“Miss…”
TL/ED: Bogdi
“Study session?”
After school.
After the usual practices were over, I told Shizune about the study session.
“Yes. We’ re going to hold a study session with our classmates to prepare for the exam. ……”
“I understand. I was planning to start a preparation course for the exam tomorrow, but if that’s the case, I’ll adjust our schedule.”
I raised my eyes at Shizune-san’s nonchalant statement.
It seems that Shizune-san had been thinking about my exam preparation, even though I hadn’t told her anything.
“I’m sorry. I see you’ve been preparing for it.”
“Don’t worry, I’m an outsider after all. I’m sure the students involved will be able to come up with better ways to help.”
Nevertheless, it would be a shame if I didn’t make use of what had been prepared for me.
In addition to the study session, I should also study for the exam using what Shizune had prepared for me.
“Have you decided who will attend the study group?”
“We haven’t decided yet, but I think we’ ll probably have the same members as at the tea party.”
All of us seemed to have enjoyed the tea party, so it would be nice to get together with the same members again.
However, when I saw Shizune’s serious face, I had a hint of uneasiness.
“…… would it be better not to expand our connections too carelessly?”
“As long as you don’t make a scene, there is no problem. However, please be more careful, when then Miss accompanies you.”
“I understand.”
I nod my head.
“This is the end of today’s lesson. The Miss is waiting for you, so please head to your room as soon as possible.”
“Yes. Thank you again for today.”
I thanked Shizune-san and left the dojo.
The after-school schedule for the caretakers is quite hard. After the class preparation and review, I had a class on table manners over dinner, followed by another period of study, and finally a self-defense class.
After the lesson, I went to Hinako’s room and took a bath with her.
The schedule had been tough at first, but I was finally getting used to it.
“… Well, before that”
I remembered my task and went to my room first.
After getting the things I forgot, I headed to Hinako’s room again.
“Mmm …”
I joined Hinako, who had already taken a bath, and washed her hair.
All the while, Hinako was letting out a frustrated growl.
“…… why are you grumpy?”
“I was supposed to teach you. …… Mmmm. ……”
Hinako seemed to be upset about my participation in the study group.
“I’m sorry that I decided to do it on my own. But it doesn’t mean that I’m not going to be studying with you. ……”
“Are you not satisfied with just …… me?”
“No, that’s not what I meant. ……”
I couldn’t get her in a good mood.
So, I washed off the shampoo and stood up.
I said, “…… Wait a minute.”
I went back to the changing room and got the things I had prepared beforehand.
“It’s a secret, so don’t tell Shizune-san.”
I took something out of my cold storage bag and handed it to Hinako.
“…… What’s this?”
“It’s ice cream. I bought it secretly before I got in the car.”
Since Hinako and I live in separate households, when we get in the car, she is supposed to get in alone first, and then I am supposed to go to a secluded meeting point and get in the same car. After school today, I secretly bought a thermo bag and some ice cream before arriving at the meeting point, and hid it in my bag to take home. Shizune had given me a minimal amount of money to spend on my way to the school, so I used it.
“Hinako, have you ever eaten ice cream in a bath?”
“No, but …”
“It’s the best you’ll ever taste.”
I bought some ice cream for myself, so I tried it first.
Then Hinako imitated me and ate her ice cream while soaking in the bathtub.
“Uma……! Umaaaa……! YUMMY……!!!”
“Right?”
Hinako’s eyes sparkled as she became impressed.
I couldn’t help but smile when I saw the happy expression on her face.
…… I hope I managed to cheer her up.
The ice cream was originally prepared as a way for Hinako to relax.
As a caretaker, my goal is to make sure that Hinako doesn’t have to collapse every day. If she has been collapsing on a regular basis, …… then surely the same old methods will not work.
These small steps will be important. That’s what I was preparing for. …… It seems that I even managed to put her in a good mood.
“Ahh …….”
A piece of ice cream falls to the floor.
The floor of the bathroom is warm, and the pieces of ice cream quickly turned into liquid. …… Hinako quickly scooped up the liquid with her palm.
“Three seconds rule”
I frowned at Hinako, who said proudly.
“No, you shouldn’t be ……. stop it.”
“… Three seconds rule”
The rule does not apply.
Hinako looked dejected and put the liquid back on the floor.
“Just so you know, don’t do the three second rule in public, okay?”
“Hmm ……, I’ll be careful.”
It was a vague reply, not sure if she was listening to me or not.
“When are you having your …… study session?”
” We haven’t set a date yet, but I think the sooner the better. Maybe tomorrow or the day after …….”
“… I will go too.”
From the way the conversation was going, I knew that she would probably say that.
However, unlike at the tea party, I was now worried.
“I hadn’t asked, but …… could it be that the reason Hinako got unwell before was because she attended the tea party?”
Feeling guilty, I continued.
“If that’s the case, I think this study session will be a burden for Hinako. Maybe it’ll be easier for you if you go back to the mansion first.”
“Hmm……”
Hinako thoughtfully replied to my words.
“It’s not necessarily better to go back to the mansion.”
Hinako said.
It was a few words, but I could probably understand Hinako’s thoughts.
“…… I see.”
It may be easy for her to be alone, but I’m sure that doesn’t necessarily lead to happiness for Hinako.
To tell the truth, I also wanted Hinako to interact with as many different people as possible. Considering the example of Narika and Tennoji-san, I feel that Hinako should have a good friends acquaintance as well.
“And I hate it when I don’t have …… Itsuki by my side.”
I chuckle at Hinako who tells me that.
“So, you want to join us?”
“Yes.”
