Starting Tokyo Life From Inheriting A Shopping Street-Chapter 185

"You went to see Kitagawa-san today? How’d it go?" Tsuki asked eagerly, climbing over the balcony after receiving his message, her eyes sparkling.

Shuichi sat at his desk, swiveling his chair. Tsuki knelt on the floor, dutifully playing her maid role, gently undoing his belt with care.

"It went well. Honestly, it was my first time seeing it through, and I almost lost control," Shuichi said, patting her head, exhaling as he recalled the scene.

"I’ve got to say, even in something like that, Ichika-san is different. Like a true moon goddess—nothing mundane, just this otherworldly beauty."

Hard evidence backed his words; he was speaking the truth.

Tsuki nodded, deeply convinced, her delicate face tilting up with longing. "When can you take your little maid along..."

"Wait a bit. You’d scare most people, let alone Ichika-san," Shuichi said, shivering in the chilly autumn air and tapping her head to hurry her task.

Tsuki whined in protest.

Shuichi ignored her, leaning back and rocking his chair, casually checking the system interface in his mind.

[Fumika Ogawa, Sense Of Belonging: 90]

[Sayuki Ogawa, Sense Of Belonging: 90]

[Tamako Akiyama, Sense Of Belonging: 80]

[Ichika Kitagawa, Sense Of Belonging: 50]

[Haruka Igawa, Sense Of Belonging: 10]

[Current Monthly Salary: 3,300,000 yen]

A fruitful day. Ichika’s rare increase in belonging confirmed their deepening bond. Haruka’s lease signing added another excellent shopkeeper, advancing his goal of fully inheriting the shopping street.

A cause for celebration.

Sighing contentedly, Shuichi glanced at Tsuki. "Turn around. What’s that thing hanging from your skirt?"

Tsuki hesitated, squirming and mumbling, clinging to his leg to avoid turning.

Shuichi rubbed her cheeks, exasperated. "What’s with you today? So disobedient."

Tsuki lowered her head, silent.

After more cheek-squeezing, she reluctantly lifted her face and turned.

Shuichi inspected her skirt, spotting a familiar pull-tab. "This design’s weird. Why add a useless decoration? Doesn’t it bother you when you sit?"

He tugged it, and Tsuki quickly stopped him. "Don’t! You’ll tear the clothes."

Shuichi, skeptical from her earlier excuse, tugged harder, feeling resistance.

Tsuki, unable to resist as his maid, frowned, looking pained. "You’re ruining it..."

"Oh, sorry," Shuichi said, noticing a tear in the blue-and-white stripes. "How about this: we’ll hit the supermarket with the class rep this weekend, and I’ll buy you some new ones as compensation. Deal?"

"Mm..." Tsuki hummed reluctantly through her nose.

"Since I already tore it..." Shuichi raised an eyebrow, tugging the tab again. "Tomorrow night... want to swing at the park?"

"Night... swinging?" Tsuki’s cheeks flushed oddly, confused.

"Yeah, just us, in a quiet park at night, on the swings..." Shuichi said suggestively.

Tsuki’s eyes lit up with excitement. "Mm..."

---

The next day, Monday.

Shuichi finally had a quiet morning. With exams looming, Tsuki gave him a rare break. No sleepover last night.

But the sudden freedom felt odd. After weeks of Mrs. Akiyama’s special diet and high-energy days, leaving with full vigor felt strange.

Shuichi didn’t mind not being at his peak. This life was for enjoying school, and exams were just a formality.

At the school gate, the disciplinary committee stopped him for a bag check, lingering longer than with others, eyeing him closely.

"Why keep staring? Something on my face? Or are you fantasizing about the impossible? Honestly, your looks are a bit below my standards, so don’t get your hopes up," Shuichi said, sensing hostility and not holding back.

The committee member rolled her eyes. "Who’d fall for a 2D otaku? But seriously, did you get a facial or eat something special? You seem... different."

"New haircut," Shuichi said offhandedly.

"No, not that. Your last haircut made you hotter, but this is something else," She said, squinting suspiciously. "It’s like... your vibe’s changed. Fresh, natural, comforting..."

Shuichi glanced at her. "I said, don’t fantasize. If you’re lonely, order some toys online."

Finding nothing in his bag, the committee member sighed, disappointed. "You’re a subpar otaku."

"You want a real one, find Uchida," Shuichi shot back.

"Calling me?" Uchida’s voice came from behind. "Shuichi, are you talking about me?"

Shuichi turned, speechless, wondering where he popped up from. "Yeah, saying you’re top-tier."

"Top-tier what? Exams?" Uchida asked, confused.

"Bag check. Contraband," The committee member snapped, venting her frustration.

Uchida shrugged confidently, opening his bag. Then...

"Confiscated! Bringing this during exams? Hopeless otaku!" The committee member gleefully seized two manga books.

Uchida’s eyes widened. "Crap! Forgot to take them out after last night!"

"Tough luck. Say goodbye to your treasures," Shuichi said, patting his shoulder and walking off with his bag.

Uchida, too late to mourn, chased after him, dejected. "Just bought those yesterday..."

"Next week’s school festival. Earn some cash, maybe you’ll afford new ones," Shuichi said casually, unsure what his class planned for the event.

The camping club hadn’t sent updates either—probably slacking as usual, setting up old tents on the field for "experiences" while hoarding their new gear. What kind of logic was that?

Shuichi sighed, shaking his head. Uchida nudged him. "So, what’d you do with my cousin yesterday?"

"Adult stuff. Kids stay out of it," Shuichi brushed off.

"Come on, I don’t want to know, but my aunt called me like a debt collector last night, asking all about you," Uchida said, exasperated.

"Oh, your aunt..." Shuichi nodded, guessing Haruka had mentioned him, though he wasn’t sure how.

"Yeah, why’s she asking about you? Shouldn’t it be your cousin?" Uchida said, puzzled.

"Don’t overthink it. Just tell her whatever she asks. Nothing to hide," Shuichi said.

"Really okay?" Uchida pressed.

"Fine. You don’t know anything you shouldn’t, so say whatever," Shuichi said, thinking, ’It’s just acting. Go wild.’

They entered the school building, chatting.

The so-called midterm was an academic assessment, with short tests and minimal breaks, lasting all day. Shuichi breezed through strong subjects like math and English, and weaker ones just as fast—guessing or skipping.

The morning passed in a blur.

At lunch, Shuichi slipped to the infirmary. He hadn’t seen Naomi in two days and missed her.

Knocking, he saw Naomi, whose expression mixed joy and worry. She blocked the door, steeling herself. "Exams today, and you’re here? You can’t miss the afternoon tests. Back to class."

"I know exams matter. Just tired from this morning’s brainwork. Can’t I rest here a bit?" Shuichi said, blinking with a clean smile, eyes pleading.

Naomi’s resolve wavered. She cursed herself—a teacher who couldn’t resist, risking her student. "Just resting?"

"Just resting."

"Fine... come in," She sighed, letting him in and closing the door.

Shuichi sat on the bed nearest her desk, fluffing the pillow. "How’s Naomi-san been? Haven’t seen you, been worried."

Her heart fluttered at his concern. She wanted to pour out her feelings, hear his comforting words. Avoiding his gaze, she sat at her desk, grabbing a pen. "I’m fine. Rest."

Shuichi didn’t push, taking off his shoes and lying down, closing his eyes for a nap.

His quiet compliance surprised her, stirring a pang of disappointment. Writing work notes, her focus drifted, her pen stalling. She couldn’t help stealing glances at his sleeping face—peaceful, clean, handsome, with an indescribable freshness, like a forest after rain.

But memories of their past encounters flooded back, her body recalling his heat and desire. Drawn in, she stood, approaching the bed, reaching to touch his face.

Her hand hesitated, frozen midair, as if hitting an invisible wall. As she pulled back, Shuichi opened his eyes, grabbing her hand and pressing it to his cheek. "Is this what you wanted, Naomi-san?"

Naomi startled, then felt ashamed. What was she doing?

"Just checking your complexion. It’s getting cold; don’t catch a chill," She said.

"What’s the verdict?" Shuichi asked, smiling, not calling her out.

Naomi looked away. "You’re fine, healthy..."

"Not feeling great. Check again?" Shuichi brought her hand to his lips, kissing her knuckles softly.

Her heart trembled. She tried changing the subject. "You’ve changed lately..."

"Two days, and you noticed?" Shuichi teased, blinking.

"I’m serious," Naomi said, avoiding his eyes, adjusting her hair, her blouse swaying.

"Not just these two days, but over time. You’ve got this... new vibe."

"Vibe?" Shuichi paused. The disciplinary committee said the same. Something was up.

"Yeah, like..." Naomi hesitated. 𝚏𝐫𝚎𝗲𝕨𝐞𝐛𝕟𝚘𝐯𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝗺

"Fresh, natural, comforting? Makes you want to get closer?" Shuichi echoed the committee member.

"Exactly. Fresh, comforting..." Naomi trailed off, too shy to admit the last part.

Shuichi pondered. It must be the flower shop’s effect. Beyond making flowers vibrant, did it alter his aura? A gift of natural charm? Or did appreciating flowers—or rather, Ichika—refine his demeanor?

"Can you let go?" Naomi asked, noticing his silence.

"If I do, will you run?" Shuichi replied.

Naomi hesitated, then said, "I’ll stay, right here. Okay?"

She sat on the bed’s edge, her stockings and skirt revealing a tantalizing glimpse of thigh. Shuichi released her wrist, his hand sliding to her thigh, the smooth softness making the morning’s efforts worthwhile.

School was worth sticking with.

"Naomi-san had a rough weekend, didn’t you? Want to talk?" He asked.

"It’s exam day. Can’t waste your time," Naomi said, not rejecting his touch, only the timing, letting his wandering hand stay.

Shuichi understood her heart, kneading her thigh gently. "I know time’s tight. Just cuddling and chatting, no issue, right?"

Naomi, already moody from two days without venting, felt her resolve weaken under his touch. Once, twice, thrice... one more time wouldn’t change much.

Hesitating, she shed her white coat, lying beside him, letting his arm encircle her waist. Shuichi pulled her close, inhaling her hair’s scent, stroking her flat stomach.

"You haven’t done anything wrong. Don’t punish yourself with these feelings. Let them out," He said.

"I thought it’d fade, that people would stop mentioning it. But staying home, it came up more..." Naomi said wearily, feeling his warm palm as her blouse lifted, comforting her.

"I spent the weekend shopping, staying at Sumire’s place."

Shuichi paused. He and the president had been there too—must’ve just missed her. "Speaking of, I mentioned you to Sumire. Sorry, I didn’t ask first. I was worried..."

"Worried we’re too close?" Shuichi chuckled, planning to tell Sumire himself, but Naomi beat him to it.

"No big deal. If you’re still uneasy, I can call Nagase-sensei to clear things up."

Talk was one thing, but letting Sumire see them together would be embarrassing. Naomi shook her head. "No need..."

Before she finished, a knock came, and Sumire’s voice called, "Naomi-chan? Are you there?"

Naomi gave a wry smile. "Things just keep going wrong."

"If you don’t want her to see, pretend we’re not here," Shuichi said, soothing her chest gently.

Naomi turned, pecking his lips, her fingers tracing circles on his chest. "Doesn’t matter if she sees. You haven’t complimented my beauty today."

"I’m already enchanted. Your charm speaks for itself," Shuichi said, kissing her back, comforting her heart.

"Okay, I’ll get the door," Naomi said, shooing his hand away, tidying her blouse, and heading to open it.

Sumire, waiting, eyed Naomi suspiciously. Her flushed cheeks and slightly disheveled clothes set off alarms.

Too late...

’My fault. I left you alone to avoid him, and he took advantage, leading to this.’

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