My true identity is now full time undercover

The next day, Satoko woke up early to get ready. She put on the yukata that Fuyumi had given her, quickly tied her hair up and applied her make-up.

She lowered her gaze and stared at her blue navy yukata with white stripes.

I’ve never worn a yukata that was meant for males, it feels strange.

The day before, Mrs. Homura showed them the entire ryokan and Satoko had time to get a little familiar with the new environment.

I hope I don’t make any mistakes today.

She got out of her room and headed towards the dining room to have breakfast. On the way, she met the other three.

When they arrived, Mr. Takahashi, Mr. Ikeda, Mrs. Homura and Fuyumi were already sitting around the table, waiting for them.

“Good morning, guys! Did you sleep well?” Mr. Ikeda asked.

“No, Hiroto forced me to share the room with Kenji! Boss, say something to him” Akito whined.

“As your senpai, I have more right to have a single room” Hiroto retorted.

“This is power abuse!”

How does Akito have all this energy early in the morning? Satoko wondered, impressed.

Mr. Ikeda laughed. “You look good with the yukata, what do you think of taking a picture together?”

Satoko turned pale. Picture?! No, please, I will surely come out ugly, I’m not photogenic!

Fuyumi immediately stood up. “I’ll take it!”

No, no, someone say no, please!

Mr. Ikeda got up and went to the other side of the table, motioning for the others to join him.

Satoko turned to Hiroto, hoping that he would do something about it.

The boy sighed. “Fine, there’s no point in fighting you, anyway.”

Satoko’s head collapsed. Why? I believed in you, Hiroto!

When everyone was ready, Fuyumi pressed the shutter button and took the picture.

“Done! Do you want to see it?”

“Of course” Mr. Ikeda replied.

She handed him her phone and he stared at the screen, a tear running down his cheek.

“It’s the first picture we took together.” His body suddenly stiffened. “I’m so happy right now.”

Satoko’s eyes widened. Oh no, he’s going to faint!

“The boss is passing out!” Kenji exclaimed.

“Do something!” Akito replied.

Mr. Ikeda closed his eyes and his body fell on the floor motionless, with a loud thud.

Hiroto took a deep breath to calm down. “Why does it always end up this way?!”

Fuyumi burst out laughing, while Mrs. Homura and Mr. Takahashi shook their heads, exhausted.

Witnessing the scene, Satoko couldn’t help but laugh a little.

I think this summer vacation will be so much fun.

***

After finishing breakfast, they all got to work. Mrs. Homura and Fuyumi already prepared the rooms for the guests, so Satoko only had to serve them as she always did.

Some of the regulars of The Nightingale with the membership showed up on the first day, but they mostly were Hiroto’s loyal customers, so Satoko didn’t have much to do.

She fidgeted with her fingers, uneasy. I feel so bad seeing the others busy while I’m here not doing anything at all.

At that moment, Fuyumi entered from the main entrance and behind her, on the threshold, there was a tall blonde guy.

Finally I have something to do. Satoko thought, relieved.

Minami was wearing a Hawaiian shirt and shorts. He was dragging a big suitcase and was glancing around, as if he was looking for something.

Satoko’s cheeks tingled. Oh, I’ve never seen Minami-kun dressed casually. He’s so pretty!

She collected all her forces to compose herself and walked towards him.

“Welcome to your summer estate, danna-sama.” She bowed politely. “You must be tired, let me take your luggage, then I will be delighted to welcome you with a delicious meal.”

Satoko waited for him to give her his suitcase, but he didn’t move a muscle.

She frowned. What’s going on?

She looked up and noticed that Minami’s cheeks were visibly reddened. He was staring admiringly at her.

“Danna-sama?” she repeated, shooting a glance directly in his eyes.

“Satoshi, I… You’re so beautiful” he mumbled.

Satoko flushed, taken aback. W-What is he saying?! He went out of his mind for sure!

“You flatter me, danna-sama.” She approached him, placed her hand on top of his on the suitcase handle and slightly leaned towards him. “I prepared myself carefully to be impeccable in front of you.”

If she could, Satoko would have dropped her jaw to the floor after hearing her own words. Why does Satoshi keep on getting worse everyday?!

Minami looked away, incapable of maintaining eye contact, and scratched the back of his head. “Really?”

Satoko’s heart stopped beating. What is this tension I feel? I’ll end up breaking out of character this way!

“Hiroshi, I think I forgot my sun cream” a feminine voice said.

A girl with blonde hair tied in two ponytails entered the ryokan. Minami immediately retracted his hand from the suitcase and turned to her.

“Oh, Kazuha. It’s fine, we’ll buy it again.”

Satoko let out a sigh of relief. Thank you, Minami-kun’s sister, you saved me!

Minami looked back at Satoko and chuckled. “Sorry, I kept you waiting, Satoshi.”

Satoko shook her head. “You can do whatever you prefer in your mansion. Now I’ll show you the way, danna-sama.”

Satoko guided him and his sister to the restaurant room and served them green tea and mochis, while Fuyumi brought their luggages to their rooms. Then, after the two finished eating, she showed them the way to their rooms and left as soon as possible.

She closed the door of Minami’s room behind her back and relaxed her rigid posture.

I didn’t know he came here with his sister, he’s such a sweet big brother! She thought, a slight smile depicted on her face.

She glanced back at the door.

I’ll have to be careful that he doesn’t see me without make-up during the entire summer vacation. She sighed. Only thinking about it makes me feel exhausted.

She resumed walking, even if she could feel her heart beating stronger than usual.

I’ll be able to see him everyday…

She lowered her gaze and blushed.

I guess things that are too good come after a little sacrifice.

***

The next day

Satoko knocked on Minami’s door.

“Danna-sama, it’s time for breakfast” she said.

After some time, the sliding door opened, revealing a Minami that was still a little sleepy. While rubbing his right eye with one hand, the corners of his lips lifted up to his ears, forming a cheerful smile.

“Good morning, Satoshi.”

His blonde hair was messy and his silhouette was bathed by the soft sunlight that came in through the windows behind him.

I couldn’t wake up better than this! Satoko thought, tears of joy running down her cheeks. It feels illegal to have access to this blessing for free.

She bowed politely. “Good morning, danna-sama.”

After escorting him to the restaurant and serving him and his sister breakfast, she reached the dining room to grab something to eat.

Mrs. Homura, Fuyumi, Mr. Ikeda e Mr. Takahashi were already there.

Mr. Ikeda finished his miso soup right at that moment and placed his cup on the table.

“Well, it’s time for me to go. The Nightingale is still open during summer, so I’ll be back in Tokyo.”

“You didn’t stay long, it’s a shame” Fuyumi replied.

Right, I feel bad for the boss. He deserves a vacation.

Mrs. Homura put on an angry pout.

“I knew it, it’s a miracle that you even stayed one day. You never come to see us and when you do, you always go away immediately” she grumbled.

Mr. Ikeda shrugged. “The work has to be done, mother.” He got up. “I already prepared everything, so I’ll be going now. There’s no need to see me out, see you!”

He exited the room, leaving Mrs. Homura in a bad mood, in fact she started complaining and insulting him for being a careless son.

Satoko silently bit her mochi, a little confused. She must care a lot about him, but she has strange ways to show it…

***

After having a bath and removing her make-up, Satoko’s skin could finally breathe again.

She went outside in the garden to take a walk in the fresh evening air. The stone lamps were now lit up, giving a magical atmosphere to the place.

I’m so happy I accepted to come here. She thought, taking a deep breath.

Suddenly, some voices disturbed the calm and she heard the sound of footsteps coming in her direction. She concentrated to understand who it was and her face turned pale.

Minami-kun! He can’t see me without make-up!

She glanced around in panic, trying to find a hideout.

“The ice cream we bought today was so good!”

“We can take it tomorrow too, if you want, Kazuha.”

“Yay, you’re the best big brother!”

Oh no, they’re about to turn around the corner and see me!

At that moment, the two siblings entered Satoko’s sight.

No, no, no!

She froze, unable to do anything.

It’s over, he will recognise me for sure now.