For some reason, the saint of our school drops her façade when she's with me (GL) - Chapter 6

After discovering that unexpected connection, I finished preparing dinner and found myself eating with the Saint in the grand dining room.

I hadn’t planned on joining her, but when she invited me, I couldn’t exactly refuse.

“The meat and potatoes are delicious.”

“Really?”

“Yes. I could eat this every day.”

…Even though I knew this wasn’t an old-fashioned marriage proposal, I still almost misunderstood.

Was she doing this on purpose?

“Traditionally, it would be miso soup, right?”

“You mean… the proposal?”

“Yes. In that romance manga you lent me the other day, that’s how it happened.”

Ah, that rom-com series.

“Wouldn’t a normal person avoid saying something they know will cause a misunderstanding?”

“Do you dislike it?”

“I don’t mind, but…”

The moment I answered, she took a sip of miso soup, looking very satisfied.

A natural flirt.

“It’s been a long time since I’ve eaten dinner with someone else in this house.”

After exhaling softly, she made that casual remark.

“Really?”

“Yes. My father and mother are always busy.”

“Because of work?”

“My father is mostly overseas. Ever since I entered middle school, I think he’s only come back once. My mother manages my father’s company in addition to her own, so she’s rarely here either. If she comes home once every six months, it’s a good year.”

So the Aizome household had its own share of complications.

“So, right now, I’m the only one living here.”

“That’s a classic line, but… you have house staff, don’t you?”

“Didn’t it make your heart skip a beat for a moment?”

If I had to be honest… a little.

Even though it was such an obviously calculated move, the way she looked at me with those striking mismatched eyes made it hard not to react.

“Now that I think about it, I haven’t had dinner with someone else in a while either.”

Trying to shift the conversation, I casually mentioned my own realization.

Back when I lived with my uncle, we always ate together.

But ever since I started living alone, I’d gotten used to eating by myself.

“It’s not bad, huh?”

“No, it’s nice.”

The atmosphere was surprisingly peaceful.

Well, except for the fact that I was still wearing a maid outfit.

“Can I change now?”

“You’re still on duty.”

“Figured.”

A mere employee had no power to resist.

But sitting at a luxurious dining table in frilly maid attire felt absurdly out of place.

“I’ve made a decision.”

“About what?”

“What do you think?”

“That you want me to be your body pillow tonight?”

“That’s a good idea. May I?”

“I didn’t bring a change of clothes.”

“I’ll prepare some for you.”

Oh no. She was serious.

“I’ll save that for another time, then.”

I was relieved—but also slightly confused by the faint disappointment I felt.

“What I actually decided is this.”

She glanced at her plate, then at me.

“Not only will you cook, but from now on, we’ll have dinner together every night.”

“I don’t mind, but what if your family suddenly comes home?”

I was very curious about what they would think if they walked in on their daughter dining with a classmate dressed in a maid outfit.

It would be interesting—if I weren’t the one involved.

“They won’t, so it’s fine.”

“Well, if you’re okay with it, I don’t have any objections.”

Besides, it saved me the hassle of cooking dinner for myself at home.

And eating with someone else wasn’t bad at all.

“Next, we’ll need a newlywed apron.”

“Can I ask what logic led to that thought?”

“You’re basically a live-in wife at this point—cooking my dinner, making my bentos. We might as well complete the aesthetic.”

A live-in wife, huh…

“Should I inform my uncle that I’ve somehow gotten married?”

“I’ll take responsibility.”

“That’s not reassuring when you’re holding up a collar.”

Why did she even have that on hand?!

“So, if the collar wasn’t there, you’d actually be flustered?”

“Who knows.”

“Suzuki, is touching your cheek a habit of yours when you’re embarrassed?”

I froze for a moment before instinctively bringing my hand to my cheek.

The Saint’s expression turned into a smugly satisfied smile.

“I think I might really like you, Suzuki.”

“Should I be happy about that… given the circumstances?”

“Of course. Consider yourself honored to receive the Saint’s affection.”

Did she really just call herself a Saint?

She was clearly enjoying herself.

But just then—

A ringtone interrupted the moment.

It wasn’t mine.

It was the Saint’s phone.

The sound was the default, cold and impersonal chime.

For just a second, her expression darkened—then she immediately silenced the call.

“You’re not going to answer?”

“No need. Right now, I’m enjoying myself.”

“I see.”

I had no idea who had called her.

But the way she reacted…

For some reason, it bothered me.

I wasn’t sure why.

Still, dinner passed without any further tension, and my first shift went smoothly.

Though—

By the time I realized how late it had gotten, I had already borrowed the bath, and for a moment, I genuinely thought I might have to stay over.

Thankfully, the Saint arranged for a car to take me home.

…Honestly, I felt relieved.

But deep, deep down—somewhere in the back of my mind—

I felt a tiny bit disappointed.

Of course, I would never say that out loud.

That would make it seem like I had expected to stay over.

Or worse—like I had wanted to.

And that was too embarrassing to even acknowledge.

Surprisingly, the chauffeur wasn’t the Saint’s usual driver.

Instead, Hasegawa, the head chef, was the one driving.

It felt more casual than being escorted by a professional driver, so honestly, I preferred it.

When I finally arrived home and stepped into my quiet, empty room—

…I felt a little lonely.

Just a little.

I tried to dismiss it as my imagination.

After changing, brushing my teeth, and slipping into bed, sleep came quickly.

Tomorrow, I had plans with Mizuki.

My next shift was on Sunday.

Maybe, if I had some free time tomorrow, I could expand my recipe repertoire.

…Would a last-minute crash course even help?

But I just wanted to see her smile more.

That was the last thought lingering in my mind as I drifted off to sleep.

Strangely—

It wasn’t a bad feeling.

Why was that?

I didn’t know.

It was just… strange.