Episode 46: Making the Most of This Overly Beautiful Face!

“Riri!”

Right after afternoon homeroom ended, just as I was packing up to leave the classroom, Maria came rushing in, completely out of breath.

“Maria, what’s wrong?” “I’ll come by later today. Just wanted to let you know in advance.”

Catching her breath, Maria smiled gracefully.

“…Are you sure that’s okay?” “Of course. I rearranged a few things and made sure I could free up the time properly.”

Maria’s usually swamped with lessons on weekdays. But lately, she’s been making a point of carving out time to come to Sweet Stella like this.

“Don’t push yourself too hard either, Riri. I’m rooting for you.” “…Maria.” “See you later, then.”

Waving, Maria walked off with a light, easy stride.

I don’t think she’s completely, fully on board with me working at a maid café… probably. But ever since the event, Maria’s been cheering me on more than she used to.

If that’s because my hard work got through to her, I’m happy. If it’s because she came to understand that Sweet Stella really is a wonderful place, I’m even happier.

—Neither of us has brought up that kiss from that day, not once.

The fact that I feel relieved about that probably makes me a coward. But still, I want a little more time before we address it.

Ever since I started working at Sweet Stella, I’ve experienced so many “firsts” in the way I feel. Which means, from here on, I’ll probably keep running into new feelings too.

And somewhere down that road… I’m probably going to have to face a really important choice, someday.

◆

“Whoa, there’s already a pretty long line outside, even before opening today…?”

Once I finished changing and stepped out of the locker room, a line had already formed in front of the shop. Lately, even on totally ordinary weekdays, we’ve been getting a surprising number of customers.

“Lucky for us. Honestly, we’re getting close to not being able to keep up. I’ve been thinking through options, including hiring more staff. At the very least, I want one person who’s not part of the cast, just handling the back-of-house stuff.”

Möbius-san let out a small breath as she said it. Handling the business side of things must be a lot to deal with. She’s often still working even after we get home, and she’s probably working during the hours I’m at school too.

“I—if there’s ever anything I can help with, just tell me, anything at all…!” “Ruri, you’re already plenty helpful as it is.”

She laughed and patted my head gently, careful not to mess up my hair styling.

“Alright, let’s open up!”

Möbius-san called out to everyone and opened the door. The customer standing first in line today was someone I didn’t recognize. Maybe she came because of something she saw on social media.

I need to give it everything I’ve got, so I can win this new customer over completely!

◆

“Ruri, I came to see you!” “Ruri-chaaan, I came to see you again today toooo!”

Maria and Akane-san. The two of them walked in at exactly the same moment. It was cutting it close to last order.

“W-welcome home, Ojou-samas.”

My voice ended up shaking, because the two of them had just launched into a silent, wordless glaring match.

I’d sort of sensed it back during the event too, but yeah, these two really don’t get along, do they… Or, well, I guess they’re both the type who can’t stand sharing a favorite with someone else.

Once seated, they immediately started competing over who could order the most chekis of me.

“Ruri.”

Maria waved me over, and I approached. I could tell Akane-san frowned at that, but there wasn’t much I could do — I’ll properly make my way to her table after this.

“I’ve decided something. So today, I wanted you to hear it from me directly, here.”

For some reason, Maria raised her voice deliberately, glancing not just at Akane-san but at Sora-san too.

“I’ve decided… I’m going to become Ruri’s number one!” “Eh?” “I love Ruri so much, so I’ve decided I’m going to be your number one supporter!”

The instant Maria made her declaration, Akane-san set her water glass down on the table with a loud clack.

“Ruri-chan’s number one is me! I’m the most senior fan there is!”

Pushing her glasses up sharply, Akane-san glared right back at Maria. She normally doesn’t get this confrontational with other customers, but the words “number one” must have struck a nerve.

“Being senior doesn’t automatically mean you get to stay number one forever, though, does it?”

Maria wasn’t backing down either. Spine straight, staring her opponent down — there was almost a kind of dignity to it.

While I stood there flustered, Sora-san came over and gripped my hand tightly.

Then, one line.

“Ladies. Please keep your voices down inside the shop, okay!”

Full-on cutesy mode, Sora-san. But the way she deliberately laced our hands together, on display, could also easily be read as a warning shot toward customers, given the no-contact rule.

C-could it be, is this actually happening… am I seriously being fought over right now!?

My validation-hunger was getting thoroughly satisfied, but at the same time, I was panicking.

Someday, I might really have to choose just one person.

I took a slow, deep breath. It’s a lot of pressure, but when that day comes, I think I’ll be able to choose properly. Because I’m not who I used to be. Meeting Sweet Stella changed me, and I’m sure that version of me will be able to make even a choice that important, properly.

So, until then—

“Ladies! Please don’t fight over me, okay!?”

I’m going to keep putting this overly beautiful face of mine to full use, spreading charm in every direction, all at once!

Watching me deliver that with a perfect upward glance, all three of them — Sora-san included — collapsed straight onto the floor.

☆★☆★☆★☆★

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