Welcome Home

After lunch, I headed straight to my seat. I could feel the boys glaring at me as they whispered amongst themselves. "Does he have a girlfriend?" Well, to answer that question, I don't have one!

I sighed and placed my face on the desk, staring blankly ahead. Then I heard a voice calling out my name. "Taneshima-san." It was Inoue-san's voice.

"Yes, Inoue-san?"

"Is it true? Do you have a girlfriend?"

Eh? Rumors already?! Huh!?

"N-No, I don't have one..."

Inoue-san let out a sigh of relief. "Phew, that's a relief. I was starting to worry there. It's just that some of the guys in the class were whispering and I overheard them talking about you having a girlfriend."

"I don't know where those rumors started, but they're not true. I guess people just like to gossip."

"Well, rumors tend to spread quickly in a school environment. It's important not to let them bother you too much. Just focus on being yourself and don't pay too much attention to what others say."

You're so kind, Inoue-san...

"Thanks, Inoue-san."

As I watched Inoue-san start reviewing her textbook, a sudden thought crossed my mind. Wait, was she worried? Could it be that she likes me?

My heart started to beat a little faster as I considered the possibility. Inoue-san had always been kind and friendly towards me. We had spent time together in the workplace.

I couldn't help but steal a glance at her, captivated by the way she focused on her studies. She truly is adorable, with her eyes shimmering with intelligence and her presence exuding a goddess-like aura. her radiant black eyes that truly mesmerize, the way she carries herself with confidence and grace, effortlessly capturing the attention and admiration of those around her.

Meanwhile... I'm just an average high school student, not someone particularly special, merely a background character who works hard. I suppose in this state, no one would like me.

I sighed, feeling exhausted. All I wanted was to go home and sleep, letting this day come to an end.

But then, a familiar voice echoed in my mind. "See you later and be careful!" The words resonated within me, causing my eyes to widen and my head to shake gently. A faint smile tugged at the corners of my lips.

Why was I being so hard on myself? I have someone waiting for me at home, someone who cared about me and looked forward to my return.

As the next subject teacher arrived, the classroom transitioned into a new lesson, albeit with a sense of weariness still lingering in the air. Time seemed to pass slowly, dragging on until the end of the school day at 4:00 PM.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the bell chimed, releasing us from the confines of the classroom. The teacher exited, leaving behind a room filled with the excited chatter of my classmates. Bags were zipped shut, notebooks were closed, and the anticipation of freedom filled the atmosphere.

"Taneshima-kun."

I turned around as Satori called out my name. "Yes?"

"You have some explaining to do, So do you wanna go have a karaoke with us?"

I glanced at him and his friends engaged in their own conversation, but I shook my head and smiled. "Thank you, but no thank you! I'm in a hurry right now!" With a quick wave, I turned around and sprinted down the hallway.

Satori was left speechless, a smile playing on his lips. "For some reason, he's changed... I wonder what really happened. Now, I'm curious." He smirked, joining back with his friends.

"Hey! No running in the hallway," scolded the teacher as I dashed past him. I quickly apologized and slowed down.

Swiftly unlocking the chains securing my bike, I placed them in the front basket and began pedaling away from the school, eager to reach the convenience store.

Upon arrival, I parked my bike and made my way to the ice cream section. I selected two medium-sized packs of ice cream, and makes my way to the cashier,

I placed the items on the counter, ready to complete the purchase.

As the cashier finished scanning the ice cream, he informed me, "That would be 1600 yen." I reached into my wallet and handed him the exact amount.

He took the money and placed the ice cream in a plastic bag. "Thank you for purchasing," he said with a polite smile.

I carefully placed the bag of ice cream in the front basket of my bike, ensuring they were secure. I hopped back on my bike and began pedaling once again, heading toward my apartment.

After arriving at the parking area of the apartment, I parked my bike, carefully chaining it up and securing it with locks. With the ice cream still in hand, I hurriedly made my way to the entrance of my apartment building. Standing in front of my door, I paused for a moment before knocking on it.

Entering through the door, I called out, "I'm home!" Expecting a response, I grew concerned when no one greeted me. The apartment remained eerily quiet. Taking a moment to collect myself, I removed my shoes and proceeded further inside. "Scarlet? Maria-san?" I called out once again, hoping for a reply.

With each unanswered call, panic started to rise within me. I searched every corner of the apartment, growing more anxious as I found no trace of them. However, as I made my way to my bedroom, a wave of relief washed over me. There, on my bed, lay Maria and Scarlet, peacefully asleep.

"Huh? I felt my shoulders loosen after knowing that they are here..."

I walked over to them and gently shook them.

"I'm home," I said.

Maria slowly opened her eyes, looking at me. "Oh, Taneshima-sama, welcome home," she replied. Scarlet sat up as well and gazed at me. "Human... I smell something sweet."

"Oh? I bought some ice cream."

"Oh?! Ice cream!? As expected of you, my servant!"

"I'm not your servant."

"Hmph, then one day you will be!" She chuckled, hopped off the bed, and quickly grabbed the plastic, heading out of the room.

"Thank you for buying us ice cream," Maria stood and bowed.

"No worries," I replied.

"Maria! Hurry up and come eat the ice cream with me!"

Maria chuckled once more and walked out of my room, saying, "I'm coming~"

I smiled, closing the door behind me, and started unbuttoning my uniform. However, a sudden realization struck me, causing me to rush toward Scarlet.

"Hey! Remember to share!!"