341 - Story About Buying My Classmate Once A Week

**Chapter 341** "I'll be late today because of a shift." I inform Sendai-san, who is chewing on her toast slathered with jam and butter. "Got it." Saturday mornings are peaceful and quiet. Even if I say I'm working, Sendai-san doesn't ask me to do anything unnecessary like "Watch me eat breakfast." We are enjoying a slightly later breakfast in a calm atmosphere. "And just so you know, today is the only day you can come to the café." The hand that was about to eat scrambled eggs pauses. "…Today's the only day I can come?" "Yes." "I just asked yesterday if I could visit you at work." "I never said you could come anytime." Even Sendai-san twists her words to suit her needs sometimes, so she shouldn't have any complaints against me. "Then, can I go with you now?" "No. Come later." I state firmly and take a bite of my toast. The toast with jam and butter, something I've had countless times for breakfast, is sweet, slightly salty, and delicious. No matter how many times I eat it, I never tire of it. "Miyagi, you sure are stingy," she says with a displeased expression. "If you don't like it, you don't have to come." "I'm definitely coming today." With conviction, she resumes eating her scrambled eggs. Back in high school, she said she might come to the cultural festival café, but she ended up not coming. Even today, it wouldn't be strange if she decided not to come, just like back then. In fact, I'd prefer if she didn't come today. "You don't have to force yourself." "I'll definitely be there." Sendai-san gives me a smile and takes a bite of her toast. I do the same, finishing the rest of my toast. I eat the ham, the scrambled eggs, and empty the salad plate as well. Though it's not yet time to rush off to my shift, the thought of Sendai-san showing up makes me uneasy. "Thanks for the meal." When I stand up, Sendai-san calls out. "I'll tidy up, so you can go get ready." "Thanks." I respond briefly and head to my room. I put myself together and pace around the room, sitting on the bed, standing up again, and walking around. I keep doing needless things, trying to kill time. Even though there's not much to prepare, staying in my room doesn't put me in a relaxed mood. I wish this day that has just started would already be over. I'm not at my lowest, but I'm feeling quite gloomy. Even if Sendai-san comes to the café, what I have to do won't change. I'll just do what I always have to. I know this, yet my heart feels restless, and my stomach feels as if someone is gripping it tightly. I feel like I might get sick, so I take a slow deep breath. It's still a bit early for my shift, but I pointlessly check the contents of my bag and leave the room. The common area is empty of Sendai-san. Maybe she won't show up after all. Thinking that makes me feel dissatisfied, like back in high school. It's as if an invisible cloth wraps around me, making me reluctant to go to work. With a sigh, Sendai-san emerges from her room. "Are you off to work already, Miyagi?" "Yeah." "Don't come home halfway through your shift, okay?" "Why would you say that?" "Because I'll definitely come today. If you're not there when I arrive at the café, I'll be disappointed." "I won't leave halfway." "Promise." With that, she tries to kiss the earring, an unnecessary gesture, prompting me to step on her foot. "No need for such promises." Earrings aren't meant for promises that may not be kept. Sendai-san has a history of not showing up at events like the "cultural festival." I lightly kick her leg and softly bite her neck without leaving a mark. Raising my head, I look at Sendai-san. "I'm off." I say quietly, and she replies, "See you." I don't mind working, but the thought of Sendai-san coming makes me anxious. Still, I can't skip work, so I leave the house with a heavy heart, dragging my feet toward the café. I walk the sidewalk, board the train, and reach the café unaware of the weather outside, either sunny or cloudy. Entering through the staff entrance, I change into my uniform in the dressing room. Though someone spoke to me along the way, I can't quite recall the conversation. Before I knew it, I was in the kitchen washing dishes. "Shiori-chan, Hazuki's here." Four hours into the shift, Mio-san's buoyant voice reaches me, and my view darkens. I don't want this. I want to go home. —But if I stay in the kitchen, I'll be safe. "…She did mention she'd come today." "You told Hazuki about that conversation?" "I told her not to come…" I can't help but sound hesitant. Mio-san seems thrilled that Sendai-san is here, but I find no joy in it. "Shiori-chan, want to try working the floor?" "Uh, no thanks." "Oh, don't say that. Since Hazuki's here, at least take her order." "It's not too busy right now, is it?" "Not busy is exactly why you should go. It's fine to chat a little while." Mio-san encourages me with a smile brimming with pure goodwill. "But…" "It's okay. You're cute as always today, Shiori-chan." "That's not the point." "Sure, it is. Go on, check on Hazuki." Her goodwill multiplies, tightening in my stomach. "I'll swap with you for a bit, Shiori-chan." Mio-san makes the announcement on her own and pushes me into the hall. I reckon "helpfulness" is a word meant specifically for Mio-san. Though I know she's not being malicious, this isn't the situation I wanted. Yet, I can't voice any complaints and get pushed out onto the floor, where I spot Sendai-san. "Go take Hazuki-chan’s order." The manager, possibly in cahoots with Mio-san, cheerfully pats my shoulder. Since Sendai-san worked here before, the manager knows her well. Naturally, when I step out onto the floor, this happens. I don’t want to go, but given the circumstances, I reluctantly approach Sendai-san. My throat is dry. I’m not sure if I’m walking properly. Spotting me, Sendai-san waves slightly. What should I do? There’s no way I can smile at Sendai-san. But I can’t serve with a sour face either. I clench and then open my fist. I lift the corners of my mouth just a bit, making sure not to appear unfriendly. I can’t sound as bright as Mio-san, but I aim not to be too subdued. "…Have you decided on your order?" Standing before Sendai-san, I muster all my effort to utter the standard line.