CH 32

“Minori Souta sama. I have something to tell you. Do you have a few minutes to talk?”

“Y-yes…..it’s fine.”

I looked at Eiji and others once and wondered if they were allowed to stay too.

“Of course, your friends can come. I won’t take up too much of your time.”

“I understand.”

But there were still many people here. I walked out of the hall and headed toward the edge of the parking lot. There were vending machines and benches there.

Fortunately, there were no people there.

“Well, first of all, Minori sama. Thank you for befriending Lady Nagi……and for your help.”

Saying that, Suzaka san bowed deeply. I was surprised in many ways.

“N-no, um, well. Did Nagi…Nagi san tell you?”

“Don’t worry. I’m the only one who’s heard about Minori sama. Also, there’s no problem with how you usually call her and how you speak easily.”

At that time, I remembered.

If I remember correctly, when she told me that she would make me a bento. I think she said something like she would talk to the nanny……

I regained consciousness after Suzaka san cleared her throat.

“One more thing. I have something to thank you for. The reason why the young lady was able to show her true ability today is because of Minori sama. Thank you.”

“….Because of me?”

“Yes. When the young lady changed, it was you who’s in front of her, Minori sama.”

I see. …..So that’s why she knows me.

No, wait.

“B-but, I also had a friend next to me, so you didn’t think that he was just close by and she was looking elsewhere?”

“No, I didn’t think about it. …There is another reason.”

Suzaka san smiled softly.

“Minori sama was fascinated by the Young lady. …..More than anyone else. that’s why I knew it was you.”

“….”

Those words made my face heat up. Even if I didn’t see it, I could tell that Eiji and the others were grinning at me in the background.

“I wanted to thank you. It’s been years since…..I’ve seen Young lady so happy and to talk to me like she used to.”

The expression on Suzaka san’s face as she said this was staring off into the distance somewhere.

Thinking that, Suzaka san stayed still, she looked at me with a serious expression on her face.

“Also, you could think that I’m shameless but, I have one favor to ask you.”

“……? That is?”

I have no idea what she’s going to ask for. Suzaka san explained to me.

“Young lady is very grateful to Master and Madam…..her father and mother. She felt a sense of gratitude for the fact that they raised her with such care.”

“……Oh, I heard that once. She said that her parents raised her with love.”

At my words, Suzaka san nodded deeply……and made a slightly difficult expression.

“Of course both of them loved her in the same way. But it is difficult to deal with a daughter at her age. Master’s behavior backfires, and both of them are busy with their work. Their paths often cross.”

“I see.”

Nagi is an only child, I believe. I can understand that it’s difficult for a child of her age ……though it’s really only vaguely.

“Her father in particular is clumsy. when it comes to his work, he can’t handle…. No, it’s going off topic. My apologies.”

“don’t worry about it. Nagi never told me much about her parents.”

I didn’t ask Nagi because I didn’t want to go too deep. ……I mean. I really hadn’t heard of it.

“Thank you very much. But I can’t let myself take up any more of your precious time.”

Saying that, Suzaka san stared at me again.

“It is still at a breakdown that can be corrected. One day, the master may have a big difference with the young lady. If that happens, it is quite possible that the young lady will be deeply hurt. I am sure that she will not tell the Master or me about it or even……show it on her face. At that time, I would like to say thank you to Minori sama and all of his friends. I want you to be her support. I want you to support Nagi sama.”

Not only me. She moved her gaze to Hayama and the others behind me.

I nodded deeply to her words.

“If Nagi is in trouble, I will help her. I will definitely support her.”

“Yes ! Me too !”

“We haven’t met each other for a long time. But I will help her if she needs anything.”

“I want to get to know Shinonome chan better ! I will help her !”

After me, Hayama and the others also said so. Hearing that, Suzaka san took out a handkerchief and wiped her eyes.

“I am sorry. Maybe it’s because of my age, but lately I have been brittle to tears….Of course, I’ll be of help to the young lady.”

Putting the handkerchief back in its place, Suzaka san smiled.

“I really appreciate your help today. I have not been able to tell the Master about Minori sama because the young lady has not told them about you yet. Please come and see them sometime. I am sure they will be very pleased.”

“Y-yes. I understand.”

Right, I do. …We have to meet someday. Well, I’ll think about it then.

“Thank you very much. See you soon.”

“Yes. I sincerely hope to meet you soon.”

With that, we parted ways with Suzaka san. Eiji and the others teased me on the way home…..but I was able to return home safely.

◆◆◆

“U-um ! A reward ! I want it !”

The next day. Nagi said so as soon as we got home from school. She said that every Monday is a lesson of flower arrangement, but yesterday was a big performance, so she had a day off.

“I-I worked hard yesterday…..s-so, is it a no?”

“Of course not. Is it a lap pillow? Or is it another reward?”

Form the way she said it….it must be different from the usual head pat.

When I asked that, Nagi’s face turned bright red.

“L-lap pillow….please.”

“Oh, okay, I’ll do it as soon as I wash my hands.”

I went to the bathroom with Nagi and washed my hands. Then we went to the bedroom.

I put down my luggage and sat down on the bed. Nagi sat down next to me.

“W-well then, excuse me.”

“Yeah, come here.”

Nagi put her head on my bed. Today, her head was upside down.

I put my hand on her head. …….I gently held her hand with my other hand.

Nagi’s mouth curled up for a moment and……her face broke open in surprise.

“……Ehehe. It’s warm.”

I couldn’t help but smile at that face. I stroked her head.

“Hey, yesterday’s concert.”

I started mumbling to myself. Nagi looked at me while smiling. ……Cute.

“It was great. The first time I actually saw a Japanese dance, I was drawn in. I’m really glad I went.”

“Fufu. I’m glad you enjoyed it. Everyone looked so beautiful, didn’t they?”

“Yes, it was very beautiful.”

When I replied so, Nagi became a little miffed. I stared at Nagi. .

“But more than that. …….Nagi was more beautiful than anyone else.

“……!”

Nagi widened her eyes. ……Little by little, her cheeks turned red.

“I-is that so?”

“Yeah. The kimono also looked good on you. Your face looked beautiful too. Every gesture was elegant and it’s very like you, Nagi.”

I also felt my face getting hot when I was saying it. but I have to tell her that she has been working very hard.

“I could tell that you were working hard, Nagi.. You really…..did a great job, Nagi.”

“…..T-thank you, thank you very much.”

Even though Nagi’s face turned bright red. She replied without hiding her face.

“Besides, it was really cool. Every technique, such as returning the folding fan. The power of your expression was amazing.”

“I-is there more to come?”

“Of course, there’s more.”

While I kept smiling at Nagi who’s embarrassed. I’ll tell her little by little.

I thought that if I didn’t do this…..I wouldn’t be able to convey the message. I have to tell her little by little. I’m sure she’d be surprised if it happened all of a sudden.

“–You’re more beautiful than anyone else, and you’re a good dancer. It was especially amazing after you opened the fan. I couldn’t help but stare at you.”

“Aaah, aaah……”

While smiling at Nagi who raised an unspeakable voice. I put my hand on her forehead. It’s so hot.

“You were the brightest at that concert. You were beautiful.

“You’re teasing me too much, Souta kun.”

“I’m not teasing you.”

It’s fun to watch Nagi’s shyness, but it’s all sincere.

You could tell if you looked me in the eyes. Nagi’s ears also turn red.

And then…

“Uh, uh…I’m so happy, but I’m so embarrassed.

She said that and buried her face in my stomach. I watched it and sighed.

……She’s too cute.

Up until now, I’ve been very patient. Really.

Just like that, Nagi buried her face for a while…and then suddenly raised her face.

“I’ll do it, too.”

“……Eh?”

For a moment, I couldn’t understand because there was no context.

“I’m going to do it, too, Souta kun. I’ll put you on my knees and praise you a lot. So, please take a turn.”

I involuntarily…twitched my cheeks.