Yesterday, I was so tired that I couldn't even hear what Ayame-san wanted to talk about.
I feel kind of bad about it, but I hope it wasn't anything serious.
Actually, I'm still worried I might've done something to upset her.
To make things worse, Ryuichi told me I should be more mindful of my actions. Honestly, I feel a little ashamed.
Let's just hope I don't mess things up this time—and that I listen to her properly.
"Good morning, Tomoki-san!" - Tachibana Himari greeted me cheerfully.
"Good morning, Tachibana-san!" - I replied with the same energy.
"Yesterday we kind of relied on you too much, sorry about that."
"Don't worry, I understand. I just hope I don't have to speak in front of the whole class again anytime soon."
"That… might be a little hard. But yeah, let's hope so!"
She's so cheerful—it actually surprised me. After the incident with Ryuichi on the first day of school, she didn't give off the impression of someone this bright. I mean, she was crying back then.
Well, I'm glad she's doing better now.
"Good morning, Tomoki!" - Ryuichi greeted me as always.
"Good morning, Ryuichi!"
"I should go—if it's okay, let's talk another time." - Tachibana-san waved and walked off to join her friends.
"Tomoki, do you have feelings for Tachibana Himari-san?"
"Feelings? We just exchanged a short greeting and talked a bit. I haven't thought about it that way."
"I know you're probably tired of hearing this, but seriously—be aware of your actions. They can lead to big misunderstandings."
There it is again—that same warning. Maybe I should ask for more details.
"Ryuichi, I really thought I was being mindful. Yesterday, I think I made Ayame-san upset, but I have no idea what I did."
Since he's bringing this up a second time, maybe I actually did something inappropriate toward Tachibana-san too?
"Tomoki, I don't think you realize how your actions are coming across. I'm not sure you understand just how much women long for a man's warmth."
"You mean kindness and affection? I'm pretty sure that applies to anyone."
"You're not wrong—but I'm talking about something deeper. I mean in a 'physical' sense. Do I really need to spell it out for you?"
"Oh... I get it now. But I don't think I'm that attractive. You're the popular one, honestly."
"Sigh... Tomoki, do you own a mirror? You're not ugly. Got that?"
"I see... so I'm not handsome either."
"Okay, let me put it this way so maybe it'll finally sink in... whenever you talk to a girl, that girl thinks you LOVE her. Got it?"
"... Got it! … Must've been tough for you."
"I give up. One day a girl's going to kidnap you, and I'm just gonna call you and say, 'I told ya.' Mark my words."
"Haha… if that really happens, I'll do a dogeza and say, 'I was dumb as a log'."
"If you survive, you mean."
"Hahaha!"
So in the end, he's just concerned based on what might happen to him. Sometimes I want to tell him he's being dramatic—but he really is popular. He even earned the nickname "Ice Prince" at school.
Not to mention he's from a wealthy family. Meanwhile, I'm just a scholarship student living an ordinary life. That's a big difference.
If I want a girl to fall in love with me, I'll have to work for it.
A lot of work.
"Good morning, Tomoki-kun! You seem more cheerful today." - Ayame-san approached me with a soft smile.
"Good morning, Ayame-san! Yeah, I slept like a log last night!"
"I'm glad you're doing okay."
"Thanks! So, about yesterday..."
Ding dong, ding dong.
I wanted to ask what she'd wanted to talk about.
I was kind of nervous about inviting her, but now I just needed to be brave.
"Ayame-san, if it's okay with you… would you like to eat lunch together?"
"Tomoki-kun!? …Of course, if you're okay with it."
"Well then, see you at lunch!"
♦♦♦
Ding dong, ding dong.
"Tomoki, did you bring your lunch?" - Ryuichi asked, as usual.
"Yeah, but today I'll be eating with Ayame-san. My bad."
"You... sigh ... don't need to apologize. If you're doing it because you want to, I'm cool with that."
"Thanks. I'll be heading out now."
So I left the classroom and followed Ayame-san to her usual lunch spot.
I'd always wondered where she went during lunch.
"It's a bit of a walk, but I promise it'll be worth it." - Ayame-san said as we left the school building.
"No need to worry."
When we arrived, I was stunned.
Under a beautiful sakura tree stood a finely crafted table—and a maid bowing politely.
"Tomoki-kun, this is my personal attendant, Sasaki Yuki-san."
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Morikawa-sama."
It was my first time seeing a real maid. Her uniform wasn't the frilly kind you'd see in manga. It was sleek, black, and formal. She looked elegant and composed.
This wasn't the time to be dazzled. I needed to respond properly.
"As you probably know, my name is Morikawa Tomoki. The pleasure is mine."
"Fufu~ you're more composed than I expected, Tomoki-kun. But relax. Feel free to take a seat."
"Thank you, Ayame-san. I will."
Sasaki-san pulled out the chair for me. I felt like some kind of noble.
"Ayame-sama, your lunch will be served now."
"Thank you, Sasaki-san."
Her lunch was literally served on a silver platter.
It was kind of funny that, in the middle of all these fancy dishes, I had my plain plastic lunch box.
"My lady, I'll take my leave now. Morikawa-sama, thank you for keeping Ayame-sama company."
"I should be the one thanking you. I'm always causing trouble for Ayame-san."
"No, Tomoki-kun. You're not causing me trouble at all. I'm really happy to have a friend like you."
"Haha… I'm happy to hear that."
After Sasaki-san left, it was just the two of us eating together.
Should I say something first?
I wanted to ask her what she wanted to talk about yesterday—but maybe that'd be rude while we're eating.
We didn't say a word until we finished our meal.
"Ayame-san, sorry... I didn't listen to you yesterday. But I'm feeling better now."
"It's not a big deal. I was just wondering if you… yeah, if you were planning to join a club."
So that was it.
I thought I'd made some big mistake with her. I mean, she was kind of intense yesterday.
But if she's okay now, then maybe there's no need to bring it up again.
"Actually, yes! I already have."
"May I know which club?"
"Yeah! Its—"
♦♦♦
"Everyone, we have a newcomer in the cooking club!"
"I'll be in your care!"