AN: Welcome back, dear readers! The last chapter was quite short, but very important plot-wise, and I'm finally back to picking up this story from where it was left off from. Now that Jirou has finally realized his feelings towards Kanade, the end can just be seen over the horizon, but there are a few plot points that need to be gone through before it can be reached – and that's what this chapter is about!
Without further ado, let's get right into the story!
Chapter 9 – The Aftermath
"...and so, all of you are expected to give at least one-hundred and thirty percent to this job. I have heard from my daughter that you have all worked diligently, but even more work is required for you to meet the standards of working for the Suzutsuki Family..." Suzutsuki Satoshi paced back and forth in front of us as he explained to us over and over again the importance of our job, and everything we were expected to do. I inwardly let out a sigh as I let my gaze wander over to the two, actual butlers of the Suzutsukis standing just to the side – Konoe Subaru and Konoe Nagare. Nagare stood in place stiffly, his eyes closed, emitting an aura of stoic elegance, the kind that only a true butler would have. Next to him, his daughter (or son, if you asked from someone who didn't know her secret) stood in a similar position, though her eyes were open. As she noticed my gaze, she gave me a small smile, accompanied by a thumbs-up. Ahh, Konoe… At least someone believes in me… As the head of the Suzutsuki family droned on and on, I found my gaze wandering even more, eventually landing on the purple-haired girl standing to my right. Immediately as I looked at her, an unnerving feeling arose from within me – a feeling of uncertainty, as Konoe's words once again echoed in my mind. How do I feel about the two girls… Well, I know how I feel about one of the girls, now. I looked back towards Suzutsuki, and recalled the faithful events that happened yesterday. So much happened, and in such little time… But one thing became clear to me.
I love Suzutsuki Kanade, daughter of Suzutsuki Satoshi,the principal of Rouran Academy, head of the influential Suzutsuki family, and the man I am currently listening to talk about what kind of detergent to use when we are assigned to clean the dining room.
Wait, why is he talking about that? Never mind, that's not the issue right now. The real issue is… I once again looked towards the girl on my right, and took a few seconds to study her form as she silently faced forwards, listening to Suzutsuki Satoshi intently. ...What I feel towards Masamune.
Yesterday, I was finally able to realize that the simple reason as to why I felt like I wanted to protect Kanade, why I hated seeing her cry, and why I wanted to spend time with her… was because loved her. However… I also harboured similar feelings towards Masamune, as well. Of course, I had these feelings for anyone I considered close. Kanade, Masamune, Konoe, even Kureha. But with Kanade and Masamune… the feelings were definitely the strongest. So, if wanting protect, and spend time with Kanade means that I love her… Does it mean that I've also fallen in love with Masamune? Because if that is the case… I'm in a bit of a pickle. Falling in love with multiple people is not common, and it certainly only brings bad things for the parties involved, especially since both of these girls also love me. But, while this problem is quite big, it isn't the only one. As Suzutsuki went over the duties of the maids, I glanced to the girls to either side of me. There's also my gynophobia.
After Kanade's confession, and the subsequent realization I had about my own feelings, Kanade had embraced me rather… sensually. This, combined with the feeling of her lips on mine, was too much for me, and I blacked out. The next thing I remember was laying down in my bed, with Kureha sitting on a chair next to my bed – fast asleep. After I managed to wake her up, she told me that Kanade had instructed her to watch over me after I had collapsed, but fell asleep herself. Kureha questioned me about why I had an attack while "alone with onee-sama", but I kept quiet about the events that transpired in Kanade's room. No need to tell my sister about the fact that I pretty much confessed to Kanade. I haven't seen Kanade since then… I tried to look for her after I regained consciousness yesterday, but to no avail… And I haven't seen her around today, either. I really need to find her and talk things through with her.
"...I think that's about all. Now, you two girls are dismissed, but I would like to speak with Sakamachi Kinjirou-kun about his duties – in private." Hearing my name come out of Suzutsuki's mouth pulled me out of my thoughts. "Nagare, I'd like for you stay and wait, as you'll be the one to tutor Kinjirou-kun properly, but do so outside the room so we have some privacy. Usami-kun and Sakamachi Kureha-kun, you will follow Subaru, who will take you to Ichigo. You already know her, and have worked with her, but I have nonetheless instructed her to guide you through everything again, so that you will not let me down. Understood?"
"Yes, Master." Kureha and Masamune said in unison and bowed to Suzutsuki, who looked towards the two butlers off to the side and gave them a nod, after which they bowed as well, and the four of them left the room. Nagare was the last to exit, and our gazes met just as he was about to close the door behind him, causing him to stop for a brief moment as he looked into my eyes, before he fully closed the door and left me alone in the room with Suzutsuki.
"Sakamachi-kun." Suzutsuki said after Nagare exited and sat down in his chair, leaning forwards as he looked me straight in the eyes.
"Yes?" I looked back at him, but he stayed silent, resulting in a somewhat awkward situation for a few moments. Wasn't… he going to tell me about my duties? What's with the silence?
"Yesterday..." Suzutsuki started after multiple seconds of silence. "I said that I would test you to see if you're worthy of being together with my daughter." Suzutsuki paused, and I gave him a slow nod as an answer. "After giving it some thought, I've come to a conclusion as to how I will go about doing that. However… I will not be informing you of it."
"Okay..? Care to… explain, Suzutsuki...sama?" I decided to go for a more respectful honorific, given that I was now quite literally – if only temporarily – a servant of his.
"If I simply told you about how I would test you, that would give you time to prepare, yes? While sometimes, that might be wanted… It is not the case with this. I want to see what you are like, not what you make yourself look like." That… is understandable. "But, I will say that how you perform as a butler will count towards this… 'test'. While I doubt that you will stay as a simple butler after your marriage, it will show how much you truly care about being with Kanade, and how determined you are when it comes to working. But, again, I would not ask of you to try too hard when it comes to your work, even though you know about your work's importance. I want you to act natural, understood?"
"Understood." I replied, resisting the odd urge to salute.
"Good. Now… I know that this might be a bit sudden, but… Have you given any thought to my daughter's confession?" Yesterday's events once again flashed through my mind. Well… I guess technically I did give it some thought, and arrived at a conclusion, but… It also brought up the possible issue of my feelings towards Masamune…
"I… have thought of it, yes, but… There are… some other variables that I have to take into account as well…" I replied to Suzutsuki, explaining the situation, but not telling the full truth to him.
"Hmm… You're referring to your phobia, right?" I nodded to Suzutsuki as an answer. That, and Masamune's confession, as well as my feelings towards her. But, Suzutsuki-san doesn't need to know either of those things. "That is… definitely something to take into consideration. But, given that you're able to interact with my daughter, as well as Usami-kun, your phobia isn't too bad, is it?"
"Well… I guess so. The 'fear part' of it has never been as strong as what someone else with a different type of phobia might experience, but the physical symptoms are what cause the most issues. After I… became acquainted with Konoe, and your daughter, she has been trying to help me overcome it, and while I have gotten a lot better… It hasn't been cured yet." As evidenced by the two attacks I had yesterday.
"And… how exactly has Kanade been helping you with this?" Suzutsuki narrowed his eyes a little as he gazed at me, and I found myself swallowing. I… don't think telling him about everything Kanade has done to me is a good idea…
"You could… call it… exposure therapy. I've been… spending time with her, and with Masamune as well, and together they've helped me in attempting to overcome it." Suzutsuki stayed unmoving for multiple seconds as he stared at me, the tension in the air growing with each passing second. Does he… believe me? I can feel the menacing aura Suzutsuki-san is emitting right now, so much so that I can almost see the rumbling katakana around him…
"Hmmm… I'll trust your words, Sakamachi-kun. It would be wise for you to abstain from any… indecent things before your marriage. That is, if I deem you worthy for such a thing. You do understand me, Sakamachi-kun?" I felt my face heating up a little at the mention of 'indecent things', and swallowed to hopefully calm myself. I wonder how much of the things Kanade has done to me he would consider 'indecent'…
"I do, Suzutsuki-sama. I wouldn't even think of such things, especially since I would probably keel over from such… a-activities anyway, due to my gynophobia." I couldn't help the blush rising to my cheeks any longer, as I found the situation very awkward and embarrassing. How did I end up talking about this with Kanade's father, again?
"That is… quite correct. If you are speaking the truth about your phobia, of course." Suzutsuki said and crossed his arms as he averted his gaze from me, looking off into the far corner of the room. "You know… I actually… have some past experience with gynophobia." ...What? "Oh, not myself, of course. A friend of mine, long ago, suffered from it. Although… his symptoms were never as… drastic as yours are." Well, I think that might be because of my… 'Unique' family situation...
"Did… he ever get cured from his phobia?"
"He did, after meeting the woman who would later become his wife. She helped him overcome his fear, and he fell in love with her as a result. They've been happily married for… Twenty years, give or take a little." Suzutsuki explained to me as he smiled at the memory of his friend. Suzutsuki-san must have been close with this person...
"What was his name? And… is it possible for me to meet him? I-I mean… He might be able to give me some advice on how to cure my phobia." I asked, and I swear Suzutsuki flinched a little as I mentioned meeting this person.
"Ah, well… Funny story that, actually, he's also called Satoshi, just like me. That's… one reason as to why we became acquainted. But meeting him… I doubt it. He's very busy, and even I haven't gotten to meet him face to face in a long time, though… We are still regularly in contact." I deflated a little as Suzutsuki finished. No use, huh? Looks like I have to overcome it all on my own, then. Well, with Kanade's and Masamune's help, of course. "Oh, but if you really want to… I could ask him for some advice. I'm sure he'd be happy to give you some. I… do see a bit of him in you, after all. And I don't just mean the fact that you also have gynophobia." Suzutsuki said with a smile as he noticed my expression turn gloomy.
"Really?" I asked, and Suzutsuki nodded to me as an answer. "Arigatou! It would be much appreciated if you could get a hold of him." I said and bowed deeply. "My gynophobia is real issue, and I'll take any help I can get to cure it."
"A-alright, I'll see about calling him, then. Well, I think that was about everything." Suzutsuki said as he stood up from his seat, then made his way over to me. "Go with Nagare, I have already instructed him on how to handle your duties." Suzutsuki placed a hand on my shoulder and lightly gripped it, and I was left slightly surprised by the gesture.
"Yes, Suzutsuki-sama." I said and bowed, and after Suzutsuki let go of my shoulder, I turned around to leave the room.
I opened the door, glancing behind me towards Suzutsuki one last time, my gaze meeting his back as he walked over to his desk. Having him as a father-in-law… I wonder what it would be like? I found myself suddenly blushing at the thought, and quickly exited the room, letting out a small sigh as I closed the door behind me.
"You done?" I heard a voice from my right, and turned to see Nagare standing next to the door, his posture resembling that of the British Royal Guard. Has he been standing there like that the whole time? That must be rough… Wait, don't tell me I'll have to endure something like that now as well? I hope not…
"Um, yes. Suzutsuki-sama said that you would know more about my duties?" I responded to Nagare, who fully turned to face me.
"That would be correct. Mistress Kanade has told me that you have been performing your duties as a butler more than adequately, but her father requires – and expects – much more than that from his servants. While I personally would have not preferred helping you on this, it is better than you being alone with Subaru." Nagare said, finishing off with a glare.
"I… guess you're still mad at me for that little… incident? Though, I guess Kanade did call you a bit of an overprotective father." I saw Nagare's eye twitch dangerously for a moment. "A-ah, I didn't m-mean anything bad by that. Just… well, if we're going to be working together… it would be best to get along, right?" Nagare let out a sigh, then turned away from me.
"You aren't wrong. And if I were to act ill towards you, it would bring shame to my Master. But!" Nagare turned to look at me over his shoulder. "This does not mean I like you, brat. What you did to Subaru can not be forgiven, and you even..." Nagare glanced around, as if confirming that there was no-one around – which luckily was the case. "...Know her secret." Nagare whispered quietly, and I gave him a slow nod as a reply as his gaze shifted around, occasionally landing on the door we were stood next to. "I will simply tolerate your presence, until your house is rebuilt and you no longer have to work here." He then continued in a normal voice. "Now, we've already wasted enough time with chit-chat, let's go. I'll show you what you'll be working on today, and outline your general duties as a butler of the Suzutsuki family." Nagare spared me one last glance, then began to briskly walk down the hallway, and I followed after him.
We walked through the spacious hallways of the mansion in silence, neither of us uttering a single word. The silence is kinda awkward, but… I can't think of anything to break it with, or any reason to break it. Nagare still very much hates me, he just said so himself, and I don't think I have a chance at getting on his good side… I let out a small sigh, and caught Nagare glancing towards me, though he didn't say anything and kept walking forwards. He'll tolerate my presence for as long as I work here, huh… I wonder if that will be enough time for my gynophobia to be cured, so I can give an answer to Kanade and Masamune… Thoguh I have to figure out my own feelings regarding Masamune before that. We haven't worked here for that long, so it'll still take months for our house to be finished, and even Okaa-san should be back in Japan by then… As I found my thoughts wandering to my mother, I suddenly remembered something from yesterday. Right… Suzutsuki-san said that Nagare knew my mother. I wonder…
"Um… Nagare...san?" I said to bring the butler's attention to me, and seemingly succeeded, as he slowed down with his steps and glanced towards me again. "If you don't mind me asking… Suzutsuki-sama said that you… knew my mother." I saw Nagare flinch at the mention of my mother, just like yesterday. I feel like I'm treading on a minefield right now… "But, I've never heard her talk about you, so… How exactly do you know my mother?" As I finished, Nagare stopped to a halt, his gaze directed downwards. I stopped just next to him and saw him clenching his fists, before he took a deep breath and turned to face me fully.
"It… was a long time ago, but… We were once lovers..." Nagare said, covering his face with his hand as he did so. They… they what?!
"YOU WHAT?!" I let my thoughts escape from my mouth – louder than I had anticipated. Nagare… With okaa-san… That feels… unbelievable...
"It's true. Things… didn't work out, though, and we broke up. I… didn't know you and your sister were her children, though, until yesterday. Really adds insult to injury..." As Nagare deflated visibly, laughing quietly to himself, I raised an eyebrow in question. Insult to injury? What's he referring to?
"Um… What do you mean with that, Nagare-san?" I asked, and Nagare lifted his gaze to meet mine.
"Oh, just that… You remind me too much of myself when I was young, so to think that you are the son of the woman I was once in love with… It makes me angry. Petty, I know, but I can't help it." Nagare said and sighed. "But, thanks to things not going well with Chia..." Who the hell is Chia? Is he… talking about okaa-san? "...I was able to meet Subaru's mother. And I couldn't be happier with my beautiful daughter." A smile appeared on Nagare's face, and I found myself smiling at the sight as well.
"I'm glad to hear that, Nagare." I said, while the butler looked at me with a confused look on his face. "I'm, sure Konoe thinks that you're a great father, too. I know I would." I turned to look outside the window, where the mansion grounds could be seen, but lifted my gaze upwards to the clouds. Father… I hope I can make you as proud of me as Nagare is of his daughter. I smiled at the memory of my father. "Stand by me..." I said to myself quietly, and saw Nagare giving me a curious look.
"Your father..." Nagare began after a few moments of silence. "You said yesterday that… he wasn't around… any more." He said hesitantly, and I shifted my gaze back to him, seeing a hint of concern on his face. He hates my guts, but at least he can show some respect towards me in a situation like this…
"Yes, he… passed away due to illness when Kureha and I were young. Our family… has not been the same after his death, but we have gotten over it, each in our own ways, though it's still a touchy subject for Kureha." I explained to Nagare, who averted his gaze from me. "You… said that I reminded you of your past self, but… At least our present selves are similar in one regard." Nagare looked towards me again and raised an eyebrow. "We've both lost a loved one." Nagare's eyes widened a little, and it looked like he was going to say something, but turned around instead.
"..." Nagare stayed silent for a few seconds, then cleared his throat. "Right, we should get going. We need to get you acquainted with your duties for today." Nagare said without turning back to look at me, instead beginning to walk down the hallway again. Despite this, I found myself smiling a little, as I could hear that his tone of voice had become a little more… friendly, in a way. Again, I doubt I'm able to get on his good side, but… It wouldn't hurt getting along with Nagare. I thought as I caught up with the butler, and we continued to make our way to our destination – whatever that destination was.
"What… am I supposed to be doing today, then?" I asked after a while of walking silently, and Nagare stopped just in front of a large pair of doors.
"I suspected that Master didn't tell you, and that he simply wanted to talk with you in private about some other matter – which I won't dwell on." Nagare replied as he placed his hands on the doorknobs, turning to look at me with a slight smirk on his face before opening the doors. "Which is understandable, since I doubt you would have been as willing to come with me, had you known what awaited you." As he finished, Nagare pushed the doors open and walked inside of the large room, while I could only stand by the entrance and look inside with a mix of awe and confusion.
The Suzutsuki Mansion was massive, so rooms this large were not a surprise, and while I had been to this wing of the mansion before, I had never visited this room. The centre of the room was dominated by a large wrestling ring, and off to the side I could spot some suits of protective clothing and fencing foils on a rack. On the other side of the room, various punching bags and barbells, as well as other equipment one could find at a gym. Damn… I bet okaa-san would absolutely love this place… And Kureha as well. We might be able to have a match here, which I'm sure she would like, after what happened at the Sports Festival. Nagare walked a few steps inside the room, then turned around to look back at me, the smirk still on his face.
"Welcome! This is where the butlers – and some of the maids – of the Suzutsuki family do their training, though it is also used by Master Satoshi occasionally. Well? What do you think?" Nagare said as he threw his arms out, gesturing to the entirety of the room.
"It's… very impressive, to say the least. But… This doesn't explain what my duties for today are." I replied as I walked inside the room, stopping just in front of Nagare.
"Well… For someone to be a true butler of the Suzutsuki Family, certain… criteria must be met." Nagare said and cracked his knuckles. "Being able to defend our masters is one of those criteria. That is why Master Satoshi ordered me to train you here today! In other words…" Nagare took on a fighting stance, then pointed towards me with his right hand.
"Fight me, Brat!"
"So, how far have you gone with him? First base? Second base? Or perhaps even… third, or fourth base!? Is he good? Tell me, Kana-chan~!" Mother's eyes had an unsettling, predatory glint to them as she leaned closer to me, the wooden chair creaking underneath her.
"Mother..." I let out sigh and facepalmed, then glanced around. We're drawing attention… "First of all, this is not something we should be discussing in a public cafe." I said and gently stirred the spoon in my cup. "And secondly, Jirou-kun and I aren't in that kind of relationship. We're… friends." For now. But there's no need to tell Mother about our… mutual confessions.
"But, you want to have that kind of relationship with him, don't you?" A devious smirk appeared on mother's face, and I found myself blushing and averting my gaze from her. She's right, but… It isn't that easy.
Initially, after Jirou finally realized that he loves me, I was on cloud nine. If it weren't for Jirou passing out due to his gynophobia, I would have probably crossed the line with him then and there. But, after calming down from my emotional euphoria and taking some time for rational thinking, some bumps in the road towards mine and Jirou's happy life together appeared. Firstly, Usami. After Usami's confession to Jirou, – and the two of us becoming closer as a result – we promised that we'd be honest with each other, and fight for Jirou's heart fairly. Now, however… the tables have turned, and the odds are in my favour. Jirou will have to give an answer to Usami, and while I know that it might be difficult for Jirou to do that, I'm sure he'll find a way to reject her without hurting her feelings. He loves me, after all.
The bigger bump in the road, however, is Jirou's gynophobia. He is certainly able to handle more than he used to, but there is still work to be done. After that… the only bump left is my Father. I don't know what he's going to make Jirou do in order to "prove himself" to be worthy of me, but I'm confident that Jirou will be able to triumph through whatever he comes up with. And even if he doesn't… I'm willing to do anything, even elope, for the sake of our love.
"Ara, you're thinking of him now, aren't you?" Mother's voice brought me out of my thoughts, and I realized that I must have spaced out for a little while. "Don't be shy, Kana-chan. A mother knows these things, you know? I can see it in your eyes – you've hopelessly fallen for Sakamachi Akemi's son." I let out another sigh and gazed into my cup. She's very persistent about this… Considering she already knows, it won't matter if I 'reveal' it or not-
"Yes, Mother, I may have fallen in love with Jirou-kun. But, the point is, currently, we do not have such a relationship." I replied and raised my cup to my lips, taking a sip from it. It's cooled down substantially… How long was I absorbed in my thoughts for?
"Hmmm… I wonder about that~!" My mother said with a devious smile as she sipped from her own drink as well. "But, Kana-chan. I know how… forward you can be with certain things, and what you're truly like, so… even if this 'Jirou-kun' of yours hasn't done anything… I'm sure you have. You are my daughter, after all." Like mother, like daughter, as they say… If only Jirou-kun knew just how much… more my mother can be compared to me… But I also know she won't back down until she finds out everything…
"...First base." I muttered quietly, and averted my gaze from my mother, whose sharp ears easily picked up my words, and she seemed to begin glowing with excitement. She will be insistent on knowing more, but there is nothing more to know. While Jirou-kun has been in contact with my… chest multiple times, it doesn't really count as second base, since he hasn't intentionally… felt me up. I felt a blush rising to my cheeks again as I found my thoughts wandering to more… indecent things. No! Stop that! I can't be… f-fantasizing now!
"Ooo! My little girl is growing up! So, you gave your first kiss to him, but what else? I know there has to be something else going on as well~!" Mother does not need to know everything. And I won't tell her. I simply ignored my mother and took a long sip from my tea, eliciting a pout from her. "Don't be a sour sport, Kana-chan. I'm just curious~!" I let out a sigh as I placed my cup back down,
"There is nothing else, mother. We may have kissed, but that's it." I said and shot a glare towards my mother, the glanced around the cafe again. I wouldn't mind if we had this conversation in private, back at the mansion, but in a public place with lots of people around? No way. As I scanned through all the other customers, my eyes landed on a pair of blue ones that gazed right back at me from underneath her bangs of red hair. While the girl was missing her usual eyepatch today, I had no trouble recognizing one of the most troublesome – but diligent – maids of our household. And if we had this conversation at home… She wouldn't be able to hear it. Ichigo stared back at me blankly, then turned her gaze to the white-haired girl sitting down next to her – the personal maid of my Mother, who glanced towards me briefly, before returning to her own drink.
"Hm? Is something the matter, Kana-chan?" My mother asked and peeked to where I was gazing, no doubt noticing that I had been looking towards the separate table our servants were sitting down at.
"Nothing, Mother." I replied and turned back to face my mother. "As I already said, we shouldn't discuss mine and Jirou-kun's personal lives in public. If you really wanted to know more about my friends, you could have talked to me about it in private, or even ask them yourself."
"But I told you that I wanted to go out with my precious daughter, now that we're back, right? Anyway, since it seems that you aren't willing to tell me about your… interactions with Jirou-kun..." Mother shot a quick glance towards our servants again, but returned her gaze to me quickly. Is she… doing this on purpose? I know for a fact that at least Mother knows about Ichigo's… affection towards me… "...Then maybe you'd be more willing to tell me about your feelings towards him." I raised an eyebrow in question to my mother's words. Feelings? What does she mean? I've already admitted to her that I love him. "What is he like, and what exactly do you like about him? How did you end up falling for him? Is he someone… worthy?" I flinched a little at my mother's choice of words as she leaned in closer, lowering her tone of voice with each question. She's… sounding like Father… But I thought… that she had already accepted it? The look of anticipation on my mother's face urged me to answer, and I knew there was no way out of the situation now.
"Well… Jirou-kun… is a chicken, to say the least. But, he comes through when it's necessary, and can be very brave when it's required. In that way, he's… admirable, as he'll do his best, even if he knows that he might not succeed. He's… kind, and while I do tease him, and cause trouble for him, he sticks around, and accepts me for who I am." Before I knew it, I was pouring my heart out for my mother, as I couldn't keep my feelings bottled up any more. I've talked a little bit with Usami-san, but… Nothing like this. "And because he accepts me, and knows what kind of person I am… We can be… close. I… probably fell in love with him because of… something else, though." I met my mother's curious gaze with my own as she raised an eyebrow in question. "He… opposed me. Talked me down. For the first time in my life, someone didn't follow my orders, and instead stubbornly kept on their own course. Of course, I don't expect everyone to follow my orders, but… Jirou-kun… was the first person to do so. The first man to do so. I had known him as a chicken, but back then..." I felt a small smile growing on my face as I recalled the events of Golden Week. "...He was very much the opposite of a chicken."
Mother stayed quiet for a good while after I finished, and as I returned back to reality from the pleasant memories of my first kiss, I felt multiple pairs of eyes on me, as some of the other customers had taken notice of my emotional speech to my mother. A slight feeling of dread came over me, and I slowly turned my gaze to the table where our servants were sitting at. Ichigo had her gaze directed downwards as she stared into her beverage, the expression on her face neutral and unreadable, while the white-haired maid sitting next to her had a large smile on her face as she looked in my direction. As our eyes met, however, she flinched back and turned to look outside the window. This… might not be good. I had hoped to be able to keep my confession in the knowledge of only myself, Jirou-kun, and my Father, and while that is still the case… Rumours spread quickly among the servants. Soon, the entire mansion will know that I've fallen in love with Jirou-kun… And of course…
Ichigo now knows that too.
I swallowed quietly and looked towards my mother again, who – to my surprise – had a big smile on her face. Why… is she smiling like that? I would have expected a sadistic smirk, as she can now tease me about my feelings even more, but not… that. We stayed quiet for a few more seconds as I looked at my mother, trying to figure out the feelings behind that smile.
"Hmm… I see how it is." Mother finally spoke and sat up straight in her chair, lifting her cup to her lips and sipping from it. "I had my suspicions and doubts, of course, but now..." Mother placed the cup back down onto the saucer and looked me deep into my eyes with her own ones, the exact same shade of red as mine. "...I know that you are in good hands, Kanade. Sakamachi Kinjirou is definitely someone worthy of you, and I know that you'll be happy with him. You have my blessing, Kanade." My mouth was left agape at my mother's words, who simply smiled at me brightly. I… I didn't expect… that…Mother rarely shows this… caring side of hers… "Does Satoshi already know?" Mother's sudden question surprised me a little, but I gave her a slight nod as an answer. "Hmm… Well, my husband is more perceptive than he lets on, I guess… Anyway, he seemed to like the boy, so you two might be okay, but… You know what he's like sometimes. You'll have a harder time convincing him, for sure." She's… right. If Father didn't like Jirou-kun, he wouldn't have opened up to him so easily. Mother lifted her cup again and drank the rest of its contents in one go, the placed the cup back down and glanced towards our servants. "Well, shall we go now? There' still so much I want to do with you~!"
"Huh? Already?" I said and glanced down at my tea. While I had nearly finished drinking it, we had only arrived at this cafe not too long ago.
"You don't want to? We could go visit many different places, then have lunch at that restaurant we went to once with your father." Mother said and brought a finger to her chin as she thought for a moment, before a devious smirk appeared on her face. "Or perhaps… you're anxious to return home so you can see your beloved Jirou-kun again." There's the reaction I expected… I thought and let out a sigh.
"No, I just asked because we only really just arrived here. But, no matter. I'm ready to go whenever you are, Mother." I replied and drank the rest of my tea. As I placed the cup back on the saucer, I noticed that a somewhat… odd look had taken over my mother's face, and she let out a small sigh as she stood up from her seat.
"...You know, Kanade." Mother began in a much more quiet voice than before. "I know you're afraid of being shunned, but… You don't have to keep up that facade around me. You are my daughter, after all, and we're cut from the same cloth, you and I." A small smile appeared on mother's face as I gazed at her with confusion, but she soon shifted her attention to the two maids, who had now also risen from their seats. "Right, let's go, Ichigo, Sora." The servants quickly downed their drinks, stood up in unison, and made their way over to us. I stood up as well, and as the two of them bowed to us, Ichigo briefly glanced at me, but averted her gaze quickly.
Before we drew any more curious stares from the other customers of the cafe, the four of us left, with mother and Sora a few steps ahead of Ichigo and I. I would have walked with them, but what mother had said had left me baffled. Keep up the facade… Was I doing that? I mean… we are in public, after all, so I can't act the same way I do in private with my friends. So… What did she mean with that?
"Kanade-sama." A monotone voice coming from my right brought me out of my thoughts, and I turned towards it to see Ichigo staring off into the distance as she walked next to me.
"Yes, Ichigo?" I knew precisely what she was going to say, but I had to act cool. No need to further provoke her. She already has the possibility of becoming a problem for Jirou-kun and I…
"Is… Is it true?" Ichigo turned to me and stopped walking, while I took another step forwards before stopping just in front of her. "What Shirabe-sama said? That you… have fallen for underling?" ...No point in hiding it from her. Who knows, it might even pay off to be honest with her.
"It's true, Ichigo. I love Jirou-kun." Ichigo's eye twitched at my answer, but she stayed calm.
"But… Aren't you… interested in women, Kanade-sama? I know of the things you've done with Subaru and Usami-san while bathing. Incidentally, if you ever need to, I am always available for such things as your maid." I'm not even going to question as to how she knows about what I do in the bath…
"You are mistaken, Ichigo. As I already said, I love Jirou-kun, and that fact cannot be changed. And, I thank you for the kind offer, but I must refuse." I replied and glanced behind me, where I could see Mother walking down the street with Sora. "Now, if you have nothing else, we should catch up with the two of them." I turned around and took a step forwards, but was stopped by a hand grabbing onto my arm.
"Kanade...sama…" Ichigo said weakly and gripped onto my arm harder. "Why… Why would you… fall for someone else, when… I am here for you..?" I let out a sigh and gently pried Ichigo's hand off me. I cannot tell if Ichigo is angry or sad right now… But knowing her, it is most likely the former...
"I'm sorry, Ichigo. I know of your feelings towards me, but… I cannot return them. Now, we really need to go. I understand it may be hard for you, but you are still my servant, and you must act accordingly, right, Ichigo?" Ichigo's gaze was directed downwards as she stood in front of me, completely motionless. With her bangs covering her face, I couldn't even see her eyes. This… Could go badly… Ichigo's personality is nothing if not… bipolar…
"..." Ichigo slowly raised her gaze back to me, but closed her eyes before our eyes met. "As you wish, Mistress. I apologize." Ichigo then said with a forced, bittersweet smile on her face, and walked past me, avoiding my gaze as she did.
I watched Ichigo walk towards mother and Sora for a few seconds, then followed after her. I… have a bad feeling about this… Ichigo's reactions wasn't quite what I expected, but I can't shake off this…ominous feeling I got from her. I'll have to talk with both Mother, and Father, but most importantly…
I have to warn Jirou-kun.
After a long – but by no means arduous – day going around town with my mother, we had finally returned home. We visited multiple different shops, cafes, since Mother apparently wanted to "experience the joy of being back home together with her daughter". Mother had taken every opportunity she got to tease me, but the one who got the short end of the stick was definitely Sora. As she was my mother's personal maid, she was often on the receiving end of my mother's sadism, and today was no different. I sometimes felt sorry for the poor girl, as my mother could be much worse than I am (though she never resulted to actually harming her servants, be it physically or mentally). Though, to my knowledge, Sora was the kind of person who somewhat… liked it. Ichigo on the other hand had acted as she always does, though I did catch her spacing out a couple of times, but she always just shrugged it off as being nothing. Despite all that, no, precisely because she acted so normal, I was extremely suspicious of her. Ichigo's… obsession with me was never a problem before, but… Now that she knows that I have fallen for Jirou… There's no guarantees as to what she will do.
I had attempted to speak with Mother about the situation with Ichigo, but I didn't manage to get her alone for it. Ichigo had stayed glued to me the entire day, and Sora didn't really keep her distance from Mother either. While I wouldn't have minded that Sora hear out conversation, it was mostly Ichigo who prevented me from having a private moment with Mother.
"Aaahhh… That was fun, wasn't it, Kana-chan?" Mother said as we entered the Mansion, and a handful of servants came to welcome us, offering to take our shopping bags from us. "Take them up to my room. Oh, and the yellow bag you can take to my husband's study. It has a surprise for him!" The maid who took my mother's bags bowed and then began to make her way down a hallway.
"Well, it certainly was enjoyable. I haven't had the chance to do something like this. I'll have to take Usami-san with us next time." I replied as another maid walked up to me to take my bags from me as well. As I was about to hand them to her, I was briefly interrupted by Ichigo.
"Kanade-sama." I pulled my hands back and turned towards Ichigo, who gave me a small bow. "If you do not mind, there is something I must go do now." Something… she must do? She is… up to something, she has to be. I need to delay her, and go talk with Father.
"Oh, by all means, of course. But, could you take my bags to my room first? You can leave them on my bed." I said and held out my shopping bags for Ichigo, while sending a glance to the other maid with us, who gave a small bow, before leaving us.
"..." Ichigo stared at my shopping bags for a brief moment, then lifted her gaze to meet my eyes and bowed again. "As you wish, Ojou-sama." Ichigo took my bags from me, giving me one last glance before turning around leaving. After watching her disappear behind a corner, I quickly turned to one of the butlers currently placing my mother's coat on a coat rack.
"Hm? Is there something you need, young Mistress?" The butler asked as he turned to me.
"Do you know if Father is at his study?" I asked from the butler, and noticed my mother giving me a curious glance out of the corner of my eye.
"Master Satoshi? I believe that he is, young Mistress." The butler replied to me.
"Arigatou!" I quickly said and turned to my mother. "I need to speak with Father about something, and we need to talk after that as well, Mother." I said to my mother, who raised an eyebrow in question.
"You're sounding… quite serious. What's the matter, Kanade? Does it have something to do with Jirou-kun?" My mother asked, sounding a little concerned.
"Well… technically yes, but it also concerns Ichigo. I'll… speak to you about it after I've spoken with Father." I replied, and Mother gave me a slow nod as an answer.
After our brief exchange, I began to make my way to my father's study as quickly as possible. I don't know what Ichigo is planning, but she is definitely up to something. She shouldn't have had anything important to do today, at least nothing that I'm aware of. I've known about her obsession for a long time, but never thought to do anything about it… Then again, I never thought I would so easily fall in love with the first person – outside of those within the Mansion – to accept me for who I am, nor that such a person even existed… But now, Ichigo has become a potential threat. And since I know what kind of person she is, and what she's capable of… My train of thought was interrupted as I collided with something – or rather, someone – causing me to stumble and fall backwards onto my bottom.
"Ow! Hey, watch where you're… Huh? Suzutsuki?" A familiar voice said, and I looked up to meet the face of Usami, the person I had just bumped into. She had also fallen down, and her current position gave me a nice view of her stocking-covered legs, all the way up to her garter belt, and I could just catch a glimpse of her panties as well. Oh my… I will admit, Usami-san does have some great legs… I wonder how Jirou-kun would react if he saw this scene right now..?
"Oh, Usami-san. Sorry, I bumped into you on accident." I replied and stood up, dusted myself off, then offered a hand for Usami.
"Thanks, Suzutsuki." Usami said as she took my hand and lifted herself up. "So, you in a hurry or something? It's not really like you to dash through the hallways like that." She then asked me.
"Well, I guess I kind of am. I need to go see my father. Preferably before she does anything drastic."
"'She'? Who do you mean? Your mother?" Usami asked and tilted her head in confusion.
"No. I mean Ichigo." I replied and gazed deep into Usami's green eyes. "Because of my mother's curiosity, Ichigo found out that I love Jirou-kun." Usami raised an eyebrow in question at my statement. Oh, I guess… she isn't aware of how extreme Ichigo can get when it comes to me. She must keep it hidden in school. "Ichigo… She's in love with me, but her love goes beyond just a normal… crush. One could say… she's obsessed with me – and not in a healthy way whatsoever. She might try to… hurt Jirou-kun." Usami's eyes widened as I finished, and I put on the most serious face I could muster to tell her I wasn't joking with this.
"The captain… is that kind of person?" I gave Usami a quick nod as an answer. "Then… Chicken-brain is in danger!"
"Might be. Ichigo may not actually go that far… But I know she won't hesitate to do so if needed. That's why I'm going to go talk with my father, to see if he can somehow… restrain Ichigo, if needed."
"How… will you explain it to him? Would he even believe you?"
"That… probably won't be an issue. You see… Father knows that I love Jirou-kun, as well. And I actually..." No secrets between friends… "...confessed to Jirou-kun." Usami's mouth was left agape as I revealed to her what happened yesterday. But I won't tell her everything. Jirou-kun has to tell her himself. "It happened yesterday, after the two of us were left alone with my father in his study."
"What… what was his response..?" Usami asked as she trembled a little. I… I don't want to lie to her, so... I'm sorry, Usami-san…
"The same as what he said to you. Curing his gynophobia comes first." Usami let out a little sigh of relief. I'm… I'm really sorry… "But, the more pressing matter right now is Ichigo. I sent her to my room just now, but she won't be staying there for long. You need to find Jirou-kun, and warn him." I said and placed a hand on Usami's shoulder, gripping it lightly.
"Okay, but… what do I say to him?"
"Just… tell him that Ichigo knows that I love him. Jirou-kun is at least somewhat aware of her nature, so he should understand the danger." Usami nodded to me in response. "I don't know how long I'll talk with my father, but I'll find you after I'm done. Stay with Jirou-kun, if possible."
"Alright, Suzutsuki. If the captain tries anything… I'll defend Chicken-brain, but… I don't know how well I'll do against her." It was my turn to give Usami a nod, before she dashed off. I really hope Ichigo doesn't go violent immediately… I doubt she would do such a thing in the Mansion, especially now that Mother and Father are back, but… I clenched my fists and began to run down the hallway towards my father's study again.
I wasn't too far away from it when I had quite literally bumped into Usami, so it didn't take long for me to arrive at my father's study. As I got there, however, I felt my blood run cold at what I saw. No…
Ichigo was stood in front of the door to my father's study, bowing deeply. After a few moments, she rose up and closed the door, a satisfied smile on her face. How did… How did she get here so quickly? And she just left my father's study, by the looks… Did I take too long with Usami-san? I slowly walked towards to maid, the feeling of dread inside me growing with each step. Did she speak with him? What did she say to him? Was this… what she was planning? As I got closer, Ichigo took notice of my presence and turned to look towards me.
"Ah, Kanade-sama. How nice to see you." Ichigo said and bowed to me, the expression on her face turning back to its neutral self. "Are you here to speak with Master? I just finished talking with him myself."
"What… did you say to him, Ichigo?" I asked cautiously, and I saw Ichigo close her eyes as a small – yet somehow disturbing – smile appeared on her face again.
"Nothing you should concern yourself with. All you have to know..." Ichigo took a step towards me as she opened her eyes, which now had an evil glint in them. "...Is that I've made sure Master knows what kind of people he has accepted into employment."
"Ichigo..?" It's… definitely about Jirou-kun…
"Don't worry, Kanade-sama." Ichigo said and placed a hand on my shoulder, the smile on her face feeling eerie, as the tone of her face sent a shiver down my spine. "I'll make sure that your mistake is corrected, and that you return to your usual self. Back into the person I know, and love. Back into the person you were..."
"..Before that insufferable pest appeared in your life."
AN: And that's a wrap! I always really liked Ichigo as a character, and with this fic, I get to focus on her more than the original story did. And everyone likes a bipolar Yandere causing some drama, eh? No? Just me? Okay. But, don't worry. While this story will now take on a bit of a darker turn, it will by no means be a drastic change, as I want to keep the "light-heartedness" part of the core of this story, without too much Drama. Ichigo will be the biggest obstacle for Jirou and Kanade, but such is usually the case when it comes to Yanderes.
Before I leave you guys, I do acknowledge the delay this chapter had, but don't worry! Summer vacation has started for me, and I will try my best to churn out updates for my stories regularly during it. If all goes according to plan, the next chapter for this should be out before two weeks, but that remains to be seen.
