The Passive Income System

"Great! Let's go!" I hadn't taken much of a break, but I assumed we'd just be walking, so it shouldn't be too taxing. I seriously needed to check my skills later, though. 

We both went to the crosswalk, waiting for the light to turn green. A comfortable silence enveloped us, but it didn't last long because I wanted to keep her mind off worrying.

"Are you free tomorrow?" 

She lifted her head slightly, tilting it to think. "I should be. Dad said he'd take care of Mom over the weekend."

Nodding, I brought up my potential outing. "Great! Itsuki's staying over at my place for the weekend, and we'll probably go do who knows what. Wanna join us?" 

"Why are you inviting me?" She wasn't as nervous or embarrassed as she had been earlier, but it took her a bit longer than usual to ask. At least she wasn't looking down at the ground anymore!

"Why wouldn't I?" 

"I mean, when boys hang out with each other, don't they usually hit on women?" 

"..." My face went deadpan. I looked down at her, unsure of what to say. The light finally turned green, and as we started walking, I finally responded to that ridiculous statement.

"Sawako... that's not all that happens. I also planned on inviting Yume and Nanami, plus a neighbor of mine. She's a girl who goes to the same school as me. Unfortunately, Yuta's busy this weekend, and I know Itsuki is going to bring his girlfriend. If anything, this will be more like a girl hangout than any 'dude' outing." 

"I-I see. You're not going to plan something perverted, right?!" 

Me: O_O

"Seriously, Sawako, who's been teaching you these things?!" 

"M-My mom! After you left last night, she kept hounding me! She kept saying things like, 'Use protection,' and, 'Some men are open perverts, and some are closeted. Be wary of him just in case.' It was weird!"

My face flushed red. I didn't need a mirror or a picture to know. Sawako had just very loudly, in a public area, with adults in business suits heading to work, announced that with no shame.

"Please lower your voice." 

She looked up at me, and I very embarrassedly matched her gaze. 

"Why is your face so red?" she asked. Somehow, she didn't get it. It was probably better this way.

"N-Nothing."

The comfortable silence returned, but if I had to point out what was different this time, it was how much closer we seemed. So close, in fact, that as we walked, our hands would occasionally graze against each other. I didn't think much of it at first, but I couldn't help feeling a little surprised that Sawako didn't react the way typical anime characters would—freaking out over something so small. Then again, this was real life, not an anime, and after spending time with her, I've come to realize she's quite a unique individual.

Time and distance passed quickly, the morning sun rising higher than when we first met. We passed by tall buildings, some with sleek modern designs, while others retained their '90s charm. The wind picked up slightly, just a soft breeze. My workout clothes felt perfect for the weather, and Sawako's casual outfit seemed just as fitting. 

I hadn't really taken note earlier, but she was dressed in a cozy cream-colored sweater, high-waisted jeans, and white sneakers. Combined with her jet-black hair and black eyes, she painted a beautiful picture. The more I looked at her, the more I couldn't help but think of her as Mahiru's opposite. 

"We're here! I hope she didn't do anything stupid..." We arrived at the front door quickly. There were two chairs outside that I hadn't noticed last time. I moved to sit in one, but I got stopped. 

Sawako grabbed my arm. "Why are you sitting out here? Come inside!" 

I shrugged in response. How was I going to tell her I wanted to take a short break before leaving? Exactly—I couldn't. 

Her home wasn't much different than I'd imagined. A traditional middle-class Japanese house—not lacking in any necessities, but also without many high-tech accessories. 

We took off our shoes and headed to the living room, where her mom sat on the couch with a noticeable fever. Yet, she still seemed determined to get up and do some work. Talk about self-discipline.

"Here you go, Mom!" Sawako rushed over to give her the medicine. 

"Thanks, dear! Oh, I see you brought Amane over. How did that happen?" 

"I ran into her while I was running, and I told her I'd bring her home." 

"Oh~? Quite the gentleman, I see! Cough! Cough!" 

"Take your medicine, Mom, before you start saying anything weird!" 

"Fine~ Fine~" Sawako helped her mom to the kitchen while I helped myself to one of the chairs in the comfy living room. 

Click!

Was someone else here? I heard the door unlock and footsteps approaching quickly. 

"Youko, they let me off ear—A guest?" 

"Hello, sir!" I stood up quickly and gave a light bow. 

"I thought the shoes at the door were strange, but I brushed it off. Are you that boy Sawako and Youko were talking about? What was it... Amane?" 

"Yes, sir." 

"I see. Nice to meet you. I'm Kuronuma Kitao—just call me whatever, honestly!" 

I nodded, not really knowing how to respond. 

"Dear?" 

"Dad?" 

Mrs. Youko and Sawako returned at the perfect time. 

"Hey! Work let me off early, surprisingly. So, I'll take care of Mom. Go ahead and continue your date in a more fitting way, Sawako!" 

"D-Dad?! We aren't doing anything like that! Right, Amane?"

Now, normally, I'd help her out, but this was too good of an opportunity. I looked away awkwardly, scratching my cheek. "I thought it was. I mean, we were flirting in the park!" 

"Peu!" 

I couldn't see her reaction, but that sound she made told me everything I needed to know. 

"Hehe~" I could hear her mom laughing. Her father, however, was strangely silent. 

"I don't know how to feel about this... I tried being a good adult, but to see my pure daughter like this! Be gone, fiend!" 

"Dad, stop! You're embarrassing me!" 

"Guah?!" 

"Hahaha~!" I glanced back at the family, unable to do anything but laugh. Sawako's embarrassment and her father playfully clutching his chest were like something straight out of an anime. It was too hilarious!