Is There Such Thing as a Cute Little Stepsister? There is No Romance Between us~ - Chapter 41-42
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- Chapter 41-42 - ‘Souvenirs’ are Difficult to Choose/Starting to Play ‘Serenade’
‘Souvenirs’ are Difficult to Choose
“It sure gets crowded when it’s time to leave…”
“Yeah, everyone is buying souvenirs…”
We decided to buy some souvenirs on our way back.
“There are way too many people…”
“They’re selling like hotcakes and restocking them quickly.”
“We can’t even get to the front…this is intense.”
They don’t even check the expiration dates while restocking the shelves.
It’s like the items are being sold as soon as they’re placed.
There are separate teams working here. Some of the staffs are tidying up items that don’t sell as well such as, stuffed animals and clothes, making them look nice and neat.
They’re focusing on making them look good so that people are interested in buying them.
“Since we came all this way to Nezumi Land, please turn off your ‘work mode’.”
“Ah, sorry. It’s just a habit.”
Well, given my profession, it can’t be helped.
“So what are we going to do? What should we buy?”
“If the ‘Manager’ buys souvenirs from Nezumi Land for his co-workers, they will definitely wonder ‘Who was he with?’ So, I’ll buy the souvenirs for them, okay?”
“Then, I’ll buy souvenirs for Mom, Dad…and him.”
“Him?”
“Yeah, Master W.”
“You two are quite close to each other, aren’t you?”
“Well, yeah. So, let’s each buy our souvenirs and meet at the main gate by the flowerbed…is 30 minutes okay?”
“Okay. Then, see you later.”
I part with Ruri and quickly buy some souvenirs.
I decided on the Nezumi Land rice cracker since they didn’t seem too popular, making them easy to buy.
After paying for the rice crackers…
“I should buy something for Ruri as well…?”
Since we came here as ‘boyfriend and girlfriend’ I should buy something as a couple, a surprise gift!
“Hmm…let’s see. What should I buy? A watch maybe? ‘Let’s spend our time together?’”
There are so many types of watches here, from kids’ designs to everyday wear and even sporty ones.
“Hmm…?”
A pair of pocket watches catch my eyes.
One has the design of the prince, and the other has the design of Cinderella.
Moreover, on the prince’s side, it has the design of the front part a slipper, while on Cinderella’s side, it has the design of the heel of a slipper.
When I put them together, it becomes Cinderella’s glass slipper.
“Maybe this one.”
After wrapping the gift and completing the purchase, I realized that it’s almost time to meet up with Ruri.
I have to hurry.
Trying not to hit anyone, I run through the shop area and head to the main gate.
I can see Ruri waiting by the flowerbed.
“Ruri!”
“Onii-sama.”
“Did I keep you waiting?”
“No, it’s fine. I just got here.”
“I see…that’s good then.”
Well, I guess I should give her gift here.
““I have something…””
We both said the same words and freeze.
“Go ahead Ruri…”
“No, please you first, Onii-sama…”
It suddenly becomes awkward.
“Here, a gift.”
“Thank you! Can I open it?”
“Of course.”
Ruri opens the wrapped gift.
I take out my pocket watch so that Ruri can see the glass slipper.
“A pocket watch?”
“Yeah, and when you do this…”
“It becomes a glass slipper!”
“I want us to spend our time together forever.”
“Yes! Thank you so much! I’ll…I’ll treasure it!”
“I’m glad that you like it…”
“Umm…I also have something for Onii-sama.”
She takes out a present box bashfully.
“Can I open it?”
“Yeah, also this.”
“A chain?”
“You’ll understand when you see inside.”
Inside the box are two rings.
“This is…I see.”
When the rings are stacked together, they create a pattern that looks like a mouse and a heart.
“They don’t allow rings in the store because they might damage products, but it’s okay if you wear them under your uniform, right?”
So, this chain is for me to wear the rings like a necklace around my neck…
“Will you accept it?”
“Of course. Thank you, Ruri.”
I didn’t know that Ruri prepared something for me as well.
It feels really heartwarming.
Starting to Play ‘Serenade’
Fried items…OK.
Cigarette restocking is going smoothly.
Coffee beans are fine as well.
Tokigane-kun and Ruri is getting along well.
Ruri is a fast learner. Perhaps I should consider letting Ruri to work independently soon.
“Since we’re in a service business, maybe you should ease up that frown a bit?”
“Well, easier said than done.”
I can understand what Tokigane-kun is trying to say.
After all, I’m currently in charge of the cash register.
“I’ll help you handle the cash register. Ruri-chan should be fine on her own.”
“Yeah.”
“Welcome!”
“Welcome!”
Following Ruri’s words, Tokigane-kun’s voice echoes throughout the store.
I should’ve said ‘welcome’ as well, but…
The customer is coming straight to our counter from the entrance.
Coffee, cigarettes, or both?
“Welcome.”
“A small coffee and the usual cigarettes.”
A woman who can be described as an office lady told me her orders.
There is something about her face that makes me uncomfortable, I’m trying my best to avoid eye contact with her.
She’s not a regular customer. Yet, she orders the ‘usual’.
“Okay. That will be exactly 600 yen.”
“Yes, 600 yen…so, you’ve become the manager.”
“I have nothing to say to you. Please take your order.”
“Don’t you think this is a dramatic reunion?”
“No, I don’t.”
“Then, why aren’t you looking at my face?”
“…please, take your order.”
Suddenly, her hand turns my face to the front.
“Hey, do you dislike your childhood friend’s face that much?”
“I wonder, what kind of face should I make at a time like this?”
I stop talking to her formally, I don’t think of her as a customer anymore.
“A happy face?”
“What do you want?”
She must’ve realized that I’m pissed.
Ruri and Tokigane-kun’s gaze turn this way.
“We’re not in a relationship anymore.”
“You’re the one who broke up with me. Hozumi Sayo.”
“Yeah, but…I realized that you are the best thing that ever happened to me.”
“…I’ll say it again, it’s too late.”
I try to remain calm.
“You’re never good at hiding your emotions.”
“…it’s because you’re the one who broke up with me so harshly.”
“You’re upset, aren’t you? Do you hate me? No, you still love me.”
“Nonsense.”
That’s not true.
It’s just trauma.
“Of course I’m upset, because someone I hate is right in front of me.”
“Is that so? Well, then let’s just leave it at that for today.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Fufufu. See you.”
Saying so, she heads toward the coffee machine.
“Sorry, I’m going to the restroom for a while. Tokigane-kun, Hachi, please take care of the cash register.”
“A-Are you okay?”
“Manager, are you okay?”
Both Tokigane-kun and Ruri express their concern.
“Yeah, I’m fine.”
That is the best answer I can muster.
Is she coming back here again?
That person…