It Seems Like a Girl I Don’t Know Is Doing Housework at My Place. But She’s Cute, So I’m Watching Her.

“—I’m out of the bath!”

“Ah, okay.”

Chiaki emerged from the bath. I suggested she take a bath to help her calm down, but I’m not sure how effective it was…

“…”

“Hm? What’s wrong, Haruto-kun?”

“Well, um…”

I fumble for words. Damn it. I was caught off guard for a moment. Chiaki’s appearance in her bathrobe was more shocking than I expected.

The outfit itself is a typical girl’s sleepwear—cute with a slightly flashy design. It’s a short-sleeved shirt that looks soft to the touch and slightly fluffy shorts.

If it were just that, my reaction would only be, “Ah, pajamas.” But the issue is that Chiaki herself is stunning. Seeing her in typical girls’ sleepwear is incredibly impactful. It doesn’t make her look generic at all. There’s an over-the-top cuteness to it.

Moreover, her slightly damp, post-bath look adds to the effect… Pure beauty combined with a touch of allure is a powerful combination. Is this really Chiaki?

“…The pajamas suit you well.”

“Eh, ah, yeah. Thanks. …Haruto-kun, are you sure you’re sane today?”

“I do have a basic sense of manners, you know.”

Since I asked her to stay over, I’m obligated to provide a bit of lip service.

Normally, I wouldn’t say anything to avoid encouraging unnecessary behavior, but in situations like this, it’s important to praise where praise is due. It’s easier to express my true feelings than to feign care.

Well, with that said, Chiaki seems to have regained her composure, not getting too carried away by my praise and instead expressing concern. It’s a relief, but I do wish she would manage that composure more often.

“By the way, Chiaki, you finished faster than I expected. I had this image of girls taking long baths.”

“That varies from person to person, you know? Though it’s true that we tend to take a bit longer with all the grooming and stuff, it’s not like we’re always in there forever. This isn’t my house, so I have some common sense.”

“Sounds like someone who used to trespass is giving advice.”

“…That was a youthful mistake.”

“That was just earlier this year, though.”

There’s no excuse for this year’s events being classified as youthful mistakes. It’s fine, though. I’m just poking fun.

“Anyway, don’t worry too much about manners and all that. Honestly, it’s too late for that. Given our relationship, it’s not something you need to stress about.”

“…That reaction. It’s almost like you were about to say something unnecessary out of joy and then stopped yourself.”

“That’s exactly it! If you understood, I wish you hadn’t said anything!”

“I said not to worry, didn’t I?”

“You’re the kind of person who complains if someone does that to you!”

“You know me well.”

“Anyway, feel free to take care of your appearance as you like. For example, you need to properly dry your hair, right? I’ve only seen it in manga, so I don’t really know.”

“Ah, yeah. Got it. I’ll make sure to do that next time.”

“Okay.”

“…Wait, what? I thought you’d say something like ‘Well, next time won’t be happening’ or something. I didn’t expect you to agree so easily!”

“Ah… Well, I’ve already given the green light this time. I figured you’d gradually accept it anyway.”

“Was that not even subconscious? Were you fully aware of it and still nodded along?”

“Eh, is it really that surprising?”

Our relationship was built upon one trespass. It developed through a series of compromises. It’s the same in this case.

“But if that’s the case, doesn’t that mean we might have more sleepovers in the future?”

“Maybe.”

“That’s like, practically dating, isn’t it?”

“Who knows.”

“You’re not denying it!? Normally, Haruto-kun, you’d deny it!”

“That’s true.”

I would normally deny it, but today’s a different story. Since I’m expressing my true feelings as a way of saying thank you for your favor, I’m letting some honesty slip. …Although I’m not planning to reveal everything.

“Honestly, I’m not saying I dislike you, Chiaki-san. I’ve grown quite fond of you, enough to rely on you in emergencies like this.”

“What!?”

“And as I’ve mentioned a few times, you’re really cute. No guy would be unhappy to receive such enthusiastic attention from a cute girl.”

“What!?”

“I genuinely think that if we had met under different circumstances, I might have fallen for you by now. I think I’ve said that before.”

“Eek!?”

Chiaki has been making sound effects instead of words. It’s amusing how she’s blushing so much—she’s not not speaking, she’s just unable to.

“Wh-Why are you complimenting me like this…?”

“Well? It’s to thank you for listening to my request. And I’ve gained a lot of respect for you today, so…”

“R-Respect?”

“You were worried about me and put my needs first, even over your own feelings. That’s actually quite impressive.”

I’m wary of Chiaki’s potential for obsessive behavior in romantic situations. Even though I joke about it, I’m concerned about the possibility of her evolving into a type of extreme character from fiction.

Given her current behavior, I’m starting to feel more confident that she’s stable enough to handle things without taking drastic actions. She might impulsively cross certain lines, but I think she’ll maintain her composure and not harm me.

“Well, given that, I’m okay with showing some affection in response. It feels right.”

“S-So, that means… are we, um, dating…?”

“Not for now.”

“Why!? What you just said was practically like being in a relationship! I won’t say anything about today, but saying ‘not for now’ feels wrong! And you said it without hesitation!”

“Because I like our current relationship…”

“What!?”

“I’m aware I’m saying some pretty awful things, but I want to enjoy this comfortable relationship while taking advantage of my own feelings.”

“You’re saying something terrible!”

“Well, it’s fine, isn’t it? You don’t plan to leave, right?”

“Ugh!? W-Well, that’s true…!”

“And you’re not really unhappy with our current relationship, right? Isn’t it more enjoyable than if we were officially dating?”

“…I want to deny it, but I hate that I can’t fully deny it!”

It seems to be true. Even in romantic comedies, the phase before getting together often seems more enjoyable. Reality isn’t so different, is it?

“Bu-but, Haruto-kun! I think that’s wrong! Not feeding the fish you’ve caught is inhumane!”

“Isn’t it more like you were caught by mistake? Also, I did give you some attention.”

“Is this what you call attention!? It feels like you gave me a single candy when I’m starving! It just makes me hungrier!”

“I think giving you a giant steak when you’re starving would be overkill.”

“That’s not what I meant!”

“But you seem to be having a lot of fun right now.”

“…That’s unfair to say.”

“Of course it’s unfair, I’m taking advantage of my own feelings.”

Given that I’m aware of it, if you’re not happy with it, try making me fall for you and see how it goes. I’m willing to wait.