“Chotto matte kudasai, Lieko-senpai,” Misaki interjects. She asks about Manager and Yoshino, and about waiting for them. Lieko sighs dramatically and says she doubts they’ll make it to the restaurant at all. In fact, she adds, Misaki must be very grateful that we can even have this dinner to welcome her. Our school is doing so poorly in the region that we’re losing money and Head Office is very upset with Manager. Misaki says yes, she is very grateful. Lieko says good; she also apologizes for Misaki having to train at our school at such a difficult time. Well, shit. She just confirmed everything Yoshino said earlier. Makes me wonder why we’re still having this dinner.

“Oolong-cha, hitotsu,” Lieko tells our waiter. Jun asks for oolong tea, as well. Seri and Misaki order orange juice. Yuki and Yuri will just have water. The waiter jots their orders down, then comes around the table back to me. “Ah,” he murmurs to me. “Et … pour vous?”

“Hmm … um … Qu’est-ce que vous osusume?” It just comes out. At least I make him laugh. “Sorry, I mean recommandez? Oh, forget it. What do you suggest?”

“Let me see,” he gazes up at the chandelier in thought. “Today, everyone has the ‘ladies’ menu, which is beef au jus and ratatouille. So, I think red wine is the best.”

“Ooh, that sounds good.” If anything is going to get me through the next two hours, it’s alcohol.

“Excuse me, Cybelle,” Lieko leans over the table. “The company does not pay for our drinks. Nor is Manager here to cover our bill. Maybe, order water. You should change to water.”

What am I, an idiot? “How much for one glass?” I ask instead.

“Five hundred yen.”

“Perfect! Glass of red, please.”

“Five hundred yen? How cheap! I’ll have one, too, please!” Seri says.

“Ah, I’m sorry,” Yuki blushes. “One for me, too.” Misaki asks for one also. Everyone giggles except Lieko, who does that creepy smile of hers.

“In that case, if you share a large decanter, it’s 900 yen,” the waiter suggests. We nod in agreement. He bows his leave with an extra nod in my direction. When he and another server bring our drinks, Lieko leads the toast.

“To Misaki, for joining our school,” Lieko shows all her teeth. “And we must also toast to Sotaro, the moms, and all the other trial lessons that will bring our school rank up a little higher. Let’s all do our best! Kanpai!”