Rabu kome manga no sekai ni haitte shimattanode - V3 Chapter 1

Chapter 1: Part-Time Job and New Character

About a week had passed since I decided to get a part-time job.

I had already applied for an interview, and today, Saturday, was the day.

I headed to a coffee shop about a ten-minute walk from my house.

It was in the opposite direction from school, so getting there might be a bit of a pain, but it was within an acceptable range.

When I opened the door, the chime of a bell rang out, and I stepped into a shop with a retro atmosphere.

It wasn’t a trendy, modern space like a so-called “café,” but rather a coffee shop with an old-fashioned feel.

I figured this kind of place would be a better fit for me to work at, so I applied to this coffee shop.

The interior was quite spacious, and since it was still before noon, there weren’t many customers yet.

“Welcome.”

A man of about sixty with a gentle smile approached me.

“Um, I’m Hisamura Tsukasa. I’m here for the part-time job interview today.”

“Ah, so you’re the one. Well, I’m so glad you came. Please, please, come on in.”

“Okay.”

It wasn’t the kind of smile you put on for customers; he was genuinely happy, the corners of his eyes crinkling as he smiled. I followed the man, who seemed to be the manager, toward the back of the shop.

Crap, it’s been a while since I had a job interview. I’m starting to get nervous now.

We entered a room in the back where stock and lockers were kept, and I sat down across from the man.

“Nice to meet you. I’m Saitō, the manager of this shop.”

“N-Nice to meet you. I’m Hisamura Tsukasa. Thank you for your time today.”

“The pleasure’s all mine. You don’t have to be so nervous. I just want to take a quick look at your résumé and have a little chat.”

“Yes. Um, here is my résumé.”

“Ah, thank you. Hmm… Oh, so you go to Tōjōin High School. It’s nice that it’s close. It must be easy for you to get here.”

“Yes, it’s only about a ten-minute walk from my house, too.”

“Oh, is that so? It helps us out if we don’t have to pay for your transportation costs.”

The interview began in this lighthearted manner, and it really felt more like a casual chat than an actual interview.

The last place I worked was a chain, so the interview was very formal, but since this is an independently owned coffee shop, they might be more relaxed about these things.

I, for one, was grateful and happy about that.

“What made you decide to start working part-time?”

“Well, to be honest, I wanted to earn some money…”

“Ahaha, that’s what part-time jobs are for. When you’re a high school student, you want to go out and have fun. There’s nothing strange about that at all. In fact, it’s a very sound motivation.”

“Ah, thank you.”

“Are you in any clubs or anything?”

“No, I’m not. So I can start working from around four o’clock after school.”

“I see. Well, that’s great to hear. Are you free after this today?”

“Eh? Ah, yes, I am. I don’t have anything in particular to do when I get home.”

“Then, could you start right after this?”

“Huh?”

Start right after this? Does that mean start working the job?

“Um, does this mean I passed the interview?”

“Hm? Oh, that’s right. We were looking for help, and you seem like a good kid, Hisamura-kun. I’d love for you to work for us. Is that okay?”

“O-Of course! I look forward to working with you!”

Oh, thank goodness, I passed.

After telling Rie and Sei-chan that I was “starting a part-time job,” I wouldn’t have been able to face them if I’d failed the interview.

“So, can you start now?”

“Ah, yes, I can.”

“I see, that’s great. Of course, we’ll pay you starting from today. Don’t worry about trying too hard at first. Just focus on learning the general flow and customer service.”

“Yes, I look forward to it.”

“Okay, here’s the uniform. You can change in here when you start your shift. We don’t provide the bottoms, but please wear your own black pants, like the ones you have on now, Hisamura-kun.”

“Yes, I understand.”

After I took the uniform, Manager Saitō left the room.

The uniform consisted of a navy blue shirt and a black necktie.

The tie wasn’t the kind you have to knot yourself; it was a clip-on type that was easy to attach.

There was also a brownish apron that went from the waist down, which I believe was called a sommelier apron.

The colors were generally dark, but they were subdued and seemed to match the shop’s atmosphere.

Alright, I passed the interview and got the job. Time to work hard!

With that thought, I started taking off my clothes to change right there, when I heard the chime of the bell from outside the room.

A customer must have come in. It was almost lunchtime, after all.

Oh, right. I need to message Rie and tell her, “I passed the interview and started working right away, so I don’t need lunch.”

I was standing there, shirtless, about to grab my phone and send Rie a message when…

With a click, the door to the room opened.

“Huh?”

“Hmm?”

I thought the manager had come back in, but standing there was a beautiful woman.

Her long, flaxen hair was softly curled, giving her a gentle aura.

Her features were defined by large, slightly downturned eyes. She was a beauty, but not in a cool way; she was the gentle, Onee-san type of beautiful.

Hm? I feel like I’ve seen her somewhere before. There’s a sense of déjà vu…

…Wait, while I’m calmly observing this woman who just walked in, aren’t I shirtless?

I’m right in the middle of changing, aren’t I?

“Ah, are you maybe the new part-timer?”

I was panicking internally, but the woman who came in didn’t seem to mind at all and just walked right up to me.

“Uh, ah, yes, I am.”

“I knew it. Nice to meet you. I just started recently myself, so I don’t really feel like a senpai. I’m a nineteen-year-old sophomore in college. What year are you?”

“Ah, I’m a sophomore in high school.”

“Ehh, really? You look so mature, I thought you were around my age.”

Seriously, she’s talking so normally, but I’m still shirtless.

She doesn’t seem to care, so I guess a guy being shirtless is no big deal.

I had frozen up from the surprise, but I finally put on the uniform shirt.

“Sorry, we just met and I was in the middle of changing.”

“Hmm? This is the back room, so it’s normal to change here, isn’t it? I’m about to change now, too.”

“I’m glad you feel that way… huh?”

About to change, now?

I mean, it’s normal to change here, but what does she mean by now?

As I was thinking that, she suddenly started taking off her clothes.

“Wh-Why are you changing?!”

I frantically looked away from her.

She had been wearing a button-up shirt, so I didn’t see her underwear when she started unbuttoning it from the top, but I did catch a glimpse of the cleavage between her ample breasts.

“Eh? This is the changing room, isn’t it?”

“There’s a guy—me—in here, so please wait!”

Why is she so unguarded?!

“Actually, I’m done putting my shirt on, so I’ll change outside!”

“Are you sure? Sorry to make you go to the trouble.”

I grabbed my necktie and apron and left the back room.

Sigh, what was with that woman…?

“Ah, Hisamura-kun. Did you meet the girl who works here?”

“Yes, I was surprised when she suddenly came into the back room.”

“Sorry about that. I forgot to tell her about you, Hisamura-kun.”

Manager Saitō apologized, looking sorry.

“No, that’s fine, but…”

“I’ll introduce you two properly when she comes out after changing.”

And so, a few minutes later, as I was putting on my tie and apron and learning how to clock in and out, she appeared.

“Managerrr. Sorry to keep you waiting.”

“Ah, Tobise-san, perfect timing.”

Tobise…?

I’ve heard that name somewhere before. What was it?

Come to think of it, when I saw her earlier, I thought she looked familiar…

 
“This is Hisamura Tsukasa-kun. He’s starting his part-time job today.”

“N-Nice to meet you. I’m Hisamura Tsukasa.”

But it was probably our first time meeting, so I greeted her properly.

“It’s not our first time meeting, is it?”

“Huh? S-Sorry, have we met somewhere before…?”

“We just met in the back room, didn’t we? Have you forgotten already?”

“…Ah, right.”

So we had met before? I thought, but she was just a natural airhead.

Still, even that felt familiar…

“Anyway, Hisamura-kun, this is Tobise Marino-san. She started working here a week ago.”

“Tobise, Marino…!”

Hearing that name, I couldn’t help but gasp.

That’s right, this person is…!

It wasn’t that I had met her somewhere before.

But I knew who this person was.

Because──

“I’m Tobise Marino. It’s nice to meet you.”

──she was a character from the manga ‘Ojōjama’.

 

Tobise Marino.

A character from the manga ‘Ojōjama’, and she, too──was a heroine who colored the story.

She appeared fairly late in the manga, and with her looks, personality, and aura, she instantly won over fans and became a popular character.

A gentle personality, and looks that conveyed that same gentle, Onee-san vibe to everyone.

She was an Onee-san type of heroine, something that hadn’t existed in the manga ‘Ojōjama’ until then.

“Nice to meet you.”

Tobise Marino said with a beaming smile.

I think her fans called her “Marinon” or “Mari-nee-san.”

“N-Nice to meet you, Tobise-san.”

I was in turmoil on the inside, but I tried not to let it show as I greeted her.

“Yep, nice to meet you. Is it okay if I call you Tsukasa-kun?”

“Eh, ah, yes, that’s fine.”

“Thanks. You said you’re a sophomore in high school, Tsukasa-kun. Which school do you go to?”

“Tōjōin High School.”

“Ehh, really? I used to go there, too!”

Tobise-san spoke with a constant, beaming smile.

If this were a manga, there would probably be flowers blooming in the background.

I mean, I never dreamed I’d meet Tobise Marino, a heroine from ‘Ojōjama’, at my part-time job.

If I remember correctly, when she appeared in the world of the ‘Ojōjama’ manga, she was supposed to be twenty.

But she said she was nineteen earlier, so she probably has a birthday between now and her appearance in the story, and was supposed to meet the protagonist, Shigemoto Yūichi, and the others sometime this year.

To think that I would meet her before Yūichi…

“You two, it’s nice that you’re hitting it off, but may I explain the work?”

“Ah, sorry, Manager.”

“Okayyy. But I pretty much know everything already, you know?”

“You’ve only been here a week, Tobise-san. Let’s have you learn along with Hisamura-kun, just as a review.”

“Okayyy.”

Tobise-san replied with a soft, gentle air.

“…Besides, there are still a lot of things you’re unsure about.”

The manager muttered, just loud enough that Tobise-san couldn’t hear.

Come to think of it, I think Tobise Marino was something of a natural airhead character.

After that, Tobise-san and I were taught the general flow of the work together.

When a customer arrives, guide them to an empty seat, bring them water while taking their order, relay it to the manager, and bring out the food when it’s ready.

After receiving these instructions, a customer happened to come in, so I handled it.

“Nice, Hisamura-kun. You looked very professional. I wouldn’t have thought it was your first part-time job.”

“Ah, haha, thank you.”

Well, I did have this kind of job in my past life, so it’s not my first time.

It’s almost identical to what I did in my past life, so this much is a piece of cake.

“Once you get used to it, I’d like to entrust you with some of the cooking. Would that be okay?”

“Yes, I’m fine with that.”

It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say I chose this place specifically to learn things like that.

“Managerrr. I spilled some water.”

“Okay, I’ll wipe it up, so go take the water to the customer.”

“Okayyy.”

…Yeah, Tobise-san really is a bit out of it, or rather, she has a natural airhead feel to her.

“Ah, I forgot to take their order. I’ll go again.”

“Okay, do your best. Man, I’m so happy to have more cute part-timers. Including you, of course, Hisamura-kun.”

“Sigh, thank you.”

Manager Saitō also has a laid-back quality that comes with age, so maybe he and Tobise-san get along well.

After that, Tobise-san and I worked our shift together, learning the ropes as we went.

 

After the lunch rush passed and the number of customers dwindled, Tobise-san and I got our lunch break at the same time.

“Sorry for making you work during the lunch rush right away. It was busy, wasn’t it? Here, this is staff meal. Eat it together.”

“Yay, the manager’s staff meal. Tsukasa-kun, it’s super delicious, you know.”

“Ahaha, don’t raise the bar so high, Tobise-san.”

“Thank you very much, Manager.”

Tobise-san and I took our meals and went to the back room to eat together.

We were given about a thirty-minute break, so we could eat at a relaxed pace.

“Mmm, delicious! The manager’s cooking really is the best.”

“It really is. This is amazing.”

Today we were served Napolitan spaghetti, and it was truly delicious.

If I could learn to cook this well, I could make it for Rie and Sei-chan.

I want to learn the job quickly so I can learn to cook, too.

“Mmm, that was delicious!”

“That was fast!”

I wasn’t even halfway through my plate, but Tobise-san had already finished.

Come to think of it, I think there was a character detail about her being a big eater on par with Yūichi, despite being a gentle, Onee-san type.

…There was also a detail about all the fat from what she ate going straight to her chest, and her figure certainly made that believable.

“Man, but you’re amazing, Tsukasa-kun. You’ve pretty much learned the whole job already, haven’t you?”

“You think so? I think I still have a long way to go.”

“Ehh, no way. Did you have a job like this somewhere before?”

“N-No, this is my first part-time job.”

“Really? That’s amazing, that you can do so much already.”

The truth is, I did this in my past life, but there’s no way I could say that.

Speaking of my past life… Tobise Marino is a heroine from ‘Ojōjama’, the manga I read in my past life.

But the main heroines of that work are Tōjōin Kaori and Fujise Shiho.

Which means she is also a heroine who doesn’t end up with the protagonist, Shigemoto Yūichi.

Just like my girlfriend and my sister, Shimada Sei and Hisamura Rie, she’s a losing heroine… though in her case, that might not be the right term.

“Phew, I got all sweaty from running around at work.”

Tobise-san fanned herself with her hand, lightly wiping the sweat from her forehead.

It was true, it was almost June, and it was starting to feel like the height of summer.

The temperature inside the shop was at that borderline point where you weren’t sure whether to turn on the air conditioning, and I might have broken a little sweat myself.

“It’s okay to unbutton my shirt a little during break, right?”

“Well, I think that much is fine.”

“Right?”

Saying that, Tobise-san undid about three of the top buttons on her uniform shirt.

“Hah, this uniform is so tight and hot around the chest.”

She grabbed the front of her shirt and began fanning herself with it.

“…!”

The moment she did, I immediately averted my gaze.

With three of her shirt buttons undone, it looked like I could see not only her cleavage but her underwear as well.

And because she was fanning herself in a way that lifted her shirt, I caught a glimpse of something pink.

“T-Tobise-san, I can see your chest, so please don’t unbutton more than two.”

“Hm? Is it really a problem if you can see a little bit of my chest?”

“It is. It’s not just your chest, I can almost see your underwear.”

“Ahaha, well that’s a little embarrassing.”

With that, she finally buttoned one of them back up.

However, her cleavage was still slightly visible, so I tried my best not to look.

“Ufufu, you’re kind of cute, Tsukasa-kun.”

“…Please don’t tease me so much.”

I said with a sigh.

There was no doubt that Tobise Marino was a heroine from ‘Ojōjama’.

But why was she so popular despite not being the main heroine and only showing up partway through the story?

It was because──she was the sexy one, the heroine who caused a lot of ecchi happenings.

I think there are all sorts of heroine types in rom-com manga.

There are the main heroines, like Tōjōin Kaori and Fujise Shiho, who have a high chance of being chosen by the protagonist.

There are the losing heroines, like Shimada Sei and Hisamura Rie, who love the protagonist but are almost guaranteed to never end up with him.

And then there are the girls who are in a heroine-like position, despite not having any particularly special feelings for the protagonist.

Rather than a heroine, she’s a girl with a specific role, one who adds a certain flair to the story.

That was Tobise Marino’s role in ‘Ojōjama’.

In the original story, there were no scenes that depicted Tobise as being particularly attracted to Yūichi.

Since she was the only second-year university student, she probably just thought of him as “a cute boy.”

But she appeared often, making the other heroines jealous or dislike her.

That was… because she frequently caused mysterious ecchi happenings.

Things like her clothes coming off, or tripping and falling onto Yūichi, who would then grope her chest… I’m pretty sure she did all sorts of things like that.

Fujise was especially jealous of her, and Tōjōin-san disliked her.

But Tobise-san has a natural, gentle personality, so even toward Fujise and Tōjōin-san, she was like, “I love how cute girls are when they’re in love, so I’m cheering for you~.”

And now, I had met this sexy heroine before she was even supposed to appear in ‘Ojōjama’.

“Tsukasa-kun? You look like something’s bothering you. Are you okay?”

As I was recalling Tobise-san’s in-story background during our break, she asked me with a worried look.

“No, I’m fine. I was just spacing out a little.”

“You sure? If you have any worries, just let me know. Your Onee-san will help you out.”

Tobise-san said with an adorable expression that seemed to make a “mufuu” sound.

There was no way I could tell her I was worried about her character settings in the manga, so I just gave a noncommittal thanks.

But to think she was working a part-time job… Was there a scene like that?

To be honest, I didn’t know much about her since she appeared pretty late in the story.

‘Ojōjama’ had an anime adaptation in the works, but only nine volumes had been published.

Since she was a character who appeared in the latter half of those, there were still things I didn’t quite know about her.

But despite her late appearance, Tobise-san had placed high in the popularity polls.

If my memory serves me right, she came in second.

She was more popular than Sei-chan or Rie, and even more popular than one of the main heroines, either Tōjōin Kaori or Fujise Shiho.

…I guess everyone really does love the sexy Onee-san type.

Yeah, I like them too.

But I voted for Sei-chan, and she’s still my number one!

After that, our break ended and we got back to work.

I was already used to this kind of work, so I adapted pretty quickly and was soon put on drink-making duty.

As for Tobise-san…

“Manager, which table was this delicious-looking dish for again?”

“Table three. It should be written on the ticket, so take a look at that.”

“Oh, you’re right. Table three… Sorry for the wait, here is your delicious dish.”

“Um, we didn’t order this.”

“Huh?”

“Tobise-san, that’s table four. Also, when you serve the food, please say the name of the dish.”

She seemed to be struggling quite a bit.

But maybe because of Tobise-san’s gentle and airy vibe, even the manager just looked at her like an adorable grandchild, as if to say, “Can’t be helped.”

“O-Onee-san, that dish from before looked really good, so I’d like to order some food, not just drinks. Is that okay?”

“Oh, really? It did look delicious, didn’t it? All of the manager’s cooking is really good, so even though I haven’t eaten it yet, I’m sure it’s absolutely delicious.”

“I-I see. Well then, what do you recommend, Onee-san?”

“I had it for my staff meal earlier, and the Napolitan was super delicious. So good it’ll make your cheeks melt.”

“Th-Then I’ll have that, please.”

“Okay! Manager, one Napolitan, comin’ right up!”

“Right, but that’s not really how you call out orders, so just say it normally, please.”

The customer, perhaps won over by Tobise-san’s natural, gentle vibe, ordered more food.

Being beautiful really is an advantage.

No, it’s not just her beauty, but that unique atmosphere she has.

“Our sales have gone up since Tobise-san started working here. She still makes a lot of mistakes, which is worrying, but I guess having her work the floor is for the best.”

“Well, I’d have to agree.”

First of all, it was doubtful she could even cook with that ditzy personality of hers.

It was never shown in the original story, but she might be as bad at it as Fujise Shiho.

“That’s why I was hoping you’d focus on cooking rather than the floor, Hisamura-kun, so it was a great help that you wanted the same thing.”

“Not at all, thank you for having me.”

It seemed that starting my job at almost the same time as Tobise-san had accelerated my cooking training.

I had Tobise-san to thank for that.

And so, my shift passed by, and around six in the evening, Tobise-san and I were scheduled to clock out.

“You two, good work today. Hisamura-kun, you just came for an interview, but you stayed this late. Thank you so much.”

“No, I was eager to start as soon as possible, so I’m actually grateful.”

“Manager, thanks for everything today!”

“Yep, you too, Tobise-san.”

With that, Tobise-san and I headed to the back room together.

“Good work today, Tsukasa-kun. It was your first time working part-time, but you learned faster than me. I was so surprised! At this rate, I won’t have any dignity as your senpai.”

“Well, I’m used to it.”

“Eh? But isn’t this your first part-time job?”

“Ah, um… th-there was this manga, about running a café. I read it, so I kind of knew what to do, yeah.”

“Heeh, is that so?”

That was close. The fact that I’d worked part-time in my previous world was a secret.

As I was about to take off my clothes in the back room, a thought struck me.

Wait a minute, if I’m changing here, that means Tobise-san is too…

“Hm? What’s wrong?”

Paying me no mind, Tobise-san had already undone all the buttons on the front of her shirt.

“! Sorry, I’ll get out!”

I caught a slight glimpse of her bra and scrambled out of the back room, shutting the door behind me.

My mistake… or rather, why is she changing so casually with a guy like me in the room?

“It’s okay, you can change in here with me~”

“Please don’t come out!?”

Tobise-san came out normally without even buttoning up her shirt.

This woman, why is she so naturally clueless and unguarded…!

 

I waited for Tobise-san to finish changing, then went into the back room to change after she came out.

I’d only intended to come for an interview today, but I never thought I’d end up working until the evening.

I changed into my street clothes and left the back room.

“Manager, I’m heading out.”

“Okay. For your next shift, is after school on Monday okay?”

“Yes, of course.”

“I see, thanks. That’s a huge help. Well then, I’ll see you then.”

“You too. I look forward to working with you.”

After exchanging those greetings with the manager, I left the café.

Sigh, it was my first part-time job in a while, but I was still nervous, so I’m a little tired.

As I thought that, I brought my arms up over my head and stretched…

“Tsukasa-kun!”

“Heah!?”

Suddenly, someone poked my side as I was stretching, and a weird sound escaped my lips.

“Ahaha, what a funny noise you made.”

“…Tobise-san, you hadn’t left yet?”

Tobise-san was smiling brightly at my strange yelp.

She should have changed and left the café before me, but she was still in front of the shop?

“Which way is your house, Tsukasa-kun?”

“I go straight to the right after leaving the café.”

“Great, we’re going the same way. Shall we walk home together?”

“…Sure.”

It seemed she had been waiting for me.

I fell into step beside Tobise-san and we started walking together.

“You didn’t have to wait, you could have just gone ahead.”

“Ehh, but we just started working at the same place. That’s no fun.”

Tobise-san pouted, looking displeased.

She’s older than me, but the fact that she can make such a childish face and still look cute is just what you’d expect from the person who ranked second in the popularity poll.

“It seems we’ll be on the same shift a lot from now on, so let’s do our best.”

“Yes. I look forward to it.”

“You’re so formal, Tsukasa-kun. You can talk to me more casually. Here, just think of me as your Onee-san.”

“No, no, that’s kind of difficult…”

I was already in a situation where I had no idea how to interact with her.

She hadn’t even appeared in the original story at this point in time yet.

When she did appear, she wasn’t supposed to be an acquaintance of Hisamura Tsukasa.

That’s because the Hisamura Tsukasa of the original story never had a part-time job, so there was no way they could have met at work.

In other words, because I started this job, I ended up meeting her before her debut in the original story.

But my coming to this world had already led to a development that was completely absent from the original story—me and Sei-chan dating.

Tōjōin-san and Fujise have already confessed to Yūichi, too.

So maybe I should just stop worrying about the original story and interact with her normally, but…

“So you’re a second-year in high school, Tsukasa-kun. Second year is the most fun, you know. You’re more used to high school than in your first year, and once you’re a third-year, you have entrance exams.”

“I guess so. It feels like second year has the most events, too.”

“Right?! Our school trip was in second year, too. I think our school went to either Kyoto or Okinawa, but I wonder which one you guys will get.”

Tobise-san chattered on, looking cheerful and happy.

She was almost always smiling in the manga, too, so this must be her usual self.

“By the way, Tsukasa-kun, why did you start a part-time job?”

“For me, it’s because I wanted some spending money.”

I wanted money for when I hang out with Sei-chan, so I wasn’t lying at all.

I just didn’t mention that the person I was hanging out with was my girlfriend.

“I see. It’s amazing that you’re earning your own money to have fun.”

“You think so? I think it’s pretty normal.”

“You’re a second-year in high school, in the prime of your youth. I think a lot of people would rather just hang out than get a job.”

“I’m not in any clubs, so I just have a lot of free time.”

“I wasn’t in any clubs either. Just like you, Tsukasa-kun, I’ve been working part-time jobs for a long time.”

So Tobise-san had been working part-time since high school. I didn’t know that.

I had read ‘Ojōjama’ all the way to the latest chapter, but since Tobise Marino appeared in the latter half, I really had no information on her.

That’s part of why it’s so hard to interact with her…

“Why are you working part-time, Tobise-san? Is it for spending money, like me?”

“Hmm, that’s part of it. You see, in my family, I’m from a single-parent household with just my mom.”

“Eh?”

“And I have three siblings, so there are four of us kids in total. It costs a lot of money, so I work to help my mom out.”

“I… see.”

I had no idea. I never would have imagined Tobise Marino’s family situation was like that.

“Well, my mom’s a capable person, so she earns enough to cover the child-rearing and living expenses for four kids all by herself.”

“That’s amazing.”

“Yeah, so the money from my part-time job is for my own spending money and for my younger brother and sisters. The oldest of them is still only ten, so I buy them snacks and games and stuff.”

Tobise-san said with a bright smile.

She had the image of a soft, natural Onee-san type.

I knew she had younger siblings, but this was the first I’d heard that she had three of them.

That must be why she gives off such an older-sisterly vibe.

“You’re amazing, Tobise-san.”

“Fufu, that’s right, so you’re allowed to respect your Onee-san, you know?”

“Yes, of course. Working part-time for your family… I really respect that.”

“Ahaha, I was just joking, but getting praised makes me blush.”

Compared to Tobise-san, my reason for starting a job feels kind of impure.

Though I’m not sure which is purer, spending money on your siblings or spending it on your girlfriend.

“Ah, this is where we split up. I’m going this way.”

“I’m going the other way, so I guess this is goodbye.”

“I wanted to talk with you a little more, Tsukasa-kun, but I guess it can’t be helped. Let’s talk again next time we have a shift together.”

“Yeah, see you then.”

“Yep, see ya!”

Smiling brightly to the very end, Tobise-san walked off in the opposite direction.

Still, working the same job as that Tobise-san from now on… I wonder if everything will be okay.

 

On Monday, after school let out, I spoke to Yūichi before he left for his club activities.

“Hey, Yūichi, do you know someone named Tobise Marino?”

“Hm? Nope. Who’s that?”

“She’s a second-year university student, older than us. You really don’t know her?”

“Mmm, never heard of her. Who is she?”

“…No, it’s fine then.”

“What’s that about? Oh well. I’m heading to my club. Good luck with your shift, Tsukasa.”

“Yeah, thanks.”

So Tobise-san and Yūichi haven’t met yet, huh?

If I remember correctly, they were supposed to meet near the end of summer vacation, when he saves her from some guys hitting on her.

…Come to think of it, Yūichi also raised a flag with Fujise by saving her from guys hitting on her back in middle school. Is the flag-raising master’s go-to move just saving girls from being hit on?

For now, it seems those two haven’t met, and I’m the only one who’s met her.

The original story is already falling apart, so maybe I don’t need to do anything special to make them meet.

I’m not sure what to do, so I’ll just leave it to fate and go with the flow.

With that, I left the school and started walking toward the coffee shop where I worked.

After a short walk, someone called out to me from behind.

“Hisamura.”

“Hm? Oh, Sei-cha… Shimada.”

I turned around to see Sei-chan had been chasing after me.

“Hisamura, my name… Well, I suppose it’s fine now.”

“Sorry. When I try to call out your name without thinking, the one I’m used to just slips out.”

We were already quite a ways from school, and there were no other students around.

“Conversely, I find myself about to call you Hisamura even when we’re alone.”

“But you’re trying to change that, right?”

“Well, yes… Tsukasa.”

“…My heart skips a beat when you say my name in that handsome voice of yours, Sei-chan.”

“Is calling a girl’s voice handsome a compliment?”

Of course, it’s a huge compliment.

For a high school girl, Sei-chan’s voice is calm and has a lovely, clear quality to it.

It’s cute when she’s flustered and cool when she says my name like she just did.

It wouldn’t be strange to fall for her voice alone, though I’ve fallen for every part of her, that included.

“I love your voice, Sei-chan. I want to listen to it all day, every day.”

“I-Is that so… I… like your voice too, Tsukasa.”

“Agh, when you say that in such a nice voice, my heart really can’t take it…!”

“Why are you taking damage?”

It’s no exaggeration to say that Sei-chan’s voice possesses the dual properties of inflicting damage and healing it. For me, the damage is strong, but the healing is even stronger, so it’s not a problem.

If anything, it just leads me back to the conclusion that I want to listen to it forever.

“Your house isn’t in this direction, Tsukasa. What’s up?”

“I’m heading straight to my part-time job after school.”

“Oh, I see. Your job is at a coffee shop, wasn’t it?”

“Yeah. The manager’s a good guy, so I think it’s a great place to work.”

“Is that so? I’m glad to hear it. Can I come by sometime?”

“Of course. I’ll ask the manager if I can get you some kind of special service.”

As Sei-chan and I walked and talked, we arrived at a fork in the road.

“See you later, Sei-chan.”

“Yeah, see you…”

“Well, well? Tsukasa-kun?”

The moment I was about to part with Sei-chan, a voice called out from behind me.

I knew who it was without turning around, but I did so anyway to confirm.

“Ah, it is you. What a coincidence. Are you heading to work too, Tsukasa-kun?”

I’m the one who should be saying “it is you,” Tobise-san.

Her voice is also distinctive—it has the feel of a kind Onee-san, so I can recognize it instantly.

“Tobise-san, it’s been a while. I’m on my way to work now, too.”

“I see! We’re working together again today. And you’re coming from school, right? Wow, the Tōjōin High uniform brings back memories. I was wearing it myself until two years ago.”

Tobise-san chattered on as she approached me.

Seemingly excited, she circled around me, examining my uniform.

Then, she seemed to notice Sei-chan standing right nearby.

“Ooh, the girls’ uniform! Hey, hey, will you let Onee-san see your uniform?”

“Huh? Ah, sure…”

“Thanks! This is nice. I mean, it’s easier being a university student and wearing whatever I want, but uniforms are nice too.”

Tobise-san then began circling Sei-chan, gazing at her uniform.

“And you’re so cute! You wear the uniform so coolly, your figure is amazing… Wow, to think there’s such a cute girl at Tōjōin High now.”

I wanted to say, “Right? Isn’t she cute?” but that would probably just make the situation more chaotic, so I held my tongue.

“…T-Tsukasa, who is this person?”

Sei-chan asked, switching to my last name since we weren’t alone anymore.

“This is Tobise Marino-san. She’s my senpai at work, a graduate of Tōjōin High, and a second-year university student.”

“Nice to meet you! And what’s your name?”

“Shimada Sei.”

“Sei-chan, then. Wow, you’re so beautiful and cute. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“Uh, the pleasure is mine.”

Tobise-san is incredible. She’s a social butterfly, or maybe it’s because she’s so carefree that she can try to befriend anyone without a second thought.

“So what’s the deal with you and Tsukasa-kun, Sei-chan? Are you friends? Or maybe… a couple?”

Tobise-san asked, her eyes sparkling.

I wonder, is it okay to tell her?

I glanced at Sei-chan, who also seemed to be pondering it before she answered.

“Hisamura is my classmate… and I think we’re on good terms.”

It seems she decided against stating that we’re a couple.

The way she phrased it didn’t specify whether we were “friends” or “a couple,” so she wasn’t lying.

But…

“Eh? Are you friends? Or a couple? Which is it?”

Tobise-san isn’t the type to back down from such a vague answer.

“Which is it, which is it? A couple? You’re a couple, right? Come on, come on, Onee-san won’t tell a soul, so just say it.”

“N-No, I told you, we’re classmates.”

Whoa, Sei-chan is getting flustered. That’s rare.

“Really? I think Tsukasa-kun is super handsome, though. Don’t you want him as your boyfriend?”

“I-I do think he’s handsome, but whether you want someone as your boyfriend just for their looks is a different matter, isn’t it?”

“Ah, you’re right. But Tsukasa-kun is really nice, you know? He’s always so kind and helps me out when I mess up at work. He’s a good kid.”

“I-Is that so?”

“I’d want him as my boyfriend if it were me.”

“…!”

Sei-chan looked at Tobise-san warily.

Perhaps she was thinking, Is she a rival?

I’m happy she thinks that way, but I doubt Tobise-san meant anything deep by it.

She was just saying it in the same way you’d talk about a younger male relative, like, “Isn’t he handsome? How about him for a boyfriend? I’d want him as my boyfriend if it were me.”

But you wouldn’t know that unless you knew Tobise-san well, so Sei-chan’s reaction is understandable.

“Tobise-san, please don’t tease Shimada so much.”

“Aw, are you okay with that, Tsukasa-kun? Sei-chan is super cute. Don’t you want her as your girlfriend?”

“Well, of course I think she’s cute, and I’d be happy if I could have her as my girlfriend.”

I mean, she is my girlfriend, and I’m already incredibly happy.

“Ooh, listen to you, Tsukasa-kun.”

“…!”

Tobise-san looked amused, while Sei-chan averted her face in embarrassment.

“Then what about me, what about me? What if you could go out with me?”

“With you, Tobise-san? Well, you’re beautiful, and I think you have a great personality, so whoever gets to date you would be a happy person, wouldn’t they?”

“Ahaha, thanks!”

“…”

Tobise-san still looked amused, but Sei-chan was now glaring at me a little.

No, that’s not it, Sei-chan. In that situation, that’s all I could have said.

I have absolutely no intention of dating Tobise-san; I only have eyes for you.

I thought this while meeting her gaze, but I couldn’t tell if the message got through. She turned her head away with a huff.

Is she okay…? Still, that little gesture just now was cute.

“Oh, Tsukasa-kun, if we don’t get going, we’ll be late for work.”

“Isn’t that because you were talking so much here, Tobise-san?”

“Ahaha, maybe so. Well then, let’s hurry, Tsukasa-kun.”

Tobise-san moved away from Sei-chan and stood next to me.

…This woman’s sense of personal space is nonexistent.

Since Sei-chan was right there, I took a single, subtle step away from Tobise-san.

“See you, Shimada. See you tomorrow.”

“Ah, yeah, see you tomorrow.”

“Bye-bye, Sei-chan! Let’s talk again soon!”

“Y-Yes…”

Sei-chan looked like she was pondering something, but I wonder what it was.

I couldn’t ask her here, though, so Tobise-san and I headed off toward work.

Sei-chan walked in the opposite direction, and we parted ways.

On the way to work, I started talking with Tobise-san again…

“Hey, hey, Tsukasa-kun, do you maybe… like Sei-chan?”

Tobise-san asked, her face sparkling again.

She must be at that age where she loves talking about romance, though that’s not something I should be thinking about someone older than me.

“…Well, yeah, I like her.”

“And that’s not as a friend, but as a girl, right?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

I answered honestly.

Sei-chan wanted to hide the fact that we’re a couple, but it should be fine for me to say that I like her.

“I knew it, I knew it! I thought so. When I asked you if you’d be happy to date me or Sei-chan, it was obvious you’d be happier dating Sei-chan!”

“Huh, was I that obvious?”

“Yup! For Sei-chan, it was like, ‘I would be happy to date her,’ but for me, it was more like, ‘Wouldn’t any guy be happy to date her?’”

I hadn’t even realized it myself, but maybe that was true.

And she figured out that much just from that one question?

Tobise-san may be an airhead, but she’s definitely not stupid.

If I recall, she goes to the best university around here.

“Aren’t you going to confess to Sei-chan, Tsukasa-kun?”

How should I answer this?

I’ve already confessed, and we’re already dating, but I have to keep that a secret.

“Well, not right now.”

I had no choice but to lie here.

If I told the truth and said, “I already have,” she’d pepper me with questions like, “What was the result? What happened after?”

“Oh, really? Hmm, I think you have a chance, though.”

“How can you tell?”

“Fufu, that’s a girl’s intuition.”

“…I see.”

“Ah, you don’t believe me, do you? You shouldn’t underestimate it, you know.”

Of course, I wasn’t underestimating it at all.

Because her intuition was spot on.

Not that I would ever tell her she was right.

“If we don’t hurry, we’re going to be late for work.”

“Oh, you’re right! Let’s hurry then!”

Tobise-san and I picked up our pace and headed for the coffee shop.

 

After that, we made it to work on time and started our shift together.

Today, Manager Saitō’s wife was also working, and I gave her a brief greeting.

His wife also seemed like a very kind person, a friendly woman with a constant smile.

Manager Saitō and his wife both seem to be over sixty, but they appear to be a very loving couple.

I hope Sei-chan and I can stay this close forever, too.

“Hisamura-kun, I don’t think we’ll have many customers since it’s a weekday, so let’s use this time to teach you some of the cooking.”

“Huh, already?”

“Yeah. You learned the front-of-house work right away, Hisamura-kun, and we have Tobise-san for that anyway. It would be a huge help if you learned to cook, too, and we’ll raise your pay to match.”

“Oh, thank you very much.”

I can’t believe I’m learning to cook on my second day.

Part of it is because I’ve worked at a café before, but it probably wouldn’t have happened this fast if Tobise-san wasn’t here.

“Manager, what about me?”

“Tobise-san, could you handle the front-of-house? You have a great way with people, so I think you’re a good fit for it.”

“Okay! Well, I’m not very good at cooking anyway, so it’s a perfect fit. Good luck, Tsukasa-kun!”

“Yes, thank you.”

And so, it seemed Tobise-san would be in charge of the front-of-house, and I would be in charge of the kitchen.

It’s true that between the two of us, Tobise-san is definitely better suited for the front, and I’m better suited for the kitchen.

The manager really thought it through… No, I guess anyone could figure that out with a little thought.

“Marino-chan, when you’re serving water or food, try not to spill. There’s no need to rush.”

“Got it! I’ll carry everything nice and slow.”

So, the manager’s wife would be teaching Tobise-san, and the manager would be teaching me how to cook.

“Okay, this is how you make the sandwiches. You really are a fast learner, Tsukasa-kun.”

“That’s because you’re a thorough teacher, sir.”

“Fufu, it seems you’re good with compliments, too.”

We continued to chat like that as I steadily learned the recipes.

Tobise-san was making fewer mistakes than before and was handling the front-of-house well.

“Tsukasa-kun, a sandwich for table four, please!”

“Rog… Wait, there are several kinds of sandwiches. Which one is it?”

“Huh? Ah… I forgot!”

“Don’t you write down the orders on paper every time?”

“Oh, right. Um, it just says ‘sandwich’!”

“…Please go ask them again.”

“Okay!”

Well, she can’t become perfect overnight. I can’t either.

You grow by making mistakes. Yep.

About an hour passed after we started our shift.

As the manager had said, there were fewer customers than on the weekend.

But it wasn’t empty; there were always about ten customers in the shop.

And just now, the bell on the door chimed as a new customer entered.

“Welcome!”

Tobise-san reacted immediately, greeting them with a smile.

I could see from the kitchen, so I turned that way, about to echo her greeting──

“Welco──Huh?”

The moment I saw the person, my words caught in my throat.

A woman in a black casquette hat.

Her clothes were also black skinny pants, a black leather jacket, and a black knit shirt underneath.

On top of that, she wore large sunglasses. Her entire body was draped in black, giving her a suspicious air to anyone who looked.

But her figure was outstanding, and she had a cool aura, like a celebrity trying to go incognito.

And… peeking out from under her hat was silver hair.

No, even before I judged by her hair color──that’s Sei-chan, right?

She has a completely different vibe than usual, but I can tell it’s Sei-chan.

Huh? Why is she at this coffee shop?

But more mysterious than that, why was she dressed like she was trying to hide her identity?

And also… isn’t she a little too handsome? A little too cool?

 

◇　◇　◇

 

This was after Shimada Sei had parted ways with Hisamura Tsukasa and Tobise Marino.

As she walked the path to her own home, her thoughts were, as expected, on Tobise, whom she had just met.

“…She was a beautiful person.”

Sei was surrounded by many girls with well-ordered features, like Tōjōin Kaori and Fujise Shiho.

Of course, that included Sei herself, but Sei personally thought that Tōjōin and Shiho were cuter.

It was rare to find someone with looks that could stand alongside those two, but the Tobise Marino she had just met was someone who could easily do so.

She was probably the type who was beautiful when silent, and her beauty wouldn’t lose out even if she stood next to Tōjōin Kaori.

But perhaps due to her personality, she was often smiling, and she had the same kind of innocent cheerfulness as Shiho.

And she possessed a sort of allure unique to an older woman, something neither of the other two had.

It was a little hard to explain in words, but to put it bluntly… she was hot.

“…”

It wasn’t that she didn’t trust him.

Tsukasa had told her so many times that he loved her, and Sei felt it so strongly it was embarrassing.

But that wasn’t a reason not to worry.

She trusted him, and she believed that Tsukasa loved her and wouldn’t be swayed by other women, but what worried her, worried her.

“Besides, she seemed kind of close to Tsukasa… and she called him ‘Tsukasa-kun.’”

For Sei, the way she used his name was what bothered her the most.

When Tobise arrived and they were no longer alone, Sei had reflexively switched to calling him “Hisamura.”

Tsukasa, understanding this, had called her “Shimada.”

But Tobise, completely unaware and unconcerned, had called them “Tsukasa-kun” and “Sei-chan.”

It was fine for her to be called “Sei-chan”; she was used to it since both Tsukasa and Shiho called her that.

But the fact that she called him “Tsukasa-kun” bothered her immensely.

(Even I don’t call him that in front of other people…!)

The thought made her feel inexplicably irritated.

(And Tsukasa, why would he let a woman he just met call him ‘Tsukasa-kun’… No, that’s not right. Tobise-san is probably the kind of person who treats everyone like that.)

She had sensed an atmosphere somewhat similar to Shiho’s, so she understood that much.

Shiho also treated everyone without prejudice, so she was often misunderstood by various boys.

That had stopped now that Shiho had publicly declared her love for Shigemoto Yūichi.

Judging by how she acted with Tsukasa, Tobise-san was probably misunderstood by all sorts of people, too.

But Tsukasa wouldn’t misunderstand. Probably.

Even if he did misunderstand and thought, “Does Tobise-san like me or something?” he had a girlfriend, Sei, so there shouldn’t be a problem. Probably.

(I’m still worried. And also…)

It wasn’t just that she was worried; Sei felt a slight sense of unease.

It was when they were hiding their relationship from Tobise Marino.

The two of them had decided to hide the fact that they were dating.

Sei had explained that rather than telling anyone, she wanted to keep their relationship a secret, like a treasure, and Tsukasa had agreed.

So, to keep it a secret, they had lied when Tobise asked, “Are you two a couple?”

That they were just classmates.

When she said that, Sei had felt a sense of dissonance.

(I want to keep it a secret, but when I actually tried to… I felt this strange frustration.)

It wasn’t the feeling of “what if he gets stolen away,” but a different kind of feeling.

Sei didn’t quite understand it herself, but she was certain she had felt frustrated.

As she was thinking about such things, she arrived home.

She entered her room, dropped her bag, and flopped onto her bed to think.

She had a habit of hugging a stuffed animal on her bed whenever she was thinking, but Sei herself was largely unaware of it.

“…What should I do?”

She didn’t like remaining in this state of anxiety.

She wanted to dispel it somehow, but there was nothing she could really do about it.

“Sigh, I guess I’ll just do my homework for now.”

She had nothing else to do, so she decided to distract herself from her current feelings by doing her school homework.

With that thought, she sat in her chair and spread her study materials on her desk.

She then tried to focus on her homework… but she couldn’t quite concentrate.

As she’d feared, she was too preoccupied with Tsukasa and that woman, Tobise.

(Right now, those two are working at the same part-time job…)

She glanced at the clock and saw that only about thirty minutes had passed since she got home.

She didn’t know what time Tsukasa’s shift ended, but since it hadn’t even been an hour, he was probably working diligently.

(Sigh, what am I even doing… I can’t focus on my homework. Should I go out for a bit?)

Go to Moonbucks like usual, buy a drink…

As she thought that far, Sei had a realization.

(Wouldn’t it be okay for me to go to Tsukasa’s workplace…?)

Tsukasa’s part-time job was at a normal café.

There would be nothing strange about Sei going there, and she wouldn’t be kicked out or anything.

Tsukasa had even said, “You should come by sometime, Sei-chan,” so it should be fine even if “sometime” was now.

If she was this concerned about Tsukasa and Tobise, it would be better to go to his workplace and check for herself.

(But if I go to see Tsukasa right after meeting Tobise-san, won’t she figure out that Tsukasa and I are dating…?)

She had told Tobise that her relationship with Tsukasa was just that of classmates.

It would be strange for a classmate to show up at his part-time job right after they parted ways on the way home from school.

Even if she pretended it was a coincidence, it seemed likely she’d be found out.

And if Tsukasa asked her, “What’s with the sudden visit?” she’d be at a loss for what to say.

(I can’t possibly say ‘I came because I was worried about you and Tobise-san…’ Th-that’s too embarrassing.)

Her cheeks flushed slightly, and she shook her head as if to banish the thought.

And after thinking about what to do…

“…I’ll go in disguise.”

Sei had disguised herself several times before.

When she went to the shōjo manga section, thinking that shōjo manga wasn’t for her but still curious, she had worn a disguise.

It was so she wouldn’t be recognized if she ran into an acquaintance.

That time, she had worn a girly outfit with a skirt, which she rarely wore.

Since she was going to the shōjo manga section, she thought that kind of outfit would be more fitting.

But now she was just going to a café, so she probably didn’t need to wear a skirt.

“The point is to not be recognized as me… so I’ll hide my face and wear a hat. If I wear clothes Tsukasa has never seen before, he won’t find me out.”

The resulting outfit was almost entirely black, with Sei wearing a casquette and sunglasses.

It might be overkill, but if she didn’t go this far, Tsukasa might recognize her.

“Hmm, a fine disguise, if I do say so myself.”

She looked in the mirror and nodded with the conviction that she would absolutely not be found out.

──In reality, she was found out the instant he saw her.

“Alright, let’s go.”

And so, Sei headed for Tsukasa’s workplace.

 

She arrived at the café where Tsukasa worked and opened the door, which rang with a jingle.

“Welcome!”

The one who greeted her was Tobise Marino, whom she had just met for the first time.

“A table for one?”

“…Yes.”

“Understood. This way, please.”

She followed behind Tobise.

Tobise didn’t seem to have noticed it was Sei, and Sei let out a quiet sigh of relief.

(Alright, my disguise worked this time. My previous disguises ended up being for nothing since I never ran into anyone I knew, but this time I was expecting to see people. I’m glad it worked out.)

With that thought, she went to sit at the seat Tobise guided her to.

It seemed to be a counter seat, the kind where you could see the food being prepared right in front of you.

And standing there was Tsukasa.

(Huh?! D-Don’t tell me I’m at a seat right in front of Tsukasa…!)

Perhaps it was the shop’s uniform; Tsukasa was wearing a navy short-sleeved shirt with a black necktie.

(…Well, it suits him. Yeah.)

He had the serious air of someone in a work uniform, and his atmosphere was different from usual, which made her heart skip a beat.

“This seat here, please.”

The women wore the same uniform, and Tobise, who had shown her to the seat, was wearing the same clothes.

(…Her chest is huge.)

Looking at her again after comparing her to Tsukasa, her chest was clearly more developed than the average person’s.

If even Sei, a woman, noticed, then a man would definitely stare.

Feeling a little irked by that, she sat down at the seat in front of Tsukasa.

Tsukasa’s eyes were wide as he stared intently at Sei.

(N-No way, has he seen through my disguise? Has he…?)

As far as she was concerned, her disguise was nearly perfect, so she didn’t expect to be found out this quickly.

“Tsukasa-kun, what’s wrong?”

Tobise must have thought Tsukasa was acting strangely, as she asked him from across the counter.

“N-No, it’s nothing.”

“You sure? If you’re not feeling well, you should tell the manager and get some rest, okay?”

“I’m really fine. Thank you.”

Tsukasa was acting a little strange, but he didn’t seem to have recognized her… or so Sei thought.

(Good, it seems Tsukasa hasn’t found me out either. I’m wearing a hat and sunglasses, so of course he wouldn’t.)

With that thought, she opened the menu.

She was a little hungry, so she decided to order an iced cocoa and a cheesecake.

(To order… from this seat, should I just tell Tsukasa?)

It seemed Tobise was the one taking orders from the tables, but it would probably be more helpful for the staff if she just ordered from Tsukasa, who was right in front of her.

The moment she thought that and was about to speak, Sei stopped herself with a start.

(Wh-Whoa, if I speak normally, he might recognize me by my voice. Tsukasa said he… likes my voice, too. I should probably change my voice and my way of speaking.)

With that in mind, she cleared her throat once, then spoke to Tsukasa.

“Excuse me, may I order?”

She made her voice a little higher and consciously tried to speak like an Ojōsama, imitating Tōjōin Kaori.

“Hrk?!”

Startled by being spoken to so suddenly, Tsukasa made a noise as if he were choking.

“Tsu… Ah, are you alright?”

She had almost called him “Tsukasa,” but she managed to change it at the last second.

“…! I-I’m, fine. Yes, your order. Please, go ahead.”

Tsukasa had averted his face for some reason, so Sei couldn’t see it, but his body was trembling intensely.

(Is he okay? He’s been acting strange for a while now. Is he sure he doesn’t have a cold or something?)

Feeling a little worried, Sei placed her order.

“An iced cocoa and a cheesecake, please.”

“U-Understood… Please wait a moment.”

Immediately after taking her order, Tsukasa turned his back to her, his body still trembling.

She was worried he might be sick, but since she was here as a mere customer, she couldn’t just casually talk to him.

“Ah, I forgot to bring this out. Here is your water, ma’am.”

“…Thank you.”

She accepted the water while thanking her, and as she took a small sip, she glanced at Tobise.

She was smiling brightly, her demeanor completely unchanged from when they had met on the street earlier.

After giving Sei her water, she went to another customer’s table to take their order.

She spoke politely to the other customers, but her manner was almost the same as when she spoke to Tsukasa.

In other words, she really did talk to people with that level of closeness all the time.

(Shiho is kind of like that, but Tobise-san is even more so. She’s an amazing person.)

As she was thinking that and drinking her water, Tsukasa, who was in front of her, spoke.

“Ma’am, your iced cocoa and cheesecake. Excuse me for serving you over the counter.”

“Ah, yes… Thank you.”

“P-please enjoy.”

As Tsukasa spoke while trembling again, Sei thought it would be okay to ask a little and spoke to him.

“Sir, you’re trembling. Are you feeling unwell?”

“N-No, there’s nothing wrong with me. I’m sorry to have worried you.”

“If you say so, but please don’t overdo it.”

“Yes… I’m, um, getting used to it, so I’m fine.”

She didn’t know what he was getting used to, but she was glad that he wasn’t sick, at least.

Going with the flow, Sei continued to talk to Tsukasa.

“Are you a part-time worker, sir?”

“Yes, I just started the other day.”

“Ara, is that so? The female staff member over there doesn’t seem very used to it yet either, is that the case?”

“Yes, she’s a staff member who started a week before me.”

It seemed Tsukasa and Tobise had started their part-time jobs around the same time.

“She’s a beautiful person, that female staff member. Her smile is lovely, and she’s pleasant to watch.”

Tobise was talking cheerfully, perhaps chatting with a customer at that moment.

“Yes, she is. I think she’s a very nice woman.”

Tsukasa also talked back while working, as if speaking to a customer.

Sei pretended to be looking at Tobise, but she was sneaking glances at Tsukasa.

“Working with a woman like that, wouldn’t a man be quite happy?”

After asking that question, Sei felt a pang of regret, thinking she might have made a mistake.

(W-Was that too sudden? Is it weird for a customer to suddenly ask something like this? I wish I could have asked it more smoothly…!)

She thought this inwardly but was careful not to let it show on her face as she watched Tsukasa.

Tsukasa’s eyes widened slightly, and then he answered with a small smile.

“Yes, she’s very easy to get along with, and it’s certainly fun to work with her.”

“…I-I see.”

Hearing that answer, the frustration in her heart grew stronger than before.

She was the one who had initiated the conversation by praising Tobise, so it was only natural for Tsukasa to praise Tobise in return.

“However, as for whether I’m happy as a man, that’s honestly a bit of a gray area.”

“…Eh?”

At those words, Sei let out her real voice, not her high-pitched one.

Tsukasa continued, seemingly not noticing.

“Especially since I could never fall for Tobise-san—the female staff member’s name is Tobise—as a woman.”

“…Ah, ara, is that so? And why is that?”

“Because I have someone I love.”

Sei had composed herself, but Tsukasa’s words nearly shattered her composure again.

Tsukasa was drying washed dishes with a cloth, and he was smiling at Sei.

“Tobise-san is certainly beautiful and a charming woman, but to me, the person I love is more beautiful, cuter, and more charming. So there is absolutely no possibility that I would ever be swayed by Tobise-san.”

“… I-I see. The person you love must be a very wonderful woman.”

“Yes, to me, she is the most charming and cutest woman in the world.”

Hearing those words, Sei’s face turned bright red as she looked down.

(D-Damn it, Tsukasa… what on earth is he saying…!? Thank goodness I was the one hearing this…!)

Unbeknownst to Tsukasa, the person he was gushing to was actually Sei in disguise.

From Tsukasa’s perspective, he was simply bragging about the person he loved to someone else.

But for Sei, hearing him talk so openly like that—about her, no less—was unbearably embarrassing.

(If he says things like that to other person, they’ll think we’re one of those sickening lovey-dovey couples…!)

It just happened that this “other person” was Sei in disguise this time.

“L-Look, sir… that kind of gushing isn’t something you should share with just anyone. You should keep those feelings to yourself. Yes, that would be best.”

“Fufu, understood. My apologies, ma’am.”

“W-What are you laughing at?”

“Oh, it’s nothing.”

She was about to press him on why he was laughing, but before she could, Tsukasa was called away by what seemed to be the manager and disappeared from in front of her.

“Please enjoy your time, ma’am.”

With that, he gave her a bright smile and left.

(H-He shows customers that kind of smile…? What if some woman gets the wrong idea because of that…!)

Thinking such things, Sei continued eating her iced cocoa and cheesecake.

The uneasy feeling that had lingered in her heart before coming to the café had now disappeared, allowing her to truly enjoy the food.

(I’m glad I came. I got to see how he works, and I even heard how he feels… even if it wasn’t exactly how I wanted to. I was a little worried, but it seems I can trust him after all.)

After finishing her iced cocoa and cheesecake, Sei stood up from her seat and headed to the register near the entrance.

At the moment, it seemed Tobise was handling the cashier.

“I’d like to pay, please.”

“Okay! Did you enjoy it?”

“Yes, it was absolutely delicious.”

“I’m glad to hear that. Please come again, Sei-chan.”

“Yes… huh?”

She responded without thinking—but what did this woman just say?

“Hm? What’s wrong, Sei-chan?”

“W-Wha—!? Y-You knew!?”

“Of course I did. You look super cool, Sei-chan.”

Tobise said this with a cheerful smile, leaving Sei utterly stunned.

“B-But you were speaking politely just a moment ago, weren’t you?”

“Well, I was a staff member, and you were a customer, right?”

“Y-You didn’t act like you recognized me at all…?”

“Really? I noticed it was you, so I seated you right in front of Tsukasa-kun, you know.”

“N-No way…”

“It’s true. And it seemed like Tsukasa-kun figured it out pretty quickly too.”

“Eh…?”

Hearing that, Sei slowly turned around.

Her eyes met Tsukasa’s, who stood behind the counter wearing an extremely awkward expression.

“……”

“……”

“…Sorry, Sei-chan.”

“—!?”

Sei’s face turned bright red, and she looked as if she might burst into tears.

 

◇　◇　◇

 

After finishing my shift, I headed to the park where Sei-chan was waiting.

A few dozen minutes after Sei-chan had left, my shift ended as well.

Sei-chan had arrived before me, but the moment our eyes met, her face turned bright red and she quickly looked away.

It seemed she was still hung up on what had happened earlier… or rather, that whole incident.

“Sorry to keep you waiting, Sei-chan.”

“Ah… y-yeah… good work today, Tsukasa.”

I sat down beside Sei-chan on the bench.

To keep me from seeing her flushed face, Sei-chan was turned completely in the opposite direction.

Though I could still see her ears—bright red. It was kind of cute.

“Um, Tsukasa… thanks for the money.”

“Hm? Oh, that? It’s no big deal.”

I had asked the manager to deduct the cost of Sei-chan’s cheesecake and iced cocoa from my wages.

He was kind enough to cut the price in half.

Even if Sei-chan had left as she was, I was planning to pay half myself anyway.

I hadn’t expected Tobise-san to notice, let alone expose it right there on the spot.

“More importantly, Sei-chan… are you okay?”

“…Do I look okay to you?”

“Well… you definitely look really embarrassed.”

“If you can tell, then don’t say it…!”

Sei-chan said it in a trembling voice, sounding almost angry—but she still wouldn’t show me her face.

“S-Since when did you know?”

“…Hmm, since you walked into the café?”

“That’s from the very beginning…!”

“Sorry. But it looked like you were in disguise, so I figured you didn’t want to be found out.”

“…T-That’s true, but…”

“Besides, it really suited you. I mean, it still does.”

Sei-chan usually wears cool-looking clothes, but not to the extent of being dressed entirely in black like that.

Still, it suited her perfectly—she really looked like a celebrity trying to stay incognito.

The sunglasses and hat were especially cool… I honestly fell for her all over again.

“That may be a compliment, but I’m not happy about it right now…”

“Yeah… sorry.”

“Don’t apologize… If only I had covered my hair completely with the hat…”

Well, Sei-chan’s silver hair does make her stand out—but even if it had been completely hidden, I think I still would’ve recognized her.

“…Aren’t you going to ask why I came?”

“Hm? What do you mean?”

“You’re not going to ask why I went through the trouble of disguising myself and coming to the café without you noticing?”

Ah… she had a point. I hadn’t asked.

But while I was talking with Sei-chan at the café, I’d already heard the answer.

“You were worried, right? About her—Tobise-san.”

“Ugh…”

I don’t think I’m being full of myself, but Sei-chan probably felt uneasy seeing how I interacted with Tobise-san.

Just like Sei-chan said earlier, Tobise-san is always cheerful, smiling, and charming.

In fact, in the original story from my past life, she became incredibly popular almost immediately after appearing.

…Though it did annoy me a little that she ranked above Sei-chan.

Well, putting that aside—

Sei-chan seemed to be worried that I might end up liking Tobise-san.

“Like I told you at the café—Sei-cha… I mean, ma’am—I would never come to see Tobise-san as a romantic interest, so please rest assured.”

“Y-You already knew it was me, so stop talking like a waiter!”

“You can talk the way you did back then too, Sei-chan, you know? I figured out right away who you were trying to imitate—fufu…!”

The way Sei-chan had raised her voice slightly and spoken in that refined, ladylike tone—it was honestly so funny I couldn’t help laughing.

There’s only one person around us who talks like that—Tōjōin-san.

“D-Don’t laugh! It’s already super embarrassing! Don’t make it worse!”

With teary eyes, Sei-chan grabbed my shoulders and shook me.

Now that Sei-chan finally turned toward me, her face was still completely red.

“Fufu, sorry, sorry. I just feel like I got to see a new side of you, Sei-chan.”

“Ugh… If I’d known it would turn out like this, I wouldn’t have bothered disguising myself…!”

I wanted to tease her a bit more, but I figured I should stop before it became too much.

“You saw how Tobise-san acts at the café, right? She’s just naturally very friendly with everyone, so you don’t have to worry.”

“…Yeah, I could tell. Shiho is like that too, but she takes it even further. I can see how guys might get the wrong idea.”

“True.”

Even in the original story, there were guys who misunderstood her friendliness and got pushy.

Yūichi had to step in and save her at one point—it really gave off strong heroine vibes.

“But I understand what she’s like, so I won’t get the wrong idea. The only one I love is you, Sei-chan.”

“—! I-I already understand that. But still… don’t gush about me to customers like that. It’s… embarrassing…”

“I only said that because I knew it was you, Sei-chan. If it were someone else, I wouldn’t have said anything like that.”

“I-If that’s the case… then I suppose it’s fine…”

I had said those things to reassure Sei-chan.

Well, they were my true feelings anyway. If someone asked me about the person I love, I’d say, “She’s the most charming, cutest, and most beautiful person in the world.”

“Ah! Tsukasa-kuun! Sei-chaan!”

Hearing that voice, we turned toward the park entrance to see Tobise-san waving energetically as she approached.

“Tobise-san, good work today.”

“Yep, you too! And thanks for coming to the café, Sei-chan.”

“N-No, I just…”

“Your outfit today was super cool, Sei-chan! Do you always dress like that?”

“N-No! This was just for today—I won’t be wearing this again…”

“Eh? That’s a shame—it suits you so well!”

If Sei-chan wears this outfit, it’ll remind her of what happened today—so she probably won’t ever wear this combination again.

“Did you come to see Tsukasa-kun working, Sei-chan?”

“Ah… y-yes, basically.”

“I knew it! So, how was it? Was he cool?”

“Well… he was serious about his work, so I think it was good…”

“Eh? Not cool? Watching him cook really gives off that ‘capable guy’ vibe—I think it’s great.”

Tobise-san kept glancing at me.

Maybe because I told her I like Sei-chan, she was trying to praise me to help things along?

She doesn’t know we’re dating yet, so maybe she’s trying to bring us together.

I appreciate the thought, but… it’s kind of having the opposite effect.

Sei-chan was glaring at her with a look that clearly said, “Does she like Tsukasa!?”

Tobise-san didn’t seem to notice at all.

“Tsukasa-kun even helped cover for my mistake today.”

“That was nothing.”

“Man, Tsukasa-kun really is cool. If you were single, I might’ve wanted to date you myself.”

…Huh? That wording felt a little off.

Before I could think about it, she stepped closer again.

“Looking forward to your next shift, Tsukasa-kun.”

She smiled—but she really does stand too close.

Just as I tried to take a step back, Sei-chan suddenly slipped in between Tobise-san and me.

It caught me off guard, and Sei-chan shot a glare at Tobise-san.

“…Tobise-san.”

“Hm? What is it, Sei-chan?”

“…Please… don’t get so close to Tsukasa.”

With her back to me, Sei-chan said that as she moved away from Tobise-san.

…Wait, just now—she said my name even though there were other people around?

“Hmm… Why?”

“Because Tsukasa is… m-my boyfriend!”

“—!?”

S-Sei-chan… just called me her boyfriend…!

I was overwhelmed with happiness—but I never expected Sei-chan to say something like that to Tobise-san.

I was fine with telling people we were dating—it was up to Sei-chan…
So does that mean she got jealous?

“I understand that you’re naturally close with people, but please don’t get that close to my boyfriend.”

Sei-chan said it bravely—but from behind, I could see her face was bright red.

“…Fufu, I see! Got it. Sorry, Sei-chan.”

“N-No, if you understand… then I should be the one apologizing…”

“No, it’s my fault. I knew you two were dating, and I still got close to Tsukasa-kun just to tease you.”

“…Huh?”

Sei-chan froze, eyes wide.

I was surprised too—but now that I think about it…

‘If you were single…’

So, from the way she said that, she already knew I was dating someone.

I had told her that I liked Sei-chan, but if that were all, most people would normally assume I was still single and not dating anyone.

Sei-chan suddenly seemed to realize something and turned toward me.

“D-Did you tell her, Tsukasa?”

“No, I didn’t.”

“Then how—?”

“I didn’t hear it from Tsukasa-kun. Just watching you two, it was pretty obvious you were dating.”

Considering today’s whole Sei-chan disguise incident, I guess it was.

“You’re cute too, Sei-chan. Did you get jealous and decide to declare, ‘I’m his girlfriend’? Ah, youth is wonderful.”

“Ugh…!”

“Don’t worry, Sei-chan. Tsukasa-kun may be cool, but I’m not trying to steal him from you. And even if I did like him, I doubt I could.”

Tobise-san smiled brightly, clearly enjoying herself.

Meanwhile, Sei-chan glared at Tobise-san, face completely red.

“Y-You were just… teasing me?”

“Yep! Sorry—but since I got to see your cute side, Sei-chan, I don’t regret it at all!”

Tobise-san said that with a dazzling smile.

“Ugh…! I get it now. Tobise-san, I don’t like you!”

Sei-chan, her face burning red, pointed at Tobise-san and declared it outright.

“Ufufu, I like you a lot!”

“D-Don’t hug me! Why are you suddenly hugging me!?”

“Because you’re cute, Sei-chan!”

“Don’t pat my head! Let go—why are you so strong!? Tsukasa, help me!”

“Come on, Tsukasa-kun, let’s hug Sei-chan together!”

“What are you even saying!?”

Sei-chan ended up dropping the polite speech when talking to Tobise-san.

If I remember right, the two of them were like this in the original story as well. Tobise-san has this elusive, hard-to-pin-down vibe and likes to tease Sei-chan, and Sei-chan responds in an adorably flustered way—only to get teased even more for it.

Even though their meeting here is completely different from the original, they still end up with almost the exact same dynamic.

Well, it’s not like they’re a bad match.

Watching the two of them interact almost exactly like in the original, I couldn’t help but smile.

<Prologue | Index | V3 Chapter 2>