My Beautiful Childhood Friend Is Working in a Maid Cafe For Some Reason - Chapter 114

“Alright, let’s head out!”

“Yeah!”

My overly excited father called out from the driver’s seat, and my equally excited mother responded.

“They’re full of energy, huh…” Yukina whispered to me from beside me in the back seat.

“As usual, it’s kind of exhausting…”

Yesterday, my mom had suddenly told me about the trip with the Himemiya family, which had been decided at the last minute. Apparently, it had been discussed for a while. We used to travel together every year before we became distant, and it seemed like this was a chance to do it again.

Well, that part’s fine. I’m not mad they kept it a secret like a surprise. I’m actually happy to go on a trip with Yukina.

But I just wish we could’ve decided the destination together.

The place we’re heading to is a hot spring town known for delicious sake and relaxing baths. It seems like it’s full of things adults would enjoy, and I wished they’d think about those of us who are just tagging along.

“Akari-chan, do you want some snacks?”

“Yes, yes! Thanks!”

I saw Yukina hand a stick-shaped snack to Akari, who happily started eating it. Her reflection in the window caught my eye.

Even though it’s been a while since we’ve seen each other, they’re still as close as ever. Watching them have fun like that, they really look like sisters.

“Yuu-kun, here you go.”

Yukina offered me a snack as well, and I took a bite. I noticed Akari staring at us.

“What’s up?”

“Oh, nothing. I was just surprised Yukina-chan called you ‘Yuu-kun.'”

Shoot… I hadn’t told her about us dating yet, and the sudden ‘Yuu-kun’ would definitely seem strange. Last time Akari saw us together, Yukina was calling me by my first name… Did she figure it out?

“W-Well, a lot has happened.”

“Really? It’s such a nostalgic way to call you. It reminds me of when we were kids.”

“Y-Yeah, it does.”

I felt relieved. It seemed like she hadn’t caught on.

It’s not that I don’t want Akari to know I’m dating Yukina. I just want to tell her at the right time, when the moment feels right.

After chatting about Akari’s school and dozing off now and then, about three hours passed, and we finally arrived at the hot spring town hotel.

We parked the car, grabbed our luggage, and headed towards the hotel. It looked more like a traditional inn, with its wooden structure. It had a grand, imposing feel, like it had been standing for many years.

After checking in, we dropped off our luggage in our rooms, which were separated by family. After a brief rest, we decided to explore the hot spring town as planned.

But as soon as we made that decision, the adults quickly headed off to a place where they could drink. Both my parents and Yukina’s parents love alcohol.

Left behind, the kids decided to grab some lunch first. Even though we’d eaten a light breakfast, all three of us were starving.

We found a nearby soba shop and ordered some noodles. The chewy soba was served quickly, and we finished it off, enjoying every bite.

“I want to try the foot bath,” Akari said after finishing her meal.

Since none of us had any particular place in mind to go, we asked the shop staff where the foot bath was. They told us it was nearby, so we decided to head there.

It took less than five minutes to walk from the soba shop to the foot bath. We borrowed towels, took off our socks, and sat on the bench, soaking our feet in the warm water.

The perfect temperature spread a soothing sensation from our feet through our whole bodies.

“Ah, this feels so good~,” Yukina said beside me, her face relaxing in bliss. Akari, on the other hand, was wiggling her feet in the water, clearly enjoying herself.

…But I never get tired of seeing Yukina’s bare feet. They’re so pale, slim, and beautiful.

With the clear water and sunlight reflecting off them, Yukina’s feet seemed to sparkle more than usual, and I found myself staring without realizing it.

“Y-Yuu-kun, you’re staring too much…”

The reason I could see Yukina’s feet so clearly was that, for once, she was wearing a skirt. Whether it was something she left at her parents’ place, I didn’t know, but this was the first time I’d seen her in something other than her school uniform or maid outfit.

Embarrassed, Yukina mumbled as she noticed me staring at her exposed legs.

“Oh, sorry.”

I remembered a time when Yukina had almost shown me her bare body. That was when she was trying to make up with me and things got a bit out of hand… At least, that’s how I like to think of it. I really hope that’s the reason.

But then, when Yukina had confessed to me about doing… well, inappropriate things alone every night, it was hard to stop myself from imagining it after hearing that. Even now, I can’t entirely deny it.

I mean, I’m a guy. It’s only natural.

Anyway, what I’m trying to say is that Yukina is really precious to me. Even if her actions back then were just biology, they made me feel even more protective of her. And now, seeing her embarrassed about me looking at her feet just makes her even more endearing.

“Onii-chan, have you turned into a pervert?”

“Huh!?”

“Your eyes looked kind of perverted when you were staring at Yukina-chan’s feet.”

“I’m not! I’m not a pervert!”

This is bad. If my cute little sister thinks I’m a creep, it’s going to hurt deeply. I still want her to like me as her brother. If she ever says, ‘Onii-chan, you’re gross!’ I don’t think I could recover.

“Reeeally? Well, it’s okay. Even if you were a pervert, I’ve already decided I won’t abandon you.”

…Wait, did she just say something really strange?

“Uh, should we go somewhere else soon?”

Trying to change the subject, I pulled my feet out of the water. In situations like this, shifting the conversation was the best way out.

“I’m going to stay here a bit longer. Onii-chan, you should go somewhere with Yukina-chan.”

“But won’t it be dangerous if you’re alone?”

“Oh, come on. I’m not as much of a kid as you think, you know? I’m in high school now!”

I hadn’t meant to treat her like a kid, just worry as her brother, but Akari puffed up her cheeks in frustration.

I see. This must be what they call the rebellious phase. She used to follow me around calling me ‘Onii-chan’ all the time…

“It doesn’t matter if you’re in high school. You’re still my precious little sister. Of course, I’m going to worry.”

“O-Onii-chan, you should stop being so attached to your sister… I mean, it makes me happy, but… Anyway, I’m fine! Go on, take Yukina-chan and go somewhere!”

“Alright, alright. Let’s go, Yukina.”

“O-Okay.”

As Yukina stood up, I noticed Akari wink awkwardly at her, and Yukina blushed and looked down. Akari must have figured out Yukina’s feelings. Actually, I’m sure of it. That’s why she’s trying to help.

“Akari, if anything happens, call me, okay? I’ll come right away.”

“Onii-chan… don’t call me just because you don’t know what to do with Yukina-chan. Figure it out yourself. Also, as punishment for leaving your cute sister behind, you two have to hold hands while you’re out sightseeing.”

“Wha—Akari-chan!”

Yukina was flustered by Akari’s cute but unreasonable demand. She gets so embarrassed over the simplest things, like holding hands.

“Yukina-chan, this is an order from your little sister.”

“Ugh…”

Under Akari’s smiling gaze, Yukina weakly grabbed my hand.

“Well then, have fun! Enjoy your time together!”

And so, Yukina and I were sent off.