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 3: The Story of How I Ended Up Working Part-Time at Japan's Top-Notch Traditional Japanese Restaurant――3

The Story of How I Ended Up Working Part-Time at Japan’s Top-Notch Traditional Japanese Restaurant――3

Helping out in the kitchen was far more than just “difficult.” The experience was relentless.

I had to keep moving without a moment’s rest—not even a fraction of a second. Rushing back and forth, keeping my hands constantly busy, and pushing my brain to its limits, I tackled an endless stream of tasks one after another.

I probably burned a ridiculous amount of calories. I might have even lost a kilo.

Still, we somehow made it through the peak hours, and by the time it passed 9 p.m., the pace had slowed down.

From this point onward, the chefs seemed capable of handling things on their own. So, Takamine-san and I were relieved from duty and called it a night.

When we stepped outside, the night sky was glimmering with stars.

Standing by the gate of HanaMori, we waited for the taxi to arrive with Takamine-san and Yuri-san, who had come to see us off.

Incidentally, Yuri-san tried to offer me some compensation for helping, but I gently declined.

After all, I’d already been treated to an exceptionally luxurious course meal, and she had even arranged for a generously covered taxi fare. Taking anything more would have been excessive.

“Thank you so much. I don’t know how I can ever properly repay you…”

“Please, you don’t have to be so formal. I’m just glad everything worked out.”

“I’m grateful to hear you say that,” Yuri-san said, bowing deeply.

I responded with a cheerful tone to ease the mood.

When Yuri-san raised her head, she asked me with a concerned expression,

“It’s a bit late to ask, but won’t your family be worried about you? It’s gotten quite late.”

“Don’t worry about that. I live alone.”

“I see,” she said, exhaling a relieved sigh.

In contrast, Takamine-san wore a noticeably somber expression.

“Are you feeling unwell, Takamine-san?”

“…I’m so sorry!”

Before I could grasp what was happening, Takamine-san suddenly bowed her head deeply. Her abrupt action left me blinking in confusion.

“Wh-why are you apologizing all of a sudden?”

“I wanted to thank you for helping us, but I ended up causing you trouble instead… I’m really, really sorry!”

“You don’t have to apologize! I don’t think it was any trouble at all! If anything, I’m satisfied!”

“Satisfied? H-how can that be?”

Still looking unsure, Takamine-san asked hesitantly.

I smiled and told her exactly how I felt.

“The kitchen at HanaMori is essentially the pinnacle of Japanese culinary arts, right? Getting to work there was an incredible experience.”

“And more importantly,” I added, flashing Takamine-san a warm smile,

“I got to help someone I’ve grown close to—you, Takamine-san.”

“Fweh!?”

Takamine-san’s face turned a shade of red deeper than any apple.

She placed both hands over her flushed cheeks, flustered and stammering.

“W-wait, why am I like this…!?”

“Takamine-san? Are you okay?”

“~~~~! P-please, don’t come any closer right now!”

“What!?”

Worried, I tried to lean in to check on her, but Takamine-san threw her arms up in an exaggerated “X” motion and backed away as if fleeing.

I have no idea what just happened, but she rejected me with such intensity… It kind of stings.

I let out a sigh and slumped my shoulders in defeat.

“Oh my, my. Fufu.”

While I was wallowing in disappointment, Yuri-san, who had been watching the entire exchange, chuckled softly.

“Is there something funny?” I asked, tilting my head.

“Yes. It’s just… I’ve never seen her make that kind of face before.”

“M-Mother!!”

Takamine-san shouted in a voice that was far from ladylike, her protest only making Yuri-san laugh even more.

As for me, still utterly clueless, I could almost feel the swarm of question marks circling above my head.