Chapter 13: The Way to Get Invited Out

"Here. This is today's budget. The passbook from the transaction is inside too, so make sure you check it properly."

"Yay! Thank you, Youko-san! You're so fast as always!"

Mom pulled out a small envelope, separate from the earlier A4-sized document.

Apparently, Hikari had an idea of what was in it—she threw both hands in the air in delight.

"Hmm? You asked her for something?"

"Yeah. Yesterday, when I was taking off my cloak to get in the bath, I remembered I had a ring tucked inside. I thought maybe it could be sold, so I asked Youko-san. I didn’t expect it to be taken care of this quickly, though..."

When asked, she began to explain, calmly and matter-of-factly.

She said the ring came from another world, had no certificate of authenticity, and was probably the kind of thing a normal jeweler wouldn’t even bother appraising.

But with the connections of our father, who was a trading merchant, there might be a way to make something of it.

Thinking it could help with the household budget, she had entrusted it to Mom.

"...It’s a bit late to say this after it’s already sold, but if it was something from your time over there, you could have kept it as a memento, you know? I’ve never seen such a beautiful gemstone, and it really suited you, Hikari-kun."

"Nah, I don’t really want to keep something like that around. I think it’s best if it goes to someone who wants it. ...Even though, for that, it ended up selling for a ridiculous amount."

...Incidentally, contrary to expectations of “even a little help,” the figure written in the passbook was an eye-popping amount.

And it made sense.

The ring didn’t just have a regular gemstone—it held magical energy. In other words, it was a magic stone.

Whether someone could perceive magic or not, it was a substance that absolutely shouldn't exist on Earth.

For enthusiasts in that field, it was a rare gem, and once the right client was contacted, it sold instantly for an outrageous price.

"I see... Well then, from now on, your monthly allowance will come from this. It’ll double as your savings for the future, so try not to waste it, okay?"

"...Are you sure? But that way, none of it goes toward the household..."

Seeing Hikari look genuinely surprised, Mom smiled gently.

"What are you talking about? Yousuke and I aren’t living with you to get anything in return. This money is yours, Hikari-kun. You need to use it for yourself."

"I appreciate the sentiment, but... Hmm, you really could’ve just taken it all..."

Hikari looked a little dissatisfied.

Still, perhaps realizing it would be uncouth to argue further, she gave a small nod and started getting ready in a hurry.

Watching her from the side—

"Come on, Yousuke, you get ready too."

—of course I got roped in like it was the most natural thing in the world.

"...Wait, I’m going too? Isn’t it enough with just you and Hikari?"

"We need to buy daily necessities like dishes and toothbrushes, not to mention clothes. In that case, it’s better to have your opinion too, don’t you think?"

"You’re not doing anything else, are you? Then come with us!"

"...You’re just trying to use me as a pack mule, aren’t you?"

"......"

Both of them averted their eyes and fell silent, so I guess I hit the nail on the head.

But then Mom clapped her hands to draw attention to herself and added cheerfully:

"Isn’t it fine? Hikari-kun is just like a doll right now—so adorably cute. I’m sure it’ll be a feast for your eyes too, Yousuke."

"Come on, what’s the point in making her look cute? I mean, yeah, she can’t stay like this forever, but still..."

I get needing to buy new clothes.

And yeah, she can’t keep borrowing mine or Mom’s stuff forever, daily necessities included.

But why the cute direction?

I feel like going with boys' clothes like before would be totally fine.

That’s when Mom’s expression turned serious, and she looked me square in the eye.

"From now on, Hikari-kun, whether she likes it or not, will be treated as a girl by the people around her. After all, no one else knows the circumstances. And when it comes to human relationships, a lot is decided by first impressions... So even if she dresses a bit boyish, wouldn’t it be better if people thought she was cute?"

...Logically, that actually made a lot of sense.

Right now, Hikari doesn’t have many people she can rely on.

She can’t exactly go around explaining the whole other-world situation to every old acquaintance.

That’s why, when it comes to people she’ll meet from now on—well, it’s not like she’s trying to suck up to anyone—but getting them to feel at least a little goodwill toward her isn’t a bad thing.

However—

"Mom, what’s your real reason?"

"...I’ve always wanted a daughter, and I just thought it’d be fun to enjoy fashion together."

...Yeah, I had a feeling it was something like that.

What popped into my head was that unfamiliar photo of a little girl in one of the family albums.

When I asked about it, I found out it was actually me—dressed as a girl before I was old enough to even remember.

She claimed it was just a moment of weakness.

Looks like that same wicked impulse has now turned toward Hikari.

A headache started to form, and I let out a heavy sigh. Then, moving closer to Hikari, I whispered:

"...If you’re just going along with her, you should put your foot down. She’s the kind of person who’ll keep pushing unless someone reins her in."

But the reply I got was surprisingly different.

"No, Yousuke. Youko-san jokes around a lot, but the truth is, I’m the one who asked her."

"You asked her?"

"Yeah. When I gave her the gemstone, I also asked if she could help me pick out clothes that really suited me. This body—it’s not something I can fight anymore. So, at the very least, I figured it’d be a waste not to enjoy the now, you know?"

...Enjoy the now, huh.

Her words carried a genuine willingness to face her current reality head-on.

If she’s not forcing herself to smile, then I couldn’t ask for anything better.

In that case, it’s not really my place to butt in.

I was about to nod in agreement when—

"...But still."

There was more.

Hikari gripped the hem of my shirt tightly.

"It still takes courage to take that first step... You remember, right? It was the same when I started playing soccer. That’s why—I want you to be there with me, Yousuke. If you’re watching, I’ll feel like I can handle it."

...With a look like that, and words from a best friend who’s clearly made up her mind—how could I possibly say no?

No way I could.

"Alright. Then I’ll go with you. But don’t expect any decent advice, okay? I’ve got zero sense when it comes to fashion."

"I know that already! Just having you there is enough!"

And so, with that settled, I turned back to face Mom—

"W-What is it, Mom?"

"Oh, nothing at all~"

There she was, beaming with a smug, knowing smile and radiating a warm, amused gaze.

It’s not like I’m doing anything shady here.

This is just the friendship between two guys.

And yet, for some reason, I found myself stumbling over my words.

Which may have been why...

"...Heheh. I was just talking with Youko-san, and yep—Yousuke really is easy to handle."

That soft mutter went completely unnoticed by me.