On My Days Off, I Secretly Work Part-Time. Yes, The Prince Must Not Know.

ーーA year ago.

“Good grief… Why does Iori keep asking me for money…”

It was around the time when I entered high school and started making new friends. Today, I found myself wandering the streets alone, not hanging out with anyone.

Why? Because I had no money.

“But don’t you get an allowance?” you might ask. Well, for some reason, Iori started asking for it. It started with 1000 yen. Before I knew it, it was 3000 yen this time. With what’s left, I can only go out once or twice.

“Sigh… Boring.”

Even though there’s no one at home, wandering the streets like this just feels empty.

As I was about to head back home, I suddenly noticed a stylish café. There was a job recruitment sign posted, especially for part-time work.

“…Right, that’s it. I should just get a job!”

If I didn’t have money, then I should earn it myself.

It was so obvious that I hadn’t thought of it before.

Feeling like it was a fateful encounter, I quickly arranged for an interview.

◆◇

“Shu-chaaan, could you please bring a Neapolitan and a sandwich to table three?”

“Understood. Table three, right?”

It was lunchtime on a holiday, and the café where I worked was bustling. There was hardly a moment to catch my breath as I hurried around.

“Here you go, the Neapolitan and the sandwich.”

“Oh, um… Can I place one more order?”

“Sure, no problem.”

I reached for the clipboard tucked into my café apron’s pocket to take the order. Probably another drink order?

“Um… Could I get a smile?”

“A smile, sure.”

A “smile” was a service provided free of charge, offering a smile upon request. It was akin to asking for a “smile” at a certain hamburger chain, often done by children.

Somehow, I found myself receiving this “smile” order regularly.

“Is this alright?”

It was a bit awkward to be asked to smile, but as a service industry worker, I had to respond with my best effort.

Feeling a bit relieved to see the customer’s reaction,

“Y-yes! Thank you very much!”

“I’ll order again!”

It seemed like I had managed to smile properly. But really, did my smile have any value?

“It’s always reassuring to have earnest kids like Shuu-chan around. Your service is impeccable as ever.”

Returning to the kitchen, I received praise from the master, whose distinctive features included a stubbly beard and a sturdy physique, as he wiggled around. The stark contrast between his appearance and his tone of voice never failed to amuse.

“Is that so?”

“Yep~. You’re just oblivious, that’s all.”

He said, giving my back a hearty slap.

“Ouch! I’m just doing my job properly, though.”

“I wasn’t as put-together when I was young. I was quite the troublemaker back then~.”

Geez, it’s too easy to imagine. I’d love to see some pictures of the master from his school days, back when he was probably quite different.

As lunchtime passed, the number of customers dwindled.

“Oh, Shuu-chan. Sun-chan will be back around summer vacation.”

“Ah, got it.”

Sun-chan was a girl who worked with us part-time. We went to the same school, but she hadn’t been showing up for either school or work lately due to some circumstances.

“But even though Sun-chan is so popular and in demand, she continues to work here. There must be a reason behind it. Maybe she’s after something, like, say, the free meals?”

The master is looking at me rather intently. Is he asking for an answer?

“Well, I’m sure it’s for the master’s delicious meals.”

With the master’s incredibly delicious lunches as a perk, it’s no wonder people would want to work here even if they’re busy with their main jobs.

“Really, Shuu-chan, you’re so clueless.”

“Huh?”

“Oh, it’s nothing. Come on, finish your meal while you can.”

It seems like he’s somewhat exasperated… well, maybe it’s just my imagination.

Today for lunch, I ordered a fluffy omelette. Of course, it was absolutely delicious.

Back to work, and I realized my shift was about to end in about five minutes.

Should I make a detour somewhere…? There’s nothing to do at home anyway. And even if I go back, I wouldn’t talk to Iori if she’s there.

Since that incident, Iori has been distant towards me.

‘I wonder if I can get Iori to realize…’

I find myself thinking about it again absentmindedly.

“Shuu-chan.”

“Huh? Yes?”

As I was washing the dishes, the master spoke to me. It caught me off guard, so my voice faltered a bit.

“You did a great job today, as usual, but sometimes it feels like you’re a bit spaced out. You’re Kusora after all.”

“…Huh.”

Seriously? I’ve been trying not to show it in my attitude…

“I… um, just had something on my mind.”

“I see.”

The master didn’t press further. Perhaps he sensed my feelings. But, I felt like he was saying, ‘I’m always here to talk whenever you want.’

“I’ll think about it a bit more.”

“If that’s what Shuu-chan decides, I’ll support you.”

As the bell chimed, signaling the arrival of a customer,

“I’ll guide the customers who just arrived and then I’ll clock out.”

Exiting the kitchen, I headed towards the entrance…

“Huh!?”

“What’s wrong, Shuu-chan?”

Before the customer noticed me, I hurriedly retreated back into the kitchen.

“Uh, it’s nothing, just…”

“?”

The master looked at me curiously. And now, the customer who just arrived was looking too.

“Oh, what a cool kid. But judging from her appearance, she’s a girl. Say, Shuu-chan, do you know her? Are you embarrassed to be seen working here?”

If only it could end there…

“Shuu-chan?”

“Uh, well… Actually, that girl is my little sister.” 

Yes, it was none other than the too-familiar Prince.