055. Akihabara Adventure (Part One)

Kyoko Kato watched the subtle tension between Yu Jiang and Maki Nishikino, chuckling quietly to herself, with no intention whatsoever of rescuing Yu Jiang from the awkward situation.

Chinatsu Kotobuki, on the other hand, seemed to rather enjoy the silence, her head bowed as she drifted off into her own thoughts.

Once the dishes were served, the restaurant owner appeared from somewhere unknown and asked Yu Jiang if he was interested in working part-time there.

He had a keen eye, easily guessing Yu Jiang was a student. Although Yu Jiang was gradually growing accustomed to his role as a high schooler, the truth was he had not yet truly left behind his student days.

Even if in his previous life he had already started working, it had only just been the beginning of his foray into society, and Yu Jiang had not yet fully shifted his mindset.

Before Yu Jiang could answer, Kyoko Kato cheerfully declined the offer for him, laughingly explaining that Yu Jiang was already working at her place.

The owner glanced at Kyoko in surprise, then smiled, “So he’s one of yours, Kyoko.”

Hmm… It seemed the two of them were familiar with each other.

After a bit of amiable conversation with Kyoko, the restaurant owner did not bring up the job again, and instead seemed quite pleased with their talk.

At last, as he left, the owner said generously, “Your meal today is on the house. Consider it a thank you for this young man’s performance—it was truly wonderful. I look forward to hearing you play again next time!”

Before Yu Jiang could even utter a modest response, the owner waved him off and left.

The group then ate their lunch in silence. Afterward, Kyoko Kato drove Chinatsu Kotobuki and Maki Nishikino back to the music shop, then departed with Yu Jiang after bidding the two farewell.

Once they were on the road, Kyoko glanced at the pensive Yu Jiang and teased, “What’s wrong? Fallen for little Maki? Need me to set you two up?”

Yu Jiang, who had been thinking about his plans for the afternoon, was nearly thrown off by the question.

But just as Kyoko had come to understand Yu Jiang’s personality over the past week, so too had Yu Jiang come to grasp Kyoko’s character.

After all, it wasn’t the first time he’d been teased by her and Ayane Mizuno…

Resigned, Yu Jiang shot Kyoko a glare. He now understood why Chinatsu sometimes wore that helpless expression when dealing with her.

Shouldn’t there be a limit to wild speculation and nonsense?

Choosing his words carefully, Yu Jiang replied, “…Of course not. I was just thinking about the afternoon’s plans.”

“Oh? Going out with your girlfriend? No wonder you don’t like little Maki~” Kyoko continued her teasing as she drove.

How long is she going to keep running with this joke…?

Yu Jiang sighed, rubbing his aching temples, and finally explained, “I honestly don’t know when or how you got the idea I have a girlfriend, or why you deduced I’d be going out this afternoon with one who doesn’t exist. The truth is, I’m just going shopping with a good friend.”

“Oh, don’t sweat the small stuff…” she said airily.

This isn’t a small thing, you know! Where would a shut-in like me get a girlfriend, that mythical creature!

“But if you ask why I thought you had a girlfriend… Wasn’t that girl, Miss Kasumigaoka, your girlfriend? She was so pretty.”

“…Didn’t I explain that already? She’s just a senior at school, nothing more.”

“Heh~ A mere senior wouldn’t say such things in front of everyone, you know?”

“That’s just because she likes to tease people!”

“Oh, is that so? Very well, then.” Kyoko nodded, but her words didn’t match her skeptical tone.

Then, for once, Kyoko turned serious and asked, “So, where to next? Shall I drive you straight to your destination?”

“That’s not necessary. You can drop me off at the café—that’s already close to my house. I promised my sister I’d take her with me this afternoon, so I need to stop by home first.”

Yu Jiang politely declined her offer, explaining as he did.

“It’s no trouble. I’ll take you straight home. No need to be so formal~”

“…Alright, thank you, Kyoko.”

“There you go again, being so polite…”

“Ah—! Sorry…”

“…Fine, say whatever you like. I’ll head toward the café, and you just handle the navigation, okay?”

“No problem!”

Kyoko then drove Yu Jiang to the building where he lived, leaving him with a cheerful, “Have fun this afternoon~ But don’t forget you have work tonight!” before she left.

Without even a chance to ask her to stay, Yu Jiang could only watch the red coupe disappear around the corner, smile helplessly, and head upstairs.

At his front door, Yu Jiang fished out his keys, unlocking the door as he pulled out his phone to check if Runya Aki had replied to him on LINE.

He figured that even if Runya had stayed up late last night, he should be awake by now.

Sure enough, there were several unread messages from Runya Aki.

“Huh? Umaru’s coming too? But we’re going to Akihabara…”

“Just so you know, I’m only hitting up completely respectable places, so it’s fine if your sister comes too.”

“If she wants to join, that’s alright, but she might not enjoy it much…”

“…Answer me already, Yu!”

The last message had come about ten minutes after the previous ones. Imagining Runya’s likely impatience, Yu Jiang shook his head with a smile.

Stepping inside, he called, “I’m home!” and then replied to Runya, typing, “Actually, Umaru’s an otaku too—she’ll probably love it there!”

Message composed, confirmed, and sent.

As he set his phone down, Yu Jiang was greeted by a girl in a hamster cloak.

Her bright eyes and dazzling smile were enchanting as she beamed at him. “Welcome back, big brother! Are we going out now?”

Seeing Umaru’s eager face and expectant gaze, Yu Jiang couldn’t help but laugh. “Let me at least catch my breath. We’ll head out once I check with Runya, okay?”

Just then, his phone screen lit up with another message from Runya on LINE.

Runya sent a long string of texts, expressing his surprise that Umaru was an otaku too, especially since she seemed like such a perfect high school student in public.

If only you knew, Runya—she’s even less perfect than you imagine…

He also promised to be a good guide that afternoon, making sure that while he shopped for what he needed, Yu Jiang and Umaru would have a great time browsing around.

After confirming the meeting place and time with Runya, Yu Jiang headed for the living room, Umaru trailing behind.

He stretched out on the wooden floor and let out a long sigh, finally allowing himself a rare moment of relaxation.