Chapter 115: I had only been thinking about working at the same workplace.

Chapter 115: I had only been thinking about working at the same workplace.

Ive been working as a part-timer here at Caf Mocha for the past week! Please take care of me!

Facing the group of fellow part-time workers, including me, for the first time today, Haruka, with a smile as radiant as a blooming flower, offered the drinks and greeted them with a sunflower-like grin.

Um, yeah, Im Haruka Shijouin, and Ill be taking on extra shifts from now on. Its only been a short while since I started, so Id appreciate your guidance

Interjecting, Assistant Manager Mishima added an explanation, though her voice lacked any hint of enthusiasm.

She moved so sluggishly, like a zombie, and her eyes seemed incredibly dim.

Um Manager, are you alright? Your face is awfully pale

Yeah, its like youve seen a ghost

Concerned voices reached Mishima, who looked utterly worn out, from the part-time workers who were unaware of the situation.

While Mishima seemed to have a traumatizing experience related to the departure of some young part-timers, she was a popular and relatable supervisor for the generally serious part-timers.

Hahaha Its just that Im terrified of the calls from headquarters, and Im about to cry. But dont worry about it, okay? Hahaha, I want to die

Amid Mishimas plummeting enthusiasm, the part-time workers were left bewildered by her words.

Well, lets put that aside for now

It seems someone quick on the draw has emerged.

Um, Haruka-chan, Im Namba, a freshman in college. If you dont mind, how about we exchange contact info

Huh? Um, well

Oh, Namba-senpai, quite bold to hit on Haruka right in front of me.

Youre just a typical freshman desperate for his first girlfriend, and I know youre not malicious.

But as a serious guy myself

Oh no, I cant let that slide!

Ouch!?

Before I could dash forward to help the troubled Haruka, Mishima shouted out and delivered a chop to Namba-senpais head.

Just so you know! Flirting in the workplace is forbidden! Especially with her! If this rule gets broken, Ill pour a bucket of coffee beans down your throat and turn you into a human coffee maker! Im dead serious about this right now!?

Uh yes Im sorry

Intensely angry, Mishimas stare left Namba-senpai quivering and apologetic. Haruka, who was protected by the managers intervention, seemed to understand the urgency in Mishimas actions and wore an apologetic expression.

So, thats that! Niihama-kun, Im fully entrusting you with assisting Shijouin-san from now on! Shes still inexperienced, so please take care of her!

Huh?! Uh, yes I understand.

Surprised by the managers sudden decision, Haruka and I exchanged glances. The others around us gave envious looks to me as I was chosen for this important role.

Meanwhile, Mishima was winking at me, almost as if she believed I was Harukas official boyfriend, as if saying, Make sure to protect sweet Haruka from any impoliteness! Youre the right guy for the job, arent you?

Well, I cant complain

A-ah, um Shini no, I mean, Niihama-kun!

Huh?

Haruka, who hadnt yet fully adjusted to the workplace, timidly addressed me, using a name she doesnt usually call me by.

Hello, Im Haruka Shijouin, the new hire! Ill be under your guidance, so please take care of me!

Well, thats understandable.

When youre midway through high school, suddenly youre told to think about your future, but as a student, you lack the experience to determine what path might be best.

The transition from school to adult life, from education to employment, is like stepping into the unknown, leaving you with only vague ideas.

At a time when I was thinking about all that, I saw you working part-time, and I thought if I worked too, it might help me seriously consider my future Oh, of course, Im looking forward to the pay too! This is actually my first time earning money myself!

I see Youre quite earnest.

Maybe my extensive talk about the dark side of black companies might have influenced her, but Haruka seems genuinely focused on her part-time job. Its clear shes determined to use this work experience as a stepping stone to shape her future into something bright.

Although, for someone like me who ended up casually getting a job and eventually faced death by overwork, her sincerity towards her future is dazzling.

Oh, no Im actually not that serious.

Huh?

After explaining her motivation for the job, Haruka, for some reason, let out those words with a slightly embarrassed expression.

As I mentioned earlier, if the goal was to gain work experience, I could have chosen any part-time job. However, right from the moment I decided to take a job, I could only think about working here at this caf. I realized that after I was hired, though

Why is that?

I thought she might have been drawn to this caf after visiting and liking the atmosphere, or maybe because its somehow related to her fathers business those were my guesses for why she chose this workplace

The reason is very simple Its because youre here, Shinichiro-kun.

(TLN: Haruka on the attacc!)

Haruka turned her large, gem-like eyes towards me, and in a casual tone, as if it were something completely ordinary, she said that.

I decided to get a part-time job to improve myself, but I ended up thinking only about working at the same place as you. Its really, you know, Im just relying on my friends too much Unconsciously, I developed this feeling of wanting to work alongside you, Shinichiro-kun.

The words she speaks are just expressions of her own immature attitude and a manner similar to being upset about getting a bad score on a test.

However, Im just left dumbfounded and blushing in response.

She has no idea how much her words are affecting my male heart, how shocked I am by what shes saying.

Its like she doesnt realize how much this is disturbing my equilibrium.

Like doing the same club activity together, sharing conversations, even sharing difficult moments I was hoping for that. When I realized that, I was really ashamed of my lack of seriousness

While for Haruka, these are words expressing her genuine self-disappointment about her immaturity, for me, its like Im constantly stumbling in my responses.

Oh well, why is she so naturally!

But of course, now that Ive been hired, Im determined to give it my all! So, Niihama-senpai, please guide this newbie with all your might!

She formed two clenched fists in front of her chest and declared with great enthusiasm.

That pure and fresh smile of hers is blindingly bright, and absolutely adorable.

(Can I really focus on work with this situation?)

Even though Ive always been earnest when it comes to work, this cute girl just keeps addressing me as senpai, and my heart is in such disarray that I cant concentrate.

The elements of work and youth, which are normally incompatible, are blending together, and in this place of work, the theater of hardship, the smile of the girl Im interested in has thrown my mind into chaos.

Oh, what should I do?

My junior is the cutest in the world.

(TLN) Today is queue day! That means I will be filling up the queue for next weeks chapters tonight. If you want to be able to binge them all in one sitting, head on over to ko-fi in the morning tomorrow!