My Boss, A Clear And Perfect Beauty Who's An Elite Police Bureaucrat, Turns Out To Be My Sweet And Doting Childhood Friend Who Loves Me Dearly At Home. - Chapter 30

Chapter 3: Maho vs Kana

A Troublesome Situation…?

Kana tilts her head, comparing Shinichi and Maho.

Shinichi could feel the cold sweat trickling down.

(What should I do…?)

The relationship between Shinichi and Maho – although they’re just childhood friends – was supposed to be kept secret at the police station.

It was a good thing they didn’t hold hands. If they had been seen walking hand in hand, they wouldn’t have been able to make any excuses.

Shinichi was afraid of causing trouble for Maho. In the small world of the police, one never knows what kind of rumors may circulate.

“Um, this woman… Do you know her?”

However, Kana asked curiously, causing Shinichi and Maho to exchange glances. It seems that even when looking at Maho, Kana didn’t recognize her as “Superintendent Akinaga.”

Thinking about it, Kana, who is not a detective, hasn’t attended any investigative meetings and would have only glanced at Maho. Even though Kana admired Maho’s beauty, she probably hadn’t looked at her closely enough to remember her appearance clearly.

Moreover, Maho in her current casual clothes gives off a lovely aura like an idol or actress, not at all like a police bureaucrat.

Shinichi thought they were lucky. Maho glanced at him briefly, her expression seeming a bit confused.

Shinichi wanted to call out to Maho, but decided against it. If he did, it would reveal that they were close.

It’s best to keep Maho’s identity hidden. They just happened to bump into each other while taking a walk in Asakusa. That’s all there is to it. That’s the safest way to handle it.

Since they couldn’t confer, Shinichi had no choice but to believe that he and Maho were on the same page.

“She’s an acquaintance from my student days. We just happened to bump into each other while I was taking a walk in Asakusa.”

Shinichi sends a glance at Maho. Maho seemed to have picked up on Shinichi’s intention and nodded.

“I, I see…”

“…You know this super beautiful person, Senpai…”

“Um, and you are…?”

Of course, Maho didn’t know Kana either.

Kana giggled, and for some reason, she puffed out her chest proudly.

“I work at the same place as Harabashi-senpai. We’re always on good terms.”

“Oh, are you close…”

Maho seemed to narrow her eyes slightly. It appeared as if Kana had been observing the change in Maho’s expression.

“And I’m going on a date with Senpai next week!”

Kana made that bombshell declaration with a broad smile. Shinichi was flustered, but it was too late.

Maho seemed shocked and became rigid.

“He asked me out, and I was so happy. Senpai is reliable and cool!”

“Is that so…”

Maho muttered in a small voice, then looked down.

Shinichi could feel the situation worsening. Even though he wasn’t dating either Maho or Kana, this was…

Kana looked up at Shinichi.

“Hey, Senpai…”

She cut off her words there, and glanced at Maho. It seemed she wanted to know if Shinichi was going to continue being with Maho, who was supposed to be an acquaintance he’d bumped into.

Shinichi hesitated on how to answer. He was technically in the middle of a “date” with Maho. However, he couldn’t say that.

Before Shinichi could answer, Maho spoke up.

“I just happened to run into Harabashi-kun while I was walking around. I don’t want to intrude, so I’ll excuse myself here.”

Saying this, Maho turned on her heel and left. He wanted to call out “Maho!”, but he couldn’t call her name.

He was frustrated that he couldn’t just call her name outright. The two of them, once childhood friends, were now bound by their different positions.

Before he knew it, Kana was clinging tightly to Shinichi’s arm.

“Ah, Azusa-san?!”

“You know, Senpai… I won’t forgive you if you cheat on me.”

As if to make Shinichi aware that she was a woman, Kana pressed her small chest against him and giggled.