Chapter 1 What Lovers Do Together

Apparently, it was the right response, as Nanase smiled in satisfaction.

“Hehe. Welcome home, Sagara-kun.”

“…I’m home.”

What is this? Are we a lovey-dovey couple or what?

Feeling embarrassed, I scratched my head, and Nanase said, “I’m going to change!” and disappeared into the bathroom. Trying not to look at the silhouette through the frosted glass, I turned my gaze away.

After a short while, Nanase, who could not be imagined from the sparkling beauty earlier, came out. With her chestnut-colored hair tied in two, she wore her high school tracksuit. From the sparkling beauty just moments ago, she looked quite plain now.

“I’ll make dinner, so just wait a bit!”

Wearing an apron over her tracksuit, Nanase stood in the small kitchen space. There was nothing I could do. Despite offering to help several times, my clumsiness only got in the way.

After a while, Nanase, who had finished cooking skillfully, called out to me.

“Almost done. Sorry, Sagara-kun, can you get the plates?”

“The white ones?”

“Yes, the big ones on the second shelf.”

I took out the white plates from the shelf and handed them to Nanase. I also took out the rice bowls and dished out the rice from the rice cooker. The smaller bowl with cherry blossom patterns was Nanase’s, and the blue-striped one was mine.

Speaking of which, my dishes have gradually increased in her room. Although I don’t mind, seeing matching mugs in the cupboard makes me feel a bit ticklish.

“Thanks! Let’s eat.”

Placing the plates on the low table, Nanase removed her apron and sat beside me. After putting her hands together and saying, “Itadakimasu,” she took a bite of the steaming stuffed cabbage.

“Is it good?”

Nanase looked at me with slightly anxious eyes. After chewing and swallowing, I answered, “It’s delicious.” The meals she makes are always delicious.

Hearing my response, Nanase broke into a happy smile. Her eyes behind the thick lenses squinted in delight.

“I’m glad. I learned this at a cooking class before. It turned out well, so I wanted you to try it, Sagara-kun.”

Nanase and Sudo have apparently been attending a cooking class together for about six months. I think Nanase is already a good enough cook, but it’s not my place to say. I’m simply happy that she wants me to eat her cooking. Naturally, I have no intention of letting anyone else take on this role.

After finishing the stuffed cabbage, I put my hands together and said, “Gochisousama,” and brought the dishes to the sink. Although Nanase said, “Just leave it,” I couldn’t just do that. At the very least, I wanted to help with the cleanup.

“Thank you. Next time, I’ll treat you to something.”

“No need. You’re already contributing to the food cost, and you don’t need to treat me. But next time, let’s go to that ramen shop near the university. I’ve always been curious but didn’t want to line up alone.”

“Got it.”

Generally, I believe “food isn’t worth waiting in line for,” but if Nanase says so, there’s no helping it. For her, I’m willing to abandon such trivial beliefs. It’s strange, even to myself, how much I’ve changed. If my past self saw me sitting by the Kamo Riverbank or swinging on a swing, what would he think?

Nevertheless, I like myself now more than my previous self.

“Sagara-kun, why are you grinning?”

“…N-Nothing.”

At Nanase’s words, I hastily straightened my expression. I feel like I’ve been too lovesick lately.

After cleaning up, I sat with Nanase and watched a TV drama, chatting about trivial things.

Nanase, in her completely off-mode, makeup-free state, nestled close to me with a contented expression. She pressed herself snugly against me, her soft presence on my arm made it hard to focus on the drama. I wondered if I should at least hug her shoulders, but in the end, I couldn’t muster the courage and did nothing.

Around midnight, Nanase’s eyes began to droop, and I stood up, saying, “It’s about time I head back.”

“You’re leaving already?”

Nanase clutched the hem of my hoodie, looking up at me with a forlorn expression. For a moment, my reason wavered.

If I said I won’t leave, what would you do?

I swallowed the words that reached my throat. She likely didn’t mean anything deep by her statement. Jumping to conclusions and causing hurt was something I must avoid.

“You should sleep soon too. You have an early class tomorrow.”

“…Yeah, you’re right.”

“Goodnight, Sagara-kun.”

Nanase said this with a gentle smile. Trying to resist the urge to stay, I replied, “Goodnight.”

Back in my room, I reflected on Nanase’s smile from earlier.

…Love is surprisingly nice.

Nanase’s presence in my previously solitary university life changed everything. If it were the old me, I’d find it bothersome to have someone else involved in my life. But now, I can’t imagine my university life without Nanase.

But, is it really okay for her to be with me?

──Sagara-kun, I want to have a rosy university life.

It’s been about two months since I started dating Nanase. I’m still far from being the “wonderful boyfriend” she desires.

As Nanase aims for a “rosy university life,” is it right for me to be by her side? I’m definitely not the ideal boyfriend anyone would envy. So, shouldn’t I work harder? Just like Nanase did, striving to change herself.

Because I promised to help Nanase have a rosy university life.

tln : u guys, please help me, i just translate 2 part and i already smiling like a fool because of this novel.