Set Up

*Furuhashi Miko*

"The sun is still this intense even it's already the Fall season?" asked Akari. "I'm kinda sweating here."

"That's true," I said.

"You are agreeing to what I said, but...," replied Akari. "How the hell are you still looking so fresh?!"

Fufu, I, as the epitome of beauty and elegance in this school, should always be prepared in this type of situation. Cosmetics is one thing but the only thing that I use is the magic facial powder I always bought online. It doesn't cause me to have an oily skin therefore it is a blessing that such thing is created. I also use sun screen as a protection. The rest is, well, natural. It might probably due to my changes in the food that I am eating.

Back when I was still a fatso, I used to chomp on candies, rice meals, and high calorie foods. In my "life's transformation into a goddess" arc, I drastically reduced eating those unhealthy stuff and resorted into almost vegetarian life style. But at times, I am craving and I do give myself a chance.

Just like today.

If not for that bastard inviting me to try the latest ice cream store around the area, I would have restrained myself.

For the sake of Love-Revenge Operation, I am willing to take on the offer.

T-Though, I still brought Akari with me. J-Just to be safe.

While we were walking, Akari stirred a conversation.

"So, is he really the Naoya from the past?" asked Akari.

"I wasn't sure the first time I saw him," I replied. "But he had the little scar on his forehead, just above his left eyebrow, so I am certain that he is Naoya."

"Wow, what an attention to detail person~," said Akari. "No wonder he was your first love."

Eek. Remembering that made me want to vomit.

"I'm way past that pathetic era of my life," I replied. "Don't even joke about it."

"Hahaha!" laughed Akari. "Sorry, you're getting pissed already, it's kinda cute."

Grrr!

"What a letdown, though," added Akari. "His aura was definitely different from before. Now, he looks like those irrelevant side character from some anime that I've watched."

T-That's somehow true. He looked like the handsome, bad boy protagonist from a certain shoujo manga years ago but now, his image is like the plain male main character in a harem manga. I believe I said this before but I can't help but to reiterate.

"If he was really Naoya, didn't he even apologized yet?" asked Akari.

"I don't know, maybe he's just an evil incarnate," I said. "If he won't apologize, then I have to take matters on my own hand. Revenge time."

"Maybe something happened to him when you transferred schools, hence his downgraded image," said Akari.

"Whether he becomes a horse or a monster, he deserves a taste of his own medicine," I said.

Gosh, I'm so heated but I have to control myself.

We didn't even notice that we are in front of the ice cream shop already. I was carried by our conversation.

"So, where's Naoya-kun?" asked Akari.

"He told me to just enter the shop," I said. "Where is he, anyway?"

Akari and I entered the shop and looked for a comfortable place to sit.

"Wow, this place looks pretty," said Akari.

"It's so cozy in here that I might wanna stay for hours," I said.

The interior design is so modern. I like this kind of style!

While we were in awe, a person approached us while handing out the menu.

"May I take your order, miladies?" asked Naoya.

Naoya was the one who took our order. He was wearing a butler uniform. B-But why?

"U-Uchida-kun?" I asked. "Why are you wearing a---"

"Ah, this?" replied Naoya. "Well, today is our grand opening and the manager wants us to put on a theme so here it is."

Even the girl employees are wearing the same type of costume. I wonder if I'd look good in that uniform.

"So, your order?" asked Naoya.

"I'll take the parfait, regular sized!" said Akari.

"I'll take the same," I added.

Naoya listed our orders then made his way back to their "kitchen". While waiting, Akari started another talk.

"To think that that guy would be in a part time job," said Akari. "I am shocked more than impressed."

"I remembered that his family is rich, that's why I am also wondering why he is working," I replied. "Maybe, feeling independent this time? Though, I doubt it."

Or, was there an event that really happened that I didn't get to know?

"Miko, are you really sure about your plan?" asked Akari.

"Till the day I thought about it, I am certain that I will do it," I replied. "I want him to suffer the same thing he did to me."

"Wow, scary," said Akari. "Don't worry, since your bestfriend will be here to assist you."

"T-Thank you, Akari," I replied.

As we were conversing, Naoya came back while handing out our order. He served three parfaits to us.

"Our manager lets me take my break to attend to you two, so I am joining you both for a while," said Naoya. "Is that fine?"

"Of course!" said Akari. "Oh, you can sit beside Miko. You don't mind, right Miko?"

I-Is she already....

"Sure, no worries," I said.

Naoya really sat beside me. To think that I'd be sharing a parfait with my former bully... But in the name of revenge, this is a stepping stone!

"So you are actually working as a part time here, Uchida-kun?" I asked.

"Yeah, I am," said Naoya. "I need to pay for everything myself since I am living alone."

Living alone? This is new to me. Where is his parents?

"Wow, you are such an independent guy," I said. "That's something to be proud of,"

Yes, compliments are part of this secret operation.

"How is the parfait?" asked Naoya. "Is it good?"

"Yes, pretty good!" I said. "I might order this one often."

"I'm glad you liked it!" said Naoya.

While I was talking with Naoya, Akari was making some weird gestures. She's finger framing us, like she's taking a picture.

"W-What are you doing?" I asked.

"Nah, it's just that I thought that you two can be a perfect couple," said Akari.

W-What are you saying, Akari?! I-Is this your way of assisting me? At least signal me first!

"Actually, can I take a picture of you two?" asked Akari. "This would be a great portrait."

F-Fine, for the sake of the operation.

"Sure, I don't mind," I said.

"Wow, you heard that, Uchida-kun?" asked Akari. "This is a rare moment that you get to take a picture together with Miko. Not even other boys have accomplished this!"

"I-Is that so?" asked Naoya.

H-He still looked stoic. He doesn't even look flustered even after sitting with a hot lady like me. Does he still see me as the Miko from middle school? Curse you, Uchida Naoya.

"Aight, I'm taking it," said Akari.

Naoya and I both smiled at the camera while doing a peace sign.

"Hmm, something's still lacking...," said Akari. "Uchida-kun, since you are in a butler role, why don't you feed Miko a spoon of parfait?"

A-Akari?! S-She's pushing for it!

"C'mon, he has to play the role, right Miko?" asked Akari.

"Y-Yeah, since we're here and all," I said.

Even this thing would embarrass Naoya.

"If you don't mind, then let's do it," said Naoya.

He wasn't! He wants to actually feed me!

"C'mon Miko, say 'Aah~'," said Akari.

I-I'll get back to you later, Akari! I just have to eat it, right?!

"A-ah~," I said while slowly opening my mouth.

But still, why does Naoya still looked serious?! Was he mad?!

And, the bitch was taking photos of me being fed with a parfait!

E-Even this was flustering to me...

I-I felt embarrassed so I excused myself for a while to go to the comfort room.

Man...

*Uchida Naoya*

The only thing I could say at this moment was...

THANK GOD I INVITED FURUHASHI!

Man, she's so cute. My heart couldn't almost take it. Sticking to my principles at the last minute saved myself.

I have to maintain this neutral image. I don't have the right to be attracted to her for as long as I she haven't forgiven me.

But man, I couldn't erase her face from my brain. What the hell....

Now, that she went to the comfort room, I'm with her bestfriend. I don't know how to start the conversation.

But, she approached me.

"So Uchida-kun," said Akari-san. "Finally, I got to talk to you alone."

"U-Uhm, yes?" I said. "Do you need anything?"

I felt the tension slowly rising at this point.

"Let's talk about Miko," said Akari-san. "....and you."

She looked at me like she was in for a serious conversation.

<TO BE CONTINUED>