For some reason, the saint of our school drops her façade when she's with me (GL) - Chapter 9

“Oh, this place has a nice vibe.”

“Yeah, it does.”

Since it was a Saturday, the café we had in mind was quite crowded, but it had a clean, stylish, and cozy atmosphere.

After waiting a little, we were shown to our seats. Looking at the menu, Mia hesitated.

“Hmm, I’m definitely getting a cream soda and pancakes… but the parfait looks really good too.”

“There are a lot of options.”

“Maybe there are too many… but then again, having more choices is fun!”

She’s really positive, huh?

“Emma, are you getting coffee?”

“Well, we are at a café.”

“Let’s get a parfait too!”

“I think I’ll pass on the parfait for now.”

“Aww, come on! Just order it, and give me a little.”

“No way. You always end up eating the main part!”

She never holds back when it comes to me, this best friend of mine.

“The recommended ones are the chocolate parfait or the seasonal parfait. Or maybe the pudding à la mode.”

“You just want to eat them yourself, don’t you?”

“Is that a problem?”

“Not really, but I’m not in the mood for something like that today.”

“Ugh… then what are you getting?”

Omelets and sandwiches feel too heavy… A cheesecake sounds like a safe choice.

“Yeah, I think I’ll go with coffee and cheesecake.”

“Alright, let’s order. Excuse me!”

A young, beautiful waitress came over to take our order.

A college student, maybe?

She looked busy, but she still greeted us with a bright smile. She seemed like the kind of person who’d be really popular.

And of course, Mia didn’t waste any time.

“You ask so casually.”

“Heh, experience is key in situations like this.”

But can you really exchange contact info after just a short chat?

I could never pull that off.

“I bet even people trying to preach religion to you end up getting charmed.”

“I’ve had a few people tell me I’m better than their god~.”

Of course, she has.

“I never lose in bed.”

She said it with such confidence—it’s honestly impressive.

If I remember correctly, she even managed to seduce someone who visited her house once. My best friend is terrifying.

“Emma, you should try it once. I’m pretty good, you know?”

“I’ll pass.”

“What a waste. By the way, what did you think I was talking about?”

“A massage, obviously.”

“Hehehe. Well, you’re not entirely wrong.”

I can tell it’s a massage (with a hidden meaning).

“Here’s your order.”

“Thank you~!”

As we continued our silly conversation, the waitress returned with our food.

Mia had her cream soda and pancakes.

I had my coffee and cheesecake.

I started with the coffee.

I watched the steam rise and took in the rich aroma.

Since the price was a bit high, they must be using good beans.

Thinking that, I took a sip.

A deep, rich flavor spread through my mouth, accompanied by a slight bitterness.

This is really nice.

Next, I took a bite of the cheesecake.

Yep, this is delicious too.

“Emma, I can’t believe you actually drink coffee.”

“You don’t like it, Mia?”

“I don’t mind café au lait or coffee milk, but plain coffee is just too bitter.”

Is that so?

Well, I only started drinking it because of my uncle. The first time I tried it, I remember sticking my tongue out from the bitterness.

“Let me try some.”

“You already took it before asking!”

“Mm, this is good.”

She took about a third of it, but I had to agree with her opinion.

“What about the coffee?”

“I have my beloved cream soda, so I’m good.”

“Says the most unfaithful person ever.”

“How rude! This is pure love.”

Only Mia could claim that while being unfaithful.

“Oh, they offer cake to-go. Should I get one?”

“Why not take something home for once?”

“Mm, my older sister usually does that kind of thing, so I’ll stick to buying something when I travel far.”

Mia’s older sister, Hannah, is definitely the type who does that.

Mia, on the other hand, puts all her effort into being thoughtful for girls she likes. When it comes to family and friends, she’s more laid-back.

“Hmm, I can’t decide. The donut shop has a sale today too, so that’s an option.”

“Oh yeah, the $1 donut deal?”

“Exactly! I should take advantage of it!”

Since today happened to be a sale day at the national donut chain, I could see why she was hesitating.

Still, I think I’ll buy something to take home.

“What about you, Emma?”

“I’ll get the chocolate cake.”

“Oh? Do you even like chocolate cake that much?”

“Mm… I just feel like it.”

“Heh, interesting.”

Quit smirking at me.

Seriously.

“Alright, I’ll get the cheesecake then.”

“What about the donuts?”

“I realized I can just buy both.”

So I’m getting dragged into this, huh?

“I Got Caught by the Saint”

“I want to go to karaoke too, but maybe next time.”

“Yeah, especially since exams are coming up.”

I knew that, but could you not look at me like, “What’s that?”

It’s normal to take a break from fun things before exams.

“Reina, see you next time!”

“Yeah, see you!”

“Next time, let’s meet up just the two of us~.”

My naturally flirtatious best friend said that while we bought our takeaway cakes and stepped out of the café.

“I hope her girlfriend finds out and stabs you.”

“Too bad for you, I always manage my flags properly.”

Yeah, I know.

“But lately, there are too many students. Maybe I should try aiming for working adults next time.”

“I just hope they don’t end up getting arrested.”

“It’s fine. If I say it’s a ‘uniform cosplay,’ they’ll understand.”

What part of that makes it okay?

“Emma, want to come over to my place for a bit?”

“I was just there this morning.”

“Were you?”

“I’m the one who helped you change this morning, Mia.”

“Oh my~! Emma, you’re so naughty!”

You don’t actually think that.

“So? Is there something you want to do?”

“I thought it’d be nice to play some games for a change.”

Mia has a lot of video games at her place.

We used to play together all the time when we were kids.

“Just a little warm-up before the new game comes out.”

“And you’re doing this right before exams?”

Okay, fine, but could you not look at me like, “What does that have to do with anything?”

“Hmm?”

Suddenly, Mia twitched and clung to my arm for some reason.

“What are you doing?”

“Shh, just go with it. Hehehe.”

Why are you hugging me like you’re having so much fun?

I don’t know why, but I have a very bad feeling about this.

Also, the two watermelons pressing against my arm are seriously pissing me off.

I swear, I could just rip them off.

Just as that anger bubbled up inside me, I suddenly felt a sharp gaze piercing through me from somewhere.

Unlike Mia or the Saint, I’m not particularly sensitive to being watched, but this one felt oddly familiar.

I instinctively followed the sensation.

“…You planned this, didn’t you, Mia?”

“Whatever do you mean~?”

My best friend grinned mischievously, making me want to strangle her.

A little distance away, inside a car—probably after a lesson or during a break—the elegant Saint was watching us.

Even someone as dense as me could tell.

She was not in a good mood.

“Ahh~ no matter how many times I feel her stare, it still gives me chills~.”

“Mia, are you actually a masochist?”

“Well, my name does start with an M.”

By that logic, my sister, Hannah, would be one too.

“What was the Saint’s name again?”

“You’re not even trying to remember, are you?”

“Do you want me to?”

“…No, forget it.”

That somehow felt even more frustrating.

“Yep, you’re finally being honest with yourself.”

Mia chuckled to herself, then leaned in even closer, as if showing off.

“And while we’re at it, maybe it’s time you start calling her by name.”

You mean… Karen?

“You always keep your distance, Emma, even in your own head. You should be more honest with yourself.”

Coming from the person making things worse!

I mean… she’s not wrong. I have been calling her “the Saint” in my head, pushing her away without realizing it.

“This is the perfect chance. Why not test it out?”

My sly and meddlesome best friend smirked before taking off.

Ugh… now I’m dreading seeing her tomorrow.

And I even bought a cake to give to the Saint…

But work is work.

I can’t skip out, so I guess I’ll just have to be honest tomorrow.

As I was thinking that, my phone suddenly pinged with a message.

It was from the Saint herself.

“Tomorrow is a day off. The usual place the day after.”

…She’s mad.

And now my workload has been cut down too.

What should I do?

Just as I was thinking that, another message came in.

“Lunch and dessert.”

So she’s telling me to prepare her lunch the day after.

Well, at least I’m not fired.

Still… I wanted to give her the cake soon.

Hmm… guess I’ll have to figure something out.