When I Helped Out At My Classy Classmate's Family Home, They Started Going All Out To Close In On Me From Every Angle. - Chapter 2: The Story of How I Ended Up Working Part-Time at Japan's Top-Notch Traditional Japanese Restaurant――2

The Story of How I Ended Up Working Part-Time at Japan’s Top-Notch Traditional Japanese Restaurant――2

Since we both shared a love for cooking, Takamine-san and I were able to enjoy a pleasant and cheerful conversation afterward. Although we had hardly interacted before, we’ve grown close enough now to call each other friends.

I was a little nervous here and there, but the food was delicious, and I got to bond with Takamine-san, so I’m completely satisfied. Coming here was definitely worth it.

After finishing the dessert that concluded the course, I thanked Takamine-san with a beaming smile.

“Thank you for today. I had such a great time.”
“Hehe. I’m glad to hear that,” she replied with a soft smile.

A serene and relaxed atmosphere enveloped us.

And then it happened.

“Excuse me,” came a voice as Yuri-san slid open the shoji door and entered. Her expression was tense, almost anxious.

“Kanda-san, I’m terribly sorry, but would you mind if I spoke with Ayame for a moment?”
“Ah, yes, of course,” I said, slightly bewildered but consenting nonetheless.

Yuri-san bowed slightly in gratitude and turned to Takamine-san.
“Ayame, could you step into the kitchen?”

The term “kitchen” referred to the itaba—the workspace where food preparation took place. In other words, Yuri-san was asking Takamine-san to help with the cooking.

“Me? Even though I’m not an employee?”
“Yes, I wouldn’t ask if it weren’t absolutely necessary.”
“What’s going on?”

Takamine-san frowned as Yuri-san began explaining the situation.

“There’s been an emergency. Tonight, we’ll have to operate without your father and grandfather.”
“What!? But why!?”
“I didn’t want to worry you, so I kept it quiet, but earlier today, your father and grandfather were in a car accident.”

Takamine-san gasped audibly.
“A car accident!?”
“Don’t worry. They only hit their heads and ended up with just some bumps. No other injuries. They said they’re perfectly fine.”
“Thank goodness…”

Takamine-san let out a breath of relief.

However, Yuri-san’s expression remained grim.

“Just a short while ago, I got word that they won’t be able to return today. They’re undergoing thorough medical checks at the hospital because the doctor insisted they stay, saying, ‘Better safe than sorry’ after a head injury.”

Yuri-san wiped the sweat forming on her brow.

“Tonight, we’re expecting a lot of guests. Some of our regular VIP customers are using the restaurant for business entertaining. Without your father and grandfather, we’re completely overwhelmed. We won’t be able to provide the quality of service we’re known for. I have no choice but to ask for your help.”
“Understood. I’ll help out,” Takamine-san replied with a firm nod before furrowing her brows slightly.

“But… will having just me be enough to fill in for both of them?”
“That’s…”

Yuri-san’s expression clouded over, and her reaction spoke volumes. Even with Takamine-san’s help, it wouldn’t be enough.

As a top-tier ryotei, HanaMori was undoubtedly held to extraordinarily high standards by its patrons. Guests would arrive with the expectation that “a place of this caliber is sure to provide exceptional service.”

This meant that even the smallest misstep could tarnish its reputation. Every visitor had to leave fully satisfied.

Given that, the current situation was nothing short of a crisis. Even with Takamine-san’s assistance, there was no guarantee that the restaurant could escape unscathed.

A dire predicament. No way out.

Or so it seemed.

No, that’s not true.

I clenched my fists tightly.

There was still a move to make—though not from HanaMori’s side. From mine.

My mouth felt parched, my breathing shallow and quick.

“Excuse me!”

Suppressing the tremor in my voice, I blurted it out.

“Could you let me help as well!?”
“Help? You?”

Yuri-san looked stunned.

I nodded, even as I felt my heart pounding like a wild horse.

The thought of stepping into HanaMori’s kitchen was terrifying. This wasn’t just nerves; the sheer pressure made me feel like I could throw up.

A few hours ago, I would have never considered it. I would’ve remained a sympathetic but passive observer.

But things were different now.

I had gotten to know Takamine-san.

If HanaMori’s reputation were to take a hit, Takamine-san would undoubtedly feel devastated. I couldn’t stand the thought of her being sad. Seeing her hurt was the last thing I wanted.

That’s why I mustered every ounce of courage I had and made my case.

“I have experience with Japanese cuisine! I might not be qualified to cook, but I can handle tasks like prep work and odd jobs. Please, let me help!”

Yuri-san met my gaze head-on, her expression unwavering. Then, she shook her head.

“I appreciate the sentiment, but I cannot allow you to enter the kitchen.”

Yuri-san’s stance was completely understandable. For any chef, especially the ones working as itamae, the kitchen is a sacred space. For an outsider like me to step in would be out of the question.

Was this it? Could I not do anything to change the situation?

I gritted my teeth in frustration.

“Wait, Mom!”

In the midst of it all, Takamine-san spoke up.

“Kanda-kun has analyzed every dish that was served perfectly, and he even noticed the hidden flavor in the appetizer! His understanding of Japanese cuisine is on par with HanaMori‘s chefs, I believe! And, he’s far more skilled than I am when it comes to cooking! If it’s Kanda-kun, I’m sure he’ll be a great help!”

“But…”

“There’s no time to hesitate, is there? We can’t afford to waste another second!”

Persuaded by Takamine-san’s words, Yuri-san lowered her gaze.

“…You’re right.”

After a brief pause, Yuri-san opened her eyes, now carrying a determined, resolute expression.

Turning to face me, she placed her hands together respectfully.

“Kanda-san, I apologize for the inconvenience, but could we count on you to lend us your strength?”

“Yes!”

Without a moment’s hesitation, I nodded firmly