— — — — — —
Oikawa's meeting with Utaha was set for tomorrow—the same day he'd be heading to Dengeki Bunko.
Honestly, he hadn't expected that.
After everything he'd said, she still agreed to meet him in person. Any normal girl would've been at least a little wary.
Unless… she really was the kind of girl with a devilish figure and an equally "devilish" face?
The thought crossed Oikawa Toru's mind more than once.
But he forced himself to drop it. If she was willing to meet, it meant she trusted him. He couldn't betray that.
Still, he let out a quiet sigh. He really was a sucker for looks.
Then again, who isn't?
Isn't being drawn in by appearances just human nature—especially for guys?
When his thoughts started spinning in circles, gaming was always the best escape. He launched Mobile Legends—basically the mobile version of League of Legends—changed his username to Chiba's Devoted Lover, and tore through the matches like a man possessed.
Luckily, Oikawa was just there to have fun, not to obsess over winning—even though he somehow ended up MVP every match and won many of them.
Still, some games really tested his patience. Like one match, for no real reason, the roamer and marksman got into an argument and decided to feed… like, why? Another time, the jungler decided it was a great idea to try out a new hero… Fanny. Seriously, who even tries Fanny in ranked?
...
..
By around seven in the morning, Oikawa's phone started buzzing again. The group chat had exploded over that photo he'd posted of everyone sleeping.
They were all out for blood.
Oikawa glanced at it once, then tossed his phone aside and headed into the bathroom to freshen up.
He planned to go shopping for some clothes in the morning.
In the afternoon, he had to tutor Kawasaki. And with tomorrow's visit to Dengeki Bunko coming up, slacking off now would feel a bit too shameless.
After showering, he checked the time. Not even eight yet.
Stretching, Oikawa got dressed and prepared to head out.
Then—
The doorbell rang.
"Delivery this early?"
Frowning slightly, he opened the door.
The person standing there caught him off guard.
"Ya—hello!"
Yui Yuigahama stood outside with her hair tied in a bun, dressed in a lovely kimono. In her hands, she held a suspicious-looking black bag.
…Was she here for revenge?
Oikawa had no idea why she'd come. So his first guess was that it had something to do with the photo from earlier.
"Need something?"
He asked cautiously, taking a subtle step back, ready to shut the door at any moment.
Yui noticed immediately. Her cheeks puffed up in annoyance.
What was that supposed to mean?!
Taking half a step back like that—was he serious?
"I need a favor! Could you take care of this for a few days?"
She opened the black bag.
A fluffy little dog popped its head out.
It had soft brown fur and short, stubby legs—looked like a Pekingese. The moment it saw Oikawa, its tail started wagging enthusiastically, like it was trying to win him over.
"His name is Sablé! I'm going back to my hometown with my family for Obon, so… could you look after him for a few days?"
"Please, Oikawa!"
She clasped her hands together, eyes full of pleading.
Obon, huh…
The word made Oikawa pause for a moment.
In Japan, it's a time when people return home to honor their ancestors. In some places, they even hold Bon Odori dance festivals.
It's a big deal—just look at the fact that people get over ten days off for it.
"Please, Oikawa?"
Seeing him stay silent, Yui tried again, looking even more pitiful this time.
"…Why me?" he asked. "You've got other options, don't you? Miura Yumiko, Ebina Hina…"
Even as he said that, he stepped aside to let her in.
"Anyway, come in first."
Yui immediately brightened. "Thank you, Oikawa!"
Oikawa blinked.
He'd only invited her inside—he hadn't agreed to anything yet.
"Wow, your place is huge!"
The moment she stepped in, she started looking around like an excited kid.
"And what's with all these consoles and novels? You've even got all this gaming equipment—this place is perfect for hanging out!"
"What do you want to drink?" Oikawa asked, heading to the fridge.
"Green tea—do you have any?"
"Yeah."
He'd already finished off all the soda, but something like green tea was basically a household staple.
He twisted the cap open and handed it to her.
"So, now can you answer my question? Why me?"
Yui smiled even wider.
"Miura and Ebina both went back to their hometowns. I tried asking Yukino too, but she's staying with her parents and said it wouldn't be convenient."
"So… you were my last choice."
She looked at him again with that same pitiful expression.
"Please, Oikawa? I'd really appreciate it!"
Oikawa stared at her for a moment… then let out a small sigh and nodded helplessly.
.
.
.