On the way from the classroom to the principal's office.
I was curious, so I asked Hime why she was eating lunch in the principal's office.
"There's no special reason. I was simply told that it was okay to use it, so I'm using it. To be honest, I don't mind where I eat, but I felt bad about ignoring such a kind offer."
"I see... that's a very adult reason."
"I think it's a 'convenience'. Well, I'm used to being treated specially like this... Wait, was that a bit annoying?"
"No, no, it's not on my nose."
The fact that Hime is being treated specially by the principal...isn't really that surprising at this point.
I think it's a fair assessment. It's only natural that someone like her would want to at least make her feel comfortable, since she's attending my school.
That's how truly "special" Hoshimiya Hime is.
"I'm sorry. I'm not aware of it, but sometimes I end up bragging... Please be careful when that happens. I don't want you to dislike me, Youhei."
"I don't think it's something to brag about. Besides...is it possible that I could ever dislike you?"
On the other hand, I think there is a good chance that you will be disliked or disappointed.
It's unlikely that you'll ever dislike Hime. She's an honest and good girl, so there's nothing to dislike about her.
"...Hehe. It really cheers me up when you say that, Youhei ♪ Thank you."
"Really? If it cheers you up, that's the best thing."
As we continued to talk like this, we soon arrived at the principal's office.
Because it was right next to the staff room, teachers passing by stared at her, but no one said anything. Everyone seemed to be considerate of Hime.
And the same was true for the principal.
"Oops. Hoshimiya-san, I'm sorry. I had a meeting earlier and was late cleaning up... I'll be leaving now, sorry."
When we knocked on the principal's office door, the flustered-looking principal came out. He bowed deeply to Hime and then left the office, taking our place.
Even so...even though there was an age gap between them, like that of a grandfather and his granddaughter, the principal still spoke to Hime in polite language. That must mean that she was that important to him.
"No, I'm the one who's allowed to use the principal's office, so I don't think there's any need to apologize."
"What! There's no need to be shy, Hoshimiya-san... Since you're attending this school, this much is only natural!"
"...is that so"
Oops.
Hime looked a little annoyed.
I think this girl probably doesn't like being treated with blatant formality. Maybe it's because she's a child, but she especially hates being bowed down to by adults.
However, he also seemed to understand that it would be pointless to say anything back, so he ignored the matter without saying anything.
"Oh, today Yohei-kun -- erm, his friend will be eating with us, so is it okay to let him into the principal's office as well?"
"Hmm? A friend... hmm, a friend! Of course, I don't mind. But, hey... can we talk for a bit?"
"Eh, me?"
"Yes. It's you. Come here for a moment."
And then, the target of their anger suddenly became me.
As instructed, I left Hime in the principal's office and closed the door.
At that moment, the principal's expression changed.
"--Please be careful not to upset her."
It's like an intimidating attitude.
The principal's treatment was completely different from how he treated Hime, and I somehow felt like I understood why she looked so displeased.
Changing your attitude depending on the person...I don't think that's a bad thing at all.
However, as a child, I found this kind of calculating attitude from adults very disgusting.