Chapter 64Onee-san (Strong)
(TL Note: This is the beginning of Part Three)
My part-time job to earn extra cash during summer vacation continued. I was able to learn most of the details of the job within a week, probably because it was a small, privately-owned second-hand bookstore. I guess, the experience I gained from the part-time job I did secretly back in middle school came in handy. In this case, I was good at office work, but it was a different story to say, "Then just join the student council...". I thought it was an advantage, but now I feel like it was just an afterthought... Office work, yeah, let's take care of office work first. There doesn't seem to be much responsibility. I think I'd rather be physically active than mentally one.
I changed my mind and arrived at this second-hand bookstore. As I greeted Grandpa Shopkeeper, I heard an unfamiliar sound in my ears. He decided to play music in the shop to make use of the pop-up I had installed. This bookstore now felt more like a CD rental shop, but was that right? ...And it was indeed a trending song too.
As I was sorting through the books I bought with a feeling of discomfort, I realized that my hands were moving at a very agile pace. What a great J-Pop, I'll probably put in earphones on the way home for the first time.
"Ah... Um, Mr. Shopkeeper. Where do you keep the CDs?"
"..."
The music we played quickly backfired. Many people misunderstood. Oh, no... ...Should I put up a new pop-up? I never thought that I would see the day when pop music would control J-Pop. Is this a second-hand bookstore? This is indeed a second-hand bookstore.
I was cutting colored cardboard at the cash register when no customers came, then suddenly my shoulder was tapped on the counter. Is that a customer? It could be a problem because some book lovers don't talk at all, they should talk to me.
"Yeah, welcome — Eh?"
"Hello, Sajou-san."
"Um..."
Her graceful smile and the overflowing aura of a mature Onee-san. A strange feeling that she was on her way to campus. That priceless smile doesn't change, no matter how many times you see it.
─ ─ Sasaki-san, a female student, jumped out!
She's not suddenly jumped out, is she? I hope she doesn't just jump out around. Can't I jump out myself? Sasaki-san seems so gentle... Haha, I feel guilty just thinking about it.
Her outfit today consisted of a cool trouser look, different from the last time I saw her in waving clothes. She wore a cream-colored jacket made of thin fabric, which made me think that she was wearing formal clothes, but it was sleeveless and her shoulders were visible, and my eyes were drawn to her smooth white arms.
When I saw her in front of me, she was very beautiful... ...and the sparkle on her shoulders was so bright that you'd think they were blinding rays of light being blown... ...This second-hand bookstore could easily explode. I'm sorry, Grandpa.
"Long time no see, Sasaki-san. It was a week ago, I guess. You stopped by the second-hand bookstore. Do you often read books?"
"It's been a long time since I've been here — Yeah, reading is my hobby, so I always bring some books with me."
"I didn't expect to see you again here, do you live nearby?"
Hmm, no, wait a minute. Why would you ask a girl where she lives? How could a beautiful girl like her live her whole life without being wary of guys? The words are out, this b*stard I am must be hated by her now!
"Yeah, that's right."
...H-Huh? That's a very good answer... but wait a minute, what's with this smile, isn't it too innocent? Is it possible for such a beautiful girl to grow up this smoothly after being exposed to the curious eyes of those b*stard boys in middle school and high school? Hey, hey, hey! It's not like I've left the current era of Japan! A new era has begun!
"I heard that you were working part-time before, but I didn't expect you to be working at this bookstore. I'm very happy to see you again."
"I'm the one who's happy here, Sasaki-san. You seem much more mature than before. Are you on your way to your campus today?"
"I-I'm embarrassed that you think I'm mature... ...but my school doesn't feel like a college, you know?"
Sasaki-san looked bashful... I wonder how many bowls of rice I can finish now. I'm also more excited when I think of all the hotties who've confessed their feelings for her, then just disappeared, and my chopsticks went even further. Guehehehe.
"...Eh, is that so?"
"Yeah, because it's a girls-only one, ...so it doesn't feel like it's too open to the public."
What... did you just say? Sasaki-san is not only a "beautiful college student" but she's also a "beautiful college student at a girls-only university"? What's with that trademarked name, I feel like I'm going to get charged just for touching her shoulder! ...How much is it?
"So that's it... ...Is that why Sasaki-san became this mature and smooth white? I'm sure it is."
"Fufufu, I'm used to it. Sajou-san is quick to praise me, huh."
"Guhh."
I couldn't help but groan. What, am I that bad...? Because it was so blatant, I felt like my whole body was being cleaned. I thought I was the one who had disappeared... Grandfather, your part-time employee will disappear from today. I'm so sorry.
....Huh, you seem to have a lot of free time, Sasaki-san. I know that, but she doesn't seem to think of me as a guy at all. She thinks of me more like a "younger high school boy". That's great because I'll be spoiled but... no, what are you thinking? You're a shop assistant now, and at least don't forget your manners.
As I pushed away my evil thoughts and turned to Sasaki-san, she suddenly turned serious and bowed her head to me.
"Once again, thank you for saving Kou-kun — my little bro the other day. Thanks to you, Sajou-san, he didn't end up in trouble. As you said, I also checked his school bag and didn't find any particular scratches and I feel very relieved."
Oh, ooh... ...What? Your little bro... ...Ah, you mean Kouta-kun? Sasaki-san's mature charm made me forget the memories of our first meeting. Well, come to think of it, I've done something good, right?
If he becomes a hikikomori* at an early age, it will affect his future life in middle school. It would be bad enough if he became awkward at school and people started whispering behind his back. It's hard to believe that his middle school life would be so depressing when he was in elementary school.
(TL Note: Hikikomori is the Japanese term for the phenomenon among teenagers or young adults in Japan who withdraw and shut themselves away from social life).
"I think Sajou-san's presence is very important to him. Today, he also played outside. He told me that he would stay away from quiet places."
"Well, I'm sure he knows firsthand how scary it is and I'm glad to hear that. I don't think it's because of me, besides, I don't think this incident will lead him in a worse direction."
"Yeah, I hope so too. I'm ashamed to say that... ...I haven't talked much with guys before, so I've learned a lot too."
"What?"
She's never talked much to a guy before, she said. You're a pretty sheltered girl... No, no, of course not. If I were her father, I would keep her away from boys. I would also never believe a girl who says, "I'll marry Papa when I grow up!" Because she's the type of person who accepts without hesitation. If I wanted to, I would make her write a marriage license and keep it (crazy).
"How do I say this... ...you must be very dear to your parents."
"T-That's true, but they are overprotective."
But she didn't seem to get shy of me. Is it because she's a college student? After all, at that age, you'll level up from being just a mere student, right? Both good and bad characters mature with age. College students are also students, but unlike high school students, they have to do things on their own, I guess they don't have time to be afraid of high school boys.
"So—"
This second-hand bookstore was usually empty of customers. Thanks to this, I was able to talk to Sasaki-san even though we were across the cashier counter. Although I couldn't keep up with her on the topic of books, she was considerate enough to open up a conversation with me in a casual manner. What's with this hug-like feeling...? It makes me feel like I'm surrounded by a sweet scent while standing in front of her...
No, it's not good... When you stand in front of me, I can see pretty big thingies, you know? What's that again? Is it a hidden message that says, "Come here anytime"? If I were to ask seriously, I think, she would hug me with a troubled look on her face, and also give off an immoral impression...
No, this Onee-san is indeed dangerous. I feel like I'll be swallowed up if I stay like this... It's a bit regrettable, but I'll tell her that we've gotten too close...
"Ah, Sajou-san... There's dust in your hair..."
"..."
Will you be my Mom for a while?
Author's Note: Ah?
TL: Reeze27
ED: Reeze27
PR: Reeze27
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