Chapter 35
by Need_More_SleepChapter 35: I Want To Go On A Date With Senpai
Shimizu Sakuya dragged her soaked body back to her room and opened the simple wardrobe to change out of her wet clothes.
Miss Saito was truly thoughtful—she had prepared two spare maid uniforms.
Otherwise, wearing damp clothes would surely lead to a cold.
Just as Sakuya was feeling relieved, she suddenly realized—her underwear was soaked through too.
Wearing wet undergarments would be unbearable.
Fortunately, in the middle drawer of the wardrobe, she found a fresh set of underwear that Miss Saito had considerately prepared.
She picked it up and checked the label.
Hmm, size B. That should fit.
Wait a minute…
How did Miss Saito know my size?!
She had never told her!
Did she just guess by looking at her?!
As expected of a woman who holds her own in the Fujiwara estate—her skills are terrifying.
But now wasn’t the time to marvel at that. She needed to change quickly.
While Yuki was still in the bath, Sakuya had to take advantage of this rare moment alone to survey the Fujiwara estate.
First, the Fujiwara residence covered roughly 50 hectares.
Its vast size meant more security patrols.
But the larger the team, the more likely mistakes would occur.
As she pondered, Sakuya changed into the fresh maid uniform and gently towel-dried her damp golden hair.
She pulled back the plain curtains, letting the cool night breeze brush against her slightly damp locks.
Leaning against the windowsill, she carefully observed the scenery outside.
The night sky was clear and cloudless, the bright moon casting serene silver light like a soothing benediction.
But for the Fujiwara guards, it was no peaceful night—they patrolled the sprawling gardens with flashlights, weaving through dense foliage and flower beds.
Red surveillance cameras dotted the pathways, undoubtedly monitored around the clock.
The anti-theft measures were too thorough.
Slipping out unnoticed would be nearly impossible.
Even if she exploited a gap in patrols, she’d likely be reported within an hour.
But an hour was all she needed.
Her resolve firm, Sakuya, sprang into action.
She grabbed a notebook and pen from her schoolbag and began sketching a rough map of the estate while observing the guards’ movements.
She also noted the time on her phone—to track the patrol shifts.
But this wasn’t enough. From the third floor, she could only see half the estate.
She still needed more opportunities to figure out escape routes.
Just then, her phone screen lit up—an unexpected email interrupted her thoughts.
The sender’s address was unfamiliar.
Her phone had been completely reset, and aside from Natsukawa Amane’s contact, she didn’t recognize anyone else’s.
But the tone made it obvious—this was Saori.
“Sakuya, are you not home? I just got back from practice and your house is completely dark. I rang the doorbell, but no one answered. Did you go out?”
Sakuya immediately saved the address and labeled it—Amami Saori.
She’d been so caught up with Yuki today that she’d forgotten about Saori.
But according to Yuki’s wishes, she couldn’t tell Saori about their… arrangement.
So she had no choice but to lie.
“Sorry! I’m staying at my cousin’s place for the week. Did you need something?”
Amami Saori: “Nothing urgent. I just wanted to chat.”
Sakuya: “We saw each other at school this afternoon, though? You’re definitely hiding something. Spill! Or I’ll tickle you senseless when we get back!”
Amami Saori: “Nooo! (＞Д＜)ノノ!! Fine, I’ll confess! Your knight just wanted to see her golden-haired princess, okay? Is that so wrong?”
After reading this, Sakuya was certain Saori was hiding something serious.
She was testing the waters, waiting for a private moment after school to bring it up.
Was it about the medicine? Or her hand injury?
Before Sakuya could ponder further, Saori’s messages flooded in rapid succession.
Amami Saori: “Don’t believe me?”
Amami Saori: “I really just wanted to talk!”
Amami Saori: “It’s nothing, really. I’ll come find you at lunch tomorrow—you’ll see!”
This girl types so fast…
Sakuya was about to reply with an enthusiastic “Sure! Let’s have lunch together tomorrow!” when a horrifying realization struck.
Given Yuki’s personality… Would she let Sakuya have lunch alone tomorrow?
The answer was obvious.
If Saori found out about her and Yuki’s relationship…
Even if they were friends now, they’d probably end up fighting.
Her pupils trembling, Sakuya hastily deleted the drafted reply and typed instead:
“Sorry, Saori! I already promised to have lunch with someone else tomorrow.”
Amami Saori: “T T”
Guilt gnawed at Sakuya. Saori was an angel—how could she do this to her?
She quickly added: “Sorry, sorry! How about we go see a movie next weekend? My treat!”
Amami Saori: “Why not this weekend?”
Because this weekend, I’ll be Yuki’s personal maid!
Sakuya fell silent, unsure how to respond. Just as she considered ignoring it, another email arrived—from the girl who’d vowed to save her.
???
What’s going on today? Is the universe conspiring against me?
Sighing, Sakuya opened the message.
Natsukawa Amane: “Good evening, Shimizu-san. Are you busy?”
Shimizu Sakuya: “No, what’s up?”
Natsukawa Amane: “Great! I went to your classroom today, but you weren’t there.”
Shimizu Sakuya: “I was at a club with a friend. If you need me, just email me directly next time.”
Natsukawa Amane: “Perfect! Actually, Shimizu-san, you’re my senpai, right? Calling you ‘Shimizu-san’ feels too formal… Can I call you ‘Senpai’ instead?”
Shimizu Sakuya: “Of course. But what did you want to talk about? Did you have another dream?”
Natsukawa Amane: “Um… Senpai, are you free in the next two weeks? I… I want to go on a date with you.”