Meeting the kids

Hehe did y'all miss me? We were out of milk so I went to get some.

I'm back now though :3

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「You're still coming right?」

「Yes, my classes just ended for the day. I should be there in 20.」

「Okie dokie ˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶」

Today was a rather bothersome day. After seeing my face my classmates flooded me with needless concern and questions, asking about the rumours and whether I was okay. Natsukawa also seemed concerned, constantly looking in my direction and fidgeting; however, after what I had told her I doubt she would be trying to initiate conversation with me anytime soon.

WIth school being ended for the day I had readied myself to greet the children of my, would be employer. I could only prepare to answer any questions she may ask as I know a parent would not trust their children with just anyone. 'I can only hope the children are amiable.'

.

.

.

"Pardon me, my name is Wataru Sajou. I believe I have a meeting with a client who reserved this cafe?"

"Ah yes, right this way please."

The man who greeted me at the front of the store appeared to be a foreigner, or of mixed descent. He was rather tall, with well groomed blond hair, blue eyes and pale skin. He wore a uniform that consisted of a white button down shirt with rolled sleeves up to his elbows, black pants, brown shoes and a black apron. If asked, a woman would describe him as handsome. 'Someone like this seems like the type to have the girl everyone wants.' 

"Thank you."

The cafe itself opted for an open design, having a fairly large square counter to place orders with a cash register at the front, hardwood floors and then a dining area to the right with multiple tables and chairs. I had made out the figure of whom, I could only assume my employer, at the corner of the store alongside two children.

The woman appeared to be extremely anxious, while she tried to hide it…if one were to look closely they could see her slightly fidgeting.

◆

"Wataru Sajou right?"

Sitting at the desk where the woman was, she initiated conversation by simply asking confirmation of my identity. The woman appeared to be extremely young for having children. She had indigo and purplish long hair arriving at her waist and had bangs that had pink streaks in them. She was dressed in an oversized grey hoodie with the hood drawn over her head and a disposable surgical mask on her face, her attire seemed extremely…suspicious.

"Yes, that's the correct miss..Hoshino was it?"

"Yes! That's right. Nice to finally meet you mr monotone~" 

Unlike most people, her playful personality seemed to be the exact same as it was over the phone.

"....Right, you as well miss Hoshino. I take it these two are your children?"

She had two children next to her. Situated to her right, was a young girl with blonde hair that was tied in a side ponytail just like her mother. She had pink-ruby coloured eyes. To her left was a young boy about the same age as his sister was a blonde boy with curtain bangs hanging in front of his face, just above his aquamarine blue eyes. Both of them seemed to be around 4 years old.

"I can see how you got their names."

"Hehe~Right right! My superb naming skills fit them so well. Praise me more!"

'That wasn't a compliment.'

"...Moving forward, may I ask why you're dressed like….that?"

"Oh this?" She pointed towards her mask covered face in a cute exaggerated manner.

"I just didn't want unnecessary attention."

"Wouldn't that attire make you more conspicuous though?"

Hearing my question, she pulled down her hood and took off her mask.

"I. Don't. Think. Soooo~"

Whilst her beauty was stunning, that wasn't justification for her suspicious outwear. Rather than that, it was the fact that she was an idol. I remember seeing her group perform on television a few times before, coupled with some of my classmates listening to their songs..it wasn't hard to understand she was quite popular.

"I see."

"Hey! What's with that boring reaction to mama!?" 

The little girl, whom I assume as Ruby, seemed extremely agitated at my lackadaisical response to her mother's reveal. When I first heard her introduction I had already considered the fact she may have been the idol; however, I chalked it up to a massive coincidence. That was until of course, she slipped up and referred to her manager.

"Well, it wasn't that surprising. It's extremely hard to find someone with the exact same name as a popular idol."

"Hehe, I proooobably shouldn't have told you my name should I?"

"That would've been the better option, yes. Though I must ask, why would you risk your career to hire a baby sister?"

"See, even he gets it. I told you it was a bad idea Ai."

'Huh.. well isn't that strange. This four year old boy seems extremely intelligent.'

"Stop being mean to mama! Bad Aqua!"

The girl appeared to be scolding her brother for how he spoke to his mother. Though, I admit it is quite strange seeing how he refers to his mother by her given name.

"It's okay Ruby, he doesn't mean anything by it." Ai was trying to appease her daughter's anger.

"It's alright, I have no intention of saying anything about this to anyone. If need be I'll sign a contract for you."

"Thank you! Wait— that means you accept the job right?"

"Yes, your children seem extremely well behaved. Though I must ask, do you have no intention of interviewing me?"

By now the manager had led the two children away to play somewhere else so that Miss Hoshino and I could continue our conversation.

"Ah- about that…I may or may not have…hired a private investigator to gather information on you."

'I don't think anyone would just admit to such a breach of privacy.'

".....Right."

"You're not mad are you!?" She appeared to be fidgeting around as if she was afraid of my reaction.

"~Sigh~ There's no use getting mad about something you've already done."

"I see I see. Hey aren't you a bit too mature for your age?"

'Couldn't I say the same about her?' 

"Pot, meet kettle."

"Hey! That's not nice." She pouted

"Apologies Miss Hoshino."

"Ai."

"Excuse me?"

"Call me Ai."

"Alright then, Miss Ai."

"No! Just call me Ai."

"I'm afraid that would be extremely unprofessional of me."

"Ughh, okay, I guess I can work with that."

"Thank you." 

She seemed slightly disappointed by my formality, given her profession I suppose she doesn't have many people around her age that she could call a friend.

"By the way…may I ask a question?"

"Hoho~ aren't you quite the curious one? Very well then." Her head seemed to raise high as she put on a prideful exaggerated act.

"Has your manager not warned you of the danger you put yourself in by posting an ad about babysitting instead of hiring a private one?"

Given her line of work it's highly improbable that she wasn't warned about the risk of what she was doing.

"Arghh, please don't remind me."

"Judging from your response I take it he did. He is right, you know?"

"Has anyone ever told you that you talk like a middle aged professor?"

'Not this again.' 

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Author note: Did y'all miss me? I'm back~ 

This chapter was long overdue don't ya think? Everyone was so excited to see how interactions between Kiyo and the OnK cast would go, well here you are!

 If y'all have any suggestions just lmk, also please help me fix any errors if there are any.

Love y'all

pce out.