Donations from Ko-Fi were used to purchase «Novel Wishes», you can check it at the links below including Ko-Fi and Discord links.

▣ KO-FI ▣ DISCORD ▣

▣ NOVEL WISHES ▣

Interlude 2: Kaede Hitotsuba’s Part-Time Job Diary

It was the morning of my fifth day working part-time at «Heritage». Being the weekend, we had opened the shop, but it was a quiet morning, and I was chatting with Motoko-san.

I was getting used to the job, but both Yuya and Kimi had warned me, «When you get used to it, that’s when you make the most mistakes, so be careful.» I was determined not to let my guard down and to work hard today as well!

«Ahh, ever since Kaede-chan started working here, our sales have been soaring. She’s truly a goddess of fortune,» Motoko-san often says. I want to deny it, but the truth is, the shop has been bustling with customers every day since I started, so I cannot argue with that.

«Dressing Kaede-chan in a maid outfit was a brilliant decision. Sakura-ko really knows her daughter well,» Motoko-san remarked.

«Wait a minute, Motoko-san. My mother said that? I thought the maid outfit was your idea?»

«Eh? No, it wasn’t. When Sakura-ko contacted me about hiring her daughter part-time, we discussed various things. When it came to the uniform, she immediately said, ‘A maid outfit is the only choice.’… I had it arranged through an acquaintance of mine.»

I see. So, it was all orchestrated by my mother. But considering she suggested that wearing a ‘virgin-killing sweater’ would be a nice reward for Yuya, I’m not surprised.

«An angelic and adorable Kaede-chan in a maid outfit is like a demon with a mace, or a hero with Excalibur. Some customers even stop by for takeout when they don’t have time, just because they want to be served by her.»

Yuya, who was initially worried about me on my first day of work, has been busy with his own part-time job and club activities, but he always makes sure to pick me up.

«Yuya-kun is really worried about you. As long as I’m around, I won’t let anything happen to you, but he’s concerned about things like you being hit on or someone waiting for you after work… I wonder if he can’t sleep at night because of these worries,» Motoko-san said with a chuckle, but in reality, that’s exactly how Yuya is. Though he never says it, when he comes to pick me up and we walk to the station hand in hand, he’s always looking around cautiously, as if wary of predators.

«If he’s that worried, he could have just opposed the idea of me working part-time. But instead, Yuya-kun encouraged me. It shows that he’s thinking about my future more than his own feelings,» Motoko-san added.

«He’s really a wonderful boy,» she said. It’s so fulfilling to have my beloved Yuya praised by someone with as much life experience as Motoko-san. I have to report this to him when I get home today!

«So, Kaede-chan, summer vacation is almost over. Have you found something you want to do?»

«Uh… I’m still not sure… I’m sorry.»

The real purpose of this part-time job was to find what I want to do, to experience aspects of society I never knew before. My mother and Yuya said it’s okay if I don’t find the answer at «Heritage», but I can’t help but feel rushed compared to Ai Nikaido.

Ai Nikaido has a clear dream and is working hard to achieve it. You can tell from her grades.

Yuya told me that he firmly rejected Ai’s confession, but I’m sure his feelings for her haven’t completely disappeared. After all, the look on Ai’s face when she sees Yuya is filled with happiness.

That’s why I can’t just stand still. To stand by Yuya’s side and support him, I have to find what I can do, what I want to do. Otherwise, I might lose Yuya to Ai someday…

«Don’t apologize. Finding oneself is like a long journey. It’s okay if you don’t have all the answers while you’re still in high school. And don’t worry, Yuya-kun would never be swayed by another girl. It would be disrespectful to him to doubt that.»

«…Yes.»

Just as I was feeling down, the bell rang, signaling a customer’s arrival. This switched me into work mode. I quickly went to the entrance and greeted the customer with a smile.

«Welcome. Are you dining alone?»

«Yes, I am. Could I get a seat by the window, if possible?»

The customer was a very beautiful woman with fine flaxen hair and pure amethyst-like eyes that seemed to encompass both gentleness and severity. Her straight nose and exquisite features were like a work of art.

«Yes, right this way. Please follow me.»

«Thank you,» she said with a gentle smile. Her elegance was breathtaking. It made me think, ‘Is this the charm of an adult woman?’

«I’ll have an iced black syrup café au lait, extra syrup, please.»

«An iced black syrup café au lait with extra syrup. Understood. Please wait a moment.»

As I moved away after repeating the order and bowing, I glanced at the woman who gave a small wave with a smile.

«Order in. An iced black syrup café au lait, extra syrup.»

I informed the master behind the counter and waited for the drink. As I looked out the window, I saw the woman on her phone, seemingly in a business call.

«How can I help you?» she spoke fluently in English.

Although I learned English in elementary school, her pronunciation was so clear and beautiful.

It seemed she was discussing amenities for a hotel’s overseas expansion. Budget, brand selection, delivery dates… it was not a conversation you’d expect in a café. I tried to pretend I wasn’t listening.

«Your iced black syrup café au lait with extra syrup is ready.»

I took the glass from the master, placed it on a tray, and prepared to serve it. The woman was still on the phone. Normally, I’d wait to avoid disturbing her, but as the call seemed to wrap up,

«Please do it that way. I’ll let you know the details later,» she concluded the call.

Seizing the opportunity, I approached her table, laid down a coaster, and set the glass on it.

«Here’s your iced black syrup café au lait with extra syrup. Thank you for waiting.»

«Thank you. And I’m sorry for the sudden call. I knew it was bad manners, but it was from work, so I had to take it,» she apologized with a wry smile. Yuya had warned me that some customers act entitled, but she was the opposite.

«You really suit that maid outfit. I’d love to take you home with me, you’re so cute and lovely.»

«Um… thank you. But I’m sorry.»

I was surprised to hear such a line casually spoken. I thought only Ai Nikaido would say something like that. But the only one who can take me home is Yuya, so I politely declined.

«Oh, what a shame. I got turned down,» she said and then sipped her drink. Her plump, sakura-colored lips were alluring, and watching her somehow made my heart race. This must be the allure of an adult woman.

«It’s delicious. Maybe I’ll become a regular when I return to Japan.»

«? ‘When you return to Japan’? What do you mean by— Oh, sorry!»

I blurted out my confusion, then quickly apologized, but she reassured me and explained.

«I actually study at a university in America. I just graduated in May. I’m joining my family’s business, but because we’ve recently expanded overseas, I’ve been tasked with being the local interpreter and mediator. I was supposed to return to Japan earlier, but things got delayed.»

«That’s amazing. You just graduated and are already entrusted with such responsibilities. And the way you handled that business call in English was so cool!»

«Well, I chose to go to an American university partly for the sake of our company. I didn’t expect to be assigned tasks before officially joining.»

«For the company…?»

«Yes. Our family has been passing down, protecting, and nurturing this company for generations. I can’t be the one to let it fail. Rather, I plan to make it big enough to be renowned worldwide.»

She said this with a confident, somewhat mischievous smile.

My family also has a company that has been passed down from my grandfather to my father, a legacy spanning over a hundred years. For the sake of numerous employees and the world’s development, I too must inherit it. Yet, I’ve let Yuya bear this important and heavy responsibility.

But that’s not acceptable. As a member of the Hitotsuba family, I must face this responsibility with Yuya.

«Sorry for getting so passionate. I guess I’m excited being back in Japan after a long time. By the way, did you understand what I was talking about on the phone?»

«Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to eavesdrop, but I was curious because you were speaking English…»

«Haha, don’t worry. I’m not upset. Actually, I’m impressed. When I was in high school, I could study English, but I was terrible at speaking it. I struggled a lot when I went to America.»

«I guess it’s thanks to my early start. A friend of my mother’s from England worked in English, and I thought it was so cool. So, I begged my mother to let me attend an English conversation school.»

«But I stopped attending those lessons right after graduating elementary school, when my teacher said, ‘With your English skills, you could live abroad.’ Looking back, I was really fortunate to have tried various activities.»

«It’s not just about attending lessons; you’ve actually made use of what you learned, so there’s no problem even if you quit. You’re like a dry sponge, eagerly absorbing everything you learn and making it your own. A genius who can infer much from little.»

«I’m not what people call a genius. I just try my best every day.»

«Haah… Are you really a second-year high school student? It’s a shame we can’t work together in the future.»

The woman sighed dramatically and seemed genuinely disappointed. If I weren’t ‘Kaede’, I would have happily accepted her offer. It’s a regrettable situation.

«I’d love to talk more, but sorry, I have another call.»

«Thank you for your time. I’ll leave you to your call. Please, take your time.»

I bowed deeply and moved away from her table. As I walked off, the woman started another call, this time speaking fluently in Chinese. Mastering English to a practical level is hard enough, let alone Chinese at the same level. It’s incredible.

She said she graduated in May, so she should only be five years older than me. Will I be like her in five years?

Mom and Yuya were right. Working at «Heritage» led to an unexpected encounter. Though still vague, I feel like I’m starting to understand what I want to do.

«Maybe I’ll talk to Mom about it.»

Wait, how did that woman know I was a second-year high school student? We’ve never met before.

«Kaede-chan. It’s great that you had a meaningful encounter and are seeing a glimmer of hope, but please also focus on the work at hand.»

Caught in my thoughts, Motoko-san’s voice with a mix of amusement pulled me back. I looked around the cafe in a panic – it was packed with customers! No time to daydream now!

«Word got out that Kaede-chan is working on the weekend, so we have a lot of customers. I’m sorry, but I need you to give it your all today, okay?»

«Yes! Leave it to me, Motoko-san!»

I’ll do my best today, so Yuya, please let me lean on you when I get home.

«Ah, I forgot to ask her name.»

I really regret that oversight.

◆◇◆◇◆◇

«Wow… She didn’t go to a university in Japan but to one in America? That’s impressive.»

Back home after my shift, I told Yuya about the flaxen-haired woman I met today during dinner.

I regret not asking her name as the cafe got busy. If she visits again, I’ll make sure to ask her name and contact information!

«She was a beautiful lady who spoke several languages, not just English. It’s incredible, considering she’s only five years older than me.»

«A multilingual, huh? I guess it’s better to be able to speak English considering the future. I wonder if I can do it…»

Yuya chuckled and sipped his coffee, which I made. I got an old machine from the master and have been practicing.

«It’s better to be able to speak it, I think. Dad can handle everyday conversation, but he always takes an interpreter for important meetings.»

«I can’t even manage everyday conversation, and I have so much to study I’m nearly overwhelmed.»

«I might not be the best person to say this, but don’t overthink it. Whatever you can’t do, I’ll cover for you. Let’s do our best together.»

That’s what it means to live together. I can’t let Yuya carry the burden of ‘Kaede’ alone. I will shoulder it with him.

«…Kaede-san?»

«Today’s encounter made me feel like I’ve seen a light. I feel like I’m starting to understand what I want to do, where I should go. Can you wait just a little longer for me?»

«Of course. I’ll wait as long as it takes, so don’t rush.»

Saying that with a gentle smile, Yuya tenderly stroked my head. Ehehe. Being petted by Yuya makes me incredibly happy. If he hugged and kissed me now, it would be perfect, but he’s a gentleman.

«Then, Kaede-san. Shall we take a bath together? I’ll wash your back.»

«…Eh? What did you say, Yuya?»

His unexpected suggestion momentarily stopped my thoughts. A shy gentleman like Yuya suggesting a mixed bath? Impossible. It must be a hallucination.

«I said, let’s take a bath together. I want to hold you in the tub after a hard day… Unless you’re against it───»

«I’m not against it at all! In fact, it’s the best reward! Thank you! I never said I didn’t want to, Yuya, you’re jumping to conclusions too quickly!»

«Then I’ll go prepare the bath. Can you change into your swimsuit and wait for me, Kaede-san?»

«Eh!? Isn’t it supposed to be a naked encounter? I’m always welcoming, you know?»

«…If Kaede-san wishes, we don’t need swimsuits… Are you sure about this?»

«? What’s wrong, Yuya?»

Yuya, who was supposed to head to the bathroom, turned around and slowly approached me. His expression was serious, exuding a strange allure, making my heart beat faster.

«Kaede-san, you always say ‘welcome’, but do you know how much I’ve been holding back?»

«Um… Well…»

His voice was sultry, and his eyes seemed slightly moist. The current Yuya was so attractive that I screamed internally in excitement, then suddenly, he gently lifted my chin.

«Can I… hold you, Kaede-san?»

«───!!?? Y-Y-Yuya!? What are you suddenly saying!?»

«You said ‘welcome’, right? So, can I take you to bed and embrace you tightly? Shall we make love?»

Yuya’s shocking words sent me into a frenzy! He’s in full wolf mode now. My face is burning with embarrassment, and my heart is pounding so hard it feels like it could burst.

My body was paralyzed, and my mind was spinning. Filled with both excitement and anxiety about being ‘devoured’ by Yuya, he then chuckled softly and gently tapped my head in his usual kind manner.

«Really, Kaede-san. You tempt me even though you’re scared. When I approach a little, you become as docile as a borrowed cat. But that gap is also cute.»

While saying this, Yuya hugged me and comforted me, patting my head. My current state of mind was a mix of relief and disappointment. Give me back my heartbeats.

«Today is the day to praise the hard-working Kaede-san, so just relax. Let’s save making my heart race for another time, okay?»

«Uh… Okay. I had decided to rely on Yuya today, so I’ll let it be. But Yuya, your adult allure today is unstoppable.»

«I’ll take full responsibility for that.»

After kissing my forehead, Yuya walked away to prepare the bath. Yuya, how do you plan to take responsibility!? And a kiss on the forehead is too cool!

Later, in the bath, Yuya gave me a thoroughly wholesome special massage, relieving all of the day’s fatigue. He also massaged my waist and hips in bed, allowing me to sleep soundly that night.