Chapter 7

Let's go back a little in time. It was on the way home after parting ways with Jade.

"Hey, Mina. It must have been great to reunite with your childhood friend."

"Yes, but Scarlett, please stop teasing me."

"Hehe, I've seen many guys come after you, but I have to say, you must be hurting. When you're with him, you're a completely different person. It's obvious to everyone around you."

"Really?"

"What, you didn't notice? Your cheeks are relaxed even now?"

"Eh!? No way!?"

I hurriedly touched my cheeks with both hands. Scarlett smiled at me, realizing she had caught me off guard.

"Yeah, it's a lie. But, the usual you wouldn't fall for something like this, right?"

"Ugh, Scarlett, you're mean."

That's true. I've liked Jade ever since we were kids. I was anxious about not seeing him for a long time, but when I met him, I realized I still liked him. I got a bit carried away and acted a bit silly. A bit.

"But, don't worry. He seems pretty dense."

"Right. He's been like that since we were kids, and it doesn't seem to have changed even as an adult."

"Haha, well, unless he's a complete magic nerd, a commoner becoming a magic bureau official, let alone a—"

"Court magician is impossible, right?"

Exactly. The magic bureau has various departments. Among them, Jade has always dreamed of becoming a court magician—the top tier of the magic bureau. It must have taken a lot of hard work. But—

"To be honest, it's really frustrating that he doesn't care about me at all."

"Ha, good for you, Mina. I like this side of you much more than the usual composed Mina. You should start working on him from tomorrow."

"Working on him... I don't really expect him to see me as a woman now... It seems like I'm still just a childhood friend who used to be a troublemaker to him."

"Idiot. Jade may be a bit rough around the edges, but he's a good guy and a top-notch magician. If you're not careful, some aggressive older sister might snatch him up. Especially someone as serious as him might feel responsible and end up marrying her. Is that okay with you?"

"No, it's not."

"Then, you better try harder. Life is short, love while you can."

"Wait, you're saying that—"

"Ah, ah, ah, I can't hear you. Well, see you at school tomorrow."

"Ugh!"

Scarlett said what she wanted and ran off. I walked along, lost in thought about Jade, and before I knew it, I was at the house I rent from Elm. I went inside, locked the door, and headed straight to the shower. I took off my clothes, turned on the tap, and let the warm water pour over my head. Of course, I was thinking about Jade.

(Now, act more feminine towards Jade? ...No way, it's too embarrassing. But, as Scarlett said, Jade is full of vulnerabilities, and if I'm not careful, someone might really take him... I don't want that...)

I splashed water on the mirror and looked at my face. I've been told I'm beautiful by many people and have been approached by a fair number of men.

(But, Jade did say I looked beautiful and like a different person. There's no way Jade, who's always been so straightforward, would say something like that just to be nice... But, maybe... Working in the court, he might have learned to say nice things... Ah, why am I so troubled... Oh, I already washed my hair? Sigh, what am I doing?)

Unlike when I was a child, my long, lustrous chestnut hair takes time to wash and rinse. I must have been lost in thought and memory, because I ended up washing my hair for the second time. I really am clumsy and scatterbrained. After that, I made an effort to concentrate and took a longer bath than usual to clean myself thoroughly.

The next morning, the mechanical clock rang loudly. It was five o'clock, an hour earlier than usual. I was very sleepy because I had gone to bed late after drinking last night. But I had decided to put in the effort.

I determinedly stripped off my futon, took a hot shower to wake myself up, made a simple breakfast, and ate it before getting ready.

(I didn't expect to meet Jade yesterday... But today...)

I sat in front of the vanity, stared at myself to muster up some courage, and started my makeup routine.

(I shouldn't go too heavy, but I want to look like a mature woman...)

Using all the knowledge I learned from Scarlett, I applied my makeup. I combed my hair more carefully than usual and put on a little bit of perfume, just enough to be noticeable or not. I also wore my favorite shoes that I don't usually wear to work.

I spent a lot of time getting ready, trying to stay within the limits of a teacher. When I looked at the clock—

"What!? It's already this late!?"

It was exactly seven o'clock. It's a twenty-minute walk to the meeting place, or about ten minutes if I run. But—

(Sweating...)

I had put in so much effort, and if I was called "sweaty," I would probably be very disappointed. So, I chose to walk briskly, trying to get to the meeting place as quickly as possible without sweating.

(There he is. Jade looks the same as yesterday. His slightly unkempt black hair and clothes, his clear eyes, and his kind face. Yes, it's Jade.)

I found Jade and confirmed that yesterday wasn't a dream. It seemed he had noticed me too. Our eyes met from a distance, and I walked briskly to him.

"Sorry, I'm late."

"No, it's fine. Did you oversleep?"

Jade asked without any particular change in his demeanor.

(Yes, it's Jade. He wouldn't notice the effort I put into getting ready.)

So, I decided to give him a small hint.

"Um, it took me a bit longer to get ready..."

"I see. Well, women do take longer to get ready. Let's go—ouch."

"Oops, sorry?"

(Jade, that's not it. Ah, that's why you looked different yesterday. This is enough, right?)

I didn't expect to be praised, but I wanted him to notice the change. But Jade didn't notice at all and just said, "Let's go." So, I gave him a small hint of sadness and frustration. Jade looked confused. That's right, he's confused. I'm angry because he's confused.

I felt embarrassed by what I had done and turned away, starting to walk. I could hear his footsteps following me a bit later. He seemed to be following me. Even though I suddenly became moody and stomped my feet, which is the worst thing a woman can do, Jade still caught up and walked beside me.

"Um, Mina? I don't understand, but I'm sorry. Honestly, I have no idea why you're angry. But, I must have done something wrong. Also, you look more mature. You really do look like a teacher."

And that's it. Jade is still Jade, even after working in the court. He must be really bad at socializing. His straightforward words had a magical effect, making my heart beat a little faster. At the same time, my ears turned red.

(You've always been like this... It's so unfair...)

I looked down and quickened my pace.

"Huh? Hey, are you okay? Your ears are red. It's getting cold. Your neck looks cold too. Here, take my scarf."

My red ears were noticed, but he misunderstood the reason. He took off his scarf and wrapped it around my neck.

(Ugh, stupid, stupid, stupid. I knew it was cold, but I deliberately left my neck exposed. And this outfit doesn't go with a scarf at all. But, it's warm and smells good... I'm such an idiot.)

The scarf, which had been around Jade's neck, still held his warmth. Wrapped in this, I couldn't push it away. I kept the scarf on, trying hard not to smile, and headed to school.