A Young Male Hairdresser, Assigned To help Out At The Branch, Finds Himself Bothered By The Playful Antics Of A Lively High School Gal Model Who Seeks Attention. - Chapter 18: Overtime work (1).

Overtime work (1).

And so begins the overtime.

“Um, are you okay, Nonoka-san? Your hands seem to be shaking.”

“N-no, it’s nothing.”

Despite her denial, Shuuto, who agreed to practice with her, could see it. Nonoka, with scissors in her trembling hands, facing the mannequin for practice.

It’s not uncommon for this to happen if someone isn’t accustomed to cutting hair. However, she’s an award-winning hairstylist with one star from Kami-sma, managing a considerable number of clients. Something other than inexperience is causing this.

“Well, if my presence bothers you, just let me know. I don’t intend to be a hindrance.”

“It’s fine. Yeah, it’s okay.”

“I-is that so?…”

Perhaps preoccupied with the practice, her usually indifferent attitude has significantly softened. However, there’s a strange sense of unease now.

“…”

“…”

After a few silent moments, she started cutting with a stiff expression. The hand tremors persist, but she’s maintaining a steady rhythm. With a tablet on the table showing the hairstyle for a wolf cut, she practices diligently.

Considering her recent research on trending hairstyles, it’s evident she’s thorough in her preparation.

Sitting on a foldable chair, Shuuto continues to watch her practice, contemplating various thoughts. After some time passes, Nonoka’s blinking reduces, her hand tremors cease, and she picks up the pace in her cutting.

It’s clear that she’s fully immersed.

Feeling that the atmosphere has shifted and wanting to ease the tension a bit, Shuuto decides to engage in a conversation.

“Nonoka-san, can I ask you something?”

“What?”

She shoots a quick glance his way. Her tone is a bit lower, and her expression remains unchanged. It might seem distant, but it’s likely due to her intense concentration.

“…What made you want to become a hairstylist, Nonoka-san? I’m curious about the starting point.”

“Starting… point?”

“Yes.”

It’s a sudden question, but without communication, they won’t become friendly. While it might seem intrusive to start a conversation, hairstylists often talk to clients while working. This is also part of the practice.

“The catalyst was probably during middle school. The first time I went to a salon, I thought the hairstylist’s job was cool.”

“I see…”

She answered the question while continuing to cut.

“Working in a stylish space, meticulously doing their job, coordinating customers to look even cuter or cooler, and finally sending them off gently… At an age when I admired adults, that hairstylist shining like that made me want to become one too.”

The sound of scissors snipping echoed.

“So, now I feel really fulfilled. It’s challenging at times, and I don’t know if I measure up to that hairstylist back then, but I’m on the same path.”

“That’s really wonderful.”

“Yeah.”

Her reflection in the mirror had clear, unwavering eyes—a gaze filled with trust and purity.

“Can I ask you something too? Like, why did you become a hairstylist, Shuuto-kun?”

“Me…?”

“Yeah, you. It wouldn’t be fair if I’m the only one answering.”

Without changing her expression, she met his gaze through the mirror.

Surprised by the unexpected turn of questioning, he quickly composed himself and replied.

“Haha… Well, it’s a similar reason to yours, Nonoka-san. I saw hairstylists at work when I was young, found myself admiring it, and before I knew it, I was climbing the steps to becoming a hairstylist…”

“The hairstylist you admired wasn’t your father, was it?”

“Huh!?”

Shuuto’s eyes widened significantly. Why did she know that?

“Um, why do you know that my father is a hairstylist? I haven’t told anyone here about it…”

“Well, I’ve talked to your father a few times since the initial introduction.”

“R-really!?”

“Yeah. I sensed it from the beginning, but I guess you’ve been keeping it under wraps that you’re the owner’s son.”

“Well, yeah… That seemed more convenient.”

While answering honestly, he couldn’t help but think, ‘Nonoka-san… Aren’t you a bit too bold?’

Despite knowing he’s the owner’s son, she treated him with an indifference that seemed like discrimination. It’s an action that one wouldn’t be able to pull off without a reason.

“So, now I feel really fulfilled. It’s challenging at times, and I don’t know if I measure up to that hairstylist back then, but I’m on the same path.”

Her words were so powerful that it made his introspection more significant.

“Probably, but I think everyone on the staff here knows that Shuuto-kun is the owner’s son.”

“W-why is that?”

“I had heard about it from the start. The youngest boy working at the main saloon… Well, that’s a bit rude of a way to put it. The youngest male staff member. And that male staff member happens to be the owner’s son. So, if we’re talking about someone younger than me, the only one at the branch is you, Shuuto-kun.”

“I see…”

It seemed like the rumor had spread among the staff here. If that was the case, there was no point in keeping it a secret.

“I’m not comparing the skills of the main and the branch, but it’s really amazing to be entrusted with the main store, the headquater, at that age.”

Maybe because she was focused on the haircut, Nonoka spoke without making eye contact, complimenting Shuuto with a serious expression.

“Well, to be honest, I think my father’s favoritism is involved. I’ve always felt my own shortcomings, and just keeping up with those around me is challenging enough.”

Shuuto had achieved a two-star rating in this year’s Hair-Smart competition, but this was his first win. Even if you called it a fluke, it wouldn’t be far off.

Though he had received comprehensive training since middle school, in terms of physical stamina, he was still inferior to the veteran hairstylists. He explained it like that, but there was someone who disagreed.

“I don’t think so.”

“Huh?”

The forceful voice came from Nonoka, who stopped cutting and, without making eye contact, looked at him through the mirror.

“Well, I actually requested you at the main store once, Shuuto-kun.”

“Huh…”

He couldn’t keep up with the conversation anymore.

If that’s the case, he can’t find a reason to act cold towards her anymore.

“It’s understandable that you don’t remember my face. You seemed so busy that you barely had time to take a break, and I didn’t mention that I work at the branch.”

“Ah, I see…”

Certainly, if that information had been known, it would have likely been remembered. It’s safe to say she came to the store incognito.

“To be honest, at first, I thought, ‘The youngest one’s skills can’t be that great, definitely not.’… I requested you for reconnaissance purposes, but I was wrong.”

“…”

“From your cutting skills to your customer service, head spa, perm, even the way you use hot towels, you were just stealing the spotlight.”

She had been observing his every move, given she mentioned reconnaissance… There’s nothing more gratifying than receiving praise from an active hairdresser.

And then, even more heartening words followed.

“You know, the hairstyle you recommended for me at that time is this one, Shuuto-kun.”

“Huh!?”

Pointing to her permed ponytail with the hand not holding the scissors, Nonoka had a somewhat embarrassed expression on her face.