Konbini Ossan Volume 5 Chapter 02 — My Grumpy Niece
I stopped by the magic tool shop.
“Good morning. Is Arisa-san here?”
“Oh my, Otsugi-sama. If you’re looking for Arisa-san, she should be in the back right now.”
Maria, who happened to be in the store, replied with her usual calm smile.
“She’s been looking rather grumpy lately. Did something happen?”
“Yeah, well... a little.”
“Make sure you two make up properly.”
“Yes, that’s the plan.”
That was, in fact, one of the reasons I came by today. Following Maria’s directions, I headed to the back room.
“Arisa-san.”
Inside, Arisa was busy closing the day’s register.
She was comparing the number of items sold based on stock and supply records, checking that against the actual amount of cash on hand.
When I called out to her, she looked away with a complicated expression.
“I’m sorry. I went too far the other day.”
“What are you talking about?”
Though still visibly irritated, Arisa at least faced me long enough to talk. This was where sincerity counted.
“I forced my opinion on you without considering how you felt. I acted like your feelings for me were something to be dismissed. That was thoughtless of me.”
“Then... you’ll go out with me?”
Her voice suddenly brightened with hope. But I couldn’t agree. I shook my head.
“We’re still uncle and niece. That hasn’t changed.”
“So what? This isn’t Japan.”
“Yes, I understand that point of view. But I can’t agree with it.”
After a brief pause, I made a proposal.
“Then let’s meet halfway.”
She tilted her head.
“Halfway? What’s that supposed to mean?”
“You want to be my girlfriend. I can’t be your boyfriend. So, we take the middle ground. You can act like my girlfriend if you want—but we’re not actually lovers.
…
Meaning, if either of us falls for someone else, there’s no problem. We’re not dating, so there’s nothing to break off.
…
On the other hand, if my feelings ever change, we could simply become lovers then. Since we’d already be acting like it, it wouldn’t feel strange.”
Arisa nodded.
“So basically, I just have to seduce you and make you fall for me, right?”
“Well, from your side, that’s one way to put it. And I’ll just have to resist your temptation.”
With this arrangement, I could satisfy her feelings — at least in part.
And since I’d never actually date her, it was only a matter of time until she either gave up or found someone better.
That was my logic, but Arisa seemed more than happy with it.
“Alright, I’m in! I’ll make you fall for me, just you watch!”
“It won’t be that easy — but I’m glad we’ve settled this.”
With that, the tension between us finally eased. Now, I could bring up the other reason I came today.
“Alright then, since we’ve made up, let’s talk business.”
“Huh?”
“Let’s go on a trip together.”
“Wait, what? Why?”
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E/N:
It's a date, isn't it?! It is, isn't it?! Stay tuned!
Apologies for the delayed upload! ORZ! Here's the extra chapters! (1/3 chapters)
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