Chapter 6: Can I Take a Bath Alone?
The childish prank of shaking an unopened can of Coke before handing it to me left my face and clothes soaked in sticky fizz. I wanted to complain about the force behind the shake, but seeing Amanika-san's mischievous smile and the way she giggled cutely at her prank's success-I decided to let it slide.
Anyway, we dug into the pizza while it was still warm. One had a meaty topping, the other was seafood. Both of us were starving, and it had been a while since either of us had eaten pizza. Between the two of us, we devoured them in no time.
"Well, now that I'm full, I think I'll take a bath. I can take a bath, right?"
"Of course," I replied. "Gas, electricity, and water are all working, so no worries there."
That was a relief. On the way to the bathroom, I decided to explore the house. Opening doors one by one in curiosity, I came across the bedroom-and froze.
A king-sized bed. Two pillows. One comforter.
The kind of setup you'd expect in a couple's bedroom.
...Wait, was I supposed to sleep in the same bed as Amanika-san?
I pushed that thought aside and headed for the bathroom instead. Even the bathtub was surprisingly large-spacious enough for two people to stretch their legs and relax together.
Wait, did I just imagine taking a bath with Amanika-san someday?
"Well, now that I'm full, I think I'll take a bath. I can take a bath, right?"
"Of course," I replied. "Gas, electricity, and water are all working, so no worries there."
That was a relief. On the way to the bathroom, I decided to explore the house. Opening doors one by one in curiosity, I came across the bedroom-and froze.
A king-sized bed. Two pillows. One comforter.
The kind of setup you'd expect in a couple's bedroom.
...Wait, was I supposed to sleep in the same bed as Amanika-san?
I pushed that thought aside and headed for the bathroom instead. Even the bathtub was surprisingly large-spacious enough for two people to stretch their legs and relax together.
Wait, did I just imagine taking a bath with Amanika-san someday?
"Oh no. Thoughts like these... Did something in me just die?"
At this rate, Reason-san and Decency-san might go extinct. It wasn't hard to see why adolescent boys were dangerous. Normally, I wouldn't think of myself that way, but when you're suddenly living with a goddess-tier beauty like Amanika-san, you never know what kind of thoughts you might have.
"Oh? I wouldn't mind if a mistake happened. In fact, I'd welcome it, wouldn't I?"
Huh?! That wasn't my voice! When did she get behind me!?
Amanika-san was standing there, arms folded, face calm -but her legs were shaking. She said she'd welcome it, but her body clearly said otherwise.
Time to tease her a little.
"So~ you're telling me I can do it if I want~?"
••••••
My eyes couldn't help but linger on Akeshi-kun's body as he sat in the bath. His toned muscles glistened with sweat and steam, his physique almost unreal. Every curve, every line was perfect. My heart raced. My imagination ran wild.
What would it be like to touch that body?
"Oh~ what were you thinking about, my dear?"
His voice was smooth, teasing, and seductive. Just hearing it sent a shiver down my spine. It was like a caress-soft, inviting, and far too tempting.
"Hoh~ did I get you aroused, sweetheart~?"
He stood, water dripping from his body, muscles flexing. He towered over me like some mythical hero from a dream-no, a fever dream. The steam only enhanced the effect.
Then, with a teasing smile, he walked away. "I'll be waiting," he said, and left.
I dropped to my knees, breath uneven. It was trouble-serious trouble-if he kept acting like that.
And well... I was disappointed that he wore a towel.
••••••
Back in the bedroom, I closed my eyes and focused, visualizing the entire room in detail. It was a skill I'd picked up from working at that place, and later at the café. There, I always needed to track which customer called from where, keeping a mental image of the entire layout, sometimes across 50 or 100 meters.
Still... what the hell was I doing earlier!? I only meant to tease her, but I might've gone overboard.
...No regrets, though.
I walked to the living room and made a call.
‹Yo! Akeshi, what's up? Why call now?›
"Rokusake, I sent some bags to your place. Did you get them?"
‹Yeah, I did. What's in them?›
"Nothing much. Just work-related stuff-notes, a notebook, etc. Also, I might come earlier than usual to finish some things."
‹Did you move somewhere?›
"Yeah, kind of. It's not too bad here. And... please don't go through that suitcase."
‹Sure, I won't. But why not just move into my place? You know we've got decent rooms, and it's close to your school.›
"Well..." I hesitated. "I'll explain tomorrow. That alright?"
‹Sounds good. When are you coming?›
"Three."
‹And leaving?›
"Nine."
‹Alright, see you then.›
"Oh, one more thing. You know Akira lives in the room next to yours, right?"
‹Yeah...?›
"Try not to make too much noise. She really likes to complain."
The silence said enough. Then the line disconnected.
He's definitely embarrassed.
"So, who were you talking to?" came Amanika-san's voice.
I turned to see her-fresh out of the bath. Her hair was dripping, skin glowing. She wore a bathrobe that clung to her damp skin and barely covered her upper body. Her curves, highlighted by the fabric, made it impossible to look away.
My face flushed red, but my eyes refused to move.
"I wanted to ask are you free tomorrow?" she said, tilting her head. "Also, you didn't answer my question. Who were you talking to?"
I blinked and quickly replied with a smile. "I'm free. And it was a senpai from work."
"Good. Let's say... 10:30 AM?"
"Sounds good. What's the plan?"
"I want to go shopping. First, an electronics store for a washing machine and refrigerator. Then Kappabashi for kitchenware. I could pick everything out myself, but I want to go with you, Akeshi-kun."
"My father always said that for daily necessities like a fridge or washer, we should see them in person and ask the shopkeepers."
She's not wrong.
Honestly, not like I had a say in the matter to begin with.
"If I had to say, I kind of agree. Most people think anything will do, but for things you use daily, it's better to see them firsthand. Besides, it's kind of exciting to shop for your own appliances."
"Exactly!" she smiled. "We're going to live together from now on, so let's choose something we're both happy with. Hmm... I'm looking forward to tomorrow."
It really did feel like a dream. I thought I was going to be Taka-san's adopted little brother after my father fled overseas, leaving behind a mountain of debt. But then Amanika-san saved me. And in return—we decided to live together and eventually marry, whether I liked it or not.
To outsiders, it might seem like a win-win situation.
And maybe… I thought so too.