Today, I went with Hayase to restock some groceries.
We were supposed to buy them the other day, but her weird behavior made her forget — yes, that day where she pretended not to remember what happened during our first night together.
"Dear, want to stock up on some junk food?" she asked.
"No, that's not healthy."
"Come on, a little won't hurt~"
"Ice cream will do. And maybe some chocolates."
"Okay~"
I was already used to her extreme pampering and spoiling. Honestly, it didn't bother me anymore.
I just kept myself in check, making sure I wouldn't become a complete slacker because of her.
"All of these, please," Hayase said, handing the cashier the stuff from the shopping trolley.
"That'll be 2000 yen, miss. Shopping with your husband is fun, isn't it?" the cashier said with a bright smile.
Yeah... it's only natural people would assume we're a married couple. After all, we even bought matching toothbrushes and mugs.
I just let it slide — no point in embarrassing the cashier.
Hayase didn't say anything either. She only smiled... her face beet red.
"Thanks for shopping! Come again!"
Together, we left the convenience store.
"Hayase, let me carry those grocery bags for you," I offered.
"Thanks, but I can handle it, dear."
"Hm? Don't tell me you hid some lewd underwear in there."
"No! Stupid! They don't even sell that kind of thing there!" she snapped, pouting.
Even though she refused, I gently placed my hand on the bags.
"Yeah, so you don't mind if I help, right? I'd be happy if you relied on me sometimes."
She froze, clearly embarrassed.
Even with makeup on, her blush was obvious, and her fidgeting hands gave her away.
Slowly, she let go of the shopping bags.
"Damn it. You lady-killer," she muttered, avoiding my gaze.
"I'm not though. But I can't deny I'm pretty popular at school," I teased.
She clung to my arm tightly.
"But... I won't allow you to entertain other girls, okay?"
"Why not?"
"Because... Hayase loves you, dear."
My heart skipped a beat.
Even though she'd already said it once before, hearing it so directly caught me off guard.
"Hayase... do you mean it? Are you sure you're not just confusing love with your horniness?"
She puffed up her cheeks and squeezed my arm tighter.
"Of course not! What do you take me for?!"
"Okay, okay — just let go. You're gripping too tight."
"I know we just met and it's kinda creepy that I already love you... but..." she mumbled, her face burning.
"How about you, dear?" she asked suddenly.
"How do you feel about me?"
I took a deep breath, pausing in my steps.
I knew I couldn't lie about something like this.
"Hayase... I don't hate you. But... it's too early for me to say I love you back. I don't want to force myself — that would disrespect your feelings."
Hearing that, Hayase smiled — a bittersweet smile, filled with sadness and relief.
"Well... as long as you don't hate me, that's all that matters. But..." she added.
She grabbed my head and leaned in close, her lips inches from mine.
For a second, I thought she was going to kiss me.
"Be prepared," she whispered. "Because I'm going to make you fall for me... so hard, you won't be able to live without me~"
I could feel her breath against my lips.
"Is that so? Just don't blackmail me with my debt and we're good."
"Of course! I'll win your heart fair and square!
Now, shall we go home? The ice cream might melt~"
"Sure. I'll cook dinner tonight."
We continued walking, side by side.
Hayase's words lingered in my mind.
The way she said she loved me — so openly, so sincerely — made me smile.
To think that a beautiful, kind, and rich woman like her loved me...
Most men would die of envy.
Someday, I hope I can return your feelings.
Because I want to fall in love with you too — with the woman who accepted me without judgment, even when we barely knew each other.
---
[Ichijou Residence]
After a bit of a walk, we finally made it home.
"Okay," I said, "as promised, I'll cook dinner."
"Sure, dear. I can't wait to taste your cooking. And maybe... taste you too~"
"Don't make weird jokes."
"You hate that?"
"Not really."
"Then why stop me? Does it turn you on?"
"Shut up."
I started preparing dinner, chopping up ingredients.
Tonight, I was planning to make Chicken Teriyaki — it paired well with rice.
While I cooked, Hayase lounged in the living room, watching anime on TV.
Maybe it's time to bring it up... about visiting my parents.
"Hey, Hayase, I have a favor to ask."
"Hm? What is it?"
"Is it okay if I visit my family?"
"Sure. When were you thinking?"
"Maybe tomorrow morning... I'm just a little worried about my mom."
"Okay~ If you want, I can come with you," she said sweetly.
That's... probably not a good idea.
I could already imagine the chaos if she showed up.
"Honestly... I'd rather go alone. If they see you, they'll probably panic again."
"Ehh~ But I'll feel lonely... can't I just wait in the car? Pleaaase~"
"...Fine."
As if I really had a choice.
Hayase stood up and turned off the TV.
"Dear, I'm heading out for a bit. Don't eat without me, okay?"
"Where are you going?"
"I'm gonna pick out a gift for your mom~ After all, she'll be my mom too in the future~"
"AHH NO! DON'T DO THAT! IF YOU DO, I'M REALLY LEAVING WITHOUT YOU TOMORROW!"