(AN: To get early access to chapters and monthly illustrations join my Patreon, link in my profile.)
(AN: I made a little adjustment, previously I stated there is 14 students in Ren's class and each of them clean their classroom twice a week, but then I realized 14 is too few for a classroom so I updated it to 30, now each of them clean roughly twice a month in a random pair.)
Students were responsible for cleaning their own classrooms. It was the school's way of teaching discipline, responsibility, and respect for shared spaces.
In the first duty of last month, Miku and I had been assigned to the same cleaning duty. Unfortunately, this month's schedule wasn't nearly as kind. Her first assignment paired her with another girl instead.
"I really wish I could help you," I said with a hint of regret.
Miku gently shook her head.
"It's fine. You should get going, or you'll be late for your interview."
Right.
I was practically broke, and today I was heading to a shop where I'd applied for a part-time job.
Still...
There was no way I was leaving without teasing her at least once.
"You know," I said with a playful grin, "you just sounded like my wife."
A faint blush spread across Miku's cheeks as she lightly punched my shoulder.
"See you tomorrow," she said, unable to hide the small smile on her face.
I waved back.
"See you tomorrow."
The shop I applied to was a ramen restaurant near the train station. Its working hours fit perfectly with my schedule—I could head there straight after school, and the pay was decent as well.
Since I am still a minor, I was legally limited to working forty hours a week, so I had to be selective about where I worked.
Not that I had the luxury of many options.
My wallet was running dangerously low, and at this point, earning money had become a necessity rather than a choice.
"Excuse me, sir. My name is Ren Hayama. I applied here for the part-time position."
I introduced myself confidently to the owner.
He looked to be well into his forties, with a healthy build and an approachable demeanor. He wore a spotless white chef's happi coat with a matching cap perched on his head. From what little I could see beneath it, though, he seemed to be completely bald, but that's not what caught my attention, it was the scar on his right eyebrow that appears to be made from a sharp object, which got me thinking, this man probably don't have an ordinary history.
"Oh, you're here?" the owner greeted me with a friendly grin.
My first impression of him is that of an easygoing uncle.
"So, how old are you, boy?"
Fortunately, I wasn't new to this. Back in my previous world, I'd worked plenty of part-time jobs at places like this. The monthly allowance my lousy father gave me had never been enough after covering all the house expenses.
...Wait.
Now that I thought about it...
I hadn't paid a single bill since arriving in this world.
Then why hadn't I received any notice and all the things in the house still running just fine?
The only explanation I could think of was that god who brought me here had taken care of it somehow.
Still, there was no point dwelling on something I couldn't confirm.
Pushing the thought aside, I returned my attention to the man in front of me.
"Seventeen, sir," I answered.
Even though I am currently the same age as the Nakano sisters, I was still a few months older than all of them.
"A high schooler?"
The owner looked genuinely surprised.
Then he laughed, giving my shoulder a light pat.
"Haha! From your demeanor and the way you speak, I thought you were older."
He withdrew his hand before asking, still wearing the same friendly smile,
"So, do you have any experience working at a ramen shop?"
"A little."
Actually, quite a lot.
...But that was something I'd keep to myself.
"That makes things easier." He nodded in satisfaction. "There are two full-time employees here who'll help you settle in. Your main job will be taking orders and serving customers alongside one of them. If business slows down, you can help out with a bit of cleaning."
The workload sounded perfectly reasonable.
"Understood. When do I start?"
"Right now, if you're okay with it."
The sooner, the better.
Besides, the wages were paid daily, which suited me just fine.
"Of course. I'm ready."
"Great." He turned toward a nearby shelf to retrieve a neatly folded uniform before pointing to a room on the other side of the shop.
"The changing room is over there. Go get changed."
As he handed me the uniform, he added one last thing over his shoulder.
"Oh, and don't call me 'sir.' I prefer 'Boss.'"
"Understood..."
I gave a small nod.
"...Boss."
The uniform consisted of a modern Japanese-style red happi wrap top with a contrasting black kimono-inspired collar, giving it a traditional yet professional appearance.
A black waist apron added a practical touch, protecting the clothes while its large front pocket was perfect for keeping an order pad within easy reach without sacrificing the uniform's clean, elegant look. The outfit was completed with a pair of plain black trousers and a black hachimaki tied neatly around my forehead.
Standing before the mirror, I gave myself a once-over.
...I had to admit, I looked pretty good.
Gotta give credit where it's due.
The boss had excellent taste.
"Boy, it suits you."
The boss gave me an approving grin as I stepped out of the changing room, all while expertly tending to a pot of boiling ramen.
I smiled back.
"Compliment accepted."
My playful response earned a light laugh from him.
Just then, another employee wearing the same uniform walked into the kitchen. He was taller than me and looked to be a college student.
"Boss, two tonkotsu ramen for table seven, and one miso ramen for table nine."
He rattled off the orders before his eyes landed on me.
"Is he the new guy?" he asked with a curious smile.
"Yep." The boss nodded. "This is Ren Hayama."
I gave him a polite bow.
"I'll be in your care, Senior."
The senior employee flashed a friendly grin and hooked a thumb toward himself.
"I'm Satoshi Nakamura. You can count on me."
Before our introductions could go any further, the boss announced from behind the counter,
"Two tonkotsu ramen, ready."
Satoshi picked up the two steaming bowls with practiced ease.
"We'll talk later, Ren."
With that, he left the kitchen.
Meanwhile, the boss's hands never stopped moving.
The noodles were the only part that needed time to cook. Once they reached the perfect texture, every topping came together in the blink of an eye. Despite his incredible speed, every bowl looked meticulously arranged, and the rich aroma filling the kitchen was enough to make anyone's mouth water.
No wonder this place is so popular.
"Ren," the boss called, sliding another finished bowl onto the counter. "Take this miso ramen to table nine, then help Satoshi with taking orders and serving the customers."
"Understood."
Carefully placing the bowl onto a serving tray, I headed out of the kitchen.
On my way to table nine, I ran into Satoshi.
His eyes briefly fell on the tray in my hands before a knowing grin spread across his face.
"You're lucky," he said enviously. "The girl at that table is a real beauty."
Then his expression turned a little more serious.
"But be careful with the customers. The boss is really strict about professionalism. I've gotten an earful from him more times than I can count."
He laughed shamelessly as he scratched the back of his head.
"I'll keep that in mind," I replied evenly.
No matter how beautiful a girl is, she wouldn't sway me.
My heart had already been claimed.
More precisely...
...by five of them.
Apparently, my reaction wasn't what Satoshi had expected.
He let out an exaggerated sigh.
"Geez... are you not interested in girls or something?"
"I already have a girlfriend," I answered with a polite smile.
Unfortunately, his response caught me completely off guard.
"So what?" he asked in confusion. "You're young. It's the perfect time to play around. I've got three girls right now, and none of them knows about each other."
...What the hell is this guy trying to teach me?!
So my first impression had been right.
He is a complete playboy.
"Anyway," Satoshi continued with a carefree wave of his hand, "you go serve her the ramen. I'll try to get her number later."
I simply nodded and continued toward table nine.
It's not really my business.
Still...
If the opportunity presented itself, I'd quietly warn the poor girl not to fall into this guy's hands.
As I approached table nine, I lifted my head to look at this supposedly beautiful customer.
Not because I was interested.
Ignoring a customer while serving them would be rude and completely unprofessional. I was here to work, and I intended to do my job properly.
My eyes widened slightly.
The customer sitting there really is beautiful.
For a brief moment, I found myself captivated.
Did I get smitten by her?
Absolutely.
Did I suddenly fall in love with her?
...
Yes.
A long time ago.
Because the beautiful customer sitting in front of me was none other than Itsuki!
I really should have known better.
I eagerly approached the table, excitement building inside me, though I made sure none of it showed on the outside.
Itsuki was busy studying something from a small notebook when I gently placed the bowl from my tray in front of her.
"Your order for one miso ramen is here."
I delivered the words cheerfully, accompanied by a smile.
Not a professional smile.
Not a polite one.
A genuine smile.
Seeing her here alone was enough to fill me with energy and bring a smile to my face without effort.
Perhaps she recognized my voice, because instead of looking at the ramen, her eyes immediately snapped up toward me.
"You... work here?"
She stared at me in surprise.
I nodded, still smiling.
"Just started today. Are you perhaps a regular?"
"Ah... N-No, I just..." she replied awkwardly. "I heard about this ramen shop and wanted to try at least once."
"I see. No wonder. This place is quite popular around here."
I glanced at the bowl before continuing.
"Though I've never actually eaten here myself, I hope you enjoy it."
"T-Thank you."
Her reply came with a hint of embarrassment.
Wait...
Was she feeling self-conscious because we're somehow acquaintances?
Looking more closely, the serving size was definitely on the larger side.
Geez, so what?
It wasn't my place to judge.
Having a healthy appetite was nothing to be embarrassed about.
Besides, I should leave quickly and let her enjoy her meal in peace.
But before that....
"Are you having trouble memorizing history dates?" I asked with a friendly smile.
When I'd first approached the table, I'd noticed her small notebook. It was filled with historical events and the years they had occurred.
"I-I'm not very good at memorizing things," Itsuki admitted awkwardly, a faint blush creeping onto her cheeks.
"Mind if I share a little trick?" I offered.
Her eyes immediately lit up with a hint of expectation.
"That would be a huge help."
I stepped beside her and leaned over just enough to see the notebook clearly. A faint, pleasant fragrance drifted from her hair, but I kept my attention on the page as I pointed to one of the entries.
"Don't memorize it like this..."
"1603 — Tokugawa Shogunate established."
"Instead, read it like this..."
"The Tokugawa era began in 1603."
"History isn't just a collection of random dates," I explained. "It's a chain of events. Most historical events are connected in one way or another, with one leading to the next. If you focus on those connections instead of treating each date as an isolated fact, the years become much easier to remember because they naturally fall into place."
I explained while looking at her with a small smile.
"Memorize the story first."
"The dates will follow."
Itsuki listened attentively, her eyes never leaving the notebook until I finished explaining.
Then, with a gentle smile, she gave me a small bow.
"Thank you. I'll give that method a try."
I returned the smile, holding the tray neatly in front of me before bowing in return.
"You're welcome. Please enjoy your meal."
With that, I excused myself.
As much as I wanted to stay and talk with her a little longer, I hadn't forgotten that I was on the clock.
I'd already spent longer at her table than I should have.
It was time to get back to work.
After taking the orders from a newly arrived group of three customers, I headed back toward the kitchen to pass them on to the boss.
Before I could get there, Satoshi stepped into my path.
Almost as if he'd been waiting for me.
"Yo, Ren." He flashed me an eager grin. "I noticed you talking to that girl. Do you know her?"
"...Yeah."
I answered curtly.
His smile widened instantly, and he clapped his hands together as though he'd just struck gold.
"Perfect! Then introduce me to her, will you?"
The warmth vanished from my eyes.
Every trace of emotion drained from my face, leaving behind nothing but a cold, unreadable stare.
Me...Introduce him to Itsuki?
Not that i didn't saw this coming.
I had no intention of making a scene in the middle of the restaurant. This was my workplace, and the last thing I wanted was to cause trouble on my first day.
So I simply looked him straight in the eye.
My gaze was as cold and empty as a bottomless abyss.
"Stay the fuck away from her."
There wasn't the slightest hint of anger in my voice.
Only a cold, unwavering warning.
Earlier, I'd casually thought about warning "that" girl not to fall into his hands.
But now...
That thought had changed.
If he ever reached out his hand toward Itsuki...
I am willing to break it before it ever touch her.
Perhaps it was the sudden change in my demeanor, but Satoshi's expression stiffened. He quickly raised both hands in surrender.
"Dude, chill. What got into you all of a sudden?" he asked nervously. "Is she yo girl or something?"
Is Itsuki my girlfriend?
No....Not yet.
I wasn't fond of lying.
But this was one of the rare occasions where I am willing to make an exception.
"...Yeah."
The lie slipped from my lips without the slightest hesitation.
Satoshi let out a relieved sigh.
"Oh... so that's why."
He patted my shoulder before flashing me a thumbs-up.
"Don't worry. I won't try to hit on her anymore."
I held his gaze for a brief moment, my eyes still narrowed.
You'd better not.
Without another word, I walked past him and into the kitchen to deliver the customers' orders.
The rest of the shift passed without incident.
Itsuki finished her meal and left not long afterward, while I continued working until my shift finally came to an end at nine o'clock.
After collecting my wages for the day, I changed back into my school uniform and stepped out of the shop.
The cool evening air greeted me as I reached into my pocket and pulled out my phone.
From experience, I knew most employers disliked their staff using their phones during working hours unless it was an emergency, so I hadn't checked it once during my shift.
The screen lit up with a single unread message from Miku.
"What kind of job did you get?"
I smiled to myself.
I'd only told her I was going for a part-time job interview. I had never mentioned where I applied or what kind of work it was.
She was probably curious...Or prrhaps simply worried about me.
"It's at a ramen shop near the school."
I sent the reply, but unlike usual, no response came back immediately.
She was probably busy.
Putting my phone away, I continued toward the station. Since the ramen shop was nearby, it didn't take long before I boarded the train.
Home was only three stops away.
It wasn't much of a journey.
Halfway through the ride, however, my phone vibrated.
"Sorry, I was studying for a bit. Itsuki told me she saw you there."
A smile naturally found its way onto my face.
Taking advantage of the fact that she was still online, I quickly typed my reply before she could put her phone away.
"I see. You've been working hard. Good girl."
The message was marked as seen almost instantly.
She hadn't left the chat.
"Mm... Don't forget your promise."
I let out an awkward smile.
She really wants to know something.
Still, a promise is a promise.
I had no intention of taking it back.
"Of course."
A few seconds later, another message appeared.
"Tell me about your job. How was it? Was it hard?"
...She really was worrying about me.
If that isn't wife material, I didn't know what is.
"It was fine. Nothing too difficult, and it wasn't that tiring."
Before I realized it, I'd already arrived home, our conversation making the short train ride feel even shorter.