My Beautiful Childhood Friend Is Working in a Maid Cafe For Some Reason - Chapter 82

That same day, after taking Yukina out, I called my mom. She picked up right away.

“…Yusuke, are you angry?”

Yukina’s mother must have told her what happened. That’s why she sounded less energetic than usual, probably feeling a bit guilty.

“Of course, I’m angry.”

Naturally. Parents have no right to decide their child’s future on their own. It’s fine to guide us in the right direction, but forcing us is wrong.

“I’m sorry. I regret it.”

She’d better reflect on this so she won’t do something like this again.

“But it was for Yukina’s sake.”

“Hey, what am I to you? You put Yukina ahead of me. Isn’t that a bit off for a parent?”

“Both of you are important, obviously.”

“Then why did you—”

I almost said, “Why did you throw me away like that?” but held my tongue.

I believe my mom is sincere. To her, both Yukina and I are precious.

But that’s why I can’t accept how she moved forward with everything without saying a word.

It was me who ultimately decided on going to that high school and living on my own. But looking back, I wasn’t really given a reason. She just kept insisting, “This is better,” until I gave in.

Truth is, I never wanted to live alone.

“It’s true that Yukina’s feelings were the priority. But at that time, did you notice? You were always down at home.”

“Huh…?”

I was down? Me?

Sure, I was sad about Yukina leaving. I’ve already admitted that. But I still had some friends in my third year of middle school, and I was having a good time. There’s no way I wasn’t okay.

“You were always smiling, but you were forcing it, weren’t you? Trying not to worry us. As your mother, there’s no way I wouldn’t notice.”

“N-No way…”

“Parents shouldn’t interfere in their children’s relationships or friendships, but as a parent, all I want is for my child to be happy.”

When she says things like that, I can’t argue back. Besides, I’m not even mad anymore, so I don’t plan on saying anything further.

“Hey, from now on, just give me advice. I’m still a kid, so I do need your help.”

“Yeah, I’ll do that. So, did you make up with Yukina?”

“Yeah, we talked things over.”

“So, how do you feel, Yusuke?”

What I realized was that I still like Yukina.

“…Just like you said, I think I’ve always liked her since back then.”

“See? I was right, wasn’t I?”

I don’t have to see her face to know. She’s probably smirking right now, feeling all high and mighty.

“So, are you two dating now?”

“…Huh?”

“I mean, did you go from childhood friends to boyfriend and girlfriend?”

Now that she mentions it, we haven’t really cleared that up!

Yukina told me she liked me, and I said I liked her too. But that’s it. So, what exactly is our relationship now?

“I don’t really know…”

“You don’t know?”

I heard a deep sigh. She’s probably really exasperated.

“I told her I liked her, but nothing’s changed.”

“Then just tell her, ‘Be my girl,’ and kiss her. I bet Yukina would love that.”

The word “kiss” brought back a flash of the purikura incident. I recalled the softness of Yukina’s lips against my cheek. What if it was mouth-to-mouth instead? I quickly pushed that thought away.

“T-That’s something you do after you’re officially dating.”

“You’re such a coward. Well, at least realizing your feelings is progress. Good luck.”

With that, Mom was about to hang up. I quickly called out to her.

“What is it?”

She sounded puzzled, but there was something I had to say.

“…Thanks.”

“You’re welcome.”

And then, she hung up.

I looked at the purikura with Yukina. We looked so happy together. It might seem silly since it’s us, but just looking at it made me smile. I carefully placed it in my desk drawer, making sure it wouldn’t get lost.

The next morning, when I arrived at school, Yukina was already there, sitting at her desk. A crowd had gathered around her, probably worried since she had been absent for three days.

I wanted to join them…but instead, I quietly took my seat.

“It’s good to see Yukina-chan feeling better.”

“Yeah, it’s great she recovered. Being healthy is the best.”

Even while chatting with Haru, I couldn’t help but glance at Yukina from time to time.

“…If you want to talk to her, why don’t you just go?”

“Nah, it’d be rude to interrupt while everyone’s talking to her.”

“It’s not like it matters. Everyone’s doing what they want, so you should too. Didn’t you say you were going to try?”

It’s embarrassing that I can’t make a move without a push. But Haru’s right. I’ve decided to start trying, even if it’s just a little.

“…You’re right. I’ll go talk to her.”

I stood up and headed toward Yukina.

It’s not like I want to change our relationship right now. There’s an order to things, and timing is important. Still, one day, I’ll have to say it out loud.

But not today.

So for now…

“Yukina.”

When I called her name, several eyes turned to look at me. The stares from the guys were especially sharp.

Even so, the group around Yukina, including her, fell silent, waiting for me to speak.

“Good morning.”

I didn’t intend to talk for long. I just wanted to make sure Yukina would remember me more than anyone else. Though I’m pretty sure I’m already the most important person to her.

…Oh man, my head is totally messed up.

The guys were glaring at me, as if to say, “Can’t you wait your turn to greet her?” But I didn’t back down. I’m done caring about what others think.

“Good morning, Yuu-kun.”

Yukina smiled at me warmly. The moment she called me “Yuu-kun,” the crowd around us started buzzing with surprise and murmuring, but I didn’t mind. Just seeing her smile made me feel all warm inside.