The Top Idol Next Door Can't Help But Crave My Guilty Pleasure Meals-Chapter 8Volume 2 .5 - Im Glad Yuzukis Neighbor Is You

ROUND 8 – I’m Glad Yuzuki’s Neighbor Is You 5

“…Seriously, I can feel the affection that Emoto-san put into this.”

I expressed my honest opinion without any flattery or attempt to make sarcasm.

“This bento, it’s based on the reflections from last time, isn’t it?”

When I asked, Emoto-san hesitated.

Meat, which she seemed to have deliberately avoided at the zoo was now used boldly.

Moreover, she chose a richly flavored teriyaki for Yuzuki, who was pleased with the beef rib bento.

“Honestly, I liked the previous bento too. The consideration for ease of eating felt truly idol-like.”

“…You’re suddenly praising me. Are you trying to butter me up too?”

“That’s a misunderstanding…”

“Just joking.”

Emoto-san placed a finger on her lips and smiled mischievously.

“Your beef rib bento was… well, not bad either. You didn’t just pile on the beef mindlessly. You adjusted the amount so it would finish at the same time as the rice. The fact that you served the pickled cucumber separately was also a high point. If it’s in the same container, the pickles get heated too and lose their texture.”

“You’re really paying attention, aren’t you?”

“…uh, analyzing the opponent is also necessary to win!”

Her ears turn faintly red. That might have been a compliment in her own way.

“First of all, feeding Yuzuki such a high-calorie menu is still questionable!”

Emoto-san points at me and suddenly takes on a stern tone.

I snorted and crossed my arms in order not to lose.

“But Yuzuki seemed to enjoy it?”

“That’s not the point! Using a heated bento box that attracts attention? What if the barbecue sauce splattered on her clothes? You weren’t considering Yuzuki enough!”

“Of course, I brought a full set of stain removal tools with me. As for the heated lunch box, if it’s just warming up, I could do it alone before handing it to Yuzuki. Shouldn’t you be realizing your own immaturity instead of attacking me?”

I smiled as Emoto-san clenched her teeth.

She clenched both hands and trembled her fists on her knees.

“You’ve been with Yuzuki for three years, you must know her preferences, right? Or are you and Yuzuki ‘business sisters’? Is that what they call ‘yuri business’?”

“Of course not! I know everything about Yuzuki! Much more than you do!”

“Despite that, I clearly won at the zoo. Remember Yuzuki’s melting expression?”

(TN: Yuri business means a display of affection between girls or women in a manner specifically designed to attract or excite the audience. In this context, baiting the audience as an idol with their close relationship.)

I re-crossed my arms while wearing a triumphant smile.

“It’s easy for me to bring out that kind of reaction from her! Turning Yuzuki’s refined face into a mushy mess is no trouble at all!”

Not to be outdone, Emoto-san plastered a smile on her face.

“Talking is easy, but without action, it’s just the howling of a losing dog.”

“~ugh, I haven’t lost yet!”

After finishing her miso soup, Emoto-san’s gaze sharpened.

“Nevermind, I can’t leave Yuzuki in your hands! Mamori-san, please compete with me one more time.”

“That’s exactly what I want. I’ll make sure to send you off for good next time!”

Emoto-san and I locked eyes fiercely.

The room became quiet, with only the sound of breathing audible.

“Well, sorry… I made you play the role of a poor villain, Mamori-san.”

Emoto-san murmured with self-mockery after regaining her composure.

I thought I had tried hard enough, but it seems I lack the talent for acting.

The most uptodat𝓮 n𝒐vels are published on freёnovelkiss.com.

Anyway, it’s time to strip off this superficial mask.

“…Emoto-san, it’s rare to find someone who is dedicated enough to make such an elaborate bento just for one person. Trust me, your feelings are definitely reaching Yuzuki. She is grateful to you and wants to make up with you right now.”

“…Yuzuki does? Stop joking.”

“Is it okay for an ‘older sister’ to be so pessimistic?”

“I can’t help but feel pessimistic. It’s because I clung to the formless bond of sisterhood that I’ve lost my way.”

Because it’s special, she doesn’t want to give it to anyone else.

Because it’s special, she can reveal their true feelings.

Because it’s special, facing it is scary.

Both Emoto-san and Yuzuki think of each other as special.

Yet, they started to drift apart at some point, their words no longer meshing well, and their conversation became tangled.

“Because it’s formless, you can always start over. The ties that bind you are just tangled, not broken. All you have to do is untangle it.”

I’m certain that my feelings for Yuzuki are no different from Emoto-san’s.

It’s only our positions and the order in which we met that differ.

“You… I envy you.”

Emoto-san confessed her deepest feelings directly.

“Making immoral meals, facing Yuzuki’s resistance, clashing with her, and yet still building a solid relationship of trust… Perhaps what I needed was the courage to confront the situation head-on, just like you, Mamori-san.”

Emoto-san, who had been looking down all this time, finally lifted her face.

There was no longer any hesitation in her eyes.

“Mamori-san, I ask you once again. Please, compete with me one more time.”

“With pleasure. But I won’t go easy on you, you know?”

“That’s my line. I’ve come to understand your way of fighting very well. Thinking that your brute force strategy with meat and rice will work forever is a big mistake!”

“And the moment you bring out something like okara, Emoto-san, you’ve already lost!”

Inside our hearts, the sound of a gong announcing the final round echoed, reigniting the nearly extinguished fighting spirit within Emoto-san.

“Let’s settle this. Between you and me, Mamori-san, who is more suitable to take care of Yuzuki! I will dedicate my whole heart and soul to defeat you this time!”

Emoto-san extended her hand, casting off her restraints and smiling defiantly—a sight so cool it was almost mesmerizing.

“I won’t hold anything back either. I’ll show you why I’m called ‘meddlesome.’ Look forward to it!”

As I grasped her hand in return, a surge of passion heated my palm, fiercely igniting my fighting spirit.

Emoto Ruru. The leader of 【Spotlights】 and Yuzuki’s ‘older sister’.

A worthy adversary indeed.

We continued to smile at each other.

Eventually, Emoto-san let go of my hand and left the living room for good this time.

Just before the door closed, I heard a faint murmur.

“I’m glad that Yuzuki’s neighbor is you.”

I no longer try to stop her retreating figure, nor did I pity or console her.

Because Emoto-san is my greatest rival.