A Beautiful Model In My Class Comes To The Coffee Shop Where I Work Part-time Only When I'm On Shift - Chapter 23

Episode 23: Shizuku’s Night

“Going out… but where?”

“To the movies… or maybe the aquarium? An art museum… isn’t that a good spot for a date? …Oh, but it’s not a date… I’m being a bit too desperate, aren’t I?”

Shizuku’s gaze darted around.

It might be the first time I’ve seen her so flustered.

“Well… if it’s okay with you, then anytime is fine.”

“Really?! Then… after recording ends, I’ll contact you right away… let’s plan it together?”

“Uh, yeah…”

Is this what they call making plans for a date?

No, but Shizuku denied it, so maybe that’s not her intention.

Don’t misunderstand, me. Misplaced expectations will only bother the other person.

To cool down my flushed face, I sip on my iced coffee.

“W-What’s wrong, Juntaro?”

“Oh… just thirsty.”

“Ah, it’s summer after all.”

While saying that, Shizuku looked outside.

People passing by were dressed lightly.

July is approaching, and summer is just around the corner.

“If we’re going out, maybe during summer break…”

“Are you free during summer break?”

“I am. Since the drama just ended, I plan to take a little break.”

“That’s good…”
“Good?”

“It seems like you’ve been getting busier lately, so I was worried about your health.”

During class, I often see Shizuku fighting against drowsiness.

Even while we’re talking, she seems to be zoning out more often.

It’s clear that she’s tired.

I’ve been worried about that for a while, but if she has time to rest, I can feel a bit relieved as her friend.

“It’s tough, but I can still hang in there. And since I’ve got a reward coming, too.”

Saying that, Shizuku winked proudly.

◇◆◇

When I got home, I collapsed onto my bed.

And immediately regretted not lying down.

Exhaustion washed over me, and my eyelids slowly drooped.

“No… I have to take a shower properly.”

I motivate myself and forcibly sit up.

If I don’t take care of myself daily, my skin will easily become rough.

It’s essential if I’m working as a model or actress.

“…My face looks terrible.”

Looking at my face in the bathroom mirror, I couldn’t feel any vitality.

Regardless of my skin condition, my complexion isn’t good.

I’m making my complexion look better with makeup, so people around me shouldn’t notice… I hope.

“But Juntaro noticed, didn’t he?”

That worried look.

Without a doubt, Juntaro saw through my physical condition.

Little by little, I feel like I’m getting used to this current life.

It was tough at the beginning of filming, but my body has finally adapted to this rhythm.

If I could have lived like this from the start, I wouldn’t have accumulated so much fatigue.

―If only this exhaustion could go away…

I smack my cheeks to drive away such thoughts.

Once filming ends, I can rest slowly.

What’s the use of accumulated fatigue? Instead of complaining, I should think about how to use it for my next job.

I repeatedly tell myself that.

Let’s start with what needs to be done.

I wash away the sweat in the shower, finish my skincare routine and brush my teeth, then return to my room.

I want to just jump into bed like this.

While thinking about that, I sit at my desk.

I take out the script for tomorrow’s recording from my bag.

All the cast members are professional actors.

I can’t afford to do a half-hearted job and hold them back.

I’ve already memorized the script, but I review it repeatedly to engrain it in my mind.

My acting skills and ability to handle situations on set are still far below others.

If that’s the case, I should at least make the script perfect.

“…Phew.”

Reading the last lines, I close the script.

It’s past midnight.

I should go to sleep. Tomorrow, I have to leave the house at five for filming.

I’ve done everything I can.

There are only two more episodes to record.

Thinking about that, I feel somewhat relieved knowing the goal is in sight.

“When it’s over… a date with Juntaro.”

Remembering the promise, my heart flutters, and a warm feeling spreads.

Juntaro always gives me strength.

If I make spending time with him my reward, I can endure any difficult job.

“What should I wear for the date?”

I should go to sleep soon, but I start rummaging through my closet absentmindedly.

I won’t be able to sleep much anyway.

Even if I sleep a little later than usual now, it won’t make much of a difference.

It’s more important to fantasize about the date with Juntaro and boost my own spirits.

―Right now, Juntaro is probably practicing making coffee. Yes, he must be.

While choosing clothes, my mind is filled with thoughts of him.

I don’t even need to think about it, I like Juntaro.

His respect for my feelings and his support.

His daily efforts toward his dreams.

Whenever I’m in pain, he always praises me.

There’s no one else like him.

“I’ll definitely make you notice me, Juntaro…”

I declared to my reflection in the mirror.