[CH.66] Discussion About the Future
**TL Notes: So as not to confuse you all, I made a list of the characters that get mentioned in this chapter that you may have forgotten before. Sumire Matsuda: MC Azusa Oshima: Sumire's mentor. Yumiko Kurita (Yumi): Sumire's senpai at the dormitory. Ai Shinonome: Sumire's senpai at the dormitory. Touka Kimura: Sumire's close friend and classmate in Tokyo. Nao & Fumika: Sumire's close friend. Haruka Sasaki: Sumire's kouhai |
By the time we left the coffee shop, it was already a little past 4 p.m., so we headed towards the nearest local station. Touka's house had strict rules, there was a curfew that required her to be back home by 5 p.m. if she went out to play. Furthermore, she would be scolded if she wasn't inside the house by 5 p.m., so I couldn't help but sympathize with her, despite my carefree dorm life.
However, in my past life as an elementary school student, it was common to return home upon hearing the 5 p.m. siren, so perhaps it was considered normal in that era. By the way, while our dorm has a goal to return home by 6 p.m. when there are no work or external lessons, it has become somewhat obsolete since no one is monitoring, and even if we come home a little later, no one gets angry.
Ordinary elementary school students usually have a fairly consistent schedule, and there are rarely sudden changes in plans. In our case, we might have impromptu meetings or be invited to meals by people we've worked with before. In such cases, we are required to call the dorm and leave a message or follow certain rules, such as always having an adult accompany us when dining with someone other than family. We make sure to abide by these rules, as not doing so would incur Ms. Azusa's severe anger.
"Today was fun, make sure to let me know properly when both of you come this way again."
Returning to the local station and passing through the ticket gate, Touka spoke to Nao and Fumika in that way. The two of them seemed to have become quite friendly with Touka over the course of the day, exchanging smiles and making promises to meet again. Following Nao and Fumika, who had intertwined their pinkies and made a pinky promise with Touka in turn, I also thanked Touka.
"Thanks for sticking with me all day, Touka. I'll properly thank you again next time."
"No, it was me who asked to meet Sumire's childhood friend. Thanks aren't necessary... but if Sumire really wants to, just wash my back during the school trip, that's enough for me."
Initially dismissing the idea of thanks, Touka mischievously made such a request. If that's what she wants, I'm happy to do it. In my past life as a man, I might have been nervous, but in this current life, where I've bathed with various women, washing Touka's back is a piece of cake. I'm really grateful for her accepting Nao and Fumika as new friends, so I'm willing to show my gratitude by washing her whole body rather than just her back.
Waving goodbye as Touka walked in the opposite direction until she disappeared from view, we headed to the supermarket we often used. Originally, I had planned to treat them to a delicious meal at a nearby restaurant, but Nao and Fumika said cute things like, "I want to eat Su-chan's cooking!" So, we bought ingredients and decided to cook in the dorm's kitchen.
"I've told Yumi-san and Ai-san that we'll have dinner outside, so I think they'll probably take care of both of you with a meal out today. But just in case they don't, I'll buy ingredients for your share too. If there's any left, we can have it for breakfast tomorrow. Still, it's just ordinary home-cooked food, I wonder if Nao and Fumika are okay with that."
"For Nao-chan and Fumika-chan, I don't think the menu matters. What's most important is that it's a dish Sumire made," Haruka said with a chuckle while selecting vegetables. I couldn't help but wonder if it was so obvious on my face, and I absentmindedly stroked my cheek with the free hand.
Haruka sometimes says things that hit the mark like this, making me wonder if she reads others' emotions from time to time. She might be sensitive to others' feelings. I used to be the same type, but being overly sensitive led to some mental health issues for me. So, I hope Haruka stays just sensitive enough – it's weird for me to be thinking like this.
As we moved through the supermarket pushing the cart, Nao and Fumika approached from behind, hiding something. It turned out to be a cute request for snacks, and I set the condition of one treat per person, allowing them to put it in the basket. Whether it's a snack to tide them over until dinner or a treat after dinner, I don't know, but they shouldn't eat too much, or they'll gain weight.
Earlier, Haruka, who had been saying mature things, looked somewhat adorable as she shyly placed her favorite chocolate snacks into the shopping basket along with the two girls. Haruka also spent the day with us, just like Touka did, and since Nao and Fumika are staying at the dorm tonight, there's even a possibility they might be with us until tomorrow. Considering that, I'm more than happy to treat them to chocolates. But just like with Touka, it's only one for each person. The reasons are the same, especially since it would be troublesome if the child actor Haruka gains weight. Moderation, maintaining body shape, not overeating—these are crucial, as growing vertically during the growth period is not guaranteed.
With the ingredients for six people, our load became quite substantial. We received a generous amount of plastic bags and divided them among the four of us, walking together along the familiar path. It felt strange walking with Nao and Fumika, who were marveling at the size of Ms. Azusa's house grounds.
Pushing Nao and Fumika through the gate, I headed towards the dorm's entrance. After washing hands and gargling one by one, I immediately started preparing dinner in the kitchen. Although I thought it would be nice for Nao and Fumika to relax, the aunties insisted they do their homework, so I asked them to study in the living room. Despite grumbling, they spread their notebooks and drills on the table. While we're at it, I'll have Haruka study too. This private middle school, introduced to me by Ms. Azusa, is accommodating to entertainment activities. Both Haruka and I plan to take the entrance exam together, but Haruka's grades are quite lacking, requiring considerable effort.
Seeing the dissatisfied expression on Haruka's face in response to my words, it's clear she doesn't enjoy studying much. I understand that one's motivation directly affects the results, but if she doesn't pass, it could affect Haruka's work. I want her to develop a positive attitude towards studying somehow. It would be great if teaching each other various things with Nao and Fumika, who don't usually study together, brings a sense of freshness and enjoyment.
After confirming the three of them happily chatting and starting to study as instructed, I began preparing dinner. I've gotten along well with the cooking teacher, who has taught me various recipes. I thought of repaying the favor by trying out a quick and easy microwave menu that I often made in my past life. However, when I tried making it with the microwave of this era, it didn't turn out as well. There seems to be uneven heating in different areas or a lack of firepower. It might be challenging unless a microwave closer to the ones in the future is released. Even when I go to stores, they mostly have the rotating plate type of microwaves.
Thinking about such unrelated matters, I answered questions from the study group while explaining the process. At that moment, Ai-san returned. It was much earlier than her usual return time, but I wondered if she hadn't had dinner yet. When I asked, Ai-san responded with a mischievous smile, saying, "I didn't eat. I thought Sumire's cooking would be a must," teasingly as she predicted. Her prediction was spot on, and even though she's rushing me, I can't complain since I'm cooking.
"This is a souvenir. Let's eat it together after dinner. I bought enough for everyone," Ai-san said with a small, mischievous smile.
"Wow, tiramisu! Thank you, Ai-san."
In the late Heisei era, tiramisu, which was once a common dessert available even in convenience stores, has become a popular sweet in this era. Last year, there was a boom, and more shops, including Western-style confectionery stores, started selling it. Originally served as a dessert in Italian restaurants, it gained popularity through magazine features and TV shows introducing various shops.
I was a bit worried about whether tiramisu, a dessert with coffee flavors, would suit Nao and Fumika, who aren't accustomed to drinking coffee. However, they enjoyed it after polishing off the dinner I made. It's better than being a picky eater like me, but I need to make sure they don't overeat.
While I was doing the cleanup, Haruka took care of cleaning and preparing the bath. Nao and Fumika were hovering between the living room and the dining kitchen, wanting to help with something. I appointed them as the dish-wiping team and the dish cabinet organizing team, and they assisted me. Just as we finished our cleanup, the bath was ready, so we took turns going in.
I yielded the first bath to Ai-san, and during that time, we discussed the order in which the rest of us would bathe. Nao and Fumika insisted on bathing with me like in the old times. While I wanted to accommodate their wishes as much as possible, it can be a bit challenging when you can't fully stretch your arms and legs comfortably in the bath.
After a heated rock-paper-scissors game, it was decided that I would bathe with Fumika. Seeing Nao feeling down, Haruka kindly offered, "If you don't mind, Sumire, want to bathe with me?" It was a relief. Each dorm resident has their own shampoo, conditioner, and body wash in the bathroom, so using someone else's without permission can feel a bit awkward. Although it wouldn't upset anyone if we used it once, as younger residents, we try to be considerate in such matters.
While engaging in trivial conversation, we finished bathing first, and I prepared tea for Naoto and Haruka. Of course, Fumika and I also drank some, as staying hydrated after a bath is important. However, considering the significant height difference, I had already expected that Fumika's growth would surpass mine by quite a bit. Her chest had developed nicely, and her once chubby belly now looked slender, forming a noticeable waistline.
It's like looking at a relative's perspective, realizing how much she has grown. On the one hand, I feel a tad frustrated being overtaken in growth, even though I've known her well since childhood. Oh, speaking of which, maybe I wasn't overtaken after all. I don't recall there ever being a time, even in kindergarten, when she was as tall as me or taller.
Well, I'll live my life at my own pace, believing in the growth of my body every day. Comparisons are futile. So, in my mind, I play out a somewhat theatrical scenario with a tone like, "Competing is pointless; that's why conflicts will never cease."
While pondering this, Nao and Haruka emerged from the bath, chatting happily. I began drying their wet hair one by one with a hairdryer, starting the bedtime preparations. They wanted to sleep in my room, but unfortunately, my bed is a single bed, so with three people, it would be uncomfortably tight. I mentioned the potential issues like falling off the bed and the fact that there's an extra room in the house, but Nao and Fumika insisted adamantly on sharing the same bed.
Given that much insistence, I had no choice but to give in. At the very least, I laid a futon on the side of the bed so that it would serve as a cushion in case someone fell. I also moved any objects that could be hit in case of a fall, like chairs, to the corner of the room, taking as many safety precautions as possible. If, by some force, they fall heavily and hit the study desk or something, they can blame my poor sleeping habits. We've shared a bed several times in the past, and I don't remember any complaints about bad sleeping habits, so it should be okay.
After brushing our teeth and bidding goodnight to Haruka, we entered the room. It's not a particularly spacious room, so once we placed Nao and Fumika's belongings in a corner, it felt incredibly cramped.
"Sumire, you'll be in the middle. Fumika, which side would you prefer, the wall side or the side near the desk?"
"I think I might fall off if I'm on the bed, so... Nao, is it okay if I take the side near the desk?"
"Sure, go ahead. Just try to sleep closer to the wall as much as possible."
The two of them decided on the sleeping arrangement with a seamless conversation. It's fine, but it seems they don't bother asking for my opinion. First, Fumika lay down near the wall, and then I settled in the middle. Finally, Nao turned off the room light and slipped into bed next to me.
As expected, by May, it's quite hot when three people sleep close together, especially since we just came out of the bath, and the parts of our skin that touch are warm.
"Hehe, Sumire, you smell nice."
"Naoto, you smell nice too. Did you borrow Haruka's shampoo and body wash?"
"Yeah, when I use them at home, they don't seem as shiny as hers."
As Nao said this, Fumika tightly hugged my arm.
"I want to have the same scent as Sumire... When we get back, let's try to find the same one."
"Oh, that's not fair, Fumika! I'm coming with you."
I smiled at their exchange, but what I use probably isn't sold in regular stores. It's provided by the agency, and the shampoo is surprisingly expensive, according to what Yuko-san mentioned once.
As I listened to their stories about local classmates, new stores, and their families, I envisioned the nostalgic scenery of my hometown. There seem to be quite a few changes according to their stories, but visually, it doesn't seem to have changed much—it remains the familiar countryside town. However, hearing that Ippei, who once ventured into an abandoned house to search for adult magazines, is now popular among girls, it seems that gradually, differences are emerging from my past life. According to Nao, Ippei's height has grown considerably, but in my past life, I vividly remember him being the shortest in the class until entering high school. It's unlikely that he's mistaken about someone else, and it appears there are subtle deviations from my past life.
Even if I understand that there are discrepancies, there's nothing I can do about it. Life is unpredictable, and while thoughts about my past life may occasionally cross my mind, I want to firmly stand on the ground and live this life straightforwardly.
"You know, Sumire-chan, when we came to Tokyo today, I really thought I'd like to live here. What do you think, Sumire?"
With a slightly tense voice, as if bringing her thoughts back from contemplation to reality, Nao looked at me nervously. Wondering if Fumika shared the same opinion, I turned my gaze to her. She, too, looked at me with a stronger gaze than usual, nodding.
"This is just my personal feeling, but I would be happy if Nao and Fumika came closer. However, at least until Nao and Fumika graduate from high school, I think it's difficult. One reason is the issue of living arrangements. Nao and Fumika can't just move here by themselves, right? That means Uncle and Aunt would also have to move with them. If there's a branch or headquarters of the company they work for in Tokyo, they might be able to transfer, but generally, departments based in Tokyo might have a lot of elite employees. So, it could be challenging for Uncle unless he's exceptionally outstanding."
"...Elite."
Fumika murmured softly in response to my words. To the pensive pair, I continued speaking.
"Moving itself requires a lot of money, and renting a new home also demands a substantial amount. Besides money, living in a new place, away from the familiar surroundings, can be tough. Living in a place where you have no friends or acquaintances, not even knowing where things are, is naturally challenging."
"Our selfishness is making our moms go through such difficult times..."
"I hadn't thought that far."
With a voice filled with dejection, I squeezed their hands encouragingly. Hoping that even a little their spirits would lift, I held their hands, and they responded by squeezing back with a hesitant but grateful gesture.
"Also, you two might not have considered it, but there's a possibility that I might not be able to work in the entertainment industry anymore and have to return to my hometown. If that happens, even if you, Nao and Fumika, come here, we might end up being separated again."
As I uttered these self-deprecating words, both of them widened their eyes. The trust they had in me was evident in their reaction, and a small smile appeared on their faces.
"Even Sumire-chan, who appears in movies and on TV, thinks about such things?"
"...Sumire-chan is worried too?"
In response to Fumika's words, I nodded without hesitation. My current presence here is the result of being recognized for my abilities, but to stay here, I need to constantly show something beyond my capabilities to those involved and the audience. If I can't do that, the significance of Sumire Matsuda as an actress will completely disappear.
"I'll say it again, I want to be with you two. But you know, it's really difficult to push through the feelings of us kids. So, even if we're physically apart, I want to continue to stay connected with you two. Even as you become middle schoolers or high schoolers, I want you to still say that you want to be with me."
I'll send letters and make phone calls, and I'll continue to cling to them until they tell me they want some distance. Knowing that they share the same feelings, I let out a relieved breath.
"If, when you become university students, you still want to live in Tokyo, it would be good to look into things you want to do in the future or things you want to study more. If the department is in a university in Tokyo, that could become a reason to take the entrance exam there. It might be easier to persuade your aunts and uncles if you have a clear goal rather than just saying you want to go to Tokyo."
Of course, to get into a proper university, you'll need to study hard. When I jokingly mentioned that, both of them smiled. Even though I understand that my past life and present life are separate, there's a slight intention to guide them to study diligently so that Nao doesn't go through what he experienced. It's just a precaution, but it's better than doing nothing for peace of mind.
After that, we talked about things that interested them and their dreams for the future. Somehow, without realizing it, we fell asleep, and by the time I woke up, it was morning. Nao and Fumika were still beside me, so fortunately, there were no falling accidents. Falling from this height while sleeping could be painful, so I'm glad they didn't experience that.
---
"Good morning, both of you."
Now, today is the last day I can spend with Nao and Fumika. After seeing them off on the Shinkansen in the evening, it will be a while until we can meet again. I need to eat quickly and get ready to spend as much time with them as possible.
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