I’ve Always Thought My "Casual Partner" Was Oddly Attentive — Part 2

Sure enough, Izumi hesitated, but in the end, he gave in. He knew that besides him, I didn’t have anyone else to invite to a takoyaki party.

We didn’t drink alcohol. While sipping tea, we made takoyaki, adding cheese, sausages, bacon, and other things for a wholesome experience.

When Izumi mentioned heading home, I stopped him.

“Am I not good enough?”

I was really nervous and embarrassed, but I hugged Izumi tightly, pressing my chest against him while looking up at him.

Izumi looked completely bewildered, like he had no idea what I was doing or saying.

“...Riko? What are you talking about?”

“If you stick to one person, things like this won’t happen anymore. I just want you to choose me as that one.”

If it’s me, I can stay convenient for him. I’ll never cause him any trouble.

“So, you know... Am I not good enough?”

And that’s how we became casual partners.

Honestly, I wasn’t all that confident in seduction or anything like that, but I owe a big thanks to my older cousin, who once said, “You’ve got big boobs, so just press them against a guy, and he’ll be putty in your hands.” I didn’t appreciate the comment at the time, but now I guess it paid off.

When Izumi realized it was my first time, he was unbelievably gentle, and he never skipped the sweet talk.

I figured it must be okay to say these things during sex, so I responded to each of his words with “Me too” or “I love you.” Even if it was just during sex, I was happy to be able to say those words aloud.

…However, Izumi’s sweet talk wasn’t limited to just during sex.

Even outside of it, Izumi was the kind of guy who frequently said “I love you.”

He had said he was careful not to give his casual partners the wrong idea, but this was different. A complete lie. If I weren’t me, I’d definitely be misunderstanding. Even I was beginning to wonder what was going on—and three months passed like that.

Recently, there’s even been a rumor that I’m Izumi’s main girl.

We have sex almost every day, and I suppose that might be why he couldn’t limit himself to just one person.

Honestly, doing it every day is exhausting. But I can’t say no when Izumi looks so happy. And I like seeing him happy.

When I once asked why he started having casual partners in the first place, he replied, “It’s something I have to take care of anyway, so I figured it’d be better if someone else could enjoy it, too.” I’m not exactly an expert on this, but I’m pretty sure that’s not a common viewpoint.

Plus, from what I’ve heard, Izumi’s had pretty bad luck with women. He’s dealt with attempted reverse assaults and stalkers. So I guess having casual partners was an easier option for him… I kind of understand now.

“Riko, want some hot cocoa?”

“Hmm, sure, I’ll have some. Could you make it for me?”

“Of course.”

Izumi happily headed to the kitchen.

The cocoa he makes is the kind that’s prepared by melting it on the stove. According to Izumi, “That way, it feels like I’m putting love into it, and I like that.”

Is it really necessary to put love into cocoa for a casual partner? I wonder. But, well, I’m sure he likes me better than his previous partners as a friend, at least, so maybe that’s why.

Since becoming his casual partner, I’ve been invited to Izumi’s place a lot. Well, not just “a lot”—basically every day now.

His apartment, a relatively new one, is furnished simply and neatly.

There’s no trace of his past casual partners anywhere, which made me admire how good Izumi must be at cleaning. I guess if it’s just sex, there wouldn’t be much evidence left anyway.

I waited for Izumi’s cocoa while sitting on his cozy two-seater sofa. It felt luxurious for someone living alone to have such a plush sofa. I kind of wanted to get one for myself now, but I’d need to pick up more shifts at work.

After a while, Izumi came back holding two mugs. They were a pair we had bought together on a shopping trip. Izumi had been so excited when he suggested, “Let’s buy these!” that I couldn’t bring myself to say no.

“Here you go.”

“Thanks.”

When I smiled and took the mug, Izumi returned the most breathtaking smile. …Honestly, seeing that, anyone would misunderstand. Was he really being careful with his casual partners?

Izumi sat down next to me without drinking his own cocoa, waiting for me to take the first sip. His gaze was intense, but I was used to it by now, so I didn’t think much of it as I took a drink.

“Mmm, it’s delicious today, too.”

“Hehe, glad to hear it.”

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