10 – Yes, I’m alright with it

“Are you okay, Eito-san?!”

After they left, I finally relaxed, leaning against the wall in relief.

That’s when Sena rushed over to me.

“I’m fine, it’s just a little pain in my stomach.”

“It’s not just a little! You took a punch straight to the gut… and they even choked you!”

“N-no, really, it’ll be fine with some time—”

“Enough! Just come with me!”

Sena’s voice was firm, leaving no room for argument. Before I could say anything else, she took my hand, her concern clear in her eyes.

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“So, where are we headed now?”

After the whole mess with the delinquents, I found myself being led by Sena, hand in hand. But when I asked her where we were going, she only responded with:

“It’s a secret.”

I didn’t have any other plans, so I went along with it, but I couldn’t help feeling a bit uneasy. After everything that just happened, I was really hoping there wouldn’t be more trouble ahead.

“We’re here,” she finally said.

We had arrived at a stylish little café. It was tucked away on a quieter street, the kind of place that feels like a hidden gem only a few know about.

“This place looks pretty cool,” I remarked, impressed by the vibe.

“You think so? Thank you. Well, I’ll be back in a bit. I just need to grab something real quick, so please wait here.”

“O-Okay?”

She left me with that and headed inside the café. Grab something? I wasn’t sure what she meant by that.

After a few minutes, Sena returned, holding a thermos and a paper bag.

“Sorry to keep you waiting. You should really go to a hospital, but for now, take this.”

She handed me the thermos. When I opened the lid, warm steam wafted out.

“It’s honey lemon. Since your throat must be sore after being choked, I thought this would be good for you. Plus, it’s great for fighting summer fatigue, so please drink it.”

“O-Oh, thanks.”

Wait, does that mean…?

“Hey, is this café… your house?”

“Yes, it is. Didn’t I mention that?”

No, you said it was a secret.

She chuckled softly at that.

“I’m sorry, I was just teasing you a little. This place is actually a café and bakery run by my father.”

Her father?

“Wasn’t your dad working at some other company…?”

“That was until January of this year. He got tired of being a salaryman and decided to take over this shop from my grandfather.”

“Is that so…”

I see… maybe I should let my dad know. He used to get along well with Sena’s father, and I bet he’d like to catch up with him.

“But more importantly, drink the honey lemon already.”

“O-Oh, right.”

Urged on by Sena, I took a sip from the thermos.

…It tastes nostalgic. It really soothes the throat.

“Thank you, you really saved me.”

“No, it’s my fault to begin with.”

I was about to tell her that wasn’t true when suddenly…

“Oh, Sena-chan, is that you?”

A voice came from behind, making me turn around. There stood a woman in her twenties, dressed in a business suit.

“Oh, Reika-san. Hello!” Sena greeted her with a small bow.

“Hmm, is the person next to you your boyfriend?!” The woman looked at me with a surprised expression.

No way. I mean, someone like me doesn’t really match up with a girl like Sena.

It’d be disrespectful to her—

“Yes, that’s right,” Sena said with a smile.

Wait… what? 

Did I hear that correctly?

“What?! So you finally broke up with that blonde jerk? I’m so relieved… Well then, boyfriend-san, take good care of Sena-chan from now on, okay?”

“Wha— uh, yes!” I replied instinctively.

Shoot, I answered on reflex.

“I’d love to chat more, but I have errands to run… See you later!” The woman waved and hurried off, shouting, “Good luck, you two!” as she left.

Jeez, talk about a storm.

“Wait, Sena, is it really okay to let her think that? Won’t it be troublesome for you if people misunderstand?”

“It’s fine. I’m sorry, but I thought saying you were my boyfriend would make things easier going forward… I really am sorry. I said something that might put you in an awkward position,” she said, bowing her head.

Honestly, I don’t really mind. After all, I was the one who awkwardly hit on her, so I can’t exactly complain about being called her boyfriend… But I’m more worried about how this affects her.

“Um, are you sure you’re okay with it, Sena?”

“Yes, I’m alright with it.”

Wait, really? 

She’s alright with it?

Well, I guess compared to that delinquent guy, pretty much anyone would seem better in her eyes.