When I was forced to kiss her and before I knew it, she was holding my hand. It was the best moment of my life.

    “…”

    I quietly approached Lida.

    I’ve always been robbed, but this time it’s my turn to take her lips.

    –A few more centimeters.

    –A few more millimeters.

    “—-“

    The distance between us was no more than a few millimeters and Lida let tears fall from her eyes. I was surprised when she suddenly started crying.

    “What’s wrong? Did you not like ……?”

    “No, no. I like Oojirou too much……, I was too happy and my feelings just came out. …… That’s strange. I can’t stop crying.”

    I was confused because she started crying so hard.

    “It’s not like you really didn’t like me or feel bad or anything.”

    “No, no. I wouldn’t be living with you if I did.”

    “Is that so?”

    “I’m sorry. I’m ruining the mood. Maybe another time.”

    “All right. Maybe some other time.”

    When I promised to do so, Lida gave me an angelic smile. Then she kissed me on the cheek, looking embarrassed.

    ◆

    I finished the homecoming club and left school shoulder to shoulder with the Russian girl. The other boys were staring at me and glaring at me with envy. I don’t care about the eyes around me anymore. I don’t care. I have to get to Maisaka Station.

    We walked the fifteen-minute distance from the school.

    “Hey, hey, Oojirou. What are we going to have for dinner?”

    “Hmm, I think we’ll just have cup noodles.”

    “Mongolian noodles?”

    “That’s it. We’ll try that.”

    Cup noodles would be a big help.

    I thought she would want to eat out at an eel restaurant or something, but as expected, she had just moved in. I wouldn’t say we’re in financial trouble, but we’ve chosen a reasonably good apartment, so we’re in a tight spot, mainly because of the rent.

    Luxury is the enemy. I want to avoid living on beans. That’s why we decided to have Mongolian noodles for dinner. I bought it at FamilyMart in front of Bentenjima Station using the payment system “PoyPoy”.