Day two of living together.
Kotaro and Misaki woke up late and spent the day entwined, repeatedly making love. After lunch, they napped and then entwined again... It was a thoroughly debauched day.
"Ah."
Just before evening, Misaki opened the refrigerator and let out a soft sound.
"What's wrong? ...Ah."
Peering over the petite senior's shoulder, Kotaro saw that the refrigerator was nearly empty.
"Hmm... Oh, right, we also need kitchen towels..." Misaki muttered absentmindedly, checking the cabinets above the stove and the bathroom. Her body brushed against his in a series of soft touches, making his heart race despite their repeated lovemaking.
"You're right. Since we're living with Kotaro, we'll need more household supplies... Oh, but wait, isn't Kotaro... you know, the one who can't blow his nose without a kitchen towel?"
"That's not how it works at all!"
During pollen season, my nose gets so red it looks like it's about to bleed.
Misaki giggled and smoothly nestled her face against Kotaro's chest. He nearly fainted.
"Well then... let's go grocery shopping. For two."
"Okay."
I kissed Senpai, who was smiling at me with a mischievous grin. Our faces turned bright red.
*****
We rode our bicycles to the supermarket, which was just a five-minute ride away. It was located along a major road near the university, with a drugstore, bookstore, and rental shop nearby. It was the kind of place that clearly thrived around the university.
"Do you usually shop here, Kotaro?"
"No, I usually go to the station. It's not much farther."
"I see... Oh, we should get a cart."
As they picked up the baskets, Misaki murmured, realizing how much they were buying. Kotaro pushed the cart, while Misaki casually placed the baskets on top, shifting them up and down.
"...This feels kind of like a newlywed couple," she muttered.
Her face instantly flushed crimson.
"...Give."
"Huh?!"
The unexpected reaction from the petite senior caught him off guard. Turning her face away and thrusting out her small palm was utterly adorable.
"E-err, let's go... quickly..." she stammered, bashfully slapping her upper arm. Despite the public setting, he felt an overwhelming urge to embrace her.
"Um, the toilet paper... Oh, right! Kotaro burns two rolls every night in a prayer ritual before he can sleep soundly, doesn't he?"
"What kind of insanely dangerous ritual is that?! Have you ever seen anything like that place?!"
"Right... So you've been secretly burning those rolls every night..."
"Why are you tearing up a little?"
Even as they exchanged casual banter, Misaki kept gently touching him. The increased physical affection since they'd first met made him ridiculously happy.
He tried touching her back.
Misaki quickly pulled away.
"...Kotaro, your touch is a little sleazy."
"Huh?!"
Apparently, she needed time to get used to it.
At home, I'd welcome it! she added casually, though it was a rather bold statement. She resumed stroking his body. How lucky am I to have such a cute creature? he thought, looking up at the heavens in wonder. He kept it up for two seconds before she noticed and gave him a suspicious look.
I casually tossed the toilet paper, kitchen towels, and cling film into the lower basket, then headed to the produce section to buy ingredients.
"Does Misaki-senpai decide what to buy beforehand?"
"Hmm, let's see... What about you, Kotaro?"
"Me? Well, I usually... roughly decide on the ingredients and just buy them without really thinking about the quantities."
"I see, I see," Misaki nodded, and Kotaro nodded along.
The conversation stalled, and the supermarket's instrumental background music suddenly sounded awfully loud.
"...Misaki-senpai, you still haven't answered, have you?"
"Caught me."
Misaki stuck out her tongue playfully. How cute.
"So, you want me to hug you?"
"Stop! You idiot! Don't get so close—you're making me all flustered..."
Kotaro moved in close, cornering Misaki at the pork section. She fidgeted her hands cutely, looking flustered. She was saying something innocently profound. If they were at home, he would have definitely pinned her down by now.
"I buy things randomly sometimes, and other times I plan it out... Wait, what's that?"
Misaki glanced over Kotaro's shoulder.
"Ah? Misaki and... Kotaro?"
"Huh?"
It was Megumi, Misaki's classmate, and Fukushima, the representative of the third-year Social Welfare Research Society. Both were carrying shopping carts.
"Heh heh, you two are close, aren't you?"
"Ugh..."
Megumi giggled, and Misaki's face turned beet red. Even though Megumi was teasing her, she seemed genuinely delighted.
"Kotaro-kun, have you finished moving yet?"
"Yes, we finished yesterday. Though there are still some boxes left to unpack..."
Since Fukushima and Megumi had only recently learned about Kotaro and Misaki's relationship, I also told them about our living arrangement. Naturally, given how sensitive the topic was, I hadn't mentioned it to any other members of the Social Welfare Research Society yet.
"I see... So you're living together, huh? That's nice."
"We're in a similar boat, aren't we?"
"Heh, you're right."
Fukushima and Megumi chuckled and exchanged smiles. Their relationship seemed to be progressing smoothly, having lasted about six months.
After chatting for a while, they waved goodbye and left. As I watched them walk away, I saw them efficiently tossing ingredients into their baskets.
Oh...
I saw Fukushima and Megumi holding hands. Glancing at Misaki beside me, I suddenly felt an overwhelming urge to touch her.
"Misaki-senpai?"
"Hmm? What is it... Oh!"
As I gently took her hand, Misaki blinked, her pale lips moving slightly.
"Are you feeling better now?"
"Mm... It doesn't feel very romantic. But..."
"Huh? What is it?"
"Ah... When you look at me so directly... it makes me blush."
She averted her gaze, staring unnaturally intently at the same discount sign she'd been looking at earlier.
"...Misaki-senpai, you're really cute."
"...Ugh..."
Her cheeks flushed crimson as she started kneading our clasped hands.
"Well then, let's keep shopping. Oh, and we need sunflower seeds too, right?"
"Who said I'm a hamster?!"
"Oof!"
After teasing her for the first time in ages, I got a sharp pinch in the side and let out an awkward squeak. The stares from the university students and housewives around us burned. Misaki was giggling innocently.
"Yeah, I guess you're right, Kotaro. It doesn't bother me."
"...That's a relief."
I'd heard she was a bit bothered by being treated like a mascot at the Social Welfare Research Society. But apparently, it's not a problem when I say it. That's a huge relief.
"You like me, warts and all, right, Kotaro?"
"Ugh... y-yeah."
"Mm-hmm, good, good."
Misaki strokes my head. My face feels hot. Now that I look closer, her cheeks are a little flushed too. We're both falling for this.
She glances at me from beneath her lashes.
"...But if you get too full of yourself, I'll do that."
"What do you mean by 'that'?!"
"You'll see. Come on, let's go!"
She's so cheerful she might start humming. Aww, she's so cute... I groan inwardly, chasing after Misaki-senpai's retreating figure as she strides ahead.
*****
When we get back from shopping, Misaki strikes a cute, determined pose. "Okay, let's go!"
"Mmph... Hey, Kotaro... what are you doing...?"
"...Huh? Sorry, I was just thinking how cute you are."
Before I knew it, I was holding her.
"If you try hugging everything you think is cute, you'll get caught in 30 minutes."
"Don't worry, Misaki-senpai. I only do this with you."
"Yeah, I know that!"
The flustered senior pushed my shoulder away.
"What should I do with the cooking?"
"Let's see... Actually, it might be better if you check the supplies. With two of us, I can't predict how quickly things will run out. So, if you could write today's date and the quantities of each item on that notepad over there, that would be great."
"Got it. Understood."
"When you're done, 1,000 squats."
"My legs will hate you..."
We chuckled and started our respective tasks.
Huh, this might be tougher than I thought...
The thought struck me as I wandered around the living room, kitchen, bathroom, and other areas.
When I lived alone, I'd just think casually, "We're running low, so I'll go shopping." But now that we're living together, our supplies are depleting twice as fast. I'm really starting to appreciate how efficient my mother was when she shopped at home.
"Senior Misaki, I've finished checking everything."
"Mm, good. I'll need your help with something later, so take a break for now."
"Oh, I see."
"Understood..." I replied, standing beside Misaki as she skillfully prepared the meal.
"Hmm, here."
Misaki casually picked up a piece of kinpira gobo and offered it to me. The crisp texture and perfectly balanced sweet and savory flavors were irresistible.
"It's absolutely delicious..."
"Mm, I see. It's not too spicy, is it?"
"Ah... you're right, it's a little spicy."
"Okay then. I can't handle too much spice either, so just a tiny bit of chili pepper is perfect..."
I was delighted that Kotaro subtly tailored everything to my preferences. Feeling giddy with happiness, I reached out and gently grasped her slender shoulders, making Misaki flinch slightly.
"...Mmm..."
Misaki turned her head back, softly closing her eyes. I kissed her, holding her from behind, our tongues gently sliding against each other.
"Something about being newlyweds..."
"Give!"
"Hey, that's so sudden—mmph!"
The second time I voiced my thought, Misaki's ears flushed crimson as she pressed her palms to her face. Then, she playfully pinched my cheeks. It was supposed to be an "Iron Claw," but her small hands only felt soft and comforting—more like a "Hamster Claw."
Kotaro, are you trying to drain my HP to zero? she grumbled half-heartedly, skillfully continuing to prepare the meal. From behind, Kotaro watched her, occasionally patting her shoulders and stealing kisses. I'd thought she was cute when we first met, but now she seemed dozens of times cuter.
"Wow..."
A gasp of admiration escaped as I took in the array of dishes lined up on the low table.
There was pork ginger-yaki, simmered satoimo (Japanese mountain yam), miso soup with bonito flakes, and kinpira gobo (braised burdock root and carrots), which I'd already had a taste of earlier. Considering Kotaro's dietary needs, he'd actually prepared enough rice and pork ginger-yaki for three people.
I clapped my hands energetically and dug in. The moment my teeth sank into the tender meat was pure bliss. The sweet-salty sauce flooded my mouth. I instinctively scooped up the white rice, letting it flow down my throat as naturally as water.
Next was the simmered satoimo. Its soft texture and mild flavor were heavenly. The chopped green onions added a perfect crunch. Then came the miso soup—a standard tofu and wakame miso soup. As I slurped up the broth along with the ingredients, the savory aroma of bonito filled my nostrils. The kinpira was delicious too. Thanks to the earlier adjustment of the spiciness, it was even more enjoyable.
"Kotaro, you're really digging in, aren't you?"
Misaki chuckled, barely pausing to eat herself. I felt a little self-conscious, like I was being watched kindly by a mother.
"...It really is delicious. Seriously, it's amazing."
"Heh-heh, I see, I see. It's satisfying to cook something like this."
Misaki leaned over lazily, her cheeks flushed with cheerfulness as she nuzzled my forearm.
"Hmm? What's wrong, Kotaro? Not eating?"
"You're just too cute, Misaki-senpai. I got distracted."
"My hug that powerful, huh?"
We exchanged smiles and resumed eating.
(Hmm?)
Misaki began stroking my thigh. I thought it was just an extension of our casual affection, but her touch was somehow clingy and suggestive. We'd both finish eating in just a few minutes.
The thought of what would happen after we finished eating... my heart pounded with overflowing anticipation, almost painfully.
Originally, the main story was supposed to cover a year in the lives of Kotaro and Misaki. But when I considered wrapping up the narrative with their move-in together, I thought, "Wait a minute... given how close they already are, doesn't a year seem too long to reach that point?" Plus, I realized there was so much more I could explore between spring and summer, so I narrowed the time frame in the story.
For the after-story, I'm planning to cover the period from summer to the next spring! I want to gradually capture the unique atmosphere of university life. I have a bunch of ideas brewing, so I'm really looking forward to writing it! (^^)
Update on posting schedule:
Fortunately, I've been given multiple projects to work on, but unfortunately, their deadlines have all clustered together. For now, it's temporarily difficult to maintain the usual update pace for the six web serials I'm currently running, including Nocturne.
So, I apologize to everyone who has been looking forward to updates, but regarding Little Senpai:
The rest of March will be on hiatus. In April, there will be only one update on the 23rd (Tuesday). Starting in May, updates will resume on the first and third Tuesdays of each month at 7 PM.
I hope you'll understand!
Thank you for your support!
I'm looking forward to your bookmarks, ratings, and comments! I haven't been able to reply to many of your messages lately, but I read every single one and they always give me a huge boost of energy! Thank you so much!
Thank you for reading this update!