My Wife Alya Sometimes Teases Me in Russian

CH-06

CHAPTER 6
Nothing Beats A Get-Together With A Few Bottles Of Vodka

Evening had fallen, and while the Kuzes would typically be homeward bound at this hour, tonight was different. They were en route to meet Maruyama Takeshi, a close friend who had invited them to hang out.

As Takeshi was not only Masachika's former classmate but also a best friend like Hikaru, Masachika couldn't bring himself to decline, so he accepted the invitation for a get-together, even though he was thoroughly exhausted from supervising his sister all day.

I'd really rather go home and rest, but it looks like I don't have a choice.

Noticing that Masachika had stifled another yawn during the trip, Alisa glanced at him worriedly.

"You don't look so well. Can you keep driving? Want me to switch with you?"

"NO!! I-I mean, YES!! I'm perfectly fine! I feel even better now that you asked! Thanks for reminding me, though!"

"I-Is that so?"

Alisa couldn't help but feel even more worried about him, but she eventually decided to let it go and face forward.

When she asked him if she could take the wheel, Masachika felt a sudden surge of energy jolt him awake. Without missing a beat, he blurted out the first coherent response his suddenly panicked mind could muster.

That was close. If I let her drive, it'll definitely be the end for me.

It was as if her concern was a painful reminder that Masachika was subconsciously approaching the border between life and death. Thankfully, Alisa brought him back to his senses, even though that wasn't really her intention.

Forgive me, Alya, but I can't let you take the wheel, no matter what.

Masachika exhaled quietly. Surprisingly, he no longer felt lethargic as he continued to drive. Perhaps his fear of her reckless driving was that intense.

"By the way..."

"Wh-what is it?"

When Alisa suddenly spoke again, Masachika momentarily panicked and stammered. For a split second, he feared she had noticed he was concealing something, but luckily, Alisa didn't pursue the matter.

Instead, she turned her head to look over her shoulder, where she found two familiar faces in the back seat. One of them, however, seemed oddly out of place—or rather, shouldn't have been there at all.

"Remind me why Yuki is here again...?"

"Ya-hoo! ☆"

"..."

When they made eye contact, Yuki waved her hand and gave a playful, trendy greeting, causing Alisa to frown at her. Hikaru, who was sitting next to Yuki, could only smile awkwardly.

"Well, uh, it's like this: Something came up in the Suou household, you see, and Yuki had to go into hiding because of it. Ayano thought that she'd be safer if she pretended to go on a company visit for a day, so she sent her to me."

"I see. I was wondering why the esteemed head of the Suou family was in our company, but that explains it."

Of course, that was just something we made up as an excuse. I'm glad she bought it, though.

Masachika thought to himself musingly before Yuki interjected.

"That was reaaaally scary, you know? Who do they think they are sending paparazzi my way? How dare they! Ahh, 'tis the consequences for being famous. ♪"