Chapter 39

Today is also three episodes, but from tomorrow, it will return to two episodes (3/3)

"Cheers!!!"

The three of us, me, Maki, and Aki, clinked our glasses together. We were currently celebrating at a private room izakaya that Aki highly recommended. It seemed that this place was often used by adventurers and guild-related people for confidential conversations, and apparently, there were quite a few such establishments around the guild.

This celebration was initially planned to celebrate my defeat of the 'Hobgoblin,' but after the defeat of the 'Murder Rabbit' and Maki becoming my dedicated companion, Aki suggested, "Let's enjoy it all at once!"

For me, it was nice that things had gone well, and I was grateful for the opportunity to celebrate, as I wasn't good at setting up such occasions. By the way, Aki, as usual, was drinking beer, I was having a sweet cocktail, and Maki, being 19, was having a non-alcoholic drink.

"By the way, why are both of you sitting next to each other?"

Despite the table being for four people, the three of us were sitting side by side, which was quite unusual.

"Because, you know?"

"We are equals, aren't we?"

"Then I should have sat alone, and you two should have sat together, right?"

"But since it's a special occasion?"

"It's better to be together."

That's what they said.

If that's the case, we should have used a table for six, but it was too late since we had already started. It was a bit cramped, but I'll be more careful next time.

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The conversation was lively.

We talked about events in the first and second layers of the dungeon, famous adventurers' exploits in other dungeons, and items that had appeared at auctions. Outside the dungeon, we discussed future dates and shopping. The topics never ran dry.

As the food and drinks progressed, it was getting late.

"Hey, Shota-kun~"

"What is it?"

"You're being too formal~. It's just between you and me, right?"

"…Are you saying I should be more like Maki?"

"Sure~. It's lonely, isn't it?"

"…I'll handle it."

"Hehehe"

Aki… no, Aki became more and more proactive as she drank. She started leaning on me, pressing her soft body against me. Moreover, she would occasionally burst into tears, laugh, pout, and act clingy. Her emotional changes were dizzying. I was a bit tipsy too, but not to that extent.

On the other hand, Maki had been unusually quiet. She was leaning on me as if to compete with Aki.

Just as I was thinking this, Maki suddenly pulled my arm.

"Shota-san…"

"Hm? What is it, Maki?"

"How many children do you want?"

"Wha—!"

I was taken aback by her sudden question.

At that moment, I felt a shock as if cold water had been poured over my head. The shock sobered me up.

"I want three~"

The drunk on the other side chimed in.

Ah, this is for real. They're not joking or teasing; they're serious.

…Then, I have to make up my mind. I need to confess properly.

But not now. These words shouldn't be said in such a place.

For now, I need to confirm if they're in their right minds.

I looked at Maki's face again. She was clearly flushed. Her eyes were fixed.

"Sure, the room is full of alcohol fumes… but did you really get drunk from this!?"

"Shota-san, I'm not drunk."

Drunk people always say that.

"Me too~. I'm completely sober~"

"You're drunk."

I said this bluntly, as it was a bit annoying.

However, Aki laughed.

"Next time, let's get a room with better ventilation."

"Shota-san, we're not done talking."

"Children~!"

"…Alright, let's call it a night."

This won't do. Since they're not making sense, I can't deal with them properly.

I casually brushed them off and settled the bill.

Fortunately, the building where the two of them lived was nearby. I supported Aki, who was walking unsteadily, and held hands with Maki, who was leaning on me.

I led them to their room.

"Hehe~ Are you taking us home~?"

"Please take us home."

"Well, it's your home, isn't it?"

I opened the door and went inside. Aki dove into her bed and fell asleep instantly.

Maki clung to my arm and showed no signs of letting go.

"Shota-san, shall we take a bath? Or have dinner? Or~"

"We just had dinner, didn't we?"

"Did we…?"

She seemed to be in a pretty bad state.

"Just go to sleep."

I led Maki to the bed, but she wouldn't let go of my arm.

"Maki?"

"No… don't go."

"…"

Maki looked like she was about to cry and clung to me even more tightly.

If I let go now, she might break… she looks so weak.

"This is unfair. You can't run away, can you…?"

Is this what it means to be in love? I can't leave Maki in this state and go home.

If I get caught, the branch manager will kill me.

"…Alright."

"Yes… always together."

I gently hugged her, who was clinging to me like a child.

Lying down on the bed together, I stroked her head, and slowly, Maki's body relaxed.

"I'll stay with you until you fall asleep."

"Okay…"

…With the situation being that we haven't been recognized by our parents, is this safe, or is it not?

As I was thinking this, I could hear her soft breathing from her chest.

"…Sigh, sigh"

"…I'm not touching, so it's safe. I hope… fa. I'll take a little nap too."

Surrounded by a sweet and pleasant scent, I drifted off to sleep.

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Click.

I opened my eyes.

My head was a bit sore, but I felt well-rested.

When I turned my gaze to the side, the light was blinding.

Ah, I forgot to turn off the room light.

But, I don't have a light bulb like this in my room…

"…!"

At that moment, I remembered where I was and what the situation was.

I cautiously looked at the person in my arms, and our eyes met. She was breathing rapidly and was as warm as a hot water bottle.

"Good morning…"

"O-Oh… good morning…"

Her voice was barely audible.

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