The Protagonist's Sister Loves Me, But She's Definitely a Yandere. - Chapter 42: Part-Time Job

Chapter 42: Part-Time Job

The sunlight reflected off the ocean surface, making it sparkle. The white sandy beach stretched out before me.

Families and couples splashed each other with seawater, chased one another, and played around. Since today was the first day of the beach season, the excitement was at its peak.

“—Two orders of yakisoba, ready to go!”

In front of me was a lively, cheerful scene. Watching people flirt so openly was frustrating.

While being attacked by all sorts of emotions, I was locked in a battle with the hot griddle.

Why was I doing this? I thought it was going to be simple work, but here I was, making yakisoba.

“It’s fine, it’s fine. Anyone can do it.”

That’s what my uncle said when he handed me the spatula. That was an hour ago.

On top of that, I also had to carry supplies, so I was drenched in sweat. The sea breeze only made me feel stickier and more uncomfortable.

It was one tough job after another. I was desperately wrestling with the yakisoba noodles.

This morning, I managed to wake up early, something I wasn’t used to, and took a few trains to get here.

There were tired office workers in worn-out suits, groups of college students still struggling to shake off their hangovers, and women dressed a bit flashier than usual. The early morning train felt different from usual.

That slight nervousness and excitement I felt about my first part-time job? Long gone.

“—Three orders of yakisoba, ready to go!”

There was definitely no time to think about anything else.

I thought this would be a good way to clear my head, but it was more than that. At this point, I had turned into a yakisoba-making robot. I casually tightened the white towel wrapped around my head.

To be honest, I was hoping for a more exciting part-time job.

It was the beach opening, after all. I was drawn in by the idea. Like, you know…

New encounters, new friends —that kind of thing.

But reality was just yakisoba, yakisoba, and more yakisoba. 

Sometimes sausages and fries. Even curry. It was a full-on beach food stand. All the other workers were older men.

Sure, there were some girls my age, but they were working as servers, so we never talked.

And even if we did, it was just business-like stuff when I handed them yakisoba or fries.

“Oh, one yakisoba, please. Actually… make that two.”

A new customer showed up, confirmed their order, and I started packing up two servings.

I felt like I’d made a lifetime supply of yakisoba in just one day. I quickly packed the boxes and looked up to take the money —and tilted my head in confusion.

Why was she here? No, more accurately, they. Why on earth were they here?

Seeing these two completely unexpected people, I opened and closed my mouth like a fish.

Meanwhile, the two girls standing in front of me grinned mischievously.

“We’re customers, you know. We’re waiting.”

A familiar, clear voice. Light brown hair. Next to her stood a petite blonde girl.

It was obvious they didn’t like each other, but lately, they’d been hanging out together more often. Though, that was probably because the blonde hamster kept showing up everywhere.

“Oh, uh, sorry. Here’s two orders.”

I finally took the money and handed over the yakisoba.

The sudden appearance of these two beautiful girls caused a bit of a stir in the beach shack. Their looks were definitely eye-catching, even out here. I opened my mouth to ask them a question.

“Runa, Ogawa… why are you two here?”

Last night, they both asked if I was free, and I said no. Sure, I mentioned I was working a part-time job, but I never told them the location. How did they manage to find me here?

But before I could get an answer, a new customer’s order echoed in my ears.

And just like that, I was back to making yakisoba.

At this point, I’d gotten used to the rhythm.

“…Shinji-senpai, you’re definitely going to be a corporate slave in the future. Please work hard for your family.”

“Quit looking at me like you feel sorry for me. I’m actually working seriously here.”

Mimi let out a mocking giggle, and I couldn’t help but snap back.

I had so many questions to ask them, but for now, they needed to step out of the line.

…There was still a bit more time before my break. Until then, I was stuck here.

“Sorry, but can you two step out of the line for now? I’ll talk to you later.”

“Okay, Shin-nii, do your best. …But seriously, can you leave now?”

“No way. I have my own pride, you know.”

As they stepped away from the line, Runa and Mimi kept glaring at each other.

Watching their backs, I could feel another headache coming on. Just as I was wondering what to do, someone lightly tapped me on the shoulder.

I turned around to see my uncle chuckling softly.

“Shinji, you’ve got more game than I thought. Getting such cute girls to fall for you.”

“…It’s not like that. They’re just making fun of me because I’m older.”

“Hmm, if you say so. But still, don’t do anything you’ll regret, alright?”

“Well, yeah, I guess. But honestly, I have no idea what’s going on anymore.”

There was no way I could explain everything to my uncle.

So I just kept the conversation light, like casual chit-chat.

“You can take a break now, even if it’s a little early. Take a long one.”

“But there are still customers. If I stop working…”

“…You really are a future corporate slave, huh? Just go take your break.”

I was kicked out from behind the counter.

The moment I stepped away from the griddle, I felt like the temperature around me cooled down.

I casually untied the towel around my head, and my sweaty hair stuck to my forehead.

Feeling a bit lost with this sudden break, I stepped out of the beach shack.

I glanced around, wondering where those two went, and noticed a spot where the air felt a bit… tense.

“Hey, you two are super cute. Why don’t you hang out with us?”

It looked like Runa and Mimi had been approached by some guys.

There were three of them in total, and they didn’t look friendly. The people around were pretending not to see what was happening.

I wasn’t good at dealing with this kind of thing, but since the ones being hassled were Runa and Mimi, I couldn’t just ignore it.

I jogged over quickly, ready to step between them —but right before I did:

“Gross. Get lost. Nope, not happening. Also, you’re annoying. Just die.”

“You’re being really persistent. Also, you look like someone who never gets any girls.”

Their words were like razor-sharp knives, stabbing the guys right through.

(…Uh, wow.)