Honestly, they’re scarier than the receptionist, but I can’t tell them that. All I want right now is for someone to calm them down!
“I’m terribly s-sorry about all of this!”
The poor receptionist grovels in the face of their overpowering rage. Unsure what to do, I suddenly feel a gentle hand on my shoulder, pulling me back. It’s Angela.
“Th-Thanks for helping me out, Angela.”
Ektor and Claire are still standing in front of the poor receptionist, lecturing him on his manners and unprofessional attitude with huge smiles plastered on their faces.
M-My condolences… But at least I’m free from that awkward situation. Thanks, Angela.
“Ektor is usually pretty laid back, but woe to anyone who makes him mad. I’m kind of surprised to see Claire is the same way,” Angela remarks.
“They really are alike in a lot of ways. I still don’t understand why they’re so angry, though. He didn’t do anything to deserve it,” I say while watching the two continue reprimanding the receptionist. Rinny and Macro react to my comment with wide eyes. I seem to be the only one who doesn’t understand what’s going on.
“He accidentally leaked private information about you. His behavior and reaction were both completely unacceptable for a position that requires a high level of confidentiality. That’s why they’re so angry,” Macro tries to explain what happened, but it still doesn’t make any sense to me.
“My personal information? What do you mean? I don’t remember anything like that?” I tilt my head to the side.
From what I remember, he asked me to channel my magic into the crystal, and when I did, it reacted oddly. Speaking of which, what does that even mean? Did it react differently to my magic?
Macro’s eyes only get wider when he sees my look of total incomprehension. The look of surprise, so different from his usual bored and slightly scary expression, is honestly kind of cute, although I’d never tell him that.
“Don’t tell me, you don’t know?” he asks.
“I honestly don’t know anything right now.”
I’m getting more and more confused by the second. Macro, Rinny, and Angela seem just as baffled, crossing their arms, worry painted on their faces.
I don’t understand!
“I’m sorry, Miku, but this is something I can’t tell you without getting permission from your sister first. If you really want to know, you should talk to Claire later,” Angela speaks up for the three of them, sounding apologetic. I don’t want to force them to tell me what’s going on, but their unexpectedly serious expressions are making me more worried than ever.
“Is it really that important?” I ask, concern lacing my voice.
“That’s right. It concerns your very life, Miku,” Angela says. “I had a feeling about it, as I’m sure Rinny and Macro did, too.”
“It was probably too touchy of a subject for your parents or sister to ever feel comfortable bringing up,” Rinny adds. “I understand how they feel.”
I’m growing more and more concerned by the second.
What’s going on? Something about my life?
As my heart pounds faster and faster, the blood rushes to my head. Huh? My hands are shaking. Just then, I feel the soft touch of a warm hand pressed against my back.
“Stop stressing her out, you two. Miku, it’s going to be okay. Don’t worry. There’s no way those two over there will ever let anything bad happen to you.”
It’s Macro’s hand. The warmth from his hand as he rubs my back slowly is calming, and I heave a huge sigh of relief.
Oops… I hadn’t realized I was holding my breath.
“You’re okay.”
“Macro…”
I look into his face, but he’s purposefully looking away, although I can feel a gentleness in his touch.
“Uh… Sorry, Miku,” Rinny apologizes awkwardly.
“Me, too. I wasn’t thinking,” Angela follows suit.
“It’s fine! Don’t worry! I appreciate it. Really!” I wave off their almost frantic apologies. I know they’re just worried about me! “Thank you, Macro. I’m better now.”
“…Good.”
I thank Macro once more, but he still refuses to meet my eyes with his own. I can see a faint red glow in his cheeks. He’s probably embarrassed. He’s so much nicer than he appears to be. He immediately steps away from me, and I feel sad when his hand slips from my back, although the warmth lingers in my heart. I’m truly grateful for his comfort, feeling much better than a moment ago.
With that said and done, it’s time to get those two off the poor receptionist’s back!
I walk up to the two of them, still engrossed in scolding the receptionist, and put a hand on both their shoulders.
“Claire, Ektor. Come on. That’s enough.”
“Miku! But…!”
On hearing my voice, Claire turns toward me, clearly frustrated, and I can tell her anger isn’t close to subsiding. Ektor, who I interrupted mid-sentence, also turns to me, troubled.
“You two are making a scene,” I tell them. “Plus, he already apologized. I’m sure he’ll be more careful from now on, right?”
“Yes! A-Absolutely!” the receptionist responds at once.
“See? So let him do his job. Don’t let him ruin our exciting day, okay?”
We’re supposed to be celebrating today, not being angry. I’m already over it, having accepted his apology.
“Ugh. Well, if Miku says it’s fine, then we’ll leave it at that. You’re lucky she’s so kind!” Claire exclaims, wiggling her finger in his face.
“That’s right. She’s an angel!” Ektor declares. “Just make sure this doesn’t happen again, got it?”
Phew! It seems like I’ve managed to calm them down.
Claire’s fur, which was puffed up with anger, is returning to normal.
Good, good!
“Um, Miku, is it?” the receptionist addresses me. “I’m really sorry about what happened. I will never forget the kindness you showed me today! I’ll never make that same mistake ever again!”
I really think he’s apologized enough. He doesn’t need to be so serious about it still.
“Don’t worry about it anymore,” I answer with a smile, which the receptionist returns, almost bashfully.
Everyone looks better with a smile instead of a frown!