Wait, what are you?

“YUI??? WHAT ARE YOU DOING IN HERE?” Naorin raised his voice slightly.

“Yes, Yui has arrived!” she winked.

Yui had arrived just a minute ago, and she was already catching plenty of attention just from standing near the gate waiting. Naorin didn’t want to gather any more attention from his classmates.

This is bad… Why did it have to be inside the campus??!!!

He looked behind him, trying to avoid his two very trustworthy companions.

“First, Yui. Is it okay if we talk outside and not… inside the campus?”

“Why? Am I not allowed? It’s fine if that’s the case.”

“No no, not that. I don’t want my classmates to misunderstand….” Naorin stuttered.

To be fair, he didn’t want a single rumor circulating around the entire campus. Something like, ‘Naorin secretly has a beautiful girlfriend’ or something. Because who knows what monstrosity two certain people were going to commit once they found out.

“…Misunderstand? I could just say I’m meeting you. Isn’t that fine?” Yui tilted her head.

THAT’S EVEN WORSE!!!

“First of all, could we go somewhere that’s not on campus? Thank you for coming here again, but it is embarrassing, you know?”

“No problem at all! We could do that, but where?”

Naorin grabbed her hand and led her out of the campus, going a safe distance away where none of his classmates could see them. He let out a deep exhale and looked back at Yui.

“I know a place thanks to a good friend of mine. We could stay there. I can pay for the drinks. This time.”

“Huh! I told you, Naorin, I’ll handle that!” She pouted.

“Well—”

Naorin’s eyes drifted down to his hand, still holding hers.

He quickly let go and apologized to Yui, bowing.

He had been so caught up in the moment that he forgot he had dragged her out of the campus.

“Sorry!! I wasn’t paying attention…. I hope you weren’t uncomfortable, Yui…” He slouched, standing up after bowing twice.

“Why would I be?” She softly chuckled. “It’s alright! Don’t worry about it.”

Yui continued forward, passing by his side and walking ahead of him with her hands behind her back.

Hm? Am I going crazy? Or was that—

“Okay! Please lead me to this place you mentioned!”

Naorin shook his head and rubbed his forehead before continuing forward.

They made their way along the path leading toward the district, a twenty-minute walk away. As they passed by houses and residences, Naorin cleared his throat.

Then Yui’s phone vibrated. She took her phone out of her bag. A crease formed between her brows, frustration evident on her face.

He glanced at Yui beside him. She made a faint “Mmm” sound, lips sealed and face looking like she was about to explode at any moment.

“U-uh. Yui? Is something wrong???”

“Mmm…. I just HATE IT when they call me during my day off!!!! They never call me on important days, but whenever it’s my day off they ALWAYS CALL ME!!!” She crossed her arms and sulked.

“Must be rough for you, Yui. Do they do that often?”

“Always!!! And it’s getting on my nerves… I wanna file a complaint.”

“Huh, don’t do that… I’m worried you’ll get a warning or something…”

“It’s fine, they can fire me all they want! I can handle it anyways,” Yui looked up at Naorin.

“But maybe, worry more about yourself too, Naorin.”

His eyes widened. Just now she sounded like Ayaka-tan for a second.

The way she spoke—had she already figured out his situation? Or was it simply a coincidence?

“I say that because you worry about me more than yourself, from what I’ve observed. It’s just my intuition.”

She looked forward, avoiding his gaze.

Wait, that sounds wrong. It sounds like I’m literally obsessing over her or showing interest… Oh god, what if she outright rejects me? I didn’t even think of that. I think I spent too much time with Ayaka….

“ーAh, yeah, that’s because!! Of an old friend of mine! Like, I have to always keep an eye on her because who knows what might happen. She always trips or falls for no reason,” Naorin scratched the back of his hand.

“Her? So, you’re saying…..”

“Gulp. Wait, Yui. I didn’t mean— I wasn’t referring to you or anything!!!” He waved both hands.

“Mmm, really. So you think of me as a woman who can easily trip from the slightest stumble….” She sulked.

I’d be damned. It’s over. I’m cooked, fried, burned, and toasted. If there’s a truck nearby, please hit me now. I wanna start all over.

“I’m joking~~ I’m not that petty~ I’m just an office woman approaching her mid-twenties, hehe~~ Mmm…..” Yui frowned and slouched. “I can’t believe I’m getting that old now….”

Naorin jolted. He was safe. Still, he knew exactly what would happen if he ever talked about this topic. He was going to play it cool and change the subject instead.

Aura farming time.

“Ahem… When is your class or lecture going to begin, Naorin? Or are you finished? You know, it’s not okay to skip lectures.”

“Oh that? It’s our break time. We have about two and a half hours before the lecture starts. It’s 10:01 AM right now, so it starts at 12:30 PM.”

“Ah, then we have enough time. Where is the café located?”

“It’s around the district. It’s hidden between some tall buildings. The drinks and atmosphere there are really good… You’ll probably love it,” he scratched his cheek, unsure yet confident.

“Ehh? Really?”

☆

The same kitty café hidden between tall buildings.

“CUUTTTEEEEE!!!!!”

Yui squealed as she cuddled a white cat from the cat tower.

“It’s a cat café. Yui likes cute things, so this is perfect for you.”

Three days ago, when Ayaka and Naorin had a conversation here, their seats were near the center, which was the main attraction.

It featured a wide circular structure elevated slightly above the surrounding floor. In the middle stood a large wooden centerpiece, a tree-like structure crafted from polished oak that branched outward into sturdy circular platforms where the cats usually perched and lounged.

Around it, staircase-like platforms ascended in wide, shallow tiers, each step large enough to serve as both a walkway and a seat.

To his surprise, Naorin was back in the exact same spot. Yui’s bag rested on one chair, while her trench coat occupied the seat across from it.

Yui continued cuddling and hugging the cats to the point that fur had begun sticking to her light-gray buttoned bodice.

Naorin’s jaw dropped.

“Yui??? Your clothes— bruh.”

She jolted, gently removed the cat from her arms, and patted her clothes in an attempt to remove the fur. Some fell off, but plenty remained.

“My clothes…..” She lowered her head and sobbed.

“Yikes, uhm. For now, is it okay if you sit down? I’ll start ordering. Anything you’d like?”

“Ehh??—”

Before she could say another word, Naorin cut her off.

“It’s fine, I’ve earned enough from my part-time job. I’ll be right back.”

He turned around and climbed the stairs toward the counter. Taking a look at the menu board, his eyes moved from top to bottom.

What should I get…. For Yui? Honestly, I’m clueless. Maybe a strawberry drink? Or a blueberry drink?

“Excuse me, can I get a blueberry milk tea drink and one tiramisu-flavored frapp— NAGH—”

Naorin’s red scarf was suddenly pulled backward. Recoiling, he caught himself and turned around.

“….Is there a problem? HUH?!!! AYAKA??!!!”

His jaw dropped. The culprit was none other than Ayaka-tan.

What a messy coincidence.

“AHAHA~~ I found you lacking, Nao-chan. I spotted you from a mile away!”

Wait. Did she see me with Yui? Oh crap.

His face began to sweat.

“How long have you been trailing me?” he exhaled.

“….? Trailing? No. I meant I spotted you walking to the counter. My seat’s over there.”

“Wait really? So you didn’t— ALRIGHT, that’s good to know.”

He turned around and headed back to the counter, leaving Ayaka confused. Naorin repeated the order to the barista, but Ayaka immediately interrupted.

“ーAnd one mango yogurt drink please!”

She stepped beside him and raised a finger.

“Ayaka, what are you doing now…”

“…..That will be 1,910 yen. Cash or credit?” the barista asked.

“Card please!!!”

Ayaka proudly raised her card.

He jolted, turned his head, and facepalmed. Not again. She was getting way too comfortable now.

“Ayaka, please show some self-restra—”

Beep.

“ーToo late.” She tapped her card against the machine. Her grin widened. “I WIN!”

“AAHHHHH!!!! Not again. I’m gonna owe you…”

“Worry not, my good ol’ mate. A true one never takes another comrade’s treasure…. I’m in debt to you anyways.”

She stuck her tongue out playfully. Blehh~

“Oh, it’s fine. It’s in the past, so we can leave it there. Those were all my treats. Thank you again, Ayaka…”

The barista handed Naorin the drinks and gave Ayaka the one she ordered. Ayaka headed back to her seat first. Naorin followed.

“So? Did you also come here to chill before the lecture starts? You could’ve contacted me first-hand, Reo.”

“…..? Oh yeah. I was just thinking of relaxing. You might’ve been busy with work or homework, so I didn’t want to disturb you.”

“Wow~ How considerate. My heart skipped a beat,” Ayaka said softly.

“Bro, I’m being serious here… Regardless, next time I’ll ask if you’re free.”

“Mhm. I’ll remember that, okay?”

I CANNOT and absolutely CANNOT let her meet Yui…

Naorin glanced over his shoulder. Yui was busy on her phone.

Good. Perhaps she was occupied with work. He planned to wrap things up with Ayaka and then head back over to Yui.

“Reo, why’d you get two drinks? Are you trying to get a stomachache or something? Laxatives are a better solution.”

“Uhhh, huh. Maybe. Or maybe not.”

His lips twitched. Ayaka’s eyes narrowed. She knew he was lying. She just couldn’t prove it.

“Hmmm?????? I’ll buy whatever you’re selling,” she said, sitting down.

Naorin froze before taking a seat opposite her.

Goddamn it, she’s always sharp.

Ayaka took a sip through her straw and stayed silent.

“ーYou know, Reo. I’m guessing that drink is supposed to be for that woman over there? From our seat last time?”

He jolted. Game over. Caught red-handed. Thought he could play along… That’s Ayaka-tan for you.

“Mmm, well, you’re right… Give me a second.”

Naorin stood up, leaving his own drink at Ayaka’s table while taking the other one. He awkwardly walked over and placed the blueberry milk tea on Yui’s table.

“Ara? Thank you, Naorin.”

Yui lowered her phone. He leaned closer and quickly explained what had happened.

“ーAhh, so her name is Ayaka?! Your old friend? Then can I talk to her?!!”

“Uhmm… Maybe later? I think you’re still busy, so I don’t wanna—”

“ーNo problem!!!! I can set it aside!!!”

Yui curled both fists beneath her chin. Her eyes sparkled.

“W-We have something to talk about first, so is it okay to give us a minute?”

“Aww… Okay, I’ll wait then.”

Naorin nodded before returning to Ayaka’s table.

Gulp….

“….” Ayaka said nothing for an entire minute. “I didn’t actually expect to meet her today. I have to say, she is drop-dead gorgeous, just like you described.”

“Well, yeah…” He cleared his throat, body trembling slightly.

His eyes drifted to Ayaka’s face.

She looked normal on the outside. But she was really good at hiding her emotions. Just like she could always tell when he was lying. He could tell when something was off about her too.

“I didn’t notice because I was on my phone. So, are you two going out now? Maybe even dating?”

“Bro, remember what I said last time we talked??! Like, I’m in a situation where I can’t commit to a relationship…..”

He exhaled.

“Okay! I thought you were lying to me for a second there. I can believe that. I wouldn’t have liked it if you lied to me after saying that during our talk.”

Ayaka sighed deeply. Relieved. But relieved from what?

“Wait a minute. Ayaka, you can’t be jealous, righ—?”

“OH YES I’M JEALOUS. JEALOUS OF YOU BEING AROUND A BEAUTIFUL WOMAN LIKE HER. IT SHOULD’VE BEEN ME WITH HER, NOT YOU!!!!”

She dramatically slammed the table and stood up.

“AYAKA SSSSHHH!!!! SHUUUSHH!! SHUSH, SHE’LL HEAR YOU, BRO.”

Naorin immediately turned around to check on Yui. She was still on her phone while drinking her milk tea. Thank goodness. He facepalmed… That almost killed him from the embarrassment.

“Oh my god, Ayaka. I’m getting second-hand embarrassment from you.”

“My bad, my bad. I didn’t overreact.”

She sat back down.

“Ahem!! So, can I get some info on her? Eimi Yui, right?”

“Yeaahh, that? Aside from her work and age and sharing a mutual liking of Eto, I don’t know a single thing about her. I don’t intend to pry into her personal life anyways.”

“Age? You didn’t ask, did you? That’s a red flag. Never ask a woman her age.”

“Hey, I’m not the one who asked her…”

“Really? But seriously, Nao-chan. Genuinely. You have no balls, bro.”

“What do you mean no balls? My balls are intact.”

He held his chin high.

“Okay, bro mosquito. You know what, Nao-chan. Let’s larp.”

“ーFine. Just this once,” he posed dramatically.

“Alright, jokes over. Let’s see what she has to say about you.”

Ayaka stood up and immediately started walking toward Yui’s table.

“YO???!!!!!! AYAKA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”