Chapter 4 | “The Beautiful Foreign Student’s Excitement””
Starting the next day, I was tasked with household chores.
Or so I say, but—
“There’s still dust here. Redo it.”
I’m merely cleaning under Kaguya-san’s stern supervision.
I’ve been at it nonstop since coming home from school.
“Um, I could help too…?”
Charl, watching from the sidelines, offered to assist.
However—
“I’m training him so he won’t disgrace himself anywhere. Charlotte-san, please just observe. It’s rigorous since we aim to finish in about a week.”
Kanon-san smoothly provided an explanation.
As Charl just joined the Himeragi family, she has to accept it as is.
“I could handle all the chores…?”
—Or so I thought, but Charl wasn’t persuaded.
“I understand Charlotte-san’s feelings, but we can’t pamper Akihito-kun. He needs to master the basics.”
“The basics…?”
Charl tilted her head, eyeing me and Kaguya-san with puzzlement.
“The floor should be so clean you could lick it. Your polishing is still sloppy.”
“Yes…!”
Under Kaguya-san’s piercing gaze, I frantically scrubbed the floor with a rag.
“…Isn’t this a bit excessive?”
Honestly, I shared Charl’s sentiment.
No matter how you look at it, it doesn’t need to be that spotless, right?
Yet—Kaguya-san, or rather, the Himeragi household’s maids and butlers, truly clean to that standard.
That’s why the Himeragi residence gleams like it’s brand-new.
“We could lower the bar, but that’d stretch the timeline. And if that happens, your time together—”
“—A-kun, give it your all…!”
It seems Charl was fully convinced.
After all, our precious alone time is what matters most to us…
“Nsho, nsho!”
By the way, right beside me, Emma-chan was copying me, wiping the floor with a rag.
Since she’s doing it willingly, she probably wants to mimic me.
Kanon-san permitted Emma-chan to join, saying it’s for her future growth.
“Emma-chan, aren’t you tired?”
“N…!”
When I checked on her, she replied with a lively voice.
Perhaps because she’s been playing soccer lately, her legs still brim with energy.
I can’t let her outdo me.
I pressed on with cleaning under Kaguya-san’s strict oversight.
And when I finished cleaning every room—
“Let’s go shopping.”
I ended up heading out to shop with Kaguya-san and Charl.
This is routine, but today Emma-chan is staying home.
Exhausted from cleaning, she was already napping.
Kanon-san will watch over her, it seems.
“A-kun, you’re worn out, so you could rest at home…”
Charl, concerned for me, spoke while studying my face.
“No, I’m fine. You’ll need help carrying bags, right?”
Before, we shopped for three, but now it’s for six—double the load.
Naturally, we need more ingredients.
“Besides, time with Charl is invaluable.”
I intertwined my fingers with Charl’s left hand.
“Ah…”
Charl’s cheeks flushed, and she gazed at me with joy.
Though we were together earlier, I was cleaning the whole time, so my clingy girlfriend probably felt a bit lonely.
I want to dote on her in moments like this.
“…”
Kaguya-san gave me a frosty look, as if thinking, They flirt at every opportunity, but she held her tongue, likely to avoid unsettling Charl.
She kept her distance, granting us space.
“What do you want to eat today?”
“Anything Charl likes is fine by me.”
Her cooking is genuinely delicious, no exaggeration needed.
She balances nutrition, so I don’t need to make requests.
“I want to cook what A-kun wants to eat.”
Gripping my hand, Charl leaned her head on my shoulder.
Her clingy mode had clearly kicked in.
I walked cautiously, keeping an eye out for cars.
To outsiders, we must look like a smitten couple, don’t we?
Kaguya-san’s stare prickles.
“All of Charl’s dishes are delicious, so anything’s fine… but what would Emma-chan like?”
She worked hard cleaning, so it’d be nice to treat her to something she enjoys today.
Though, the star of the show, Emma-chan, isn’t here.
“A-kun always puts Emma first, huh?”
“You do too, don’t you, Charl?”
Charl prioritizes Emma-chan even more than I do.
Things have shifted slightly lately, but since she’s so young, we can’t help but put her first.
“To us, she’s like a little sister, but also kind of like our child, right? It’s only natural to prioritize her.”
“…”
Charl said something bold so casually, her eyes drifting somewhere distant.
She probably didn’t even register her words.
Well, we’re engaged, so it’s not a huge deal now, but…
“It’d be nice to have a kid like Emma-chan.”
“Ah…!”
Catching her slip from my comment, Charl hurriedly covered her mouth.
But spoken words can’t be undone.
Her face flushed crimson in an instant.
“U-um, I didn’t mean it like that…! I just sometimes see Emma as a daughter…!”
“Haha, it’s okay. We’ve talked before about you being the mom and me the dad, right?”
Though she’s her actual sister, the age gap makes it natural to view her as a daughter.
Charl likely didn’t mean it in the context of us as a married couple.
“But…”
Still wanting to speak, Charl looked down, rubbing my fingers with hers.
And then—
“I also want a child like Emma… Right away…”
Lifting her gaze, Charl spoke with a fervent expression.
This time, she’s fully conscious of her words.
As always, she’s daring in moments like this.
Still… to say right away…
She probably means it emotionally, though.
“Yeah, sounds nice.”
A tad embarrassed, I flashed a smile at Charl.
I’m sure we’ll have a kid like Emma-chan someday.
If we do, we’d probably both spoil them silly.
“I want to grow up faster…”
“No need to hurry; it’ll come in time.”
That said, having kids is likely far off.
Though we’ll be adults next year, we’re still high schoolers.
We don’t earn our own money, and after graduation, I plan to attend university, not work.
Thinking about it, it’s a distant goal.
At the earliest, not until I’m self-sufficient.
“…Really, I want it soon… I can’t wait anymore…”
Charl was murmuring something softly.
She began rubbing my fingers again, so I thought she had something to say, but—she was looking down.
It seemed like she was talking to herself.
Rather than probing, I let Charl’s affectionate touch calm me as we walked to the supermarket.
◆◆◆
Saturday morning—
“Charlotte-san, want to hang out with me?”
Out of the blue, Kanon-san invited Charl to go out.
“Eh, me…?”
Charl was visibly thrown off.
She probably never expected Kanon-san to ask her out.
“Is that a no?”
“N-no, that’s not what I meant…!”
Kanon-san’s sad expression made Charl hastily shake her head.
Kanon-san had the upper hand completely.
Inviting her on the spot rather than in advance was likely strategic.
“T-then, A-kun can come too…!”
Even with Kaguya-san nearby, Charl seemed anxious about being essentially alone with Kanon-san, looking at me with pleading eyes.
Normally, I’d join at Charl’s invitation, but…
“I’d like to hang out with just Charlotte-san. Is that alright?”
“Why just me…?”
Though they’ve started living together, Charl isn’t particularly close with Kanon-san, so she asked hesitantly, baffled by my exclusion.
“There are things only girls can discuss, right? I have plenty I’d love to ask you.”
“…”
Against Kanon-san’s dazzling smile, Charl glanced at me again with teary, fearful eyes.
For some reason, she seemed terrified of Kanon-san.
“She’s kind, so it’ll be fine.”
Unsure why Charl was scared, I spoke up, not wanting her to be dragged off in such a state.
Charl stood on her tiptoes, whispering close to my ear.
“Will Kanon-onee-san be mad at me…?”
“Huh? What do you mean…?”
Clueless about what Charl could’ve done to upset Kanon-san, I asked back.
“Well… since I took A-kun, she might hold a grudge…”
I see—she’s bracing herself, thinking Kanon-san wants a one-on-one to address that.
In a typical relationship, that could be plausible, but…
“Kanon-san was thrilled for us, and she’s not the type to harbor grudges. I think she genuinely wants to spend time with you this time.”
Truthfully, Kanon-san’s motive isn’t just to hang out or chat with Charl.
She’s taking Charl out for my benefit.
“Is it really okay…?”
It’s natural for Charl, who hasn’t known Kanon-san long, to feel uneasy.
When you’re not close, it’s hard to read someone’s intentions.
“Don’t worry. If anything happens, contact me right away.”
At Charl’s earlier suggestion, we set our phones to share locations.
It was to know each other’s whereabouts in case of trouble, but it’s handy now too.
Conversely, Charl can see where I am, so I need excuses for my destinations.
“It’s to bond as sisters, so please don’t fret.”
Without hearing our talk, Kanon-san likely deduced our discussion from our expressions and the context.
She added with a smile.
“Okay…”
Charl managed a strained smile and didn’t decline the invitation.
Since Kanon-san will be my older sister, she’s like an older sister-in-law to Charl, my fiancée.
That’s why Charl calls her “Kanon-onee-san,” but she likely feels obliged to accept an invitation from someone in that role.
Wanting to be liked by your partner’s family is only natural, after all.
“Besides, Akihito has housework training, and I need him to run an errand to Okayama Station, so he can’t join.”
“Huh…?”
Charl, unaware of the errand, looked at me in confusion.
“…”
Her eyes seemed to say, I want to go too…, but this time, I couldn’t fulfill her wish.
Kanon-san is taking Charl out precisely so Charl won’t know what I’m purchasing.
“I’ll take Emma-chan with me, so don’t worry.”
Right now, Emma-chan is still asleep in Sophia-san’s room.
Since Sophia-san has work despite it being her day off, I’ll care for Emma-chan.
This makes it seem to Charl that Kanon-san truly just wants a one-on-one talk.
“…”
Now she shot me a pouty look, as if saying, You’re taking Emma but not me…?!.
I get how she feels, but I acted oblivious.
“Kanon-san, please don’t overwhelm Charl.”
“Of course. We’re just shopping as sisters or enjoying a café outing.”
Okay, why did she specifically call it an outing?
She’s relishing this, isn’t she?
“O-outing?! No way…! I have A-kun…!”
Taking Kanon-san’s teasing to heart, Charl’s face reddened as she clung to my arm.
She may seem savvy about risqué things, but she’s still innocent in moments like this.
“Hehe, you two are so close—it’s heartwarming.”
Kanon-san met Charl’s flustered reaction with serene poise.
I can easily picture how their dynamic will unfold from here.
“By the way, Akihito, here.”
Smiling at me and Charl, Kanon-san handed me something from Kaguya-san, who’d been quietly observing.
“Glasses?”
It was a pair of black-rimmed glasses, and I couldn’t fathom their purpose.
My eyesight is fine…
“They’re fake glasses, no prescription. The lenses have UV protection.”
“—?!”
As Kanon-san clarified, Charl began fidgeting.
She kept sneaking expectant glances at my face.
“Wear these, and only acquaintances will recognize you. You’re a bit famous now, so it’s wise to protect yourself when out.”
I see—that’s logical to avoid oddballs hassling me.
For Emma-chan, I can just dress her in her cat-ear hoodie.
She adores it for the cat ears.
“Thank you.”
I thanked Kanon-san and accepted the glasses.
—Tug, tug.
Suddenly, someone tugged my sleeve.
“What’s up?”
Looking at Charl, who was pulling my sleeve, she spoke restlessly.
“Um, won’t you try them on now…?”
She clearly wants to see me in glasses.
“I’m not used to glasses, so maybe when I go out.”
Seeing her eagerness, I decided to tease her a little.
Perhaps she’d adorably beg me to try them on.
But—
“…”
Instead of pleading, Charl looked down dejectedly.
She likely held back, thinking she shouldn’t press me.
“Just kidding. How’s this?”
Not wanting to upset her, I swiftly put on the glasses.
Charl’s face lit up instantly as she looked at me.
“They’re amazing…! Truly amazing…!”
She must really love them.
Charl was unusually animated.
“As expected, scholarly looks suit Akihito well. You look very sharp.”
Kanon-san nodded approvingly.
She likely chose them herself.
“Now, Charlotte-san, shall we prepare to head out?”
“Eh, right now?!”
Charl, buzzing with excitement, was caught off guard by Kanon-san’s timing.
“We’re going a bit far, so I’d like to leave soon. Please get ready.”
Since Charl hadn’t planned to go out, she was in casual home attire.
For an outing, she’ll likely want to dress up.
That takes time, so Kanon-san’s nudging her to start now.
—Well, she probably timed this deliberately.
Kanon-san seems to enjoy teasing Charl too.
“Ugh… At least let me take a picture…!”
Wanting a memento, Charl pulled out her phone and looked up at me.
Her eyes seemed to ask, Is it okay to take a picture?.
…No, with that pleading upward glance, it’s more like begging.
“Do they really suit me that much?”
Without a mirror and never having worn glasses, I couldn’t judge for myself.
“They suit you so much…!”
Well, if Charl’s this thrilled, they must look pretty good on me.
She seems to have forgotten her nerves about going out with Kanon-san.
“Charlotte-san, hand it to me. I’ll take the picture.”
As Charl snapped close-up photos, Kanon-san extended her hand.
She’s probably offering to take one of us together.
“Thank you…!”
Charl eagerly handed her phone to Kanon-san and instantly clung to my arm.
Resting her head on my shoulder, I faced the phone lens Kanon-san aimed, distracted by Charl.
“Say cheese.”
Click—the shutter sounded.
“Um, could we take one more…?”
Immediately after, Charl pressed her index fingers together and asked shyly.
—To Kanon-san, not me.
“Of course.”
Kanon-san agreed readily, lifting the phone again.
And—the moment Kanon-san gave the cue, something soft and warm brushed my cheek.
Turning a split second later, I saw Charl, cheeks flushed, covering her mouth while gazing up at me.
It’s clear what she did.
“Hehe, that’s truly charming.”
Kanon-san, who witnessed it all, approached us with a gentle smile.
“Here you go. I think it turned out beautifully.”
The phone screen she showed us displayed a photo of Charl kissing my cheek.
“Thank you…!”
Charl happily took the phone and began tinkering with it.
It seems she set it as her wallpaper.
Kissing me in front of Kanon-san and Kaguya-san—she’s as bold as ever…
“Can you send it to me too?”
“Of course…!”
“Thanks.”
Charl sent the photo through the chat app, and I set it as my wallpaper too.
We haven’t taken many photos, so I’m honestly thrilled.
We’ll be together forever, so I hope we can take lots more from now on.
“I’ll go get ready quick…!”
Satisfied with the photo, Charl left the living room.
She seems fine with going out now, so this worked out nicely.
Just—I wish she’d lingered a bit longer.
“—Such a cute, clingy bride, isn’t she?”
Because now I’m stuck alone with Kanon-san’s teasing smile…
After that, Charl got ready and left with Kanon-san.
It’s so early that shops aren’t even open yet, so they must be heading far.
For me, it’s convenient since I won’t have to worry about running into them.
“Alright, time to fold the laundry and clean up.”
I’ve been told not to touch the underwear, but everything else is my responsibility.
The clothes are drying in the bathroom, so I just need to bring them in.
That said… this bathroom is larger than a typical household’s, so the previous residents must’ve been wealthy too.
The bathtub’s enormous—big enough for two adults with room to spare.
“…”
For a moment, I pictured bathing with Charl, but with others around, it’s tricky.
Christmas… what should I do?
My old room is still there, and I have the key.
To spend quiet time alone together, that might be the best spot.
A hotel’s out of the question…
Pondering that, I folded the laundry.
With six people’s worth, it’s quite a chore.
The dryer had towels and socks, but all the underwear was neatly removed.
Kaguya-san must’ve taken it out beforehand.
Well, it spares me any odd suspicions, so that’s helpful.
“—Morning. You’re working hard.”
A bit later, Sophia-san came in, carrying Emma-chan.
She was already awake but probably waiting in her room for Emma-chan to wake up.
“Good morning. Morning to you too, Emma-chan.”
“Morning…”
Emma-chan rubbed her sleepy eyes and greeted me in Japanese.
She’s gotten used to greeting in Japanese, so she can handle it properly now.
“You’re working hard for Lottie’s present, right? Thanks.”
Not wanting Emma-chan to understand, Sophia-san continued in Japanese.
Emma-chan’s still groggy and sleepy, so she doesn’t seem to mind that we’re speaking Japanese.
Before I knew it, she was nuzzling her face into Sophia-san’s chest.
“No need to thank me; I’m doing it on my own.”
“Hey, what kind of present are you giving her? I asked Kanon-chan, but she told me to ask you directly and wouldn’t say.”
Sophia-san leaned in, eyeing me with excitement.
As expected, Kanon-san kept her promise and didn’t spill, even to Sophia-san.
It’s embarrassing, and I’d rather not have too many people know, but I can’t dodge Sophia-san’s question.
“Well—”
Though it’s just the three of us here, I whispered in her ear just in case.
Hearing it, Sophia-san gave a gentle smile.
“I see… I think it’s wonderful.”
Like Kanon-san, she surprisingly approved.
Normally, you’d expect to hear, “Don’t get ahead of yourself,” or “Pick something more student-like.”
I’m truly grateful to be surrounded by understanding people.
“She’ll like it, right…?”
“Hehe, she’ll love it. She might love it so much she’ll tackle you, Akihito-kun.”
Sophia-san winked, her voice lively with amusement.
Getting tackled… I can’t say it’s impossible.
She can be pretty assertive and bold.
“Still, that’s amazing… How many high schoolers would even think of that?”
Sophia-san looked at me thoughtfully, hand on her chin.
“Haha… I know I’m reaching a bit…”
“No, age doesn’t matter. I can feel your determination, and I think it’s admirable. I knew you were mature for your age because of how you grew up, but… you’re really not childish in a good way.”
Sophia-san praised me warmly.
It’s nice to be affirmed like this by my girlfriend’s mom.
For a moment, I wondered if she was calling me an old man, but from the context, that’s not it.
She’s talking about my inner self.
“Because you’re like that, Lottie can let herself be spoiled by you.”
“That’s good to hear.”
I don’t know exactly what Charl thinks, but if she’s comfortable being clingy, she must see me as someone she can rely on.
As her boyfriend, it’s an honor.
“Alright, time for breakfast.”
“Oh, I’ll feed Emma-chan.”
Since I’ve already eaten, I can feed her while Sophia-san eats.
“Thanks, I’ll leave it to you.”
Handed Emma-chan carefully so as not to drop her, I took her in my arms.
“Emma-chan, wake up.”
“N…?”
When I gently patted her shoulder, Emma-chan looked up at me with sleepy eyes.
She’d fallen back asleep while we were talking, so she must be really tired.
“Time for food.”
“Mmm… no… sleep…”
Unusually for the food-loving Emma-chan, she wanted to keep sleeping.
“Can’t be helped. Can you let her sleep a bit more?”
Not wanting to force her awake, Sophia-san asked me to let her rest.
“Sure, I’ll feed her later.”
In this state, she’d probably eat half-asleep.
It’s better to let her eat after she’s fully awake.
“I have to leave after eating…”
“No problem. Good luck at work.”
She has work, so it can’t be helped.
I was already planning to look after Emma-chan afterward, so there’s no issue.
