If Ren-san is there

TL/ED/Proofreader: NaCl

　It was an evening on my day off, three days before the first day of final exams.

　I finished washing the dishes after dinner, drank a cup of cold tea, and returned to the living room.

“Welcome home.”

“I’m home.”　

　I replied to Rika, who was sitting upright on the cushion, and sat down next to her.

　On days when she makes dinner, Rika usually stays with me for a while after the meal is over.

　We relax in the room together and leave each other before it gets too late.

　The most recent pattern was the usual one.

　By the way, I was at

“It looks hot outside, doesn’t it?”

“……Yeah.”

Yes, it’s hot on the night of July.”Outside,” Rika said, but the air-conditioned room was hot enough.

　I, of course, and Rika, too, were wearing quite thin clothes.

“……”

　Rika’s legs peeking out from her half pants looked as white as milk and as smooth as silk.

　And thin. Her thighs, for example, are only the calves of those girls.

　But even so, they were not too thin, and they looked firm and soft.

　How in the world does this work? ……

“……What’s wrong?”

“N-nothing.”

　I was easily noticed by her gaze, and I hurriedly turned my head toward the TV.

　I’m an idiot.

　I’m not wearing sunglasses right now, …….

　Then we relaxed, talked about nothing else, and ate the cup of ice cream I’d bought.

　I felt embarrassed and fidgety.

　But it’s still basically a pretty calm time.

　I can’t believe I’m alone with someone and I don’t feel stressed.

　For me, it would have been unthinkable if I had been alone with anyone other than Rika.

“But, after all, Chitose is amazing. It’s hard for us alone to keep it together.”

“Oh. Well, that’s true.”

　Rika was referring to the study sessions with Kyoya and Hinata.

　Although Rika and I have gotten together a few times to support them, they are clearly less engaged than they were when Susami was there.

　But that’s how it usually goes.

　It is more natural to think that Susami was unusual than to think about what they were doing.

“We have summer vacation and travel coming up, so we can’t help but talk about that. ……”

“It’s easy to get sidetracked. Mainly because of Kyoya.”

I’m not sure what to expect. I’ve got two summer vacation plans even though we’re having a study session.

“I feel like we’re making more progress talking about that than studying.”

　I admire the energy of these people who are always talking about going here or doing that.

　I’m satisfied with that kind of outing, though, just for the school excursion.

“The supplementary exam for the final exam is during the summer vacation, so the test is more and more important. ……”

“Well, as long as they don’t get a red mark.”

　I don’t intend to teach memorization subjects, so it’s up to their motivation to do that.

“……By the way, I was wondering…”

“Hmm, what is it?”

“Rika, what are you going to do during summer vacation?”

When I asked her, Rika tilted her head a little and said, “Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.”

　That kind of behavior is so cute.

　I love that gesture.

　I’m going crazy, so don’t do it anymore, really. No, actually please don’t stop doing that.

“Are you going back to your parents’ house? It’s pretty far, isn’t it?”

“Yes, I am. But I’m thinking of spending this year here. Of course, I plan to return for a few days.”

“Hmm, I see.”

　That’s surprising.

　Considering the cost of living and convenience, it seems like it would be better to go back to my parents’ house.

　Well, for me, that’s more …… No, I won’t tell everyone.

“……Ren, what are you going to do?”

　The first time I saw her, she looked up at me with her face down a little for some reason.

　Her face is slightly red, probably not because of the heat, I think.

“Ren-san, your parents’ home is close to here, isn’t it……?　After all, you’re going back, right?”

“Oh, …… no, well.”

　Embarrassing.

　But it was strange to lie.

“…… I’m going to stay here, too.”

“So ……!　I see. …….”

“Oh ……. So, well, I’ll be with you …… sometimes during the summer vacation.”

“mhm ……, I understand. Then, sometimes together …….”

　Rika said in a subtle tone of voice that sounded both bright and dark.

　But it was clear from her slackened mouth and narrowed eyes that she was pleased.

　Well, I probably have the same look on my face anyway. ……

“…… I was back last year but only for a short time.”

“Oh, really?”

“Yes. But …….”

“……?”

“This year, I thought …… if Ren is there, …….”

“…….”

　…….

　What is …… this cute creature?

“Re, Ren-san!　How about you, did you go back last year?”

“I…… no…… well, you know.”

“……”

“……I went back last year. But this year, …… Rika might be there.”

“Oh.”

“……”

　We found ourselves looking away from each other instead of staring at the TV, which we had completely forgotten was on.

　I think I know exactly what it feels like to be happy and embarrassed.

“……Let’s make plans just for the two of us, too.”

“……Oh.”

　I’d rather decide on that as a top priority. ……