A Beautiful Model In My Class Comes To The Coffee Shop Where I Work Part-time Only When I'm On Shift - Chapter 21

Chapter 21: Frustrations

“You’ve made a bold move, Master. Seems like you’re planning to stock up on Manhendling.”

“It’s awfully expensive, isn’t it?”

“Yeah, it’s about twice the price of regular beans.”

Watching Utahara-san back at the counter, I remarked.

“Just because you’re stocking up on one more type of bean doesn’t mean Café Mellow’s business will suffer. But undoubtedly, there’ll be risks involved. In a grander sense, Utahara-san has forsaken stability. I’m surprised by her boldness.”

“Boldness, huh… It’s important in anything, isn’t it?”

Shizuku said with a tone as if reminding herself.

“Lately, at work… I’ve been trying to handle things skillfully to avoid being scolded or criticized.”

“Trying to handle things skillfully, huh? I can relate. I’m still unable to deviate from the manual…”

I can brew coffee well. However, it seems it’ll be a while before I can brew it considering the preferences of the person drinking it.

“But, you know… breaking out of your shell is important. If you’re afraid of getting scolded or reprimanded, you won’t be able to move forward.”

“…True, no doubt.”

As I replied, Shizuku seemed to be lost in thought. From talking to her, I’ve realized that during these moments, she often thinks about work. It’s important not to interfere unnecessarily during such times.

“Yeah… I think I see something now.”

As I sipped my coffee, I looked up at Shizuku, who had just said that.

“What do you see?”

“What I need for my acting… maybe? Watch, Juntaro. I’m going to level up more in the upcoming broadcast.”

Shizuku’s face lit up with confidence as she grinned.
◇◆◇

Since then, Shizuku’s acting has rapidly improved. It’s not just my biased view, our classmates seem to notice it too.

“Wasn’t Shizuku’s drama yesterday quite good?”

Shizuku is not at work today either. I can hear her classmates talking about her as usual.

“Yeah, I think so. It feels like something has changed, right?”

“Yeah, exactly. The drama has become genuinely interesting.”

Hearing such voices, I felt like grinning. It makes me happy as if it’s my own praise when Shizuku is complimented.

“But, you know… Wasn’t there something different about the co-star, uh…”

“Tatsukawa Yuki?”

“Yeah, him! Didn’t he seem closer to Shizuku?”

“Really? Could they be dating?”

“Maybe he’s giving her personal acting lessons every day…?”

The girls’ cheerful screams reach me. For some reason, my chest feels tight. Why is that? It’s just baseless gossip they’re talking about. I understand that logically, but my body feels restless. Shizuku and I are just friends. It shouldn’t matter if she has a boyfriend or not.

(I shouldn’t… I shouldn’t…)

I repeatedly tell myself. However, my heart doesn’t calm down, and before I know it, it’s time to go home. With a feeling of unease lingering, I head to work.

“Are you okay, Jun-kun?”

“Huh?”

At work, Utahara-san calls out to me, and I snap back to reality.

“You seem absent-minded, constantly wiping the same plate… It’s like your mind is elsewhere. Are you feeling unwell?”

“I-I’m sorry… It’s not that, but…”

“Could it be something happened with Shizuku-chan?”

“Huh?”

I hastily catch the plate I almost dropped.

“S-Sorry… I didn’t think you’d be so shaken up.”

“No, it’s just… I’m sorry.”

“There’s no need to apologize. So, what happened? Did you two have a fight?”

“It’s not like something happened with Shizuku, but…”

I hesitated for a moment on whether to talk about this lingering frustration in my chest. However, it might inconvenience Utahara-san if I keep it to myself like this. That’s not what I want.

“…Ever since I heard rumors that an actor we’re in a drama with might be dating Shizuku, I’ve been feeling frustrated.”

As soon as I said it, I felt embarrassed. My worries seem so childish. Shizuku doesn’t belong to anyone. Regardless of who she’s with, I have no right to intervene.

“Hmm… I see, I see. Jun-kun, you’re finally at that age, huh?”

“At that age?”

“You think it’s weird to be jealous of a friend, right? If that’s the case, maybe the feelings you have for Shizuku-chan aren’t just friendship?”

“Not just friendship…?”

If it’s not friendship, then what are these feelings?

“S-Sexual desire…?”

“Jun-kun, sometimes your thoughts take a strange turn.”

For some reason, Utahara-san burst into laughter. It’s odd, I’m asking seriously.

“Sorry for laughing. But those feelings, I think they’re something different at least. …One day, you’ll naturally understand.”

I couldn’t grasp the true meaning behind Utahara-san’s words. However, it strangely reassured me, and before I knew it, the restlessness in my chest had disappeared.

“Oh, speaking of which…”

When I looked up, Shizuku had just entered the store. I leave the counter and guide her to her usual seat.