A Very Popular Idol Classmate Has Taken a Liking to Me, A Person Who Doesn't Want to Work for W

"Hey, don't look so grim, eat your food. It's pasta today." (Rintaro)

"Pasta?" (Rei)

"With tomato meat sauce. You can put cheese powder on it if you like." (Rintaro)

The pasta with the red sauce was placed in front of Rei.

The sauce itself is simple, just mixing and simmering canned tomatoes and minced meat sauce, but because it's so simple, it has a consistent taste.

I planned to use the leftover sauce for Doria tomorrow night.

I'll spread the sauce on a bed of rice, top it with cheese, and bake it in the oven.

Don't think I'm cutting corners. This kind of ingenuity is the secret of being a full-time househusband.

"Can I put a lot of sauce on it?" (Rei)

"Yeah, you can. The groceries are your money anyway." (Rintaro)

"That said is true." (Rei)

Rei, looking convinced, sprinkled a generous amount of cheese powder on top of the pasta.

When the entire sauce had turned a hazy white, she rolled it from the edge and brought it to her mouth.

"!! Delicious." (Rei)

"You really do have a reaction that makes it worth making. I've got some more just let me know if you want seconds." (Rintaro)

"I want second." (Rei)

"You're really a fast eater, yeess." (Rintaro)

After bringing a second for Rei, I took my own portion.

I didn't do anything too elaborate, but it was enough for me to make it at home.

After we had both finished our meals in no time, I turned my attention to the TV, which had been left on.

"Really...... very popular idols, aren't they?" (Rintaro)

I unconsciously muttered to myself as I looked at the three members of MilleSta on the screen.

Music shows, variety shows, news shows, commercials――there hasn't been a week in a while that I haven't seen them. They're so busy, yet they're still able to keep up with their attendance and attend school.

Once again, I turned my attention to the extraordinary creature that is Otosaki Rei. And when I saw the trace of meat sauce on the corner of her mouth, I let out a sigh.

"......Rei, sit still." (Rintaro)

"Wha? ...... Mmm." (Rei)

I picked up a wet wipe and wiped her mouth.

Rei was like my own child as she was at my mercy.

"Thank you. But it's embarrassing." (Rei)

"Then be more careful......The Otosaki Rei in front of me looks like a different person than on TV." (Rintaro)

"Mm, not a different person. It's just that she has a good on/off switch of personality." (Rei)

"But her image at school is that of an idol, isn't she? I'm sorry if I'm being overly self-conscious, but I feel like she's only sloppy when she's in this house." (Rintaro)

"That is, true. I only turn off when I'm here and when I'm with MilleSta. Other than that, I'm always an Idol. When I'm at school, when I'm walking outside, even on holidays, someone is watching me. Image is important." (Rei)

I see, indeed.

If people see her being disheveled outside, it will directly affect her and MilleSta's image.

She seemed to be living her life as usual, but in fact, she was always on her toes.

"......That's awesome. I respect that." (Rintaro)

"Likewise. I'll never be able to do what Rintaro does." (Rei)

"It's because you're busy, right? If you had the time, you could do the same." (Rintaro)

"No. I may be able to cook a meal, but Rintaro does a lot more than that, he pays a lot of attention to the little things." (Rintaro)

Rei picked up the mug of coffee that I had brought her.

She took a sip and exhaled.

"This coffee is just the way I like. You don't even have to ask anything anymore to make it." (Rei)

"W-well, yeah." (Rintaro)

"You remember what I like to eat and drink, and prepare them for me. If my uniform was wrinkled, you would iron it before I knew it, and he would make sure I had enough shampoo and body wash for me." (Rei)

"...... Isn't that obvious?" (Rintaro)

"Absolutely not. At least, I'm not that attentive." (Rei)

"That' s not how it goes......" (Rintaro)

I was a little embarrassed by the compliment, but also puzzled because she hadn't really thought about what she was doing.

It's not that I'm trying to be attentive. I just naturally thought that she would be happy if I did this——.

Ah, so this is what she meant by being attentive.

"But it's not that tough or anything......." (Rintaro)

"I'm sure it's natural. Even for me, being an idol is hard, but it's not that tough either." (Rei)

"Hee...... I guess that's the way it is." (Rintaro)

"Yes. That is." (Rei)

I feel like I can work as much as I want just because Rei looks comfortable.

Knowing that what I do is beneficial to someone else is what keeps me motivated.

At first, I took it in stride, but to be honest, I don't even need the money anymore——.

"Ah, Rintaro. I have a small favor to ask you tomorrow." (Rei)

"Hmm? What's that?" (Rintaro)

"There's no school tomorrow, so I will take a lesson in the morning. I want you to make three portion lunchboxes to take to the lesson." (Rei)

"Three portions⁉ How much are you going to eat......" (Rintaro)

"No, not for me. No matter how much I eat, I'm not that gluttonous, you know." (Rei)

"That's not very convincing. So why do you want three portions?" (Rintaro)

"I told the two other members of MilleSta about Rintaro. They asked if they could try your cooking." (Rei)

"Y-you told them about me!? I've already warned you to never mention about me to the outsider, haven't I?" (Rintaro)

"They're not outsiders to me. And I trust them. It's okay." (Rei)

"If you say so, then......I'll believe." (Rintaro)

Rei's scandal could affect the other members of MilleSta as well. I'm sure she's not going to tell anyone about this matter, but I still think she needs to work on her crisis management skills in the future.

"I don't mint to cook for three people. Umm, Kanon and Mia tight? I don't know what they like, so it will be the same as Rei's. Is that okay with you?" (Rintaro)

"Yup. There are very few things they can't eat, so I'm sure they'll enjoy anything." (Rei)

"I see. That makes it easier for me then." (Rintaro)

It may be a bad thing to say, but for me, it's less troublesome to cook more than less. It's not that it changes the amount of work, of course, but it's just that I feel like I'm getting more satisfaction out of cooking for four people than for two with the same amount of effort.

"But hence, I won't be able to make something great....... It's a great opportunity though, then I'll have to make up for it with what I can make in the morning." (Rintaro)

"In that case, I have a suggestion." (Rei)

"What is it?" (Rintaro)

"It'd be better if Rintaro comes to deliver it by himself  around noon. That way, you'll have more time." (Rei)

"Me? No, I don't know what kind of face to make when I bring it there......." (Rintaro)

"Don't worry. Tomorrow is a private practice day, so we'll be the only ones in the rented studio. And they both wanted to see Rintaro. Of course, if you don't want to, you don't have to." (Rei)

"Mmm......" (Rintaro)

Should I look at it as a hassle or as an opportunity?

Aside from Rei, who was in my class, the other two were people I could only meet through the screen. To be asked to meet such people is something that would never happen in normal life.

In the first place, as Rei's caretaker, it should probably be necessary to greet them first.

Fortunately, it was after the deadline and Yuuki-sensei was still working at her leisure. So, my part-time job will start next week.

"'...... I get it. I can't let Rei's friends eat half-αssed food. Just let me know where the place is. I'll deliver it after twelve o'clock." (Rintaro)

"Thank you. I'm sure they'll be happy." (Rei)

"I hope so......." (Rintaro)

I'm just your average high school student. And In comparison, the opponent is a national idol.

It's hard for me to believe that such a famous group of people would want to eat my food, as I'm usually a skeptical person. But I don't think Rei is lying――Hmm.

(Well, let's not get into the details. All I have to do is cook and deliver food.)

Don't expect anything for nothing, just do what you are asked to do.

......Is it permissible to just ask for a signature? It is allowed, right?