The Top Idol Next Door Can't Help But Crave My Guilty Pleasure Meals-Chapter 2Volume .2 - Ugh...

ROUND 2 – “Ugh…” 2

About a thirty-minute train ride from the apartment where Yuzuki and I live, there’s a district-operated ‘Orikita Wildlife Park.’

What sets it apart from typical privately owned zoos is the presence of various spots within the grounds, such as sports fields, gardens, and fishing ponds.

Plus, the admission is free, which is quite something for a district-operated facility.

The reason why there are so few people despite the free entry might be because it’s located far from the station, or perhaps the district’s promotion isn’t sufficient.

I barged into Yuzuki’s phone call last night asking to accompany her.

“You know, lately I’ve been so busy with chores, studying, and helping out at the family store that I just can’t seem to shake off this fatigue. I’ve been to hospitals, massages, chiropractors, and acupuncturists, but nothing seems to help. Maybe the problem isn’t physical but mental. I’ve been feeling emotionally unstable, and at this rate, and who knows what I might end up doing if this continues! Being alone feels so lonely that I might end up spending all day every day in my neighbor’s room!”

I rambled on and on.

The important thing was quantity over quality. I crammed in words without giving a chance for rebuttal and steamrolled my way through.

Even though she must have seen through the obvious lie, Emoto-san ultimately allowed me to join, largely thanks to Yuzuki’s support.

“Ruru-san, please let himl! I’m always in Suzufumi’s debt for helping me with my studies and at school. Let me repay the favor!”

After a long silence, Emoto-san finally relented with,『…I guess I can’t let my little sister’s debt go unpaid.』, and grudgingly allowed me to accompany them.

By the way, Yuzuki and I agreed to meet at the location.

Even though our apartments are next to each other, why are we going separately?

There are two main reasons for this.

The first was to avoid the media.

If we left from the same apartment building, headed to a common destination, and toured the facility together, it would look like a complete date.

Even though there are three of us in the actual group, we can’t rule out the possibility of being targeted by malicious reporting to fabricate a scandal.

Because I have romantic feelings for Yuzuki, I can’t afford to cause her any disadvantage due to rumors of a love affair.

And the second reason?

Meeting up on-site just feels more like a date, isn’t it?

Well, this reason is just an extra, like a bonus for me.

I usually prefer casual clothes like hoodies and loose T-shirts, but I’m wearing a collared jacket today.

It’s simply because my other clothes were in the wash, definitely.

It’s not like I’m excited about going out with Yuzuki for the first time!

It’s not like I immediately called Hozumi for fashion advice as soon as I got back to my room yesterday, or rushed to a clothing store just before closing!

And arriving at the meeting place more than an hour early was just because I was worried about train delays, that’s all!

Since it was still before opening hours, the area was still wrapped in silence.

The wildlife park, boasting the size of three domes, is surrounded by a road, with old office buildings and apartments lined up at regular intervals along the street.

However, there’s no traffic or people walking around. It’s as if time has stopped in this area alone.

A few minutes after my arrival, waiting around got boring, so I considered finding a place to kill time. However, I was at a loss because there was no convenience store or cafe in sight.

As I looked around, someone tapped me on the shoulder from behind.

“Good morning!”

When I looked back, there was a beautiful girl with a bright smile.

Her glossy black hair was tied at the nape of her neck, and round-framed glasses covered her eyes.

She wore a white blouse with a floral miniskirt, and a brown mini shoulder bag hung at her waist.

As if she had just stepped out of a fashion magazine, overall, she exuded a girly vibe

“Good morning, Yuzuki. You’re quite early today.”

To my response, Yuzuki’s eyes widened for some reason.

“…You noticed even though I changed my usual look.”

“Of course, I’d notice. We’re together every day.”

Even if Yuzuki changed her hairstyle or makeup, Yuzuki is still Yuzuki.

Her casual gestures, the tone of her voice, her adorable smile—there are countless ways to recognize her.

“…Hmm.”

“What’s wrong?”

“It’s nothing.”

I thought I was just stating the obvious, but Yuzuki was grinning from ear to ear for some reason.

“Anyway, how is it? I made an effort to dress up today. After all, it’s a date, right?”

“…D-Date?!”

Yuzuki gazes up at me with her eyes. Even through her glasses, the luster of her eyes was clear and as beautiful as a gemstone.

“『A Day-Long Date with an Idol』. Last time with Homemade Jiro was a home date, but today it’s a zoo date. I’m going to make sure Suzufumi has a great time and win over a fan for sure today!”

“…Just don’t go too wild, okay?”

I managed to keep my composure and gave a casual reply.

That was close. I had almost thought Yuzuki was looking forward to going out with me.

I need to be careful not to get carried away too easily, and I really need to improve my low romance IQ.

“Hey, what do you think about my outfit?”

Maybe annoyed by my lackluster reaction, Yuzuki approached me with a pout.

In times like these, it’s best not to beat around the bush and to give straightforward praise.

“Oh, it looks good on you.”

“Really? Well, I guess it’s only natural for an idol!”

“It’s refreshing to see you in casual clothes for going out, but whatever you wear looks good on you. It must be because you have a good style.”

“T-thank you.”

“Wearing glasses gives you a more composed look, and it adds an intellectual vibe. But it’s not stiff at all, in fact, the contrast with your usual innocent look is charming.”

This chapt𝓮r is updat𝒆d by ƒreeωebnovel.ƈom.

“…I-I see.”

“Your bag enhances your cuteness and approachability, and the pop of color from your socks contributes to the bright atmosphere. The necklace is simple, but it adds just the right accent—”

“O-Okay, that’s enough! No need to praise me anymore!”

With her face turning bright red, Yuzuki pushed her palm towards me.

Maybe staring too much wasn’t a good idea.

Clearing her throat, Yuzuki then scanned my outfit from bottom to top.

“Suzufumi, you also look different from usual. It’s cool.”

“…Really?”

Ah, I see.

Being praised directly is pleasing but also incredibly embarrassing.

Come to think of it, this is the first time I’ve gone out to play with someone of the opposite sex other than my childhood friend on a holiday.

As soon as I became conscious of it, a faint sweat appeared on my back.

If Yuzuki realized how tense I was, she would definitely tease me.

That’s why I had to maintain the composure of someone mature.

“Staying here until Emoto-san arrives will draw attention, maybe we should move to a café in front of the ‘statyion’?”

I bit my tongue. Dang.

“Y-yeah, let’s do that.”

Yuzuki also stumbled over her words.

Overwhelmed by embarrassment, all we could do was look down and wait for it to pass.