328 Words I Don't Want to Hear from Miyagi - Story About Buying My Classmate Once A Week

Words I Don't Want to Hear from Miyagi Chapter 328 I just can't come to terms with it. Why? Why, oh why? —Why is Miyagi taking a part-time job? I walk along the sidewalk, dyed by the evening glow. The wind, neither warm nor cold, blows through, ruffling my hair. I march forward with a stomp, as if to split the sidewalk tiles in half, heading home with determination. "Mio-san introduced me to a job," read the message from Miyagi that arrived as I swayed on the train heading to the university this morning. As soon as I arrived on campus, Mio casually dropped, "I went ahead and introduced Shiori-chan to a part-time job." While I could anticipate what those words might lead to, I still sought more details. I discovered that Miyagi's new workplace was the same cafe where I had worked part-time and where Noto-senpai frequently came as a regular. Why did Mio do something so unnecessary? I almost confronted her, but somehow managed a smile and replied, "Oh, I see." However, I couldn't find it in myself to enjoy spending time with the one who introduced that job, nor could I accept her invitation to dine together. With June having passed its midpoint, July is fast approaching. Engaged in busy days, summer vacation is bound to arrive in the blink of an eye. I had planned to arrange holiday plans with Miyagi soon. Yet, before that happened, I never expected to hear about Miyagi's job situation and feel so shocked. It's been over two weeks since she mentioned taking a job, and with no progress made, I assumed she had given up on the idea. I must hurry home. There's so much I want to say to Miyagi. For starters, having my friend Mio introduce her to a part-time job is itself absurd. Even though Mio mentioned job opportunities when she visited, that's irrelevant. Since Mio is my friend, Miyagi shouldn't have approached her without at least telling me first. Moreover, if Mio was going to help Miyagi find a job, she should have sought my approval. I was angry at both Miyagi and Mio. As dusk fell on the city, I drew closer to home. I couldn't see the passing scenery. My narrowed field of vision only sees the path leading to Miyagi. I know full well that Miyagi and Mio owe me no explanations. Yet, my inability to accept this spurs my steps to quicken. Upon ascending to the third floor, I stand before the entrance, drawing a deep breath, exhaling, and giving my cheeks a slap. I steady myself before unlocking the door. Inside, Miyagi's shoes are neatly lined up. I place mine next to hers and stride into the shared space. Miyagi is nowhere in sight. After setting my bag in my room, I proceed to knock on Miyagi's door. Two gentle taps. A brief pause, and the door opens slightly. "…Welcome back," she says, avoiding my gaze. "I'm home. Can I come in?" I ask. "What if I say no?" "Then, come out to the shared space," I reply, aware of the hint of discontent in my voice. "...Come in," she answers reluctantly, throwing the door wide open. Her tone makes it clear that I'm an unwelcome guest, yet staying out isn't an option. I settle into my usual spot and watch Miyagi as she closes the door and grudgingly sits down next to me. "So, I heard you're starting a job where Mio works," I state, fixing my gaze on her. "Mio-san told Sendai-san, huh," she mutters, displeasure evident in her small voice. "Mio said, 'Shiori-chan wanted to keep it a secret from Hazuki until she landed the job. Isn't that adorable?'... She also mentioned, 'I did as Shiori-chan instructed and kept it secret until I heard back about the job, isn't that commendable?' " I relay what Mio shared with me earlier that morning. Miyagi's forehead creases with a frown, but she says nothing more, simply staring at the floor with her brows furrowed. Determined to address the matter in person, I voice the words I had intended to send as a message. "Hey, Miyagi. Isn't it strange for you to work part-time?" I ask. "What's so strange about it?" she counters. "When I invited you to work with me over winter break, you said you weren't cut out for it." "At that time, I replied that if it were with Sendai-san, I wouldn't work together," she retorts seamlessly, as if rehearsed. For some reason, Miyagi is resolute about working. Although I don't want her to take on a job, it's evident that convincing her otherwise will be difficult. I had anticipated the need to accept her decision to work. I'm willing to take a step back and allow her to work. However, I want her to change where she'll work. That cafe is out of the question. There are various reasons. Noto-senpai's status as a regular poses an issue, and I don't want Mio witnessing a side of Miyagi that I'm unaware of. Plus, the cafe has patrons who persistently try to extract our contact info. "…Does cafe work suit you?" I inquire about Miyagi's suitability for the job. "I'm not sure, but since it's back in the kitchen and I don't have to be out front, it's doable." "In that case, why not choose the kitchen at another cafe?" "I've already made up my mind, and it's too late to change. Canceling now would inconvenience Mio-san." "That's true, but... I'll apologize to Mio on your behalf, so let's find another job. I'll help you look," I offer. "No need. I'll decide my own job," Miyagi states firmly, meeting my gaze. Her resolve is unwavering. Resigned, I voice another concern. "...Why did you turn to Mio for job help?" I ask. "I didn't have anyone else to rely on," she replies. "What about me? I could've introduced you to a job as well." "If I asked you, you'd insist on working together." "Is that really not possible?" I press. "It's no good," she insists, just as she had last year when I suggested job-hunting together, her words cutting deeper than she knows. I'm accustomed to being turned down by my parents, even by my sister. Rejection is something I take in stride. No matter how vast the gap becomes, I rarely feel the urge to fill it. Just accept the facts calmly and wait for tomorrow. As time passes, the deepened rift will fade into the darkness and disappear. But I don't want to be rejected by Miyagi. No refusal or rejection. I don't want any words that push me away. I'm not one to be hurt by what anyone says—only Miyagi's words can pierce me deeply, drawing blood. "Please, don't tell me it's no good," I implore. While many might tell me those words, today the "no good" is unbearable. I grasp onto Miyagi's hand, tightly, unwavering. "It's alright if we don't work together or if you have a job, but stop saying it's no good," my voice is quieter than I'd imagined. I still dislike Miyagi's chosen job, but above all, I don't want her to reject me. "...I don't want Sendai-san seeing me struggle through my weaknesses," Miyagi admits, her grip on my hand firm as she reveals why she wishes not to work together. Although Miyagi showing her emotions openly like this is rare, there's no gentleness to it. The words that follow are far from considerate, making me want to block them out. "Sendai-san, let me be clear. Don't ever come to the cafe when I'm working." "If you're in the kitchen, it should be fine for me to visit," I argue. "No." Her "reason" was something I could understand. Not wanting someone to see you struggle is a feeling not limited to Miyagi. It's not something I find entirely unacceptable. But even so, I can't bring myself to accept Miyagi's request. "I want to go." Talking like this reminds me of the high school cultural festival. Back then, Miyagi's class organized a cafe, and when I mentioned, "Maybe I'll drop by to see you as a waitress," she told me not to come. "Absolutely not. You're being too selfish today, Sendai-san." "But you're being selfish too. You came to see me when I was working." "That's different." Reflecting on it now, I realize I should have gone to see Miyagi no matter what. I should have gone to her class, ignoring Umina if necessary. I don't want to repeat not seeing Miyagi during the cultural festival. "Okay," I concede, just for now. I utter words meant only to defuse the situation.