Chapter 1188 - The Maid's Day Off: Part 1
Speaking of a "date."
I have no plans to confess this to her or anyone else for now, but since some day in the past. Whenever I hear that word, the memory that naturally comes to mind is fixed on my first date with a certain fairy.
It was just, like, that much of a shock.
The ridiculously cute girl I found at the meeting spot.
In the middle of the crowd, green eyes that shone exceptionally bright. Caramel blond hair that commanded people's attention without even trying. A sky-blue blouse peeking at her pure white shoulders, and a knee-length white flared skirt—as expected, I don't quite have the courage to blab about it to her, but I remember.
So clearly, so detailedly, that I even wonder if the talent of Memory had manifested in reality only for that moment. So vividly colorful that I end up picturing (recalling) it at unexpected moments.
Thinking about it again, I don't even know how many times I've fallen in love at first sight with each of the three. Although I can list several memories that are intensely burned into my mind... as expected.
How should I put it, as expected, yes, a girl.
The memory that most severely "punched" me as a memory tagged with those three characters was, no matter what, fixed on that one and wouldn't budge—
Therefore, repeatedly, at unexpected moments.
These days, my heart is always tense somewhere, though there's nothing to really be careful about, so as not to commit the super-class rudeness of immersing myself in memories of Nia during my time with Sora or Ashe. Or rather, it's my personal circumstance of secretly keeping my guard up from that day until today.
However, I didn't think there was any need to be careful with other people...
"...Whoa..."
Current time, just before two in the afternoon.
Estimation, extremely rude.
While unconsciously letting out a voice that, if heard by the person themselves face-to-face, would get me shot through or rather turned into Swiss cheese by a killer maid smile. In the middle of the crowd illuminated by the clear sky, I was unavoidably recalling that day which comes to mind when speaking of a "date."
Quietly in the crowd. Yet, a black that certainly hides an outstanding charm. Today, as always, sharp, almond-shaped eyes that are simply mature, elegant, and beautiful, pushing the absolute limit of zero strictness.
Her slightly light-colored black hair, which is usually tied up with a barrette, was let down, a single braided strand creating a casual cuteness and sexiness in a classic, going-out straight style.
And, is it because her usual clothes have high defense in exchange for high attack power?
Even though it's still a slightly chilly season... mysteriously, it's her serious style, where white skin that makes me feel like I'm looking at something forbidden more than necessary is exposed here and there.
By my standards, a blouse with a relatively boldly open neck. A three-quarter sleeve outer coat that exposes slender, delicate arms that don't make you feel her usual maid-vitality.
And, pure white beautiful legs extending from a skirt of a length that gets hidden by the coat. Fully armed with no openings to be found, all the way to the very end where they are sucked into short boots.
—In short, a seriousness that even I, who am ignorant of fashion, can understand.
And on top of that, a genuineness where such serious fashion isn't excessive by even a single millimeter.
An incredibly beautiful woman was standing grandly in the middle of the crowd, drawing everyone's eyes.
Probably, just like at the amusement park the other day, there is no daredevil who would call out to her. It's not that she's emitting a "don't talk to me" aura, but she has a dreadfulness that says you'll die if you talk to her.
If so, if I were to do an about-face and run away here, what percentage of the world's population of men would sympathize with me, saying, Can't blame him, I'd run away too—such things,
with a trembling head, while I stood there dazed and embarrassed,
"...—"
my partner finds me.
...No, well, to be precise, it would be more like the grace period has ended.
If things went badly, I wouldn't be surprised if she had detected me by my presence even before I brought myself into a position where she could see me. Even if she isn't wearing a maid outfit, she is still her (a maid).
Thus, the beautiful woman, whose true identity (maid) no passerby knows, walks—and, the path parts.
It wasn't in an exaggerated form that could be called Moses parting the sea, but... indeed. A flow is created, as if everyone is taking care never to obstruct her steps.
Therefore, having reached her destination without stopping, she was as if saying everything around her was just a mindless rabble. Without paying any mind to each and every gaze, consciousness, or attention.
Tilting her head, swaying her smoothly flowing hair...
"Good grief, you're late, you know?"
Since she teased me with words she had probably prepared, I, being myself,
"...It's ten minutes before our appointment, you know?"
returned the counterattack words I had prepared, without any amusement.
Then, she—Natsume Itsuki, who had escaped her duties (maid) on her cleared day off and descended into the crowd as a single woman charming many... well, what might be in her heart?
"My, how uncute. —If you show me such an impudent face, I'll feel like calling you 'Nozomi-kun♡' the entire time during today's date, but is that quite alright with you?"
"I was getting ahead of myself, I am seriously sorry for keeping you waiting, I have no excuse."
Today, as always, she has an invincible appearance.
Seeing me raise the white flag in an instant, she chuckled and smiled with satisfaction...
"Fufu... Well then, I'll leave the escorting to you, okay?"
As if it were completely natural. For a date without any joking around.
She held out her hand, an option I couldn't possibly not take.
The kind of thing that completely hooks you with a surprise attack in the first CG.