The Loner's Panic
We arrived at the restaurant that Hinata-san recommended, with her driving us there.
"What's this place?"
"It's a tempura specialty shop that's known to be incredibly delicious."
"...Really tasty."
If these two, who've eaten here before, say it's good, then it must be. Huh? Wait, haven’t I seen this car somewhere before? And that license plate...
"What the—?!"
"Is something wrong?"
Yuki-san leans in with a concerned look, but I’m too preoccupied to explain. This could be a major problem.
"What’s the matter?"
"Well, this car likely belongs to my childhood friend’s family, which means..."
"...Which means?"
"If my childhood friend is in that shop and spots us together, it’s going to get messy."
"Hmm, I suppose that’s true. Then how about this: Shino and I will go in first, and you and Yuki can enter five minutes later, posing as her boyfriend."
"That doesn’t feel like it solves the problem..."
"Let’s say Shino and I are Yuki’s friends. Simple, isn’t it? Well then, we’re off."
"Wait, hey—!?"
Before I could protest, Hinata-san and Shino-san left, leaving just me and Yuki-san in the parking lot. What now?
"Let’s prepare for the worst in case we’re found out."
"Yeah, good idea..."
Why does something as simple as eating out have to turn into this? My luck is just unbelievable.
"To make it believable, let’s act more like a couple."
"Act like a couple?"
"Like this."
Yuki-san wraps her arms around my right arm, pressing her chest against me. My self-control is in *serious* danger here!
"Couldn’t we just hold hands? This is... embarrassing."
"It has to look convincing. Let’s go."
"Yuki-san!?"
Before I could stop her, she pulled me into the restaurant.
"Welcome. A table for two?"
The proprietress greeted us, bowing gracefully. She carried an air of elegance, her movements precise and refined.
"Actually, could you show us to Kamiyama-san’s room?"
"Right this way, please."
The proprietress led us through the restaurant. The place exuded luxury—definitely not somewhere I’d come on my own. My mom never brought me to places like this either.
"Here you are."
She slid the door open, and we entered the room.
"Looks like we didn’t get caught. Let’s have a toast to that!"
"Too soon! I just got here!"
"...Hungry. Now."
"Alright, let’s enjoy the meal then."
I sat down next to Yuki-san, with Hinata-san across from me and Shino-san across from Yuki.
"No drinking, alright? We’ve got plenty to do tomorrow."
"A little bit won’t hurt."
"Hey, as an educator, you shouldn’t be saying things like that."
"...It’s fine. Yuki and Yuki’s boyfriend can drive us home."
"That’s not fine!"
These two aren’t going to listen, are they?
"Ahem. You two know what happens if you drink, right?"
Yuki-san smiled, but her eyes were anything but friendly.
"Y-yes, of course."
The two of them instantly became compliant. She really does feel like their mom sometimes.
"Alright, let’s order. I love tempura, so I’m excited!"
"Really? Didn’t know you were into tempura."
"Yes, I love Japanese cuisine, and tempura is one of my favorites."
Come to think of it, Yuki-san often makes Japanese-style meals. I usually go for Western food when I cook, so her dishes are a nice treat.
"My recommendation is shrimp tempura. I order it every time I come here."
"...Pumpkin is delicious."
Hinata-san loves shrimp, and Shino-san goes for pumpkin, huh?
"I’ll try those two, plus onion and mixed tempura."
"I want to try mountain yam."
"...I’ll have my usual."
"Then let’s call the proprietress."
We placed our orders, and the proprietress left the room after noting them all down.
"I’m going to the restroom real quick."
"It’s down the hall to the right."
"Got it."
Hinata-san pointed me in the right direction. After finishing my business, I stepped out into the corridor, only to bump into someone.
"Ah!"
"Oh, I’m sorry! Are you okay?"
I reached out a hand to help the woman who had fallen. When I saw her face, I froze.
"Yuuki-kun?"
"Ah, yeah... Long time no see, Saeko-san."
Of all people to run into... This timing couldn’t be worse.
"I’m surprised to see you here!"
Saeko-san, the mother of my childhood friend, is as radiant as ever. She has this gentle, maternal air about her that feels so comforting.
"Well, it happens. Are you dining alone today?"
"No, I’m with my daughter."
That makes sense. She’s a single mother but never shows any sign of hardship. She’s amazing like that.
"Please don’t tell Shana I’m here. She’ll give me an earful later."
"That’s too bad. I would’ve loved to join you, but I understand."
"No worries, I just—"
"Yuuki-san? What’s taking so long?"
I’m cursed. This timing... Yuki-san walked in at the worst possible moment.
"Yuuki...san...?"
"Uh, let me explain! This is Harukawa Saeko-san, my childhood friend’s mother. And no, this isn’t what it looks like!"
I frantically clarified. Yuki-san’s uneasy expression softened a little.
"I see. That’s a relief."
"And who is this?"
"Um... my girlfriend, Shiraishi Yuki. She’s also my boss at work."
Now I had to explain to Saeko-san. Why does every interaction feel so exhausting today?
"Ah, I see. Nice to meet you. I’m dating Yuuki-san. Please take care of him."
"...I see. Please take care of him for me."
"Saeko-san?"
"Oh, right! I should get back to my daughter. Excuse me!"
She hurried off, looking flustered. What was that about?
"Well, at least it’s just Yuki who ran into her. As long as Hinata-san and Shino-san aren’t seen, we should be okay."
"I see... So that’s how it is."
"Yuki? What’s wrong?"
"Nothing. Let’s enjoy some delicious tempura."
"Yeah, let’s eat!"
Even though Yuki-san seemed to be deep in thought, I decided not to press her. For now, it’s time for tempura!
---
Author's Note:
It's been a long time. First of all, I'm sorry. <m(__)m> I'm going to bow down.
Due to university and family matters, I wasn't able to update! Things have calmed down since April began, so I'm hoping to update about once a week from now on.
Maybe the younger sister will appear next time? Probably.
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