Math Is My Friend

Natsumi broke out of this weird atmosphere between them first and asked the idol to meet next to the back door of the cafe. Haruki, who was watching this scene closely, wanted to stop her, because of the feeling his friend wasn't actually sure about that, but she asked him not to worry. The problem was she actually got scared and kicked herself for talking to him before the concert. He must have a much bigger ego, he can handle, so I just say sorry, if he needs it so badly, that crossed her mind.

Meanwhile Kazuya, waiting for the girl, was thinking what cool text he could use to impress her, like she did to him when they met for the first time and he prepared a lot. Maybe adverted to the threat she threw last time. He was aware that the girl was thinking badly about him and it could be his only chance to fix it. Her nervous behaviour surprised him and he couldn’t believe how professionally she looked with hair tied in a tight bun, in an apron and without stains on her blouse. The girl bowed, surprising him even more.

“I am deeply sorry for my rude behaviour,” Natsumi said but couldn’t stop herself from adding in a mean voice. “If I knew you were the type to nurse a grudge so nicely I wouldn’t get even close to you. But at least be that nice and don’t do anything to make me lose my job, I really need it.”

The idol was so shocked by her words that he couldn’t know what to say for a moment. Natsumi, still making a bow, took a look at his reaction, but there was neither anger nor umbrage. That seemed confusing, as she really expected him to demand great remorse or even better begging for forgiveness, as he was looking for her so desperately. Poor Sota got so emotional, thinking the owner will give him his marching orders, because he told someone about Natsumi’s daily whereabouts. She stood up and waited for the idol's turn, as not having any idea what to do next, but ready to go back, if he wouldn’t do anything for another minute.

“No, you misunderstood.” Kazuya started to fear her being gone suddenly again, but also lost all his confidence. “I was looking for you just to talk.”

“About what?” Her posture got a little more defensive. That was not expected but definitely not welcomed either.

“Oh well, I wanted to know if I didn’t disappoint this person…”

“You did well, Kenny,” she got into the word, as to finish this conversation as quickly as possible.

“Don’t call me that!” His raised voice made her take a step back. “My name is Kazuya.”

“Whatever, you must have already noticed that I am not a fan.”

“Well, yeah, that’s pretty obvious.” He sighed realising she was a tough rival. “Anyway you made quite an impression on me and I just wanted to know you a little bit more.”

“Hold your horses and don’t even try to. I am not interested in letting you know me even more in getting to know you.” Her voice was so cold, that Kazuya preferred it to be full of anger rather than indifference. “Is that all? I need to go back to work.”

The idol couldn’t believe the conversation went and how drastically he lost it. Sho was right, my situation is really tragic, is he some kind of psychic, he asked himself. What made him say another word, he would never know, but for sure stopped her hand on handle, however not turning around.

“Date me. You don’t know me, I don’t know you, so let’s try working on that while dating.”

“Like I said earlier, I’m not interested.” A small sting happened in her heart, but as always she ignored it.

“I have a lot to offer. I guess someone close to you would be really happy to get our merch with autographs…”

She was fast. Before he realized her face was really close to his, this time really angry, almost ready to kill with only a gaze. Kazuya knew that if he survives the first round, he might have a chance, but was ready to admit that mentioning the younger one could be a mistake.

“Don’t involve my sister in this whatever you want to achieve.”

“I just want to genuinely ask you on a date. What do you say?” Kazuya tried his most charming smile on her, but nothing seemed to move her.

The idol could be stubborn if he cared about something and even considering it that asking for that wasn’t part of the plan. Going back couldn’t just happen in this situation. They were looking at each other in a silent fight. Natsumi still suspected that there was something more behind that, but it seemed like a simple yet toughie refusal wouldn’t be enough. She was thinking about what would actually work. Silence broke when they both looked in the direction where there was audible conversation.

“I am pretty sure Kenny is somewhere around. He is my favourite, do you think I wouldn’t recognise him? How dare you doubt me?” Said the girl angrily.

“Yeah, yeah. Your fan pride cannot be hurt. I am sure it was just an assumption again. Which time this month? Fifth or tenth?” That voice was teasing the first one.

The idol understood that he was in danger of being discovered, so he put a chitty with his number into Natsumi’s hand, making sure she tightened her hand on it.

“I guess it’s time for me to go before they find me, but you still didn’t give me an answer.” He smiled apologetically.

“My answer for dating is no, dating a famous person definitely no,” Natsumi said calmly, like she didn’t even consider another option.

“So it’s two times "no "? What is your name?”

“Natsumi,” she answered thinking it’s the end of their conversation, knowing she will never use the number he gave her, so there will be no risk in being basically polite.

“So Natsumi, in math very often minus and minus gives plus, so after all I will consider it as yes. Let me know when you will be free for our first date.”

Kazuya started to run away so she wouldn’t have a chance to say anything, but was smiling brightly, yet still disappointed that there will be another round of waiting ahead of him.