Starting a New Life in Tokyo by Inheriting a Shopping Street [47]

“When’s the ramen shop opening? Looks like you’ve already got it all fixed up.”
Chiba Shuuichi, breathing in the irresistible aroma of the food, swallowed and forced himself to ask with polite concern.

“Tomorrow,” Mrs. Akiyama replied. “Wasn’t planning to make a big fuss. The sign goes up today, and we can open for business tomorrow. I really have to thank you, Chiba-kun, for arranging the promotion.”

“It’s me who should be thanking you, Mrs. Akiyama. Being able to eat food this delicious—I could die without regrets.” Shuuichi spoke with genuine sincerity.

Even though the shop was only at a 500% bonus right now—still far from its potential—he was certain that even people with all the power and wealth in the world had never enjoyed flavor like this.

“If you say that, Chiba-kun, I might just take it seriously~” Mrs. Akiyama cupped her cheeks in delight, unable to hide how happy she was.

Shuuichi chatted with her a little longer, already thinking he could call a flower shop today and order a huanhuan wreath to send over before the opening tomorrow.

And no, not a typo—a wreath.

In Japan, wreaths are given for both funerals and celebrations, the difference being in the colors. Funeral wreaths are in black and white, while for happy occasions they’re done in red or other warm tones.

Finally, it was time to dig in. After last night’s experience, Shuuichi’s resistance to good food had gone up slightly. Human physiology had a way of dulling even the finest pleasures with repetition.

As he enjoyed the nutrient-rich dishes, he reached—right in front of Mrs. Akiyama—for her daughter’s skirt.

His fingers brushed and kneaded the soft flesh of her thigh. Then, with his bad taste in full swing, he hooked a finger under the edge of her thigh-high sock and suddenly let go.

Snap!
The elastic band slapped back against her skin.

“Ah—!” Caught off guard, Tsuki cried out on the spot.

“What is it, Tsuki-chan? You okay?” Mrs. Akiyama blinked innocently, stealing a discreet glance at Shuuichi.

It didn’t seem quite the same as when she was young… When she and her husband played those thrilling games, she too would get flushed like her daughter now.

But usually the strange sounds came from her husband—unless… hmm, unless it was that stage, then it’d be her.

A bit puzzling…

“N-no, it’s nothing. Mom’s cooking is just so good I bit my tongue,” Tsuki explained, cheeks burning.

“Big sis is so clumsy…” An, still eating like a whirlwind, mumbled through her food—one of the rare chances she had to get a jab in.

Tsuki immediately shot her silly little sister a glare—only to suddenly feel her blue-and-white stripes being hooked and snapped back as well.

“Mm…”

This time it wasn’t as sudden, but the sensation still pulled a soft moan from her throat.

“Kaichou, did you bite your tongue again?” Shuuichi teased lazily from the side.

Right now, if Mrs. Akiyama leaned forward even a little, or if An leaned back in her seat…

It wouldn’t be hard to see exactly what his hand was doing.

That thrill of possibly being exposed at any moment—never mind Tsuki trembling with excitement—even Shuuichi felt his heartbeat pick up.

Tsuki clenched her teeth. “Yes…”

“Want me to take a look? If it’s bleeding, that’s not good—we might have to put some medicine on it.”

Shuuichi kept his voice perfectly serious, even as his fingers continued savoring the smooth skin of her thigh.

“No need, not now.” Tsuki shot him a look—later, once we’re outside.

Shuuichi caught the meaning instantly.

Mrs. Akiyama just smiled knowingly at their little exchange and didn’t call them out.

Tsuki always called Chiba-kun a bad person and acted like she was terrified her little sister would be bullied—yet here she was bullying him herself. Truly not honest with herself.

She ruffled her younger daughter’s hair, completely unconcerned. This silly kid would surely be just as happy as she was someday.

...

Breakfast was more than satisfying. Whether it was an illusion or not, Shuuichi felt warm and relaxed after eating. Still, even if the food was working, it shouldn’t be that fast—probably just in his head.

Not thinking too hard on it, the three of them left the shopping street and started the walk to school.

As usual, An led the way, with Shuuichi and Tsuki following behind.

“Earlier… you said you’d check my tongue?” Tsuki edged closer, her voice low with impatience.

Not sure what game it was this time—but the tongue…

That could be very indecent.

Even unspeakably so.

Shuuichi glanced around—no one was paying attention. He smirked faintly. “If you’re in such a hurry, then let’s do it now.”

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“What are you… doing?”

Something this blatant was obviously impossible to hide. Up ahead, An had been bored and turned back to ask her sister about the sports festival—only to walk right into the scene.

Caught by her little sister, Tsuki’s breathing grew even faster. But right now she couldn’t speak, her face flushing hotter still, legs trembling faintly.

Shuuichi kept one arm raised, looked at An with utter calm, and explained, “Your sister’s tongue cramped. I’m helping her stretch it, loosen it up.”

“Oh…” An blinked blankly, then glanced at her sister’s strange expression. “Do you need my help?”

“No need. We’re almost done. Just keep walking—your sister doesn’t want you seeing her so flustered. She’s afraid of losing her big sister dignity.” Shuuichi played her like a child.

And An actually believed him—just like she’d once believed her sister’s warning that if you made eye contact, talked, or touched a boy, you’d be taken away to have a baby.

Watching An’s retreating back, Shuuichi turned back with a half-smile, savoring the utterly lost-in-it expression on Tsuki’s face.

“Kaichou really is a pervert. Bet you thought it was insanely exciting just now, huh? When your sister caught you—didn’t it feel like your heart was about to jump out?”

“Mmmph mmm…” Tsuki mumbled something incoherent, her eyes going hazy and moist, just like Ogawa Fumika’s, as if they might melt entirely.

A short while later, the subway station came into view. Any further and there’d be an audience, so Shuuichi finally let go.

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This is a fan translation of 从继承商店街开始东京生活 by 净消尘土 All rights to the original work belong to the creator. Please support them by exploring their original work or sharing it with others if you can. Thank you for reading and supporting my efforts to bring this story to a wider audience!