CH 9

What should I do?

I don’t think I will say yes right away.

”Erika. A new guy will join us today. Please take care of him. I think he’s a boy from the same school as Erika.”

”Yes! Leave it to me, manager. Erika will do her best! “

By the way… Todo from another class…

He’s got the looks, sense of style, and popularity, well, it’s just barely over the passing line.

But me, Erika Hirose… is Erika only the third?　

That’s a little too much.

“Hey, Erika. Are you free on your next day off? There’s a movie you (omae) might like. Wanna go see it together? My college friend who wanted to go with me just canceled. Geez.”

“I’m sorry! Senior. I’m so happy you invited me to see it, but there’s something I have to do this weekend. I’m so sorry! “

“Oh, I see. What about the next day off? “

“Sorry. I’ll check again later and get back to you.”

Haa… This guy is at my part-time job.

He’s a college student, but he’s always asking me out with a superior attitude.

He’s persistent. Just back off if I say no once, please.

I mean, please understand that you don’t have a chance.

First of all, you have no right to call me “you (omae)”.

“Hey, Erika. Are you okay? That guy’s a pain in the ass. You should really tell me if anything happens. I’ll protect you.

“No, I’m fine. Thank you anyway. I’ll take that as a thank you! “

“Oh! Seriously, tell me if there’s something wrong. He seems like he’s trying too hard.”

But, this guy from the high school in the next town over.

He’s also persistent. Stop with the ‘I’m a guy who knows what he’s talking about’

You don’t know what you’re talking about.

Especially with a girl who isn’t your girlfriend. That’s the worst kind of head-bumping..

The other day you casually mentioned that you recently broke up with your girlfriend, but no one was listening. You always act like you’re a nice guy, but you’re really just a good-looking guy with no other quality. Anyway, don’t ever touch my head again.

I guess it’s my fault that I’m too cute.

It’s not easy being pestered and pursued at school and at my part-time job.

And from people who don’t even makes me a little bit interested.

I like this place because the conditions are really good and they’re very flexible, but it’s time to look for another place.

But Renya Todo.

It’s true that he’s the first person in a long time who has made me jump out of my skin.

That guy was persistent and a bit too flirtatious, but he has the looks to be forgiven.

He seems to be a very popular guy with the opposite sex, just like me.

And the biggest reason is that I was jealous of her when I saw him dating Otsuka, who is my rival.

I was jealous of Otsuka.

Because she seemed to be really happy when she was with him.

I never felt defeated as a woman, but when I saw her expression, I remember that I honestly felt so much frustration.

Why are you so happy and flirting with your hot boyfriend behind my back when no good guy appears in my life?

So when he confessed his feelings for me, I was really moved.

But I’m still thinking about it a little bit…

[Erika. You’re a better woman than Karen. So please go out with me. I left her to be with you. Be my woman.]

I’m a better woman than her.

Well, you’re not wrong. You have a good eye for people.

But why did you break up with her?

I’m in different classes, so I don’t know anything about his recent condition, but would you switch to another girl so suddenly from that situation?

What happened?

Besides, I know him.

I know that he had confessed his feelings to Saionji, another worthy rival of mine, before me and had been rejected.

I am number 3.

Really, that point is impossible.

I’m not stupid, either.

I already know that he was dumped by Otsuka.

But I think it would be a waste to let him go.

I can’t help but think of Otsuka’s happy face at that time.

Maybe, she got into a little quarrel and dumped him?

Well, I’ll hold off on the answer for now. I’ll see the situation first.

By the time Otsuka wants to get back together with him, I’m already next to him.

That’s a good idea.

Yes, yes.

I’ll hold off on that as well.

It all depends on him from now on.

And, by the way the manager said earlier there’s a new guy from my school.

Huh? Who? Is he handsome?

If he’s good-looking, who is he?

I might get a little excited!

* * *

” … “

“Look, Erika. This is the new guy I was telling you about. Maybe he’s in the same grade? Well, give him my regards!”

“Nice to meet you. I’m Kazama. I’m looking forward to working with you today.”

This, this is not….

Yeah, it’s not. No. What’s with this super ordinary guy…

And we go to the same school? I’ve never seen him before.

“Hi! I’m Erika! Of course it’s nice to meet you too! Let’s work hard together from now on!”

It’s my job, so I’ll be nice to you.

Huh… I’m sure this guy will fall in love with me too.

He doesn’t look like he’s used to girls. I mean, I’m sure he’s not.

Anyway, I’ll keep him as a replacement for my shift when I’m not available.

Look, this eye contact kills them in seconds.

Your face will turn red and your eyes will lose focus in no time, right?

?

Hey, what’s that…Your fake smile doesn’t match your appearance.

You’re showing a lot of composure.

“Yes. I’ll do my best. Thank you for your help.”