Chapter 21: The passing routine

Translator: Soafp

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The game was over, and the peaceful life was continued.

　I was afraid that my daily routine would be disrupted because of what happened with Sumika at the ball game, but nothing special happened, and I am living a peaceful life again.

　It’s after school now, and I’ve just arrived at the coffee shop where I work part-time.

　–Karan-karan

　When I open the door, there are a few customers I recognize at the seats and a reluctant old man at the counter.

“Hello.”

“Hi, Shota-kun. Welcome, Mizuki. Do you want usual blend today?”

“Hello, Makoto. Yes, Please.”

　Come to think of it, one thing has changed. It is that Miyamoto-san likes the coffee shop where I work part-time and visits as a customer quite often.

She likes the relaxed atmosphere and says, “I’ve been longing for a coffee shop with this kind of mature atmosphere for a while.” When they first came here, Yuki and Obata were also present, and I didn’t like the idea of them seeing me working, but since this is the fifth time Miyamoto-san has been here, I no longer feel anything.

“Ah, may I study for a moment? I have an exam coming up soon.”

Yes. That’s fine. Would you prefer to sit in the back?”

“Oh, yes. Thank you very much.”

After such conversation between my master, Makoto-san, and Miyamoto-san, she went to a seat at the back of the restaurant and began to open her notebook. I wonder if this kind of calm place is more conducive to studying. Since there are only a few groups of regulars here now, …… or rather, the seats don’t fill up too much, there is nothing wrong with studying. …… Maybe I’ll ask next time and study here for a bit too …….

　Thinking about this, I call out to Makoto who is getting ready to make coffee.

“I’m going to go change my clothes.”

“Yes …… Ah, Shota, are you doing well in your studies for the exam? I’m fine on my own, so you can study with Mizuki, okay?”

“Thank you very much. I’m fine. I’m not in such a tight spot.”

“Is that so? If that’s the case, that’s fine.”

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When I returned home after quickly changing, the coffee seemed to have just been made, so I carried it to the seat where Miyamoto-san was sitting.

“Your coffee blend.”

“Ah, thank you. Ishikawa-kun.”

When I looked over to see which subject she was studying, I saw that she was studying ancient Japanese literature.

“Ishikawa-kun, are you going to be okay for the exam?”

“Well, I think I can manage. ….I mean, Miyamoto-san seems to have more time on your hands than I do. You were also greeting new students.”

“Yes……, I’m kind of bad at liberal arts subjects.”

Then she turns her open notebook toward me. The notebook is neatly organized and does not seem to belong to someone who claims to be bad at it……. Well, I don’t know about the difference in notes between those who are bad ancient subject and those who are good at it. However, I thought it was the notebook of someone who seemed to be good at studying.

“Heh,……, so you’re going to go into science in your sophomore year?”

“Yes and you, Ishikawa-kun?”

“Hmmm, haven’t decided yet.”

“I see. ……”

“There’s still time to decide. Well, good luck with your studies.”

“Oh, yeah. I’ll be done in a little bit.”

“Yes. I understand.”

Is there something about it that I don’t understand? Miyamoto-san immediately looked down at her notebook.

　Returning to the counter, Makoto-san spoke to me.

“At this time of the year, is this your first time taking the test?”

“Yes, it is. It’s the mid-term exam for the first semester.”

“How nice, exams ……. It’s very student-like.”

“On the student side, though, it’s not a good event at all.”

“I know, but I think Shota will feel the same way when you reach my age.”

“I guess so. ……”

　When there is nothing to do, we often chat like this. If there are customers who are not here today but are sitting at the counter, I sometimes talk with them as well. Miyamoto-san is one of them, as she is usually sitting at the counter.

“Oh, ……, should I go to the kitchen?”

“Aah, right. If there’s an accumulation of dishes, wash them.”

“Yes”

　I head toward the kitchen, as I am told that there may be work to be done.

　When I get to the kitchen, I take out the triangular cloth in the pocket of my uniform. I still can’t get used to this moment, since my bangs have been covering my eyes for so long lately. As my hair goes in and I put on the triangular hood, my vision opens up and brightens.

“Hello, Michiko.”

“Ah, Shota-kun, hello.”

“Uhm….”

“Aah, I was just washing it, so it’s all good now.”

“It seems so. I understand. Then, I’ll go back.”

　There’s no point in staying forever when there’s nothing to do, so I remove my triangular hood and lower my bangs at the entrance to the kitchen.

“Such a waste…. ….Aah, sorry”

“Don’t be, it’s okay”

When I first walked into the kitchen, Michiko said, “Why do you keep your hair so long? It’s a waste,” but Michiko seemed to have guessed that there was something going on, and Michiko didn’t say it so much anymore.

　When I went back to the counter, a customer was just about to leave, so I took care of the cash register.

　……, I didn’t know how to do the checkout, but I tried it once, it was pretty easy, and I thought that everything is an experience.

　After I finished, I went back to the counter. I glanced at Miyamoto-san and saw that she had her notebook and problem book open and looked distressed about something.

　Exams huh……. There’s only about a week left until the exam. Me and Miyamoto-san don’t do club activities, so we have a good amount of time to study for it……. No, Miyamoto-san said she had to help out at home, so I guess she doesn’t have that much time. …… I don’t know, but I’m more worried about the other two who are involved in club activities since Miyamoto-san is even doing the new student greeting.

Are they going to be okay? …… Well, I don’t think they will get any red marks.……

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