A Beautiful Model In My Class Comes To The Coffee Shop Where I Work Part-time Only When I'm On Shift - Chapter 14

Episode 14: Voices That Stands Out

The drama starring Shizuku finally aired.

Even I, who isn’t in the habit of watching TV, couldn’t afford to miss this.

I found it interesting.

Maybe I felt that way only because I’m not very discerning, but I enjoyed it until the end.

Shizuku’s performance was cool, the story was comical yet had a solid detective element that kept me hooked.

―I sent these impressions to Shizuku right after the broadcast, but there has been no response so far.

It seems she can’t come to school today due to filming, so her seat is empty.

I’m worried because I can’t tell what’s going on, but for now, all I can do is wait.

“Hey, hey! Did you see Shizuku’s drama yesterday!?”

As usual, the girls started talking about Shizuku.

“I saw it! Her acting was really bad!”

―Hmm?

“Yeah, right!? She totally stood out because everyone else’s acting was so good~.”

“Well, she’s a model by trade, so maybe it can’t be helped.”

“Then she shouldn’t have taken the role from the beginning.”

The laughter of the girls wasn’t something I particularly wanted to hear.

What’s so funny about it anyway?

Certainly, there were parts that made me feel she’s not used to it, but she seemed to be into it, and at least I didn’t feel any discomfort with her acting.

That performance was undoubtedly the result of Shizuku’s hard work.

The fact that they don’t understand that is the most painful of all.

◇◆◇

“Sigh… it’s a mess, after all.”

Shizuku, who had come to Café Mellow, said while looking at her smartphone.

“I personally thought I did a pretty good job with the acting.”

It seems she didn’t get much praise on social media either.

“…I thought it looked good, though.”

“I’m just curious, but that’s not just flattery, right?”

“Of course not.”

“…That’s good, having someone say that.”

She seemed relieved, and her sad eyes softened a bit.

“But… it’s a fact that I’m bad at acting. I think there’s no point in being criticized for that.”

“Bad at acting… this was your first attempt, right? It’s such a good story that things went well from the first time―.”

“Thanks for comforting me, Juntaro. But, I have to accept the parts that are no good.”

“……”

While saying that, Shizuku smiled.

At this point, I couldn’t say anything more.

“But you know, the actors are really amazing. When they’re just talking normally, you wouldn’t think much of it, but once the acting starts, they really become different people…”

“Heh…”

“Especially Inamori-san, she might be exceptional among the cast. She just… seems like a different person, even her facial expressions change.”

After that, Shizuku started talking about Reiko Inamori.

It seems they get along quite well.

She said it’s like having an older sister.

“In fact, she even gave me acting advice… but the first attempt ended in a sorry result.”

“Don’t say it’s sorry. There were surely plenty of people praising you, right?”

“…Yeah.”

Even though she only sees criticism, there were certainly many words of affirmation for her.

Even without those, Shizuku undoubtedly delivered a performance worthy of praise.

“There are people who praise me, but… why do only the negative opinions stick in my mind?”

I could understand that feeling.

Café Mellow is a perfect place for me.

The coffee is delicious, the interior is a bit old but well-maintained, the owner is kind, and many warm-hearted customers come here.

The prices are not high, and anyone can feel welcome—this is my impression of this place.

Yet, critical opinions still come in.

―The coffee is good, but the atmosphere of the store is old-fashioned.

―Menu is hard to read.

―The master banned me from the shop for an unreasonable reason. Worst shop.

When I saw such reviews, I was utterly dismayed.

Critiques about the atmosphere or the menu can’t be read, as everyone has different tastes and sensibilities.

But getting banned is a result of disturbing other customers by yelling loudly while someone else is there, or persistently approaching Utahara-san.

Clearly, that person brought it upon themselves. I still can’t accept that their actions could lower the shop’s reputation.

There are many people who praise this place.

Yet for some reason, only these criticisms remained in my mind.

“Juntaro, I’ll do my best a little more.”

Drinking her iced coffee, Shizuku declared.

“Until the final episode, I’ll deliver an even better performance… I’ll accept my flaws, and show them. It can’t end like this.”

“…That’s the spirit.”

I can’t dampen this determination.

If Shizuku is fired up, I will support her.

“If that’s the case… Shizuku, do you like sweets?”

“Yeah, I do.”

“In that case, I have a special new menu item in mind.”

Confidently, I told her so.