16: Departing Together

Since Mizuno is a high school student, her working hours are very short. Often, she can only do simple tasks, and she even takes care of dinner herself.

Mizuno also knows that Erina does this to repay her kindness, so Mizuno bows and accepts it with embarrassment.

"In that case, can you come to work tomorrow? Haisha can take care of you if you want to work first."

"Yes, I can't ask for more."

Hearing that Mizuno's classmate will work at her family's restaurant, and Haisha will help take care of her, Haisha's heart starts beating fast.

If that's the case, shouldn't Haisha leave school with Mizuno's classmates every afternoon? What would people in the class think if they saw this?

And Mizuno's classmates won't think she's too stupid.

Until Mizuno leaves the restaurant, Haisha's head is still buzzing. She walks around feeling dizzy, everything that happened today is too magical.

"Haisha, Haisha."

Her mother's gentle voice brings Haisha's mind back to reality.

"Ah."

"Mizuno-kun is really a good person, isn't she?"

"Yes, yes."

...

After returning from Haibu Restaurant, Mizuno first resigns from her job at the convenience store, and then continues to practice her taijutsu and medical ninjutsu.

Mizuno borrowed Chakra power in two fights today, when can she defeat this small fried potato with pure physical strength?

The next day, Mizuno runs to school full of energy. Before reaching the school gate, Mizuno sees Haisha standing at the entrance of the alley next to the school.

"Haibu's classmate, what's up?"

Haibu Sha stands at the entrance of the alley and takes out a piece of clothing from her bag.

"This... is your jacket. I washed it last night, and it's already dry."

Taking the jacket, Mizuno notices that it is clean and neatly ironed. She also carefully notices that the original tear on the jacket has been sewn.

There is a slight scent on the jacket, not just from the laundry, but also from another aroma. Is it because it was washed and dried together with Haisha and her mother's clothes?

"How long have you been waiting here?" Mizuno asks while putting on the jacket.

"No... I wasn't waiting, I just arrived."

"Before lying, you should prepare first." Mizuno puts her hand on Haibu Sha's shoulder and gently pats her. "There's dew on your shoulder."

Mizuno gently flicks off the dew on the girl's shoulder.

How foolish this girl is.

"I... I..."

"And wait for me at school, there's no need to stand here like an idiot."

Feeling the touch on her shoulder, Haisha's nose becomes slightly sour. "I, I'm afraid that if I do that, others... will say something. It's... not good for Mizuno's reputation."

Without saying a word, Mizuno stares at the cautious girl. She knows what Haisha is worried about.

Haisha is afraid that people at school will misunderstand their relationship.

Out of fear of being misunderstood, or to protect Mizuno's reputation, Haisha is willing to wake up early and wait in the alley next to the school. Haisha carefully looks at everyone passing by, not even paying attention to the dew on her body.

This is a pitiful and humble person.

"Don't be afraid, stand tall. Let's go to school together." Saying that, Mizuno takes the bag from her hand. "Don't leave so early, just wait at the Restaurant. I will call you to school together."

"... Okay."