My Beautiful Childhood Friend Is Working in a Maid Cafe For Some Reason - Chapter 75

Yukina didn’t come to school again on Friday.

The teacher mentioned in passing that she was absent due to a cold during the attendance check, and I didn’t miss it.

But I know it’s not really because of a cold. Of course, I do—I heard it yesterday.

Even though she didn’t come to school, I wondered if maybe she’d be at “Poplar”…With a bit of hope, I headed there.

However, Yukina wasn’t there either.

A maid I didn’t recognize greeted me with the usual welcome, led me to my seat, and took my order. I ordered the usual meal and waited for it to be prepared while making small talk with the maid.

No matter how much we talked, I couldn’t focus on the conversation. Even though I knew she wasn’t there, I kept looking for Yukina.

Feeling guilty toward the maid sitting across from me, I let my gaze drift right, then left, repeating the motion over and over.

There was no one with black hair as beautiful as Yukina’s. Maybe she was busy with another customer…That thought crossed my mind, but it was quickly crushed.

Gradually, I stopped enjoying myself. It hadn’t been this dull since the day I first met Yukina here.

…I’m such an idiot. That day wasn’t fun because Yukina was there, and now it’s not fun because she isn’t.

I couldn’t help but laugh at myself. When I glanced up, I saw the maid in front of me wearing a wry smile.

I’m sorry for being such a troublesome customer…It’s not your fault.

As I was thinking that, Miyuki came over. She whispered something to the maid in front of me. The next moment, the maid stood up and let out a relieved sigh.

Then, she bowed slightly and said, “I’ll leave the rest to you,” before walking away.

“I’ll take over from here.”

“I’m sorry…”

“Haha, it’s okay. She was having a hard time, but I’m fine.”

Miyuki smiled reassuringly, but I still felt uncomfortable. I was clearly causing trouble.

“So, why the gloomy face?”

“Just…something with Yukina…”

“Did you two have a fight?”

“Well, not exactly…”

Can I really say that she confessed indirectly? No, I shouldn’t. It’s not right for me to casually talk about Yukina’s feelings.

“It’s just that things have gotten a bit awkward…”

“I see. That’s why Yukina-chan didn’t show up today without any notice.”

“Huh…?”

Her words left me confused.

She didn’t show up without any notice…?

Yukina had told me she worked on Mondays and Wednesdays. I hadn’t paid much attention lately, but I thought she was just filling in for someone on Fridays.

But what does she mean by no notice?

“Um, Miyuki-san. Yukina usually works on Mondays and Wednesdays, right? Recently, I thought she was just filling in for someone on Fridays…”

When I asked, Miyuki covered her mouth as if she had said too much. From her reaction, I was certain she knew something.

“Miyuki-san, if there’s something you know, please tell me.”

Miyuki hesitated, but when she saw my determined expression, she gave in and raised her hands.

“Well, I probably shouldn’t be the one saying this, but…”

“It’s okay. I already know most of it. Yukina’s feelings too…”

“I see…You remember how I told you before that the day you first met Yukina here was because I asked her to fill in for me?”

I nodded, and she continued.

“So, I told Yukina she needed to fix her attitude. Even if she’s embarrassed, she should treat her regular customers properly. When I said that, Yukina was shocked. The next week, she started hiding and watching you, Yusuke-kun.”

I had no idea that had happened. Of course, I wouldn’t know…But to think something like that was going on behind the scenes…

“When Yukina realized you were coming regularly, she asked to change her shifts. During the interview, when I asked why she wanted to work here, she shyly admitted it was because someone she liked enjoyed maid cafes…”

Miyuki said it all started to make sense to her at that point. However, she didn’t elaborate on what came next. Whether it was for Yukina’s sake or mine, I couldn’t tell. But I could feel she was being considerate.

“I see…”

So, Yukina was working on Fridays just to see me…That must be it. She started working here for me in the first place, so that’s probably what it means.

…Yukina is such an idiot. Sacrificing her own time for my sake. But even so, she wanted to…

Whether we end up dating or not, that doesn’t matter right now. What matters is that I need to face Yukina’s feelings. She’s been trying to make things right between us again.

“Miyuki-san, thank you.”

“Sure. It feels a little weird to be thanked for something like this…But I’m the one who let it slip.”

“No, thanks to you, I’ve realized what I need to do. You didn’t do anything wrong, Miyuki-san.”

“Hehe, thank you.”

Miyuki patted my head again. It felt comforting and reassuring.

“Well, your order should be ready soon. Just hang tight.”

After that, I spent the rest of my time as usual. I chatted idly with Miyuki, ate my omelet rice, and then left the cafe. As I was leaving, Miyuki gave me an encouraging fist pump and told me to do my best.

One thing is clear—I need to see Yukina.

I need to meet her and have a proper conversation.

But to do that—there are things I can’t do alone. So, I need to ask for help.

I took out my phone. I tapped the LINE app and selected one of the few friends I have.

As I walked toward my apartment, I listened to the call tone. After a moment, a voice answered.

“What’s up?”

“Haru. Are you free tomorrow? If you are, I need your help with something.”