When I Brought The Lost Little Girl To Her House, The One Who Came Out Of The Front Door Was The Most Beautiful Girl In The Grade. - Chapter 74

“Here you go. Your coffee.”

“Ah, thank you.”

“Hurry up and drink it, then get out.”

With that, Mimura tried to shoo us out of the cafe.

Even though we weren’t really troublesome customers and were being quiet.

“Shin-chan probably actually wants to talk to you guys, but it’s embarrassing with me and others watching.”

Isami-san said with a smile.

“Take your time as you leave.”

With just that, she signaled to us and went to take other customers’ orders.

As I took a sip of the coffee she had brewed, I watched Mimura work diligently.

Before I knew it, my cup of coffee had disappeared.

During that time, though it might sound a bit creepy to say that I was captivated by Mimura’s work, it was true that I found it cool.

Then, whether Mimura noticed my gaze or had already noticed, I couldn’t tell, but he began to approach us with small steps.

Though his footsteps were cute, his expression was anything but.

“What’s the deal? Staring at someone working for so long, is it wrong for me to be doing my job earnestly?”

“Well, sorry. It’s not like I intended that, I just thought that Mimura looks cool while working.”

“Huh? What’s with you guys and flattery?”

“It’s not flattery—I also thought it was cool. It’s not just about Mimura, anyone earnestly engaged in something is cool, you know?”

Mimura then alternated his gaze between Souta and me, looking uncertain if he should be pleased or embarrassed.

“Y-You guys, even if you say that, it won’t cover the bill for being here!

“Well, we didn’t mean it that way…”

“What, won’t it cover it?”

“No, Souta, were you really thinking that?”

I knew Souta was just joking, but I couldn’t help but respond.

After that, one way or another, we had refills of coffee and ended up relaxing at Mimura’s workplace for more than 15 minutes.

“Well, I guess it’s about time to leave.”

“You’re finally leaving, huh?”

“Thanks, Mimura.”

“Huh? What’s this all of a sudden?”

“Thanks, Mimura.”

“What’s up with you, Kuroda?”

Mimura seemed quite puzzled. Well, that was natural—getting thanked out of the blue by two people would be confusing.

“Leaving already?”

“Yes, thank you! The coffee was delicious. Thank you very much.”

Souta and I said that, bowing to Isami-san before leaving the shop.

***

“That was delicious… I guess.”

“Ryoko-san, your face is red.”

“Huh?! D-Don’t look!”

“Ahh! You’re blushing because Kuroda and the others praised your coffee, right?”

“Ugh, you’re so annoying! As punishment, go clean the entrance.”

“Aww, come on, that’s not fair.”

Mimura said that and took the broom Ryoko-san handed him, cleaning the entrance of the shop.

“Her happy expression is cute after all.”

“Don’t slack off on cleaning.”

“Yes, yes! I feel like I can really do well in this job now!”

“Is that thanks to your friends?”

“That’s part of it, but there’s another reason too.”

“Huh? What is it?”

“I’m not telling!”

“Oh come on, just tell us.”

With that, Mimura became determined to work hard for the rest of his shift.

***

“You were really working during your shift.”

“Yeah, and being able to work with such a beautiful person… it’s something, huh?”

“Jealous?”

“Not really, I just thought it seemed really fun and the atmosphere was nice.”

“Well, saying you’re jealous wouldn’t necessarily mean you’re cheating, you know?”

“N-No, it’s not like that! It’s not about Aya or anything like that, I just thought it looked enjoyable and I prefer working in a fun and good atmosphere.”

“True, when you think about it that way, it’s good that Mimura had fun.”

Ryoko-san is a bit mysterious, but her coffee is delicious and she seems like a reliable senior, so there’s probably nothing to worry about concerning Mimura.

Oh, by the way, I wonder what Mimura really thinks about Ryoko-san.

“I wonder what Mimura really thinks about Ryoko-san.”

“Huh? Oh, well, um… Mimura doesn’t seem to be very aware of his own feelings.”

“Is that coming from you, Kuroda?”

“No! I mean, I was just… a bit of a coward.”

“That’s even worse!”

Saying that, for some reason, my heart felt like it was being torn apart. I walked home feeling down, and seeing that, Aota comforted me with a smile, saying, “Well, in the end, everything’s okay, right, Kuroda?”

I don’t feel very comforted by that!!

And so, a long, long day came to an end.