Chapter 59: Overwriting Memories |
[It’s a story about a chocolatier who’s been in unrequited love with a woman for 12 years. The woman is already married, but she’s having marital problems. So, she throws covert advances at the chocolatier, who once loved her, trying to use him... It’s that kind of drama. I played the role of a somewhat mischievous married woman, giving off a somewhat materialistic vibe.]
As the actress briefly introduced the drama she starred in, the host, with a playful demeanor, inquired,
[A romantic drama then?]
[It’s a bit... Well, it’s about an affair, so...]
[When I do it, it’s romance, but when others do it, it’s an affair - that kind, right?]
[Uh...?]
The actress was taken aback.
The studio audience burst into laughter, enhancing the lively atmosphere on TV.
As I was watching a variety show with Miyuki,
She touched my nail with the tip of her nail, making me chuckle.
“You said to watch TV, but you’re not even interested?”
“Matsuda-kun.”
“Yes?”
“Take care of your nails.”
“All of a sudden?”
“They’re pretty but too rough.”
Turning the TV volume down as low as possible, I lay down beside Miyuki.
She then caught my messy bangs between her index and middle fingers, tugging them downward gently.
Playing with my bangs as if she were a hairstylist, she said,
“Matsuda-kun.”
“Yes?”
“Feeling sleepy?”
“No, are you?”
“I’m not either.”
“You should still try to sleep. It’s tough if you mess up your day and night cycle.”
“From the way you’re saying it, Matsuda-kun seems to switch his day and night frequently. What do you do at night?”
Her intention to slyly probe into my past was all too evident.
Looking outwards, with a shrug of my shoulder, I retorted,
“Want me to tell you?”
“Yes, I’m curious... No, actually... I’m not curious...”
She hastily tried to shake her head in denial. Seeing my teasing grin, she seemed to feel a subtle anxiety.
“Too bad.”
“Don’t... don’t get any weird ideas...”
“What weird idea? Like the one you’re having right now?”
“What are you talking about...!”
Miyuki, biting her lower lip with her front teeth, tightly gripped the hem of my t-shirt.
It reminded me of her demeanor during our first experience.
Twisting her body as if uncomfortable and showing signs of embarrassment, she continued speaking.
“Ah...! The cultural festival is over, when do you want to come for dinner?”
“Whenever you’d like.”
“Mm, but Matsuda-kun.”
“Yes?”
“I’m cold.”
She could just ask for a hug, but she always has to beat around the bush. I wonder when our Miyuki will ever be frank with her feelings. She’s so fox-like.
“Cover yourself with the blanket. I’ll close the window.”
“.....”
“Kidding. Come here.”
As I chuckled and slid my hand under Miyuki’s neck, she naturally nestled into me, making my arm her pillow.
Holding her close, I spoke.
“What do you want to do after you wake up tomorrow?”
“I’ll see how I feel first and then decide...”
“Did it hurt a lot? Does it still hurt?”
“Why... why are you asking about that...!”
It’s important to discuss such matters so we can better understand each other, and incorporate feedback the next time.
I wanted to convey this, but Miyuki was feeling quite shy at the moment. Given that this was right after her first time, discussing the topic would likely be embarrassing, so it was best to remain silent.
“Sorry, sorry.”
As I gently apologized and patted her hip, she let out a soft whimper and clung even closer to me.
Soon after, she let out a tiny yawn. It seemed the tension was finally dissipating, and fatigue was washing over her all at once.
“You said you weren’t sleepy, but it seems you’re falling asleep pretty quickly.”
With a mischievous tone, I teased Miyuki. When she pressed her forehead against my chest, I chuckled softly.
Today was a day full of events.
It was the most significant day since I arrived in Dokiaca, a day when all the actions I’ve taken so far showed their brightest result.
I felt proud. And my heart was still fluttering. Since Miyuki was practically glued to me I wondered if she noticed my rapidly beating heart…
“.....”
Judging by her soft breathing, indicating she had fallen asleep, it didn’t seem like she did.
’Good night.’
Afraid that speaking aloud might wake Miyuki, I silently wished her goodnight and closed my eyes.
***
“I’ll go in now.”
“Okay.”
As Miyuki, about to leave the passenger seat, looked down at her right hand, she noticed my fist tightly holding onto her pinky. A flush instantly spread across her cheeks.
She glanced between her hand and mine and said,
“You have to let go of my hand for me to leave...”
“You can just pull away.”
“You’re holding too tightly; I can’t...”
But I was holding it as lightly as I could...
When I smirked, as if mocking her claim, Miyuki brought my hand to her cheek and gave the back of it a gentle kiss.
A faint pink lipstick mark was left behind.
She looked at it with satisfaction, got out of the car, and smiled brightly.
“You can’t postpone it this time, okay?”
She was referring to the dinner invitation.
I took a sip of the water and responded.
“Alright.”
Hearing my response, she waved briefly and began to walk down the alley. Although she was trying to maintain her composure, it was evident she was struggling.
Judging by how she was clutching her lower abdomen and her gait, it seemed her inner thigh muscles, and perhaps even deeper, were sore... I couldn’t just let her go like this.
I hastily parked the car, rushed to Miyuki, and supported her.
“Why do you have to hide it? If you’re in pain, just say so... It’s frustrating...”
At my chiding, the corners of Miyuki’s lips momentarily twitched upwards before settling back down. She clearly liked my gesture of concern.
As she continued to walk with my support, her lips quivered slightly.
“...If my parents find out... I’ll just say we hung out in the morning...”
“Do as you wish.”
“Don’t be so blunt...”
“Are you gearing up for another nagging?”
“Because Matsuda-kun listens only when nagged...”
Suppressing a chuckle, I gently rubbed and pressed on Miyuki’s lower abdomen.
“But isn’t your nagging a bit excessive today?”
“... It’s not nagging, it’s advice for Matsuda-kun’s sake... Mm...”
Miyuki seemed to savor my touch.
As I smirked and moved my hand further down, she quickly grabbed my wrist and lifted it upwards, causing me to pause.
“Hey, we’re outside...”
“There’s no one around?”
“Even so, we shouldn’t...”
“Okay.”
“Also... I’ll call you tonight, can you come out...?”
“Why at night? To take a walk?”
“Yes...”
She was gradually trying to replace the memories she had with Tetsuya with our moments.
It was a positive sign. Miyuki was trying to overwrite her memories with Tetsuya by superimposing them with our memories.
“Can you walk?”
“Maybe...? I think I’ll be better after a bit of rest...”
“Don’t push yourself. Let’s just watch a late-night movie. Tomorrow’s a holiday anyway.”
“I’m fine with anything. But... can I rest my feet on your lap when we’re watching the movie?”
“Do whatever you want today.”
“Can I lean my head on you too?”
“Just don’t cross the line.”
Amidst our playful banter, we arrived at Miyuki’s house.
Standing in front of her front door, she looked back several times before finally unlocking it and entering.
I wanted to flirt longer, but given her physical state, it can’t be helped. She needs proper rest.
With a hint of reluctance, after seeing Miyuki off, I drove towards the city center.
Upon parking in a public parking area, I walked through the bustling crowd, opened my messaging app, and tried to find Chinami by syncing the contacts.
‘Found her.’
Among the few contacts listed, there was a profile picture that was unmistakably Chinami’s even at a glance.
The photo is as expected. It matches her personality quite well.
The nickname is also “Momo”, which means peach, combined with an honorific suffix to make it [Momo-nim].
Cute. If we get closer, I might want to call her that.
[Sensei, what are you doing?]
Not long after sending the message, I received a reply from Chinami.
[Ah, it’s you, Matsuda hubae-nim. I was about to eat.]
[Rice?]
[Yes, how did you know?]
[Just had a feeling.]
[Hubae-nim, do you have a really good intuition? Impressive!]
I was teasing... but she took it at face value.
Following was an emoticon of a peach character clapping its hands.
Staring blankly at the mischievous character, I tapped on my screen.
[Is that a peach character in your profile picture? You like peaches that much?]
[Yes. I even had some as an appetizer today.]
[Don’t people usually have it as a dessert?]
[I do it this way. Of course, I plan to have some as dessert too.]
Come to think of it, Chinami is the perfect character for a sub-heroine in a visual novel.
The sort of character who lacks self-awareness, often showing her innocence... infused with “moe” elements, portraying an innocent charm…
[It must be a pity that peach season is going to end, right?]
[There are still plenty around, so it’s okay. But what brings you to message your sensei? Curious about kendo?]
[No, just checking in as your student. Given our mentor-student relationship, it’s only right.]
[Of course. What are you up to, Matsuda hubae-nim?]
Obviously, as your student, I’m doing something grand - like planning to conquer Renka and showing her to you...
It must be too grand from your perspective... the unbeatable ace yielding to me. Of course, you wouldn’t believe that, but seeing Renka, dressed up in the corrupted assistant costume, lying down to serve me, you’ll soon realize the reality in shock…
And when you see Renka, who has always been elegant and lofty, break down, some kind of sadistic nature will be awakened, and you’ll tell her in an innocent tone that Renka-chan is trash, that you are disappointed… and as she’ll vehemently deny, I’ll keep fucking her from behind, leading her to climax...
This is quite an intriguing fantasy.
[I’m out shopping for a bit.]
[What do you plan to buy?]
[A little bit of this and that. Should I get peach ice cream for you?]
[Appreciate the thought, but I have plenty at home. I’m off to eat.]
[Enjoy your meal.]
[Thank you, Matsuda hubae-nim. Enjoy your shopping.]
After ending the conversation with Chinami, I headed to the stationery store.
There, I started selecting items one by one that Miyuki might like.
︵‿︵‿୨ * ୧‿︵‿︵
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