Where I am ?

While Tadano continued on his way, he watched as the other students hurriedly moved from one place to another, rushing to prepare for the festival. 

As Tadano was a time traveler, he remembered this event very well, and he was especially excited to see Shouko in her French maid outfit. Walking through the hallways with happy, somewhat rosy thoughts, he stumbled upon something perplexing.

*Step* 

*Step*

With a confused look, he spoke to the trash can in front of him. 

Tadano: "Kaede, what do you think you're doing?" he asked.

Peeking out from the small trash can was a cute little being with blackish-green hair, and her "ahoge" swayed as she looked at the boy in front of her. 

Kaede: "Oh! Hito-kun… good afternoon～" she said in a friendly voice.

Tadano let out a sigh, unsure of what this girl was thinking, and stretched his hands toward the small creature in the trash can. Kaede was obedient and raised both her hands, eager to be picked up. The cute little creature, like a portal, transformed into a beautiful young woman as she emerged from the small trash can. 

Kaede, now out of the trash can, purred happily in Tadano's embrace and clung to him like an octopus. 

Tadano: "Be good, like this it'll be uncomfortable for others…" he said while patting her behind.

She let out a coquettish moan and relaxed her grip. Then, obediently, she allowed Tadano to carry her on his back. 

Tadano: "So, what's up?" 

Kaede: "Hmmm?" She tilted her head in confusion at his question. 

Tadano: "Are you going to tell me what you were doing in that trash can?" he asked. 

Kaede: "Resting?" she replied. 

Tadano: "…you're asking me, and I'm asking you…" 

Kaede: "Don't say complicated things!" she said, biting his neck lightly.

Tadano: "Hey, that hurts, what's that for?" 

Kaede: "I just felt like it…" she said, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

Tadano's face darkened with black lines. 

Tadano: "Anyway… how's the prep going in your class?" 

Kaede: "Uhmm, well… Nakanaka handed out a basic guide on how to run the Maid Café… Yamai, Kishi, Onigashima, Yadano, and the boys are handling the heavy lifting. Inaka, Nene, Shouko, and a few other girls are working on lunch for everyone… Nakanaka was making a list of supplies, and... Oh! I remembered why I was here!" she said in her usual calm tone.

Just then, a voice called out. 

"I finally found you, Kaede!"

Both of them turned and saw a flustered Nene. 

Nene: "Oh! There you are… looks like you're having fun." she said sourly. 

Kaede: "Oh! Nene-chan! How are you～" she said, waving her hand in greeting. 

A small vein pulsed on Nene's forehead as a dark aura began to surround her. 

Tadano: "Maa~ Maa~ let's all calm down…" he said, trying to lower the girl from his back.

Kaede, not wanting to get down, wrapped her legs around Tadano's torso and held onto his neck, clinging to him like a backpack. 

Kaede: "Hehe, I don't wanna get down…"

Tadano couldn't complain as Nene's dark aura intensified, so he quickly embraced her to calm her down. It was very effective. 

Nene: "Geez… you always disappear out of nowhere…" the girl grumbled. 

Tadano: "Come on, no need to be mad… now, what do you need?" 

Nene: "That's actually why I'm here… We need you, Kaede, and Agari to go get the remaining supplies… I asked Kaede to find you, but here we are…" she said, a bit helpless.

Tadano: "Alright, I'll handle it… now stop frowning." he said in a calming tone. 

Nene: "What? Are you going to tell me I'll get wrinkles if I do?" she retorted.

Tadano smiled and then whispered in her ear. 

Tadano: "No… it's just that you look so sexy when you're mad, I don't think I can hold back…" he said seductively before pulling away. 

Nene quickly blushed in embarrassment, clutching her ear. Tadano chuckled as he walked away. Kaede, who had now climbed onto Tadano's shoulders, waved goodbye. 

Nene: "*Sigh* that man… oh well, who's to blame but me for falling in love with someone like that." she said with a small smile on her face.

After taking a few steps, she felt an uncomfortable sensation below. 

Nene: "Damn you, Hito-kun! I didn't bring a change of clothes today…" she muttered in frustration and embarrassment as she hurriedly walked toward the bathroom.

Tadano quickly sent a message to Agari to meet outside the school. As he walked, he let out a low whistle. Everyone around him seemed oblivious to his presence. Kaede noticed, but she didn't care and continued tugging on Tadano's hair like levers. In her mind, she was a pilot, and Tadano was her personal Gundam. 

Tadano: "Are you feeling stressed?" he asked. 

Kaede: "Huh? What makes you say that?" she asked, a little confused. 

Tadano: "Kaede, we've been together long enough for me to notice these little things…" he said calmly as he continued walking. 

Kaede released his hair and remained silent for a moment. Tadano was patient and waited for her response. 

Kaede: "Was I that obvious?" she asked in a low voice. 

Tadano: "Hehe, no. I just noticed you're a bit more relaxed and playful than usual… tell me, is something bothering you?"

Kaede rested her head on Tadano's and spoke. 

Kaede: "Remember when I told you about the New Year's party where my family gets together?" 

Tadano nodded. 

Kaede: "My grandmother wants to meet you specifically during that time…" she said with a somber tone. 

Tadano: "Is that what's bothering you?" he asked, confused. 

Kaede: "You don't understand… My grandmother isn't normal… she's very powerful and influential… I… I'm afraid she might try to do something to you if she doesn't like you…" the girl said, trying to express her fears to the one she loved.

Tadano took Kaede from his shoulders and placed her down. He then pulled her into a warm and loving embrace. 

Tadano: "Don't worry, I'll do my best to make a good impression, and if the worst happens… well, let's just say your man isn't someone who can be easily taken down." he said with an arrogant smile as he looked into her eyes.

Kaede's emerald eyes sparkled with admiration, and she smiled happily. She trusted Tadano. As long as it was him, she was sure he could win her grandmother over. At that moment, they shared a small, affectionate kiss.

However, a healthy, strong, and love-filled girl wouldn't be satisfied with just that, so with the speed of a tiger, she dragged him into an empty, secluded classroom.

...

Outside Itan High School…

Agari was nibbling on a taiyaki while waiting. 

Agari: "Hehe, my master told me to wait here. So that's what I'll do!" she said with conviction. 

Agari: "Hehe… if my master is happy enough, then… maybe he'll give me some affection… Hehe～" the girl murmured as various inappropriate thoughts surfaced in her mind.

…

Poor Agari waited for a long… long time.

Author's note: "Well, here's a chapter. Sorry about yesterday, there was a shift change at work, and I came home dead tired, so I didn't have time to write. That said, remember to drink plenty of water and know that I love you all. Sincerely, your favorite depressed author..."

----------------- nwnr