My Beautiful Childhood Friend Is Working in a Maid Cafe For Some Reason - Chapter 104

“Let’s go to the summer festival this time! It’s going to be held near the school!”

It was suggested by Tadokoro on the way back from the overnight training camp that took place recently. Because of what had happened at the pool before, no one hesitated to accept the suggestion this time. Even Akiba, who was usually resistant, followed along without complaint.

And so, we were supposed to meet near the school, but…

“Everyone’s late…”

No one besides me has arrived yet. That said, there’s still time before the agreed meeting time, and plenty of time before the fireworks start. I just came too early, so I can wait leisurely.

Still, going to a summer festival with Yukina…It brings back memories.

We used to go to the neighborhood festivals together a lot when we were kids. Our parents would dress us in yukatas, give us a small allowance, and we’d head out, excited.

Yukina in a yukata…she was so cute back then.

As I recalled those faint memories, I pulled out my smartphone to check if I’d received any messages, but just then, I heard a voice behind me.

“Senpai! Long time no see!”

“Oh, Tadokoro—”

I turned around to see Tadokoro dressed in a yellow yukata.

“Senpai? What’s wrong? You’re just standing there.”

I found myself unintentionally staring at her, unable to describe the sight in words. She waved her hand in front of my face to snap me out of it.

“…No, I was just thinking how well it suits you.”

“R-Really?”

She started fidgeting with her sleeves and looking behind her, perhaps checking her appearance.

The whole look…she really pulls off the yukata. It makes her seem like a proper yukata girl.

“Is there anything weird about it?”

Her hairstyle was different from usual, and it even looked like she had on a bit of makeup.

“Nothing at all. You’re cute.”

“C-Come on, Senpai! You’re such a flirt!”

Maybe because she was embarrassed, she smacked me on the back, harder than last time.

“Is Yukina-senpai not here yet?”

I’d invited Yukina to come with us, but for some reason, she told me to go ahead without her. So, I didn’t know where she was.

“Not yet.”

“I heard Akiba-senpai left earlier.”

“I didn’t get any messages.”

“That’s because it was a private one. Just to make sure he wouldn’t run away, I gave him a heads-up.”

“I see.”

“Looks like we’ll just have to wait for a bit.”

“Yeah.”

So, I ended up waiting with Tadokoro.

“By the way, the manju from last time was really good.”

“Right? I could eat so many of them. I had some there and then more when I got home.”

“Yeah, I could eat a bunch too. But they’re all gone now.”

“Oh, you finished them off?”

“Well, you gave them to me. It’d be rude not to finish them.”

“Heh, glad to hear that…By the way—”

Tadokoro stepped closer to me and hid behind me, looking around nervously.

“Senpai…Do you think I look strange?”

“Huh? Why?”

“Because…”

She glanced around again.

When I followed her gaze, I noticed some guys sneaking glances at us, only to quickly look away.

“I feel like I’m being stared at…”

“You’re not imagining it. You are being stared at.”

“Wha—? Really?!”

Tadokoro checked her appearance again and again.

She’s always teasing me, yet she doesn’t even notice this.

“Relax, you’re fine.”

“But…”

“Look, they’re staring because you’re cute.”

“W-What?! Stop lying!”

“I’m not lying. Take another look around.”

Tadokoro glanced around again, and sure enough, some guys blushed and quickly looked away.

“S-See! I knew something was off!”

“No, you’re fine. You’re cute, really.”

“But I’ve never been called cute…”

She was probably remembering what the stalker had said to her. She hesitated and her words trailed off.

But that wasn’t true. Right now, everyone was staring at her. And it was obvious that they were thinking, “That girl’s cute.”

“Don’t worry. You’re definitely cute.”

“Senpa~i…”

She looked up at me with teary eyes, making it hard to respond.

Now it looks like I’m the one who made her cry…

“Also, um, could you step back a bit?”

“Why?”

“The stares from people around us…they’re getting a little intense.”

The stares felt like a mix of jealousy and resentment…not pleasant at all.

“And also…”

“And also…?”

The soft sensation that occasionally brushed against me…it’s making me aware.

“…Never mind.”

“Come on, now I’m curious!”

While we were talking like this…

“—Wait, is that Sakuya-chan?”

A girl approached us, getting closer and closer. She seemed like one of those fluffy types.

“Huh, Kaze-chan?!”

“Yup, long time no see!”

It seemed like they were acquaintances, and their excitement rose, typical of girls.

She has a friend she’s close with, doesn’t she?

“What brings you here today?”

“Probably the same reason as Sakuya-chan. But I’m here with friends.”

Kaze-chan scanned Tadokoro from top to bottom with an amused smile.

What’s going on…?

“K-Kaze-chan!”

“Hehe, Sakuya-chan’s lucky.”

“N-No! It’s not like that! It’s not what you think!”

Tadokoro waved her hands in denial, her face bright red. I don’t get girls’ conversations.

“But you’re all dressed up, so it must be something special, right?”

“N-No! This is just…well…”

“Hehe, you’re really cute, Sakuya-chan. It looks great on you.”

“Th-Thank you…”

“Oh, right! Let’s exchange contact info. We should meet up again sometime.”

“Yeah, let’s do that.”

The two of them exchanged contact information on their phones.

“Well, I’m off to meet my friends. We might run into each other again, but with so many people, it’s probably unlikely.”

“Yeah, see you! I’m looking forward to the next time.”

“Bye now.”

Kaze-chan then came closer to me and whispered so Tadokoro wouldn’t hear.

“Please take care of Sakuya-chan.”

“…Huh? Okay.”

I responded without really understanding, and Kaze-chan walked away.

What was she asking me to do? Take care of her? No, that’s probably not it…I hope I’m not being self-conscious about something…ridiculous.

“Senpai?”

“Hm?”

“You spaced out again.”

“No, it’s nothing.”

I made sure to hide my thoughts. If what I was thinking were true, I’d probably end up making her cry.