Yandere Ojou-sama!

(Haruto's POV:)

'Sigh*...I am already tired... '

It has been only an hour since we entered the ceremonial hall yet here I was resting on the nearby seat placed at the sides while sipping on a lemonade to replenish the energy. About Akira then she was still surrounded by a horde of girls belonging to each year.

Even though the formal attire I wore today was not much different from a butler's uniform, I still feel rather uncomfortable and restrained in this dress. The butler's uniform lets me move freely since in case of emergency I could move without restrictions and protect my mistress actively.

'...or maybe I am too self-conscious... '

I don't know whether it was the nervousness of escorting Akira or the things which Kaede-san said yesterday but I have been on edge for some time.

Last night...Kaede-san said something which made me blank for several moments. She said she felt the same...what does that mean? Not like I don't understand what she was saying or what she referred to but more like I couldn't believe that Kaede-san could get jealous because of my getting close to someone.

Seeing me and Akira close, was she getting hurt? And she even invited me to dance with her out of all people even though we have known each other for like a week...does this mean I am someone special to her?

I was not sure. We don't have any history nor my present self was so radiating and attractive enough to make such a beautiful girl like Kaede-san fall for me at first sight. In the first place, is that even possible for someone to develop feelings in such a brief period?

I was not sure about this either and all these conflicted thoughts are muddling in my head, affecting my behavior as well.

Then there was Akira. My mistress is probably the most complicated and weird person I have met in my life. Sometimes she outrightly treats me just like a mere butler and sometimes she reacts to my small praises like a maiden.

I can't wrap my head around what face the real Akira has.

"Shozio Haruto-kun. Can I have a seat?"

I perked my ears before turning my head to the voice. There stood a silver-haired beauty who wore a blue one-piece skirt dress which went perfectly with her slender figure and blue oceanic eyes.

I recognized the girl in an instant since I see her every day in the academy.

"Rio-san? You were here...ah! Please have a seat."

I gestured for her to take the seat beside me while I made some distance to not make her uncomfortable. For some reason, the all-time cool and composed Rio-san was looking like a...fairy today.

Not like I can tell my exact feelings but complimenting a bit wouldn't hurt as well.

"The dress looks good on you, and so does your hairstyle."

Rio-san raised her brows before she glanced at her dress in still perplexion before she voiced the reason for such a reaction.

"You think? This look seems better than my regular one?"

"Ahh...I won't say that since usually, you look so cool and calm that it gives a vibe of dependency. And right now you look more like a delicate beauty which has its charm in all rights."

I ended up saying all the truth since it seemed Rio-san is the kind of person who self-depreciates herself.

For some reason, Rio-san fell silent with her eyes still focused on me. It was kind of awkward but I didn't let it show on my face, however, I could have never expected how much she would make me flustered with her following words.

"Are you flirting with me, Haruto-kun?"

I blinked twice in a flutter before shaking my head rapidly with my cheeks slightly heating up as I cleared her misunderstanding.

"No no no! I am not..."

"Pfft! Look at your face. I am just messing with you."

I wanted to complain to be teased like this even though I am the boy here, but seeing her giggle for the first time made me cease my words.

Rio-san...seems kind of different today, but truly on a good note. This change might be sudden but a smiling Rio-san looks good as well.

"Well, thank you for the compliment Haruto-kun. I have been so cold toward everyone in the past that nobody actually approaches me now. So having a normal conversation with one of my classmates is new for me. So thank you as well for not ignoring me."

I didn't know Rio-san was going through such a situation. I don't know what happened in the past or why she was indifferent toward her classmates but it seems it really does bother her more than she shows.

Even I would have not talked to her if she would have met me during middle high when I used to behave all arrogant and whatnot. But now...

"You don't have to thank me, Rio-san since more than yourself, I feel lucky to have you as my classmate." Rio-san blinked in surprise before she turned her head to once again look at me with her oceanic eyes filled with confusion.

I also looked at her in the eyes before continuing, "I know most people don't bother to get to know the real Rio-san but in the brief time we have spent as bench neighbors, I can tell, Rio-san is a very kind and considerate person."

"..."

For a great half minute, we both just sat still with gazes locked. The silence between us was not awkward this time. It seemed Rio-san was trying to uncover whether I was making fun of her but I didn't waver from my stance since I could never joke about such things.

Rio-san kept looking at me for another ten seconds before she snatched her gaze away in a panic and soon she stood up as well.

"I... I will see you in class. Bye."

I don't know what came over but soon Rio-san not just vacated the seat beside me but I then saw her heading toward the exit as well?!

'Did I.... offend her....? '

*****

A/N: - Drop a comment~