Volume 4 Chapter 71 The Popular Kid’s Woes and a Small Promise
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
Even the monks are running… or so they say of December. Though, truth be told, kindergarten teachers are running year-round. Such was the first weekday of that final month.
At Hinomori Kindergarten¹—home to plenty of energetic little ones who couldn’t care less about the cold—the morning class meetings had wrapped up. The groups were preparing to move to the gym for the monthly birthday party, a staple event held at the start of every month.
”Alright, Makoto-kun and Mihoshi-chan, come over here for a second~”
”It’s the Boss!”
”The Boss is being abducted again!”
”Should we save him?”
”Did the Boss get caught!?”
”Now, now, everyone, it’s nothing like that. Just wait here like good kids.”
”Eeeh!”
”Rescue the Boss!”
”Strategy meeting!”
”Gather the troops!”
Ai-sensei put on her best stern face and made shooing motions, but the kids just didn’t want to scatter. They probably mistook her frustration for a game.
If these were the kids from the old Rose Class, they would’ve been more obedient. But with the rowdy bunch in the Rabbit Group, things never go quite that smoothly.
”Makoto-kun… you’re really popular, aren’t you…!”
I offered a strained internal smile to Mihoshi-chan, who was looking at me with wide, admiring eyes.
Being “the popular kid” is convenient in many ways. It gives you leverage, and people tend to listen to your opinions.
However, there are times like this where things heat up a bit too much because of me. When I think about the extra burden I’m placing on the teachers, I start to feel a genuine sense of guilt.
Finally reaching her limit with the kids who wouldn’t stop pestering (interfering with) me, Ai-sensei looked my way, pleading for help.
”Gosh! Makoto-kun, give ’em the ‘Boss’ treatment!²“
”…Minions, fall silent.”
”””……”””
The moment I spoke with flat, calm authority, the kids went dead quiet.
”Scatter.”
”””Scatter!!”””
And just like that, they dispersed, looking thoroughly entertained.
”As expected of the Boss.”
”Makoto-kun… that was amazing…!”
”Wasn’t it~?”
Ai-sensei crouched down to match Mihoshi-chan’s eye level, looking at me with the same innocent, praising gaze.
(Are you really okay acting like that as a teacher…?) I wanted to retort, but the end result was a settled Rabbit Group and total harmony. Apparently, the parents haven’t complained either, and since the whole operation is running like a well-oiled machine, I suppose I can’t knock it.
For the record, that whole period-drama shtick was something Ai-sensei taught me. It’s a bit of a mystery why it doesn’t work when she does it herself. I actually felt a pang of sympathy for her; I wished the kids would listen to her just a little bit more.
”Boss, it’s a problem if you stare at me like that. Suzuki-chan will get mad.”
”Ah, Seiko-sensei—”
”!?”
”—is over there.”
”…Boss, please stop that. You’re going to give your teacher a heart attack.”
”Ai-sensei, are you scared of Seiko-sensei?”
”Hmm~~mm… it’s not exactly like that. …But this is a secret between me and the Boss, so you can’t let her hear us.”
”Can Mihoshi… um…, can I hear too…?”
”Mihoshi-chan is fine! After all, you’re not the type to go blabbing secrets, right?”
”Yeah! Secrets…, I won’t tell…! I promise…!”
”Exactly! A promise is a promise, after all!”
Ai-sensei made an “X” over her lips with her finger, teaching her that secrets are meant to be kept and that trust is vital.
The actual content of her “secrets” might actually make her lose trust, but this side of her is a hit with the kids. She’s like the mischievous older girl from next door who’s good at looking after people. She’s an expert at pushing right up to the line of getting in trouble without crossing it. She has that same energy as Mio-san or Misato-oneesan.
To the kids, that sense of thrill is incredibly charming. And maybe these pure-hearted children will learn how to survive in the world just by watching the backs of adults like her.
”Anyway, shouldn’t we be moving?”
”Oops, right you are. Alright, let’s go, minions!”
Led by Ai-sensei, Mihoshi-chan and I headed to the gym a step ahead of the others for the rehearsal.
The “rehearsal” wasn’t anything major. But even just lining up on stage, walking through the birthday arch, and moving to a new spot is a challenge for a kindergartener. Even if they watch it every month, their own turn only comes once a year, so they tend to panic.
Some kids get stage fright, so just walking through the motions beforehand helps lighten the psychological load.
I seem to recall that Mihoshi-chan, who was walking beside me, was so nervous during the “Youngsters” class last year that the teacher had to lead her by the hand. But since this was her second time, she looked genuinely bright as she headed toward the party.
Incidentally, there’s one more December baby in the Rabbit Group besides us, but unfortunately, they were out sick today.
Once the rehearsal ended, we sat on the stage and waited for the rest of the kids to file into the gym.
As I was vaguely scanning the room for Suu-chan, Mihoshi-chan—who had been fidgeting next to me—spoke up.
”U-Um…, Makoto-kun…, are you… having a birthday party…?”
I had a bad feeling about where this was going. And I couldn’t think of a good way to dodge it…
”Hm? Well, we don’t really do big parties at my house, but… are you having one at yours, Mihoshi-chan?”
”Yeah…! I am…! Um…, and so…”
Mihoshi-chan balled her tiny hands into fists—
”—Makoto-kun should come… too!”
Perhaps from the relief of finally saying it, the tension left her face and her smile returned.
Conversely, my own expression froze… though I doubt anyone could tell. Well, Mother or Suu-chan might have sensed it. Lately, I feel like I can’t keep a secret from them to save my life.
But how was I supposed to say this?
She clearly hadn’t considered the possibility of a “no” for even a second. Not to toot my own horn, but I’m a nice guy…
In reality, while I have expressed my refusal plenty of times, if someone asks to play together or join a group, I almost always accept. And that’s for everyone, not just Mihoshi-chan.
But that’s strictly within the walls of the kindergarten. Private life is a different story.
While I’m happy to be invited, I have my own set of circumstances. My mother’s schedule, the relationships between the other parents, the balance of the “Mom-friend” factions… it’s no exaggeration to say that social circles at this age are effectively dictated by the parents.
Then you have to deal with gifts, thank-you tokens, and the pressure to return the invitation.
(I’ve been invited to plenty of birthday parties before. Especially this year, the invites have skyrocketed. But I don’t want to add more to my mother’s plate, so I’ve made it a point to turn down all individual invitations equally.)
It’s obvious that if I go, Suu-chan comes too. There is no version of this where we aren’t a package deal.
And when you consider the relationship between Suu-chan and Mihoshi-chan…
The current “Middle Kids” classes often play together across class lines, but I’ve never seen those two actually talking or being friendly. Suu-chan isn’t close with Himeno-chan either, who would almost certainly be at Mihoshi-chan’s party.
Even if they were to become friends through this, a birthday party is a high-risk environment for that kind of introduction.
Suu-chan is shy. Unless you’re someone like Misato-oneesan who is a master at closing the distance, it’s easy to predict the atmosphere getting awkward. And it’s a bit much to ask a kindergartener like Mihoshi-chan to have Misato-level social skills.
Attending the party of a kid you aren’t already close with usually results in everyone feeling self-conscious and unable to have fun. It’s a once-a-year event; I want her to enjoy it from the bottom of her heart.
Besides, usually, this kind of thing is handled by the parents behind the scenes first. Kids making promises on their own isn’t unheard of, but I suspect Mihoshi-chan just jumped the gun.
Regardless, I had to give her an answer. One that left no room for misunderstanding—
”Thanks for inviting me. I’m really happy you asked. But I’m sorry. I don’t think I can make it…”
”…”
”I’m sorry, even though you were kind enough to ask.”
”…”
I kept my voice low so as not to draw attention, making sure to sound as gentle as possible.
Mihoshi-chan looked stunned for a heartbeat, and then her lips pressed into a tight line as tears welled up in her eyes.
Maybe I should’ve kept it vague. Maybe I didn’t need to reject her right here, right now.
Even though I saw this coming, seeing a little girl in pain is a heavy blow to the psyche.
But Mihoshi-chan summoned all her courage to ask. For someone as shy and reserved as her, that must have been a massive hurdle to clear.
That’s why I felt I had to give her my honest answer. I couldn’t be half-hearted about it. I couldn’t give her false hope.
I wanted to handle this in a way that wouldn’t shame my own name.
”I’m sorry, Mihoshi-chan.”
I handed her my handkerchief before the tears could actually fall.
”…I can’t go, but I’m really curious about what kind of party it’s going to be. I want to hear all about it.”
”…”
”Is that okay?”
Mihoshi-chan scrubbed her eyes with the handkerchief and gave a small, slow shake of her head.
”Will you tell me later? Like, what kind of cake you had, what games you played, or what presents you got…?”
Mihoshi-chan sniffled slightly and gave a tiny nod.
”Then it’s a pinky swear³.”
”…Yeah, …promise.”
To Mihoshi-chan, who nodded once more, I held out my pinky for a pinky swear.
When we let go, Mihoshi-chan’s face turned bright red as she looked down at the handkerchief, seemingly unsure of what to do with it. Even at this age, I guess it’s embarrassing to give a boy back a handkerchief you’ve just cried into.
If I kept watching her look that sad, the guilt was going to swallow me whole.
”That handkerchief… you can just keep it.”
”…Really?”
”Yeah. I’ve got another one anyway…”
As I pulled out an identical spare, Mihoshi-chan gave a shy, slightly awkward smile.
…I think I managed to navigate that one.
It’s a birthday party, after all. Everyone is there to celebrate her, so she needs to be able to have a good time.
Good grief, being popular is a full-time job…
—
Summary:
Makoto navigates the morning chaos of kindergarten before a rehearsal for the monthly birthday party begins. His popularity leads to an unexpected birthday invitation from the shy Mihoshi. The rejection that follows tests the social maturity of both children
—
Trivia:
- The term ‘Shiwasu’ (December) is alluded to with the reference to ‘monks running.’
- Makoto’s mental age is significantly higher than his physical age, influencing his view on ‘Mom-friend’ politics.
- Mihoshi’s nervousness is a recurring trait from her previous school year
—
Character Insight:
Makoto’s refusal to attend private parties reveals a defensive social strategy meant to protect his mother’s schedule and avoid clique-based favoritism.
—
Glossary:
Notes:
• Mihoshi – A shy, reserved kindergarten girl in the Rabbit Group, with a quiet demeanor and a love for penguins, often sketches them. She admires Makoto, struggles with physical tasks, and cries when rejected, yet summons courage to invite him to her birthday, keeping promises.
• Makoto – Four‑year‑old Rose‑class boy, 93 cm, 13 kg, in a white shirt, blue vest and cap, nicknamed Maa‑kun. He looks like a 30‑year‑old salaryman reborn as the kindergarten “Boss,” calm and logical, mediates fights, hands out hand‑cream, uses coin tricks and adult wisdom. He carries two identical handkerchiefs, sits perfect seiza blindfolded, protects Suu‑chan, runs Jun, quietly governs the class. Looks up to Akari, mistaken for her son, teased by Mitsuhisa, adored by Suzuki‑chan.
• Ai – Dark‑brown short bob frames a fit former long‑distance runner now teaching the Middle Kids’ Rabbit Group at Hinomori Kindergarten, called “Mom” by her students. Cheerful yet blunt, she uses regional dialects when stressed, adores muscles, praises Makoto‑kun’s leadership, and leads energetic excursions. Playful and mischievous, she treats Makoto as a ‘Boss’, uses period‑drama phrasing, teases colleagues, and pushes professional boundaries while always putting the kids first.
• Suzuki – Suu-chan, five-year-old eldest daughter of the Suzuki family and Mio’s child, is a doll-like girl with dark braided pigtails, a topknot, sleepy sparkling eyes, and pink rain boots—fiercely protective of Maa-kun, whom she calls her “Official Wife” candidate, often clutching his arm or covering his eyes to “protect” him. Clutching a pink candy tin, she’s stoic, tomboyish, and shy with strangers, yet deeply devoted to her sisters and a core member of the Sheep Group. The only child who can replicate the tunnel somersault, she races with Maa-kun, interprets results as next-year class placement, and craves physical “recharge” through their runs. Jealous of Jun, she somersaulted with him to win his heat. She shares a cherished memory album with Maa-kun, embodying the close-knit bond between the Suzuki, Totsuka, and Akari families.
• Seiko – Veteran kindergarten teacher and Rose Class leader, she exudes a steely, battle‑hardened aura with an icy gaze; polite yet intimidating, she’s dubbed an ‘ogre’ when angry and a ‘demon with a metal club’ for her dignified presence. Partner to Riko, senior to Akiko, and assistant at Hinomori Kindergarten, she blends playful realism with school‑politics savvy.
• Misato – Misato Takanashi, 28, former manga‑artist hopeful turned office worker among the ‘Single Aristocrats.’ She favors street‑style hoodies but dresses elegantly for the boy she admires, hides an obsessive love of shota behind a harmless façade, and quietly notes his birthday. Isolated as friends marry, she’s a localization editor who finds joy in holiday visits to the Yashiro household.
• Mio – Mio-senpai, a refined postpartum woman with baby-faced charm and a G-cup silhouette, is wife to Mitsuhisa and mother to twins Fuuka and Kyouka, an older kindergarten child, and a beloved figure in her community. Once a Totsuka council chair and former office worker, she retired to nurture her family, now celebrated for her serene grace, creative culinary skills—especially her famed Salisbury steak—and philosophical insights on aging. Stylishly dressed in gray, she wields a high-end DSLR, capturing intimate family moments while teasing them on film, and shares warm, affectionate grill-side time with Mitsuhisa. A homebody who avoids crowds, she quietly mentors Maa-kun in UV hair-drying, confides in neighbor Akari, and is admired by former colleagues and Misato alike as a “winner” in life’s social hierarchy—her seductive aura and maternal warmth radiating from a life of quiet, elegant fulfillment.
• Suu-chan – A refined young girl with soft skin who values etiquette and ‘lady’s grace.’ She holds Makoto to a high standard of grooming.
• Suu – A female student in the Rose Class. Very close to Makoto (Maa-kun). Has mud on her cheeks and makes high-quality dorodango.
• Mom – A 30‑year‑old mother who recently switched jobs for more time with her son, Maa‑kun. She’s supportive, manages household shopping together with Mio‑san, and balances family life with her new career.
• Himeno – A mature, highly intelligent girl of the Rabbit Group, wearing the neat uniform, a tidy bun and glasses. She radiates a justice‑driven, nosy older‑sister aura, often scolding Hiromasa with a motherly, bossy streak, yet remains a reliable classmate.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.
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