Volume 13 Chapter 254 Shirogane Aqua, The Misunderstood Girl And The Real Reason
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
In this world, there are places called women’s entertainment shops.
But it’s not that men work there. These shops are where women dress as men to serve other women.
In those shops, the women don’t just wear men’s clothes. They wrap their chests with bandages to make their big breasts flat. They cut their hair short and wear masks that cover half of their faces while serving customers.
Since around summer vacation, I have been using that look to walk around the night town for practice.
”Wow, that person is really tall!”
”I wonder which shop she works at.”
”Her face is hidden, but she must be cool.”
I made myself a bit taller with secret boots. I changed my eye and hair color with a wig and contacts. I sprayed sweet perfume for adults. So, no one noticed my real self.
’Aqua-sama, if it is about disguises, leave everything to me, the disguise expert Yukishiro Emily!’
I was right to ask Emily. Kaede said if there is a problem, Emily usually solves it. I can do many things too, but Emily is really skilled. She laughs and says, “I am a jack of all trades.” But Kaede and I could not laugh when we saw Emily’s wallet.
Even a child’s wallet has at least one 5-yen coin. But Emily’s wallet had no coins, not even chocolate shaped like a 5-yen coin. It is strange how Emily is always broke, even though she does not gamble or waste money.
Girls have many expenses like cosmetics and sanitary products. Maybe Kanon’s allowance to Emily is just too small.
”Emily, keep this secret from Kanon and Kotono…”
”Aqua-sama…!”
I quietly took money from my wallet and secretly gave cash to Emily where no one was looking.
After leaving the Shirogane Kingdom, I went to the nearby entertainment street where women work. These places often have shops with pianos and instruments. Most importantly, I can hide well there.
”That shop looks just right.”
I saw a cafe with a nice feeling. I looked inside the window. There was a piano in the back. It was a jazz bar. I entered without thinking twice.
”Welcome.”
When I entered, I froze. Oto-san was standing at the counter. Why is Oto-san here? I felt nervous if she would find out who I was. I used my smartphone to talk to Oto-san quietly.
”Of course. But please order only one drink.”
Oto-san said with no change in her face. I could not tell what she was thinking. She seems cool and hard to approach, but I think she is kind. I once saw her playing with stray cats at school. No bad person is liked by animals.
I thought about Kohina-senpai, who often fights with Shiro. Maybe being close means fighting a lot. Let’s think like that. Yeah…
[As a thank you, I will send you this song.]
I sat down and played the piano like usual. I started playing because in my old life, I learned piano to entertain children in an orphanage.
Looking back, I think that is why I can cook and entertain people now. This is my life, living as Shirogane Aqua, an idol.
I always told the children, “You might not choose your birth or your childhood, but you can choose the life you want to live.”
I wonder if they are doing well after I am gone. That thought worries me a little. Maybe it is because of the song. I feel a little sad.
[Should I continue?]
To make the mood better, I played my own version of the jazz song, “Brown Bottle.” It felt good. I played a few more songs.
Oto-san’s face was hard to read as always. But the customers looked happy listening to me.
Then a drunk person came and ruined the fun.
”Ugh, kids from bad homes are like this… Oh! Is this your family house? No wonder. You will get suspended for drinking and smoking, right?”
Oto-san handled the drunk well. At first, I thought if I said something, it might cause trouble. So, I stayed quiet unless it got worse.
But this one comment I could not let go.
In this world, some children have one parent or none. Some are in foster care. Some are neglected, abused, or worse.
Still, many children live honest and strong lives.
Just because a parent is a thief, does not mean the child will be one. Just because a parent is a sex offender, does not mean the child will be too. Just because a parent is violent, does not mean the child will be a bully.
No, it is not true. No matter how you were born or raised, some people stay good and work hard to live their lives.
’I am not saying birth or childhood do not matter. But what matters is how you live and want to live. Your life, your soul, and your heart are yours alone. So, how do you want to live?’
Oh noooo, I grabbed that person’s arm before I knew it.
The small Kohina-senpai in my heart whispered to hold tighter.
Imaginary Kohina-senpai, please scold me or stop me from feeling so emotional like a child…
[Today’s payment, and treat the customers well. Change is for tips.]
Embarrassed, I left the shop quickly after turning away the drunk.
I hope Oto-san did not find out who I really am!
The next day, I went to school like normal and watched Oto-san from far away.
”Aqua, what are you doing?”
Suddenly, Toa stood behind me, watching. Kanon’s day off meant Toa was the lookout.
”N-no, nothing. I’m going to the bathroom.”
I avoided Toa’s suspicious eyes and followed Oto-san after class.
I watched Oto-san all day. Even though it is the second semester, does she have no close friends?
I was surprised Kukuri-chan was still alone too. I never saw Oto-san smile and talk happily with anyone.
No, it must be a coincidence… I was stupid to think so.
A week later, I looked at Oto-san and Kukuri-chan. Nothing changed. I held my head.
”I see, so that’s why~”
I understood everything and sat down, bent over.
Neither Oto-san nor Kukuri-chan are ignored by their classmates. Everyone wants to talk to them.
But the way Kukuri-chan and Oto-san act stops others.
For Kukuri-chan, maybe it is too scary to talk first.
And Oto-san is too cool. Yui and Kotono are also misunderstood. But their faces show their feelings. Oto-san barely talks, so she seems cold.
That is why people find it hard to talk to Oto-san.
”Well, what should I do…”
I am in a different grade. I cannot help.
If only everyone in class could get along… At that time, 1A and 2A had a fashion show battle.
”As expected, Emily…”
”Ah, Aqua-sama!?”
Emily saw my tears and moved fast. When I am in trouble, Emily fixes it.
I told Kanon and Kotono to keep secrets and gave Emily money secretly.
My wallet’s money had become like a kid’s play money without me knowing.
That chocolate shaped like a 5-yen coin last time was better to eat.
I want to know how that happened but I will not ask.
A few days later, while going somewhere, I stopped by the 1A classroom and looked inside quietly.
”Kukuri-chan…sama can you cut the dough?”
”Yes.”
Wow! Kukuri-chan! A classmate is talking to her!
In my heart, I cheered: Hang in there, hang in there, take one more step, Kukuri-chan.
Then, maybe because of that, Kukuri-chan spoke first.
”Um…”
Hang in there! Hang in there!
Emily came beside me suddenly. We cheered for Kukuri-chan.
”D-do you need something? I mean, maybe it is impossible, but…”
Ah! The girl who talked is nervous seeing Kukuri-chan stuck for words.
Damn, Kukuri-chan can act fine in idol mode or noble mode with strangers, but in private, she is so shy.
”Um, it’s not that… I’m also the same age and a classmate. So, no need for polite speech.”
Well said! Wait, who said that!? Not me!
I turned and saw Kohina-senpai standing there. She is in the same loner club.
”Oh… yeah, that’s right. Um, Kukuri-chan, want to work together?”
”Yes, I will.”
Yes! Kohina-senpai, Emily, and I did a quiet high-five to not make noise.
By the way, why are you two here?
Ah, right. You said you would help.
”Phew, it looks like Kukuri-chan might get friends.”
”Yes, as a loner club member, I am proud too.”
Honestly, I thought Kukuri-chan just needed a chance.
But the real problem is the other one.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.
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