Chapter 52: CH 52

Because I was assigned to assist Kaedezaka, I thought about strengthening my assisting skills.

Therefore, Yuika persuaded me to help her dog-sit/I was persuaded by Yuika to help her walk a dog, and the owner of the dog was Kaedezaka.

“Sasamiya-san. Good morning.”

“Geez! Kaedezaka!”

“Oh dear. Sasamiya-san’s morning greeting is ‘Gee’! Is that your morning greeting?. It’s very, very interesting. Can I punch you in the belly …?”

Kaedezaka, who was wearing a denim jacket with her shoulders bare as usual, smiled and made a fist with her hand.

She was really going to punch me in the stomach.

And then Yuika warned her in a dull tone.

“Mou. You two shouldn’t be fighting.”

“”Yes, …””

Seeing us quiet and silent, Yuika chuckled.

She looked like a mother to me and Kaedezaka.

We’re older than you, though. …

“So, Onii-San. Today, I want you to follow Kaeezdaka-san as she walks her dog.”

“Eh!? Seriously!”

“Yes. You must be surprised.”

“It’s quite a shock. ….”

Come to think of it, Yuika didn’t know that Kaedezaka and I were at odds with each other.

It appeared that Kaedezaka hadn’t told Yuika about my relationship with her, and it would be best if I didn’t tell her that we would be working together at the next Comiket.

But … this is tough ….

In the first place, if I wanted to strengthen my assisting skills to assist Kaedezaka, how could I do that if my practice partner was Kaedezaka? …

Yuika crouched down and patted the miniature dachshund on the head.

While she was doing this, Kaedezaka stealthily approached me and poked my arm with her elbow so that Yuika wouldn’t notice.

“This is the first time I’ve been able to take a morning walk with Yuika-san, and now you’re here too. …”

""

Kaedezaka whispered just loud enough for only me to hear.

I felt embarrassed because she was so close to me. ……

“I didn’t expect you to come either.”

“Were you planning to enjoy an early morning date with Yuika-san? That’s Eromiya-san for you.”

“What kind of weird name are you giving me?”

“It suits you very, very well.”

This girl …

You don’t have to say that much just because you got along with Yuika.

Also, please stop poking me with your elbow.

It feels ticklish.

“I’m just here to walk the dog. Don’t be jealous.”

Then Kaedezaka startled, and her face turned bright red.

“W… why would I be jealous of you!?”

“You’re not jealous of me, you’re jealous of Yuika, right?”

“…Tha … That’s right. My focus is on Yuika. It’s not you.”

“Yeah, I know.”

“Hmmmph~!”

Although the topic of the conversation was not quite clear, I thought she was trying to say that she was not interested in me.

You… really love Yuika.

At this point, Kaedezaka began to put more effort into her elbow, which she had been poking earlier.

“This, This.”

“What the hell are you doing?”

“Oh, you’ve retorted again. You’re so cocky. You’re a bad dog!”

“Who’s a bad dog? When you get embarrassed, you go into abandoned cat mode.”

“Who are you talking about?”

“It’s you.”

Earlier we had been whispering, but gradually we escalated and started speakin gin normal voices.

It was like a fight between kids.

Naturally, Yuika, who was right beside me, intervened.

“Come on. You two need to get along.”

“”Yes, …””

Although there was some arguing, we were able to finish walking the dog without a hitch.

Anyway, miniature dachshunds were so cute.

I’d love to have one, but it would be difficult when I was a bachelor who frequently went on business trips.

A shame, but I guess I just needed to be patient.

As we finished our walk around the park, Yuika said goodbye.

“Well, I guess we’ll be leaving soon. See you later, Onii-San.”

“Yeah. Enjoy your summer vacation.”

Today was the beginning of summer vacation for students.

Must be good… being young.

Every year at this time, I wished I was a student again.

Kaedezaka also turned around and bade her farewell.

“Sasamiya-san. I won’t be seeing you for a while, but I hope you have a good time. Fufu~.”

“Ah, …. Oh, ….”

Kaedezaka brushed off her long hair with her hand and left like a queen.

Now that Yuika was on summer vacation, Kaedezaka probably thought she had nothing more to do with me.

But … I think.

Maybe it’s Kaedezaka

Doesn’t she know that I’m going to be her assistant at the next Comiket?

◆◆◆◆◆

Monday, the first day of the week.

In the business meeting room ‒

I was meeting with the members who would be participating in Comiket.

Ogai-san, the managing director, and four young employees.

Then there was Kaedezaka, a trainee.

When I greeted her for the first time, Kaedezaka’s eyes were teary with embarrassment.

“… It’s … … nice to meet you …I’m… Mai Kaedezaka … … ah, …”

“Umm, … nice to meet you too … … I’m Sasamiya.”

You left on Saturday looking cool, and now you’re suddenly meeting me at the beginning of the week.

Of course, it’s embarrassing.

As was always the case, Kaedezaka was not very good at being a villain.

Anyway, …., how many times have you said “Nice to meet you” Kaedezaka?