I Was Reincarnated As the Hated Scummy Best Friend in a Gal Game and the Protagonist Is Useless

74

30, Akechi Hidetaka Pretends to Be Someone Else

I’ve reached the entrance of the cafe.

I want to turn around and go back, but Eien-chan is clearly eager to go, and I can’t find the words to stop her.

“This place isn’t crowded, but it feels like a hidden gem, with such a calm atmosphere.”

“Ah, really… I see.”

“I just came here last Sunday too.”

“Ah, really… I see.”

What a coincidence.

I was here drinking coffee last Sunday too.

That’s what I wanted to say.

But I decided to act like it’s my first time here and avoid meeting the master’s gaze.

It’s the only way.

Unaware of my dilemma, Eien-chan opened the door to the cafe.

“Welcome!”

“Ah! Hello there, Master!”

“Hey, it’s Miyamura-san. Long time no see.”

The master, looking refreshingly youthful, a side of him I’ve never seen before.

I almost laughed, biting my tongue to hold it back.

“Hehe, actually, I brought someone new for you today, Master. It’s a guy.”

“Oh, as expected of Miyamura-san. A popular lady catches a man quickly.”

“Come on, he’s not that kind of person. This is Akechi Hidetaka.”

“Huh?”

Huh?!

I intended to pass off as a stranger, but once my real name was mentioned, there was no hiding it.

My mind raced for a solution.

“Um, nice to meet you. I’m Akechi. Pleased to meet you, Master.”

“…………”

I decided to stick to the story that I just share the same name and a similar face with the Akechi Hidetaka that the master knows.

The master’s eyes looked at me as if to say, “What’s with this guy?” giving me a wary glance.

It was a look of suspicion, even more intense than when I talked about my past life’s events on Sunday.

“It’s a nice atmosphere, isn’t it, Hidetaka-san?”

“Ye-ye-ye-ye-yeah, it is!”

“You’re too tense, Hidetaka-san. Usually, you’re so confident. It’s kind of endearing.”

“Well, even Mitsuhide Akechi, who experienced many battles, must have been nervous during the Honnō-ji incident. That’s how I feel right now.”

“Hehe, you’re funny, Hidetaka-san.”

Eien-chan chuckled, tucking her chin in as she laughed.

She looked absolutely picturesque…

I love it!

…No, that’s not it. What should I do about this awkward air between me and the master…

Eien-chan seemed to be the only one unaware and having fun.

“Please, this way to the counter,” the master said, handling the situation like an adult.

It seemed he had read my intentions.

However, the seat he prepared was right at the front counter.

Despite the table seats being empty, he pointed to the counter.

I realized he was already onto the fact that this was some sort of harassment.

“Okay!”

Eien-chan promptly took a seat at the counter right in front of the master.

Escape to a table seat was not permitted.

Peeking at the master’s face, I saw him staring at me with a sly grin.

“Hidetaka-san, over here.”

“Ye-yes…”

Reluctantly, I take a seat next to Eien-chan.

“Mr. Miyamura, are you on a date today?”

“Eh? Eeeh!? Do I look like that?”

“It can’t be seen any other way.”

The master teases me indirectly.

He doesn’t want to ask directly, preferring to pry through Eien-chan.

“Then, it’s a date.”

“Hmm.”

“…………”

I start to shiver inside.

Why do I feel so resented by the master, even though I haven’t done anything wrong?

“Hideyori-san, are you okay? Do you feel unwell?”

“No, I’m fine.”

“Maybe he caught a cold around this Sunday?”

“No, that’s not it!”

Are they teasing me about Sakuya’s cold!?

I’m done with this place…

“What’s your order?”

“Well, just a moment, please, Master.”

Eien-chan shows me the menu.

It’s a very familiar menu.

So familiar, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say I’m tired of it.

“My recommendation is the blend coffee. What will you have, Hideyori-san?”

“Then, I’ll have… uh… the same as Mr. Miyamura.”

“Come on! You don’t have to be shy just because we’re inside the shop, you can call me ‘Eien-chan.’ I like it, it feels like a special way for just Hideyori-san to call me.”

From noble mtl dot come

“…………What on earth am I being shown?”

I leave the order to Eien-chan.

“Then, Master, two blend coffees, please.”

“Okay! Two blend coffees and one espresso coming up!”

“?”

In all the years I’ve been coming here, I’ve never once seen anyone shout orders like they’re at a gas station.

And to top it off, he swapped one of the two blend coffee orders for another.

It’s got to be deliberate.

“I was looking forward to the Master’s delicious coffee.”

“Ah, Miyamura-san, you’re so kind. And your friend here, he doesn’t talk much, does he? The strong, silent type?”

“He’s just shy, right, Hideyoshi-san?”

“Yes, yes! I’ve also heard about the Master’s delicious coffee and was looking forward to it.”

“Pfft… Hahaha…”

The Master tried to stifle his laughter, but it was clear he couldn’t contain it.

“Here you go, two blends and an espresso.”

He said, chuckling as he placed my usual coffee (an espresso) before me.

“Why did you give Hideyoshi-san an espresso, Master?”

“I’m a pro, you see. I can usually tell what kind of coffee a first-time customer is after. Akechi-kun here had ‘espresso’ written all over his face.”

“Wow, really!? That’s amazing!”

“……..”

As if that’s the case…

I retorted while mixing milk and sugar into my coffee.

“What’s the relationship between Akechi-kun and Miyamura-san?”

“We’re classmates.”

“Oh, classmates, huh?”

Master and Eien-chan had started a friendly chat.

I guess they’ve been to this coffee shop a few times before.

I tried my best to stay quiet and play the role of the air, only giving non-committal answers when asked.

“So, Hideyoshi-san, nice atmosphere in the shop, don’t you think?”

“Ah, it would be perfect if it weren’t for the Master.”

“Hahaha, you don’t say. You remind me of a regular of mine who drinks coffee without paying a dime.”

“You resemble a friend of mine who likes Sawamura Yama.”

“You’re the spitting image of a relative’s child my sister is raising! Are you sure you’re not the same person?”

And so, they belittled each other.

“Yeah, yeah. As expected, men get along well together, Hideyoshi-san and the Master are now good friends!”

Eien-chan seemed pleased, thinking that the Master and I had become friends.

…Whatever.

“Then, I’ll treat you, Hideyoshi-san.”

“Ah, ahh…”

“You never pay, do you…”

The Master muttered resentfully.

I could tell he was definitely teasing me about not paying.

I was relieved that this hellish time was finally coming to an end.

I thought I should come back and apologize to the Master.

It was just when Eien-chan was about to take out her wallet.

The bell at the entrance of the shop rang, signaling someone’s arrival.

“Master, I’m back.”

A very familiar female voice was heard.

My headache got worse…

No, I misspoke in my fluster.

My head started to hurt…