Volume 2 - CH 3.8

Minato Interlue

Translated by 64990022

Chapter 3: Mikage Saeka Beyond Reach

Minato Interlude

The cafeteria after school was like a cemetery.

The shops closed down, so it served no more purpose than a place to chat, which served our purpose just fine.

In the large, dimly lit space, many large tables and chairs were lined up. The only sound was the faint buzzing of the vending machine by the wall.

As soon as I got to school today, I dropped a letter in Mikage-san’s shoe box.

The time, place, and my name. That should be enough to get her here.

“Yaa, Yuzuki-san.” She leaned to the pillar opposite to mine.

She was glamorous, as always. I got a little nervous just by being in her presence.

Ahh, I’m terribly sorry, Mikage-san…

I have to lie to you here.

“It’s been a little while. And on that note, thanks.” Mikage-san smiled and sat down without asking any questions.

The two of us were alone in the middle of the spacious cafeteria.

After taking a deep breath, I sipped from a can of cider I had left on the table.

I rarely drink soda, but only recently, I found myself drinking it a little more often. Why…?

“Is there anything? I’m a little nervous, what could you possibly have for me?”

“Not exactly anything… I chose this timing because we wouldn’t stand out.”

“Fufu, if it’s our combo, maybe,” she teased.

Io, I can’t hold this long, you got this.

“You’ve talked with the Angel?”

“Ahh, that went fine. Must have caused lotta trouble. For that part I’m grateful, though.”

Mikage-san did not seem to be reluctant to answer, exactly like how Io said she’d be.

“Oh, good to hear. I was a little worried.”

“Yeah, all thanks to you!” said Mikage-san amiably.

I’m feeling guilty…

Io, what are you doing?

“The recent buzz about you…”

“Haha, don’t say that. I never knew it’d get that big.”

“Is that by Angel’s help?”

“Ummm… yes, and no. The Angel said not to tell anyone… But you might be an exception…” Mikage-san was deep in thought. 

From the sound of it, it should be that condition before consultation. You really think ahead, don’t you, Io?

“I’m sorry, but I’ll leave it to your imagination. You’re on the right track.”

“Right. I should have thought more before asking.”

Before I could say “sorry,” 

Clack

The cafeteria double door swung open.

Simultaneously, Mikage-san’s gaze darted towards the sound. 

Io walked in. He was furiously typing on the phone. I would have believed he was actually texting someone had he hadn’t told me beforehand. He looked up at us disinterestedly before continuing texting.

That was acting. He must have been as nervous as me.

I checked Mikage-san’s expression. For a moment, her expression stiffened. What happened? Is our plan still working?

“By the way, I saw you at Ishiyama Station’s deli cafe the other day.” I threw the prepared topic at her.

Get this together, Minato, this is the only chance.

“Hmm, when? I go there a lot.”

“Umm, when you helped the customer who knocked over his coffee. I was there when it happened.”

“Ah, you were there? I didn’t notice.”

Io then passed behind me. For a second, Mikage-san’s gaze followed him.

“But, hadn’t you left the cafe? Why did you come back…”

“Oh, guess I did… I didn’t remember why…”

To accent the end of her sentence, the vending machine Io was at clunked. At the edge of my vision, Io bent down to take the drink.

Just a little more…

“I’m wondering.”

“Yeah?”

The moment was near. I quickly search for questions. If I ask her now, her attention would be on how to answer, not Io…

“Don’t you hesitate? Whether to help or not.”

Either way, it really was what I was wondering.

“I didn’t hesitate.” Without slightest hesitation, she answered. “I don’t want to feel guilty for not helping later. I like myself better this way.”

“…”

“I want to be the perfect Mikage Saeka. To be someone I could be proud of.”

“Mikage-san—”

Thud.

Io kicked the table and fell forward. His hands reached for support, an by doing so—

His hand grazed Mikage-san’s cheek.

His other hand slammed the floor and he rolled. Miage-san trembled, hugging her shoulders.

“Ah, sorry. I didn’t hurt you, right?” apologized Io.

“N-no. You alright?”

“I’ll manage.” he quickly limped away.

From what I saw, it was a success… but why did he have a clouded expression.

Did it work?

◆　◆　◆

After wrapping up the talk with Mikage-san, I rendezvous with Io at Cafe Proof.

I walked through the cutely decorated entrance into the cafe, bowed to Akashi-san, and walked to the innermost seat. Io was there, his head in hands.

From the look of him, it couldn’t be good.

“Oh… Minato, good work back there.”

“What happened? You didn’t reach her? Not enough time to sketch…?”

“No, I touch it all right. No, I’ve definitely touched her cheek” he mumbled. “It was soft…”

Tch. Is he enjoying her cheek?

Io leaned back languidly and looked up at the ceiling. His Adam’s apple bobbed a little…

“I’ve seen nothing,” he admitted.

“Huh?”

“No one, nothing,” he said dryly, “Ha ha, what a deep mess.”  His voice was immediately drowned over by the bustle of the café.