My Beautiful Childhood Friend Is Working in a Maid Cafe For Some Reason - Chapter 14-15

Chapter 14: Lunch With My Childhood Friend (2)

Since the trash incident last week, I hadn’t spoken to Yukina. It was the same at school and at the apartment. We didn’t even greet each other when we passed by at school, and I still didn’t see her at the apartment… This went on for days.

Yet today, we’re having lunch together… I don’t want to admit it, but it’s true that we’re sitting close to each other.

“Phew, that was delicious.”

Yukina clasped her hands together, satisfied.

The ramen broth left Yukina’s lips smooth, making them look oddly alluring.

“You’re still such a slow eater.”

Yukina commented as she watched me slowly eat my curry, seeming to recall something.

Annoying… Just leave me alone.

I’ve always been a slow eater. There isn’t any particular reason, but I’ve been slow since I was a kid. Even though I didn’t dislike anything in school lunches, I’d finish eating just as lunch break was ending. So, I hardly ever had time to play during lunch break.

For a while, Yukina was the same. Even though she’d finish eating quickly, she’d wait beside me, choosing not to play just to keep me company.

Back then, she was sweet and considerate… I felt sorry and happy at the same time… Now, she just irritates me.

“It’s hot, okay? Can’t help it.”

“You’re still sensitive to hot foods, I see.”

A steaming hot bowl of rice topped with piping hot curry roux—that’s curry rice. Of course, as a slow eater and with my sensitivity to hot foods, it only made me eat slower.

If only Miyuki-san were here to say “Enjoy your meal” or something, I’d finish it in no time. Even with omurice, when Miyuki-san says her magic words, I eat it at my fastest pace ever.

“What are you smiling about? It’s creepy.”

I must have been smiling as I thought about Miyuki-san. Sorry for being creepy.

“If you’re done eating, why don’t you head back?”

If we returned to the classroom together, our classmates would definitely have something to say. I had to avoid that at all costs.

“Why should I be told that? I’ll go back when I’m ready.”

Well, I didn’t expect her to listen to me. Once I’m done eating, I’ll take a detour to the restroom and kill some time before heading back…

While I was thinking that, a strong impact hit my back.

“Senpai!”

I turned around, coughing, and saw a short-haired girl with a bright, carefree smile.

“…What do you want, Tadokoro?”

The girl was Sakuya Tadokoro, a junior in the same club I’m in. She’s always energetic and tends to bother me a lot. Honestly, I’d rather not deal with her outside of club activities.

Especially now, since I’m with Yukina. Just thinking about what she might say is terrifying.

“Senpai, eating alone in the cafeteria? That’s so lonely~”

Wait, does she not realize I’m with Yukina? If that’s the case, I’ll go along with it and get through this!

“Shut up. There are plenty of people eating alone besides me.”

“I can tell you’re just putting on a brave face because you’re not eating in the bathroom, you know?”

She grinned, showing off her shining canines.

So annoying…

She always teases me by interpreting things in her own way, even when I’m not trying to act tough.

She’s really irritating!

“Ah, just leave me alone. Go away already.”

“That’s harsh, Senpai. I’m just trying to keep you company because you look so lonely.”

“I don’t need your pity. I’m not alone. My friend is having lunch with his girlfriend today, so I’m by myself for now. Usually, I eat with him in the classroom. This is just a coincidence. A coincidence.”

“Friends with girlfriends will betray you eventually, you know? Do you spend Christmas with this friend?”

“Ugh… Yeah, he usually spends Christmas with his girlfriend.”

“See? That’s just how couples are.”

Not that it bothers me, though. I don’t mind staying inside during Christmas where couples are everywhere and it’s freezing outside.

“Alright, that’s enough, okay? I’m done eating and heading back to the classroom, so go away.”

“Shall I walk with you to the building? Isn’t it lonely to go back alone?”

“I’m not lonely at all.”

“You’re so cold, Senpai. Come on, let’s head back.”

“Hey, don’t pull me!”

She grabbed my arm and tried to force me to stand.

Every time she did, her grown-up chest pressed against my arm, making my heart race.

“Hurry up~—”

“Hey, you there, junior.”

Yukina suddenly interrupted Sakuya, who was urging me to hurry.

She was smiling, but… Why did it feel so scary?

“Oh, was I being too loud? Sorry about that.”

“Yes, you were. I suggest you lower your voice a bit.”

Was she angry?

Yukina bluntly said what she wanted to Sakuya, without sugarcoating it.

“S-sorry…”

“And I’ve been listening, but he’s not alone. He was spending time with me just now.”

………Huh!?

What are you saying all of a sudden!?

I stared at Yukina in shock, my mouth hanging open. She turned her head away with a pout.

—

Chapter 15: Lunch With My Childhood Friend (3)

After Yukina’s shocking statement, I felt the stares from those around us grow even more intense.

But the person most troubled by this was Tadokoro.

“W-w-w-w-what do you mean, Senpai?” Tadokoro whispered urgently into my ear. She couldn’t believe what she had just heard. It was only natural.

“…Well, it’s exactly as she said…”

“Is that really true…?”

“It’s such a hassle…”

We weren’t really spending time together. Honestly, I didn’t want to think we were spending time together. But now that Yukina said it, even if people didn’t see it that way before, they were forced to see it that way now.

In fact, the hostility directed at me had peaked, and I could even hear someone mutter “Die” from somewhere. Tadokoro’s eyes were wide open in shock.

“…W-well, I’m happy for you, Senpai!”

“What!?”

For some reason, Tadokoro burst into tears.

Then she began clapping, as if celebrating.

“Finally, Senpai’s found love! Congratulations!”

“Hey, wait… Don’t jump to conclusions. Don’t misunderstand.”

I had to correct this misunderstanding now, or my school life would be in serious trouble.

“What’s wrong?”

“We’re not in the kind of relationship you’re thinking of, okay? We just happened to be in the same place, and it just so happened that this person from my class was nearby, that’s all.”

Are you listening? I’m talking to you, those of you glaring at me! Yukina and I are just classmates. If you really want to eat with Yukina, try making the effort instead of hating me!

“Oh, come on~ Don’t be shy~ You two look… not bad together.”

“I’m not being shy!… And wasn’t that a little harsh!?”

“But, you know, you’re with such a beautiful person, so I can’t exactly say you look… well-matched.”

“Could you stop pointing your finger at me?”

“Oh, sorry about that.”

Yukina responded calmly to Tadokoro, who was pointing her finger at her.

Hey, do you realize this is all your fault? You caused this! Why are you staying so calm!?

“H-Himemiya-san… shouldn’t you say something before weird rumors start spreading…?”

Luckily, everyone seemed to naturally accept whatever Yukina said. If Yukina just said, “It’s nothing,” it would clear things up better than if I tried to explain.

So just say it! Say we’re just classmates and nothing more!

“Does it really matter? If people want to spread rumors, they can. I don’t mind if people talk about us.”

I couldn’t find any words to respond.

I felt sick to my stomach.

“See, your partner doesn’t seem to mind it either!”

This is bad.

The rumors are going to spread, and Tadokoro’s misunderstanding is getting worse. Maybe I should just stop coming to school. If I say I’m being bullied, I might get a few days off.

“But if Senpai gets a girlfriend, we won’t be able to play maid anymore, huh?”

“Play maid…? Could you tell me more about that?”

“Senpai loves maids. That’s why he always played maid with me, doing this and that.”

“Hey, don’t lie!”

“Isn’t it true, though? You do love maids, don’t you?”

“That’s not the point! It’s the way you said it that’s the problem! What do you mean by ‘this and that’!?”

“You’re the one who asked for all sorts of things, Senpai~”

“All I asked for was a shoulder massage or to bring me some juice!”

That’s all I ever asked for.

Besides, it wasn’t a private thing. I’m part of the Maid Club, so it was just one of our activities.

But the way Tadokoro says it makes it sound like I was making indecent requests. I swear I wasn’t!

Yukina stood up from her chair and looked down at me as if I were filth.

“You’re the worst…”

She then grabbed her tray and briskly walked away.

I didn’t care what Yukina thought of me, but her reaction still hurt. I don’t want her thinking I go to maid cafes with impure intentions. I go with the utmost sincerity!

“I might have said too much… Sorry, Senpai. Try to apologize and make up with her. Well, I’ll be going now.”

Tadokoro quickly made her exit, leaving me alone to face the strange looks from everyone around me, nearly on the verge of tears.

I just don’t understand Yukina anymore… I thought she didn’t want anything to do with me, but now she’s suddenly involving herself like this… What does she want? Does she just want to ruin my peaceful school life?

Thinking about what lies ahead only made my stomach sick even more.