I, Who Am Somehow Only Liked by Yanderes, Tried Transferring into a Class Full of Yandere Girls - Chapter 9: Part-Time Job

After school, I leave the classroom, casting a glance at the students heading off to their club activities.

Today, I have a shift at my part-time job.

Living alone, I receive some financial support from my parents. It’s enough to live on, but I wanted to earn a bit of my own money. Since I had no intention of joining any clubs and had free time after school, I decided to work at a convenience store.

Upon arriving at the store, I step into the office. After greeting the manager, he tells me, “We have a new part-timer starting today.” I remember him mentioning something about interviewing someone recently. A cute girl, he had said. The manager had looked utterly content after the interview. Despite her availability issues during Obon and the New Year holidays, which would normally disqualify someone, she was hired solely based on her looks.

“That girl, she was hired purely for her looks,” says the middle-aged, single manager. “After all, a pretty girl brightens up the workplace more than an unattractive one.”

Ever heard of the term ‘lookism’?
^[1]TL|N: Lookism: prejudice or discrimination based on physical appearance and especially physical appearance believed to fall short of societal notions of beauty

As I’m pondering this, I hear a voice from behind me, “Good morning!” Turning around, I’m surprised to see a familiar face.

“Whoa! Yuto Aiji, what are you doing here!?”

That’s my line.

I never expected the new part-timer to be Hina Yokawa.

No wonder she was hired for her looks. She’s exceptionally pretty.

“What do you think? Was I caught shoplifting, or am I here for a part-time job?”

“Umm… for a part-time job?”

“Am I really that suspicious?”

“No, no! Just kidding!”

Hina laughs brightly. I almost fool myself into thinking I’m good at socializing, but it’s her communication skills that are lifting the conversation.

“But I can’t believe Yuto Aiji works here! This is so exciting! It’s reassuring to work with someone you know!”

She takes my hands in hers. Smiling, she shows her white teeth. Her hands were incredibly soft and smooth. So, this is what a girl’s hand feels like. I might never get this chance again; I should remember this moment.

“Are you two acquainted?” asks the manager.

I’m about to say we’re classmates. I couldn’t confidently say we were friends. To me, Hina was a friendly girl in class, but to her, I might just be one of the many people she talks to.

However, Hina interjects, “Yuto Aiji is a friend from the same class!”

Hina responds without hesitation.

I internally shed tears of joy. She thinks of us as friends in the same class.

What a wonderful person. If she ever runs for office, I’ll vote for her.

“We’re best buds, right?”

Suddenly, she puts her arm around my shoulders. Her familiarity is almost criminal.

“Yeah, having Hina around brightens the place,” says the manager warmly.

She’s already won him over.

“But I thought Aiji was part of the same unremarkable group as me… I feel betrayed. Maybe I should schedule him for more shifts on his days off as punishment.”

And just like that, my standing with the manager takes a hit. Completely unfair.

☆

Then came Hina’s first day at work.

Seeing her in the uniform, I’m inwardly stunned.

She’s incredibly cute.

Our convenience store’s uniform usually makes anyone look plain, but not Hina. She looks stylish. Attractive people indeed look good in anything. Even a bizarre kanji T-shirt worn by foreigners would look acceptable to her. And man, she’s got style.

“Okay, let me show you around.”

“Thank you!”

Hina is being instructed by the manager. She takes notes diligently. I’m used to seeing her as the bright, lively Hina, so this serious side is quite captivating. But the manager is smitten, staring at her chest while she’s taking notes. It’s like he’s the epitome of a lecher.

After the orientation, she joins me at the cash register.

The manager, having other tasks, says, “If you have any questions, just ask. I’ll come right over,” and then retreats to his office.

“Phew, that’s done.”

Hina stands next to me.

“It’s a lot to remember at a convenience store. I have so much respect for foreigners working in Japanese convenience stores.”

“I’ve been wondering about something.”

“Hmm?”

“After quitting your last job due to interpersonal issues, why choose a similar job again?”

She could have picked a job that required less interaction.

“I like customer service. Talking to people, working together. I once worked in a factory, and it was so painful. Every minute felt like an hour. That’s when I realized I’m better suited and happier interacting with people.”

Different strokes for different folks.

“Even if you end up in the same situation again?” I thought about the manager’s lecherous look earlier.

“Well, when that time comes, I’ll deal with it,” Hina says lightly. “Plus, you’re here. You’ll protect me, right?”

“What if I end up falling for you?”

“Haha! Oh, I didn’t think of that.”

Hina laughs cheerfully, playfully nudging my chest.

“Don’t fall for me, okay?”

She flashes me a dazzling smile.

…

Sorry, but I might just do that.