Sweet Cohabitation Romcom With My Senior Girlfriend and Alcohol Starts At Twenty - Volume 1 Chapter 4.3

The First Bar Visit

“We’re here~”

“It’s… really like a secret hideout, isn’t it…”

After about five minutes of being guided by Kureha Senpai from the station, we arrived in front of a small building emitting a suspicious neon glow in a dark alley.

The building’s entrance had several shop names: pubs, maid cafes, and other establishments you wouldn’t normally see in the bright areas near the station.

Among them was the name of the bar we were looking for.

The bar’s name was “Hyde.” The name was so fitting that I felt relieved.

Seeing my reaction, the pleased Kureha Senpai began to lead me into the building without letting go of the arm she had been holding since the station.

“This place is great, isn’t it? It’s a hidden gem, so I sometimes come here on my days off~”

“Ah, you can’t come after classes because of curfew.”

“That’s right~. So, actually, this is my first time coming to this place with someone else~”

“…”

Inside the elevator heading to the third-floor bar, Senpai unexpectedly rests her face on my shoulder.

The word “first time” from her adds to the impact, and all I can do is tremble in body and heart.

Of course, such a reaction is perfect teasing material for Kureha Senpai—

“Ah, did that make your heart race?”

“I-I’t’s not!”

“Since we’re holding hands, it’s easy to tell when you’re flustered, you know~?”

She intertwines her fingers with mine more tightly, making me even more aware of Senpai’s presence.

If that were to happen, I wouldn’t be able to look at Senpai’s face anymore.

I’d just end up staring at Senpai’s lips, unable to concentrate on the conversation, my attention alternating between her lips and hands.

It’s only a matter of time before my desires start to accumulate.

Realizing this, I naturally turned my head in the opposite direction of Senpai.

Of course, there’s no way Senpai would miss the fact that I was looking away.

“You’re turning your face away~. There’s no need to be shy because I’m feeling thrilled and nervous about this too.”

Senpai said, placing her free hand on my chin and gently turning my face back towards them.

Once again, I was confronted with Senpai’s expression, that usual teasing look. It was a devilish smile that seemed to see right through me, shaking my heart and amplifying my affection.

Despite not having drunk any alcohol yet, Senpai’s lips were slightly moist, which only added to her allure.

But it’s not that I dislike Senpai’s devilish charm; it’s just that I hate being one-sidedly attacked. If I could find an opening to counterattack, I’d be able to look at Senpai’s face with confidence.

This time too, that’s the case.

“Is it true? You’re feeling nervous too, Senpai?”

“Of course. Want to check?”

“How would I do that?”

I’m plotting a counterattack, trying to find Senpai’s weakness.

“Well, obviously, you’d press your palm against my chest to feel it?”

“…”

“Ehehe, just kidding~. Did I make your heart race again?”

“Of course you did… you’re too much for my heart…”

“If you had just honestly said, ‘I’m nervous,’ you wouldn’t have had to turn your face away and try to escape, right~?”

“I’m sorry for that.”

“As long as you understand. Remember, if you don’t admit it next time, I’ll really do it~?”

“I’ll say it properly next time! So, please… don’t press your chest against my arm! It makes me more restless!”

“Yep, honesty is the best policy~. Want a reward? I could press against you even more?”

“No, that’s not okay!”

“Tsk~”

Well, in the end, I’m always defeated as usual.

And before I know it, the elevator arrives at the third floor, and our first visit to the bar begins.

***

“For starters, could we get two sweet and easy-to-drink ones?”

“Certainly.”

Senpai and I quickly take our seats at the counter. Without even looking at the menu, Senpai orders a sweet drink, and I can’t help but feel her sophistication.

“You’re quite experienced, huh?”

“Well, you get used to it if you come twice a month~. I can’t remember the names of the cocktails though, so I always just tell the bartender my preferences and leave it up to them.”

“You seem like a mature woman, and I think that’s great.”

“Really? Then I guess I don’t need to bother remembering the names of cocktails~”

“I think you should at least remember your favorite cocktail.”

I say with a sigh as Senpai declares with a carefree smile and casual tone that she won’t bother remembering cocktail names.

As always, I’m left in amazement at Senpai’s attitude.

Despite her mature appearance and gestures, her conversation reveals a childlike nature.

This gap in my Senpai’s character leaves me both exasperated and unexpectedly thrilled—perhaps because I’m fond of any kind of Senpai.

The quiet yet underground vibe of the bar amplifies this feeling.

“Then, why don’t you learn something new today and teach it to me?”

“Me?”

“Because I’ve decided that from now on, I’ll only come here when I’m with you.”

Right after Senpai’s words, a peach cocktail, a Fuzzy Navel, is silently placed on the counter.

The first cocktail I drank after clinking glasses was sweeter than I imagined… and it made me recall a deep kiss shared with Senpai, one that was laced with the taste of alcohol.

—Come to think of it, we were drinking peach liquor at that time.

Muttering this to myself, I took another sip of the sweet cocktail.