How you get the girl: Make her hot and bothered. XD
P.S. Thank you so much for those guys who left comments. Fufufu, I’m looking forward for more comments in the future. *grins*
If you would be so kind, can you donate or leave me some tip? O_O *hides*
Chapter 2 – Kano Runs Away
"Kuzuharsan, what's wrong?"
When I was called by the manager, I suddenly came to my senses.
This is not good. I am in the middle of work…!
It is currently lunch time in Sumiretei, a well-established Western restaurant. Although it is a period of time wherein everyone is busy moving around, I was looking absentmindedly at the sky.
"I'm sorry. It's nothing."
While looking at me with curiosity, the manager placed the finished omelet rice at the counter.
"It's rare . . . for Kuzuharsan to space out. Did something happen?"
"N-No! It's really nothing! I'm going!"
Picking the plate of omelet rice, I left the counter with a fake smile. I'm sorry, Manager! Far from nothing, but it is a big deal!
Yes, that incident happened one week ago.
For some reason a person I just met suddenly proposed to me. It would be strange if I don't get upset. Moreover, the other person is a handsome monk……
Really, I don't know what I am going to do. After parting with Hazekursan, each day passed with my mind blank, as if my soul had gone out of my body. I could not do anything for a couple of days, but as my head calmed down, the question gradually came to mind.
Hazekursan said that he had no luck for marriage, but with how cool he is, no one will definitely let him go. There must have been a lot of marriage talks.
And yet, why did he propose to me whom he just met? That doesn't make sense. It feels like I am being hoodwinked by fox. [T/N: A fox in a sheep's clothing.]
Nonetheless, there are rare opportunities to meet the monk when the Bon festival is over, and if we do not meet, Hazekursan will forget about me!
That's what I thought, but Mother told me a shocking fact today.
『Ah, Kano. Next month is grandmother's second death anniversary. I ea~rnestly asked Hazekursan during the Bon festival. Katou-san's back is probably better now, but he said he also wanted to help.』
The moment I heard that, it was as if, 'thud!', my head was beaten with a blunt weapon. I remembered the words Hazekursan said when we parted.
―See you again . . . So he meant that……?!
As I thought of what kind of expression I should make when we meet, I soon felt depressed. When I heaved a sigh, the manager approached with an anxious expression.
"Are you really okay? If you are sick, why don't you take a rest at the back?"
The manager is a gentle man in his mid-fifties. He kept the style of this store which began nearly twenty years ago. The manager and I had been working together for ten years ever since I was I was still a part-timer student.
"I am fine! I am just a little tired from all the things I did a few days ago."
Not good, I should not let the manager worry like this.
"Then that's good. If they knew that the cute shop girl Kuzuharsan is dispirited, all the regulars who are looking for Kuzuharsan will leave, you know?"
"Oh, no. Manager, you're kidding me. We should not make that happen, shouldn't we―"
"No, it's only Kuzuharsan who does not notice that's why……"
Manager somehow sighed and smiled wryly.
Well, whether I am well-liked or not, it's true that a lot of regulars often talk to me. However, developing a romantic relationship with them . . . Such a thing never happened.
But this time, I am experiencing something that is different from before. To be told by something like "becoming a wife", it is the first time that has ever happened to me.
What a very frank question. It was like a blazing fastball. I am sorry for being slow.
Well, you see, he is a handsome guy, has a nice voice, a slender figure and is also tall. It would never feel unpleasant to become a wife of such a fine man. But when he asked me to marry him, I said no. I don't know what kind of person he is and I cannot marry a person I just met.
Besides . . . he is a monk, right? To be honest, I have no knowledge about temples, Buddhism and monks. An image of a strict world is also imprinted in my mind. I'm sure it is impossible for me . . .
"……That's right. I will refuse properly."
I don't know why Hazekursan liked me, but I think it is better for him fully understand himself if he was to marry.
"Alright, let's work……"
Lightly slapping my cheeks and setting aside my feelings, I resumed working.
And so, the day of my grandmother's second death anniversary came.
Although I got too worried, I completely forgot about Hazekursan for about a week or so. I remembered again today, and I suddenly felt tensed.
I will properly refuse if we meet――With that in mind, I left the house with my family.
The temple that takes care of the burial and other ceremonies of our departed family members is a big temple with a history. The main temple building that can be seen from the main gate looked splendid, and the statue of Buddha which is normally kept away from public view was placed there. Today was a holiday, so the visitors could view it.
We, who were dressed in mourning clothes, were ushered to the waiting room and drank tea as we await for the memorial service to begin.
"Sister, are you fidgeting?"
While my younger brother, Tasuku, was pouring tea on a cup, he sent me a look of suspicion. By the way, the tea is self-service.
I was stunned for a moment but I somehow managed to appear calm.
"I-I am not. It's been a long time since I entered a temple so I'm kind of nervous."
Hmm, Tasuku said as he reached for some snacks, but his facial expression still looked doubtful.
"You are acting strange ever since this morning, you know?"
"You're just imagining things."
Grrr, Tasuku. Why do you have to be perceptive right now……?
"The hair at your back has become unkempt. Fix it at the restroom."
While tearing the snack's wrapper, Tasuku pointed at my hair.
As I quickly walk through the hallway, my shoulder sprung up when I heard someone speak behind me.
"Hello."
I knew who it was right away. However, as if paralyzed, my body stiffened and I could not turn around.
"It's been a while, Kano-san. Ever since that day, there was not a single day when I forgot about you, but . . . how about you?"
Hazekursan asked me.
To meet at such a place is just……!! What should I do . . . Despite my determination to refuse him properly, I felt perplexed now that he is in front of me.
However, since I cannot escape now, I gingerly turned around. Hazekursan, who was wearing his priest's robes, was smiling sweetly.
Flinching at his dazzling smile, it was difficult to speak.
"It-It's been a while…… Err, Hazekursan, I . . . have something to tell you . . ."
"Are you looking for the restroom?"
Oh, that's right. Ugh . . . Just when I have mustered the courage to broach the subject . . . I felt dejected when he spoiled my speech, but I remembered why I was here in the first place.
"Yes, I was thinking of fixing my hair a little……"
"Oh, then if that is the case, let me do it for you."
Upon replying, Hazekursan suddenly came behind me.
"No, it's fine. I can do it myself."
"The memorial service will start soon. Rather than redoing it, it would be faster if we fasten it with a pin."
While saying so, his practiced hands touched my hair.
Ugh . . . What the hell!! My heart is pounding badly…….!
No, my agitation is not the issue here. If I don't say it now, I may not have a chance later……!
I made up my mind and raised the subject again.
"Uhm, Hazekursan, about what we have discussed the other day……"
"……I have a rough idea of what you are trying to say," Hazekursan quietly replied.
He pulled out the pin from my hair, rearranged it and inserted it again.
"I wonder if you are talking about 'what we haven't talked about the other day……'?"
"Yes."
"Please forgive me but I cannot accept that word."
Despite saying that, his fingers were gently combing my hair. Feeling ticklish and flustered, my body somehow became hotter.
"……Why?"
Trembling, I desperately asked him who looked calm. He then got closer, and a sweet, deep voice entered my ears.
"I want to marry you."
I-I can feel his breath on my ears……!! This person is doing it on purpose, absolutely on purpose……!! I instantly touched my ears and managed to speak.
"L-like I said! I feel bothered when you suddenly say that."
Insistently reacting due to agitation, I inadvertently closed my eyes tightly, not wanting to stay here any longer. Having been conscious of him behind me, my heart have never stopped pounding.
Ah, I can no longer stand this situation……!! When I looked behind me, my eyes landed on Hazekursan who was gently smiling.
"……The memorial service will start soon. Please return to the waiting room."
As soon as he said that, Hazekursan left with a rustle of his clothes.
I-I thought my heart would burst from too much palpitation……!! I placed a hand on chest while taking few deep breaths.
I often get ruffled whenever I see him…… I was not able say what I wanted to tell him at all.
Somehow, I was able to calm my turbulent heart before returning to the waiting room, but upon seeing my face, they wondered, "Why is your face red?"