Episode 43 – “Cute” is a taboo word to use when talking to a maid
Source
https://kakuyomu.jp/works/16818622172789075625/episodes/16818622175942803866
When I got a low score on a quiz, to be honest, I felt like crying.
I felt an overwhelming sense of regret, shame, and helplessness, and my emotions were running high.
The saying “I wish I could crawl into a hole” really hit home, and I was struck by the wisdom of the words left behind by our ancestors.
However, all those feelings vanished.
Talking with Takagi transformed everything into anger and motivation for the future.
I guess you could say it gave me a boost of energy.
It’s completely against my will, but I think it was thanks to him that I was able to switch gears.
Actually, he might be the one taking on the role of motivating me and boosting my motivation.
That said, even if that’s the case, I have no intention of forgiving him.
The moment he mentioned someone else’s name, I knew I’d never forgive him again.
I think I’ll hate him for the rest of my life.
I’ve always hated him, but Takagi keeps surpassing that level every time, and I can’t help but feel a certain respect for him.
I can’t be as loyal to my own desires and pride as he is.
Is that level of obsession necessary when it comes to pursuing a goal?
I managed to make it to the next class on time and reflected a little while preparing.
Even though it was Takagi, I think I let my emotions get the better of me.
There was no need to take such a provocative attitude.
I guess I lost control because I was annoyed that Nagisa was being mocked.
I hate people who mock those who work hard.
As soon as the sixth-period civics teacher entered the classroom, he scolded Reisa and the others who were talking in front.
Come to think of it, I didn’t talk to Reisa today.
Usually, when tests are returned, she’d rush straight to my seat, but she didn’t do that today.
There was no contact during break time either, and honestly, it feels unnatural compared to our usual interactions.
Did I do something to offend her?
…No, probably not.
It’s just that I’m the type whose feelings show on my face.
I must have been giving off a negative aura ever since the tests were returned.
That must have made her feel uncomfortable.
I don’t think this is just my imagination.
I know Reisa well enough to be sure of that, and she’s the kind of person who goes out of her way to be considerate.
I felt sorry and reflected on my actions.
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After class, I passed by the third-year classroom.
It wasn’t like I had business with Takagi.
I’m not that much of a masochist, and even though I felt bad, I didn’t think I had said anything wrong to him, so I didn’t plan on apologizing.
I was just stuck on the last thing he said.
I wanted to check on Nagisa’s condition.
Looking through the window from the hallway, Takagi was the first one I saw.
He was sitting back, talking loudly to the boys around him.
He’s so energetic.
Then, I immediately spotted Nagisa.
She didn’t seem particularly depressed, just studying hard.
Her incredible concentration was evident even from a distance, but Nagisa is always like that.
I didn’t sense any particular atmosphere of depression.
According to Takagi, she did terribly on the quiz, but why doesn’t she seem like it?
Could it be a lie?
No, no, that’s unlikely.
Takagi might lie to get my attention if it would make for a good story, but I think I’m overthinking it.
If he lost his conscience that much, he’d be a villain with no dignity left as a human being.
As I continued watching the classroom, I witnessed a shocking scene.
K-Kaori is studying…!?
I only caught a glimpse of her, but I couldn’t take my eyes off her.
My childhood friend was intently spreading out her notebook and reference books and writing with her pen.
I didn’t know this side of my childhood friend.
In fact, it was the first time I had ever seen it.
She can study quietly…
It was a shocking revelation.
As I was staring in amazement, someone tapped me on the shoulder from behind.
“Are you here for Nagisa chan?”
“N-no…oh, it’s Nishiho san.”
I panicked, thinking I was being interrogated by a stranger, but I relaxed when I saw her face.
Standing behind me was Nishiho Mika, a friend of Reisa’s.
She was smiling and staring at me intently.
The reason for my panic was due to my daily life.
Because I spend so much time with Reisa and Nagisa, other students often speculate about our relationship.
This time, I was shaken because I thought it was one of those people.
I was glad it was someone I knew.
“How’s your studying going?”
“…So-so.”
“Is it about the English quiz? I heard something bad.”
“No, don’t worry about it. How about you, Nishiho san?”
“Hm? I solved the first four questions and then went to sleep. The score…I don’t remember.”
This is bad.
It’s been a while since I’ve seen someone who doesn’t study seriously.
In middle school, I saw a lot of people like this because it was a mixed public school, but this is the first time I’ve seen such an irresponsible student in high school.
There are people who sleep during class, but not many people sleep during tests without even trying to solve the questions.
She’s a monster.
I was surprised when she talked to me during class before, but she’s really not into studying.
Mika laughed at me, who was trembling with fear.
I see, maybe Reisa’s habit of skipping class came from people like her.
That makes sense.
“I’m looking forward to the maid.”
There’s no point in talking about studying, so I brought up a neutral topic.
However, Mika suddenly widened her eyes for a moment.
She immediately smiled wryly as if trying to appear calm, but what was that reaction?
“…You’re really good at saying things that make people anxious.”
“Eh? Eh?”
“That’s my business. Anyway, I have nothing to do with the maid cafe at the cultural festival. Look, I’m ugly, so I can’t be a maid…”
“…”
I thought I had been told something I didn’t understand, but now it seemed I had stepped on a landmine.
However, I couldn’t understand her self-deprecation.
Nishiho Mika certainly had a plain appearance.
However, most of that impression was due to her braids, a hairstyle that is not often seen nowadays.
Her facial features were well-proportioned, and if she didn’t have acne, she would be quite beautiful.
I couldn’t understand what she was being so self-deprecating about.
“Hey, why are you staring at my face?”
“No, you’re not ugly at all. You’re cute.”
“……Come on.” “
“No, I’m serious. You’re cute as you are, and if you change your hairstyle…..yeah, just changing your hairstyle would completely change your image.”
For a moment, I thought about her acne, but even I knew that mentioning it would be inappropriate.
Whether or not one can be considerate of a sensitive matters is another issue.
I also think that acne during puberty is a sensitive issue, and those who can develop it will do so no matter how much care they take with skincare.
Pointing out something that can’t be helped will only hurt them.
At my words, Mika said,
“Eh, ah, much obliged.”
“Why are you using honorifics?”
“…No, nothing. It’s just that kind of thing.”
“Eh, what?”
“Haa, this is going to be a hassle.”
Mika walked away, sighing.
Her back, shaking her head, seemed tired.
I guess I said something bad.
But.
“No, no, if someone says that, you should praise them. I’m not lying. What’s wrong with telling a cute person they’re cute?”
I muttered to myself and smiled wryly.
She’s still such an enigmatic person.
As the friend of Reisa, who is known for her enigmatic behavior, she’s also quite mysterious.
Perhaps it’s true that birds of a feather flock together.
I was thinking such carefree thoughts.
I never imagined that my quiet mutterings would be heard by the person herself.
Never underestimate the keen ears of a professional maid.
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