After leaving the supermarket, I headed home.

Beside me, Takatsuka-san walked pressed close.

In my hand was the eco bag I’d prepared beforehand.

But Takatsuka-san also held a plastic bag containing the items we’d bought.

When we were paying at the register, she said, “That’ll be heavy, right? I’ll carry half,” and that’s how it turned out.

I worried she’d demand something in return, but so far, nothing.

It almost makes me suspect it’s pure goodwill.

But she’s also someone who tried to force Iwabuchi-san to like her.

I still shouldn’t lower my guard.

This could be part of her strategy.

“By the way, I forgot to ask earlier. Do you take care of your sisters and handle shopping like this of your own will? Not because your parents tell you to?”

“Yeah.”

“Haven’t you ever wanted to join clubs or hang out after school? This leaves you no free time.”

Classmates invite me sometimes.

Of course, I’m happy and want to go.

Each time I decline, I feel guilty and apologize in my heart.

“…Sometimes I think that. But I love my parents and my sisters. I just do it because I want to help.”

“Sisters? I see you have two.”

I ended up feeding her more family information again…

“…Don’t you ever feel like that? Wanting to do something for your family?”

“Hmm, maybe. But I couldn’t be like you.”

Her answer sounded strangely hesitant.

“More importantly, I want you to become my family.”

“I’m not planning to be adopted by the Takatsuka household.”

“That’s not what I mean. You and I becoming family.”

“W-we haven’t even started dating and we’ve already jumped to marriage?”

“That’s how much I like you.”

Then Takatsuka-san leaned close to whisper.

“And walking side by side carrying grocery bags like this, it makes me excited, like we’re a cohabiting couple heading home.”

“Y-you’ve got quite the imagination…”

“Thinking about pleasant things is always important. It’s not a bad fantasy, right?”

“I wouldn’t know…”

If I agreed, she’d drag me further into her pace.

Still shaken by her forwardness, the detached house I live in soon came into view.

“That’s my house…”

“Hmm. Quite a fine home.”

I didn’t like her knowing where I lived, but since she helped carry things, it felt wrong to send her away immediately.

“Telling me about your family and even your home you must trust me quite a lot?”

Takatsuka-san grinned.

I’d given her the wrong idea.

“I’m happy. Now there probably won’t be days when I can’t see you.”

She’s not planning to drop by on holidays… right?