Chapter 20: Rina-neechan, I’ve fallen for you!

Hayami Rina believed she had guessed Kitahara Chiki’s intentions.

Over the past few days, this neighbor who was a writer had been acting very unusually, constantly showing goodwill toward her—buying expensive ingredients, inviting her and her daughter to go out with him.

This afternoon, he had even bought lots of beautiful dresses and shoes, as well as a huge amount of ingredients.

The clothes and shoes were very valuable. Hayami Rina knew quality when she saw it—these were all good brands, worth a lot. Even back when her family was intact, she would have hesitated before buying them.

So here was the question: Kitahara Chiki had no relation to her at all, so why would he spend such a large sum buying things for her?

What was his purpose?

She had been thinking about this question before, repeatedly speculating and considering every possibility.

Until the afternoon, when Kitahara directed the workers to move things into the house, she had a flash of insight and seemed to guess.

Kitahara Chiki was young and handsome, and leaving aside his identity as a writer—on her side, she truly lived a difficult life and needed someone’s support.

If it was just a matter of trading her body to receive Kitahara-kun’s continuous care, that was acceptable.

Mm, if it was Kitahara-kun, she wouldn’t be losing out.

After all, she had even considered selling her only property. There was even a time when a scout from the adult entertainment industry wanted to invite her to act in a film, and faced with the generous payment, she had been tempted...

So Hayami Rina made her decision—to give herself to Kitahara, to let his efforts be repaid, and also in hopes that he would continue to support them.

Kitahara had already given so much. She couldn’t be ungrateful—that wouldn’t make sense.

Kind-hearted Hayami Rina, after coaxing her daughter to sleep, changed into somewhat sexier clothes. When she looked in the mirror, she noticed her lips were a bit pale, so she applied some lip gloss and knocked on Kitahara’s door.

It was just that... it seemed it wasn’t what she had thought...

...

"Nani? There’s no need for that..."

Kitahara was somewhat tempted, but still blocked the doorway. His heart was willing but his body wasn’t able—he didn’t dare rashly let Hayami Rina in.

"Kitahara-kun, aren’t you tired? My technique is fairly good. Let me help you relax!"

Hayami Rina was somewhat confused. Could it be that Kitahara-kun was thin-skinned and couldn’t loosen up?

"Really no need, Rina-nee. I’m fine today, not really tired. Let’s just forget it?"

"But I’m already here, and I’ve prepared everything. Kitahara-kun, come on, let me repay you." Hayami Rina felt this must be it—Kitahara Chiki’s reserved personality made him embarrassed.

But she couldn’t be unreasonable. At a time like this, she needed to take the initiative and know how to be grateful.

As she spoke, she placed her hand on Kitahara Chiki’s shoulder that was blocking the way and gave a gentle push.

Hayami Rina headed straight for the bedroom as soon as she entered. After a moment, she urged him to come inside.

Kitahara had no choice. Things had come to this, so he steeled himself and walked into the bedroom:

"Um... Rina-nee, let’s skip the massage oil. It’ll need to be washed off afterward—such a hassle. Let’s just do it like last time, massaging over the clothes. It’s so late—you can go back and rest sooner."

"No need. Kitahara-kun, don’t worry about the trouble. Later you don’t need to move—I’ll wipe it clean for you with a hot towel. Come on!" Hayami Rina stood by the bed, speaking with a smile.

"Really, no—"

"Oh, hurry up. Kitahara-kun, don’t be shy. It’s fine even if I don’t go back tonight."

Seeing Kitahara being so hesitant, Hayami Rina grew impatient and reached out to help him undress.

"Stop!"

Kitahara sternly refused:

"Rina-nee, what’s wrong with you today? Why are you like this? Are you still the Rina-nee I respect? You’re making me very disappointed!"

"I..."

Seeing Kitahara get angry, Hayami Rina was at a loss.

She let go of Kitahara’s hand, and for a moment didn’t know how to respond.

"Look at you—what kind of behavior is this? What are you scheming? ’Don’t need to go back tonight’—Rina-nee, I’m not trying to criticize you, but your thinking... sigh, too degenerate!"

"I... Kitahara-kun, I just wanted to repay you. Don’t be angry." Hearing Kitahara’s reprimand, Hayami Rina hung her head, not daring to look at him, only apologizing.

She felt extremely embarrassed, full of self-loathing, and stammered in explanation: "Kitahara-kun, to be honest, I... I may have misunderstood your care for me and Aya. Do you... not have that kind of feeling for me?"

"What feeling?" Kitahara pretended not to know, and took the opportunity to sit down on the bed, grabbing a pillow to hug.

"That is... you spent so much money on me, I felt you liked me, but were too embarrassed to say it because of face, so I took the initiative to come over. Kitahara-kun, do you really not have feelings for me? Then why did you buy so many things, including dresses and shoes?"

Hayami Rina had also lost all sense of dignity. She simply said whatever was on her mind, laying everything out in the open and directly asking Kitahara for an answer.

To be honest, this did give Kitahara a headache.

This matter—he asked himself if he had done anything wrong. Buying things for the person he liked, winning her heart, farming favorability—this was perfectly reasonable!

Where had he gone wrong?

How had it come to this situation?

And Hayami Rina—couldn’t she just keep her gratitude in her heart? Did she have to express it through action?

Gratitude, wanting to return the favor—there was no need to be in such a hurry!

Scratching his head in deep thought for a moment, Kitahara spoke:

"Rina-nee, I do like you!"