I Received an NTR V*deo - Episode 17

“Yujiro, what’s wrong?”
“…Uh, nothing. Just… give me a second.”
My thoughts had strayed. I couldn’t help but fixate on the memory of that mark on Megumi’s neck. It looked suspiciously like a kiss mark. Even though Hoshina was right next to me, that image kept flashing in my mind.
It was a quiet holiday morning, the kind where the sky teetered on the edge of rain. The air felt heavy, as if it were holding something back. Hoshina and I had made plans to visit a ramen shop she’d never been to before. A hidden gem I had promised would be worth the wait. We agreed to meet in front of a department store near the location, and I was walking there now, but my mind wasn’t focused on our upcoming meal. It was trapped in a loop—Megumi, Netori, and that suspicious mark.
As we met and began to walk, Hoshina turned to me with a sincere gaze.
“Yujiro, tell me everything. I want to understand you, truly. No matter what it is, I won’t be shocked or upset.”
Her voice was calm, yet the vulnerability behind it was unmistakable. I hesitated. Was it okay to burden her with something so uncertain? What if I was misinterpreting things?
Sensing my hesitation, Hoshina blushed slightly and looked away, then said something unexpected.
“I’ve never really had friends, not in the true sense. There are people like Netori, but… I’ve always struggled to connect. I don’t know why.”
“That surprises me,” I said. “You have so many good qualities, Hoshina. If people just took the time to see the real you, I think you’d have friends in no time.”
She blinked in surprise, clearly not expecting that response. “I was just saying something I’m kind of ashamed of. I didn’t think you’d… comfort me like that.”
Her admission had weight to it. Being friendless had probably left her feeling isolated. I realized she was offering a part of herself to me—something vulnerable, in hopes I would reciprocate.
I gave a small laugh, grateful for her trust. “It’s nothing to be ashamed of. Actually… there’s something on my mind too.”
“What is it?”
“It’s about Megumi. And Netori.”
Her eyes sharpened. “Tell me everything.”
I recounted the incident at the café—the moment I noticed the mark on Megumi’s neck. It had unsettled me since. I didn’t want to jump to conclusions, but…
As soon as I described it, Hoshina’s face turned crimson with fury.
“That’s disgusting… He’s seriously the worst.”
“We don’t know anything for sure yet.”
“If it was a kiss mark, that’s all the confirmation I need.”
Maybe she was right. I’d never seen one before, so part of me wondered if I was misreading things. What if it was an insect bite? Still, the implications were hard to ignore.
As we stood in front of a post office, I took out my phone.
“I know someone. They’re good at digging up information.”
“You’re going to ask them about this?”
“Not directly. Even if we can’t confirm the mark, we can find out if there’s something going on between them.”
Hoshina’s cheeks flushed again as she said, “I can’t believe I just said ‘kiss mark’ out loud…”
I smiled at her awkwardness, but her point stood—we needed clarity.
“I’ll ask around quietly. But I doubt we’ll hear back right away, so let’s stick to our plan. Ramen awaits.”
“Yeah… let’s do that.”
We resumed walking. I wanted this moment with Hoshina to be light and enjoyable. She’d never had ramen before—this was a first, and I wanted it to be special.
“You’ve never had ramen? Not even once?”
“No. I don’t usually eat out. And it’s hard to go alone… plus, you know… the friend situation.”
“Okay, okay. Stop with the no-friends thing,” I teased. “We’re both socially awkward. Let’s be awkward together.”
That earned me a genuine smile. I liked seeing her like this—relaxed, open.
When we arrived at the ramen shop, a long line greeted us.
“This place is more popular than I expected,” I muttered.
“It must be good if there’s a crowd. I’m excited.”
“The ramen here is tonkotsu-based—rich and flavorful. You sure you’re okay with that?”
“I wouldn’t know what’s rich or not until I try it,” she replied cheerfully.
She seemed to brighten, though a moment later her expression dimmed.
“What’s wrong?”
“Thinking about Megumi and Netori… it’s hard not to.”
I understood. I’d been trying to push the thought away too, but it kept returning.
“There’s no point in obsessing over it. We don’t know the truth yet. But if it is cheating… that kind of betrayal is unacceptable.”
“Yeah,” she nodded. “It doesn’t just hurt the people involved—it hurts everyone around them. I can’t understand people who are that selfish.”
I agreed. Hoshina was someone who always put others first, even at her own expense. Being with her gave me a sense of comfort, of steadiness.
We finally got seated. She immediately disinfected her seat, revealing the careful habits of a germ-conscious person.
“They don’t use disposable chopsticks here,” she murmured.
Hoshina reached into her bag and pulled out her own. “I bring mine just in case.”
“You really think ahead,” I said, impressed. “Here, I’ll ask for a paper apron for you too.”
She put it on with practiced ease. I couldn’t help but smile.
“You look good in that.”
She narrowed her eyes. “You’re teasing me.”
“I’m not. Really. You look great in everything.”
She looked down shyly. I wasn’t the only one watching her. Even the other men in the shop had taken notice.
“She’s gorgeous.”
“Way out of my league…”
“Japanese? She looks like a model.”
Completely unaware, Hoshina stared in awe at the ramen bowl placed before her.
“This looks nothing like I imagined…”
“The broth is thick, and it clings to the noodles. Give it a try.”
She tied her hair up and began to eat carefully.
“Mmm… it’s so rich. I’ve never tasted anything like this.”
“I’m glad you like it. Next time we can try a lighter broth or—”
My phone buzzed. A message popped up from the person I’d contacted.
“…It’s about Megumi and Netori.”
Hoshina stopped eating mid-bite.
“So… did they find something?”
“Yeah. Looks like they are cheating.”
Silence fell between us.
The moment that had been filled with warmth and laughter now felt heavy. Rain began to fall outside. I clenched my phone and lowered my gaze, not sure what to say.
The ramen was rich, but the truth was bitter.