The next day, Saturday.
Finally, today, I am leaving my house to begin cohabiting with Riran.
Becoming independent from my life with my family, which felt both long and short... I am taking the first step into a new life.
I asked the moving company arranged by Suwabe-san to load the belongings from my room onto the truck.
Well then, I should get moving on my bicycle as well.
“Well, Dad, Mom, Kotono. I’m going now.”
“Yeah. Take care, Akito.”
“I’ll come check on you sometime soon, so make sure you’re doing things right.”
“I know.”
I don’t know if I can keep such a large house clean, but I have to do what I can.
Dad and Mom patted me on the shoulder.
Then, Kotono, who had been standing a little distance away, trotted up to me.
“...See you later.”
“...Hehe. Yeah, I’m off.”
When I patted the head of the lonely-looking Kotono, she gave a small, bright smile.
The exchange of “See you later” and “I’m off.”
Just that interaction makes me feel like I can come back anytime.
However, I can’t keep lingering forever.
I waved to everyone and started pedaling my bike toward the new house.
The air, still holding onto its summer heat, brushed against my cheeks, and the wind blew into the hole in my heart.
Even so, my expectations for my new life were growing, and I didn’t feel lonely.
The bicycle wheels rubbed against the road, and a pleasant vibration traveled to my hands.
I kept riding for a little over twenty minutes.
I passed through the luxury residential area and arrived at the new home where Riran and I would live for the first time in a few days.
The truck carrying our luggage had already arrived, and Riran, who had arrived earlier, was giving various instructions for the move-in.
As I got off my bike and pushed it, Riran noticed me and approached.
“Akito, I’ve been waiting for you!”
“Sorry, I’m a little late.”
“You really are. Being punctual is an essential condition for gaining trust!”
“I’m only about a minute late, though.”
“It’s common for a business deal worth hundreds of millions to fall through because of a single second’s delay. Be careful.”
“Ye... Yes, ma'am.”
As expected of someone who is the embodiment of being dutiful. She’s dutiful about time as well.
I also helped the movers, carrying light items and the boxes containing my computer myself.
In less than an hour, all the luggage had been moved in.
Now, it’s time to unpack, but...
“What should we do about the rooms? The bedroom is shared, but we should probably have separate private rooms, right?”
“That’s true... which one do you want, Akito? You can choose first.”
Eh, being told that makes it hard to decide.
But since she said so, I’ll take her up on the offer and decide without hesitation.
After discussing it with Riran, we decided to leave the first floor for guests and when family comes over.
That means the second floor, but...
After looking around each room and worrying over it for a long time.
“Then, I’ll take this study-like room.”
The room was about 15 tatami mats in size. There was an office desk and an expensive-looking chair against the right wall, and the opposite wall was lined with bookshelves that looked like they could hold a thousand... no, several thousand books without any problem.
In the center was a crystal glass coffee table and a sofa that looked perfect for relaxing.
By the window, there was a reclining seat for reading and a small round table.
Opening the window revealed a balcony with a view of the large garden.
“Yeah, I like it here.”
“I knew you’d choose this place.”
“What’s that? That look like you knew it all along.”
“Considering your personality, I thought you’d fall in love with a study like this at first sight. You love these kinds of places, don’t you?”
Yes, I love it. I love it so much.
Because studies are cool, aren't they? Reading a book here with a wine glass (filled with grape juice) in one hand... I think that would be really cool.
...Don’t you think? Eh, you don’t? Ah, okay, so it’s just me. I see...
“Then I’ll take the room next door.”
“The one next door? I’m pretty sure there was nothing in there... what will you do about furniture?”
“Papa said he would buy it for me.”
I think this every time, but aren’t fathers in this world incredibly soft on their daughters?
I should make sure I’m not like that.
...No, it’s impossible. Even my sister Kotono is really cute. If I had a daughter, I’d probably do the same thing.
Once my room was decided, I began stuffing my belongings inside.
For books, I had light novels, manga, and a few training books.
That only added up to a few hundred volumes, so there was still plenty of space. I should read more so I can fill these shelves one day.
I placed my school materials and computer around the desk.
Just this makes me feel like a capable man. Though in reality, it’s probably a waste of talent.
Sitting in the expensive-looking chair, I looked around.
It’s spacious. Really spacious.
I’ll probably end up studying with Riran in this room or the living room, so this room will basically be a space for reading.
Still, it’s too big.
Come to think of it, my only hobbies are training my body and reading.
I’m not a collector, so I haven’t collected anything besides books. It might be a good idea to use this opportunity to find more hobbies.
Looking at the clock on the desk, it was already evening.
No wonder I’m hungry. I wonder how Riran is doing.
I left my room and knocked on the door next door. But there was no answer. Where did she go...?
...Hm? *Sniff, sniff*. A delicious smell... Ah, no way!
I hurried down the stairs and into the living room.
And there...
“Ah, Akito. You came down. Dinner will be ready soon, so can you set the table?”
──There was Riran, wearing a pink apron and frying food.
Cute. She’s too cute. She has that "new wife" vibe. No, this is exactly what a new wife looks like.
“...Is this utopia?”
“What kind of stupid thing are you saying?”
Don’t look at me with such cold eyes. It makes me sad.
“Look, it’s almost done. Today is your favorite, karaage.”
“Oh, seriously? How did you know? My favorite food. Ah, did you ask Kotono?”
“No, I didn’t.”
Riran placed the freshly fried chicken onto a cooking rack and whispered with slightly blushing cheeks.
“How many years do you think I’ve been watching you? Idiot.”
“————”
A shock ran through my body.
This is bad. This is really bad.
Was Riran always this cute...? Eh, am I really going to start living with her like this?
*Gulp*. Wh-what’s going to happen to this life...?!