The Top Idol Next Door Can't Help But Crave My Guilty Pleasure Meals-Chapter 8Volume 2 .1 - Im Glad Yuzukis Neighbor Is You
ROUND 8 – I’m Glad Yuzuki’s Neighbor Is You 1
After seeing Yuzuki off, I checked out of the hotel with a bit of a time difference.
It was just before noon on a Sunday, and the streets were bustling everywhere. Waiting at a crosswalk, people seemed like racehorses eager for the starting gate to open, anticipating the moment the light would turn from red to green.
Perhaps they were heading out to play, their eyes sparkling with excitement and anticipation.
Maybe I should hit the arcade for the first time in a while.
My gaze shifted to an electronic monitor mounted atop a commercial building, where the new music video for 【Spotlights】 was playing.
In the center, of course, stood Arisu Yuzuki. She had maintained her position as the center for all these years except for their debut song 『Spotlight』.
On the far left, Ruru-san supported the group with her stable dancing.
A pair of men who had also been watching the monitor spoke up.
“Ah, 【Spotlights】’s new song is coming out next week!”
“The outfit this time is super cute, right? Seriously, Arisu Yuzuki is just too adorable. I’ve been really considering buying her photobook lately.”
Both were dressed in fashionable jackets, and their watches and bags looked expensive. They appeared young but might be working adults.
“By the way, a junior at my company said he bought the photobook.”
“Is that so? Well, actually, I don’t really know anyone from 【Spotlights】 other than Arisu Yuzuki.”
“Me neither. I mean, they’re all cute, but in the end, my eyes just go to the center.”
“I watched the archived stream of their last live. Most of the light sticks were Arisu Yuzuki’s color.”
I had also watched that stream at home.
Amidst the glittering colors representing each of the five members, the majority were yellow light sticks.
“Who’s that girl on the other end? What’s her name?”
“Uh, Enomoto or Egashira or something…”
“Yeah, I think it was something like that. She’s got a good face, but honestly, isn’t she a bit plain?”
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“I can see that. She barely talks on variety shows. She’s not noticeable, it’s like you wouldn’t even notice she’s there.”
“Exactly. She lacks presence!”
As the signal turned green, I crossed the street quickly so I wouldn’t have to hear the men’s voices any longer.
Not in the mood for the arcade anymore, I headed to the supermarket on my way to the nearest station.
I loaded a basket on the cart and started tossing in groceries.
Miso and ponzu sauce… I was running low on stock, so I should buy some more.
Today is half-price frozen food day. Maybe I’ll pick up some mixed vegetables.
There’s a special sale on pork loin during the time sale. Just what I wanted, I’ll buy in bulk.
As the basket filled up, I could feel my irritation subsided.
I never understood people who relieved stress by shopping, but maybe this is what it feels like. I’m unloading my frustrations onto the bills and coins and letting them go along with the money.
With my bags bulging, I started my way home.
Even after splurging, the persistent gloom at the bottom of my heart wouldn’t completely clear away.
I put in my wireless earphones and called a certain person.
Then, a bright voice answered me before the third ring.
『Suzu, hello~!』
The person on the phone was Rika. Her high-spirited voice was always reassuring.
“Sorry for calling so suddenly. You good to talk now?”
『Of course! I’d even answer during work if it’s a call from Suzu.』
“Focus on your job at the hall, will you?”
I could hear my parents’ voices in the background.
It seems she’s at “Aien Kien.” Maybe she’s on shift from the opening this afternoon.
It’s still before opening time, but I don’t want to take up too much of her time, so I get straight to the point.
“It’s not really a consultation, but there’s something I want to ask Rika.”
『Eh~ what is it~? Even if it’s Suzu, I can’t give you my three sizes if it’s over the phone, but I can answer almost anything~!』
Do I sound like a sleazy old man? And would she actually tell me if we were face-to-face?
Since there seem to be hardly any off-limits topics, I ask my question immediately.
“What am I to you, Rika?”
『Nhhm!?』
Caught off guard by the unexpected question, Rika let out a strange noise. Immediately after, there was a loud crash sound.
『…Don’t tell me… it’s… a confession? But why… all of a sudden…』
“Hey, are you okay?”
『I’m fine, I’m fine. Just dropped my phone…!』
She seems flustered. I hope the screen isn’t cracked.
“So, what’s your answer?”
『...Do I have to be the one to say it?』
“Well, it would be easier if you told me first.”
From the other end of the call, I could hear her gulp as if she was bracing herself for something.
After a short pause, a soft murmur reached me, 『This sort of thing should be approached with more steps, building up the mood first…』
『Suzu is an important childhood friend to me, right? As your Onee-san, I…』
“Yes, exactly that!”
『…Huh?』
“Actually, I wanted to understand a sister’s feelings.”
『A sister’s feelings? What’s gotten into you all of a sudden?』
I briefly explained the situation.
The leader of 【Spotlights】, Emoto Ruru, had volunteered to take care of Yuzuki, she claimed to be Yuzuki’s ‘older sister’, and how my cooking had led to a quarrel between the two.
“I’m wondering why Emoto-san is so fixated on Yuzuki… Maybe I don’t fully understand the psychology of an ‘older sister’. I thought maybe Rika could understand Emoto-san’s feelings.”
『Is that all? That’s so boring… I thought for sure that…』
“For sure what?”
『Nothing~』
Rika’s tone was somewhat sullen for some reason.
I couldn’t tell why, but it seemed best not to pry too deeply.
“So, any thoughts?”
One reason Rika became an ‘older sister’ was apparently out of a sense of gratitude towards me.
As a child, Rika’s asthma caused her to feel alienated from those around her. But she eventually opened up to me, who kept treating her the same no matter how coldly she treated me.
In order to return the favor, she eventually started calling herself my ‘older sister’.
