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

As expected, Yukina’s actions felt like an ongoing attack.

During every break, she’d ask, “Was there anything in class you didn’t understand? Do you want me to teach you?” She’d also approach me every time we had to move classrooms, saying, “Yusuke, let’s go together.”

From an outside perspective, there was nothing special about these actions. It was just a small moment during break time. No one paid much attention… no one would care.

But the problem was the person involved. Because it was Yukina, she inevitably attracted attention. As someone who didn’t want to stand out, I really disliked this.

But I couldn’t run away. She had told me to “brace myself,” and even though I didn’t know what Yukina was planning, I felt like I had to face her.

Then lunchtime arrived. Haru left the classroom, saying he was going to eat with her. Left alone, I decided to head to the cafeteria.

But then, someone approached me again.

“Yusuke, where are you going?”

It was Yukina, holding a convenience store bag.

“…To the cafeteria.”

“I see. Hey, why don’t you buy something and eat here with me?”

“…Why?”

“Because the cafeteria will be noisy again, right?”

“No, that’s not the issue…”

I had meant to ask why we had to eat together, not about the location. But it seemed Yukina had already decided that we’d eat together, and she sat down in Haru’s seat.

“Look, I’m waiting, so hurry up, or lunch break will be over.”

Yukina tilted her head slightly, making it hard to refuse.

“…Alright.”

“See you soon.”

She waved me off with one hand as I left the classroom. Since running in the hallway was not allowed, I walked quickly.

What is this!? What is going on!? What is Yukina trying to do today!?

Yukina’s behavior seemed like she wanted to show off our friendship to everyone around us. I couldn’t understand her intentions… I really couldn’t grasp what my childhood friend wanted.

I left the school building and hurried to the cafeteria.

When I got there, I went to the store section, bought some random bread, and returned to the classroom.

Just as I was about to go in, I heard voices.

“Hey, hey, Himemiya-san. What’s going on today?”

“What do you mean?”

Peeking through the door, I saw Yukina talking with three girls.

“You seem really close with Oyama-kun. Are you dating him?”

Ugh. So there are people who see it that way… I was terrified to hear what Yukina would say, while watching the girls squeal in excitement.

“No, nothing like that.”

Phew, thank goodness. I felt relieved as Yukina shook her head.

“Oh, really? Then why are you sticking so close to Oyama-kun today?”

“Idiot. It’s obvious. Right?”

Huh? What’s obvious?

I had no idea what the squealing girls were talking about.

The girls left, looking like they were having a great time.

Just as I thought I could finally head to my seat, someone else approached Yukina. This time, it was three boys, different from Tsutsumura and the others.

“Himemiya-san, if you want to eat with someone, why not eat with us?”

“Yeah, yeah. It can’t be fun eating with Oyama, right?”

“Come on, if you wanted to eat with someone, you should’ve said something~”

The boys laughed loudly. I usually didn’t care what others said, but this time it did irritate me a bit.

Why did I have to hear this from guys whose names I didn’t even know? Well, it’s true that being with me isn’t exactly fun.

But seriously, these guys are just trying to invite Yukina because it’s a rare opportunity. They look flashy, but they must be weak-hearted.

“Sorry, but I have plans.”

“Come on, Himemiya-san, it would be more fun to eat with us—”

“I have plans. Ah, Yusuke. What are you doing? Come over here.”

Interrupting the conversation, Yukina noticed me peeking from behind the door and stood up, calling me over.

Feeling that it would be weird to stay where I was, I reluctantly headed to my seat.

“Uh… this is my seat, so…”

The boys made an obvious annoyed face and left, muttering under their breath so only I could hear it.

“Come on, let’s eat. I’m starving.”

“You could have started eating without me. Besides, you had other invitations…”

“No way. I wanted to eat with you, Yusuke. If I had to eat with someone else, I’d rather eat alone.”

…So Yukina chose me over those guys, huh?

“Let’s eat… What’s wrong?”

“Huh?”

“Yusuke, you’re smiling.”

“…!?”

I was smiling without realizing it, happy that Yukina had chosen me.

“I-I’m not smiling…”

Not wanting Yukina to notice this, I quickly took out the bread I had bought and stuffed it in my mouth.

“Ah, but you definitely were smiling~ Silly Yusuke.”

I hurriedly ate my bread, trying to ignore the situation. Glancing around, I noticed people looking at us as if they were watching something unusual. The atmosphere was no different from the cafeteria; I still felt uncomfortable.

But if I endured it and eating with me made Yukina happy, then that’s… no, it’s not about whether Yukina is happy or not. It’s about how I feel.

Even though I felt uncomfortable, part of me was secretly pleased. What is this ticklish feeling in my heart?

“Yusuke.”

“What?”

“You have ketchup on your face.”

Yukina took out a pocket tissue from her skirt. It felt very much like Yukina to use pocket tissues instead of a handkerchief, and I took one from her.

“Thanks.”

I wiped my face and sure enough, there was ketchup from the hot dog.

“Geez, not just that side, but here too.”

“Huh…!?”

Yukina reached over and wiped off the ketchup from the other side of my face with the tissue. I felt my body heat up all at once.

“There, all clean.”

“S-Stop it… I’m not a kid anymore. Besides…”

It’s embarrassing with everyone watching. Plus, the boys’ glares felt full of malice.

“Why are you embarrassed now? I used to wipe your face for you all the time when we were kids.”

“That was different…”

And anyway, Yukina’s ears are turning red too…

Yukina’s face didn’t show it, but her ears, peeking out from her black hair, were bright red.