SCPK 74

 Chapter 74

 Part-Time Job ③

“That’s why I need your help.”

After finishing our meal and relaxing, Seiya came up to us, clasped his hands, puffed out his chest, and made the request in person.
Not exactly the posture of someone asking politely.

“What’s going on?”
“We’re short on staff because of sick leaves, bereavement leave, and tardiness. I need you for about two hours. The manager will cover the cost of today’s meal.”

Wait, the manager is paying? Moonlight and I exchanged glances and nodded.
It wasn’t our first time working here. Both Moonlight and I had helped out two or three times before. “Helping” would be a more accurate word than “working.” I’d once covered for Seiya suddenly going to Mizusato-san’s family home in mid-July.
But Moonlight and I had never worked together.
Well, if helping out a friend means free food, why not?

When we went to the staff room together, a woman from the hall was waiting.

“So, you’re here.”
“Ah, Mei-san, hello!”
“Kamigami’s younger sister and… um…”
“Yamada.”
“Yes, that’s it! You’ll handle the hall, and you handle the dishes.”

She didn’t even call out her name first.
Her name is Mei Kisaragi. She’s the part-time leader here and a university student. She’d taught me a lot when I came last time.
Her lilac-colored hair was dyed, and I think she mentioned she was a vocalist in a band.

“So, is your friend Kamigami still popular?”
“Well… maybe a little less than before, but people still like him.”

Mei ran her hands through her long lilac hair. Not quite as long as Moonlight’s, but it was a nice length.
She wore a confident expression.

“I’ve known him for over a year, but I am not in love with him. Yes, I am a woman who will not fall for him!”

She’s beautiful, but… she’s also pretty eccentric. She was like this last time too.

Then Seiya entered the staff room.

“Mei, get out here, the customers are increasing.”
“Don’t tell me what to do.”

Seiya said it himself: Mei is good at her job. Of course, she’s the part-time leader…
But watching them, it’s clear they argue quite a bit. But as soon as the automatic door opens and customers come in:

““Welcomeーー!””

Both Seiya and Mei beamed at the customers. So much for the earlier bickering—looks like sibling rivalry.

“Taiyo-san!”

Moonlight, having finished changing, showed me her female hall uniform.

“What do you think…?”

Male hall uniforms are primarily black, but the female ones are white aprons with skirts—a pure, clean image.
There’s no question—she’s absolutely adorable. Could such a cute employee exist?

“I should’ve brought a camera.”
“Ahaha…”

Her chestnut hair tied back, Moonlight twirled once.

“It’s my first time working with you, Taiyo-san, so I’m looking forward to it.”
“Only for about two hours, but let’s do our best.”

I handled washing dishes and carrying tableware. The restaurant has a specific way of doing things, and I’m not suited for customer service.
Moonlight’s memory made her perfect for the hall work. But she had one problem…

“Hey, staff! Give me your contact!”
“When did you start working here!?”
“Do you have a boyfriend?”

Moonlight couldn’t really work here because she’s too popular.
Any place would explode with customers seeing such a cute worker. When she helped last time, the customers surged, and everyone asked where that cute employee was.
Even Seiya struggled with female customers, but Moonlight would be even worse.

During our break in the staff room, smiling Seiya and Moonlight came in. As soon as they sat down, their expressions went blank.
This brother-sister duo is really good at fake smiles.

“It’s a transformation worth recording on video.”
“I’m tired… the work is fine, but being approached by customers is awful.”
“Sorry. Usually they go to Mei…”

Mei is beautiful, but Moonlight is in another league. She gets approached, handed her contact, and even confessed to by strangers. Really tough.

We were supposed to work only two hours, but it was already around 9 PM, and Seiya’s shift lasted until 10, so we continued until leaving together. Tomorrow is a day off, so no problem.

“Customer flow has slowed. The night shift can handle it. Thanks, both of you.”

Mei also came in to coordinate. At this stage, Moonlight and I didn’t need to go out front anymore.
Even if we earned dinner money, it was tiring.

“If you want to work again, come by. I’ll recommend you to the manager.”

Maybe we’ll ask if we can’t find another part-time job. Either way, it’ll be after graduation.

“Mei-san is amazing. She stays composed even when men approach her. I admire that.”

Moonlight’s sincere gaze made Mei blush and step back a little.

“I wasn’t always used to it. Experience matters.”
“I wish I had a cool older sister like Mei-san.”
“Hey, I want a little sister like Kamigami’s sister.”

I can understand that. I also wanted a sister like Moonlight.

“Then you should date Seiya. Then you’d have a little sister.”
“Hmph!”

Mei snorted.

“Too bad, I’m not interested in Kamigami. I’ll never fall for him!”
“Idiot.”

Seiya’s exasperated voice ended the conversation perfectly.

◇◇◇

Moonlight, Seiya, and I walked home. Today, Seiya would leave midway.

“It’s getting cold.”

Moonlight exhaled, warming her pale hands. Gloves weren’t necessary yet, but nights were chilly.
It’s already past 10 PM.

“December is almost here. Another year ends… and we’ll be third-years soon.”
“Time flies. Half of high school is already over.”

Seiya and I felt nostalgic. In the third year, we’d need to study for college entrance exams and probably attend prep school.
Things couldn’t continue like before.
At least helping out with part-time jobs like this would be impossible.

“Taiyo-san, you and Onii-chan… don’t make that face.”

Moonlight grabbed our hands and stood between us.
Her hands were freezing, but holding hands warmed us.

“Don’t just think about time passing—let’s enjoy Christmas, New Year, the winter trip… all of it together!”

Moonlight’s chestnut hair shone beautifully under the streetlights. Her face was gentle and mesmerizing.
Seiya walking beside us also looked kind. Right… there’s still so much to enjoy. We need to fully savor our first and last high school years.

“Seiya, there’s a Christmas party in December! Can’t wait!”
“Yeah, that’s right.”

The three of us walked home together, happily.