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

Akari saw us off, and Yukina and I strolled around the hot spring town. There weren’t many cars, and the sound of geta sandals clattering on the stone-paved streets echoed from somewhere.

“This kind of atmosphere is nice. It feels so relaxing…like it soothes the soul.”

The peaceful townscape. Almost everyone we passed had a cheerful smile on their face. Just seeing that naturally lifted my spirits.

“Y-Yeah, it really is…” Yukina nodded shyly as she walked beside me.

“Yukina…if you’re that embarrassed, do you want to let go of my hand? Akari’s not here to see us, so you don’t have to force yourself.”

“N-No! I want to keep holding Yuu-kun’s hand.”

It made me happy that she was so honest about it.

But honestly, I selfishly wished she could enjoy herself more openly.

“I’m acting strange, aren’t I? Before we started dating, I wanted to do all sorts of things with Yuu-kun, but now…I don’t even know what’s wrong with me anymore.”

Yukina looked down, dejected.

It’s true that before we started dating, Yukina was more of the assertive type. Actually, even moving to the same high school and starting to live next door was already quite an aggressive move. Most of her efforts went to waste because of me, though.

It was strange to see Yukina, who had always been bold, now acting flustered over something as simple as holding hands. And yet, somehow, it made my heart skip a beat in a way I couldn’t quite explain.

If even I, who isn’t her, can’t figure it out, it’s no surprise that Yukina herself is confused by the change.

But I think what Yukina is feeling is natural. Until now, she’d probably been trying hard to get the attention of someone she liked. And now, suddenly, that childhood friend has become her boyfriend. It’s only natural that her heart would feel unsettled.

So, what I need to say is…

“You’re not strange, Yukina. I think what you’re feeling is something everyone goes through.”

“R-Really?”

“I feel the same way, and I’m sure all couples do when they first start dating. You want to do all kinds of things, but at the same time, you’re afraid of being disliked, and it just feels awkward and embarrassing.”

“Even Yuu-kun?”

“I told you before, right? I still get nervous. When you’re with someone who makes your heart race, you want to try a lot of things…”

Not anything too extreme, but things like feeding each other, walking arm in arm, or putting an arm around her shoulders…

“I see…Yeah, Yuu-kun feels the same way.”

I don’t know what she’s imagining, but Yukina smiled sheepishly and nodded. Her cheeks were flushed, so she was probably thinking of something silly again.

“Yuu-kun!”

“W-What is it…!?”

Why do I feel…just a little bit scared of what she’s about to say?

“I’ll do my best! So that I can do all sorts of things with Yuu-kun!”

“Uh, yeah. That makes me happy, but let’s take it slow. We’ve got plenty of time, so there’s no rush.”

“I don’t want to take it slow. So, starting from now—”

Yukina gripped my hand tightly. This time, not weakly like before, but firmly, as if she didn’t want to let go.

“I’ll start by getting used to holding hands.”

She spoke with eyes full of determination.

“Because, when I think about it, we’ve already held hands so many times. It’s weird that I’m still getting embarrassed. Yeah, I should be able to handle holding hands just fine.”

And so, still embarrassed, she started talking fast as if trying to overcome it.

Seeing Yukina like this made me feel a little relieved.

I had been worried that she might do something reckless again, but from the looks of it, everything seemed fine.

“Why do you look so relieved?”

“Well, I’m just glad you’re not acting like you did before.”

“Like before?”

“Like that time we had a fight.”

“Wha—! Y-Yuu-kun, you pervert!”

“Wait, what did I do!?”

“Because…because…I-I just can’t. Doing something like that now would be suicide!”

“Okay, okay, I get it. I’m sorry.”

Yukina, seemingly without realizing it, said things like “not yet” and “for now.” But even unintentional words reveal the truth. It means that deep down, she’s always thinking about it.

In other words, as long as I don’t mess things up badly, I probably won’t get dumped anytime soon. And eventually…

“Come on, let’s go somewhere already.”

“Yeah, let’s go.”

Yukina, perhaps feeling awkward, pulled my hand, urging me to change the subject. She must’ve realized that it’s fine to take things slow.

Afterward, we walked around the hot spring town until we returned to the inn. We sampled hot spring manju at a store, admired people in gorgeous kimonos, and commented on them together.

“Phew…”

I let out a breath as I soaked in the inn’s hot spring. It had been a long time since I last enjoyed a hot spring, and it felt incredibly refreshing.

There are all kinds of hot springs, and although I’m not particularly a hot spring enthusiast, once you see them, you can’t help but want to jump in. That’s just human nature.

As I was warming up, Yukina’s father came and sat next to me. This was actually the first time we’d been alone together.

“Yuusuke…I’m sorry for the trouble Yukina’s caused. I should have stopped her when the idea came up, but I just couldn’t.”

“Don’t worry about it. It’s all settled now. I’d be lying if I said it didn’t bother me at all, but I wasn’t upset about it.”

If we hadn’t gone to the same high school and lived next door, my relationship with Yukina would have ended a long time ago. I’m grateful for everything that’s happened.

“Thank you. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen Yukina so happy.”

Yukina was cherished in the Himemiya household. Especially by her father. And for good reason—she’s an only child who never had much of a rebellious phase and always adored her father. It’s no wonder he dotes on her.

Usually, when a daughter gets close to a boy, the father would get jealous and treat him poorly, but Yukina’s dad has always been kind to me. He’s a great guy.

“That’s why, Yuusuke…”

Huh? Is it just me, or is the water suddenly getting hotter?

“If you ever make Yukina cry, I won’t forgive you. Just keep that in mind.”

He was smiling. And yet, I felt a chill. The pressure was intense. The hand he placed on my shoulder was incredibly heavy.

“I-I understand. I promise to take care of her for the rest of my life!”

“Good. That’s what I want to hear. Not that I was ever worried about you, Yuusuke.”

Phew…finally, he let go. Was Yukina’s dad always this scary?

“She might be lacking in some areas as a girlfriend, but take good care of her.”

“I will. I promise to—”

Wait, as a girlfriend…?

“Um, do you already know about my relationship with Yukina…?”

“Of course. Yesterday, she was practically glowing when she told me. She was talking about it all evening while we drank.”