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I’m on shift tomorrow and on Christmas Eve, but there’s a sudden change of plans. As for whose fault this is, it’s completely the principal’s fault. If his family had confidence that he could do it by himself, they wouldn’t be so worried. They really don’t trust him on this.

“Owner, Kaori and I have a date on Christmas Eve, so could you adjust our shifts?”
“Wha-what?”
“Again, your wording!”

Seeing the owner’s shock is funny. Is he surprised that I have someone to date or under the wrong impression that Kaori has a boyfriend and is in disbelief? Kaori is fuming, but I’m doing it on purpose.

“To think that you two were dating…”
“Ah, so that’s how you’re taking it.”
“Dad…”

Exposed to Kaori’s cold stare, the owner finally realized that I was joking. Seeing him sigh in relief, I’m a bit disappointed in him as a parent. Actually, where did his imagination of me and Kaori dating come from? I don’t remember us giving off that kind of vibe.

“To be completely transparent, I have been asked to confirm the success or failure of a certain acquaintance’s marriage proposal, so I would like to take a day off then. We’ll be shopping for things we need for it tomorrow.”
“Is that a joke too?”
“No, it’s true.”

This time the owner is staring at the ceiling in deep thought. Is he thinking that Kaori’s the one getting proposed to? There’s no way. Kaori is still in high school, so the most it would be is a confession with the promise of future marriage.

“I have absolutely no idea what’s going on. I can’t even imagine how you got into that situation, Kotone.”
“That’s pretty much impossible, so please give it up. I was just dragged into it, I have no idea how this happened either.”
“Even I couldn’t believe it when she told me earlier. But since it’s Kotone, it happens.”

Don’t just make sense of it like that. Even I don’t know how to explain it well. The cooperation was still fine and all, but why do I have to be there to check how the proposal goes? That should be his own business, not something for me to be involved with.

“I still don’t completely understand, but you have my permission. You’ll still be joining the Christmas party, right?”
“Absolutely. It’s a rare occasion, after all.”
“I just pray that you don’t bring any weird people along.”

I’m not going to. Whether it be my past acquaintances or the twelve-family crowd, I’m absolutely not letting anyone else join. Partly because it’s a hefty responsibility, but it’s obvious that things will end badly if they get involved.

“This time, I intend to keep the party limited to us. The field trip was so chaotic, so I want some peace.”
“Even though you think that way, there are some who might crash the party, so it’s hard to trust that.”

About that, just give up. There’s no way to stop them. They’re the type who won’t listen no matter how much you say no, it’s really a bother. What’s worse is it would be mostly the docile-looking people who are actually chaotic on the inside.

“Well in that case, it’s all up in the air until the party happens.”
“If the said person’s proposal succeeds, he won’t come joining the party, right?”
“That’s precisely why the party shouldn’t be held in my apartment.”

Frankly, the chances of that happening are high, so I refused to have a Christmas party at my room. If it’s not the principal, Ms. Saeki might come instead. And with her, the couple next door would also come. That’s clearly not a student’s Christmas party anymore.

The next day, I arrived at our meeting place as planned, but then I saw the person standing next to Kaori. I couldn’t help but think about running away. After all, for some reason, Mizuki, who shouldn’t be on shift now, was waving at me with a blinding smile.

“Why?”
“I’m using my paid leave. Also, Akira and Keisuke told me to get revenge.”
“You deserve it, Kotone.”

My shoulders drop dejectedly, but I’m sure Kaori is in Mizuki’s sights too. I guess it’s my fault for not talking about my bodyguards much; she doesn’t have a full grasp of their personalities. Why are there so many unique characters around me?

“Kaori. I take back what I said yesterday. This day is sure to be a terrible day.”
“Eh? This person is a problem too? Isn’t she your bodyguard?”
“Barely anyone I’m acquainted with is decent.”
“I’m hearing off-hand insults, but I’ll let it slide today.”

Her stopper, Mr. Gojima, isn’t present today. And those two are probably hiding somewhere with a grin right now. It’s true that I caused them trouble during the field trip. But isn’t it wrong to meddle with your protectee’s private life?

“I’m reporting you to the chief afterward.”
“Feel free. Even if I get reported for today, I have zero regrets.”
“She really is a problem.”

There’s nothing more troublesome than a person who doesn’t feel regret. Akira and Keisuke were probably treated as problem children because they do things like this. Or maybe this was from my bad influence. How did we end up with a cycle of people causing problems?

“So, where are we heading to, Kotone?”
“So you weren’t informed. A guide will pick us up in a while and take us to the boutique.”
“Okay, so just a bit more until fun time.”

I’ll be completely frank. Today has just become a hellish day. After being dressed up like dolls and having pictures of us taken, Kaori and I were completely exhausted when we arrived back at the cafe. Mizuki’s satisfied face is irritating.

“I’ll head home now. Thanks for coming.”
“Yeah. I’m going to sleep. That was super exhausting.”

I wholly refuse to be near an excited Mizuki from now on. Also, I’ll have to have a word with Akira and Keisuke. There won’t be a next time.