Youjin, the Cautious: After all, the Girls are No Longer be Trusted, but...

Chapter 14: The Café Disaster

Author's Note: Belated Merry Christmas and Advanced Happy New Year, everyone!

Anyway, I'm very very sorry for not publishing this chapter since September 2024, because (again) of busy at work at office and home, and I even had writer's block.

PS: Enjoy reading this latest chapter.

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Youjin Kinoshita's POV

I couldn't believe what had just happened on the train a while ago. I had falsely accused for the fourth time by none other than the new School Council President, Kurin Onimatsu. Even worse, the police were involved and I was nearly arrested. Thankfully, I had evidence with my mini-drone and body camera to prove my innocence. And of course, the real culprit was apprehended and the police chief offered me a formal apology.

But what Onimatsu-san did to me was unforgivable. She reminded me of my mortal enemies Nonaka-san, Susami-san, Hana-san and Sakura-san, the ones who made my life miserable with false accusations before. The more girls falsely accuse me, the more I find myself hating them, except the landlady Hayashi-san, of course, who has always been kind to me. When Onimatsu-san tried to apologize and express her gratitude, I refused to acknowledge her. It felt like she was trying to silence me or make me forget the incident on the train. Eventually, I would reveal her true colors to everyone at school.

Feeling stressed and overwhelmed, thanks to Onimatsu-san, I decided to find solace in my favorite dessert café. As I walked in, the aroma of baked goods greeted me. The place was quiet, with only few costumers enjoying their meals.

As I spotted an empty table, I made my way over, took off my face mask and jacket and sat down. After placing my bag on the floor, the waitress approached and handed me the menu to choose something to eat and drink.

"Five-layer pancake with chocolate syrup and a cup of matcha tea, please." I told the waitress.

Then she nodded and left my table. I was supposed to choose parfait, but I decided against it. My stress called for something warm and soothing, like a hot cup of matcha tea. Eating cold dessert and drinking a hot beverage at the same time was bad idea that they might upset my stomach.

While waiting for my order, I took out my phone and plugged my headset into my ears. Aside of writing stories as my hobby, my other hobbies are playing games, reading manga online and watching anime. That's right! I am an otaku. My dream isn't only to be an author, but also going to Akihabara, the ultimate destination for otaku culture.

"Here's your pancake and tea, sir." The waitress suddenly appeared before placing my pancake and tea on the table.

"Thank you," I smiled at her. Looking down at the beautifully stacked pancakes drizzled with chocolate syrup, I clasped my hands together. "Itadakimasu!"

Then I began eating, savoring each bite. Honestly, eating while watching anime has become a comforting habit of mine, unlike being with Hayashi-san during breakfast, lunch and dinner. That's why I could enjoy my meal in peace.

Or so I thought.

"Is that Kinoshita-kun?"

Even with the volume on my headset turned down, I could hear the chatter around me. Hearing my name sent a chill down my spine. But where did that come from? I glanced around and spotted two unfamiliar girls at the nearby table. Wait a minute, aren't they students from my school?

"Yeah, you're right. It's him!" One of them said excitedly.

If I remembered correctly, those two were involved of bullying under Susami-san's orders. They were second-year students, but from a different class. I tried to ignore them, but they approached my table. Great... so much eating in peace. Note I was sarcastic.