Is There Such Thing as a Cute Little Stepsister? There is No Romance Between us~ - Chapter 11-12

‘Work’ is Really Troublesome

“Manager Kimizuka, your hair is quite long, isn’t it? Isn’t that a violation of the regulations…are you sure it’s okay?”

“Ah, about my hair. Well, I’ve managed to achieve decent results lately, so they made some ‘exceptions’ for me.”

“’Exceptions’? How did you managed to get something like that…?”

I have black hair that extends past my shoulder. They move smoothly as I move my head.

‘Haruto-kun looks good with short hair!’

No, I feel like it’s going to remind me of a memory.

I shouldn’t think about that.

I shake my head to get it out my mind.

“What’s the matter?”

“Ah…it’s nothing. How did I managed to get the ‘exception’? Well, I just managed to achieve the quota…no, I managed to exceed the quota by quite a margin.”

“Do convenience stores actually have quotas?”

“Tokigane-kun came here after the quotas are introduced, no wonder you don’t know about it. Do you know that other chains had some issues with ‘Ehomaki’?”

(TN: Ehomaki is a thick, rolled sushi traditionally enjoyed during the Japanese holiday, Setsubun)

“Ah yes! There were some issues regarding excessive quotas or something…does L Mart also have those quotas?”

“We sure do. Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Ochugen, Keiro No Hi, Ehomaki, Setsubun, Valentine’s Day, White Day, Children’s Day, Ushi No Hi, Oseibo, Christmas, Osechi, and many more…”

(TN: Ochugen is the name for the custom and gift that is given to people that are close to you. Keiro no Hi is a public holiday in Japan, celebrated annually to respect and honor elderly citizens. Ushi no Hi is Japan’s Midsummer Day of the Ox. Oseibo is one of Japan’s traditional gift-giving seasons. Osechi is traditional Japanese New Year foods.)

“Uwaa…”

“It won’t be an exaggeration to say that customs, holidays, and festivals which are related to gifts and food will definitely have quotas.”

“I see…”

“Yeah, it’s true that these things are imposed on all employees, but for the most part, I’m the one who takes these quotas. Whereas, part-timers and other employees don’t really have to care about it and they can just do whatever they want…”

“How do you manage do fulfil the quotas even though you’re the only one who care of it?”

“For example, once I become a regular at a cake shop, I can ask for their help to sell these items during holidays and other events. In the same way, by having connections with beauty salons, clothing stores…and various of other stores, I can build a mutually beneficial relationship with them.”

“I see…so you’re really putting in effort to achieve the quotas.”

“If I don’t do that, I’ll end up imposing excessive quotas on other workers and part-timers. The service industry is short-staffed everywhere, I have to make sure the workers feel comfortable working here so that they don’t leave.”

“That’s why everyone in this store seems so happy and nice.”

“You won’t get anything even if you flatter me. Now, back to work.”

“Yes!”

It seems like today is going to be a busy day as well.

‘Shopping’ is Embarrassing

“~♪”

I feel like Ruri is humming happily, or is it just my imagination?

“The shopping mall is really crowded on holidays.”

“Yeah, that’s true. There are quite a lot of couples here. Maybe this shopping mall is a popular place for a date.”

“Well, there are quite a lot of families as well. Why did you only mention about the couples…”

Me and Ruri decided come here today to buy some things for our house, such as hot pot and teapot.

But since we’re already here, we decided to look at some clothes as well.

“What do you think of this dress?”

“I think it’s cute.”

“How about this flared skirt?”

“I think it’s cute.”

“What if I pair this top with the skirt?”

“I think it’s cute.”

“That’s what you keep saying! Are you really looking at me!?”

Hah…

Girls can be quite something.

“To be honest, you look good no matter what you wear, Ruri. I think you’re just cute no matter what.”

“Heeh…!”

Her face turns beet red.

Well, I’m just telling her the truth.

“T-Thanks.”

I gently pat Ruri’s head.

“This might sound like an excuse, but I really don’t have any sense of fashion. I’m sorry that I can’t say anything much about it.”

“No, that’s…”

Eh?

Did I say something wrong?

Did I step on a landmine…?

Women’s hearts are difficult to understand after all…!

“…come to think of it, why does Onii-sama always wear suits when you go outside?”

“Ah, I just feel more comfortable with a set style. I don’t have to think about my clothes combination and colours. I’m practically like a mannequin for suits.”

“……”

Ruri seems to be at a loss for words.

Well, that’s understandable.

After all, a grown man having only suits and loungewear is quite something.

“I’ve decided.”

“Hmm? What is it?”

“We’re also going to buy some clothes for Onii-sama today!”

“W-What…?

In the end, we didn’t buy anything for our house…instead, I became Ruri’s mannequin all day long.

This is ridiculous.

However…I’m sure that going out with Ruri is more fun than being alone.

That’s what I thought.