When I read the heart of the never-smiling princess, for some reason she had already fallen head over heels in love for me. - v1 Chapter 3: A princess shrouded in mysteries

Chapter 3: A princess shrouded in mysteries

She was as usual, continued to gaze at me expressionlessly, her eyes held a neutral softness. Was it the confidence of being in a superior position?

In contrast, I felt a suffocating sense of unease.

“How do you know that? Even though, I haven’t told anyone.”

“Perhaps you were subconsciously advertising it?”

“Now I see… Wait, how would you advertise transcription work?”

“Maybe something like, ‘The tapes are calling me; it’s rough.'”

“That’s the wrong kind of advertisement!”

I couldn’t help but retort, then quickly came back to my senses.

This isn’t good; I need to get serious and find out the truth.

“Please, answer me properly. You shouldn’t know this—unless.”

Did she investigate me secretly?

The thought crossed my mind, but Katsuragi Minami shook her head firmly.

“It seems to have some kind of misunderstanding. I didn’t do anything. I overheard it. It was beyond my control.”

Her unexpected answer left me speechless.

Overheard? From whom? Is there anyone besides me who knows such details about my life?

However, she didn’t seem to be lying. Perhaps her face is expressionless face, so it’s difficult to tell as well.

“Can we set that aside for now?”

“No, it’s important.”

“Let’s discuss it after we finalize the matter of the secretary position.”

Her voice was unwavering.

Is my privacy really worth so little?

Yet she exuded an atmosphere that brooked no argument.

I sighed deeply, leaning back in my chair.

Though it bothered me immensely, if she promises to explain later, then it might be best to comply for now.

Moreover, I had another thing to confirm.

“Alright, back to the matter at hand. Assuming I’m suitable for the role, wouldn’t my condition interfere with the student council’s activities?”

Katsuragi Minami didn’t react. Did I have to spell it out?

Telling someone directly, even if it’s a lie, is daunting.

But I had no choice.

“I have a fear of physical contact. That’s why, I can’t touch people.”

“I know.”

Her immediate response left me speechless.

It wasn’t like that her words surprised me. If she knew about my part-time job details, it’s only natural she’d know about my condition.

What I couldn’t believe was that despite this flaw, she still wanted me in the student council.

“I thoroughly investigate the individuals I invite to join the executive board. Even if it is about your ill condition.”

“Then why me? I’m not suitable.”

“That’s not true.”

Her voice was soft but unwavering.

“Indeed, the student council’s activities involve many interactions and meetings, but the person who handles the front-line work is me, the president only. Also, outdoor activities don’t seem to be an issue for you. Your condition is specific to physical contact, not a fear of germs or dirt.”

As she said, she had done her research thoroughly.

Rather, just how much had she observed and understood about me?

“I’ll make accommodations for you. I’ll assign tasks that minimize your contact with others.”

“Even so, what’s difficult for me, is still going to be difficult for me.”

“Please. Stay by my side, for my sake.”

Her earlier words echoed in my mind—soooo cute, I love you.

I averted my gaze, covering my mouth with my hand to feign contemplation, but actually my heart was pounded so wildly that it might escape any moment.

“Please.”

Katsuragi Minami asked me again, in an earnest and respectful tone.

Fearfully, I bring back my gaze and meet her’s. I could see her lips were pressed together, waiting for my response.

Even though her facial muscles still didn’t move an inch, her eyes were earnest, desperate, and brimming with passion.

“Is it really so necessary, that it has to be me who does this?”

“Yes, it is.”

Her clear-cut response almost made me laugh.

At that moment, a nostalgic feeling washed over me.

When I actively read minds, when I used to understand people’s worries and uncertainties, I searched for ways I could help.

“—It can’t be helped then.”

Though I shrugged and played it cool, I was filled with exhilaration.

Back then, I felt like a hero, intoxicated by the sense of omnipotence given from my youth.

Now, I’m more mature and aware of the limitations I am burdened with.

“Thank you.”

Katsuragi Minami’s voice brought me back to reality.

Wait, what did I just say?

“So, you’ll take on the role, right, Saiga-kun?”

“No, this is—!”

Ugh, I screwed up! Why did my habit of showing off from those young old days just had to resurface!

But Katsuragi Minami, still seated, bowed deeply. She took my answer as my agreement.

I pressed my forehead and looked up.

I only came here to find out the reason why and if she liked me. I had no intention of joining the student council.

I tried to retract my words, saying that it was a mistake back then. But on meeting Katsuragi Minami’s gaze, my words stuck in my throat.

Her sparkling eyes were full of trust, which made me hesitate on letting her down.

(…Well, if I think of it as the number of opportunities to hear her thoughts would also increase, then…)

Lacking the courage to refuse, I resigned myself, making excuse to justify my acceptance.

Just then, Katsuragi Minami stood up and approached with a ballpoint pen.

“Then, once again, please sign the agreement.”

“Ugh… I just…”

‘I so want to hold you tight.’

“Hold me tight?”

She looked at me quizzically as I let out an odd sound.

“Is something wrong?”

“N-nothing.”

I quickly averted my gaze.

My heartbeat echoed so loudly, that I could hear it till my ears.

Placing the pen down, she stood right next to me not moving or going back to her seat.

Waiting for me to sign the agreement.

That was why, I could hear her inner thoughts all so well clearly without any interruptions.

‘Haaah, thank goodness everything is going as planned… This is just like a dream come true. With this, I will be able to watch Ko-kun’s extraordinary work up close. I’m so excited that I my nose might bleed right away.’

As if someone had just stroked it, a shiver ran down my spine.

I couldn’t understand why she had such high expectations of me.

Also, getting a nosebleed is just plain bad—you should go to the infirmary instantly.

But—amidst such confusion and questions, I also felt an inexplicable warmth mixed in it.

It wasn’t just embarrassment or shyness per se, but kind of like a strangely buoyant/uplifting sensation going across.

“Are you not going to sign?”

Perhaps wondering why I hadn’t picked up the pen yet, Katsuragi Minami leaned in towards me. Her fine black hair brushed upon my hand as a sweet fragrance tickled into my nostrils.

I suddenly realized, isn’t this my chance to ask.

“Um!”

“Yes?”

When I turned to face her, her face was right in front of me.

Uwaaa, too close!

“What is it?”

“Actually…”

‘You’re so cute, Ko-kun.’

“The reason you invited me as secretary, was it because…”

‘I could watch you forever and ever. I love you.’

“Ugh…!”

My hand moved instinctively. I signed the agreement, tossed the pen, and bolted for the door.

“Well then, since I have to go now! Excuse me!”

“Oh, okay. Then let’s meet again soon—”

I closed the door before she could finish speaking. Leaning against it, I breathed heavily as if I had sprinted.

It’s impossible. Listening to her sweet voice continuously is too much for my fragile nerves. My head feels like it’s about to explode.

“Darn, I forgot… I’m still not used to my ability effects on my body. I have to be more careful.”

Even a minute after leaving, I could still hear her thoughts. She seemed to regret getting too close to me, forgetting about my condition.

I sighed deeply and slowly walked away.

“…I need time.”

I need to get used to Katsuragi Minami’s affection. Else, I can’t even hold a conversation properly.

I forgot to ask about what I should do about the part-time job too, but for today, I have to give up.

But I know I’ll have another chance later as well.