Sprouting Feelings

"Sprouting Feelings" (また芽生える感情) is a short story from 's store privilege for volume 7 of 2nd Year arc of You-Zitsu light novel series, together with other three short stories.

Summary
Everyone in Ryuuen's class was working hard in the kimono café, mainly because Ryuuen had threatened them with punishment if they didn't. Hiyori, on the other hand, had taken on the role of cashier and didn't have much to do, and so was reading a book she had borrowed.

Hiyori was reading her book when she noticed Kiyotaka enter. Even though she wanted to hide behind her book, her curiosity got the best of her, and she peeked at him through it. He approached her as if he had noticed something unusual. Hiyori, out of options, greets him, wondering internally if she is able to act normally. Kiyotaka informs her that he has heard she no longer visits the library, but she responds that this is not true and that she now visits the library at a different time. She thought of it as a sign of respect from her for the relationship he had with Kei, because seeing him talk to her would make any girl anxious.

As the two begin talking about the cafe, Hiyori reveals that she works as a cashier because she is not good at talking to people or even being a waitress. She then told him about Ibuki, who had lost a wager with Ryuuen and was forced to work as a waitress. She recalled how amusing it was to see Ibuki stomping her feet in frustration after she lost.

Hiyori enjoys casually chatting with Kiyotaka. She wanted to meet him at the library again. After all, two friends meeting together should be considered normal. She tells him that she'll be going to the library again and hopes she can meet him there. Hiyori believes Kiyotaka's girlfriend will be fine as long as they meet as friends.