The Correct Japanese Terms of Homestay Seems to Be Marriage - Chapter 22

This is fun.

“Before we buy that rabbit and turtle chimera, is there anything else we need? Once we buy that, we’ll just be heading home, so if there’s anything else, it’s better to say it now.”

On their way to the toy store to carry out the main event of the day, Keitaro, carrying a bag with an apron in it in his left hand, asked such a question,

“No, it’s okay.”

Sophia, with blue ribbons on both sides of her head, immediately shook her head in response.

“Is that so? Well, if that’s the case, then it’s fine.”

“Yes. Besides, even if there was something, I wouldn’t say it today. It would be a waste to finish everything in just one day.”

The words spun by Sophia seemed to contain some sort of true intention, a different purpose.

What does it mean by not saying it even if there was something? If we could finish that task along the way, it would eliminate the need for an unnecessary outing, seeming to have only benefits.

Keitaro decided to investigate further. He wanted to find out the truth.

“And that means?”

With a shy face, Sophia answered.

“If we break up the plans, then I can go out with Keitaro more and more.”

Indeed, that was the perfect strategy for luring the indoor-loving Keitaro out multiple times.

The bullet of earnest words, accurately tickling a man’s heart, shot straight through Keitaro’s heart. No, it might have been more of a ‘thump’.

“…I’d accompany you any time, even if there’s no particular reason, if it’s you.”

Keitaro quickly averted his face and muttered softly. Though faint, it was loud enough for Sophia to hear clearly.

Trying to hide his embarrassment, he quickened his pace.

“…Sophia?”

Halfway through, he noticed that Sophia, who was supposed to be by his side, wasn’t there. Turning around, he found Sophia standing still a short distance away, looking down.

The usually calorie-free appearance was nowhere to be seen, and Keitaro, changing his complexion, hurried over to Sophia.

“What’s wrong? Are you feeling ill? Sh-should I call an ambulance?”

“No, it’s not that. I’m just too happy… I feel like I might burst…”

“…”

Faced with an unexpected response, Keitaro almost forgot to breathe for a moment but quickly shook his head to get his bodily functions working again.

“Well, if you stand still here, you’ll be in the way of others. Come on, let’s go.”

“Yes…. ufufu…”

When Keitaro offered his free hand, Sophia happily took it, her expression softening.

Worrying whether Sophia could hear his loudly thumping heart, Keitaro began walking again, pulling her hand along.

***

“Will that be for delivery to your home then?”

1

Looking towards the rabbit and turtle chimera “KameUsa-kun,” which sat in a particularly prominent position in the large plush toy corner, the clerk behind the counter tilted her head.

“No, we’ll take it with us.”

“Uh, are you sure? It weighs about 20KG…” (tln : around 45 pounds)

“Yes, I’m sure.”

The clerk turned a shocked face towards them, but Keitaro, with an expression of cool indifference, simply stated his decision.

“Keitaro, it’s okay not to force yourself.”

“But, you can’t sleep well without it, right? Then it’s better to have it from today rather than tomorrow or the day after.”

“That’s true but…”

“Don’t worry. 20KG is light. It’s about the weight of a first-grader, and if I can’t even carry that much, that would be a problem, right?”

No matter how hard they tried, delivery wouldn’t get it to the house today. Since Sophia had said she couldn’t sleep well without hugging a plush toy, they couldn’t afford to make her wait.

Keitaro had no choice but to carry it back with them.

“…So, is that… um… going to be a problem for the future…?”

Sophia asked a little embarrassed, halting, but Keitaro didn’t quite understand what she meant.

However, feeling somewhat reluctant to ask again, he decided to just affirm for now.

“Hm? Ah, yeah, that’s right.”

“Then, I’ll leave it to you… This is like a rehearsal for the future…”

(…Rehearsal?)

Keitaro internally twisted his head. The more he heard, the less he understood.

“That’s the case, so yes. We’re fine with this.”

“O-okay. Thank you very much for your purchase. We look forward to your next visit. Please be happy!”

(Be happy…? Isn’t it usually, ‘take care’?)

Confused by the parting words, the mystery only deepened.

“Well then… yo, heave ho…”

Moving away from the cash register after completing their business, Keitaro hoisted the two-meter-tall KameUsa-kun onto his back.

“Are you okay with that?”

“Ah, no problem at all. It’s quite easy to carry because it’s so big, it stabilizes the center of gravity. I could even do squats like this. Yo, ho, ha.”

Trying to reassure Sophia, who looked worried, Keitaro dynamically moved his body while carrying the huge object, showing he was just fine.

“Let’s go home.”

“If it gets tough, just let me know, okay?”

“And what would you do if I said it was tough?”

“Then I’ll carry it instead.”

Sophia confidently pointed to her own face with her thumb, as if to say, leave it to me!

“I definitely can’t say it’s tough then.”

“Hmm, Keitaro, you shouldn’t underestimate me. Look at these muscles, solid as a rock.”

Sophia rolled up her sleeve to show her arm, pale and slender, not looking like it was meant for heavy lifting at all – it seemed so fragile that it could snap easily. It was decided, she should just keep holding the apron.

“First of all, those muscles are not even close to being solid as a rock, and that joke is old. Is it because of the time difference?” (tln: japanese pun)

“Comedy is the best way to learn Japanese. If you don’t understand the meaning, you can’t laugh.”

“I feel like even if I understood the meaning, I’d be in a complex mood not knowing whether to laugh or not.”

“Yes, that’s right. You get confused whether it’s your fault or theirs.”

“Your mouth got pretty bad there. Call them comedians, will you?”

Seeing Sophia pout unhappily, Keitaro let out a wry smile.

“Not funny, you say?”

Sophia tilted her head in pure curiosity, her innocence bordering on cruelty.

“Well… There are comedians who are funny because they’re not funny. Like a fail gag.”

“If they’re unaware, it’s okay, but if they start saying it themselves, it’s the end for a comedian. It’s just running away.”

“That’s harsh, scary.”

Compared to Japanese people who understand unspoken rules and promises, maybe foreigners, unfamiliar with everything, can offer a more objective judgment without any preconceptions.

Keitaro thought so, but he also figured Sophia was just particularly strict.

“But if it’s Keitaro, I’m sure I can laugh even if the futon flew away.”

“Why’s that? You’re grading too leniently.”

“Because, Keitaro, you’re special.”

“…”

A 170 km/h fastball was something Keitaro couldn’t hit back.

“… Is that so?”

(Fu, that was a sneak attack. I almost dropped this chimera…)

Caught off guard, Keitaro hastily adjusted the position of KameUsa-kun, which had almost slipped off his back, and properly shouldered it again.

Silently starting to walk again, they left the store and entered the crowded pathway outside.

(…Something about today is fun. That’s right… fun. I’m just purely enjoying myself right now. It’s not like I haven’t had fun at all in the past few years, but this kind of unadulterated fun… it’s been a while… I have to be grateful… to Sophia.)

Not just the conversation with Sophia, but also this weight on his back, everything around him seemed to be imbued with color, and Keitaro was struck by a fresh sensation. Or rather, it was a sensation he had simply forgotten.

“…Sophia, thanks.”

While walking, Keitaro muttered this clearly, albeit softly.

“Keitaro, what’s the matter all of a sudden?”

“No, it’s just… I’m having a lot of fun right now. So, thank you.”

His feelings were genuine. There was not a single lie, just an honest confession.

And influenced by those emotions, his expression softened too.

It was a serene, joyful smile, like that of a child. It had such an overwhelming charm that it could captivate people of all ages and genders. Keitaro’s innocent smile was directed at Sophia.

“…I always thought so, but Keitaro, you look best when you’re smiling.”

“Do, do I? It’s kind of embarrassing…”

Caught off guard by the unexpected words, Keitaro couldn’t hide his turmoil and shyly turned his face away. His ears were tinged red.

(…Ah, why is Keitaro so cool and cute? I can only be grateful to Saeko-san and the others. Living alone with Keitaro, I’m too happy…)

Sophia had a bewitched look on her face.. The look on her face overflowed with deep, heavy love for Keitaro, almost to the point of madness.