Volume 3 - Me, Her, and a Pair of Wings
Chapter 13
The next day, Suzuka-san was discharged from the hospital and treated us to high-class sushi. I had heard from Chinatsu that Suzuka-san was a big sushi lover, and since both Chinatsu and I also loved sushi, it was an easy decision, especially since hospital food didn't include sushi.
During the discharge procedures and while heading out to eat, Suzuka-san and Chinatsu kept bickering affectionately. Knowing their original relationship, I felt very happy. Above all, I was delighted that both Suzuka-san and Chinatsu treated it as perfectly normal for me to be with them.
The day after that, Suzuka-san tried to dive back into work immediately but was scolded by her subordinates for rushing back too soon and was told to go home early. Initially, I thought she had become a workaholic due to her divorce issues, but it seemed she had always been a workaholic.
Despite Suzuka-san teasing Chinatsu, saying she could extend her stay, Chinatsu went back home. Of course, I made sure everything was set up so she could come over anytime and gave her a spare key.
Then, the winter break started. Unexpectedly, during that period, we didn't meet up until the scheduled day.
Since I had adjusted my work schedule to avoid working during Christmas and New Year's, I focused on my part-time job, prepping during the day. Chinatsu, catching up on missed time with her friends, also didn't see me much. Above all, it was nice to see that Chinatsu could have more conversations with Suzuka-san, who had been only focused on her work ever since her daughter entered high school. She would always come home early from work, spend family time together, and cook dinner. Suzuka-san joked about putting Chinatsu through bridal training, while Chinatsu was determined to definitely cook the next time she stayed over. Receiving these simultaneous messages left me at a loss for how to respond.
Despite not seeing each other for a few days, I didn't feel as lonely as I expected. This might be because Chinatsu frequently messaged and called me, and living together for about ten days had reassured both of us. I was now her boyfriend, and she was my girlfriend. That fact will never change.
And then, Christmas Eve arrived.
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"It's so crowded," Chinatsu said, clinging to my arm to avoid us from getting separated.
We were both dressed a bit more stylishly today, aiming for a college student vibe. Or at least, that's what Chinatsu said as she coordinated the outfits. In fact, the clothes I was wearing were also selected by her. We met at the station, and even though my vocabulary was limited as I commented on her outfit, she still smiled cheerfully without getting upset. By the way, when Chinatsu saw my search history while we were making plans, she discovered that I had been searching for presents. From then on, I vowed to clear my history.
“I was struggling to decide too, but it made me happy that you were also putting in the effort. So, instead of surprises and all that, why don't we pick something together this time?”
"That's honestly a relief, but are you sure?"
“Of course. As you know, we’ve been through a lot. From mom’s situation, becoming lovers after, to having to live together. It would be surprising if we still had the energy to surprise each other, right?”
"...Isn’t it because you checked my search history while I went to the toilet?”
"No, look… when I clicked the mouse, the recent searches popped up, and there was a 'see more' link. I couldn't help but wonder if there might be some interesting or even lewd things in the search history that would reveal more about my boyfriend's hobbies. That's just a girl's curiosity, you know…”
"And what would you do if you found something?"
"I-I hadn't thought that far, but seeing things like 'first Christmas date spots with girlfriend' or 'thoughtful first gift ideas,' it made me feel really loved. Yeah, I guess that's why girlfriends check their boyfriend's search history—to feel loved."
"...I’m pretty sure you’re not completely right with the last sentence, and it's embarrassing, so please stop."
As a result of that conversation, we ended up wandering around a Christmas-themed shopping mall in the city, looking for presents among other things.
"Isn't this cute?"
Chinatsu stopped at a small shop nestled among a row of accessory stores. In front of the shop, a pair of key cases with small red and blue teddy bears caught her eye. Just as Chinatsu had a key to my place, I also had a key to hers, given to me by Suzuka-san
"This is a token of my trust and expectations," Suzuka-san said.
Her words continued with, "I trust you, and I hope you'll stay with Chinatsu," which made me feel a bit embarrassed. But looking at the two different keys side by side, I understood why Chinatsu had once said she felt a little sad returning my spare key.
Because of this, the pair of key cases seemed like the perfect gifts for our first Christmas together.
◇◆
"Hmm, maybe I should get a part-time job too.”
Chinatsu mused after we bought and attached the key cases.
"Really? I didn't think you were short on money."
"Yeah, my mom gave me plenty to make sure I wouldn't struggle, and I get an allowance too. I bought this with my allowance, but you bought yours with money you earned yourself. And you're paying for dinner later too. I'm genuinely happy about it, but I don't like feeling like I'm just taking advantage of you.”
Apparently, she didn't want to always rely on me just because I earned more. Despite how much she could lean on me at times, it was clear that Chinatsu also wanted to stand on her own two feet. This was part of her charm that wasn't immediately obvious from just looking at her.
"Hehe, that’s true. I don’t really mind you relying on me, but learning and experiencing how society works through working part-time could be beneficial. I learned a lot from mine…"
"I see. Any recommendations?"
"Not really... but I'd prefer if you avoided working at an izakaya or a convenience store.”
"Eh? Why?”
"Well, if you were a waitress or a clerk, you'd probably get hit on... or rather… I bet I sounded restrictive and gross just now, right? Forget I said anything! Don’t mind me. You can do whatever job you want to do, Chinatsu.”
"....."
I was a bit flustered, my face turning red. I expected her to tease me again, but Chinatsu remained silent. I glanced at her, worried that she might be put off by my sudden possessiveness.
“You’re banned from saying those things in public.”
She said softly. When I gave her a puzzled look, she tightened her grip on my left arm, and the soft sensation that I felt grew stronger.
"...Rather than being restrictive, it's more like you want to keep me all to yourself, and that makes me really happy. You don't usually say things like that, Hajime... And I don’t like how I can't openly show you how happy it makes me when you say it here in public, so it's unfair. That's why it's banned.”
“.....”
I was momentarily speechless. In this situation, I wondered who was really being unfair.
You’re the one who’s unfair sometimes, Chinatsu.
I thought to myself.
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Bonus Chapter (7/10)
