The Loner's Dining Table

After the commotion of the morning's confession, time passed, and it was now evening.

"Yuuki-san, are you feeling okay? How's your cold?"

"It's much better now. Sorry for... causing you trouble in so many ways."

"Don't worry about it. By the way, you don't have to use polite language with me, Yuuki-san."

"Well, but..."

I mean, she's older than me and my boss at work, so I naturally end up using polite language.

"We're lovers now, so let's drop all that stiffness, shall we?"

"Hmm... if Yuki-san insists that much, I guess it's fine."

"Great! Then, shall we eat?"

"Alright, let's eat."

With Yuki-san's cheerful smile, we went downstairs from my room on the second floor to the living room, where Hinata-san and Shino-san were already present.

"So, why are you two here?"

"That's obvious. Since we've become lovers, we're here to eat together."

"Being a lovers has nothing to do with this, right?!"

"Indeed, Yuuki's words are correct. Then let me rephrase: I want to eat Yuki's cooking."

"That's not something to say with a smug face!"

What is this school nurse even thinking? Coming over to eat as soon as she becomes my girlfriend—what’s up with that?

"Of course, I'll repay the favor. And if you want, you can even pounce on me as a reward."

"A school nurse shouldn't be saying things like that, right? Hinata-san, do you understand?"

"I-I understand."

Yuki-san seems quietly angry, but the intensity is... overwhelming. Even Hinata-san looks a little scared. I'll just pretend I didn't see anything. Yeah, that's the safest choice.

"Shino-san, did you also come here to eat?"

"...No. I just want to be with you, Yuuki-kun."

"...O-Oh."

That kind of embarrassed me. For someone who used to be a loner, being told something like that is overwhelming. I’m not used to it at all.

"Alright, then. Shall we eat?"

At Yuki-san's suggestion, everyone sat down and began eating.

"I was just thinking—are all of you planning to live at Yuuki-san's house from now on?"

What? They're planning to live here? I just want to enjoy a peaceful life alone...

"Hmm... I'd love to live here, but as the school nurse at Yuuki's school, it's impossible for me."

"...Same for me. But I'll come here for breakfast and dinner as often as I can."

"I see... Hinata-san and Shino-san, let's at least eat meals together. As for me, I'll be living here, so please take care of me."

"What?!"

What did Yuki-san just say?

"So, Yuuki-san, from now on, I'll be living here. Nice to meet you."

Yuki-san bowed her head. Wait, that's not the issue here!

"Living under the same roof as a man and a woman..."

"It's fine. Yuuki-san won't do anything like that."

Hey, I’m still a man, you know. I might get... urges. Also, Yuki-san’s overwhelming trust in me is kind of terrifying in its own way.

"Yuuki-san... is it bad if I live here?"

With her looking at me so anxiously...

"Uh... fine, I guess."

"Thank you very much."

Why am I agreeing to this?! Kiriyama Yuuki! This is a huge event in your life! A woman other than your mom or sister is going to live here! Is this really okay?!

My internal alarm bells are ringing like crazy, but since I already gave my answer, there’s no going back now.

"That said, what about the bookstore?"

"That’s the problem. There are some rare and expensive books, so leaving it unattended at night makes me uneasy."

True, if a thief breaks in, it would be a huge loss. What should we do...?

"In that case, I could live there. I live alone in an apartment, so moving would be easy. Plus, your house is closer than where I live now, which is a benefit for me. And I wouldn’t have to cook, just clean and do laundry, right?"

"...I’ll live there too. I feel like leaving Hinata alone is worrisome."

"That’s rude. I think I’m quite capable, you know."

"...I don’t trust Hinata on her own, so I’ll live there as well."

"Alright, I’ll leave it to you then."

The discussion progressed rapidly, but... is this really okay? I can’t help but feel uneasy. Well, I guess things will work out somehow.

"So, when will everyone be moving?"

"I’m off this weekend."

"...Me too."

"Then let’s all move this weekend."

With Yuki-san’s suggestion, the moving plans were set. But why does everyone look so happy?

"...Because we’ll be close to the guy we like."

"Don’t read my mind!"

And so, amidst the commotion, we finished eating. However, it had been a while since I’d had such a lively meal, and I found it a little enjoyable.

The coming weekend will likely be exhausting, but I also feel excited in a way. I have no idea how things will turn out from here, but I’ll do my best as a loner!

---

Author's Note:

Well, this wraps up Yuuki’s backstory and the "three onee-san" harem. I might occasionally include side stories with different perspectives, so please bear with me.

Next up is the "sisters" arc, so stay tuned.

I’d love to hear your thoughts and feedback. Thank you for always supporting me!

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