Episode 22 – I Shouldn’t Be Seen by an Idol

As soon as Mob san left us, Aigou san changed her attitude.

I didn’t know the meaning behind her smile, but I was drawn to it.

“Well, Matsudaira sensei. I haven’t introduced myself yet. I’m Aigou Tsukasa, I just moved here recently, but I’ve been an editor for a while, so you can always count on me ! !”

“Y-yes ! ! I’m Matsudaira Riku. My real name is Kaizei Riku. Nice to meet you, Aigou san.” 

I introduced myself in response to her self-introduction, but I felt nervous for some reason.

When she saw me in that state, she laughed out loud. 

“Ahaha. Nice to meet you too, Riku sensei. You can call me Tsukasa ! ! “

“G-got it. Ts-tsukasa….san.”

I called her name while being shocked by her words.

Even though it might not mean anything to her, I never called a woman by her first name. Except for my step sister….

Regardless of that, she smiled and began to talk about what to do from now on.

When I thought that this appearance of her was her real appearance, I felt more and more attracted to her.

…Then, why is she acting salty toward Mob san?”

I’m curious about her relationship with Tamio san, who’s the main character but has already been established as a Mob. 

I felt a little bit confused, but she continued talking about work without knowing my concern.

After we had finished talking at some point, I saw an opening and asked her about that matter. 

“Um, Tsukasa sam. Why are you so cold to Mob san?”

“Hm?”

Tsukasa san looks like she’s been hit by a peashooter when she reacts to my comment.

“Ah〜, we’ve known each other since college. He’s my senior and I’m his junior. So I know him even if I don’t like it.”

Tsukasa san showed a disgusted expression. There seemed to be something behind that expression, so when I asked her [were you guys originally lovers?] She then smiled bitterly.

“No no. I don’t have that kind of relationship with him.”

As she said that, she sipped her coffee.

She took a sip, and removed the coffee cup from her mouth.

Then, she remains silent and stares at the cup, as if she were trying to gather her thoughts.

During that time, there was a moment of silence between me and Tsukasa san.

“He’s been in love with me since college.”

My breath stopped as the words spilled out of the silence.

“S-so why aren’t you two dating?”

“Hm? That’s because I’ve hated him for a long time…”

When she said that with a smile, I lost my strength.

On the other hand, I was relieved that the words I had feared deep down didn’t come.

“He was always popular back then. Now he still is, isn’t that unpleasant? He’s got a good job and a handsome face, but he’s obsessed with me. Beside…..”

She searched for words as she sighed.

“He didn’t have to wait for someone who doesn’t have any romantic interest like me….”

I can’t see her true feelings behind her apologetic words. But I thought there was something more than hatred there……

Even though I just met her for the first time, I was drawn by her expression that changes frequently, but I was afraid if I tried to look into her abyss, she would probably end up in pain.

“Some people have different circumstances. You will understand once you grow up.”

With that, she shut down her laptop in front of her.

“Well then, let’s head out.”

Seeing her slowly stand up, I also stand up, but I feel like it’s time to take off my contact lenses.

“Can I go to the restroom before that?’

When she heard my words, she said [Sure] and sat on her seat again.

I was a little relieved that she was willing to wait for me.

I grabbed my pouch and headed to the restroom, I looked in the mirror and took off my contact lenses.

Then, I put on my favorite glasses and return to my normal appearance from the author’s style. But I use a hair clip to keep my hair out of my eyes, then leave the restroom and return.

Then I left the coffee shop with Tsukasa san. My childhood friend was gone before I knew it.

“Riku sensei, why did you change to glasses?”

“I’m not used to contact lenses….”

“I see. You were probably forced to put it on by Senpai, right?”

“Yes….”

I walked through downtown toward the nearest station while talking with Tsukasa san.

I am glad that she’s kind enough to treat me without showing disgust to me, who’s full  of complexity.

That’s why, in order not to embarrass her at least, I walk around town in an outfit that a certain girl liked before.

I know that such a thing will not turn the ugly duckling into a swan.

Suddenly I stopped when I saw a signboard of a real estate company.

Mob san disagree with me, but i still feel like i want to leave home.

I try to find a room, mainly 1K and one room, but they all cost me 10.000 per unit a month.

There’s no place that will rent you a house cheaply just because you’re a highschool student.

“Sensei, what’s wrong?”

Tsukasa san, who doesn’t know my circumstances, questions my disappointment at the housing information posted by the real estate company.

“No, I’m just thinking about living alone….”

“But, how old are you, Sensei…”

“I’m in my first year of highschool.”

“Isn’t it too early to live alone while you are still in highschool? What happened?”

“Various family circumstances….”

It would be hard to tell her everything I explained to Mob san, so I’ll just say it simply.

“Hmm. Then, wanna come to my place? I have an extra room.”

She listened to me silently and said it with a mischievous smile.

“Eh? Um, that’s….”

I was surprised by Tsukasa san’s words.

No, even though I’m just a highschool student, it’s weird to live with a man you’ve never met before ! !

She giggled at me, who was flustered as my face turned bright red.

“Hey, I’m kidding. I’m kidding ! ! you’re so cute.”

“Please don’t do that even if it’s a joke ! !”

Needless to say, I turned red even more when she reached out her hand and stroked my head, as if she was ignoring my objections.

However, I didn’t know there was a girl who watched that situation.

That girl was Reizei Ayano, a number one Idol in class.