The Story of Waking up With My Beautiful Childhood Friend and Realizing We Had Spent the Night Together - Chapter 10

Chapter 10: Something Gradually Fulfilling

―At the café “Nocturne”

My part-time job is located about five train stops away from school.

It’s a small, privately-owned café quietly situated in a residential area.

The shop has an elegant, antique vibe, and most of the customers are elderly.

It’s the epitome of an old-fashioned, charming café.

“—Iori-kun, can you take the sandwich to table two?”

“Got it.”

The dashing, middle-aged manager called out instructions.

I nodded and carried the plate of sandwiches in one hand. I had grown used to serving food like this.

At first, I stumbled over tables and chairs, causing quite a commotion, but now I can navigate around them without even looking.

“—Here’s your sandwich. Thank you for waiting.”

I addressed the classy elderly lady seated at table two.

She responded with a kind smile.

“Thank you as always, Iori-kun.”

“Oh, not at all.”

Most of the customers here are regulars.

That’s why I know most of their faces.

“So, how are things? You’re in high school—have you found a girlfriend yet?”

“W-Well, who knows…?”

She spoke to me warmly.

But I didn’t find it unpleasant.

Maybe it’s the welcoming atmosphere of this café, but all the customers are polite and kind.

That’s one of the main reasons I chose to work here.

It’s quiet, refined, and the manager and customers are all so nice.

Plus, I don’t have to worry about running into classmates.

It’s the perfect place for a part-time job.

“You shouldn’t wait for things to happen. You’re so cute, Iori-kun—I’m sure there’s a girl out there noticing you.”

“Ahaha… I’ll try my best.”

So, as usual, I was keeping the distinguished gentlemen and ladies company, when—

Ding-ding.

“Ah, welcome…”

The moment I tried to greet a new customer, I froze.

The one who entered was a female student.

It’s rare for students to come to this café, but…

(…Wait, why?)

I recognized the uniform.

I recognized the long black hair.

I recognized all too well…the tall, stunningly beautiful girl.

“Oh my, what a gorgeous young lady.”

The elderly woman whispered as if by reflex.

I couldn’t help but agree.

Yes, she’s beautiful. I wanted to leave it at that.

“Hmm? …Iori-kun? She’s a customer, isn’t she?”

The woman’s curious words snapped me out of it. I hurried over to attend to the newcomer.

“W-Welcome… Table for one?”

“Yes.”

She nodded softly.

Not “yes,” but “uh-huh.”

Even if she didn’t care about being found out, this was…

“Well then, please follow me.”

“Okay.”

The solo customer—Mizuki Yukimura—sat down gracefully in the seat I showed her.

“…So, what’s up?”

I spoke to her in a low voice.

She had never come to my workplace before.

“…Iori, did you check Line?”

“Line…?”

I took out my phone.

I shouldn’t be looking at it during work, but…

“Ah.”

There were three unread messages:

[Mizuki: Did you finish cleaning?]

[Mizuki: What time will you be back?]

[Mizuki: Let me know when you see this.]

“Sorry, I didn’t check…! Did something happen?”

“No, it’s fine. It’s nothing important.”

Mizuki shook her head quietly.

I tilted mine in response to her nonchalant tone.

“I wanted to visit this place once, so I’m glad I could come.”

She smiled softly and poked my chest.

“You look good in an apron.”

She seemed genuinely delighted as she commented on my work attire.

“…Thanks. So, what would you like to order?”

“Hmm… Can I take the waiter home?”

“This isn’t that kind of place.”

“Should I order champagne then?”

“…Still not that kind of place.”

She chuckled softly.

She looked so amused it annoyed me.

Until recently, she’d always kept a neutral expression in front of me.

…It really feels like we’ve gone back to how we used to be.

“Would iced coffee be okay?”

“Yep.”

I sighed at my cheerful childhood friend-turned-girlfriend, then went to place the order.

“Iori-kun,”

The elderly woman called out to me.

“Y-Yes?”

“That girl… Is she your girlfriend?”

“No, no way…”

I instinctively denied it.

But she smiled knowingly, as if she had seen through everything.

“Don’t underestimate me. I’ve lived longer than you, Iori-kun—I can tell.”

“…Ugh.”

I stammered, flustered by her insight.

Am I that obvious?

She saw my reaction and laughed again.

“You’ve done well to win over such a beautiful girl, Iori-kun.”

“…Please, give me a break…”

Feeling teased, I scratched my head and walked away.

Then—

Ping.

My phone vibrated.

Curious, I glanced at the screen:

[Mizuki: You could’ve just admitted it proudly.]

…Seriously?

I glanced at Mizuki, who was sneakily peeking at me.

I groaned inwardly.

“…”

Yeah, I’ll ignore that.

I quietly put my phone away.

“Manager, one iced coffee, please.”

“Got it. …Iori-kun.”

“Yes?”

“That’s the ‘gorgeous childhood friend’ you mentioned before, isn’t it?”

“…Pretty much.”

I had let it slip once that I had a stunningly beautiful childhood friend who lived next door.

The manager had been curious ever since.

“Wow… I didn’t expect her to be that beautiful.”

“Haha…”

Everyone who meets her for the first time reacts the same way.

Her tiny face, perfect figure, and jewel-like eyes leave people awestruck.

Her good looks are no joke (Renji’s words).

“But coming all the way to your workplace… I see.”

“W-What do you mean?”

“Just that I’m jealous. Enjoy yourselves.”

The manager smirked and started preparing the coffee.

…It’s just one of those days where I keep getting teased by everyone.

“—So, why did you come here after all?”

That night, as we ate Mizuki’s homemade beef stew, I asked her with a sharp gaze.

But Mizuki seemed unbothered.

“I wanted to see you working… And to scout the place.”

“Scout?”

“Yeah. I want a part-time job too.”

“…What?”

Her words surprised me.

It’s not unusual for a high schooler to want a job.

But Mizuki never seemed like the type.

She’s not materialistic. She doesn’t wear much makeup or care about fashion.

So, hearing this felt out of place.

“Why? Are you short on money?”

“No. My living expenses are fine, but…”

She glanced at me hesitantly.

“We’ll need money for things like dates and trips, right?”

“…Oh.”

I nodded, finally understanding.

So, this is her way of saying she wants to go on dates.

“…Yeah, I’d like to go on a date.”

“Right?”

“Yeah. But I can pay for the dates myself—”

I had enough savings.

But Mizuki shook her head.

“No, I’ll pay my share too, okay?”

“…Got it.”

I wanted to show a little pride, but she smiled softly as I reluctantly agreed.

“That’s why I’ll work too. Ideally, at the same place as you.”

“At Nocturne?”

“Yeah. That way, we can work together too.”

She made it sound so natural that I couldn’t refuse.

Well, it’s not like any classmates would find out there.

“…Alright. I’ll ask the manager about it.”

“Thanks.”

Relieved, Mizuki smiled warmly.

…I mentally prepared myself for more teasing.

Imagining the manager’s smirk, I sighed.