Chapter 42: Smile

Reading Settings

Translator: Soafp

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“A hair salon?” (Natsu)

“I figured I should at least look nice for the entrance ceremony. Do you have any recommendations or a regular place you go to?” (Sakura)

“Hmm, well, I recently did an interview at a place that had a good vibe, and they gave me a discount coupon. Wanna check it out? The manager is a bit… unique though.” (Natsu)

“Unique?” (Sakura)

“Yeah! The kind of person you won’t forget once you meet.” (Natsu)

“…But it’s still your recommendation, right?” (Sakura)

“Don’t worry, it’s fine. The atmosphere was great, and the staff was really attentive.” (Natsu)

“Alright, maybe I’ll give it a shot then.” (Sakura)

“Okay, hang on a sec. Ah, here it is! This is the place.” (Natsu)

“Metamorphose?” (Sakura)

“Yep. Go ahead, Sakura-chan, transform into a sophisticated woman!” (Natsu)

“Is Gokiso close by?” (Sakura)

“Walking might take a bit, but you want to go before the entrance ceremony, right? I've got work, so maybe Haru-kun could give you a ride?” (Natsu)

(Going on a date with your sister, doesn't that sound cute?)

I don't quite get that feeling.

“Hmm? I want to figure things out on my own, so I’ll go by myself. That's what a grown woman would do, right?” (Sakura)

“Oh, that’s true!” (Natsu)

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Found it, this is the place.

“Excuse me, I have a reservation under Furukawa.” (Sakura)

“Ah, yes, we've been expecting you. I'm Matsuo, the manager. You were referred by Nimi-chan, right?” (Matsuo)

“Yes, that’s right. Thank you for having me.” (Sakura)

“Likewise, thank you for coming. No specific stylist requested, correct?” (Matsuo)

“I’ll leave it up to you.” (Sakura)

“Leave it to me then. Today's stylist is new here, but she's got a lot of experience, so you're in good hands. Akiho-chan, please take care of her.” (Matsuo)

“Wait, what?” (Sakura)

“Thanks for waiting! I’ll be your stylist for today… Sakura?” (Akiho)

“Huh? You two know each other?” (Matsuo)

“Yes, our families are neighbors.” (Akiho)

“Akiho-chan, didn't you say your family was from Chiba? So, you must have moved here for university?” (Matsuo)

“…Yes.” (Akiho)

“Alright then, Akiho-chan, I’ll leave it to you.” (Matsuo)

“Got it.” (Akiho)

“So, you came here too, huh?” (Akiho)

“That’s my line. Did you come all the way here chasing after Nii-san? You’re like a stalker.” (Sakura)

“Ara, how rude. I came here to become a hair and makeup artist. The owner of my last salon introduced me to this manager.” (Akiho)

“Is that so? Then I assume you didn't come here to see Nii-san or Onee-chan, right?” (Sakura)

“Who knows? But it doesn't concern you, Sakura.” (Akiho)

“Please, don't cause Nii-san any more pain.” (Sakura)

“Cause him pain? Me? To Haruto?” (Akiho)

“Do you not remember what you did?” (Sakura)

“Oh, I remember. But, Sakura, everyone makes mistakes, don't they?” (Akiho)

“That's just an excuse abusers use!” (Sakura)

“I don’t have time to argue with you. I'm working, after all. So, what will it be today?” (Akiho)

“…” (Sakura)

“Don’t worry, I'll do my job properly. How about we cut it shorter and give it a lighter look? You have beautiful black hair, but it gives a bit of a heavy impression. A lighter look would make you seem more approachable.” (Akiho)

“…I'll leave it up to you.” (Sakura)

“Are you sure?” (Akiho)

“I was planning to let you decide from the start.” (Sakura)

“Okay, then look forward to the results.” (Akiho)

---

“This is great! It looks so good on you, Sakura-chan. You've completely changed your look!” (Natsu)

“R-Really?” (Sakura)

“Yeah, yeah. That serious look is gone, and now you seem much more approachable. Looks like you had a great stylist!” (Natsu)

“…It was Akiho-san.” (Sakura)

“Eh?” (Natsu)

“Akiho-san was the one who did it.” (Sakura)

“Akiho was there?” (Natsu)

“Yeah, she said she came to become a hair and makeup artist. The owner of her previous workplace introduced her to the manager.” (Sakura)

“I see. What about Haru-kun?” (Natsu)

“She dodged the question, saying she was working.” (Sakura)

“She's working hard, huh?” (Natsu)

“Her work is… well, as you can see.” (Sakura)

(Honestly, it was at a level that made me envious. She really brought out my best features.)

“Right. I'll let Haru-kun know.” (Natsu)

---

[Akiho Side]

“Well then, let's toast to welcoming our new colleague! Cheers!” (Midori)

“”Cheers!””

“It's been a week since you joined us. Are you getting used to things?” (Ayumi)

“I'm still lacking in skill, so I'm just trying to keep up with the work.” (Akiho)

“No need to rush. Even Midori-chan was a mess when she first started.” (Ayumi)

“Hey, Ayumu, now's not the time to bring me up!” (Midori)

“Well, I have no sympathy for someone who still can’t get my name right after so many corrections. How many times do I have to tell you, it's Ayumi!” (Ayumi)

“Heh.” (Akiho)

“Ara, Akiho-chan, what a cute smile you have.” (Ayumi)

“Do you think so?” (Akiho)

“Earlier, you said you're just trying to keep up with the work, but you're already doing something that's key in this business: connecting with customers. That's no small feat.” (Ayumi)

“I agree! Especially with that first client of yours, she was really impressed, right?” (Midori)

“Absolutely. The look on that girl's face when she saw herself in the mirror—someone who can make that happen isn't lacking in skill.” (Ayumi)

“Do you really think so?” (Akiho)

“And your expression while working, Akiho-chan—it's always so calm and composed. You can tell you're really thinking about your clients. It shows.” (Ayumi)

“Thank you.” (Akiho)

“No need to be humble. Makeup is often called armor or a weapon, but I see it as more of a starting point.” (Ayumi)

“A starting point?” (Akiho)

“Fufu, here comes one of the manager's famous quotes.” (Midori)

“Hey, Midori, stop teasing. Well, think about athletes. They shine when they're in the middle of their sport, don't they?” (Ayumi)

“Yes.” (Akiho)

“That's because their confidence and all the experience they've built up come to the surface. In everyday life, they might not stand out as much as anyone else, right? But in those moments, they're incredibly captivating. Our job isn't just about making someone look pretty on the surface.” (Ayumi)

“Right.” (Akiho)

“Sure, that's a given, but what we're really aiming for is to give our clients confidence. Think about the work you've done so far, Akiho-chan. How many people have you helped smile, helped feel more confident?” (Ayumi)

“…Confidence. Maybe I've been focusing too much on appearance.” (Akiho)

“Maybe, but as a result, I think you've been giving people confidence all along. That Furukawa-san from the other day? I don't know what happened between you two, but I believe she also gained confidence thanks to your work. If you're struggling with something now, immerse yourself in your work so deeply that you forget about it. In the end, I think you'll find yourself smiling too.” (Ayumi)

“Manager…” (Akiho)

“That's Ayumu-san's wisdom talking, with the weight of her years.” (Midori)

“Alright, Midori, let's step outside.” (Ayumi)

“Hii! I-I was just joking, Ayumi-san! I respect you so much!” (Midori)

“So, working to make myself smile?” (Akiho)

“Of course! If you're not happy, then what's the point? After all, you're the main character of your own story.” (Ayumi)