Inkya no Boku ni Batsu Game ni Kokuhaku Shitekita Hazu no Gyaru ga, Doumitemo Boku ni Betahore Desu

Volume 1 - CH 4.2



And thus, today was the day of the date. It was a Sunday.

“Good morning, Nanami-san. It’s a little early, but I’m here to pick you up.”

“…Good morning, Youshin. Thanks for yesterday.”

I got in touch with Nanami-san from a place just slightly off the spot of her home and met her as soon as she came out. It was a painstaking effort to avoid bumping into her family.

I guess it wouldn’t be a problem if we met, but I was a little embarrassed to have them see me like this. It was like a secret meeting, and I got a little excited.

Her outfit was a little more mature today.

She donned a white blouse and a long pale blue skirt. However, she still looked a little gyaru-like here and there. From her blouse, her shoulders were exposed, and her earrings, with other sorts of accessories, seemed to shine.

It was like a fusion of mature clothes and gyaru fashion…I can’t think of any words to describe this with my vocabulary. How do I say it?

The only thing I could understand was that she was cute.

I put on the clothes I bought yesterday for the first time, and I felt a little uncomfortable, but…if you were to think about it, this was an outfit that allowed me to stand next to her at present.

I really appreciate the help of Baron-san and Senpai. Without them, I would’ve been standing before her, dressed in pitch black attire. Even after all this time, I still feel horrified. Ignorance is a terrible thing.

“You’re giving off a different mood today. It suits you.”

“Yes…after all, I thought if I dressed this way, my dad wouldn’t notice that I was going out on a date with a boy. He must think I’m going to play with Hatsumi and Ayumi again today.”

Apparently, Nanami-san kept the fact that we were dating a secret from her family. Well, I’m keeping it a secret too.

In my case, there was no deeper meaning to it. It’s just that it’s kind of hard for me to say. I wonder how many high school students report to their parents that they have a girlfriend?

Though…my parents may be onto something.

Yesterday, they were surprised because I bought some very unusual clothes and they were not black, but they didn’t mention anything else. My dad just nodded and said, “I see, I see.”, looking somewhat emotional.

And then, this morning, when I woke up, they were no longer there, but there was more money than usual placed on the table for living expenses in the absence of my parents.

This has never happened to me before. I was grateful, but I was too scared to say anything about it…No, let’s leave my parents out of it for now.

Today, I felt somewhat invincible and all-powerful, perhaps because my clothes were different. I have to escort Nanami-san firmly.

“Then, let’s go.”

“Yes. Ah…Youshin, that’s right…”

“Hmm? What?”

“It suits you. You look good in that outfit.”

….Darn, she said it first.

That’s right. This was what I was lacking. Why couldn’t I say the word ‘cute’ out loud first?

Besides, that’s sly, doing that in the morning. She flashed me a smile resembling that of blooming cherry blossoms, and I couldn’t help but look back at her, my face turning a deep red.

My sense of invincibility and all powerfulness in my heart was blown away in one fell swoop. Instead, it was filled with another……a sense of happiness.

“Nanami-san…that outfit, it suits you too…and…i-it looks cute.”

I did my best to counterattack, but she just muttered, “I know.”, and came up next to me, taking my hand in hers.

I felt somewhat relieved to see her hand, the same as always… Even though she was so nervous just by taking my hand in hers a while ago, I wonder if this is what it means to grow up?

Ah, Nanami-san’s ears are red, so she seems a little pleased. Does that mean that was a successful counterattack?

“Ah, today I decided on that American comic book movie that Nanami-san wanted to see. You said you hadn’t seen it yet. I already bought the tickets online and saved the seats.”

“I didn’t know you could do that. I always bought it on the spot when I went with the other two….So, did you make sure to get the couple’s seat?”

“I didn’t……and you know that a cinema doesn’t have that. Don’t make fun of me.”

I forced a smile at Nanami-san, who showed her teeth and laughed strangely with a “nishishi.” Well, our seats were made to be neighbours, so it’s like an actual couple seat.

Even though her outfit had changed quite a bit, she was still Nanami-san on the inside. She often teases me, but she also self-destructs frequently. Being able to go out on a date with such a cute girl, I must be the happiest man in the world.

“By the way, I’ve never seen this series before, but do you think I’ll be able to enjoy it as someone who’s watching it for the first time?”

“Hmm, I think it’s alright. I’m one of those people who saw it halfway through and got hooked. But I haven’t seen the whole series.”

“I see. Well, that’s fine. Last I checked, there were more than 20 films in this series.”

“If Youshin gets into it too, let’s rent it and watch it together next time. Well, even if you’re not into it, I’d still make you watch it with me tho.”

Watching all twenty works together…that feels like a dream. A month is probably not long enough to finish the whole series.

No, if I push myself, I might be able to do it. Wait, that’s not what she’s saying.

How does she feel about this relationship?

Is it as practice, is it out of a sense of obligation for the punishment game, or is it because…she really likes me? Sometimes, she also looks sad and guilty.

I was aware that our relationship was the result of a punishment game.

But she smiled at me, not knowing that I knew that.

It was a carefree smile, with not a single shred of malice hidden within.

Every time I saw that smile, I felt like I was deceiving her.

Preferably, I’d like to have some male friends, possibly the best friend type, who’d realistically explain a girl’s(Nanami-san’s) mental state to me. Or, I’d like some convenient numbers and parameters who’d explain her current affection for me.

I had no idea because I had so little experience with such things.

『I’m sure she has the hots for you…although you’ve been together for less than a week, from your point of view, do you think she’s the kind of person who can deceive a guy? 』

The answer to Baron-san’s question was a no.

It was a very immediate answer.

For me to say such a thing, I know I’m overcomplicating things with my negativity, but I just can’t find the courage to take one more step. While I was thinking so…

“Youshin…? By some chance, are you one of those people who prefer watching movies alone?”

Her words snapped me back to reality. That’s right. I’m on a date with her now. Let’s put these negative thoughts away at the moment and think about having fun with her.

“That’s not the case. However, when it comes to renting the movie, it’ll inevitably be the two of us, which makes me nervous about watching it. Moreover, as a series, there’s a lot…it’ll probably take more than a month to finish it.”

At my words, her face was momentarily shadowed.

…Darn it, I’ve been so preoccupied with the punishment game just before that I blurted out the word one month. I’ve tried to avoid mentioning it as much as possible, but I failed.

The shadow on her face disappeared soon after, and then she closed her eyes and gave me a slight, imperceptibly sad smile.

“Well, then, at least…until we’ve seen the whole series, let’s stick together, kay?”

I was at a loss of words when she said that. T-That’s, does that mean she’ll still go out with me even after a month? A-Am I allowed falling in love?

……The air’s starting to get weird, so I tried to blow this air out of the room with a light-hearted remark. I can’t let her look this sad. I need her to enjoy today.

Today was supposed to be a good day for her.

“I’m going to feel terrible after watching the whole series, aren’t I? If that’s the case, I’ll have to stall watching it as long as possible…..As I have declared before, I have no intention of letting Nanami-san go.”

[Tl notes: Even Mc knows how terrible you’ll feel after watching finish one of your favourite series.]

After I said that, I thought to myself that it was somewhat unpleasant, but Nanami-san went back to her usual smile at my words. Thank God she didn’t pull away from me.

“It’s okay. The series will go on forever. They already have a new one scheduled for next year, you know?”

“The longer the series runs, the safer our relationship will be.”

Finally, we laughed at each other. At last, Nanami-san’s usual smile has returned. Relievidly stroking my chest, we headed to the movie theatre, hand in hand.

“…Just as I thought, you’ve been with a girl before, right? You seem oddly used to it, after all, you even went through the trouble of buying new clothes for the date.”

“That’s not true. …… Even today, I was planning on coming to the date in yesterday’s clothes if my social game friend or Shibetsu-senpai hadn’t told me to, you know? But then they stopped me.”

“By the way, what did he say?”

“Shibetsu Senpi said this to me,『Are you a ninja or an assassin!?』. Isn’t that awful?”

Nanami-san blew up.

“…N-Ninja…Ninja you say…Ninja…Kufufu…Fufu …”

It seems like I hit her pressure point, her face turned over, shivering and trembling. I don’t really know what it was, but if she received it, then that’s good, I guess.

“S-So yesterday…y-you saved us with you’re ninja skills…a-again…t-thank you, ninja-san…hahaha…”

“….If I really was a ninja, I would’ve saved you more brilliantly.”

I kind of had mixed feelings about her thanks, given how her voice was quivering with laughter. As we moved along, talking like that, it was not long before we arrived at the movie theatre.

Redeem the tickets and buy some popcorn…yup, I’m all set.

“Here, I’ll give you half.”

“No, that’s no good. Today’s meant as a thank-you for all the Bentos you’ve made for me so far. How else can I repay you if you give me half of your lunch?”

Reluctantly, she agreed to my words. Somehow or another, I’m going to finish it today.

Should I give her a gift at this time?

Was what I thought at first. But, Baron-san stopped me from doing so.

『Um, I think it’s still a little too early for that. It seems a little heavy, don’t you think? If you were to give a gift, I think it would still be better if you gave it to her on your one-month anniversary or something.』

One month…One month.

I’ll do my best, for our one month anniversary.

On those grounds, I’ll pay for today’s lunch, and after wandering around in the shopping mall, I’ll send Nanami-san home at night…and end today’s date. That’s the plan.

I was thinking about whether we should do even more, but ultimately, I decided against it.

While we were doing so, the movie began to run, and we watched the movie together.

While we sat there, neither Nanami-san nor I talked about whatever came to mind. How it’s weird that we’re together even on a Sunday, how we’re excited about the movie, and she even told me stuff about the story without spoiling too much…

I was surprised to find myself talking to someone like this. It was so different from my usual school life, being able to talk to a girl in a movie theatre in a normal setting.

Gradually, the screen lit up, and the lights in the theatre dimmed to match the surroundings. As the movie began, Nanami-san shifted her gaze to the screen.

I didn’t look at the screen but instead watched Nanami-san’s profile in the dimming light. In that split second, when the lights went out in total darkness, her profile was so beautiful.

It was so beautiful that it left a stronger impression on me than the movie.

When the theatre went dark, the movie started, and from then on, we were immersed in the movie without conversation. The content of the movie was indeed interesting. The action was spectacular, the storyline was profound, and we were excited by the sweaty development of the film.

Halfway, a romantic development is inserted, perhaps as part of the movie’s running gag. It was a kissing scene with the heroine, with the atmosphere of one about to make love, and I involuntarily looked at Nanami-san with a sidelong glance.

Then, for some reason, she also turned her gaze toward me, and our eyes met unexpectedly.

She didn’t speak but instead moved her mouth in a jerking motion as if wanting to tell me something. I think she wanted to tell me that she was feeling a little awkward.

I saw her smile lit up on the screen, and our hands touched one other. It was somehow different from when we were holding hands, and we continued to keep our hands on top of one another.



In the end, our overlapping hands were separated by the time the movie got going, but the warmth of her hand still remained on mine.

Nanami-san was happily watching the movie. I was watching the movie, too, and my eyes were moving around impatiently, gazing at Nanami-san’s profile.

If I had chosen a romantic movie, would we still have kept our hands on each other?

I thought about such a thing.

That was when I realized I might have been paying more attention to Nanami-san than the movie.

I thoroughly enjoyed the movie, and Nanami-san was still very excited after seeing it. Still excited, we made our way toward a nearby coffee shop to share our thoughts.

“That’s exactly what it’s like to get sweaty hands! The fighting scenes were so impressive and amazing! Moreover, that last scene!! It was so moving yet a little painful…after all, the hero has to fight for the sake of the earth!!”

“That’s right, it was interesting. But, just as expected, not seeing the previous works made me question 『why?』 at some scenes of the movie.”

“Me too. Getting into a series that I’ve never watched before makes me kind of interested……. I kind of get what a “compilation of a series” means now.”

“So it was a story that even Nanami-san didn’t know about. Given how happy you looked, I was certain that you knew everything about the movie.”

“…By any chance, were you still staring at my face after that without watching the movie?”

Darn it, did I get caught!? After our eyes met, I confessed to her that I repeatedly looked at her face, wondering what Nanami-san looked like at certain times of the movie.

She glared at me with half-open eyes, and I tried to gloss over it by averting my eyes.

“L-Look, I was sitting right next to you, so it just so happened that I looked at you…just so happened, okay? I mean, Nanami-san, your eyes also met mine, didn’t they?”

Nanami-san looked at me with her eyes half-closed for a moment as she listened to my excuses, but then, she sighed, as if to say, it can’t be helped, and showed a wry smile.

“That’s right, our eyes met. I was surprised.”

Nanami-san didn’t say anything more than that. Nor did she bring up the fact that our hands touched. I couldn’t understand what she was thinking, but I didn’t dare mention it either.

Was she embarrassed, or swept away by the atmosphere, or…did she want to keep it a secret between the two of us?

After that, we would exchange our impressions, eat lunch together, and look at clothes together.

It was a lot of fun spending time together with her.

Time seemed to fly by, and before I knew it, it was already nearing the evening.

I thought about staying with her until the evening. But her parents would be worried if she stayed out this late at night, and, as you’d expect, I didn’t even have the guts to ask her out for dinner in the first place.

Eating dinner together with a girl, with just the two of us…I think it’s a relatively high hurdle.

“What should I do for dinner today…”

As I was sending Nanami-san home, I mumbled those words involuntarily.

“Tonight? Aren’t you going to eat at home with your family?”

“Ah, my parents are out on a business trip today. They’re planning on coming back tomorrow night.”

“Then, what’re you going to do for tonight?”

“Oh, I was thinking of buying some random side dishes, or maybe just going to a restaurant and eating out…”

Hearing my words, Nanami-san behaved like she was thinking of a little something before opening her mouth.

“No, you can’t do that. Your nutrition will be unbalanced, you know?”

“Hmm…but I don’t cook. Well, I can at least handle one meal.”

“Hum…I understand!”

I thought I had convinced Nanami-san with my words, but I was wrong.

She had a somewhat resolved expression on her face, with a strong determination in her eyes.

“Eh?”

“I’ll go over to Youshin’s house and cook dinner for you today!!”

…Huh? Why did it turn out like this?

◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇

The scene happening in front of me right now…..is this real?

I pinched my cheek as hard as I could. The pain tells me that this scene in front of me is real. Yes, it hurts. But it still doesn’t feel real.

“Youshin’s home has a complete set of cooking utensils. Well, you don’t live alone, so that’s obvious. Is your mother the one who usually cooks?”

“Ah…yeah. My mom or dad or……whoever comes home first usually cooks the food.”

“Your dad cooks? That’s amazing. My dad can’t cook at all. The most he can do is make fried rice, I think?”

“I can’t cook at all, so I think Nanami-san’s dad is great enough. I can’t even cook a proper hamburger steak, and I doubt I can even make fried rice.”

“I’ll teach you how to cook next time. A man who can cook gets high points, am I right?”

“But…I don’t think I’m scoring any points other than for Nanami-san.”

At my words, Nanami-san went silent. Did I say something strange?

Before my eyes was the scene of Nanami-san wearing an apron, cooking in my home kitchen, even though she was just cooking, this scene had a much stronger impact on me than the movie I saw today.

The best images are streaming before my eyes in real-time.

Is this something that I can view for free? Even movies can’t be seen for free. You have to pay money to see them…Ah, maybe I already paid them in a sense…

No, calm down. Let’s calm down. Anyway, how did this happen…let’s rewind time a little—just a little bit.

Nanami-san said,

“I’ll go over to Youshin’s house and cook dinner for you today!!”

And before I could say anything else, she pulled her hand away and moved toward the food section of the shopping mall.

A girl bubbling with excitement and in high spirits, there was simply no way I could stop her…we arrived at the food section. In a scene that was unfamiliar to me, I stood by Nanami-san.

“By the way, what were you planning on eating today?”

“Why, I never really thought about that. There’s a chain of dumpling restaurants not long from here, so I thought of having a dumpling set meal there…and it’s cheap.”

“Gyoza, huh…I really want to make something that can help you sleep, but…Yeah, let’s make some dumplings then. Can you help me wrap them?”

“Ah, yeah. If it’s something that I can do…”

Overwhelmed, I agreed to help with the cooking, which I had never done before. The least I could do at that time was to help wrap some dumplings.

“Then, let’s go shopping…ah, wait a minute.”

She stops to walk away and pulls out her phone. Then she begins to contact someone.

I could only watch the exchange, but she mumbled, “Okay,” and put her phone away with a slight blush on her cheeks.

“Nanami-san, what’s wrong?”

“Hmm? I’m just letting my mother know that I’ve decided to have dinner with Hatsumi and her family. Also, a quick note for Hatsumi…”

Like a mischievous child, Nanami-san stuck out her tongue.

I made you lie to your parents…I’m very sorry about that.

“Then let’s go shopping. Do you know what ingredients are used for dumplings?”

“A-Ah, yeah. Naturally, it’s this, that…I think…I’m sure…maybe…”

She tilted her head and smiled a little meanly; however, it was a cute smile that revealed my stubborn nature…sorry, I have no idea at all.

Ground meat and garlic chives…oh, garlic?

She puts the ingredients into the basket smoothly with a steady hand. Nappa cabbage in dumplings? What do they use wakame seaweed, cabbage, and tomatoes for? Are these ingredients also for the dumplings?

“Oh, this? I’m thinking of making a salad and wakame seaweed soup, too, because gyoza alone doesn’t have enough vegetables. You’ll help me, won’t you?”

“I’ll do my best.”

So we bought the necessary ingredients.

Of course, I paid for the ingredients. She resisted to the end, saying she would split the bill, but I convinced her that I had more money and that I felt sorry for asking her to cook for me.

…..Dad and Mom, you didn’t anticipate this and gave me more, did you? If you did, then you’re way beyond normal espers.

And then, on the way back home…those few words she said still reverberate in my head even now.

“Buying ingredients for dinner and going home together is kind of like being…..newlyweds, isn’t it?”

Such destructive words, I wonder if Nanami-san’s trying to kill me by making me writhe in agony. Even I couldn’t reply back with a sensible reply.

Speechless is precisely how I would describe it.

By the time we arrived at my place, she was in a good mood, while my heart felt like exploding, but…I was thrilled, overjoyed even.

And here we are now…….

I was in the process of filling the skin with the dumpling ingredients given to me by Nanami-san. Nanami-san taught me this by demonstrating how to make the first few pieces, but after that, I was on my own.

…Even though she showed me how to do it, I guess it can’t be helped if I can’t wrap them as well as she does. Nanami-san was now making the side dishes such as soup and salad, leaving the dumplings to me.

I’m not so sure since I didn’t really take the time to watch my mother cook, but I reckon she’s fairly skilled at it.

That’s just like a new wife.

…It’s no good. Nanami-san’s words a moment ago were so intense that my thoughts wandered in that direction. Now I’m a dumpling wrapping machine, mindlessly wrapping dumplings.

And then, Nanami-san, who had finished cooking in the kitchen, sat down in front of me and started wrapping the dumplings together with me. She was moving her hands twice as fast…no. She was moving it three times as fast.

Moreover, it had a beautiful form. It was a world’s difference from the dumplings I was currently wrapping. Funny, now, how I am supposed to be a dumpling wrapping machine…?

“Nanami-san is beautiful.”

“Eh…? What!? So suddenly!?”

……It seems that Nanami-san blushed needlessly due to my lack of words. The skin was torn, and one gyoza was sacrificed. Well, it should be okay if we bake it.

“See, the dumplings you wrapped are a world apart from the ones I made. Just as I thought, Nanami-san’s a good cook.”

“A-Ah, so that’s what you meant…but even Youshin’s first time is pretty good. My dad just fills in the ingredients to the brim and has them protrude out like that. And sometimes, he puts too much strength in it, and it tears.”

As we continued to talk while wrapping dumplings, a hill of dumplings piled up before we knew it. This is…I don’t even have to guess to say it.

“I think we made too many dumplings.”

“Sure enough, we did.”

In front of the pile of dumplings that was more than enough for two people, we looked at each other and laughed. This quantity is enough for five people…or maybe more.

“This portion looks difficult for two people. Besides, I got all worked up when I thought it was for Youshin……”

Nanami’s cheeks were slightly tinted as she clasped her hands in front of her face. Dumplings just for me…I’d love to eat all of them, but, just as you’d expect, this was way too much.

“Nanami-san, you can take the leftovers back home with you as a gift. I have school tomorrow, and I think this would make a good side dish for my lunch.”

Besides, I can’t think of any excuse for this amount of food when my parents come home tomorrow.

I never usually cook, so I don’t feel like I can explain why I went through all the trouble of making dumplings…and even if I did, I don’t think I can explain it well enough to keep my dating life a secret.

“…… I wonder if I should tell my mother that we had a dumpling party at Hatsumi’s house?”

Nanami-san also seems to be keeping her relationship a secret from her family, but unlike me, she seems to have an advantage in that she has friends she can rely on in times like these.

In my case, I have classmates to whom I only spoke a few words in school, but I doubt I can call them my friends.

Ever since I started going out with Nanami-san, I’ve been alienated from my classmates. The only person I can talk to now is Shibetsu Senpai.

Ah, come to think of it, I remember promising Senpai that I would ask Nanami-san to cook for him as a thank you for the clothes. However, he helped me with this too….I’ll make good on my promise another time.

After that, Nanami-san started grilling the dumplings one after another after she had finished preparing them.

In the meantime, I was idle, so I helped prepare the plates, clean the table and…helped with the other household chores that I don’t usually do.

……This really feels we’re a married couple.

While I was preparing the table, they were finished.

(Pan-friend dumplings, nicely fried and crispy on the edges.)

The colour of the dumplings was beautifully browned, with its aroma drifting through the air.

In addition, wakame, vermicelli soup, vegetable salad…and plenty of grated daikons?

“When we eat dumplings, we put grated daikon in the sauce. It makes it more refreshing and easier to eat.”

“Really, I’ve never done that before.”

After the rice was served, we sat down facing one another.

…Sitting face to face with each other really makes me feel relentless inside, yet it really makes me feel like we’re a married couple.

I’m starting to feel a little shy now.

“T-Then..I’ll start eating.”

“Yes, Bon appétit.”

To have this kind of exchange outside of lunch…I never would’ve expected it. Nanami-san seems to think so too, her cheeks redding slightly.

The food Nanami-san cooked was as delicious as always…and we laughed as we ate.

It was my first experience being immersed in a happy mood at dinner without my parents.

I felt like crying, but I managed to hold it in.

But it was bad enough when she went out of her way to get up from her seat to serve me more rice when I tried to do it myself.

I wanted to cry, but I also wanted to hug her from behind. I managed to restrain myself, though. Really, her backside looked so attractive.

And then, after finishing my dinner…I, who had never even washed dishes before as far as I was concerned, cleaned up the mess together with Nanami-san, who taught me how to do it. I never knew cleaning up could be so much fun……

The fun time went by in an instant, and before I knew it, it was time to go home.

I felt reluctant, but there was no other way.

“Nanami-san, I’ll walk you home.”

“You don’t need to. I’ll be fine on my own.”

“After what happened yesterday, I’m worried about you. Besides, I can’t let a girl walk home alone at night.”

Well, I didn’t think I would have to send her home from my place…….But I was so worried about Nanami-san going home alone at night. If that’s the case, it’s better to go with her.

“…Then, I’ll take your word for it.”

Perhaps remembering what happened yesterday, she accepted my proposal with little apprehension. I wrapped and carried the dumplings(gifts), not forgetting anything…making sure there was no trace of her left at home.

This way, when my parents come home tomorrow, they shouldn’t be able to find out. Well, there’s no harm in being found out…it’s just that it’s somewhat embarrassing.

“Then, please.”

Taking her extended hand in mine, I walked Nanami-san home.

Naturally, I brought the dumplings as a gift. As I am growing day by day, I am able to be considerate to that extent.

Along the way, we talked about the fun we had today, where to go next, and whether I would want Nanami-san to teach me how to cook……Anyway, there was no shortage of topics to talk about.

On those grounds, we reached Nanami-san’s house in no time. I still felt reluctant to part, but I’ll take it as a good thing since I accomplished my goal.

Near Nanami’s house, the place where we met in the morning was completely dark, but her house was just a stone’s throw away. We should be safe here.

“Nanami-san, see you tomorrow.”

“Yes, Youshin…thank you for today. I had a lot of fun.”

“Yeah…me too.”

We both exchanged smiles, and just as I was about to say I had a good time too….a very large man suddenly appeared behind Nanami-san.

He had a stature similar to, if not over, Shibetsu Senpai…so much so that you can even see his muscles bulging out of his shirt, and he had a thicker body than Senpai.

With this person’s sudden arrival, I hurriedly stood in front of Nanami-san and turned my back on her. At first glance, his face looks angry and considerably angry.

I have a one in a million chance…no, I don’t even stand a chance against someone like this. The least I could do was prepare to buy some time for Nanam-san to get into the house.

The big man opened his mouth.

“Nanami-san…who’s the boy over there?”

“D-Dad…why?”

Dad.

Dad……?

Dad!?

I looked back at Nanami-san and then at the person who was referred to by “Dad.”

..I’m sorry, but they don’t look alike at all.

After that, the person in question…showed me a menacing smile.

……Apparently, my day isn’t over yet.