...It looks like a few people are starting to gather.
Perhaps because there was a child in a maid's uniform (and she was cute), I could see some students lingering a little distance away.
Perhaps it was because it was the time when students were returning from club activities. The sky was completely dyed crimson. It was already past evening.
"I really don't like being the center of attention. Get in."
Mei, the cause of the crowd, doesn't seem to like being noticed. Well, she has a blank expression, so I'm not sure if she really doesn't like it.
First of all, Mei-san opened the back seat of the car and invited Hime and Hijiri-san in. When she took the initiative to open the door for the two of them, I was impressed that she was truly a maid.
"See you tomorrow~"
I wave goodbye to the two of them.
Next, I bowed to Mei and took a step to go home - but...
"You get on too."
As he said that, I felt a pressure in my stomach and my breath hitched.
"Guh"
Caught off guard, a strange voice came out.
It didn't hurt, but I was surprised when he suddenly grabbed the back of my belt.
"Hahaha. Yo-hee, you sound like a frog."
"...It was a frog."
The Hoshimiya sisters were watching the whole thing from inside the car. Hijiri was laughing mercilessly, and Hime was smiling a little too...Hime's smile was as cute as ever, but this was no time to escape reality.
"Get in quickly. You're standing out."
"Oh, me too?"
"Yeah. You too."
"Is that okay?"
"Of course not. Besides, if you don't come, there's no point in me coming here."
So basically, did that mean that I was the reason they came to pick her up early?
Even though you hate being the center of attention, you went out of your way to get out of your car and expose yourself to come and see me...?
(That's scary.)
There's only one reason I can think of.
--It's because you deceived Hime!
No, of course I don't intend to do that.
However, he not only wins over Hime with sweets, but also gets her to tell him to marry his sister, Kiyoshi. From the perspective of those involved, it's not surprising that they feel they've been deceived by a bad man.
In fact, Hijiri was wary of me until she got to know me. As we became closer, she probably realized I had no ill intentions, and we now have a good relationship, but... I feel like Mei sees me as a danger.
That's why I felt he was cold.
Mei-san must have come here to scold me.
"...sorry"
"Why are you apologizing? There's no need for that. Just get on."
It's no good. They won't even accept my apology.
I guess it's a statement that she hasn't forgiven me and has no intention of forgiving me in the future.
(This is also my responsibility, I guess.)
There was no malice, of course, and no other intention.
However, he must take responsibility for luring an obedient child with the bait of sweets.
Let's make amends. If Mei-san is angry, then I'll accept her anger.
After that, I'll try my best to somehow get her to allow me to interact with Hime.
"I understand. I'm ready."
I made up my mind and walked towards the car.
"There's no need to be so determined. I don't know what you're so excited about, but please hurry up."
Even when I was like that, Mei-san still had no expression on her face.