I Was Cheated on by My Girlfriend but My Devilish Junior Now Yearns for Me V1 Chapter 3
Chapter 3
A University Student’s Winter Vacation
If there’s one thing I have in my university life, it’s time.
After spending my middle and high school years buried in clubs and exams, with barely a moment to breathe, university life was a surprisingly pleasant change.
A new club, my first time living alone, a cute girlfriend—I had it all.
I kept my grades up, and everything was going perfectly.
But it’s scary how quickly you can get used to things.
Gradually, the initial thrill faded, and that perfect life became my new normal.
I started skipping club activities more often, and then my girlfriend cheated on me.
It’s a cliché, but you really don’t know what you have until it’s gone.
Only then did I realize just how much she had filled the void in my heart.
All I had left was the freedom of living alone, but lately, even that hasn’t felt fulfilling.
“I really messed up…”
I muttered, staring at the kitchen sink.
The consequences of my laziness were staring me right in the face.
I wiped a thick, slimy film off my rubber gloves with a paper towel.
The perks of living alone are different for everyone.
A carefree life without parents nagging you. The freedom to invite friends or a girlfriend over whenever you want.
But for me, right now, the downsides outweigh the benefits.
I tossed the rubber gloves into the trash, putting a temporary halt to my cleaning efforts.
Today, I had to go to the university to submit a seminar report.
It was three days past the deadline, but thanks to the rapport I’d built with the professor, he was letting it slide.
I was confident the report’s quality was higher than usual to make up for the delay, so he should be satisfied.
As I cracked the front door open a few centimeters, a chill rushed in.
“Cold.”
I murmured, stepping outside.
A soft sunlight, warmer than you’d expect for just after the winter solstice, greeted me.
◇◆
My university is a decent size.
There are plenty of different spots, and people are spread out, so it’s rarely crowded outside of lunchtime. On campuses that are too big, it’s apparently a pain just to find your friends, so mine is pretty convenient for socializing.
But even this place was now deserted for winter vacation.
After submitting my report, I wandered around campus for a bit, but I didn’t see many students, let alone any friends.
If I went home, I’d have to get back to cleaning that sink, and the thought was just too daunting right now.
Spotting a vending machine, I slowly pulled out my wallet.
I figured I could at least enjoy a café au lait and escape reality for a little while.
Just as I slid a coin into the slot, a can of coffee clattered out.
“…Huh?”
I pulled out the can, confused.
Then, a familiar voice came from behind me.
“Hehe. Thanks for the drink, senpai.”
When I turned around, there she was—the former Santa, Shinohara Mayu.
She was just as cute as when I first met her. I mean, not many girls can pull off a Santa cosplay that well.
Shinohara snatched the coffee can from my hand and happily tried to open it.
How can she be so happy drinking something someone else paid for? Then again, maybe that’s exactly why she’s so happy.
“What are you doing here? It’s winter break.”
Apparently displeased with my reaction, Shinohara cleared her throat and puffed out her cheeks.
“You know, senpai, most guys would be happy to run into me, even during winter break.”
“Yeah, yeah. Here.”
Feeling a bit childish, I pointed to the coin return slot.
Shinohara seemed to get the message and pulled a wallet from her bag. It was one of those brand-name wallets you see every college girl with, but it looked even classier in her hands.
“Don’t be so grumpy. I was gonna pay you back anyway. What were you getting?”
“Café au lait.”
“Okaaay~”
Shinohara obediently pressed the button and handed me the café au lait.
“It’s freezing out. You sure you want a cold one?”
“It’s fine. I like it cold.”
“You’re gonna freeze, you know.”
She said it with a hint of concern, but I was well aware.
Even in winter, I always get cold drinks.
I popped the tab and took a sip. A pleasant sweetness filled my mouth. For me, this was more calming than a cigarette.
“Senpai, thank you for the other day.”
“Hm?”
“Don’t give me that ‘hm?’ I’m talking about Yuudou-senpai.”
“Oh, that? You already thanked me.”
“I know. I’m saying it again.”
Shinohara finally opened her can and chugged the entire coffee in one go.
“Ugh, bitter.”
“Why did you drink it then…?”
The can said ‘low sugar,’ but apparently, that didn’t make it any less bitter for Shinohara.
“Shouldn’t have just pressed a random button,” she muttered, tossing the empty can into the trash.
The trash can was nearly empty, it being winter break and all, and it swallowed the can without a sound.
“So, senpai! Since fate brought us together like this, I’d like to repay you for the other day.”
“Huh?”
I paused, my can halfway to my lips, and furrowed my brow.
“You don’t have to do that. Besides, shouldn’t you be repaying Ayaka?”Ayaka was the one who planned the mixer, so it would make more sense for her to repay Ayaka. Not that Ayaka would ever ask for anything in return for that.
But Shinohara shook her head.
“It’s not about making up for it. It’s about returning a favor. You kind of saved me that day, senpai.”
“Me? I didn’t do anything.”
“I’m the one who feels indebted, so just be quiet and accept it.”
“You’re unbelievable…”
All I did was give my opinion over the phone.
It’d be a hassle if I got repaid for every little thing like that.
“Normally, I’d just treat you to a meal, but you don’t seem like the type to accept that so easily… Let’s see.”
I tried to cut in as Shinohara forged ahead with the conversation on her own.
“As Santa Claus, I will grant you one wish, senpai. Anything you want.”
“I don’t have anything like—”
Just as the words left my mouth, an image of my filthy sink flashed through my mind.
The one thing that had been really bothering me lately.
“—Housework.”
The moment I said it, Shinohara stared at me blankly.
A second later, she burst out laughing.
◇◆
“Hey, are you sure about this?”
I asked again as we arrived at my apartment.
The words had just slipped out, but that didn’t change the fact that I was bringing a girl to my place.
I was hoping she’d laugh it off as a joke, but after a good chuckle, Shinohara had accepted.
“After I’m done cleaning, I’m gonna explore your place, senpai!” she’d declared ominously.
It wasn’t like I had anything embarrassing lying around—everything was on my phone—but the thought of someone I’d only known for a few days rummaging through my home made me uneasy.
“Why do you look so reluctant? You’re the one who asked. I already told you I’m doing it.”
“No, uh, can I take it back? You can just treat me to a coffee at that café over there. Actually, now that I think about it, I’m pretty good at housework.”
“Too late to back out now. It’s cold, so hurry up and let me in.”
Shinohara urged me on with a grin that screamed she was up to no good.
The infuriating part was that she still looked cute, even with that mischievous expression.
In the end, I couldn’t refuse and unlocked the door.
It had been a while since I’d had someone over.
“Huh, your room’s pretty clean, senpai.”
Shinohara’s bored tone echoed the moment she stepped inside.
“What exactly were you expecting, if you call this clean?”
Yesterday’s coat was still on the floor, along with a bag of snacks from this morning. Not to mention the papers scattered everywhere. It was a mess, by any definition.
“I was picturing a total garbage dump, so this is nothing.”
“You came here prepared for that…?”
It was a shock to hear my place compared to a garbage dump. I don’t pay much attention to my clothes, but I at least try to look clean, which made it sting even more.
Ignoring my distress, Shinohara stretched with a “hmmm.”
“Well, I was getting bored anyway. Alright, I’ll have this cleaned up in a jiffy.”
With that, she tossed her coat onto my bed and stood before the kitchen.
As she rolled up her sleeves, her pale skin came into view.
“What is it?”
“No, it’s nothing.”
I quickly looked away and threw my own jacket onto the bed.
A girl I barely knew was standing in my kitchen.
A month ago, this would have been unthinkable.
“Your clothes will get wrinkled if you just leave them there.”
“It’s fine, I’ll get it.”
I stopped her as she reached for the clothes and hung both of our coats and my jacket on hangers.
My apartment was my sanctuary when I was alone. But with someone else here, I couldn’t relax.
Shinohara had said it was cleaner than she expected, but my room was usually much tidier.
A wave of embarrassment washed over me, and I started tidying up anything within reach.
“Senpai, why do you live alone?”
“Why? All sorts of reasons.”
“Hmph, all sorts of reasons, huh.”
Shinohara replied listlessly as she pulled on a pair of rubber gloves.
Luckily, I’d left the cleaning supplies on the counter, and she got to work efficiently.
“Why the sudden question?”
The sound of the faucet was loud, so I raised my voice slightly.
Thanks to that, she heard me and replied without missing a beat.
“Hmm. I just figured it’d be easier to live at home. You’d have meals ready for you and everything. You don’t seem like the type to cook, senpai, so I thought that would be important to you.”
Easier at home.I’d been thinking the same thing recently.
Living alone offered freedom, sure. But it was a given that you had to take care of everything yourself.
It was surprisingly tough, and it made me realize how amazing my mom was for managing everything not just for me, but for the whole family.
“Alright, done!”
“Whoa, you’re finished already?”
I peeked at the sink, and it was sparkling. The grime was gone, and the metal was shining. It was a world of difference.
“That’s amazing. It took you no time at all. I can’t believe I was dreading this so much.”
“I’m used to it. I live alone, too.”
Shinohara nodded, satisfied, and tossed the rubber gloves into the trash.
“Okay, next up is lunch. You can just relax, senpai.”
“Wait, you’re cooking for me, too? What’s the catch? Is there something you want? I don’t have any money.”“I told you, I’m repaying a debt. Stop being weird and go watch some TV or something.”
She gave me a light shove from behind, and I sat down on the bed.
Shinohara clearly had no intention of letting me help, insisting, “Seriously, you can just relax.”
Did she foresee a future where I’d try to help and end up ruining everything? I wasn’t that bad at cooking, but if she didn’t want my help, I had no choice.
I grabbed the remote and turned on the TV.
Some talk show was debating a celebrity’s affair—a topic I couldn’t care less about.
“It’s the end of the year, and this is what they’re talking about.”
I get tired of celebrity gossip shows every time, but I guess people who are into that stuff find it interesting.
My phone buzzed, and my attention shifted to the screen.
A notification from Ayaka.
Let’s hang out!Are you an elementary schooler?I almost said it out loud.
Normally, I’d wait a bit before replying, but I had nothing better to do.
I opened the chat and started typing.
Time, place, and what we’re doing. At least give me that. But yeah, I’m free.Evening of the 29th, department store, shopping!That’s tomorrow!She always invited me at the last minute, probably assuming I had no plans. The worst part was that she was right.
Our back-and-forth continued for a while. It was all trivial stuff, but it was better than watching some gossip show.
Just as the topic shifted to the mixer, Shinohara called out to me.
“Senpai, sorry for the wait.”
I turned toward the voice and saw Shinohara carrying a large plate.
I pocketed my phone and stood up.
The plate was loaded with sandwiches.
“Whoa!”
My excitement shot up instantly. I hadn’t thought much of her offer to cook, but a home-cooked meal from a girl wasn’t something a single guy like me got to experience often.
Seeing my reaction, Shinohara shrugged.
“I just used what you had, so this was all I could make. Next time, you should really stock your fridge better, senpai.”
“No, no… this looks amazing.”
Tuna, egg, and ham with cabbage—all the classics were there. It was incredible that she’d made something so proper from the sad contents of my fridge.
“Well, I’m glad you think so. If sandwiches make you this happy, I wish I could have made something more elaborate.”
I wanted to grab one right away, but I had to thank her first.
“Itadakimasu. Thanks for making this.”
“Go ahead, dig in. It makes me feel like it was worth the effort.”Shinohara smiled shyly.It was the first time I’d seen that expression on her, and my hand froze mid-air.
“Hm? What’s wrong?”
“Ah… no. I was just thinking you make expressions like that, too.”
After a moment of trying to think of an excuse, I just blurted out what was on my mind.
I expected a “that’s creepy” in response, but Shinohara reacted differently.
“Huh? What kind of expression? Me?”
“You looked… shy. Well, it’s embarrassing for me to say it.”
“…I see.”
Shinohara touched her index finger to her chin, lost in thought.
“…You’re a weird one.”
Muttering to myself, I stuffed a sandwich in my mouth.
The thinly spread mayonnaise complemented the ham and lettuce perfectly.
My diet had been nothing but convenience store bentos lately, so having someone cook for me made it taste even better.
Shinohara seemed to snap out of her thoughts and, in a cheerful tone, said, “Time to eat~”
Eating with someone in my own apartment felt like it should have been strange, but with her coat off, Shinohara somehow fit right in.
“Come to think of it, senpai, are you in any clubs?”
“Hm? Yeah, the basketball club, technically.”
I added “technically” because while the club met twice a week, I showed up once a month, if at all.“Why?”
“Hmm. I joined a club when I first started university. I’m just curious about normal university students like you, senpai.”
“You must have people like that around you.”
With her looks, guys must flock to her without her even trying.
But Shinohara shook her head violently. “Not at all!”
“The people around me are mostly, you know, party animals. Since I’m cute, as you can see, those types are always the first to approach me.”
The only person I knew in her circle was Motosaka, and it was true that guys like him would be all over her.
As for her casually calling herself cute, I decided not to comment. It wasn’t the first time.
“I’m not so jaded that I think those people are normal. Honestly, I’ve been getting tired of those kinds of relationships lately.”
“Is that why you went out with Motosaka?”
“Well, yeah. Like I said before, I was curious about the whole university romance thing. Besides, don’t bring that up again. I’m trying to reflect on my mistakes, you know.”
Shinohara pouted and took a huge bite of her sandwich.
She was a good eater. But the bite was too big, and she quickly started choking, hurriedly gulping down some water.
“Hey, are you okay?”
I patted her on the back, and she gradually seemed to calm down.
She was quiet for a moment, then finally spoke.
“Senpai, do you have a girlfriend?”
“What’s with the sudden question? No, I don’t. If I did, I wouldn’t let another girl into my apartment.”
“Hohou, so serious. That’s rare these days, totally!”
Her teasing smile made me think of how she’d just complained about cheaters like Motosaka.
“What are you thinking about~?”
“Something you wouldn’t like.”
“Geh, you’d say that to my face?”
Shinohara grimaced and reached for another sandwich.
Then, as if suddenly remembering something, she shot to her feet.
“Oh crap, my part-time job!”
“Huh? You have a shift now?!”
If she got fired from another job because of me, I’d have to repay her again. It was unlikely she’d be fired for being a little late, but it was still better to be on time.
Shinohara seemed to value punctuality, because she started getting ready at lightning speed. She threw on her coat, clattered to the entryway, and jammed her feet into her boots. She was clearly in a huge rush.
“My bad, making you late for your job.”
“In times like these, a ‘thank you’ is fine, senpai. And a ‘thanks for the food’ on top of that would be nice!”
She turned to face me.
“Well, go on!”
Even in a hurry, she seemed dead set on hearing those words. She tapped her foot impatiently, waiting.
Cold air streamed in from the half-open door, but she didn’t seem to notice.
She had so much energy.
“Thanks for the food. And thank you.”
“Hehehe~ You’re welcome.”
Shinohara nodded, satisfied, and turned back around.
“Well then, I’ll come again!”
With that, she opened the door and ran off.
The sound of her footsteps on the stairs faded until it was gone.
I stood in the doorway, her last words echoing in my mind.
I’ll come again, huh.I didn’t usually like having people over.
But the fact that I didn’t mind her saying that… must mean something.
“If this was a badger game, I’d be the laughingstock.”
Even if it was, isn’t it a good deal to get a home-cooked meal from a girl this cute?I could almost hear Shinohara’s voice, that mischievous smile on her face.
◇◆
Senpai’s apartment was cleaner than I expected.
When he mentioned “housework,” I’d pictured a complete disaster.
But it was just a few clothes and papers on the floor. Once he quickly gathered them up, his room looked decent enough that my reason for being there felt a little thin.
He seemed to use a vacuum cleaner, too, since I couldn’t find much dust.I thought it would be interesting if the usually composed senpai was a complete slob at home, but I guess that wasn’t the case.
Honestly, it was a bit of a letdown, so I decided to make him lunch on a whim.
The fridge was practically empty. I couldn’t help but stare.
Does senpai really think he can cook with this?I had no choice but to make sandwiches. It was the only thing I could come up with from the ingredients on hand.
Despite the circumstances, senpai ate them with such delight. Seeing him, who usually had such a calm expression (not that we’d spent enough time together for me to say ‘usually’), actually break his composure to eat, I started to have fun and the words just slipped out.
“Well then, I’ll come again!”
Next time, I want to make him a proper meal, not just simple sandwiches.
It’s a little frustrating to have my cooking skills judged by something so basic.
A small smile played on my lips as I headed to my part-time job.
The way we met was probably the worst.
Working as a Santa and having all my leaflets scattered? It had to be one of the most embarrassing first encounters ever.
Even so, I really enjoy the time I spend talking with senpai.
I guess how you meet someone doesn’t really matter in the end.
Seeing the traffic light start to blink, I broke into a run.
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