Like Hell I’m Gonna Get Captured! - Chapter 12

My eyes open, and as I look over my room, before me lay a scene from paradise.
Two cute girls are peacefully breathing, asleep, next to each other.
I stiffen my face which had relaxed into a grin, and glance at the clock, which is indicating 6:00.
Habits aren’t broken that easily even on this kind of special day.

Although I’m tempted to go back to sleep, like this, I can gaze at their sleeping faces for awhile.
Still, let’s get my daily routine over with and go pick up Neko.
So that I don’t awaken them, I softly get out of bed, head into the walk-in closet, and change into running clothes.
I finish tying up my hair. I go down and wash my face, and take the towel with me outside.

———————————-

“Morning. You sure work hard every morning.”

I haven’t even started running yet when the neighboring Obaa-san addresses me.
When I go to run every morning, depending on if the weather isn’t bad, Obaa-san also goes to sweep around her house.
Although she should be getting on in years, I’m always surprised at how healthy she is.

“Good morning. Obaa-san is also working very hard.”

When I return a smile to Obaa-san, the smile she constantly wears furthermore brightens.
How do I describe it, her demeanour is like that of a very refined person. Perhaps it’s better to say that, despite being quite aged, she is always dignified.

“Ah, Sora-chan. Take this. You have to make sure to stay hydrated okay.”
“Oh, I’m sorry for always worrying you. Thank you very much.”

When Obaa-san says that, she reaches into her open bag, takes out a bottle of Pocari, and hands it to me.
If I went back into my house, I could get some water, and I didn’t really need it, but it’s customary to not bluntly refuse.
Making sure to say my thanks, I bow. That’s a matter of course.

“Don’t worry about it. As far as I’m concerned, you and Riku-kun are like my cute grandchildren. Though, perhaps I’m just troubling you two.”

Says the smiling Obaa-san.
That’s definitely not the case. Rather, it is I who is always being soothed by Obaa-san’s gentle voice.

“Thank you very much. I’m happy.”
“Oh, when you say that I’m relieved. I beg your pardon. Well then, be careful of cars.”
“I will. Then, I’ll be off.”
“Take care.”

Starting my morning jog, being greeted by Obaa-san, being pampered, and restart. Every morning is generally like this.

When I become old, I want to be like Obaa-san.
Despite being old, still having a dignified air, an old woman with an incredible, lady-like ambience. I look forward to it.

————————————–

I take a shower after coming back home from running, and then I turn on the washing machine.
Afterwards is making breakfast, although mom told me that I didn’t have to.
She also does the housework, so since it’s Sunday, I want her to be at ease.
That’s why, as much as I can, I’ll help with the housework.

Nn—-, what should I make.
Yesterday’s baguette hasn’t been finished yet, so the main dish has been decided, but what else…
In any event, since Kiho and Kaede-chan are here, do I want to show off a little?
Do I want to see those two’s delighted faces in the morning from the tastiness?

While wondering what I should make, I fish around the kitchen, and find a can of tuna and a can of corn.
‘Make something with these.’ It’s as if I have a revelation. Yeah, let’s use them.
However, no matter how hard I think, I can only make a tuna sandwich and corn soup with these.
Truly, thank you for the revelation.
It doesn’t matter as long as I make it delicious.

First, let’s make the corn soup.
I cut an onion into thin slices, melt some butter in a frying pan, and stir-fry.
Since I’d have to do it twice, to save some effort, I’m frying the finely chopped onions for the tuna sandwich at the same time.
I fry them until they become transparent, and then I put the onions and corn into a mixer until the water and fat come out.
I mix in milk and skim milk at the same time.
Afterwards, I take out two more saucepans, put the consomme in, and turn on a simmering fire. Once it’s warmed, I adjust the taste with salt and sugar.

Tuna sandwich is even easier.
I open the tuna can, pour out the oil, and put in finely chopped onions and caper. I mix in dijon mustard and mayonnaise, adjust the taste with salt and pepper, and done.
I cut the baguette into thin slices and lightly toast. I tear some lettuce and slice up some cucumbers in preparation.
It should be okay to wake everyone up now.

Nn–… 7:30.
We planned to go first thing in the morning, so it’s about time for the two of them to wake up.

—————————-

I enter the room, but it’s apparent that the two of them are still in dreamland.
Huh, their sleeping postures are quite good. There no sense of disarray at all. Darn.
“Hey you two, it’s about time to wake up?”

…….
No response. They’re sound asleep.

N–… should I wake them up one at a time?
First is–.., Let’s try Kiho.

“Kiho-? Wake up–”
“……Nn–”

This is hopeless.
She’s only stirring about and not waking up. If it’s like this, should I pull off the covers?
If I do that, she’ll probably wake up.

“Morning. Kiho. You awake?”
“……Nn–”

……I tried pulling off the covers, but she’s still half asleep.
I heard from somewhere that in times like these, you have to get mad. Allrrr—ight.

“Kiho? If you don’t wake up, you’re going to get *chuuuu*-ed.” (TL Note: *Chu* means kiss.)
“……N–? ………*chuuu*…….”
! ?

Even though I said it as a joke, why is Kiho reaching out her arms eagerly.
Ah, this is a dangerous situation. I’m on the verge of losing my reasoning in an instant.
This is unwise. Let’s wake up Kaede-chan first instead. ……..wait.

“……Morning. Kaede-chan.”
“……Good morning.”

Kaede-chan was already awake.
She was observing me inside the futon while stifling her breath.
Why would you do something like that.

Just how long is Kiho going to stay half asleep.
If I do a Chop, she should wake up. Let’s do that. This is divine retribution for making me lose my sense of reason. TEI!
“! ?”

Alright, she’s awake. Although she’s holding her forehead, there are no problems.
Fully open your eyes!

“Morning. Kiho”
“……Morning. Uh, I think I felt like something hit me.”
“Don’t mind it.”
“Is that so?”
“You don’t have to worry. Kiho-chan.”
“Ah, morning Kaede. Huh, so I don’t have to mind it?”

Says Kiho while making an ‘I get it’ face and rubbing her brow.
This kid. If you live with her, you’ll probably become just as idiotic as her. What is this ultimate moe lifeform.
I’m more surprised that Kaede-chan splendidly went along with the joke while brightly and cutely smiling.

“Ah right. Breakfast is done since I thought everyone would be waking up, so come down and eat.”

Telling those two that, we head down to the living room together.
They expressed their shame and apologized for sleeping while I was making breakfast, but they’re guests, so I told them that there was no need to mind it.

—————————–

When we enter the living rooms, both my parents had also just came down, and they were roasting coffee.
Oh right. I forgot to prepare the coffee. I wasn’t careful enough in the end. (TL Note: 詰めが甘いIdiom meaning everything is perfect except for the finishing touch at the end.)

“Oh? Morning Sora. Thank you for finishing the preparations for breakfast. Kiho-chan, Kaede-chan, morning to you too. Did you sleep well?”
“You three. Morning.”

Say my parents who greet us when they notice us entering.
Although mom thanks me for preparing breakfast, I did it because I wanted to do it, so she didn’t have to bring it up.

“Otou-san, Okaa-san, morning.”
““Good morning. Thank you very much, we slept very well.””

When I return a greeting, Kiho and Kaede-chan do as well.
From their speech to their bows, they are beautifully in sync. Although they were yesterday as well, to be able to maintain it cleanly up until now is somewhat interesting.

“Then, I’ll put the finishing touches on breakfast, so you two go ahead and sit down.”
“Ah, please allow me to assist you.”
“Me too!”

Saying that, I head towards the kitchen, along with the two others who said they’ll come.
They’re guests so there’s no need for them to help out. Kids who are too good also are problematic.

After I make the two of them sit down, while warming up the soup, I finish the tuna sandwich.
You just have to put the ingredients on some bread and sandwich it with another slice, so it should be super simple. However, it’s normally quite hectic, since my younger brother primarily eats large amounts.

————————————–

After the meal, since we still have a little time before departing, after folding the futons, I’m laying around.
Still, the two of them eating with baguettes in both hands sure are cute. If my parents weren’t here, I’d take a video.

“Oh, I’ve been meaning to ask. What is in your household’s basement?”

When I was leisurely drinking my coffee, Kaede-chan asks me all of a sudden.
It’s probably been on their minds since they came yesterday, so I guess it shouldn’t be a surprise. Ah, those are drinking red tea. They said they don’t like coffee. But it’s so delicious.

“Nn…yeah. We have a room that’s like a pool and a reclining room. Behind it is a room with an ofuro.”

There’s a lot of people who long for a pool I think. Actually, I used to yearn for one too.
However, cleaning is a pain. Every year when it becomes hot, is the arrival of back-breaking manual labor.
Well, I like swimming and relaxing so I go ahead and clean it.

“There’s a pool!? Nice! I’m so jealous.” (Kiho)
“If you would like, do you want to come during the summer?” (Sora)
“Really!? I’ll come–!!” (Kiho)
“Indeed that is nice. Ah, however, I wish to go to the beach.” (Kaede)
“The beach is also nice. If we go, we should visit the Sea of Japan, since it’s pretty and all.” (Sora)
“Ehhh—-, Okinawa is good too!” (Kiho)
“Going to Okinawa would be tough with our personal finances.” (Kaede)
“That’s true. Although it’s not like we can’t go, but rather we would be unable to do anything else.” (Sora)
“Muu– Sora’s house’s pool is fine then!” (Kiho)
“The way you said it sounds like you don’t actually want to come you know.” (Kaede)
“Ah, sorry! I want to come!” (Kiho)
“Fufu, but still, it would be nice to go to the beach.” (Kaede)
“Yeah…, let’s try making a plan before summer.” (Sora)
“Indeed that would be nice. Let us do that.” (Kaede)
“Yaayyy–! The Ocean–!” (Kiho)

Ah, as you can see, that was our conversation just now.
Although I thought it was a conversation about the pool, it turned into one about going to the beach in the summer.
I don’t think they understood what what being said, but I also didn’t understand what was being said. Super high speed, Hypnosis. It was that kind of absolutely paltry thing.
I’ll have you taste even more frightening girl’s talk.

Don’t understand the joke? Too bad–. (Reference to Jojo: ジョジョの奇妙な冒険 Episode 27 Not sure if translated correctly)
Well, I just wanted to try saying it once. I’ve been meaning to say it for awhile now.

Ah, having said that, it’s almost time. We have to go change soon.

“You two. Let’s go change and get ready to go out.”
“Understood.”
“Yeeey. Neko-!”

An energetic response was given.
In front of my eyes, cute girls are naturally changing clothes. Guhe….Oops that was improper of me.

“Speaking of which, Sora-san.”

Hm? What’s up.

“Sora-san, do you own any skirts?”

Nn–, I do have a skirt, but I don’t really like it you know?

“I do have one just in case?”
“I want to see it!”
“I wanna see too!”
“Eh, why.”
““It’ll absolutely look cute!””

……If I don’t wear a skirt now, I’d get some intense complaints.
Guess I can’t help it. Let’s go with a skirt today.
I don’t have a single mini skirt, but if it’s a long skirt, I do have one.
Well, with that, I’d get mad if they complained.

And so, today, my outfit for today is decided: a long, denim skirt and and checkered, one-piece shirt.
Ah, I also put on a long cardigan.

The two of them praise me with ‘Cute! cute!’
Since they also ask me if I own a miniskirt, I tell them I don’t.
‘Let’s go buy one together sometime!’ they tell me. However, I refuse.

——————————–

Eh–, right now, we are in a car.
The passengers are my parents and I, and Kiho and Kaede-chan.
I’m so glad our car is the wagon type.
Well, a normal vehicle would have been good too, since then Kiho and Kaede-chan could’ve sat on my lap!

By the way, regarding my clothes, mom and my younger brother told me ‘how rare,’ and you could tell by my dad’s face that he was more or less surprised.
It’s not that rare for my plain clothes to be a skirt……Huh? I think the last time I wore a skirt was half a year ago.
But still, I don’t think that’s too long ago. Huh… Well, whatever.

After I ask for some more things in the car, we arrive. The Shopping Mall!
We park the car in the parking lot, and head towards our destination on foot.
Although it can’t be helped that my footsteps are somewhat quicker than normal, but Kiho is going all out. It’s obvious.

Although Kiho tells us to ‘Hurryyy–!’, she only can do so since she’s wearing culotte pants and sneakers.
Over here, I’m in a long skirt and boots. If I go all out and run, I’m sure to fall over.

When we arrive in front of the store, Kiho is impatiently waiting for us.
‘You’re slow,’ she says, but if we walked together, you wouldn’t have gotten impatient you know.

We enter the store and head towards the register.
Since our order has been reserved, we go to convey that at the register.

“Excuse me. Last week, a white Maine coon was reserved under the name Katagiri.”
“Ah, yes! We’ve been expecting you. Please wait for a moment.”

When I tell the clerk standing at the register, she quickly says that and leaves the register.
If you look closely, she’s the same clerk who recommended that I hold the Neko last week. That’s why she so quickly understood.

—-”she’s come back! the super cute girl who came last time!”
—-”really!? where, where!”

Hm–, I think I heard something quite interesting, but let’s not worry about that.
Yeah, I’m not going to pay it any attention. After all, there’s no way a clerk in the middle of work would gossip like that. Yeah, I have faith.

“Sorry to keep you waiting. Let’s see, right now, Neko-chan is under 80 days old. Please raise her inside the house for two more weeks, and afterwards please go to a veterinarian for vaccinations. If you take her outside before she’s had her immunizations, there may be many complications and other frightful things. Also, about her registration, I recommend you register Neko-chan now since it would save you some trouble later. Afterwards, about feeding her——”
She continues her careful explanation, and afterwards, we buy Neko.
Now we just need to go gather the other necessary things.
Two neko-use plates, and a litter box. I feel that using a sheet would be better than sand since it’s easier to clean
After that, ah, a flea collar is also necessary, and a small carry bag, and a brushy cat tower for polishing claws. Ah, I almost forgot food. And then, I heard that Maine coons like playing with balls, so let’s buy that too.
Now that I think about it, this is quite expensive. Add the Neko in, and it’s more expensive than an old motorcycle.

“Otou-san, thank you very much.”
“What, she’s a new member of our cute family. No one is opposed to it, and we have to properly look after her.”

Fuhe. After saying well-mannered things over and over again, my head is patted.
As expected, it’s embarrassing.

We pay for the necessities and leave the store.
My younger brother who is carrying the luggage seems quite overtaxed. Dad is also holding some bags in one hand.
Me? Both my hands are occupied by Neko-chan. This is also very arduous.

—————————————-

We’ve come back home!
For now, until she’s bigger, we’ll let Neko spend her time in the living room. As such, we put the Neko-use paraphernalia in the living room.
When I try releasing Neko, she’s glancing around, looking over the place while walking around the house beside me. Occasionally, she tries to sniff things.
Well then, I wonder if the cat tower and others things will be completely built by the timeNeko is accustomed to this place.

I leave the cat tower construction to my younger brother, and I’m deciding on the place for the litter box.
I think it would be good to put the litter box in the kitchen. Although some people might find that disagreeable, the trash can is close so it’s convenient.
Afterwards, I lay a bath towel in a maize basket for the Maine coon’s bed.
Ah, it looks like the cat tower is complete. I think it would be nice to put that next to the television.
Alright, all the arrangements are complete! Let’s go play with Neko!!

“By the way, have you decided on a name for Neko-chan?”

When I’m about to play with Neko, Kaede-chan asks me.
Now that she mentions it, although I’ve decided on a name, I haven’t said anything huh.

“Yeah, I’ve decided to name her Sekka.”
“Sekka-chan is it? What a cute name.”
“Yeah. Now we can call her like Secchan or Yuki-chan.”
“……Secchan. I am a Gund-”Kiho, say no more.” (Reference to Gundam 00)

Good grief. While we were amicably discussing cute names, out of nowhere a dangerous phrase was said.
Still, Sekka sure is cute. You probably don’t even know what was so dangerous about Kiho’s utterance. Of course you don’t.

Sekka comes to smell our scents, and then purrs while rubbing her face against us.
It’s okay right? It’s okay if I take pictures or videos right? I don’t have to hold back right!!?

Nope. I take out my cellphone’s camera, but Sekka becomes interested and draws her nose closer to sniff it.
I frantically take continuous pictures, and I decide to later frame these. This kind of project will immediately be done.
What amazing cuteness. Amazing. Oh ah. How wonderful. Truly terrific. What’s so amazing? Everything.

“Kiho-chan.”
“Yeeeahhh?”
“Sora-san is using baby talk to charm the Neko.”
“Mhm. Yeah. Wouldn’t the guys in the school spontaneously die if they saw this?”
“Aaahhh, I feel like that is happening to me.”
“For now, should we take some pictures?”
“Verily. Let us do that.”

Aaahhh. Neko is justice. Kiho and Kaede-chan are once again saying something.
Ah, those two are guests, so I should let them hold her too—-. Ahhh, you’re so cute, Sekka.
Why are yu so cwuteeee. Whyyyyy.

—————————-

After quite a time of playing, Sekka has a tired and sleepy feeling expression.
Thus, I carry her to her maize basket. I try to lull her to sleep there to teach her that this is where her bed is.
After a bit of petting, while purring, her eyes close and she stops moving. It’s fine now I think.

Afterwards, Kiho says she wants to explore around the house, so we go to see the basement’s pool and reclining room. I show her the cellar, and then we go walk in the gardens.
When I’m told that I will never understand normalcy in my lifetime, I’m a little sad. That shouldn’t be the case.

After, we eat dinner, and then it’s time for them to go home.
Dinner was curry made by my mom. Our household’s curry is a masterpiece you know.
The canned Italian tomatoes are the secret ingredient. Even though we use supermarket roux, with just that, the taste is totally different.
Since it was as delicious as ever, I ask for seconds. Kiho and Kaede-chan also ask for seconds.

“I ate too much yesterday, and now I’m scared to weigh myself.”

Says Kaede-chan. However, the majority of yesterday’s meal was quite healthy, and curry is said to boost your metabolism, so maybe you’ll be pleasantly surprised?
Well, no matter what, it’s never good to eat too much.
By the way, I can’t look at Riku on curry days. With just a look, I’ll also eat until I’m stuffed.

————————-

Well now, dinner is over, so I’m accompanying the two of them to the station.
The two tell me that they had fun. Even though our house was nothing special, they still said that. I’m happy.
Maybe, in case there’s a chance they’ll come over again sometime, maybe I should buy a game console for them.
Although there should be one in my younger brother’s room, I don’t know if he’ll lend it out.

“Sora-san. Would it be okay if I come to meet Neko-chan again?”
“Ah, I also want to come!”
“Sure, by all means. Though I may not be able to provide the greatest hospitality.”
“……..If that was trivial, I can’t even call my house a home.”
“Same.”

Whaa—? But all I did was make food. I don’t think you can say that.

“Eh—. But I wanted to try going to your houses too.”
“Ah, there is no way that I would not want you to come over. It is just that it is a lot of pressure!”
“Yeah yeah. I also want you to come over! But compared to your house, mine is practically crumbling.”

As if trying to depress themselves on purpose, the two of them while slightly flustered follow-up on each other.
What is this. I feel a little guilty. Well, I’ll just promise them that I’ll come over and play.
I don’t know exactly when, but it’ll fun.

———————–

“Yo. If it isn’t Katagiri-san.”

We arrive at the train station, and I see the two of them off, when all of a sudden, someone behind me starts a conversation.
When I look over my shoulder, it’s Brown-hair-pierce a.k.a. Tatebayashi.

“Good evening. Coming back from a date or something?”
“Nope. Work.”

Ehhh–, so he works. What a surprise.

“You have a job?”
“Ah, it’s not like it’s forbidden or anything yeah? More importantly, you on the way home?”
“Unn. What about it.”
“Nothing, I’ll walk you home.”

…….No. Unnecessary.
I can return home alone.

“No, I’m fine. Thank you.”
“Isn’t it already dark? It’s dangeroussss yeah.”
“No, I don’t think any strange events will happen.”
“So you have confidence to say that even though last week you were hit on by some strange guy at the station? How about it?”

……..Guh. Don’t talk back.

“C’mon. Since you’re silent, I’ll go back with you. Let’s go.”

While saying that, smack, Brown-hair-pierce lightly hits me on the back of my head.

“……Ouch.”
“It’s your imagination. Don’t worry about it.”

Why this guy……. Irritating.
Hahhh. If I tell him not go with me, he’ll just raise a fuss, so that’s why I’m going back with him.

“Oh yeah, what are you going home from?”

While walking on the way home, Tatebayashi suddenly asks me.

“Kiho and Kaede-chan stayed over, and I was sending them off.”
“Hm, so that’s the case.”

…

………That’s it!?
What did this guy want by asking!?

…

“Why are you, Tatebayashi-kun, working?”

Since the silence was too awkward, the conversation started from me this time.

“Nn? Ahhh, my mom’s a single parent. Got no money. That’s it.”
“Is that so? And you still entered Ryuusen?”
“…….Just so you know, I’m a scholarship student yah know.”

……Eh!?
Nonononono, that’s a joke. For someone with your appearance to be a scholarship student! Nonono. …….really?

“…….Don’t make such a surprised face. Well, I understand the feeling. Ryuusen keeps good grades a secret so there’s practically no connection. If an entering students gets a score befitting the top class’s, then he becomes a scholarship student as per the system. That’s all there is to it.”
“Though you say that, I heard that it was impossible for an entering student to get even close to full marks.”

I’m sure of it. I’ve never heard anything otherwise.
Ah, by the way, for me, someone came to talk to me before matriculation when I was just a normal scholarship student. I interviewed in, and didn’t have to take an entrance examination.

“Ahh, I’ve also heard that. But, as for my high school entrance skills, there’s nothing I do better. I furiously studied. It was a rough time in my life.”
“If Ryuusen didn’t accept me, perhaps I would be doing road construction yeah? Maybe?”

He says while smiling.
What should I say. I thought he was just some normal delinquent, but it seems like I was misunderstanding. He’s someone who has to persevere and fight against his circumstances. I have a slightly better opinion of him.

“Ah, my house is just a little further, so here is fine. Thank you very much.”
“Ah, is that so. Still, it’s amaaazing that you live in this area. It would be impossible for me. Take care.”

While looking around at the surroundings, he walks away while bitterly smiling.
It’d be nice if all guys were like him with no ulterior motives even while talking to me.

Well, yeah.
More importantly, let’s frolic with Neko.

And so my day ends like that.
Ah! I made sure to study enough though!