“Thank you for listening to my concerns today.”
“Kent, I will thank you for this favor at a later date when things settle down.”
Kent left the school cafeteria after thanking the two of them. Although there was only a little of the lunch break left, Bobby and Prim decided to spend the remaining time together.
“Um, Josette?”
“What is it? I don’t want to talk to you right now, so wouldn’t you prefer to return to your own seat?”
When I returned to the classroom, I saw Josette and tried to speak to her, but her attitude was completely different from the morning.
“Did I do something to offend you, Josette?”
“Yes, you are truly the worst. Caro told me.”
When Kent asked, Josette turned a cold gaze on him and said.
“I understand… I’m sorry.”
Kent reluctantly returned to his seat.
“Why don’t you deny it… If you don’t, it’s like admitting that I’m in the wrong.”
Watching Kent’s back, Josette muttered with a lonely expression.
“Kent, did something happen between you and Josette? I’m worried about you for a different reason than this morning.”
When Kent returned to his seat, Patty, who was sitting next to him and had witnessed the exchange between Kent and Josette, asked him with concern.
“I think it’s probably about that. I must have angered her because I used that shop so carelessly.”
“That shop?”
“Th-that is…”
When Kent told Marie about it that morning, she got angry and after that, there was no conversation other than work-related matters. Kent quickly realized that telling Patty the same thing would likely result in a similar outcome, and he regretted mentioning the shop. Just then, the bell for class rang, and Kent managed to escape the conversation.
“So, can you tell me the rest of the story? I may not be able to help, but talking about it might ease your mind a little.”
During the break between classes, Patty spoke to Kent again.
“Really, you’re so indecisive. Kent, come with me.”
“Wai-don’t pull me.”
Patty pulled Kent’s hand and led him out of the classroom to the back of the school building.
“I don’t think anyone will come here. We don’t have much time, so can you tell me?”
“Actually…”
Kent reluctantly told Patty about Caro yesterday, Marie this morning, and Josette’s situation yesterday and today.
“Josette’s father gave you permission to date her? That’s good. However, I don’t think your actions, even without that kind of behavior, would be well-received by them. I don’t know if they’ll forgive you, but you have no choice but to apologize.”
“I knew it would come to this.”
“However, I don’t understand the shop you’re talking about. It might be due to my lack of knowledge. If it’s not a suspicious shop, can I go with you? If I do, I think I can help persuade the others with you.”
“Huh? Is it okay to go together? I might not know until I ask at the shop.”
“Is that so… Could you wait a moment?”
Patty took out her smartphone and called someone.
“Ah, Marie? It’s me, Patty. Sorry to bother you at work. Um, I have something to attend to today, so Kent and I will be taking the day off. Is that okay?… Yes, thank you.”
“Um… you called Marie?”
“Yes, I’ve taken the day off from work today, so let’s go to that shop together after school.”
“Is it already decided?”
“Yes, it’s decided. I will not accept any changes.”
Patty said to Kent in a firm tone.
“The break will be over soon. Let’s go back to the classroom.”
“Wait a minute.”
Kent followed Patty, who was walking quickly back to the classroom.
“Hehe, I was a bit pushy, but I invited Kent on a date. Everyone is fighting, so this much should be okay, right?”
Patty muttered so Kent couldn’t hear her, and happily returned to the classroom with a small enjoyment planned.
After school, Rachel visited Kent’s classroom.
“Onii- … No, Kent. Caro isn’t going home with you today. I don’t know what you did, but you should apologize quickly. I have some things to do too, so I’ll go to the shop later.”
“Ah, sorry. I’m going out with Patty later, so I decided to take the day off from work today.”
“Is that so? Kent, huh… Hmm. Be careful not to get eaten, Patty. Well then.”
“Um… I wouldn’t mind being eaten… No, no, I’ll be careful. Thank you, Rachel.”
Rachel said goodbye to Kent and Patty and went somewhere.
“Well then, Kent, please show me the way.”
“Understood.”
Kent guided Patty, and they headed for the shop in question.
“I didn’t know there was a place like this in this town. Just looking at it makes it seem suspicious.”
Upon arriving in the red-light district, Patty walked with her arm linked through Kent’s, looking a little scared.
“It’s mostly a shop for men, but there seem to be some for women too.”
“Is that so… What do they do in the women’s section?”
“I don’t know, I’ve never been inside…”
Kent had a vague idea, but he pretended not to know to Patty.
“This is the shop.”
“It seems a little different, but is it a tavern…?”
“You might not be wrong.”
Patty said, looking at the shop as they arrived in front of the adult shop. It was definitely a place to drink alcohol, but next to it, there was a system where the shop’s women sat and drank with the customers.
“Oh, young man. You’ve come again today? Oh? Are you with your girlfriend today?”
“Something like that. Is it okay to enter this shop as a pair?”
“You can enter separately, or you can enter together in a private booth, but based on past experience, when there are multiple people, it’s usually a group of men. It’s unusual to have a male-female combination.”
The store manager was standing in front of the shop, trying to attract customers. The manager, noticing Kent, immediately spoke to him. According to him, it was okay for men and women to enter together.
“Then, two people, please.”
“You got it. Thanks for coming. Would you like to make a selection? You can go with one person for both of you, or two separately.”
“Then, Eliza, please.”
“You’re brave to pick your favorite in front of your girlfriend. I’ll prepare it right away, so please wait.”
Kent quickly completed the reception.
“So, you decide who you’ll drink with at the reception. Even so, Eliza…”
“Is she someone you know?”
“Not at all. It’s a common name, and the panel says she’s 17 years old, so she’s too young to be someone I know.”
“Is that so?”
Patty looked at the shop’s system with great interest.
“We’re ready for you. We’ll show you to your seats.”
A floor attendant came to call them, and Kent and Patty were guided to their seats.
“This way, please. Eliza-jou will be here shortly, so please wait a moment.”
After guiding Kent and Patty to their seats, the attendant bowed and left the room.
“This is a different seat than the table seat in front.”
“They say it’s a VIP seat. It’s a private room that can be used by customers who are specially treated by the shop.”
“Kent, have you been coming to this shop enough to be treated specially?”
Patty asked Kent.
“No, this is my third time today.”
“Is that so? I’ll take your word for it.”
Patty said, not looking convinced.
“Still, it’s dark in here. I can only see Kent’s face dimly.”
“Whoa, Patty, you’re too close.”
Kent was surprised as Patty leaned in to look at his face.
“It’s too dark to see, can I get a little closer?”
“You can. If you want.”
“Then, excuse me…”
Patty leaned her body against Kent. A sweet scent, unique to girls, wafted towards Kent.
“Thank you for waiting. Thank you for choosing me again today. Oh my, I heard from the manager, but you really are with your girlfriend.”
Perhaps out of consideration for Patty, Eliza did not sit next to him but sat across the table.
“Nice to meet you, girlfriend. I am Eliza, and I will be your server today. Please take care of me.”
“I’m Patty. Nice to meet you.”
“…? …!!”
As they greeted each other, their movements stopped.
“What are you doing here, Patty!”
“Mom, why are you in a place like this?”
After a short pause, they both shouted loudly.
