Chapter 32: A Protagonist Collecting Romantic Comedy Clues

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After that, I asked Asuka-san if she could arrange a group date with her agency's junior members. Of course, I might need to provide Asuka-san with some useful information or opportunities in return.

A group date with the juniors from a model’s agency could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Lost in these indecent fantasies, I suddenly realized the lecture was over. I didn't absorb much, but it's only the first day, so whatever. Time to head home.

**Ping!**

Huh? That sound is from the Angie-exclusive hotline. It was an odd time to get a message. Let's see…

> “Did I leave my underwear in your room, onii-chan?”

Did she just realize now that she left those plain panties behind? It might have caused some misunderstandings, but it was with someone it didn't matter to, so no big deal.

> “Yeah, I found them. Striped panties, right?”

> “I thought so. I’ll come to get them soon, so keep them safe, okay? And don’t touch or smell them!”

> “What kind of brother do you think I am? I can wash them and send them back to you.”

Glad I maintained her privacy. Does this mean they were used?

…

Could I sell them with her photo? My food budget is tight after treating Angie to BBQ, and I'm running low just as the new semester starts. If push comes to shove…

No, no, no. That's not what a brother should do. Get a grip, man.

Besides, it would piss me off to let some stranger have their way with Angie's stuff. Better not.

> “No worries, I’ll come pick them up soon.”

…Huh? What's with the delayed response?

> “You're coming again? Do you have that much free time?”

> “It’s fine, I'll just tag along with Jones-san.”

Oh. So that's the twist. Well, Jones-san is a pushover when it comes to Angie. An uncle and niece combo is definitely a “not gonna happen” situation.

…Is Angie feeling that lonely?

—

Wednesday arrives. If Angie is coming, it'll be after the weekend, so I've got some breathing room midweek. But my wallet's breathing its last.

If Angie shows up again, I'll probably have to treat her to something nice. If Jones-san is with her, maybe I can get him to treat me too.

Anyway, the pressing issue is my food budget. I might have to survive on the 160-yen curry from the student cafeteria for a while… It’s awful, but beggars can’t be choosers, right?

“Uh, Yuuta-kun!”

“…Huh?”

I was heading to the cafeteria, head down, sighing, when I heard my name and turned around instinctively.

“Kurebayashi-san?”

“Um, sorry to bother you. Are you heading to the cafeteria?”

“Yeah, that's the plan.”

Kurebayashi-san looks a bit healthier now. Good to see she's doing well. I'm curious about what happened with Okutsu after that, but it's probably best not to ask and avoid any unnecessary complications.

Is she inviting me to the cafeteria? Sorry, but I'm not heading to a trendy café. I'm going to the dirtiest, most avoided student cafeteria. Tough luck!

“Uh, if it's okay with you…”

“Actually, I’m broke this month and can't afford a regular lunch.”

“…Broke?”

“Money issues.”

That was my roundabout way of turning down her invitation. But hearing that, Kurebayashi-san's face lit up like she just won the lottery. Crap, did I mess up my response? I'm such an idiot.

“Oh! In that case! It's not much, but I made lunch for you as a thank you for Monday. If you'd like, would you eat it?”

“…What?”

With that, she pulled out a lunchbox from her tote bag and offered it to me.

No poison, right?

That was my first thought.

I mean, she never did anything like this while we were dating, even briefly.

However, the bento looks far more appetizing than the desperate curry from the student canteen.

If this isn’t some twisted NTR plot, I’d dive right in.

So, what should I do?