Chapter 11 – I Came to Study

Exams… What an ominous word. I wish I’d never heard it.

“The supplementary exam… Isn’t it this week? If you don’t do well in the supplementary exams before you go on to higher education, it will be difficult to even graduate. You need to study for the supplementary exam.”

Ide repeated the ominous words over and over. I feel like I’m being cursed. Just because he didn’t fail…

Well, so much for recrimination.

I have to study to pass the supplementary exam. By the way, the follow-up exam is in two days. There’s no time to play…!

I’m not an honor student, but I’m not the kind of delinquent who says I don’t know anything about studying. I got a red mark this time, but I’m basically a serious student. At least that’s what I think.

“If you want, I can help you with your studies.”

“Shut up, wash your glasses and come back.”

“There’s nothing to do with my glasses, is there!?”

It’s nothing to do with the glasses. I’m sorry. I’m sorry, glasses.

Seriously, Ide’s academic ability is not that different from mine. In other words, his grades are just above the red mark. How can he say he wants to teach me?

“I’ll do my best on my own. I can concentrate better that way anyway.”

I don’t understand the thinking of those who study with friends. That’s definitely the kind of thing that makes you talk. I don’t think I could ever concentrate on my studies.

“Okay. I’ll be supporting you behind your back.”

“Thanks.”

After parting with Ide, I thought about where to study.

There’s too much temptation at home. I’ll send Kotone-chan a message first. I’ll have to ask her to go on a date with me again.

I’m going to study quietly today. I won’t mention that I have a follow-up exam because I’m embarrassed. I should also tell her, “Let’s go on another after-school date”.

Not long after, Kotone-chan replied.

“I also have a part-time job today, so the timing is just right. Let’s go on another date.”

I’m surprised that the word ‘date’ is so readily accepted. Does that mean I can go on as many dates as I like after the follow-up exams are over?

Thinking of it like that, my motivation is exploding. If I have this much motivation, I feel like I can study with a lot of time to spare.

“Yes.”

I wasn’t sure where to study, but now I have an idea.

※※※

“Welcome home, master!”

When the maid greeted me, I bowed and nodded. I regret this response was not very master-like.

I went to a maid cafe. Of course, this is where Kotone-chan works.

“Eh, Yuji…sama?”

When I took my seat, Kotone-chan came to me dressed in a maid uniform.

She was going to call me “Yuji-senpai” but tried to say “master (Goshujinsama)” in a hurry. She didn’t quite get it right, but I’m happy to hear her call me that. I feel a bit guilty, though…

“Your frilly headdress looks cute today too.”

“Is that a compliment to me?”

It’s not without its charms. In a maid’s outfit, her twintails make her even cuter. Kotone-chan is cute all over, and it’s my strategy to mention one thing to praise her every day.

“Did you come all the way to…see me by any chance?”

She asked, fiddling with her frilly apron. A little cheeky. But still cute.

“There’s that too.”

“Too?”

I spread my textbooks and notebooks on the table.

“I came here to study. I’ll pay for my seat, no problem, right?”

Kotone-chan blinked repeatedly.

“I’ve never seen a master who came all the way to a maid café to study.”

Yes. I think it’s a waste that I’m studying when I have a maid.

But it’s all in the mind.

I get to watch her work while studying. Moreover, since she’s dressed as a maid, it’s perfect for eye candy.

Being in the same space. It would not be an exaggeration to say that this alone is an after-school date. If I emphasize too much, it might be misunderstood as a strange meaning, so I’ll leave it at that.

“I think I’ll order a drink and a light meal. Can I leave it to Kotone-chan?”

“Eh? You want me to choose?”

“If possible, please.”

It might help me find out what Kotone-chan likes.

Spreading out the menu list. Kotone-chan bent over and put her face close to me. I could smell a girl’s scent softly.

“Let’s see…”

A distressed voice could be heard from nearby. Her flaxen twintails tickled my cheeks. I feel both restless and excited at the same time.

“Okay, I’ve decided.”

Kotone-chan’s head quickly moved away. But the pounding in my heart didn’t leave immediately.

Kotone-chan chose a cafe au lait and a sandwich. I think the menu had a longer sentence with onomatopoeia, but it’s hard to remember, so it’s fine.

“Yuji…sama. Good luck with your studies.”

A moe spell has been casted on me. Now I can’t stop trying my best. (T/N: Moe = the quality in a fictional female character of being youthfully innocent.)