___
Spring has come and now Tsubaki and her class have safely progressed to fourth grade but this time she's in a different class from Kyosuke and Anna so she could not help but be disappointed about it.
And yet this time around she's still in the same class as Todo and to think this is already the sixth time around so at this point she just can't help but think its already inevitable.
Since Tsubaki doesn't have many friends aside from Kyosuke and Anna, so now she has become officially a loner and every time break time comes, she tries so hard thinking on how to spend it, to the point that she suffers a huge headache and thus for the first time Tsubaki regrets choosing the villainess route.
And another thing to take note of is that since she's now a fourth-grader, her studies are starting to get difficult. So when she decides to spend some time reading her textbooks, she can't help but feel nostalgic as she pondered to herself, "Oh yeah, we did study about this"
While from time to time she asks herself, 'Huh? Did we really studied something like this?' and while thinking like that it has become a good thing for her as she can review some of her lessons.
Thinking that there's nothing to worry about on Humanities/Social Studies, since her memory is quite good so she moved on to Science and Mathematics and optimistically thought to herself, "Maybe it will work things out as long as I do as many problems as I can."
Even though they call it lunch break but its already around three in the afternoon when suddenly, Tsubaki's homeroom teacher came rushing towards Tsubaki, telling her that in the middle of his work, Tsubaki's grandfather collapsed and was rushed to the hospital.
Thankfully, her grandfather was able to regain consciousness but it seems like he has important things to say, so both Tsubaki and Kyosuke and that there is no need to leave school early.
It was around late noon when her mother, who was in the hospital already, called her at school and there told Tsubaki that she'll stay at the hospital for a while and that she'll soon send the car over to their school to pick her up and when Tsubaki asked her mom if she wants to return home together since she'll be staying at the library for a while.
Her mother was quite stubborn when she answered that she'll stay there for a little longer so Tsubaki couldn't help but feel sorry for her grandfather who just collapsed and since it might be quite hectic in the hospital, he might not have a comfortable rest.
And just when she thought she'll stop convincing her stubborn mother, her mother finally gave in and told Tsubaki that after thirty minutes she'll leave the hospital before bidding their goodbyes over the phone.
That's why Tsubaki headed straight to the library to read the textbooks she just got for this term as she waits for her mother.
After school hours there aren't many students around since most of them have other lessons and activities that's why when she arrived at the library there's only her and the librarian, making her a bit nervous.
Despite thinking that its a bit stuffy here, Tsubaki proceeded to review her textbooks
Then after reading through the practice workbook, Tsubaki looked up and checked the wall clock and realised that it's about time for her to be pick up from school.
While thinking that it's about time for her to leave, Tsubaki stood up, tidied her things and decided to leave the library however it will take her longer and in a more roundaboutway if she goes directly from the library to the main entrance so she decided to take a short cut by crossing over the side from the school building.
On a normal basis it isn't allowed but Tsubaki who thought it will be fine since there aren't many people around so she decisively went for the short cut.
Tsubaki found this 'shortcut' route, the other day when she was on her way to the school gate when she found this secret space that is well hidden from most people.
It's quite hidden between the tall, thick trees so once summer comes it will be nice with all the shade and you can be rest assured that no one will traverse this place midway and is far away from the usual spots the other students usually hang out and if she wants to be alone or sometimes for herself, this is definitely the perfect place for her.
But to Tsubaki who was thinking about how convenient the 'secret space' she found an unexpected 'visitor'
Tsubaki came across the young boy just at the right time with his freshly opened snacks, and with his mouth wide open as he started stuffing himself with biscuits.
From what she can remember he's in the same grade as her and was the son of the CEO of the snacks maker that he is currently eating and if she isn't mistaken his name is Saeki Takaomi and he's one of "Koi Hana" 's capturable targets or so I remember...
He's quite soft-hearted and is also soft-spoken. He looks like the little brother prince type and is quite popular with the older girls as it seems to stimulate their motherhood.
But since he isn't Tsubaki's type so he doesn't really remember much though she felt like she just cleared him before.
To think THAT Saeki is in front of her right now. And just once, she remembered how Anna excitedly told her about Saeki so she does know that they're in the same grade and school right now.
But for Tsubaki who was never in the same class as him or probably because of his docile behaviour and that she has only seen him from afar she still isn't sure if this was really him so she couldn't help but stare at him.
And her conclusion is, 'Yup. Definitely the type that can tingle the motherhood in older girls with his appearance and personality'
As for Saeki who just found out that he was caught by Tsubaki snacking is badly flustered at the moment. At the instant when he suddenly stood up, the hand pouch he has fell and all the snacks he has inside it has now scattered on the floor.
A few bags of snacks has also rolled over near Tsubaki's foot, she picked around two bags of snacks and just when she was about to return it to him, she saw Saeki trembling and in tears
Saeki-kun are you a newborn fawn....
It might be the nerves but when Saeki tried to speak only a muffled like cry comes out and then after taking a deep breath and as if he just made the biggest resolve in his whole life, an unimaginable loud voice came from the small body.
"Ple..please don't tell anyone!"
"That you were eating snacks?"
"Ri, right!"
"Well it's not like I'll tell this to anyone"
"Eh? Really?"
Seeing that Tsubaki easily agreed to keep his snacking a secret, Saeki could not help but be suspicious at her words as he looks at her with a doubtful gaze.
In the first place, there's no merit for Tsubaki to tell anyone that Saeki was snacking. After lightly sighing and so he'll believe her, Tsubaki tear opened one of the snacks she has on her hand and took a bite of biscuit.
Seeing Tsubaki's unexpected actions, Saeki could not help but widen his eyes as he fixedly gazes at her.
I knew it biscuits can make you feel thirsty and it's unpleasant how it seems to be stuck on the crevices of your teeth and somehow it reminded her of the snacks she used to eat on her previous life and thought to herself how they still taste the same as the one she had tried before.
And after swallowing the biscuits she had in her mouth, she looked straight at Saeki and said, "...With this, I am your accomplice. Will you believe me now?"
"Why?"
Still having doubts at Tsubaki's sudden actions, he couldn't stop himself from staring at her.
"If I'll give you a reason then, I feel like trying a commoner's snacks...maybe? I guess it tastes quite normal. Ah, I'm sorry. It's not like I was making fun of the products produced by your Father's company."
"Un. It's fine. Umm...you are the person from the next class, Asahina-san, right? Mizushima-kun's cousin"
"Yes. I'm Asahina Tsubaki, Kyousuke-san's cousin. And you are Saeki-kun, right? To even eat your company's own products, aren't you quite enthusiastically studying about it."
But when I told him how he's quite enthusiastic, Saeki suddenly looked down.
'I wonder if I said something I shouldn't have.' Tsubaki worriedly thought to herself.
"You are wrong. That, I received it from my father. He always feels bad for being too busy to look after me, so he always gave me snacks. But since mother and my big sisters get mad when they find out so I always secretly eat it here. Since it would be a waste not to eat it after receiving it."
" So that's why. Though not all parents are indeed fond of letting their kids have to eat too much commoners' snacks so that's why you told me not to tell anyone"
"Yes. But it was unexpected for me to see Asahina-san to eat snacks like this"
"I'm not really picky about most things and just what I just said a while ago, I did have some thoughts of wanting to try it at least once. And since we're on the same school year please stop using keigo/polite speech"
After hearing Tsubaki's request, Saeki thought for a bit before fixing the keigo he's been using when talking to her.
No matter how docile Saeki is, for a male schoolmate of the same school year to use formal speech towards her makes it looks like he fears Tsubaki. Just the mere thought of it gave Tsubaki quite the shock.
"Umm. Asahina-san you really won't tell anyone?"
For the second time, Saeki asked her again as if to confirm it once again.
But seeing how someone's distrust towards her is this much, she doesn't know whether to feel happy or bad about it.
"I really don't have any credibility, do I? Well, then how about this? I won't say it under a conditional exchange"
"Condition!? Wh, what kind?"
After hearing the words conditional exchange, it was quite obvious that Saeki is acting strangely as he stuttered.
"If there are any new products or seasonal products, can I also eat some with you? Is my condition"
"Eh? Surprisingly it seems like you actually like it!?"
"As if! Biscuits get dry in your mouth and I'm bad with snacks that easily get stuck on your teeth but it's also the truth when I said I was curious with snacks that commoners usually eat. Besides you don't know when someone will come by again that's why you secretly eat them right? And I'll be helping you finish them up so it isn't that much of a bad deal for you right Saeki-kun?"
Just like with Kyousuke, with the same force Tsubaki uses when pushing her opinions or ideas to him, Saeki who was still a bit flustered, thought about it for awhile and as if he was completely taken by Tsubaki's words. He nodded his head a lot.
Whatsmore if a teacher finds out that they've been snacking, it gives you much more courage when you know there's two of you going down together than being alone.
But since it's been a while since she last ate some commoners snacks, she can't help but feel nostalgic about it.
In her previous life, she didn't really eat much of it but she was still at the stage where she just chooses not to eat it. Right now, she can't even go to a convenience store or a normal supermarket let alone buy some.
What's more, it would be bad if her parents learned that she ate those kinds of snacks.
Saeki's family is a maker of those snacks so she'll be really thankful if she can get some from time to time.
And since she's scared if Anna learns that she's hiding something like this from her, she plans on telling it to her and thinking about Kyousuke's behavior...
For sure he'll just go straight to Saeki, ignoring the latter's own pace and thinking about his docile personality. Tsuabki thought that it will be better to keep it a secret from him.
Putting aside whether Tsubaki will trust Saeki or not, at the very least if he learns that Saeki is a person who is getting along with Tsubaki then his distrust towards the former will definitely lessen by a lot.
After being lost in their conversation, Tsubaki finally realized that some time has already passed when she glanced over her watch. Finally remembering that the car might have already arrived.
"...I'm really sorry but it seems like the chauffeur who's here to fetch me is about to arrive so I have to excuse myself now. About our conversation regarding the snacks, please do call me when you plan on eating them. Well then..."
After hastily bidding farewell to Saeki, Tsubaki tried her best to speed walk towards the main school gate.
Once she's arrived near the school gate, she saw the car that was supposed to fetch her, she saw her mom, who just came back from the hospital sitting at the rear seat of the car.
"Is it really not something serious?"
"Yes. It seems like it's just that daily fatigue has piled up. Sigh, seriously he really did cause such a ruckus."
Even though her mom said it like but it was quite obvious that her mom is relieved to know that it wasn't anything serious.
When she received a call from her mother today, it seems like she was quite in a flustered state so Tsubaki was quite worried herself but it really is such a huge relief that it was just fatigue and nothing serious happened to her grandfather.
It seems like her expression is quite grave so her mother gently held Tsubaki's hand, looked at her and said, "Your grandfather is alright. Even back at his hospital room, he kept on asking what happened to this and who's left in charge to that? and was being noisy."
"I sure can imagine grandfather doing that."
In the first place that grandfather of mine works too much.
Both my grandfather and uncle, even when something bad happens during their private lives they'll no doubt choose to drown themselves in their work, acting as if everything's fine.
And so Tsubaki couldn't help but mutter, "The men in Mizushima family are really clumsy**"
**i decided to change it from awkward to clumsy. it didn't sit well with me and so after getting a good nap, I changed it.
___
Spring has come and now Tsubaki and her class have safely progressed to fourth grade but this time she's in a different class from Kyosuke and Anna so she could not help but be disappointed about it.
And yet this time around she's still in the same class as Todo and to think this is already the sixth time around so at this point she just can't help but think its already inevitable.
Since Tsubaki doesn't have many friends aside from Kyosuke and Anna, so now she has become officially a loner and every time break time comes, she tries so hard thinking on how to spend it, to the point that she suffers a huge headache and thus for the first time Tsubaki regrets choosing the villainess route.
And another thing to take note of is that since she's now a fourth-grader, her studies are starting to get difficult. So when she decides to spend some time reading her textbooks, she can't help but feel nostalgic as she pondered to herself, "Oh yeah, we did study about this"
While from time to time she asks herself, 'Huh? Did we really studied something like this?' and while thinking like that it has become a good thing for her as she can review some of her lessons.
Thinking that there's nothing to worry about on Humanities/Social Studies, since her memory is quite good so she moved on to Science and Mathematics and optimistically thought to herself, "Maybe it will work things out as long as I do as many problems as I can."
Even though they call it lunch break but its already around three in the afternoon when suddenly, Tsubaki's homeroom teacher came rushing towards Tsubaki, telling her that in the middle of his work, Tsubaki's grandfather collapsed and was rushed to the hospital.
Thankfully, her grandfather was able to regain consciousness but it seems like he has important things to say, so both Tsubaki and Kyosuke and that there is no need to leave school early.
It was around late noon when her mother, who was in the hospital already, called her at school and there told Tsubaki that she'll stay at the hospital for a while and that she'll soon send the car over to their school to pick her up and when Tsubaki asked her mom if she wants to return home together since she'll be staying at the library for a while.
Her mother was quite stubborn when she answered that she'll stay there for a little longer so Tsubaki couldn't help but feel sorry for her grandfather who just collapsed and since it might be quite hectic in the hospital, he might not have a comfortable rest.
And just when she thought she'll stop convincing her stubborn mother, her mother finally gave in and told Tsubaki that after thirty minutes she'll leave the hospital before bidding their goodbyes over the phone.
That's why Tsubaki headed straight to the library to read the textbooks she just got for this term as she waits for her mother.
After school hours there aren't many students around since most of them have other lessons and activities that's why when she arrived at the library there's only her and the librarian, making her a bit nervous.
Despite thinking that its a bit stuffy here, Tsubaki proceeded to review her textbooks
Then after reading through the practice workbook, Tsubaki looked up and checked the wall clock and realised that it's about time for her to be pick up from school.
While thinking that it's about time for her to leave, Tsubaki stood up, tidied her things and decided to leave the library however it will take her longer and in a more roundaboutway if she goes directly from the library to the main entrance so she decided to take a short cut by crossing over the side from the school building.
On a normal basis it isn't allowed but Tsubaki who thought it will be fine since there aren't many people around so she decisively went for the short cut.
Tsubaki found this 'shortcut' route, the other day when she was on her way to the school gate when she found this secret space that is well hidden from most people.
It's quite hidden between the tall, thick trees so once summer comes it will be nice with all the shade and you can be rest assured that no one will traverse this place midway and is far away from the usual spots the other students usually hang out and if she wants to be alone or sometimes for herself, this is definitely the perfect place for her.
But to Tsubaki who was thinking about how convenient the 'secret space' she found an unexpected 'visitor'
Tsubaki came across the young boy just at the right time with his freshly opened snacks, and with his mouth wide open as he started stuffing himself with biscuits.
From what she can remember he's in the same grade as her and was the son of the CEO of the snacks maker that he is currently eating and if she isn't mistaken his name is Saeki Takaomi and he's one of "Koi Hana" 's capturable targets or so I remember...
He's quite soft-hearted and is also soft-spoken. He looks like the little brother prince type and is quite popular with the older girls as it seems to stimulate their motherhood.
But since he isn't Tsubaki's type so he doesn't really remember much though she felt like she just cleared him before.
To think THAT Saeki is in front of her right now. And just once, she remembered how Anna excitedly told her about Saeki so she does know that they're in the same grade and school right now.
But for Tsubaki who was never in the same class as him or probably because of his docile behaviour and that she has only seen him from afar she still isn't sure if this was really him so she couldn't help but stare at him.
And her conclusion is, 'Yup. Definitely the type that can tingle the motherhood in older girls with his appearance and personality'
As for Saeki who just found out that he was caught by Tsubaki snacking is badly flustered at the moment. At the instant when he suddenly stood up, the hand pouch he has fell and all the snacks he has inside it has now scattered on the floor.
A few bags of snacks has also rolled over near Tsubaki's foot, she picked around two bags of snacks and just when she was about to return it to him, she saw Saeki trembling and in tears
Saeki-kun are you a newborn fawn....
It might be the nerves but when Saeki tried to speak only a muffled like cry comes out and then after taking a deep breath and as if he just made the biggest resolve in his whole life, an unimaginable loud voice came from the small body.
"Ple..please don't tell anyone!"
"That you were eating snacks?"
"Ri, right!"
"Well it's not like I'll tell this to anyone"
"Eh? Really?"
Seeing that Tsubaki easily agreed to keep his snacking a secret, Saeki could not help but be suspicious at her words as he looks at her with a doubtful gaze.
In the first place, there's no merit for Tsubaki to tell anyone that Saeki was snacking. After lightly sighing and so he'll believe her, Tsubaki tear opened one of the snacks she has on her hand and took a bite of biscuit.
Seeing Tsubaki's unexpected actions, Saeki could not help but widen his eyes as he fixedly gazes at her.
I knew it biscuits can make you feel thirsty and it's unpleasant how it seems to be stuck on the crevices of your teeth and somehow it reminded her of the snacks she used to eat on her previous life and thought to herself how they still taste the same as the one she had tried before.
And after swallowing the biscuits she had in her mouth, she looked straight at Saeki and said, "...With this, I am your accomplice. Will you believe me now?"
"Why?"
Still having doubts at Tsubaki's sudden actions, he couldn't stop himself from staring at her.
"If I'll give you a reason then, I feel like trying a commoner's snacks...maybe? I guess it tastes quite normal. Ah, I'm sorry. It's not like I was making fun of the products produced by your Father's company."
"Un. It's fine. Umm...you are the person from the next class, Asahina-san, right? Mizushima-kun's cousin"
"Yes. I'm Asahina Tsubaki, Kyousuke-san's cousin. And you are Saeki-kun, right? To even eat your company's own products, aren't you quite enthusiastically studying about it."
But when I told him how he's quite enthusiastic, Saeki suddenly looked down.
'I wonder if I said something I shouldn't have.' Tsubaki worriedly thought to herself.
"You are wrong. That, I received it from my father. He always feels bad for being too busy to look after me, so he always gave me snacks. But since mother and my big sisters get mad when they find out so I always secretly eat it here. Since it would be a waste not to eat it after receiving it."
" So that's why. Though not all parents are indeed fond of letting their kids have to eat too much commoners' snacks so that's why you told me not to tell anyone"
"Yes. But it was unexpected for me to see Asahina-san to eat snacks like this"
"I'm not really picky about most things and just what I just said a while ago, I did have some thoughts of wanting to try it at least once. And since we're on the same school year please stop using keigo/polite speech"
After hearing Tsubaki's request, Saeki thought for a bit before fixing the keigo he's been using when talking to her.
No matter how docile Saeki is, for a male schoolmate of the same school year to use formal speech towards her makes it looks like he fears Tsubaki. Just the mere thought of it gave Tsubaki quite the shock.
"Umm. Asahina-san you really won't tell anyone?"
For the second time, Saeki asked her again as if to confirm it once again.
But seeing how someone's distrust towards her is this much, she doesn't know whether to feel happy or bad about it.
"I really don't have any credibility, do I? Well, then how about this? I won't say it under a conditional exchange"
"Condition!? Wh, what kind?"
After hearing the words conditional exchange, it was quite obvious that Saeki is acting strangely as he stuttered.
"If there are any new products or seasonal products, can I also eat some with you? Is my condition"
"Eh? Surprisingly it seems like you actually like it!?"
"As if! Biscuits get dry in your mouth and I'm bad with snacks that easily get stuck on your teeth but it's also the truth when I said I was curious with snacks that commoners usually eat. Besides you don't know when someone will come by again that's why you secretly eat them right? And I'll be helping you finish them up so it isn't that much of a bad deal for you right Saeki-kun?"
Just like with Kyousuke, with the same force Tsubaki uses when pushing her opinions or ideas to him, Saeki who was still a bit flustered, thought about it for awhile and as if he was completely taken by Tsubaki's words. He nodded his head a lot.
Whatsmore if a teacher finds out that they've been snacking, it gives you much more courage when you know there's two of you going down together than being alone.
But since it's been a while since she last ate some commoners snacks, she can't help but feel nostalgic about it.
In her previous life, she didn't really eat much of it but she was still at the stage where she just chooses not to eat it. Right now, she can't even go to a convenience store or a normal supermarket let alone buy some.
What's more, it would be bad if her parents learned that she ate those kinds of snacks.
Saeki's family is a maker of those snacks so she'll be really thankful if she can get some from time to time.
And since she's scared if Anna learns that she's hiding something like this from her, she plans on telling it to her and thinking about Kyousuke's behavior...
For sure he'll just go straight to Saeki, ignoring the latter's own pace and thinking about his docile personality. Tsuabki thought that it will be better to keep it a secret from him.
Putting aside whether Tsubaki will trust Saeki or not, at the very least if he learns that Saeki is a person who is getting along with Tsubaki then his distrust towards the former will definitely lessen by a lot.
After being lost in their conversation, Tsubaki finally realized that some time has already passed when she glanced over her watch. Finally remembering that the car might have already arrived.
"...I'm really sorry but it seems like the chauffeur who's here to fetch me is about to arrive so I have to excuse myself now. About our conversation regarding the snacks, please do call me when you plan on eating them. Well then..."
After hastily bidding farewell to Saeki, Tsubaki tried her best to speed walk towards the main school gate.
Once she's arrived near the school gate, she saw the car that was supposed to fetch her, she saw her mom, who just came back from the hospital sitting at the rear seat of the car.
"Is it really not something serious?"
"Yes. It seems like it's just that daily fatigue has piled up. Sigh, seriously he really did cause such a ruckus."
Even though her mom said it like but it was quite obvious that her mom is relieved to know that it wasn't anything serious.
When she received a call from her mother today, it seems like she was quite in a flustered state so Tsubaki was quite worried herself but it really is such a huge relief that it was just fatigue and nothing serious happened to her grandfather.
It seems like her expression is quite grave so her mother gently held Tsubaki's hand, looked at her and said, "Your grandfather is alright. Even back at his hospital room, he kept on asking what happened to this and who's left in charge to that? and was being noisy."
"I sure can imagine grandfather doing that."
In the first place that grandfather of mine works too much.
Both my grandfather and uncle, even when something bad happens during their private lives they'll no doubt choose to drown themselves in their work, acting as if everything's fine.
And so Tsubaki couldn't help but mutter, "The men in Mizushima family are really clumsy**"
**i decided to change it from awkward to clumsy. it didn't sit well with me and so after getting a good nap, I changed it.
