The Girl Chooses

“You can’t just start crying about everything, you know? At times, a girl has to be strong—”

“Um, excuse me.”

“Oh my, Sajou-kun. I just taught Mina-san about a proper work mentality.”

“Haha, it seems like she stopped crying at least. Thank you very much.”

“It’s fine, it’s fine! It’s for our cute Mina-san after all! The more she smiles, the better!”

“Thanks, but you can leave the rest to me now.”

“Oh…? But, I wanted to talk a bit more with her.”

“Well, you have to take care of your own registering work, so I figured that would be more important.”

“…Well, if you’re that adamant on it.”

Mrs. still seemed to be concerned about Ichinose-san. I don’t know how much she favors her compared to Gramps, but the choice of leaving Ichinose-san alone didn’t exist in her head. Even so, she’s willing to listen to me. Is that expectation? Trust? Either way, the pressure I’m feeling is no joke.

Ichinose-san did stop crying, but she hasn’t uttered a word since. She’s got her eyes cast down as well. Can’t even judge if she was properly listening to Mrs.

“I don’t need you to answer me, just show me that you’re listening.”

“……”

I sat down in front of her. With how introverted she was, having someone in front of her must be uncomfortable. Even so, I have no guilt about this. This desire to be liked by Ichinose-san in any way has completely vanished after all.

“That customer just now sure was a weirdo, right? But, I can tell you that guys like these come to visit at least every three days, even if they might not be on the level of that guy.”

“……” Ichinose-san had her gaze downwards still, but at least shook her head to show that she was listening.

“It makes sense that you wouldn’t be good at dealing with customers in the beginning, you’re not used to it. That can’t be helped, and I can understand why you would be so scared that you’d start cry.”

The head in front of me slowly but steadily was raised, and she gave me a bewildered gaze. Yeah, I don’t think she’ll cry again. I’m sorry about this, okay?

“When you deal with customers who try to give you some logical nonsense as they hammer into you, just do it like I did. Act like you don’t understand anything, like some flashy guy who has no brain at all. There’s a part of him being a man, but they’ll just think that all his high and mighty words won’t work, and give up.”

“Ah…”

“If it’s Ichinose-san, then…yeah, you should look directly at him, like you’re a gal looking for someone to bully. Though I understand that this is difficult.”

This is experience I gained from working part-time at that convenience store. When you act like someone lousy and uncaring, the customer will treat you like you’re below them. It might seem idiotic in the moment, but nobody will bother with you after work is over. Because they think that you’re a pain to deal with it. Of course, if someone actually bothers with you, then you have to pull through with that act.

If anything, guys who take it too seriously and act earnest are the ones who’ll get a bigger earful if they mess up.

“Dealing with customers isn’t easy. Even if they aren’t problematic customers, you might have trouble dealing with them. But, you need to make it past that, otherwise they’ll get angry at you all the time.”

This part-time job is pretty easy. Of course, the pay isn’t exactly high, but you don’t feel the burden of dealing with customers too much. That’s why I don’t feel annoyed or demotivated when heading to work. I definitely won’t be working in customer service in the future.

“—So, to get back on the topic. When can you do that, Ichinose-san?”

“Eh…”

“As I just said, you have to deal with customers in some way, even if it’s just a fake persona. Assuming you’re bad at talking, you have to at least show that you can do it in some way.”

Dealing with customers is a must when it comes to part-time work like this. Most part-time jobs in this world are related to customers in some way or another. If you want to work, you need to acquire this skill. Not being used to it is one thing, but if you even struggle in your private life, then you’re just wasting your time.

“—Can you do it?”

“…Ah…ah…”

She must be unsure how to answer, as her gaze shifted left and right. The reason she sometimes glances at me is probably because she’s expecting some kind words. Ahahaha…This is pissing me off.

If you can’t do it, then that’s it. As long as you’re aware of your strengths and weaknesses, you’re not wrong. The world isn’t naive enough to let you achieve everything with just will alone, yet neither will it accept that fact that you can’t do something. You have your limbs and head to use, so if you can’t even put a strong face, what else is there?

“—If you can’t, then you’re not made out for this kind of work. Put up with the allowance you get from your parents, okay?”

“…!”

I said it with a gentle voice. Must be annoying, right? Yeah, I bet. That’s right, I want to see you blow a fuse. Glare at me. Raise a loud voice.

“There’s no need for high school students to work part-time. Why not quit? That’d make it easier for you.”

“……”

Ichinose-san’s eyes were shaking left and right. I can tell that she’s shaken. An odd feeling of wanting to bully her more was growing inside of me. But, I remembered the expectant gaze from Gramps, and calmed myself down. This isn’t what’s important right now. Don’t act arrogant. You may be an idiot, but you’re still her Senpai. She might be inept, but she still is your Kouhai.

“……”

“……”

Silence reigned. Unable to bear with it, I cast my face down. This lingering, ‘wrong emotion’ finally subsided. However, the anger still existed inside of me. So, I looked at Ichinose-san again.

“……”

“…!”

Ohh? She seems angry. Seems like my words had some effect on her at least. I bet it doesn’t feel great to constantly be on the receiving end like that, huh? Makes sense that you’d be pissed, right? Sorry, but I’m not gonna sit here in silence either.

“…H-He was talking nonsense…This is a second-hand bookstore, not some antiquary bookshop. He should correct his views, yes.”

“Doesn’t mean you can just let him get the upper hand on you.”

“Eeek…!?”

Even if I knew that, my head immediately cooled down after saying it. My voice was much more cold than I would have imagined it to be. Maybe my overly oppressive tone was a bad choice after all. All I have to do is make Ichinose-san choose, not steal her choices. I knew that, and yet…

“That isn’t something you need to worry about. Let’s leave aside if you can do it or not.” I averted my eyes, and continued.

Looking at Ichinose-san right now will just have me blow a fuse. For now, I just have to make Ichinose-san choose if she wants to quit or not.

“No need to think about it in any complicated way. Do you have the desire and ability to deal with customers from here on out, or not. Just use your head to tell me…that’s all I want.”

“Ah…”

In all probability, she won’t give me the answer I expect. If Ichinose-san quit now, nobody will be happy. When she came as a customer, she felt happy to talk with Gramps, which is why she became a regular, right?

“—No.”

“…Eh?”

“—No! …I don’t want to quit!”

“…Eh?”

She glared at me with tears in her eyes. That was the strongest expression I’ve seen from her to date. But, why? I feel like I was pretty much breaking her heart there. She didn’t say anything back, and yet ‘I don’t want to quit’ now? She doesn’t seem that desperate either? What’s going on?

“I-I’ll definitely become able to do it…! So, please don’t make me quit!” While quivering, holding back her tears, Ichinose-san let out a fairly loud voice.

She was on her knees. Let me say it again, she was on her knees, head on the ground, begging.

“—Huh!?”

Eh? Wha!? What is this girl doing!? What’s going on!? I’m sorry, but I’m only a part-time jobber myself!?

“Please, raise your head! I’m begging you!”

What is this guilt I’m feeling right now? It’s strong enough to rip my heart apart. I don’t even get this entire situation too much. Why is she prostrating herself in front of me? Was I that scary? Did I have that much pressure!? Please, just raise your head!

“I-I’m only working part-time here myself, so I can’t make you quit, okay!”

“I-I’ll become able to do it, so…!”

“I get it, I get it! I can see that you’re motivated, so raise your head! This is stupid!”

With these words, Ichinose-san finally raised her head. We exchanged glances, her eyes riddled with anxiety. I nodded a few times, to which her eyes narrowed in relief. If this had continued any longer, I would have forcefully pushed her head up, seriously.

“W-What!? What happened!?”

“Nothing at all! It’s totally fine, store manager! Ichinose-san will continue working here! She’ll be here tomorrow as well! Hooray!”

“R-Really!?”

“Really!”

That..was too close for comfort! One more step, and I would be a Chain Chompa. Also, what did I do to make an introverted girl like her prostrate herself in front of me?! I pretty much deserve a guillotine haircut at this point, right!?

“I-Ichinose-san! If you’re motivated, then let’s try our best tomorrow as well, okay!?”

“Y-Yeshh…”

She gave me a terrified response. I wonder…this feeling inside of me…makes me want to kill myself. Will I be able to make it home safely today…? I might just jump off a bridge if I’m not careful…

“I see…I’m glad to hear that. It’s time already, so you two can head home.”

“Ah, no, I haven’t finished my usual work yet, so I’ll stay behind.”

“Don’t worry, today’s an exception. Just do your best tomorrow. Same goes for Mina-chan, okay?”

“…I-I see. Understood…”

Although Ichinose-san stopped crying, her eyes were still red from the tears. Thankfully Gramps’ wife had seen her cry, but I was still worried that they would all blame me.

“Then…let’s go home for today, Ichinose-san.”

“Y-Yesh…”

Woah, she’s looking at me with a ‘I’ll get scolded if I don’t respond’ look in her eyes. Am I some P.E. class teacher? We’re classmates, remember…Not to mention that we sit right next to each other.

I packed my things, and stepped out of the bookstore, and spotted her leaving.

“I-Ichinose-san? You still have your hairpins in…”

“…Ah!” Ichinose-san nodded.

She took out the hairpins, which resulted in her bangs covering her eyes. I was worried that she couldn’t look in front of her, but at the same time, I was glad that the traces of her tears were gone. Proof successfully hidden…Man, I really am the worst today. If I died now, I definitely won’t be going to heaven. I’d be pulled to hell, kneeling on my knees on a mountain of needles. A blood bath? I can smell the metal.

When we split up, I watched the back of Ichinose-san grow more distant. For some reason, Gramps gently tapped me on the back. Please, not now.

*

I don’t even know when I got home. I took a shower, showed my face in the A/C-blasted living room, and just walked off somewhere. Despite it being noon only, I feel so exhausted…Am I tired?

“Wataru, your phone’s been buzzing for a while now.”

“Ahh…my smartphone, right.”

“Right, that.”

Mom was washing the plates I presumably used to eat before, and told me about my phone going crazy. I feel like I’m constantly correcting her that it’s a smartphone, not any other phone. With my hair still a bit wet from the shower, I unlocked my phone screen. But, it all didn’t feel too real.

‘Huh? Did Wataru read that?’

‘You’re right. He must be working right now though?’

‘Working…sounds tough.’

‘Hmm…He didn’t tell us the details after all~’

It’s the continuation of the conversation I saw before during my break. Natsukawa realized that my read notification popped up. The conversation continued after that. And, they’re still talking right now?

‘I wonder…Does Wataru have time in the afternoon?’

‘Maybe? It’s Sajocchi after all~’

I do, but…Eh, what? Is she going to invite me depending on my convenience? Yeah no way, they wouldn’t invite a boy when they’re having fun.

‘Sajocchi! Let’s go meet Aichi and Ai-chan in the afternoon!’

Are you serious? That is an actual invitation, alright. What should I do about this…I don’t feel like I can put up my usual tension. Leaving aside in the classroom, dealing with girls in my free time still has me nervous. Also, ‘Aichi and Ai-chan’ is a bit annoying, don’t you think.

Alright, let me think this through. If I spend the rest of the day with such a melancholic feeling, I’ll be completely worn out tomorrow. Then, maybe I should take this as a change of pace, and jump into the unordinary. Maybe I should take another shower then, with a strong body soap this time.

‘Tell us when your part.time work is done, okay?’ is what Ashida said, only to add ‘I’m coming over right now!’. It seems like she’s going to take a shower and head over to Natsukawa’s place.

“Ashida…got ahead of me?”

Never thought I’d lose against Ashida when it comes to Natsukawa…Actually, I did. I’m always forced to watch how those two are flirting around after all. But, I’m glad that they’re getting along. You can forget about me, just let me keep watching, okay?

‘Good work, peeps. What are you guys talking about?’

‘Sajocchi! We’re not some company! You overworking yourself?’

‘…So you are working.’

‘Thank you very much, Natsukawa-sama.’

‘Sajocchi, Aichi won’t know how to respond.’

I was planning on nonchalantly joining the conversation, but my dear Goddess suddenly appeared and threw in a comment. What else can I do but give her my honest gratitude. Should I bring my offerings over? Or, does she like cash money more?

‘Sajiwa’

…Hm?

‘Sajo~ When?’

Alright, calm down. Don’t jump up from the bed. Let me buy some sweets from the convenience store first. That’s a good idea. I want to drown in cream. My head’s all sweet inside as well. Just wait a bit, Airi-chan. I’m ready to accept all your energy right now, and repent for my sins.

‘I’ll bring some stuff.’

‘Ai-chan already forgot about Sajocchi after all, lol.’

‘She did remember a while back, but…when I asked her who played with her, she said Iihoshi-san’s name.’

‘No way~’

Airi-chan…? So my rival is Iihoshi-san after all. That is tough.

‘What’d you say for her to remember?’

‘That you had a weird head…’

‘Thank you very much.’

‘Sajocchi. Don’t make Aichi feel sad, will you.’

Why? I’m thankful that she wanted Airi-chan to remember me. Also, Ashida, are you already at Natsukawa’s place? Am I the late one? Can I actually go there now? This feels more like a girls’ gathering at this point, so wouldn’t being there just break the mood? Don’t wanna do any of that.

‘Should I really come?’

This one’s important. I do try to understand a girl’s heart, but I have yet to accomplish that. Even now, they might be like ‘We’re having plenty of fun without you’, so I don’t wanna force myself in there. Right now, it’s just the two girls, right? If I went there without a thought at all, they might hate me for real. That’s why I need to at least ask again.

‘Eh? What are you on about, get your butt over here.’

‘Ah, yeah…’

S-So fast…! Did Natsukawa get scared because of Ashida’s immediate answer and joined in? Eh? Why does this feel so warm? It’s like I was stupid for asking. Like, they’ll get angry if I don’t go there? That surprised me…like Ichinose-san before…Ah, I remembered something I’d rather not have.

‘Huh? You’re coming, right?’

‘Yeah yeah, on my way~’

‘Alright!’

I-Is it just my imagination? I feel like the atmosphere around me suddenly heated up, despite us talking over messages like this…Nothing bad will happen, right? Ashida-san can be pretty scary after all. With what happened before, I might have ended up with a trauma related to female classmates…Haha, hahahaha. No, I don’t mind it.