Chapter 20
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Chapter 20: Maid Outfits Are Best With Long Skirts And Lace-Up Boots VII
I absentmindedly listened to the class, my thoughts still clouded, and before I knew it, I had reached the school’s entrance while debating whether to go to kendo practice or not. If I changed my shoes and left, it would naturally mean I was going home. But if Haruka-nee noticed me like she did this morning and didn’t say anything again, it would confirm that something had irreparably broken between us, and that scared me.
I had been avoiding Haruka-nee at school because it was embarrassing. But now that I was the one trying to find her, it felt strange.
“Maybe I can deal with this after I get home.”
Procrastinating the unpleasant. I know it’s a bad habit, but I keep doing it because I’m weak-willed.
“Hey, Nao-kun! Heading home?”
Minato-san slapped my back hard just as I was about to leave with my shoulders slumped. The unexpected blow stung, making my back throb.
“You look way more than just tired—was it that painful?”
“No, it’s not because of that.”
“Well, don’t worry. Something good will come along eventually.”
Minato-san lightly patted my head again. I didn’t say anything, having almost given up. But honestly, it did make me feel a little better.
“You’re not in any clubs, huh, Nao-kun?”
“Yeah. Is it because you help out at home, Minato-san?”
“Well, kind of. I could join a club if I wanted to, but nothing really interested me.”
We were probably heading in opposite directions, but at least until we left school, we were walking together. I wondered how we looked to others, walking home and chatting about nothing in particular. People say some high schoolers immediately get boyfriends or girlfriends, but I want to believe that’s either an urban legend or pure fantasy.
“Oh, Nao, Minato. You two look like you’re having fun.”
Just as we were about to part ways near the school gate, there she was: Rei-sama, in her familiar high-end black car, wearing her school uniform with a cool smile on her face. This was the second time, so unlike before, there wasn’t a crowd forming around the gate, instead, everyone was quickly walking away.
“Oh, Rei… sama.”
Minato-san’s face stiffened as she called out Rei-sama’s name, clearly uncomfortable.
“I’m not here today as a customer, so there’s no need to act formal. Just be yourself.”
Despite her lenient words, her aura was undeniably intimidating. Back when I did kendo, facing stronger opponents gave me a similar sense of overwhelming pressure, but this felt different. It was the unique authority of someone used to being in charge.
“I told you to keep an eye on Nao since we’re at the same school, but I didn’t tell you to cling to him and walk home together.”
“Oh, did you say that?”
Feigning ignorance wasn’t going to deflect Rei-sama’s anger.
“Yes, and I could tell from watching that you weren’t listening to a word I said.”
Oh no. Rei-sama didn’t seem like she’d calm down anytime soon. So far, her anger was directed at Minato-san, but I didn’t know when it might turn toward me. Desperate, I glanced over at Kanshou-san and Bakuya-san, who stood behind Rei-sama, silently pleading for help.
But just as our eyes met, they quickly looked away. When I continued staring, hoping they’d give in, Bakuya-san finally looked at me, sighed, and shook her head. It seemed that even they knew it wouldn’t be easy to stop Rei-sama right now.
Should I just silently endure it and wait for her to calm down?
Fortunately or unfortunately, the students who had noticed Rei-sama didn’t stick around. They were used to seeing her, and many walked away quickly, leaving no one to watch us. Judging by their reactions, word must have spread that Rei-sama was the daughter of the prestigious Nakajo family. Rumors in small towns spread fast.
“So why did you even contact Nao in the first place?”
“Well, don’t you think Nao-kun is pretty cute? He looked good in a kimono, and he’s small, always glancing around nervously.”
Maybe I should try to break that habit of mine. She’s basically calling me cute like I’m some small animal.
“I can see that.”
“Please don’t.”
Rei-sama’s expression softened a bit, but I wasn’t happy about it. Still, if her mood improved, maybe my growing anxiety was worth something.
“So, I thought I’d like to hire him as a model for our shop, if not the face of it.”
“I won’t allow that. Nao is my doll, and I won’t let anyone take him!”
The conversation heated up as they started arguing about me, the very person they were talking about, right in front of me. Their voices grew louder, and soon the few remaining students passing by couldn’t help but glance over. From the outside, it probably looked like two girls fighting over me. It wouldn’t surprise me if they thought I was the bad guy.
Oh man, I really don’t want to come to school tomorrow.
“Hey, Rei, calm down. You’re being too loud.”
“I’m not loud! Next time, I’ll bring Nao and hang out in your shop all day!”
At this point, Rei-sama’s tantrum was more like that of a spoiled child. The elegant young lady who once seemed to live in a different world from me now looked more like a kid throwing a fit in a supermarket.
“Isn’t that more of a nuisance than a threat?”
“Nao-kun, stop making calm remarks and help me stop her.”
Rei-sama began lightly hitting Minato-san on the chest, but compared to Minato-san, Rei-sama was much smaller and didn’t seem to be hurting her at all. Minato-san didn’t even seem to mind.
“I’m used to older girls crying, so I tend to let it slide.”
“Oh? And who might you be talking about?”
A voice suddenly came from behind me, and I let out a small “ah”. With all the commotion, it was no wonder Haruka-nee had come to check on the situation.