Chapter 48: Mahiro and Class Observation

Mahiro tried to keep Mihari from showing up in class, but when she did, Mahiro is mortified and greatly embarrassed at her geeky and nerdy appearance.

## Features of this Chapter

### Social Setting

At home, then at Mihiro's school classroom

MAHIRO AND CLASS OBSERVATION

CHAPTER 48 OF THE MANGA

## Previously

With the beginning of the new middle school session, thankfully, all of Mahiro's friends are still together in the same class. Mahiro has been getting along reasonably well in school, and with acceptable grades, this a far cry from the school dropout that they used to be when they were a Hikko NEET perceived male. Yet a few things at school make Mahiro cringe in expectation and worry, like the Class Observation Day that is coming up. What will Mahiro plan on doing to keep any attention away from her on this special day ?

## This Chapter's Story

One day at school, the homeroom teacher announces that during the next week, there will be a Class Observation Day. This is a special day wherein the parents or guardians of the students are encouraged to come sit in on class, and observe the workings going on between the students and the teacher. A shudder of apprehension ripples through the classroom, as the students seem to dislike others watching their every move in the classroom. Mahiro makes a fervent wish that Mihari does not find out about this special day. Surprisingly, Nayuta is anxious for her 'Onee-chan' (big sister) to come and observe. Mahiro wonders who Nayuta might be referring to ?

And so Class Observation Day comes. In the morning, Mahiro dresses for school like she always does, and prepares to depart for school. Yet just before she leaves, she retrieves the school notice of the special day from her briefcase, crumples the paper up, and throws it in the trashcan at home. And with that, she is gone and on her way. Soon, Mihari decides to tidy up, including emptying the trash. Looking into one of the trashcans, she sees a newly discarded lump of paper on top. Curious, she carefully unfolds the paper, and reads it.

Meanwhile, at school in the morning, a social mixer is being held in the classroom, where all the parents and guardians are allowed to intermingle with all the students, as well as interacting with the teachers. Momiji comments that she is glad that her Mom is the same predictable person as she always is. Mahiro offers that she has never met Momiji's Mom. As the 'social party' continues, Mahiro sits at her desk, revering with satisfaction in the fact that she is not going to be embarrassed or pegged for something odd or unusual that their guardian would do in front of everyone. However, Nayuta is also alone at her desk, sad and greatly disappointed that her 'Onee-chan' had not shown up for the beginning of the activities today.

But just then, the door to the classroom opens, and who should make their regal entrance to the crowd ? Mihari, wearing her usual laboratory outfit of a western shirt and tie, a black mini-skirt, a lab coat, and looking very profession and important ! Asahi yells out at the 'doctor' (Asahi's nickname for Miahri). Immediately, soft gossip is whispered around the room, as parents and others notice this most unusual person. Mihari makes her way over to Mahiro's desk, and sorta giggles, as all eyes are watching this impressive stranger. Mahiro, for her part, hides her face with her hands, and earnestly wishes that the floor would open up and swallow her. Mahiro chokes out to at least take off the lab coat !

Soon, the classroom teacher announces for everyone to take their seats, as the class lessons are about to begin. All the visitors are seated in the back of the classroom, in order to, of course, observe the daily workings of the class. During the lesson, Mahiro has to read aloud from a Classical Literature workbook, and tells herself how utterly humiliating this whole situation is. About halfway through the class lesson, Nayuta notices a person quietly coming through the door. Why, it is her 'Onee-chan', although coming in late. At the end of the class lessons, everyone is asked to stand and bow to the teacher. Mihari comes over to Mahiro's desk and apologizes for whatever, as Mahiro is in a foul, sour mood. Yet, Mihari is greeted by Kaede's Mom, and the two hit it off in conversation. A few other Moms join in, as the chit-chat abounds.

The late arriving stranger comes over to Mahiro's desk, and comments that Mihari makes for a good housewife. Soon, the stranger is joined by Nayuta. Mahiro is shocked, wondering who this strange person is ? Nayuta says that she is her 'Onee-chan' (big sister). The stranger says that she has not seen you, Mahiro, since the physical exam (see Chapter 41)! The stranger is Chitose Azuma ! Mahiro points to Chitose, and excitedly exclaims that this person is the same person as on the sticker (see Chapter 46)! Mihari comes over and exclaims, what is my Senpai doing here ? Mihari sees Nayuta hanging onto and hugging Chitose, and (wrongly) exclaims, "Is she your illicit child ???" Chitose barks back that she is not yet at that age for something like that ! Nayuta is simply a brat that she watches over at her home. Nayuta says that she is Chitose's lab assistant. Self-proclaimed, however ! Mihari now recalls that she may have seen this child at the university at times. Chitose remarks for Mahiro to continue with her friendship with Nayuta. Mahiro wonders about that, recalling that Nayuta privately refers to herself in masculine terms, although she presents as a girl (see Chapter 39).

After the special day has ended, and back home, Mahiro and Mihari are sitting in the front room. Mahiro remarks, so that was the rumored "Senpai" ? Mihari acknowledges that Chitose is a 'big wheel' and noteworthy person at the University. After all, it was Senpai who researched and developed the 'girl drug' that was given to you, Mahiro ! Surprised, Mahiro exclaims that Senpai must have been the 'mastermind' behind the drug, right ? That's true. What if Senpai is hiding something about the drug or the results ? Mihari, serious or not, remarks that knowing Senpai, that might be possible. Mahiro wants to know if you, Mihari, and Senpai, are part of some vast conspiracy theory for an all powerful mind-control drug ? Mihari dutifully states that everything about her and Senpai is on the up and up !

## Chapter Lookback

The English translator comments on the significance of Mahiro's reading from a book about Classic Japanese Literature.

Also, Kaede's Mom must be a real gem of a mother !