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As the owner left, I was embraced by the one who entered and knocked me down. It’s soft but I can’t breathe! From the feel, I know that it’s her, but I can’t speak.

「Cathy, Kotone looks like she’s having a hard time, so could you let her go.」
「Oh, gomen~¹ I was just so happy being invited.」
「Please don’t suddenly hug me just because of that.」
「…… I’m jealous.」
「Oh, Kondou, you’re with her?」
「I was her guide, after all.」

It seems like Teacher Kondou and Teacher Cathy arrived together. With this, the only one left is the principal. Also, Teacher Saeki read the mood and called us by given name. It’ll be great if the others follow suit. Though in Teacher Cathy’s case, she does that to begin with.

「You two are fine with beer, right? Owner! Two more servings of beer please!」
「Don’t order it on your own. Well, I’m fine with that, though.」
「Hai, hai. I don’t know what else they have here.」

She just arrived and hasn’t even seen the menu after all. Just a bit more before the agreed time. Principal, you aren’t going to get here late because of work, are you now? If that happens, you’ll be disliked.²

「Sorry, I got here late.」
「「「…… Ha?」」」

While we were chatting, he finally came. And the three teachers are in silent shock with the principal’s sudden arrival. Seeing that, I was holding back my laughter. Like I thought, that’s the normal reaction.

「Eh, wait!?」
「Nonono, the mysterious member is him!?」
「…… Dōshite?」
「Midou. Wearing a suit for a private drinking party is a bit…」
「I was finishing up my work, you see. On that note, you don’t seem too fashionable yourself.」

Enough about me. This time’s star is the principal and he came in a suit, come on. It’s what he usually wears, so really not much impact. Mostly for me. Well, he does look good in it, though.

「Hold up, Kotone! What are you just casually talking there for!」
「How did you get to know each other and how did this situation happen!」

Seems like they’re still confused. I understand what they want to say. No one would expect a regular student to be so close with a principal, to the point of setting a private event for him. I never intended to be this close with him. He just dragged me into it.

「A lot happened during that incident. Owner! One more beer please! Also, we’re complete now, so please bring in dishes!」
「The impetus for it, let’s see. I’m acquaintances with her mother, and that’s related to it.」
「Ah, that explains it…… Wait, does it?」
「No way. If that’s the case, it doesn’t explain this current situation.」

Please be convinced even if it doesn’t make sense. This conversation isn’t going to get anywhere, after all. I can’t possibly say that this was planned so the principal could socialize with Teacher Saeki. Anyhow, I guess it’ll make up a believable reason.

「Midou told me that he wanted to know everyone better, so we planned today’s event. Everybody would probably shrink away if the principal invited them directly, so I was asked to invite people in his stead.」

With this, they’re somehow convinced. Teacher Saeki seems to be still doubtful, but please let it pass. You’re a completely different case, after all.

「Now then, our drinks are here now. Midou, please lead the toast.」
「Then, if I may. While I couldn’t invite everyone, I hope to ask for assistance in the future. With that, cheers!」
「「「Cheers!」」」
「Cheers. Or rather, that sounded so formal.」

Him adapting to my explanation was nice but this isn’t a corporate drinking party, so he could’ve been a bit more informal about it. I guess that’s just part of his personality. Now then, what to do next. I haven’t thought of anything beyond this at all.

「Kotone, your interpersonal web is amazing.」
「Cathy. It’s just a result of happenstance. It’s not that everyone I’m acquainted with is amazing, alright?」

The most amazing person I’m acquainted with is the principal after all. The other adults I know aren’t of high social standing. That’s why please stop looking at me with admiration.

「I didn’t expect you to be acquaintances with Midou of all people either. Owner! More beer please!」

That’s fast. Actually, she just chugged it in one go, didn’t she? And principal, don’t look so satisfied just because she said your first name. If you don’t make a move, you won’t be able to get closer with her.

「Are you all close with Kotone?」
「I, as you may know, am her class teacher, after all. I have been troubled by her last year, so I believe this year is going to be much better.」
「Kondou. We’re in private, there’s no need to be formal.」
「Even so…… I-I get it, okay! So stop glaring! It’s scary!」

The principal’s glares are seriously scary, after all. He already looks angry enough with his normal look, so it’s all the more scary. However, he’s weak mentally.

「My best friend is close with Kotone, so there’s that connection. I guess I should go visit sometime.」
「Is it alright? For a teacher to visit a student’s house?」
「It’s fine. I’m just meeting with Akane. Meeting up with you isn’t my reason for going, see?」

Isn’t that just sophism? Still, if she visits at dinner, they’ll inevitably come to my room. And I’m not going to refuse either. It’ll only worsen relationships after all.

「I have, I have… nothing……」
「Please don’t feel down about it, Cathy.」

Among the members, only Teacher Cathy has not much in common with me. In between the class teacher and someone who knows me from her best friend, she’s the only one that is nothing more than a teacher.³ Though she’s pretty extreme with skinship considering that.

「That’s why, hug!」
「I don’t get it!」

While holding back Teacher Cathy from hugging me, I looked at the food that’s being served before my eyes. Actually, I can’t eat like this. Let me eat this freshly cooked food.

「Ah, refill please!」
「Shizuru, I’ll be really thankful if you could slow down a bit.」
「But I refuse!」

Instant decline for the wife’s request, huh. Seriously, she’s drinking so quickly. The others have just finished their mug and yet she’s already on her third. And she honestly doesn’t seem to be drunk at all.

「S-Shizuru, you’re quite good with alcohol.」

Don’t be so nervous just calling her name. Still, Teacher Saeki doesn’t seem to be too bothered about the principal. Meanwhile, Teacher Kondou is still nervous talking to him. Teacher Cathy, on the other hand, is still focused on me. Please let me eat.⁴

1. Lyly: This means that the person is speaking English
   Silva: Since the person is speaking in English, translating English to English hardly makes sense to let’s do the reverse thingy?
2. Lyly: Yeah, because they’re going to wait for the drinks and food for forever, lol
3. Lyly: Oof
4. Lyly: Kotone’s greatest weakness, food you are allowed to eat but can’t eat