Can I Still Be Your Heroine Even Though I'm Your Teacher? - Volume 3 Chapter 5.2

Because You’re the Best 2

“Still, this is way too many people.”

Of course, I was proud that we had prepared well and achieved a higher quality than other classes.

But the crowd had surpassed the level of a typical cultural festival.

“Maybe it’s because Ririka has so many friends, and Ririka invited them all to come.”

“That’s a testament to Mayuzumi-san’s popularity, and as a store, it’s a huge success.”

I was quite laid-back about the situation.

“…”

“Mayuzumi-san?”

“Actually, I think there’s more to it than that.”

Mayuzumi-san confessed awkwardly, checking to make sure no one else could hear, then beckoned me closer.

Wanting to share a secret, I also moved in closer.

“It seems like the rumor of Akiaki and Nikki dating has had a greater impact than expected. There are quite a few students from other grades coming to check out what kind of guy her boyfriend is.”

“Seriously?”

“Yeah.”

“Akira’s popularity is something else, huh?”

“You’re too detached!? With all this setup and you still haven’t fallen for her, just who are you, Nikky? Become her real boyfriend already!”

“Why am I getting scolded by Mayuzumi-san…?”

“Without official confirmation, fans will remain anxious! Just make it clear!”

Fan psychology seems complicated.

“That Akira would be so active is unexpected.”

On the floor, Akira, dressed as a tiger-eared maid, was bustling about energetically.

She would finish taking orders with her blunt and brief conversations and immediately relay them to the back.

After clearing the tables where customers had left, she would guide the next customers to their seats.

Persistent guests received a cold rebuke, and with the power of her glare, they would leave dejectedly.

“Tsundere maids are somehow moe, right? It’s like getting a deal on something sweet yet spicy.”

“From a customer service perspective, it’s a disaster, but as a character trait for Akira the maid, it’s perfect…”

“She only shows her smile to the person she likes, so it’s fine.”

It’s strange how many people are happy with such dismissive service.

“Ririka. Stop slacking off and get back to serving.”

Akira came over to give a warning, taking Mayuzumi-san’s place.

“Okay.”

Mayuzumi-san said, placing the prepared coffee on a tray and returning to the floor.

“Coffee and tea for table three, one of each.”

It seems Akira had already cleared table three, which Mayuzumi-san had been asked to take care of.

“Understood.”

From the infamous rubber confession incident to today, Kuhouin Akira’s attitude hasn’t changed.

Even if I stop giving her morning calls, she arrives at school on time, just as she said she would.

We talk normally, and if others treat us as a couple, we act accordingly. During lunch break, she comes to sit next to me, and as usual, we eat together.

I’m amazed by her business-as-usual attitude. Either she’s got nerves of steel or she’s not showing any signs of emotional turmoil.

“Akira’s presence is apparently bringing in a lot of business. You’re basically the star attraction.”

“That’s out of the blue. It’s creepy how you suddenly praise me.”

“I’m just saying something boyfriend-like.”

“Shocking. I thought you’d gone crazy from being too busy.”

Her insincere response and blunt words are infuriating.

And here I am, still agonizing over the confession…

“The Nishiki Yuunagi I confessed to doesn’t casually speak sweet words. This is not like you.”

“…”

Her provocative words stop me in my tracks.

She’s suddenly brought up a topic we’ve been avoiding.

“What? It’s troubling to be stared at like that. Do you like me that much?”

Akira teases with evident enjoyment.

“I thought you’d be less cooperative with school events.”

“This time is special thanks to Nishiki. After this, things will become clear.”

Akira wears an aggressively cheerful smile.

“…Aren’t you supposed to be more nervous and unsettled while waiting for an outcome?”

“I get more excited when I’m nervous.”

“You perform well under pressure, huh?”

“That’s why I’ve always performed well in competitions.”

Her confidence is backed by relentless effort and self-awareness, having consistently achieved results.

Such a mentality is incredibly strong, attracting the desired outcomes.

“Running and romance are different, you know.”

“But Nishiki, you’ve been conscious of me all week, haven’t you?”

“I can’t help it.”

Akira deliberately leans over from the other side of the counter, trying to peek at me.

Her outfit has a wide neckline, and when she leans forward, her cleavage becomes visible.

The maid outfit accentuates her figure, making me all too aware of her.

“Nishiki, your gaze is pervy.”

Akira quickly covers her chest with her hand.

“Here, the drinks are ready. Take them.”

I offer the tray with the drinks as if to distract myself from the situation.

“So? What do you think of my maid outfit?”

Akira looks pleased with herself, clearly in a good mood today.

“I praised you during the fitting.”

“I want to hear your thoughts on the actual day.”

“Throwing out sweet words casually isn’t my thing, right?”

“Even so, there are times when I want to hear them.”

“You’re such a hassle.”

“That’s right. Women are incredibly troublesome. But Nishiki, you don’t hate that, do you?”

She smiles as if she’s seen right through me.

“Yahoo, is Yuu-kun here? I’ve arrived.”

Just at that moment, Kaguya enters the classroom.

“Ah~ Slacking off and chatting with the maid. That’s not good.”

Instead of heading to a table, Kaguya comes straight to the counter where I am, pushing aside Akira as if she were invisible.

I don’t miss the twitch of irritation in Akira’s eyebrow.

“This girl is my relative, so you can guide the others first.”

When I tell the guy who brought Kaguya, “If the manager says so,” he seems convinced.

“Yuu-kun, you became a manager?”

“It’s just a title. But Kaguya, you got here quickly. The line was long, so you must have waited quite a while.”

“Nope, I was able to come right away.”

“Right away? Don’t tell me you just barged in? Make sure to follow the order properly.”

“I did line up at the end. Then, when I said, 『My Onii-chan is inside, but I don’t have much time because I need to get home quickly…』everyone kindly let me go ahead. There are so many kind people here.”

Kaguya explained with a smile.

Guys, you’re being completely manipulated by this middle school girl.

She speaks as if she’s merely benefiting from the kindness of others, but this is typical of the sweetly manipulative Kaguya.