My Beautiful Childhood Friend Is Working in a Maid Cafe For Some Reason - Chapter 54

“Yusuke…”

Yukina looked surprised. Well, of course. I’m even shocked at what I’m doing.

But I couldn’t help but move when I saw Yukina on the verge of tears. There’s no turning back now.

“Oyama! Messing with Himemiya-san again? What about the promise you made with me?”

If this looks like messing around, Tsutsumura’s eyes and head must be rotten.

“You’re Oyama, huh? Why’d you suddenly show up and mess up my confession?”

“Shut up. Your confession’s already over. Yukina properly turned you down, didn’t she? Persistent guys are hated, you know.”

You’re a handsome guy, so don’t lower your own rating. What a waste.

“Hey, don’t ignore me. I’m the one who’s going to help Himemiya-san.”

“You’re the one who’s noisy. Didn’t you notice that Yukina didn’t like it?”

Tsutsumura, angry about the broken promise and being ignored, yelled, but it was just annoying.

“H-Himemiya-san, did you not like it…?”

Tsutsumura stammered, trying to confirm. Yukina hid behind me and gave a small nod.

Seeing that, Tsutsumura muttered a small “sorry” while looking down.

“Yukina, let’s go ho—”

“Oyama, aren’t you the one bothering Himemiya-san now? Just because there were rumors, you’re acting like her boyfriend!”

I looked at Yoshino in disbelief. Even if he’s handsome on the outside, his insides are the worst… After all, what’s inside is more important than looks.

“I don’t think that at all. I’m not her boyfriend or anything. But at least I understand Yukina better than anyone else here.”

“Huh? I don’t get it. Are you a stalker?”

“That’s fine if you think so. But don’t come near Yukina anymore.”

“You have no right to tell me that. I won’t give up.”

“It does matter. Yukina and I are childhood friends. That’s why it’s a problem for me when someone like you gets close to my important childhood friend.”

I picked up Yukina’s bag and grabbed her hand with my other free hand.

“Let’s go home.”

“W-Wait—”

“Just one thing… If you make Yukina cry again, I won’t forgive you.”

Leaving only those words behind, I took Yukina and left the school.

Hmm… What should I do? It’s good that I managed to take Yukina with me, but should we just go home? Or would it be better to go eat ramen to cheer her up…?

Yukina followed me silently, her small steps showing how down she was. I matched my pace with hers, not letting go of her hand, and walked slowly.

Come to think of it, something like this happened a long time ago too. As I thought about it, I noticed a park.

“Do you want to take a break?”

When I looked at Yukina, she nodded slightly, so we went inside. I let her sit on a bench to rest.

I sat next to her. We stayed silent, not saying a word. But for some reason, Yukina held onto my hand tightly, not letting me pull away.

Does she want to keep holding hands a bit longer…? No, that’s probably not it. She’s probably just anxious and wants to distract herself somehow.

“Ah… Being popular must be tough.”

Can’t I say something more thoughtful? But what do you say in times like these?

“…Yusuke.”

“Hm?”

“Overwrite it.”

Yukina said this as she held out her arms to me. She let go of our connected hands and stretched out both arms.

Overwrite…?

“Do you mean just hold your hands?”

Yukina nodded. With her head down, I couldn’t see what she was thinking. But her body was trembling slightly, and I realized she was scared.

“I’ve been tainted… That’s why I want you to overwrite it, Yusuke. Please…”

“It’s a bit late to ask, but… are you really okay with me? I touched your hands and shoulders… If you really don’t like it, there’s a faucet over there, and I can go wash up?”

“No, Yusuke is fine. I said you’re special, right? So, please hurry…”

I gently held Yukina’s arms with both hands. The soft feeling directly transmitted to me. Her shoulders, hands, and arms… everything was soft. But I shouldn’t be thinking like this.

Then Yukina, who seemed to have been holding back, started crying.

“Sorry… I’m sorry, Yusuke.”

“Why are you apologizing to me…? You don’t have to apologize, Yukina.”

“I know, but…”

Yukina fell silent as if she couldn’t find the words. Seeing her so weak made my heart ache.

This situation is my fault, isn’t it? If I had stepped in earlier, this wouldn’t have happened.

“I’m sorry. I should’ve stopped it sooner…”

“No, I’m glad you came, Yusuke…”

Yet Yukina continued to cry.

My hand moved on its own and rested on Yukina’s head. I began to gently stroke her hair.

I couldn’t do this when she cried after I saw her naked, but it should be fine now. I’m in the special category, and I’ve got her permission. Besides, if I get scolded, that’s okay. If it helps Yukina feel better.

Still, this reminds me of something that happened a long time ago. Back then, I also stroked Yukina’s head like this…

“…Yusuke.”

“W-What?”

“It feels good… when you stroke my head.”

“R-Really…”

Good… At least she’s not angry.

“If it hurts or if you don’t like it, just say so. I’ll stop.”

“No, it’s not like that. So, please… continue.”

“As you wish.”

I continued to stroke her head.

During that time, Yukina kept apologizing, saying “sorry” over and over again, but I didn’t say anything more. I thought that just quietly staying by her side like this was the best thing to do.