E-book Bonus: Original Short Story: “Intense Time with Rui After Club Activities”

Usually, I’m the first to head home after school, but today I wanted to focus on reading a light novel, so I stayed in the library, engrossed in my book.

“Phew… finally finished.”

By the time I finished the light novel, the sky outside had shifted from a sunset glow to the dim twilight.

I gazed absently at the sky, still basking in the afterglow of finishing the story.

“No way… to think that the flat-chested heroine I was rooting for had a mother so ridiculously busty that it revealed the heroine wasn’t her real daughter.”

I should’ve realized it the moment the mother was described as busty… I, Izumiya Ryouta, let my guard down.

“Huh, Ryouta-kun?”

“Hm?”

Hearing a voice from behind, I turned to see a beautiful girl who stood out even in the darkness of the night… Kuroki Rui.

“You’re heading home now? That’s pretty late for someone in the go-home club like you, Ryouta-kun.”

“W-What’s that supposed to mean? Is it a crime for a go-home club member to stay late?”

“I didn’t say that! It’s just, since we’re heading home at the same time, and I just finished club activities… wanna walk home together?”

“W-Well… sure, I guess.”

“Hehe, thanks, Ryouta-kun.”

Kuroki flashed a gentle smile as she said that and started walking beside me.

She thanked me, but honestly, I’m the one who should feel honored to be walking home with the Kuroki Rui.

“Hey, uh, aren’t you worried people might get the wrong idea if they see you walking home with someone like me?”

“The wrong idea…? Like, that we’re dating or something?”

“Y-Yeah, something like that.”

“Hmm. Well, then, are you bothered by the idea of people thinking you’re dating me, Ryouta-kun?”

“Me? Well, I… I’d be honestly happy if people thought I was dating a beautiful girl like you, Kuroki.”

“But?”

“…B-But, like, I’m not good enough for you! A beautiful girl like you should be with a guy who’s actually worthy of you!”

As I blurted out my honest thoughts, Kuroki narrowed her eyes and suddenly pinched my cheek.

“Ow, ow! What was that for?!”

“My perfect image doesn’t have anything to do with who I date, you know? If anything, I think you’re pretty essential, Ryouta-kun.”

“There you go saying suggestive stuff again… Oh, Kuroki, watch out, there’s a bike coming from behind.”

I was on the side closer to the road, and when I noticed a bicycle’s light approaching from behind Kuroki, I instinctively grabbed her arm and pulled her toward me.

Caught off guard, Kuroki’s body jolted, and she stumbled slightly, leaning closer to me… wait, what?!

Kuroki ended up facing me, her hands resting on my chest, her body practically pressed against mine.

W-W-W-What’s happening?! I just thought she should move over a bit, so I pulled her, but this…!

“S-Sorry, Kuroki! It’s just, when I’m walking with my sister or Tanaka, I have this habit of doing stuff like this!”

“…Don’t do that.”

“Y-Yeah, I’ll be more careful from now on! Really sorry!”

“That’s not what I mean… Don’t do this kind of thing with other girls, okay?”

“Huh…?”

“Got it?”

“Y-Yes, ma’am!”

I didn’t quite understand, but even in the dim light, I could tell Kuroki’s face was visibly flushed.

Why was she blushing so much…? I still don’t get it.