The bus arrived in front of the station.
We boarded the train that arrived.
Kurusu didnât say a single word.
When we reached Kitaichikura Station.
Suddenly she laughed. Kurusu finally opened her mouth.
ãAs one would expect from a member of the Human Culture Research Club.ã
ãEh?ã
I blinked my eyes at the unexpected words.
Kurusu still floated a good natured smile but somehow, a feeling like it would break started to emerge.
ãOkutani-kun, watches people often, huh.ã
ãIs that so? There is no such thing butâ¦ã
ãBut, you saw through me did you not?ã
I saw through her. I didnât do such an amazing thing.
I just thought Kurusu was just being a bit unreasonable.
You seem tired frantically hiding behind a mask from everyone.
âIn order to not be hated, in order to not be hatedâ, trying to treat everyone equally. 1
The girl that tries to be everyoneâs friend and fight against gossip didnât show a single disagreeable expression.
Thatâs why she chased after me to ask me to try going home together.
ãAre you scared of being hated by people?ã
I tried asking such a question.
Kurusuâs shoulders dropped.
It became easy to tell she looked different from the original Kurusu.
ãIt isnât like that but⦠Hey, Okutani-kun, do you have some time?ã
ãRight now?ã
ãYeah. Wonât you come to my house? I wanted to talk for a bit.ã
A girlâs house.
Furthermore I ended up getting invited to the super beauty Kurusu Miaâs house.
For a male virgin, this is a story like a dream.
Rather, the reality is too much and I am troubled dealing with it.
ãE-toâ¦ã
ãIf I wonât be an annoyance then itâs fine butâ¦ã
Looking at me as if I was towering above, Kurusu had pleading eyes.
For the seemingly good girl Kurusu, it was a splendidly willful action.
ãIt isnât a problem. Since tomorrow is a school holiday.ã
What is she saying?
âYou can even stay overâ, is what it seems like she said.
Idiot. You are way too easy-going.
But, Kurusu laughed seeming like she did not realize my error.
ãThank goodness. Then itâs decided.ã
With perfect timing, the train arrived at Mikura Station.
We disembark on the stationâs platform and climb the staircase.
Somehow Kurusuâs steps seemed to have became light.
It was a short distance to Kurusuâs house from the station.
It was the top floor of a tower apartment complex that seemed like it was built no more than a year ago.
Naturally it had an auto-lock.
If the key isnât used even the elevator wonât move.
ãGo ahead.ã
Pulling the sturdy door, Kurusu guided me around the house.
ãMom! I brought a friend.ã
ãMom!?ã
For a male virgin, even this was an error.
For my own convenience, I was under the impression that a girl inviting a boy to their house meant the parents were absent.
ãWelcome home. Ara, hello.ã
Kurusuâs mother was also quite the beauty.
In actuality she might be a bit older but even if she said she was in her twenties, I wouldnât doubt it.
She had long chestnut-colored hair just like her daughter.
Even though it was their house, she wore a white shirt and a tight skirt.
ãHello. I am in the same club as your daughter, Okutani Koumei.ã
With my head bowed, I give my greetings.
ãI am sorry for the sudden visit.ã
ãAra, so polite⦠I am not very hospitable but, feel free to make yourself comfortable.ã
When I took off my shoes, we went to the living room with Kurusuâs guidance.
ãBy all means, sit. Since I will be going out soon.ã(Kurusuâs Mom)
She had an appearance as if she had work after this.
ãWhere are you going?ã
ãTo a meeting with a client⦠The truth is I had plans during the day.ã
While having such a conversation, the mother and daughter prepared snacks and beverages.
ãThen, please take your time.ã
With a light wave, Kurusuâs mom left.
The living room was about 20 square tatami and was well arranged.
There was a large T.V. and a big window.
The white walls were decorated with patterns of shapes.
ãWhat work does your mom do?ã
ãIt is a job related to architecture.ã
Munching on the snacks, Kurusu replied.
ãWhat about your dad?ã
ãHe is the president of a design office. They met at a college of arts and got married. Recently father became independent and opened his own officeâ¦ã
ãThen what about your siblings.ã
ãOkutani-kun just keeps asking questions.ã
ãSorry.ãn/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om
âItâs no big dealâ, Kurusu showed a rascally smile.
ãI have one older brother. He is a university student. He is living alone in Tokyo.ã
ãI seeâ¦ã
ãWhat do you see?ã
ãWell, it is the very picture of a lovely family.ã
ãI will receive your praise.ã
I agree. They were words of praise.
The one who invited me to their home was Kurusu.
You said there was something you wanted to say.
Somehow or another I tried to guess the details.
ãSo, you wanted to talk about somethingâ¦?ã
ãAh, yeahâ¦ã
After she took a sip of her drink, Kurusu looked at me with a serious face.
ãWill you be friends with me?ã
ãWe should have already become friends butâ¦ã
ãThatâs not what I meant, I meant a friend that I didnât have to try so hard to not hate meâ¦ã
ãI became your friend with such intentions.ã
Kurusu had the same face she showed on the train.
It was the selfish speech without caring about the partner that was normal for a highschool girl.
ãIs that so? Thank you.ã
She seems really happy.
Kurusu stood up and vanished in the corridor.
I wonder if she went to the restroom?
When she returned after a short time, Kurusu changed her clothes.
She had a T-shirt under her parka. It was a casual appearance with jeans.
Since I have only seen her in her uniform, this has a fresh taste to it.
ãI can relax⦠At last I am glad I have found someone I can relax with and talk to.ã
Kurusu once again sat down on a chair with a relaxed expression.
Picking up a snack, she put it in her mouth.
And then she licked her index finger. It was erotic.
ãAfter all you were scared huh? Of being hated.ã
ãYeah⦠Itâs a bit different thoughâ¦ã
Then, Kurusu talked about her past.
I donât really know here. Did my best â©