Chapter 28

Recently, I discovered a really intriguing kid in the science and social studies class at the cram school.

The girl is a small, seemingly quiet type, and I happened to sit next to her. However, I was completely captivated by a particular item attached to her bag.

A keychain of "Toryon Yams Taro"!

"Toryon Yams Taro" is, as the name suggests, a yuru-kyara (mascot character) of yamaimo (Japanese yam). It was created by a town that produces yamaimo, but even for a yuru-kyara, it's a bit too relaxed. It's just a yam with eyes, a nose, and a mouth. Moreover, the face looks pitiful, with drooping eyebrows.

With such a slightly awkward appearance, it's not very popular or well-known. The character (or the person inside?) seems fully aware of this, as at events like yuru-kyara festivals, it stays on the sidelines, trying not to get in the way of the star yuru-kyara.

It's in a state of being overlooked.

And I, for some reason, absolutely love this awkward yuru-kyara, Toryon Yams Taro!

The laziness of its design, which seems like it could have been done better.

The timidness of being overwhelmed by the popularity of the star characters at festivals.

But even on the big stage, it tries to look its best with a bow tie, which only makes it more pitiful.

When I first saw it, I thought it wouldn't be popular, being too plain and not cute. But after seeing it a few times, I started to feel sorry for it, and eventually, I began to find its casual face charming and cute.

It's a character created to promote the town, yet it doesn't assert itself at all.

But its timidity resonates with me. I'm here for you, Toryon! How can I not support you! My maternal instincts were fully stimulated.

The girl sitting next to me has a Toryon Yams Taro item hanging from her bag.

I want to be friends with her!

It's rare to find someone who likes such a plain and unassuming yuru-kyara.

I want to talk about Toryon to my heart's content.

Besides, I didn't even know they had merchandise!

But I can't find a good way to become friends.

Asking "Can we be friends?" out of the blue would be too suspicious.

How do you even start a friendship?

At the academy, people always approached me first, so I've never had to take the initiative.

Oh, what a useless me.

Anyway, I need to start a conversation casually.

Right, I'll remember Akiyama-kun's friendliness. First, a greeting...

Even though I want to talk to her, the small girl doesn't seem to want to face me at all.

I feel a wall of air between us.

No, I need to be brave!

"Um, that bag..."

"Huh?"

The girl turned to me and her face tensed up.

"Oh, I'm in the way. Sorry, I'll move right away!"

"No, um..."

"Sorry!"

She hurriedly moved her bag with the Toryon Yams Taro keychain to the other side and slightly distanced herself.

Am I scaring her?

Am I scary?

Now I've completely built a thick wall of rejection, and I don't have the courage to talk to her anymore.

What! Why!

But I didn't give up.

Every time, I sit next to or near her, trying to give off a vibe that I'm not scary at all, and I make sure to smile when our eyes meet.

She hardly ever looks at me, though, as if she's aware that I'm staring at her.

Am I becoming a stalker like Kagemitsu?

"Hmm..."

I stare at myself in the mirror.

"Hmm..."

"Rika, what are you mumbling in front of the mirror?"

I was deep in thought in the living room when my brother came in.

Perfect timing. I'll ask him.

"Brother, do I look scary?"

"Huh?"

I'm not that mean-looking, right?

I don't think I look particularly approachable.

Well, I don't have any obvious weaknesses.

My hair is always neatly curled thanks to Mother's taste, and all my clothes are designer.

I think it's a waste to wear such expensive clothes that I'll outgrow quickly, but as the daughter of the Kichijouji family, I can't wear fast fashion.

I've probably never worn the same outfit to the cram school twice because I have so many clothes.

Maybe that's it.

The lack of weaknesses might be the reason I'm perceived as scary.

Is it because I look intimidating?

I hope it's not because my face looks mean...

Are my eyes slanted?

"Did someone say your face is scary, Rika?"

"No, not exactly."

I look at my brother's face.

His face seems to reflect his inner self, not overly sweet but gentle.

When he talks to me, his mouth always curves slightly upward, which makes him seem more approachable.

"Not just the eyes, but the mouth is important too."

I look in the mirror and force a smile.

Hmm, it looks suspicious.

"I don't think your face is scary, Rika. The hundred faces you're making right now are definitely scary, though. Why are you suddenly worried about this?"

"...There's a girl I want to be friends with, but I feel like she's scared of me."

"Hmm. Is she from the academy?"

"No, she's from the cram school. I try to be friendly and approach her, but the more I do, the more scared she gets. Why? Is it because of my appearance?"

"What kind of girl is she? The approach might change depending on her type."

What kind of girl is she?

"She's quiet and small, but she's cute like a small animal."

"Usually, you hang out with different types of girls. If you push too hard, she might indeed be scared. Try to put yourself in her shoes?"

If I were that girl?

She's not exactly plain, but she seems quiet and not part of the popular group.

If I were my younger self, I think I could have easily become friends with her.

I wasn't quiet, but I had friends like her.

But if I were my younger self, would I have become friends with the current Rika?

...No.

Because we wouldn't have much in common, and a perfect lady like Rika would be too much trouble to anger.

Yeah, if I didn't want to be friends with her and she kept pushing, I'd be scared too.

Just like I was scared of Kagemitsu's overly aggressive behavior during the spy incident.

But I'm not lurking around or anything.

"Maybe I should cut my hair and dress more casually to reduce her guard."

"I don't think that would be allowed."

Probably not.

Mother wants me to look like a proper young lady.

She must have an ideal image of what her daughter should be.

But Mother's taste, with the curls and all, is quite classical.

Maybe she really wants me to be like a queen of the Rococo era?

"Then, what should I do?"

"Well, you might just have to be patient and let her get to know the real Rika. The real Rika is honest and a good girl."

Brother!!

"I understand! I'll try my best!"

"Good. Rika is really honest."

I got a pat on the head from my brother for the first time in a long time.

My mood lifted.

I was eager to become friends with the girl who loves Toryon Yams Taro, but maybe I should take it slow, as Brother suggested.

I'll use Kagemitsu as a negative example and try my best!