I yell as I hurriedly flick the cigarette off.
Thankfully, no damage done.
'The young master's going to high school. That's some news.'
It's worth noting that the young master has *never* been to school. Ever.
He didn't need to.
From what I've heard, he's a self-taught genius. Since early childhood, he supposedly learned everything on his own, rendering school pointless since his abilities far surpass those of his peers—and even his elders.
So, it's only natural to be shocked that he's heading to high school.
"Where'd you hear this?"
I ask Asashi.
"I heard it from Shunji, who heard it from Yuri-san, who heard it from Matoshi-san, who finally heard it from Yanagi-san. If Yanagi-san's the source, it's gotta be true, right?"
"You can't really call Yanagi-san the source since you heard it from Yonamine-san, not Yanagi-san himself."
"But you know what kind of guy Shunji is."
"True. He's not one to spread lies."
"Exactly!"
"Still, I can't wrap my head around why the young master would go to high school. If anything, he'd belong in a PhD program."
"Well, maybe it's because of the school itself?"
"The school?"
"You ever heard of Koudo Ikusei High School?"
"Koudo Ikusei… Oh, you mean that state-run high school that brags about producing only elites? So the young master's got his eye on that place, huh."
"Looks like it…"
The new year arrived, marking my third year as the official driver for the Kōenji heir.
But just when the year seemed as quiet as the ones before, alarming news dropped.
The young master fell into a coma. The entire Kōenji family was shaken.
The chambermaids found him like that in his bed one morning. The family doctor's diagnosis found no abnormalities.
Test after test, but no solution for his lethargic state.
While I'm more upset about losing my job, the little time I spent with the young master is enough to make me feel sorry for him.
'Is this the end for such a young boy with a bright future?'
A month passed.
As I feared, I was relieved of my duties. Though it's temporary, it's still uncertain.
After a week of slacking, I started job hunting again.
I'm on my way to an interview when my phone rings.
It's Asashi.
"Asashi, I'm kinda busy, can you—"
[The young master woke up!]
Cutting me off, Asashi blurts out.
"What?!"
[You heard me. He's awake. As we speak, it's been barely an hour since he got up. Get over here quick if you want to keep your job!]
I'm no longer listening to Asashi, my hand dropping the phone.
I stand there, stunned, before jumping for joy.
'Back to a well-paid life of doing nothing!'
I rush back to the estate and see the young master on his feet with my own eyes.
He's still got his graceful demeanor and narcissistic attitude.
'My young master's back.'
Late March.
"You'll accompany the young master to high school tomorrow."
Yanagi-san tells me this after summoning me to his office.
"Is that the young master's wish?"
'I doubt it. Knowing him, he'd take the bus.'
"It seems you already understand his thinking. Indeed, this isn't his request. As you know, it's only been a month since his miraculous recovery from the coma. We still don't know the how or why. The whole family's worried about a relapse. Given his nature, he'd surely refuse an escort, so you're tasked with accompanying him. At the slightest sign of trouble, bring him back."
"Is the young master okay with this?"
"That's for you to convince him. We're counting on you."
'What? Damn, he's dumping the dirty work on me…'
"Alright, Yanagi-san, I'll do my best to persuade him."
"Very well. You may go."
I bow and leave the office.
Without pause, I find out where the young master is. Luckily, he's in his quarters.
I knock on the door.
"Sir? It's Hajime-san, your driver."
A few seconds of silence before the door unlocks.
I open it and step inside.
These are the young master's quarters—a house within a house.
I walk down a long hallway that leads to a massive garden.
There, I start checking the tops of every tree. My search ends after about ten minutes.
The young master's perched on a plum tree, shirtless.
This isn't unusual. He often climbs to the top of a tree and lounges there. The maids even say they've found him sleeping in trees at dawn.
"Hajime. To what do I owe the visit?"
As soon as I approach the tree, the young master speaks.
"I need to talk to you, sir."
"Let me guess. They want you to escort me tomorrow, don't they?"
"You guessed right, sir. I've been tasked with convincing you."
"Do you think you can?"
"No. I don't stand a chance."
At my reply, he chuckles, then with an agile, deft move, he leaps from the tree and lands on his feet in front of me.
I step back, caught off guard, while he keeps his smile and looks at me.
"My body simply couldn't handle the greatness of my soul anymore. That issue's resolved. Why can't they understand that?"
He then adjusts his hair, sweeping it back and gazing at the sky.
"Still, what kind of son would I be if I didn't occasionally listen to my parents? Fine. You'll drive me tomorrow, Hajime."
I simply bow.
The next day arrives, and I drive the young master.
The ride is quiet until I notice him slumping in the back seat.
This isn't like him.
"Sir? Sir?"
I call out, but no response.
'Shit, don't tell me it's what I think.'
I'm about to call a third time.
"S—"
"What is it?"
This time, his voice cuts me off.
'Oh, he was napping?'
"Sorry to disturb your nap, sir, but I wanted to let you know we're nearing our destination."
I come up with that excuse.
I focus back on the road but glance at the rearview mirror now and then.
As we actually get closer to our destination, I notice his complexion paling.
"Sir, is something wrong?"
I ask, worried.
"What—"
He starts to say something but hunches over, holding his face with his hand.
Damn it!
"Sir! Sir!"
I shout as loud as I can, no response.
"Sir, should I stop the car?"
Still silence.
I'm about to pull over when his voice comes through.
"No need to worry, Hajime."
"But sir, you look so pale. It's clear you're—"
"Do I need to repeat myself, Hajime?"
"N-no, please forgive my insolence."
I back off completely and focus on the road again.
If I follow Yanagi-san's orders, I should take him home. But God knows that'd be the end of my job.
'He says he's fine, so he's fine, right?'
Meanwhile, I catch him checking himself in his mirror. He must be okay.
Finally, we arrive.
"Sir, we're here."
I announce, stop the car, and get out.
I park and stand by his door.
"Sir?"
I open the door and gesture for him to exit.
His complexion's no longer pale. Thank goodness.
I bow.
"Have a great stay, sir."
As I start to straighten, I feel a hand on my shoulder.
I look up, surprised.
It's the young master.
His eyes have a strange glint. A different gaze.
"You've been a most remarkable driver."
His next words stun me even more.
"S-sir?"
"We'll meet again in three years."
Leaving me in my confusion, he heads toward the school gates, his stride as graceful and dignified as ever.
Later, I learn he'll spend three years boarding at this high school.
While that means three years of unemployment for me, his words stick with me.
I'll wait those three years eagerly to see him again. To see the young master from that day.
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