Yuri is My Job Episode 7: Gyaru Game

The first chapter of what I like to call the “Gyaru and The Beast” arc had begun.

Last time Miss Mai referenced an important election coming soon and hoped our main duo would settle their dispute before then. Lucky for her they did so it’s time to go all in on said election, the Blume Election. In the setting of the story that inspired the cafe it’s to determine the Blume/Flower der Liebe, the pride of the school. In simpler terms it’s a popularity contest.

The voting process was as unnecessarily complicated as real world elections so let’s skip that and focus solely on our heroines allowed to vote for themselves or their peers. After hearing it’s a popularity contest and the personal voting rule she wondered who to vote for. Mitsuki’s like “You’re my petite soeur so it’s only natural to vote for me. Your character should do that after all…” Her pouting for affection was lovely.

The main focus of the episode were of course the titular gyaru and beast, Sumika and Kanoko. As we recall Sumika found Kanoko’s phone she left behind. Like most people she took a peek after noticing it’s easy to unlock and found the blue maiden’s treasured collection. The next day after the meeting she watched Kanoko interact with Hime as if to confirm her suspicion. She then approached her to return the phone and asked if she wanted it now or later. Kanoko nervously said later when Hime came back. As if she felt some small relief Sumika realized Kanoko wasn’t afraid of her but too nervous to talk to anyone other than Hime. Hime tried to encourage Kanoko to open up with their coworkers but the blue maiden wasn’t as brave as the little one.

While working Mitsuki approached Sumika to encourage her to run for Blume der Liebe. Not sure how much of the following were Hime’s thoughts or Kanoko speculating what Hime’d think but the little one wondered why Mitsuki encouraged Sumika to run right after she told Hime to vote for her Onee-Sama. She threw her hat into the ring and announced she’d run herself. Again not sure how much of Hime’s scheming came from herself or Kanoko’s thoughts.

Sumika again noticed Kanoko fondly worship Hime and possibly as another test to confirm her suspicion flirted with the little one. Kanoko nervously stood between them. She calmly backed off.

After work Sumika returned Kanoko’s phone and again teased her closeness with Hime. It’s then Kanoko noticed Sumika staring at her. She wondered if all this time her target wasn’t Hime but herself. The inner beast became alarmed at the thought of Sumika knowing her secret love for Hime. Would she blackmail her? To her surprise when Miss Mai came to discuss the votes so far she took her to the back and left Kanoko and Hime to themselves. The blue maiden wondered if she’s an enemy or not as Hime encouraged her to thank Sumika…for the phone. Sumika’s like “Oh, right. The phone” and left.

While reading up on the novel to better understand the election Hime fell asleep. Kanoko still worried about Sumika sought her source of relief, cute photos of Hime. After taking one she took the opportunity to put into practice a “fitting” paragraph to describe their relationship. Little did she know Sumika was behind the door. With her suspicion confirmed she called it a day.

The next morning however, another hurdle. Like Hime Kanoko too was surprised to meet the real Sumika. Unfortunately her reaction was more unfavorable. Hime tried to tell Kanoko Sumika wasn’t shady just because she’s a gyaru but there were some stings in her words. When she got her glasses Sumika revealed they were fake and only part of her mature beauty character. Same goes for the books which she wasn’t reading. Kanoko became more suspicious.

After a dessert update from Hype Chef Nene Miss Mai had more election updates. Sumika said she may vote for Hime after asking Kanoko who she’d vote for. As the two were about to shake hands Kanoko’s like “You don’t have to bother. Hime’s already good with my vote”. Miss Mai saw their truffle as prime stage material.

Not only was Kanoko puzzled by Sumika’s motives but became more wary of her upon learning she’s a gyaru. Discrimination lass. Not good.

This continued on stage as Kanoko wondered if she’s slacking off after revealing her secret. It didn’t change as she surprised Hime and Kanoko with a passionate description of the wonders of books followed by an eloquent summary of the above book. Kanoko wondered if she’s lying. The parts Sumika mentioned felt like indirect jabs to Kanoko’s unfounded prejudice of her.

By the way. That book may be a foreshadowing of their relationship going forward. Pay attention whenever they talk about it.

As I had hoped my dear hype chef Nene is finally getting more screen time. Hime and Kanoko again talked about Sumika when Nene laid down the law calmly slamming them for misjudging the gorgeous gyaru without knowing a thing about her.

After the glorious scolding Kanoko went to check the book to see if Sumika made up the summary but it’s spot on. She also revealed the reason she pretended to read, besides to be in character, was because the books in hand were ones she already read beforehand. She didn’t read at work because she’s a bookworm and could risk becoming engrossed in the story. Finally Kanoko asked what her deal was with her. For now she got a simple “I just wanted to be more friendly with you”. At least now the blue maiden would stop misjudging the hot gyaru. Meanwhile Hime took reading the Liebe source book more seriously inspired by Sumika’s work ethic.

Good stuff as always.