kscans

Chapter 94 -

At the family restaurant Hayate and the others frequented.

"I think you two already know, but this is Shinonome Rena-san."

"It’s a pleasure to meet you. I am Shinonome Rena."

Now that it was decided Rena would be attending the new academy with him, Hayate promptly introduced her to Naoto and Mei.

"I’m Konoe Naoto. Nice to meet you."

"Sakino Mei. It’s nice to meet you."

"Did the three of you meet in high school?"

"Yeah. Naoto’s last name is Konoe, the last of the ‘Ka’ row. Mine is Shizukuishi, the first of the ‘Sa’ row, so our seats were one behind the other."

"We were the only ones who didn’t know anyone from middle school, so we just naturally hit it off."

"It’s a miracle there were no Satos or Saitos. Some other classes had two Sato-kuns. By the way, I was surprised that Naoto hit it off with Hayate-kun in less than half a day."

"Hayate was just easy to talk to."

"I guess I thought so too. But I felt a little despair when I found out my new high school friend already had a girlfriend."

"Sakino-san, have you been dating Konoe-san since middle school?"

"Yep, that’s right. Also, I’d be happy if you called me Mei instead of my last name. Or Sakinon, like Hayate-kun does. Is it okay if I call you Rena-chan?"

"Yes, Rena is fine. Um, well then, I’ll call you Mei-san."

"Thanks! Naoto always checks Hayate-kun’s streams, so I watch them with him. You’re super cute in person too, Rena-chan."

"Oh, thank you very much."

"Alright, sorry to interrupt now that you’re getting along. I’m gonna use the restroom."

"See you. I’ll put in our usual order."

"Thanks."

Once he confirmed Hayate had stood up and entered the hallway where the restrooms were, Naoto spoke to Rena in a low voice.

"‘Nice to meet you,’ you say?"

"Ah, please wait."

Rena placed some kind of device on the table and activated it.

"What’s this?"

"It’s a device to prevent others from hearing our conversation. Hayate has very good hearing."

"The Shinonome Zaibatsu’s technology is amazing. Would it be a problem if he found out we knew each other?"

"I don’t mind, but I thought perhaps Konoe-sama was concealing his identity."

"I’m not hiding it. I just haven’t said anything because no one’s asked."

Naoto grinned as he spoke.

"I want to see the surprised look on his face when the guy he thought was his best friend turns out to be one of the top brass in this country. I also have a plan to reveal my identity after swooping in to save Hayate with my power when he’s in a real bind. Don’t you think that sounds fun?"

"Guys are so dumb."

Mei’s cold remark cut through the air as she operated the ordering tablet.

Sakino Mei was a Koga ninja and served as Naoto’s bodyguard. Rena was surprised that Mei, who was supposed to be a subordinate, would call Naoto an idiot.

"Mei-san, aren’t you Konoe-sama’s bodyguard?"

"Ah. It’s fine, it’s fine. I like things this way. And you should call me by my first name when you’re with Hayate, too."

"O, okay."

Hayate returned a short while later.

"Did you order for me?"

"All set."

"Thanks."

"I’m the one who ordered, though."

"As if you did it yourself."

"All set. (By Mei.)"

Watching this exchange, Rena couldn’t help but burst out laughing.

"You’re all very close."

"You’ll get used to it soon, Rena-chan."

"The vibe is important."

"You and I are on the straight-man team, Rena-chan."

"I’ll do my best!"

After that, Rena began asking about Hayate’s life in high school, and Naoto and Mei answered every question with embarrassing frankness, much to Hayate’s distress.