The Family Oriented Babysitter

Feb 14th

It was the day before Valentines Day and I had asked Inomata to join me in shopping for chocolates. 

"Thanks for coming with me Inomata." I said with a smile as we walked around the supermarket. 

"No problem, but why did you ask me to come with you?" She asked, feeling doubtful. 

"Hm? Well, I don't really have much female friends to be truthful. Plus, I want this to be an opportunity for the two of us to get along more." I said with a grin. 

I looked at the girl and I see her blushing in embarrassment. "Y-You want to c-consider me as a f-friend!? B-But w-won't you think o-other's will say something!?" 

I cocked my head quizzically and I remembered all the bad things the other students has said about her. "Oh. Who cares what they said Inomata. I know you may be a strict girl but I know you care about the kiddos deep down." 

Her face turned a darker shade of red and I couldn't help but to chuckle. "You're so cute when you're shy Inomata."

"Y-Y-You're embarrassing Yuna!" Inomata said as she covered her face with her hands. "W-W-Who are you buying chocolates for anyways!?" 

I couldn't help but to laugh. "Well I was going to buy chocolates for everyone. Usaida, Ryuuichi, Saikawa and probably some extras just in case."

"What about your friend Kamitani?" She added. 

"Oh, Hayato doesn't like chocolates. So I'll get him something special." I said nonchalantly. 

"Special? Do you and Kamitani have a special relationship or something?" Inomata asked. 

Her question made me tense as I started stuttering. "N-N-No! We're just really close friends!" 

"Uh huh." She said, clearly not believing me. "If he does not like chocolates, then what are you going to give him?" 

"That's a good question. I haven't the slightest clue." I said as we walked down the chocolate aisle. I picked up different boxes of chocolates for all the other men. I even found a box of semi-sweet chocolate that I thought would be perfect for the kids. "Oh, I think I can give this to the kids." 

"How do you work so well with the kids? If you don't mind me asking." Inomata questioned. 

"Well, it really is all thanks to my parents. They taught me all I need to know about child care. I'm just doing what I learned from them. I just so happened to develop a love of taking care of children." I answered. "You know, you haven't stopped by the club ever since our first meeting."

Inomata looked at me with panic in her eyes. "T-That's because I'm busy!" 

I looked at her suspiciously and held a finger to my chin. "Are you afraid of making them cry again?" 

"N-No! I really am busy!" She protested. 

"Uh huh. Well, I'm giving you permission to stop by tomorrow Inomata. The kids have been asking for you. They want to play with you." I said, trying to give her reassurance. 

"T-They did?" She looked puzzled. 

"Mhmm. So don't be afraid. They don't bite." 

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"Good morning Lady Yuna." Saikawa said as he knocked on my bedroom door. 

I sat on my bed in distress as I realized that I still haven't had anything for Hayato for Valentines Day! 

I opened my door to greet the butler. "Good morning Saikawa." I sulkily said. 

"Is something the matter?" He asked.