The Neighborhood High School Girl, Miss Isezaki, Is the Great Saintess Returned from Another World~ And I, Suddenly Awakened as Her Exclusive Mana Supply Uncle, Travel Between Earth and Another World with Time-Space Magic~ - 179. Local Hangout for Locals

179. 179. 179. 179. Local Hangout for Locals

After I was relieved from my stomach ache and came out of the toilet, I saw Isezaki-san and Aihara chatting amiably.

Of course, they had a good relationship from the beginning, but compared to just now, it felt like there was less hesitation between them.

I wonder if something happened while I was in the toilet.

I’ve heard stories about people bonding over common complaints, or becoming friends after arguing about each other’s annoying traits— I can only hope it’s not something like that.

Anyway, it’s good that they get along. I can say that my mission to facilitate a good relationship between Isezaki-san and Aihara has been successfully completed without any hiccups.

By the way, the plan after the game center is confirmed to be a dinner party with the landlady joining us at night, and until then, we have no plans.

It might seem strange for a middle-aged man to wander around with two women without a plan, but well, both of them seem to understand that I’m that kind of person, and it’s reassuring that they don’t seem to have any complaints.

So, after leaving the retro game center, we decided to stroll around the downtown area at  Aihara-san’s suggestion—

Before we knew it, we were sucked into the usual shopping mall. Since everything is available here, it’s a paradise for locals, so it can’t be helped.

As we wandered around the mall for a while, the two of them started browsing for clothes, accessories, and other items at the apparel shop.

It seems like this will take quite a while, but I want them to enjoy themselves without worrying about the time. I informed them and decided to take a break in a resting area a little away from them.

And as I sat on the bench in the rest area and played with my smartphone for a while— I heard a familiar voice calling me.

When I looked up, a round-faced man was waving at me. It was Marui, a former colleague.

Although I didn’t get along well with my boss, I got along reasonably well with my peers and juniors. Marui was one of those colleagues.

As soon as Marui noticed me, he plopped down on the bench next to me.

“Matunaga, long time no see. So, have you found a job?”

“No, I’m still just helping out my relatives.”

“Oh, you haven’t found a job yet. That’s perfect then. Come back to our company. I mentioned it at the farewell party, but things have been tough since you left. I’ve been getting all the boss’ snide remarks, it’s annoying as hell. …Hey, you know, it seems like rehiring former employees isn’t uncommon these days?”

“It’s too early for me to consider going back… In fact, I’ll never go back. Since I quit the company, my body feels better, my mind feels at ease, it’s really the best.”

I have no regrets about quitting the company, and in fact, I want to pat myself on the back for making the best decision. But Marui looked exasperated at my words.

“Hey, don’t say that with such a happy face. It makes me want to quit too… Well, in my case, I have a wife and kids, so I can’t just quit the company easily. I envy you for being unemployed and carefree…”

And there, Marui tilted his head while looking at the previous apparel shop.

In Marui’s line of sight was Aihara trying on fluttery dresses and giggling.

.

“That’s… Aihara, right? …Huh, are you here with her by any chance?”

“Well, yeah, but…”

As I answered, thinking that he might misunderstand, Marui, as expected, nudged my side with his elbow and smirked.

“Hey hey, what’s this? Were you two dating after all? I kinda had a feeling. You know? No matter who asked Aihara out, she never went unless it was just the two of you? I didn’t tell you because it pissed me off.”

“Oh, really. But that’s just because she doesn’t see me as a man. And besides, we’re not dating. Look, take a good look.”

I pointed to Isezaki-san standing on the other side of Aihara.

“That girl is my neighbor. Well, for various reasons, I ended up accompanying them on their shopping. I’m just a baggage-carrying uncle.”

But even though I said that, it seemed like Marui wasn’t listening, as he shook his shoulders with wide eyes.

“What… that incredibly beautiful girl… Hey Matunaga, what good deeds did you do in your past life to become neighbors with such a beautiful girl?”

“I don’t know. Anyway, because of that, don’t go around saying weird things about me at work. It’s unfair to Aihara if you do.”

“Well… I think it’s undeniable that she’s interested in you… Well, whatever, it’s not like being unemployed is a good look anyway. You should hurry up and find a job too, huh?”

“Yeah, I know. I’ll figure something out soon.”

Setting aside Marui’s off-base remarks about dating and whatnot, now that things have settled down in the other world and I’m starting to seriously think about making money in Japan, I have some ideas, so it’s about time to go sourcing in the other world.

“Well then, I’ll head home. Say hi to Aihara and the cute girl for me.”

With a wave behind his back, Marui left easily. He probably came to the shopping mall with his family today. Marui, who was the quickest among our peers to advance in his career and get married, seems to have a good relationship with his family.

After a while, Aihara came over in his place.

“Hey, Senpai, did you see Marui-san earlier?”

“Yeah, he was here. But he’s gone now. Anyway, are you done with shopping?”

“No, actually, I’m just getting started. So, Senpai, could you please take a look at the clothes I’m going to try on?”

“I refuse. I have no idea whether girls’ fashion is good or bad.”

“Just come on, please! Come on, stand up!”

Being pulled along by Aihara, I was forcibly dragged into the apparel shop and made to stand in front of the fitting room.

Aihara called out to the fitting room.

“Seina-chan, are you ready?”

“Um, please wait a moment… Okay, I’m ready.”

As she opened the curtain of the fitting room—

“How do I look, sir? …Do I look good?”

The one asking was not a gal… but Isezaki-san who was blushing slightly.

Isezaki-san usually has a calm and sophisticated fashion sense, but the girl in front of me now had a style of a gal with boldly exposed shoulders, wearing shorts that accentuated her long legs. Needless to say, this was all thanks to Aihara.

“Uh, well, um… I was a bit surprised, but it suits you and looks cute.”

“I-Is that so? Well, if you say so, I’m glad…”

Isezaki-san blushed red and mumbled shyly.

In my mind, gals are usually confident in front of others, but this gap of being embarrassed like this isn’t bad either.

“See? That’s what I told you. Seina-chan looks good in this kind of outfit too! Senpai, aren’t you glad you got to see it~?”

“Yeah, of course, your usual outfits are great too, but this is also refreshing.”

“Okay, next it’s my turn! I’ll stun Senpai with a refined look too! Seina-chan, keep an eye on Senpai so he doesn’t run away!”

“Yes, Riori-san. Leave it to me.”

And so, Aihara went into the fitting room in exchange for Isezaki-san, and Isezaki-san pinched the hem of my clothes.

“…You’ve become quite close with Aihara lately, huh?”

“Yes. We had some common interests.”

“I see. It’s not retro games, right? She said she’s not good at cooking either… What is it then?”

“Of course, that’s a secret♪”

Isezaki-san answered with a finger on her lips. Apparently, this is also a secret. As the number of friends increases, so does the number of things you can’t say. It’s a shame, but it can’t be helped.

And so, I ended up accompanying the two of them for a while as they held their fashion show.

Original Author’s Comment:

—Afterword—

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