"Nishikata, are you here for a drink and a rest too?"
Takagi stood at the entrance of the kitchen, holding a disposable cup. She had just taken a sip when she noticed Nishikata walking towards her.
Nishikata stopped in his tracks, shook his head, and got straight to the point:
"No, I'm here to ask if Miyamura can come out to deliver an order."
"What's going on?" Takagis gaze went past Nishikata and landed on Kawai Miki, who was sitting at table five.
She had been paying attention, and hearing him say this, she guessed the general reason. Still, she was a bit surprised at how bold (or clueless) Nishikata was.
Wasn't he afraid of being beaten to death by Shouko with a spatula the moment he entered the kitchen?
"That person specifically requested Miyamura, and it seems she's a friend of Miyamura and Nishimiya, so I just wanted to ask. If not, it's fine."
Nishikata didn't understand her half-smiling, half-not expression.
"Alright then, you can go ask him." Takagi suppressed the corners of her mouth that wanted to curl up.
Putting everything else aside, she was looking forward to the expressions on Miyamura and Shouko's faces when Nishikata went in to ask. Wasn't this indirectly messing with all three of them?
She silently apologized to Shouko in her heart and moved away from the entrance, making it convenient for Nishikata to lift the curtain and walk in.
"Okay."
Nishikata walked forward without hesitation, lifted the blue curtain that read Staff Only, Do Not Enter with one hand, and stepped inside.
Takagi chose not to follow him in, but instead lifted half of the curtain to observe the three of them.
"Nishikata, why did you come in? Is there something wrong with the food?"
As soon as Akira Miyamura said this, he naturally attracted the attention of everyone in the kitchen.
"No, I just need to talk to you about something."
Nishikata waved his hand, and the others withdrew their gazes, continuing to busy themselves. After all, their tasks weren't finished yet, and as long as it wasn't a complaint, it was fine.
"What is it?" Akira handed his serving task to a girl beside him and walked over, asking in confusion.
Shouko, seeing that he had something to talk to Akira about, naturally couldn't suppress her curiosity. She walked over too, pretending to drink water while trying to eavesdrop (and watch).
"Hm…" Nishikata thought of that girl, organized his thoughts, and then slowly began:
"It's just that there's someone outside who says she's your friend and wants to specifically order your omurice."
He noticed Shouko leisurely drinking water nearby and swallowed the word heart that was about to come out.
"Friend?" ×2
Akira glanced helplessly at Shouko, who had also spoken in confusion, and waved her over.
He understood what she meant. Instead of letting her eavesdrop from the side, it was better to let her listen directly. Anyway, she didn't have any orders right now.
"Yeah, she said she was the Class Monitor when you and Nishimiya were in sixth grade." Nishikata scratched the back of his head.
"Could it be she's not…?"
"Can I say yes?" Akira lightly nudged Shouko, who looked like she wanted to stab someone, with his shoulder.
Shouko didn't speak, but stared intently at him. Her meaning was already very clear.
She had already thought it through: if Nishikata's fried rice was made by her later, she'd "accidentally" put in too much salt…
And of course, there was the one in front of her who was messing around. When the time came, she'd definitely steal half of his ingredients.
"Nishikata, could you please tell her that I'm busy?" Akira confirmed his hands were clean, raised his hand to shield himself from Shouko's murderous glare, and requested.
"Okay." Nishikata nodded, assuming this was just their usual banter. He turned around and walked out.
When Nishikata exited, he didn't see Takagi, who had been resting and drinking water earlier, so he went straight towards table five.
As for Takagi, since she hadn't seen the scene she wanted, she returned to work.
It was a shame. She had hoped to see Shouko pick up a spatula and swing it at Nishikata. Honestly, she had been looking forward to it.
"I see…" Kawai Miki looked disappointed, but reminded herself there was still one more day tomorrow, so she might have another chance.
She hesitated, then asked:
"Then… then… then… how will that standee at your entrance be handled after it's over? Can it be sold?"
"Regarding the standee at the entrance, it was already agreed that it can only be sold or given away with the person's consent. You can ask Miyamura about it then."
Nishikata just wanted to escape now. He realized Akira hadn't been flirting with Shouko—he had actually saved him from certain death.
"Alright then." Kawai Miki stood up, gave him some random excuse, and left.
Nishikata stood rooted to the spot, only letting out a sigh of relief once she was gone.
Within a few minutes, a girl with long black hair walked in. It was Ueno Naoka. Unfortunately for Nishikata, she was also seated at his section.
"Hello, here is our menu."
"Okay, thank you." Ueno Naoka took it, got straight to the point:
"I want to order that requested heart omurice."
"Okay, Master, which maid or butler would you like to request?" Nishikata skillfully pulled out a notebook and pen.
"Miyamura Akira." Ueno Naoka said without hesitation.
"…"
Nishikata's hand paused mid-writing, and he quickly drew two lines over the order for table five.
"Master, Miyamura has gone to be busy and might not be back for a while."
"It's okay, I can wait."
"Hm…" Nishikata was at a loss for words.
"Miyamura was called by a teacher to help out with the track and field club, so he likely won't be back today."
Takagi, unable to stand it any longer, walked forward to explain—while poking Nishikata from behind.
"Alright then…" Ueno Naoka nodded regretfully. Just as she was about to ask another question, Takagi cut in:
"I'm very sorry. The standee at the entrance can only be given away or sold with the person's consent."
"Alright then…" Ueno Naoka didn't push further. She took her bun and left.
"Phew…" Nishikata let out a deep breath: "Thanks, Takagi."
"You're welcome." Takagi Sana left it at that and turned back to work.
Time flew by, and soon it was noon. Miyamura Shizuka walked in, holding the hand of Nishimiya Yuzuru, who was frantically taking pictures at the entrance.
"Auntie, should I go call Miyamura and Shouko-chan out?" Takagi asked in confusion.
They had seen Akira's mother a few times but hadn't interacted much. Still, everyone recognized the little black-haired girl she was holding.
It was Shouko's cute younger sister.
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