My Beautiful Childhood Friend Is Working in a Maid Cafe For Some Reason - Chapter 76

The next day, I sat alone in the food court of the shopping mall.

When I called Haru yesterday, he said he was going on a date with his girlfriend. I felt bad about interrupting their time together, but since his girlfriend would be there too, I thought it was a good opportunity. I asked if we could meet briefly, promising not to take up too much of their time. I also offered to meet them at a place of their choosing. Haru mentioned that they were heading to a shopping mall three train stations away, so I decided to go there as well.

Since I was the one who asked for the favor, I figured it was only right that I arrive first. I came a bit early and secured a table.

Today is Saturday. The place is packed with families, and here I am, occupying a four-person table by myself, sipping on a drink. I feel a little guilty, but I try not to let it bother me. Haru said they’d arrive after lunch, so I checked my phone and saw that it was already past noon.

They should be here any minute now, I thought, when I suddenly felt a tap on my shoulder from behind. I turned around to see Haru grinning happily, with his girlfriend standing next to him, slightly looking down.

“Did you wait long?” Haru asked.

“No, I got here a little early since I was the one who asked,” I replied.

“I see. Meg, let’s sit down.”

“Y-yeah,” she nodded.

With that, Haru sat across from me, with his girlfriend sitting beside him.

“This is Yusuke Oyama. We’ve known each other since elementary school,” Haru introduced me to his girlfriend.

As I thought about how long we’d known each other, I couldn’t help but smile. We’ve been friends for so long that it almost feels like fate.

“And this is my girlfriend…”

“I-I’m Megumi Mano,” she said, bowing her head slightly.

Haru’s girlfriend, Mano-san, greeted me with a polite nod. I returned the gesture, introducing myself again.

I don’t remember much about Mano-san, but I’m sure we’ve never been in the same class before. The first time I saw her was the other day, standing next to Haru on a rainy day. This is only our second meeting, and thinking about that made me feel a bit nervous. Mano-san seemed just as uneasy, her eyes darting around as if she wasn’t quite comfortable.

“So, what’s going on?” Haru asked.

“Before that, I’m sorry for interrupting your date, Mano-san. I know this was sudden,” I said apologetically.

“N-no, it’s okay…Haru-kun told me his friend was in trouble, so…” she responded.

“Well, I wouldn’t say it’s a ‘trouble’ exactly…”

I felt embarrassed asking them for this kind of favor. I’m already a high school senior, and yet, here I am, unable to make decisions on my own. I might even be laughed at for it, but the truth is, I couldn’t do this alone.

“What’s wrong?” Haru asked, his expression growing concerned. Mano-san looked worried too. I finally spoke up.

“Can you help me buy some clothes?”

They both blinked at me, looking a bit stunned. I lowered my head, feeling awkward. Then, Haru couldn’t hold back anymore and burst into laughter. Mano-san also started giggling next to him.

“So that’s all it was? You looked so serious, I thought it was something big,” Haru said, still chuckling.

“Really. Oyama-kun, you’re pretty funny,” Mano-san added with a smile.

They weren’t mocking me. They seemed to be genuinely amused, which made me realize how kind they both were. They’re a beautiful couple, and they really suit each other.

“Well then, let’s get going,” Haru said.

“Ah, wait a second. Mano-san, there’s something I’d like you to look at first,” I said.

I took out my phone and opened the photo folder. I found the picture I had taken of Yukina and showed it to her.

“Um…is this Himemiya-san?” she asked.

I remembered how Yukina had threatened me, saying she’d kill me if I told anyone about it. It feels like that was such a long time ago. She didn’t say I couldn’t show it to anyone, though. And I had this feeling that Mano-san wouldn’t spread rumors or make fun of it. I’m not sure why, but I was certain of it. So, I showed her the picture.

Mano-san seemed puzzled as to why I had such a photo, but I didn’t want to go into a long explanation. I kept it brief and focused on the important part.

“You probably already know this, but Yukina—Himemiya-san—is my childhood friend,” I said.

“Yes,” she nodded.

“And, apparently, Yukina only owns her school uniform or that tracksuit she’s wearing in the picture. I’m completely clueless when it comes to fashion, so I was hoping you could tell me…what kind of clothes would suit Yukina?”

I knew it was an unreasonable question. She could easily say, “I don’t know,” and I wouldn’t have a good comeback. But instead, Mano-san looked at the photo thoughtfully and began to ponder.

“This is…pretty bad, I must say,” Haru commented.

“Haru-kun, you can’t just say that to a girl,” Mano-san scolded him gently.

“S-sorry…” Haru apologized weakly.

It was refreshing to see Haru so meek, and I couldn’t help but laugh. I thought, Mano-san, you should keep him in line.

“Himemiya-san has a great figure, so I think she’d look good in anything. I’m not an expert, so it’s probably best to ask the store staff for advice,” Mano-san suggested.

“I see. Thank you,” I replied gratefully.

After that, we headed to a clothing store inside the mall. I let Mano-san look around for her own things, while Haru helped me pick out clothes.

As expected, Haru, being popular, was quick and precise. He picked out things that suited me and were in style.

“Hey, Yusuke. That photo you showed us, isn’t that your apartment building?” Haru asked as he sorted through some clothes.

He was as sharp as ever. Haru always had a keen eye.

“Yeah. Yukina and I are still neighbors,” I admitted.

Haru seemed surprised by this fact but didn’t comment further.

“…Yusuke,” Haru said after a pause.

“What?” I replied.

“Good luck with everything,” he said with a smile.

“Thanks,” I said, appreciating his support.

After I finished buying clothes, I decided not to bother them any further and said my goodbyes.

“Thank you for today. Mano-san, thank you too,” I said sincerely.

“No, I’m not sure if I was much help, so you don’t have to thank me,” she replied modestly.

“No, really, you helped a lot. I appreciate it,” I insisted.

With that, I parted ways with them. As I watched them walk away happily together, I decided it was time for me to head home as well.

Now, I was ready. All that was left was to get Yukina to come out.

That will be the hardest part, but it’s something I have to do. After all, Haru and Mano-san helped me with this.

Once everything is resolved, I should treat them to something…I thought to myself as I headed home.