Source
https://kakuyomu.jp/works/16818622172789075625/episodes/16818622175128838207
It was Monday, the start of the week.
“A.”
During break time, I came out of the restroom and bumped into Reisa.
We were both surprised to see each other at such an unexpected moment.
I had something I wanted to talk to Reisa about.
I had been looking for an opportunity since morning, but she had so many friends that I couldn’t find a chance to talk to her, and it was already midday.
In fact, I was already thinking that I would probably see her during lunch break or after school anyway, so it would be fine to do it then.
That’s why I was relieved that we were alone at that moment.
As I stared at her, Reisa smiled and scratched her cheek.
“W-what is it? It’s awkward when you stare at me like that.”
“I have something to talk about. Can I talk to you for a moment?”
“Huh !? I-is it…something important?”
“Yeah, well, it is to me.”
When I answered, she blushed for some reason and waved her hand.
Something was off.
“I-isn’t that too sudden? I’m too embarrassed to listen.”
“Are you misunderstanding? What I want to talk about is the penalty with Kako.”
“…..Oh, that. …Wait, what? Why is Tsukushi involved in that?”
After swallowing, Reisa immediately furrowed her brows and made a stern face.
She must have told Kako not to say anything, so it’s natural that she feels uneasy about what I know.
So, I told Reisa what happened after we returned from the grading meeting that day and what I heard from Kako, within the necessary limits.
After listening to the story, she sighed with a wry smile, looking exasperated.
“Ugh, I don’t like this. Sorry for sneaking around behind your back.”
“No, it’s for my sake, right? I’m sorry for making you worry unnecessarily.”
When I bowed my head, Reisa widened her eyes.
She smiled awkwardly.
“Why did Kako san tell you?”
“…I’m sorry.”
“Ahaha, why are you apologizing, Tsukushi? It’s Kako san’s fault for not keeping her promise, and mine for acting on my own.”
“Reisa, you’re not at fault. In fact, thank you. I was happy to hear it.”
“Hehe, stop it.”
After that, there was an awkward silence with nothing to talk about.
I was probably looking pathetic as I blinked at Reisa.
The awkward atmosphere made me feel extremely uncomfortable.
“Huh, what’s with this silence?”
“Yeah, really.”
I nodded with a wry smile.
Still, lately I feel like I’ve been relying on Reisa too much.
The same goes for Nagisa, but on the other hand, the only thing I’m doing for them is teaching them.
Even that ends up benefiting me in the end, so when I think about Reisa’s kindness, which is one-sided, I feel like I’m not giving back enough.
This is bad.
I have to make it up to her somehow.
So, I forced a smile and said,
“If you ever need anything, just let me know !”
“Eh…w-what’s that?”
Reisa smiled awkwardly, looking confused.
◇
[Reisa’s POV]
“Mika ! Mika !”
“…What is it, Lady Reisa? We’re in class.”
“This is more important than that !”
“Well, if Edano Tsukushi heard you dismissing class like that, he’d be furious.”
I had to skip an important class, but it couldn’t be helped.
After parting ways with Tsukushi, I immediately locked myself in a secluded bathroom and contacted Mika.
She arrived within a minute.
As expected of my maid.
Her swiftness is a lifesaver.
“So, what’s the matter?”
I gripped Mika’s slightly irritated hand and asked.
“He’s too kind ! Could this be a real opportunity !?”
“Can I go back to class?”
As Mika tried to slip away, I grabbed her in a bear hug.
I couldn’t let her escape.
“Yaa…Lady Reisa’s chest…”
“You can enjoy it as much as you want, just don’t run away.”
“I don’t get excited by something without shame. Hmm, I understand, so please let go of my hand.”
I let go of her.
Then, looking at her smartphone with an extremely annoyed expression, Mika asked,
“So, what were we talking about?”
“Tsukushi is too kind ! He’s always nonchalant, but he’s been thanking me excessively since a while ago, and suddenly he said something cool like, ‘If you have any problems, feel free to ask me anything !'”
“Heh, that’s good for you.”
“…Are you really listening? You’re being too cold.”
“Well, try putting yourself in my shoes. I have to listen to similar stories every day. Plus, we’re in class right now. Even after what you said about Amane Kako, you’re the one distracting others from their studies, aren’t you?”
“But I know you’re always doodling or sleeping during class.”
“……”
If Mika were the kind of student who listened seriously in class like Tsukushi, I wouldn’t have called her out like this.
I know she’s the type who doesn’t listen to the teacher even when she’s in class, so that’s why I called her out.
Maids observe their masters closely, but the reverse is also true.
As if remembering something when her name was mentioned, Mika opened her mouth with a serious expression.
“Speaking of Amane Kako, she’s been studying at her desk all morning, which is unusual. She seemed pretty motivated, so maybe something’s changed in her mindset.”
“She talked to Tsukushi a bit, I guess.”
I didn’t hear much, but it’s true that they had some contact, and I’m sure it’s related to the mock exam results.
As far as I’m concerned, I’m confident I’ll win the mock exam, so I don’t care anymore.
Honestly, I don’t really want to get involved.
“Whaddya think? Maybe he’s reevaluating me because my grades went up?”
“I don’t know. I don’t know much about Edano Tsukushi, but I think it’s probably for some trivial reason. You’re overthinking it.”
“…Yeah, he’s the kind of person who says suggestive things without thinking. How nasty.”
Man, I was really nervous just now.
I almost thought he was going to confess his feelings, so I wish Tsukushi would think more about his tone of voice.
Well, the actual topic was important too, but…
Whatever.
Even after the mock exam, my goal remains the same.
My ultimate goal is to make Tsukushi mine.
In that sense, Kako san isn’t saying anything that’s too far off the mark.
However, the person I have to fight isn’t just Kako san, but also Nagisa, who has become completely friendly with Tsukushi.
“Nagisa has been getting along with Tsukushi a lot lately, hasn’t she?”
“I saw the two of them talking this morning. Apparently, they’re going on a café date in a few days. Tsukushi invited her.”
“Haaaaaah !? Why didn’t you tell me sooner !”
“Eh…”
What a quick-witted woman.
She pretends to be innocent, but she’s somehow good at being clingy and cute, and her reactions are so sharp that it’s like she’s deliberately trying to provoke me.
It’s terrifying.
If I don’t act quickly, I might really lose him to her.
I was distracted by Kako san, but the one I really need to watch out for is Nagisa.
However, I quickly remember.
Speaking of which, it’s almost time for that.
If it’s that, I can get closer to Tsukushi in a clever way, and at the same time, I can get rid of Nagisa, Kako san, and Takagi kun.
Next month’s cultural festival will be organized by class.
The classes will work together to prepare and compete with other classes’ performances.
As the only one in the same class as Tsukushi, I have a clear advantage.
Plus, I think our class and Nagisa’s class have similar performances.
If that’s the case, we can completely crush them head-on.
Fufu, Nagisa.
Sorry, but I can’t let you have Tsukushi either.
Just because we’re friends doesn’t mean we can share everything.
“Mika, it looks like I’ll have to take you out too.””
Mika sighs at my evil smile.
She whispers so quietly that my excited ears can’t hear her.
“Edano Tsukushi… Please don’t mess with Lady Reisa anymore.”
Anyway, I’m fired up.
The cultural festival will be a quiet battlefield for girls…!
–
–
If you enjoy our content, feel free to donate, Thank you in advance !