I (30), Who Works for a Black Company and Died While Regretting My Gloomy Life, Started Over From High School!
Chapter 116: Shinichiro and Haruka, Currently at Work

“The Case of the Dependable Junior I Believed In Getting All Lovey-Dovey with an Idol-Level Cute Girlfriend in Full View”

“Seriously, I feel the irrationality of the world. Was it Shijouin-san? I get that she’s cute, but don’t go pulling her into our workplace, damn it.”

“How much good karma did you accumulate in your past life to have such a girlfriend? Were you a Buddha or something?”

Amidst the young male part-time workers engaged in rearranging the bookstore section:

As everyone diligently swapped books, the surrounding seniors began muttering resentful remarks, as if cursing the unfairness of the world.

For some reason, it felt like there were quite a few male high school and college students working here without girlfriends.

“Well, I didn’t actually introduce her to the workplace, and she’s not my girlfriend,” I explained to my older colleagues, denying the false claims.

“Argh! There it is! The big lie is out! With all that lovey-dovey stuff going on, how can she not be your girlfriend?”

“You don’t have to be so embarrassed about it. When you talked to her, she reacted like a dog meeting its beloved owner, wagging her tail and all. With that level of intimacy, it’s hard to believe she’s not your girlfriend.”

Well, from Haruka’s perspective, considering she only knows me in this unfamiliar workplace, it’s true that her expression of joy is more intense when she sees me than usual. But…

“Ah… um, sorry about that, Niihama,” I said as I suddenly heard my name being called.

Turning my gaze towards the voice, the apologetic figure beside me was Nanba-senpai, the college student who had asked Haruka for her contact information.

“I didn’t know, but even so, I shouldn’t have hit on your girlfriend right in front of you… I’m not sure why Substitute Manager got so mad though…”

The regular staff of this store, let alone the part-timers, seem unaware that Shijouin-san is the heiress of the main company’s president.

While many might know the name Shijouin as a prestigious household, it appears they haven’t connected it to the high school girl who started working here.

Well, even if someone named Mitsubushi or Sumitomo walked into my workplace, I wouldn’t immediately assume they come from a super elite background. I’d probably just think they have similar names.

“No, I didn’t know either, and as long as you don’t keep repeating it, it’s fine. Well, if you’re planning to keep hitting on that girl, I might have to challenge you to a duel,” I joked.

“Eek! I-I understand! I won’t do it anymore, seriously! Going after someone else’s girlfriend is just totally out of line!”

Though I meant it as a joke, Nanba-senpai seemed excessively terrified and kept apologizing.

…Did I really look that scary?

“Hey, watch out. Niihama’s not smiling.”

“He’s so intense about his girlfriend, it’s scary… Is he a yandere or something?”

Even though he’s not saying it so bluntly… well, considering my fixation on Haruka, I can’t really argue or deny that.

Others have said it before, but I can’t deny the weight of my feelings.

(Well, in any case, whether I argue or not, they’ve completely pegged us as a couple… Well, denying it at this point seems pointless, so let’s just go along with it.)

Considering I’ve also been appointed as Haruka’s caregiver at work, thinking of us as a boyfriend-girlfriend pair might actually make things easier. Plus, it’s a good way to discourage workplace flirting.

(Still… it’s kind of embarrassing when everyone around us assumes we’re a couple…)

The two of us as a couple, working together, supporting each other through the challenges of the job — the current situation is somewhat similar to a plot often seen in shoujo manga. Realizing this, I absentmindedly scratched my cheek.

(Well, though… having Haruka around really boosts my motivation.)

I hadn’t anticipated this turn of events, but since we’re in the same workplace anyway, I might as well work harder to show Haruka my cool side.

With the combination of work enthusiasm and a budding romantic interest as my motivation, I felt even more determined. Meanwhile, the male part-timers were observing me with looks that seemed to say, “See, your girlfriend’s here, and your energy’s skyrocketing, right?”

“The process of making drinks is clearly outlined in the manual, and anyone can create them by following the steps. However, even with a few orders accumulated, I sometimes find myself getting anxious and losing track of those routine steps.”

(No matter how busy it gets, making mistakes isn’t allowed, and taking too much time is also frowned upon… It’s really nerve-wracking!)

What I’ve come to understand since starting this part-time job is that there’s a significant responsibility that comes with getting paid for work, and mistakes are generally not tolerated.

The workplace operates under the premise that everyone efficiently completes their assigned tasks, and even a slight mistake can inconvenience colleagues and customers.

(Even though it’s a simple task, my capacity fills up quickly, while Shinichirou-kun can manage so many tasks efficiently! I can’t believe we’re the same age!)

Standing together in the same workplace, I once again realized Shinichirou-kun’s high capabilities.

Not only his versatility in handling various tasks but also his strength in remaining composed and choosing the best course of action even in the busiest situations truly surprised me.

The work I’m entrusted with isn’t particularly complex. Yet, I sometimes get so nervous and fear making mistakes that my mind goes blank…

(As I expected, work isn’t easy. But…)

As I worked, I stole a glance at the customer area.

Girls around middle school age were eagerly sipping on Cafe Mochas topped with whipped cream and chocolate syrup, their faces lighting up with delight as they hesitantly took their first sips.

The thought that the drinks I made were bringing a little happiness to their holidays filled me with a sense of fulfillment.

It wasn’t just about satisfying the customers; it was also about feeling that I’d contributed to the workplace and my colleagues—stretching it a bit further, even to society.

Though it’s a really simple job that even a high school student can do, the fact that I could handle it made me proud and genuinely happy.

“Thank you for waiting! Here are the two regular Espressos, one Blueberry Scone, and the Waffle with Chocolate Topping!”

With a smile, I handed a tray with drinks and food to two university-looking guys at the order pickup counter.

With that order done for now…

“Wow, hey! This girl is seriously cute!”

“Whoa?! Hey, she’s amazing! Hey, um, are you in high school? If you’re free, how about joining us—”

“Um…”

Suddenly approached by customers, I was at a loss for words.

To be honest, I’ve encountered situations like this numerous times at school.

I understood that this was about trying to connect and ask for contact information. However, for some reason, those who approach me are way too casual and it honestly makes me uncomfortable.

But right now, I’m in a workplace, and these are customers.

In this situation, I don’t know the best response, and just as I’m frozen…

“Dear customers, thank you very much for visiting today!”

(W-What, Shinichirou-kun?!)

Rushing over with a burst of speed, Shinichirou-kun stood in front of the two guys, partially blocking me, and with a beaming smile, he half-shouted his words.

Surprised by this unexpected interruption, the two guys who had approached me seemed taken aback as well.

“Today’s Espresso uses beans from Colombia! It has a delicate sweetness and a mild acidity, offering a very enjoyable flavor profile. Please do give it a try!”

With a smile, Shinichiro-kun energetically explained the coffee like a salesperson. However, due to his overwhelming smile and barrage of words, the two customers seemed completely deflated.

“Uh, no… We were just here to talk to this girl…”

“Yes, how can I assist you? I handle the drinks, so feel free to tell me anything!”

“Huh, uhh…?”

In the face of Shinichirou-kun’s confidently declared words that seemed to pressurize the situation, the attention of the surrounding customers turned toward us.

In this atmosphere, I felt like I couldn’t say anything anymore. The two guys exchanged puzzled looks, murmuring, “Hey, let’s just go…” and “Yeah, right…” as they grabbed the tray with drinks and food and headed back to their seats.

“Um… Thank you, Shinichirou-kun.”

“Oh no, this is a duty for the male staff. Well, I was hoping to handle it more smoothly, but I got too flustered and my approach ended up a bit forceful…”

While I believe I handled it gracefully, Shinichiro-kun seemed dissatisfied that his intervention had garnered the attention of the surrounding customers.

In normal circumstances, it would take quite some courage for adults to address customers. But Shinichirou-kun’s ability to casually step in like a pro in these situations is a testament to his true inner strength.

“Ugh, sorry! I left my own job and rushed over!”

Saying this, Shinichirou-kun quickly left the scene.

Since I started this part-time job, Shinichirou-kun has been assigned as my mentor, providing me with support and guidance.

Even though I constantly feel embarrassed by my own inexperience and reliance on friends from work, at the same time, each time he helps me, I can’t help but feel a strangely sweet and fluffy sensation.

“…Thank you very much, Shinichirou-kun.”

Unintentionally, these words slipped from my heart and were whispered out.

It seemed that everyone at the counter heard it, as the staff around me directed amused smiles at me… Somehow, I felt a bit embarrassed.

(TLN) Having tech difficulties. Wont be able to fill up the queue today like I wanted. Will have to work at it over the week. Managed to get one out of every series though.