Chapter 348

Eighty-First: The Drumbeat in My Heart is Love

Ash paid no heed to others’ gazes and kissed softly on Erika’s hand, leaving a gentle kiss on her reddened skin.

[Silence——]

For a moment, the entire cafe was silent. Everyone’s movements seemed to be paused, all eyes focused intently on the overly eye-catching scene.

Wuki covered her eyes and slightly flushed face with her fingers, but closer inspection revealed curious eyes peeking through the small gaps between her fingers, fixated on the scene.

Lily still had no discernible expression, but her steel tray in hand was already twisting from the middle and making ear-piercing metallic noises.

Momoka widened her eyes and opened her mouth in shock, her trembling fingers pointing at Ash yet unable to say a word.

Lei stood beside them gazing at the two, her once lively gaze now frozen and lifeless.

Ah, what is Shop Manager Ash doing suddenly? Why, why does it just happen to be towards Erika?

Could it be…

Sakura Lei’s mind, not skilled at contemplating such matters, along with her heart, which had begun to crack, ceased functioning altogether.

Regarding Erika’s feelings…

When she felt the warm dampness on the back of her hand, facing a seriously solemn and proper Ash kneeling before her to kiss her hand, this formal act was akin to a medieval knight expressing his loyalty to his master. His face bore no other emotions apart from seriousness, as if this were merely a trivial matter for her sake. Upon realizing this, Erika’s dissatisfaction melted instantly at the realization.

Thump——

It might be just an illusion, but Erika felt her heart thud sharply.

What is this sense of palpitation?

How come, even though I admit he is incredibly handsome — otherwise, Lei wouldn’t have immediately pegged him as a love interest — but he seems so easy on the eyes right at this moment?

Sister Momoka, could this be what you meant by “falling in love at first sight”?

Lei… I think I know how you fell for him.

But when she felt the gaze converging on her body turning almost tangible, she finally comprehended what was happening. The color from her neck rose to her ears, growing a shade similar to the intense redness of a flower. She almost screamed and swiftly pulled her hand away.

“Aaahhhh——!”

Embarrassed, she covered her hand, her turbulent, indescribable emotions rendering her insensible to any pain.

“What are you—doing!?”

“As your manager, helping and guiding you is a given responsibility.” After wiping his lips, Ash praised his own shrewdness, thereby diverting attention away from the minor incident. “I believe it’s healed now.”

“You…said what…huh?” Blushing furiously, Erika stopped mid-motion. Looking at her intact hand, she questioned reality. “The burn has truly healed!”

“There’s no need to thank me; it’s my duty.”

Pulling out a handkerchief, he wiped away the tears at the corner of her eyes. Now with even more flushed cheeks, Erika looked down at her handkerchief, unusually quiet for a change.

She gave a thumbs-up to Momoka, who was still speechless with astonishment.

“As manager of Starbucks Cafe, it’s my duty to ensure the best care for my staff. Please rest assured about this guest.”

Right, an impeccable strategy. Nothing to criticize there. What do you think?

‘Hey, what else can I say? Did you notice that little girl’s gaze toward you?’

As Kayin stated, the usually boisterous, chatty girl was now silent as a mouse, seemingly entranced, unsure where to place her hands, eyes flitting around nervously. Her flushed cheeks betrayed her uncertainty.

‘So what, just Erika. This type typically forgets things quickly. Not worth worrying over.’

‘Let’s hope so.’

“Y-you—” Momoka managed only one word, then none at all. Particularly seeing her sister, arm folded, blushing profusely yet not fighting back like usual, Momoka exclaimed in frustration, “Why do I feel like I’m losing my sister too!”

Do you even know what you’re doing!

“In short, should anything happen, beyond Lily, you’re responsible for my sister too!”

Responsible… for what? Oh, I’ll naturally take responsibility. To raise them into the kind of person I expect!

“Of course, please rest assured.”

Unexpectedly, Ash dared to respond unashamedly, and Momoka, enraged, grabbed a colorful parfait bowl without looking backward, leaving in a huff.

With a victorious smile, Ash pushed open the door, negligently bumping Eddie to the ground. He deliberately waved goodbye to Momoka, only showing her his back.

“Please visit us again.”

“Without Erika and Lily, there wouldn’t be a next time!”

Irritating guy, a kid at heart!

“Erika—Erika, are you still with me?”

Only after Wuki slapped her gently on the face did Erika regain consciousness, hurriedly shoving away the chaos of thoughts in her head. She coughed twice and acted as if nothing had happened.

“What’s up, Wuki? I’m fine. Is there something you need?”

“I’m fine, too, but I feel Rei has something on her mind.”

“What’s wrong, Rei…wa!”

Upon receiving the cue, Erika circled around Lei standing with her back to her and froze upon seeing Lei’s teary, resentful gaze.

“The Store Manager surely prefers lively kids like Erika… A timid coward like me can never measure up…”

“N-no way!” Seeing Lei’s increasingly sorrowful, tearful eyes, Erika hastily hugged her friend to console her.

“Didn’t you know how the store manager acts? This time, it’s just another attempt to humiliate me. Such a daydreaming otaku who can’t even discern Lei’s feelings — how could he ever like me? Hahaha~”

“Could it be true…?”

Maintaining her usual carefree manner in consoling Lei, but this time, Erika’s words made even her doubt the sincerity.

“This way, I’ll use this opportunity to probe deeper into his character for you. Wouldn’t this greatly improve your chances?”

“E-ehreallyErika, you’re amazing!”

Hearing Erika’s words, Lei, trusting her friend deeply, instantly turned from sad to joyous, reemerging with a smile and hugging Erika tightly.

“Yes, count on great news from Erika-sama!”

Exactly, to seek the truth…

What exactly are my feelings?