A Beautiful Model In My Class Comes To The Coffee Shop Where I Work Part-time Only When I'm On Shift - Chapter 26

Episode 26: Experienced in Love

“I’ve told him so many good things about you. I I told him that the set becomes more solid when Shizuku-chan is around.”

“More solid…”

“Thanks to Shizuku-chan, everyone, both actors and staff, is really motivated, you know? This is the first time I’ve been on such a fulfilling set.”

Being told that way makes me embarrassed too. I’m not doing anything special other than trying my best not to hold anyone back. However, if it’s having a positive effect on the people around me, there’s nothing more gratifying.

“…Did Juntaro say anything about me?”

“He was really worried about you. You’re important to him.”

Reiko had that mischievous grin on her face as if teasing. It’s frustrating not being able to counter but hearing that Juntaro cares about me a little makes me happy.

“Juntaro is Shizuku’s source of energy.”

“Yes.”

Juntaro in his apron somehow looked more mature. He’s calm, not particularly friendly, but that’s his charm. He doesn’t show much emotion, but he gets embarrassed or flustered around me. That exclusivity is irresistible.

“…If you like him, you better catch him soon.”

“Huh?”

“I think I have a pretty good eye for these things… It’s just that Juntaro seems like quite a catch who hasn’t been claimed yet.”

“What…!?”

What is she suddenly going on about?

“Harmless guys are quite valuable, you know? Some girls, who have experienced a lot and are no longer looking for an intense love affair may find themselves attracted to someone like Juntaro-kun.”

While she may be teasing me, Reiko’s words are more than half serious advice.

My classmates never paid attention to Juntaro. They always talk about seniors who are often considered cool or boys from the neighboring class. It’s rude, but maybe that’s why I felt somewhat complacent. If I slowly close the distance, I might get Juntaro’s attention without interference.

“―Hey, can you tell me your name?”

Suddenly, a voice comes from a distant table.

Seated there were two women. Juntaro, who was serving them, looked puzzled.

“M… My name is Mikage.”

“What about your first name?”

“…Juntaro.”

“Ah! So that’s why the master calls you Jun-kun!”

The two grinning women keep talking to Juntaro, who looks troubled.

“Hey hey, do you have a girlfriend?”

“…I cannot answer that.”

“Oh, you don’t, right? You don’t have to hide it.”

Hearing their bubbly laughter, I couldn’t help but clench my fists. Who are these women? They’re shamelessly approaching Juntaro.

“Calm down, Shizuku-chan. You don’t look like a model anymore.”

“How can I be calm about this…!?”

“Hehe, it seems like you really like Juntaro-kun.”

Reiko-san’s words made me feel anxious, especially since she said that.

They are older women. In other words, they have charms that I don’t possess. I understand that Juntaro isn’t someone who easily yields, but this anxiety isn’t something that can be easily dispelled.

In the end, the women who bothered Juntaro backed off thanks to the master’s intervention. Reiko was right. If I’m careless, someone might take Juntaro away.

“…You guys made a promise to go on a date, right?”

“Huh? Y-Yes…”

“I think you were talking about it after all the filming was done.”

I nod at her question.

“Got it? Shizuku-chan. It’s okay until you make the promise, but until you start dating officially, you have to keep appealing to him. No matter how much you trust him, there are no absolutes in this world.”

“Appealing…?”

“Do you have experience dating boys?”

“I-I don’t.”

“In that case, this isn’t the time for romantic games. Charge in recklessly. It’s better to try everything and fail than regret not doing anything later.”

I don’t want to fail, but Reiko-san’s words were persuasively compelling.

“…Forgive me for asking, but Reiko-san, are you quite experienced in love?”

“Of course. I think there are few women as experienced in love as I am.”

“Oh…!”

Her confident statement made my heart race.

From now on, should I ask for guidance not only in acting but also in love?

“Well, it’s all just Otome games though.”

“……”

Reiko-san quietly sips her coffee with a composed expression.

Let me make it clear, Inamori Reiko is truly a wonderful actress. As an actress, I am undoubtedly nurtured by her. I deeply respect her and genuinely consider her like an elder sister.

However, I vowed in my heart to never consult her about romance.