel a bit closer to Ootsuki-kun right now...
He's calm, polite, not pushy, doesn't seem to judge me solely based on appearances, gets along well with Ryouta, he's caring and kind, he's good at cooking and cleaning, and, oh yeah, Mom liked Ootsuki-kun too...
...Huh? Wait a second. Could it be that Ootsuki-kun is actually quite attractive?
"Wait! Hold on! Calm down, me. Calm down for a moment."
Indeed, Ootsuki-kun might be attractive, yes, let's admit it honestly. Yeah, I have to admit it. I have no choice. The real issue is whether or not I like Ootsuki-kun.
I wonder... I probably haven't fallen for him yet. It's still too short a time. If I fall now, it'll just be like the love at first sight I've ridiculed so much until now.
Me, falling for Ootsuki-kun at first sight? Impossible! Absolutely impossible!!
"...Impossible... right?"
Ah! Seriously! I don't know! I don't understand my own feelings! I'm getting all fuzzy!
My ideal for love is starting with a casual acquaintance, gradually becoming friends, getting to know each other well through hanging out, and only then developing feelings.
If I start liking Ootsuki-kun now, it will deviate from that ideal.
"First, I need to become friends with Ootsuki-kun, then we can get closer, and only after that can we be lovers. Yeah, that's what a healthy romance is."
Yep, yep. I thought, as I folded my arms.
Wait, eh?
Am I assuming things about becoming lovers with Ootsuki-kun on my own?
Could it be... do I... do I actually like Ootsuki-kun?
"Auwha~~! No way, I'm telling you that's not it~!"
I don't like him yet! Not yet, got it?
But... hypothetically, just hypothetically, if Ootsuki-kun were to be my boyfriend...
"...Maybe... it's possible."
Just imagining it made my face turn red.
Embarrassed, I covered my face with both hands, shaking my head from side to side to distract myself.
The reason I've been becoming so conscious of Ootsuki-kun is because Saki said, "Ayaka and Ootsuki-kun have great chemistry," and Mom kept asking me things like, "Were you captivated by Ootsuki-kun?" This is why I'm being overly conscious about him!
As I was lost in thought, my gaze landed on the romance manga stuffed into the bookshelf. Suddenly, an idea struck me.
"I've got it! I should just confirm my feelings for myself!"
In romance stories, heroines who fall in love have their hearts race and flutter just from locking eyes with the men they fell in love with. Even a simple conversation can make them feel blissful.
If the current me were to lock eyes with Ootsuki-kun or have a conversation with him, would my heart race like the heroines in manga? If there's no change in my heart, then that means I still don't like Ootsuki-kun, right? On the other hand, if I get all excited around Ootsuki-kun, that would mean... well, you know what that means.
"But then... what should I do...?"
I've never liked someone before, so I don't know what to do.
"...Well, I guess I'll think about that when the time comes. First, I need to confirm my feelings."
I got off the bed and left my room. Ootsuki-kun is probably preparing dinner right now.
I went downstairs and headed to the living room.
Walking from my room to the living room isn't a small distance at all.
I was born and raised in this house, and I've walked down countless hallways, but today, they feel strangely lengthy.
I want to go to the living room quickly and confirm my feelings, but at the same time, I'm a little scared.
With this complex mix of emotions, I took a deep breath to calm my racing heart, then slowly turned the doorknob and entered the living room.
"Oh? Ayaka, I'm home."
"Huh? Dad? You're back."
The first voice that greeted me as I entered the living room was my dad's. Normally, he comes home from work a bit later, but today he's back a bit early. I was so lost in thought about Ootsuki-kun that I didn't even notice Dad's return.
"Well, you know, today was the day Ootsuki-kun was coming over as a housekeeper, so I wrapped up work a bit early to come home."
Dad said that while looking at Ootsuki-kun standing in the kitchen. Since the last time, Dad had been really impressed with the hamburg steak Ootsuki-kun made and had expressed his desire to meet him. So, it seems he came back home early today because he was looking forward to Ootsuki-kun's visit.
"The hamburg steaks last time were fantastic, but I'm really looking forward to the pasta this time. By the way, Ootsuki-kun, you've got a really efficient way of handling things in the kitchen. Watching you cook is like observing a skilled artisan."
"Thank you very much. I'm really glad to hear that. I'll do my best to satisfy your taste as well."
"Hmm, to think there's such a wonderful kid in Ayaka's class."
Seems like Dad has taken a liking to Ootsuki-kun, following suit after Mom. With this, Mom, Dad, Ryouta, and everyone in the family seems to have taken a liking towards Ootsuki-kun.
Now, the question remains: What do I think of Ootsuki-kun? I need to find out soon.
With my heart pounding, I slowly shifted my gaze towards Ootsuki-kun to discover my feelings. Hmm, I wonder... is my heart fluttering?
I placed my hand over my heart to check my heartbeat. ...It's a bit faster than usual... maybe. But... it doesn't feel like being in love...
I'm not sure. Maybe I should observe Ootsuki-kun up close for a bit longer.
I sat down at the dining table right next to the kitchen and fixed my gaze on Ootsuki-kun.
He was holding a knife, his gaze focused on the cutting board. Oh, his serious expression while cooking is kind of charming...
…Wait, wait, me! Finding something charming ≠ I like him, right? I have to be careful with my judgment.
As if sensing my gaze, Ootsuki-kun's eyes lifted from his work, meeting mine.
"—!"
At that moment our eyes met, my heart raced so much I thought it might stop! My chest throbbed with a loud "thump!"
"Uh, sorry, Toujou-san. It'll be done in just a bit, so please wait a little longer."
"Haeh!? Ah, no. It's totally fine! You don't need to rush at all! Yeah, I'm not that hungry yet."
Somehow, I feel like Ootsuki-kun got the wrong idea about something. Uh-oh, I'm getting so embarrassed, my face might catch on fire any second now. I really want to run back to my room and dive onto my bed.
Wait? Hold on. Did I just react like "thump!" when our eyes met? Like the heroines in manga do?
So... does this mean... I like Ootsuki-kun...?
No, no, no, no, no! Wait, I still don't know for sure! Maybe it was just because our eyes met suddenly, and I got surprised. Yes, that must be it. The "thump!" was just because I got startled. That's all.
One more time, if our eyes meet again and my heart still races, then at that moment, I'll finally assess my feelings properly. Yes, let's do that.
I took a deep breath and exhaled, calming my nerves. Just then, I felt Mom's gaze on me, so I turned my head. She was playing with Ryouta in the living room, looking at me with a knowing grin, as if she understood something.
Before she could jump to any conclusions, I opened my mouth to say something to her, but she had already gone back to playing with Ryouta.
Oh no, this is going to be another thing she'll tease me about later.
While thinking that, I slumped over the dining table and just then, Dad's voice chimed in.
"Ayaka, are you close with Ootsuki-kun?"
"Huh? Um, I wouldn't say that much."
Looking at Dad as I answered, he had a solemn expression and was looking alternatively between me and Ootsuki-kun. Seems like Dad's making his own assumptions too.
"I'm telling you the truth. I hardly ever talked to Ootsuki-kun until he started coming to our house for housekeeping, you know?"
"Hmm, is that so?"
Dad said that while looking at Ootsuki-kun. Ootsuki-kun, noticing Dad's gaze, replied with a similar answer to mine.
"Yeah, I haven't had many chances to talk with Toujou-san at school."
"I see. Well, Ootsuki-kun, you seem like an honest and sincere person. I would be happy if you could become friends with my daughter from now on."
"Hey! Dad!"
What are you saying so suddenly, Dad! It's like you're giving us your parental approval or something! Look, even Ootsuki-kun looks troubled!
"Sorry, Ootsuki-kun. My dad said something weird."
"No, don't worry about it. Well, being invited to do housekeeping here might be some kind of fate as well, and as your dad mentioned, I hope that as classmates, we can become friends from now on."
"Huh? Ah, yeah! T-that's right!"
Being friends with Ootsuki-kun? Absolutely welcome! Until now, he's been treating me like a client, but having him treat me as a classmate and friend just feels more natural and reassuring for me.
While I was inwardly celebrating, Dad cleared his throat with a "cough."
"Ootsuki-kun, I'm glad you're getting along with my daughter... but... I haven't given you permission to call me 'dad'!"
Hey–! What are you suddenly saying, Dad!
"Ah, no! Um, that was very rude of me!"
See! Ootsuki-kun looks very flustered! He's bowing so deeply! He looks so pitiful!
"Ahahaha! No, no, I was just kidding, Ootsuki-kun."
"...Phew, that surprised me."
You really gave Ootsuki-kun a scare with that joke, Dad!
I've never really had a rebellious phase before in my life, but right now, at this moment, I feel like I'm entering the biggest rebellious phase of my life.
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Ayaka's Impression of Haruto: I'm interested in him?
Im gonna say: "Let him cook!"
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