Source
https://kakuyomu.jp/works/16818093075629868223/episodes/16818792438329415101
“Hey, Irie-kun! A super cute underclassman is calling you!”
It was around noon, just as the cultural festival was getting started.
Maybe because I wanted lunch, I got called by a girl from my class right when things were getting busy.
I looked over, and there she was—Sakurazaka, timidly waiting at the very front of the line, as if she’d been patiently waiting her turn…
“Did you request me, young lady?”
“Young… lady!?”
“Huh, wasn’t that a request?”
My classmate tilted her head for just a moment, but perhaps having finished her business, she immediately started organizing the waiting line.
I just said “Thanks” and looked up at Sakurazaka, who was staring blankly up at me, her face bright red…
“…Is there something on my face?”
“Huh!? N-no, nothing’s on it! It’s just… that tailcoat looks so fresh!”
Well, just as we reacted to the girls’ maid outfits, the girls probably found the boys’ tailcoats refreshing too.
Yuzuki seemed unusually excited while taking photos too, saying, “One more… Who knows when we’ll get another chance? I want one more! you can take as many of mine as you want!”
“Well, anyway… Want to grab something to eat? I’ll show you to your seats first…”
“I’d love to be served by you, Irie-senpai… but, well, it’s about time.”
“Oh, right. It is about time.”
We’d probably just get in the way near the entrance.
I needed to call Yuzuki too, so I nudged Sakurazaka’s back and guided her to a nearby chair.
Just then, I called out to Yuzuki as we almost passed each other.
“Yuzuki!”
“Huh? Oh, it’s Aira-chan! That means it’s time! Just wait a sec!”
“Sorry to keep you waiting!” I said. Glancing at Yuzuki distributing drinks to the table, I sat Sakurazaka down at the table.
“Can you wait a little longer? I’m going to change clothes now.”
“Ah, yes!”
Sakurazaka replied cheerfully.
Seeing her like that, before turning away, I said—
“Thanks, Sakurazaka. Sorry for suddenly asking you to do something weird.”
“N-no way! I mean, I owe you for helping me with my studies, Irie-senpai… And above all, if it’s for Kirishima-senpai’s sake, I’d be nervous, but I wouldn’t refuse!”
“…I see.”
She really is a good kid.
Selfish, reckless, and with no benefit to herself whatsoever.
Deep inside my chest, something warmed up a little.
Maybe that’s why, without thinking, my hand reached out to Sakurazaka’s head.
“…Thanks.”
“~~!?”
Damn it, my habit of doing that to Yuzuki slipped out.
“…Tsukkun, you really…”
“Whoa!?”
“Hehe, Irie-san is always operating normally, no matter where or when.”
My back jerked involuntarily.
I reflexively spun around to find Yuzuki glaring at me… and, for some reason, Shiori-san standing there too.
“Tsukkun, I need you to understand this is a public place, a public space.”
I’m sorry.
“So later, you’ll have to stroke my head in public too.”
I’m really sorry.
“So… Shiori-san came here too?”
“Yes. I thought it would be more fun to go with everyone than head to the stage alone and feel lonely.”
I doubt just walking there would cause any fun events, but it’s definitely easier going together as four people—no one has to wait around.
“Plus, there’s the costume change, right?♪”
“Costume change?”
Hmm, what could the costume change be?
I suppose Yuzuki and I need to change, but Shiori-san doesn’t really… Oh? Why is Yuzuki grabbing Sakurazaka’s arm?
“So, shall we change, Aira-chan?”
“Wha!? Me!?”
“Yep, yep! Our goal this time is to attract lots of customers! We’ve got extra costumes lying around, so let’s make a bold statement with eye-catching outfits!”
…I see. So everyone’s participating in maid outfits and tailcoats.
“W-Well, even if I wear something flashy, it won’t really make a difference, right!?”
“Of course it will!? With Aira-chan’s looks, you’d be a perfect ten for attracting customers!?”
“Hehe, if Yuzuki-san had Sakurazaka-san’s looks, she’d definitely stand out… I’m actually kinda looking forward to wearing the maid outfit too♪”
“Irie-san, you weren’t listening to this conversation!?”
Sorry, Sakurazaka. They’re both really into it.
Besides, with Sakurazaka’s looks, she’d definitely be a top-notch customer magnet.
“…Alright, I’ll be waiting.”
“!?”
“So, Aira-chan, let’s head to the back!”
Saying that, the cheerful Yuzuki led Sakurazaka toward the back.
Sakurazaka’s dragged-along figure… somehow reminded one of a piglet before shipment.
(Well, but with this…)
The rest will just have to play out as it will.
That’s why I practiced and prepared.
All that’s left is—
“…I hope she will come.”
“She will.”
Just as I murmured that, a voice suddenly spoke from the side.
“She will come. Have confidence.”
A slight unease.
Perhaps sensing it, Shiori-san gave her a warm, gentle smile.
…She was right.
She had no proof or certainty, but she was sure Shiori would come.
“…I suppose so.”
I don’t know if this is the right way.
I don’t know if it’ll help, or if it’ll give her the push she needs.
Still, I believe this action will be the trigger that lets her face forward.
To give her that reason—more than just words—
“Shiori san, shall we do our best?”
“Yes, let’s do our best.”
I have no choice but to show her.
I absolutely will—that thing—
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