Kurumi-kun Stays the Night

THE WARM WATER ENVELOPS my body as I submerge it in the bathtub. I can feel the stress leave my body. Half an hour ago, I was in the middle of a passing storm.

“Yumeko-san… I love you.” A memory flashed in my mind. I hid further down the water. Why did Kurumi-kun say that?

Kurumi-kun, who’s my best friend’s little brother, is a cutesy boy in high school and is working at a convenience store near our college campus. To think that he’d say that he loves me; and I just met him this morning.

Still, I shouldn’t dwell too deeply in the words of a young boy. He probably only said that because I was wallowing in despair too much. Yeah, I’ll go with that reason.

A knock echoes from the bathroom door, “Yumeko-san. I’m very sorry to disturb you. Is it okay if I cook something in the kitchen? I just thought we need to eat something hot; you know?” Kurumi-kun is here in my apartment. I brought him here since the storm got stronger and my place is much closer to his.

“A-ah… S-sure…” Why am I still flustered? This is all Kurumi-kun’s fault.

Speaking of Kurumi-kun, apparently, he followed me out as I ran out of the convenience store after witnessing… that. He managed to get me back to my senses though so I’m grateful but he got really drenched because of me. The first thing that came to mind was to have him dry off in my apartment since it’s closer but the rain got a lot stronger and now, he’s stranded here.

We had a back and forth on who takes a bath first. Of course, I offered for him to go first. He’s a guest in my house after all, but he really wanted me to dry off first. In the end, using my authority as the grown up, he dried off first, though quite quickly I might add. I’m pretty sure he didn’t even use the bathtub—just the shower.

And now he’s cooking food in my kitchen. I can’t even fathom how I’d explain this to Rin-chan. Should I even?

I’ve warmed up enough. I got out of the bath and wore my clothes—my tracksuit from high school and short shorts… Maybe I should’ve picked better clothes. Nevertheless, I put on my glasses and comb my hair and exit the bathroom.

As soon as I opened the door, my nose is bombarded by a pleasant smell coming from the kitchen. Now that I thought about it, the delicious food that we ate at Rin chan’s was cooked by Kurumi-kun. Is he actually some kind of genius?

He spots me coming out the bathroom, “Sorry, this needs a couple more minutes.” He continuously stirred the pot.

“I-it’s all right.” He didn’t make a comment about my clothes. I guess it’s fine in the end.

I take a seat on the dining table. I don’t really have anything to do right now and it’s making me antsy. I should help Kurumi-kun.

“Kurumi-kun, do you need any help?”

“It’s all right. I’m just about finished.”

I plant myself on the seat again, still uncomfortable not doing anything.

Kurumi-kun, noticing me in distress, faces me again, “Well… I don’t really want to order you around in your own home…” He said. “You can set up the table, I guess.”

“Alright.” I stood up and set the table.

Shortly after, Kurumi-kun finishes cooking. We both clasp our hands in prayer, “Let’s eat!”

He cooked Oden; a hot pot dish. Perfect since we’re trying to warm up. It seems like he used the various vegetable items I had lying in the fridge. I’m a bit embarrassed. I should really go grocery shopping soon, though I’m not much of a cook.

“By the way, I hope it’s fine that I used all these ingredients. I just noticed I never asked permission to use these.” Kurumi-kun apologized, seemingly nervous as well.

“It’s fine! Actually, I’m a bit embarrassed that these are all I have.”

“N-no, please don’t be—” His voice squeaked.

We both laughed at the randomness of his voice squeaking like that. Kurumi-kun is a growing boy, so it’s only natural. My little brother is the around the same age as him so talking with him like this make me feel comfortable.

I eat more of his Oden—it’s really delicious!

“This is really delicious Kurumi-kun. I bet your future girlfriend would be very lucky.” The words left my mouth without much thought. It took me a couple of seconds before it sank in. I look at him only to see a blushing mess.

Crap! I completely forgot about what he said to me earlier.

“Yumeko-san… I love you.” The memory flashed through my head once more.

To be honest though. If Kurumi-kun was my classmate when I was in high school, I definitely would’ve fallen for him and reciprocated his feelings back already. But now? I’m a few years older than him, and his older sister is my best friend. It just feels taboo to me.

“Yumeko-san…” Kurumi-kun breaks the silence. “Are you… teasing me?” His face has this mixture of slightly annoyed and pouty that I can’t help but see as cute.

“N-no, of course not… It’s just that… Why me?”

“W-well…” He radiated the color red once again. “It’s a-actually…” He pauses for a bit. “It was love at first sight!”

I am once again left flabbergasted by the words that comes out of this kid’s mouth.

Love at first sight, huh. I completely understand him in that regard. I too have been victim to such a thing and I’ve also been hurt by it—I can’t say I recommend it. What I don’t understand is what he sees in me.

“I’m very flattered but I’m not all that fantastic. Surely there’re girls at your school who’d be a better fit.” The best I can do for him is to turn him down gently. That way, he won’t become like me or Rin-chan.

“B-but… you’re the one I like Yumeko-san.” He’s persistent. God, why didn’t I meet a guy like him when I was a high schooler?! Well, I’m sure it’ll fade sooner or later.

I let out a deep sigh, “Well, let’s leave it at that for now.” Kurumi-kun made a really frustrated face when I said that.

Suddenly, a ringtone started playing. It was one I wasn’t familiar with.

“Ah!” Kurumi-kun exclaimed. “It’s mom.” He said in a looming tone.

She must’ve been worried sick with his son not coming home yet in this storm… Wait a minute.

“Kurumi-kun. Have you not messaged anyone back home yet?”

“Well… I wasn’t sure how to broach the subject. This is all a first for me.” He seemed embarrassed saying that.

Hmm… Now that he mentioned that, I guess it’s true. How do you even tell this to your own mother. I don’t think he should tell his mom that he’s staying at his sister’s friend’s apartment but then again, I don’t want him to lie.

“For now, just answer the call.” I said.

“I’m not sure about that. Mom’s gonna freak out.” It rang a couple more times until Kurumi-kun finally answered.

Despite the phone being next to his ears, I could hear the voice of a woman worriedly yelling at him from where I’m sitting. “Kurumi! Are you safe? Where are you? Why did it take you so long to answer?” Those are some loaded questions coming from his mom.

“Mama, calm down!” Ah. Kurumi-kun calls his mom, ‘Mama’. I find it extremely cute. He looks me in the eyes slightly embarrassed then shifted his gaze elsewhere. “I’m fine. I got caught in the rain but my friend let me stay over to dry off.”

So far so good. It seems like there was nothing to worry about. His mom is just worried about him like all parents do.

“Your friend?”

“Y-yeah…” He looks me straight in the eyes again. “T-Takahashi…kun…”

I was left speechless—not like I was talking in the first place but I was shocked at how bad Kurumi-kun is at lying. Maybe it’s a good thing. Just not right now.

“I see. Is Takahashi-kun’s parents there right now? I’d like to talk with them.”

Kurumi-kun looks at me like he’s asking me what he should do. I look back at him like I’m telling him to do his best. It’s probably not the best idea for me to leave it all to him though. I guess I have to play along with this lie that he created.

He hands me his phone. After a deep breath, I put it next to my ear.

“Hello? This is Takahashi.” I altered my voice to a deeper tone in an attempt to sound more mature like my mother.

“I’m Fujisawa. I hope my son hasn’t caused you any problems.” Her voice sounded stern but it’s clear as day she’s a worried mother.

“Oh, not at all! In fact, he’s been a lot of help.” I look at Kurumi-kun and he’s smiling from my compliment. He’s too easy to please.

“Is that so? That’s a relief.” Her voice became much calmer as she spoke. “I have a favor to ask.”

“What is it?”

“The storm doesn’t seem to be ending any time soon. Would it be alright if he stayed the night?” Despite not seeing her, I could tell that she’s bowing her head.

“…Of course! Leave it all to me.” I hesitated a bit. I would’ve preferred it if the rain let down a bit so he could take the train home but it’s clear now that that’s not happening.

“Thank you very much! Well then. I won’t keep you much longer. Please tell Kurumi to keep safe.”

“Will do.”

The call ended. Kurumi-kun’s mom seems really nice.

“Your mom seems nice Kuru—”

Thud.

I look to check the origin of the noise.

Kurumi-kun, face planted on the table, had fainted.

“Kurumi-kun?!”