The Loner's Part-Time Job

I arrived at my part-time job, an old bookstore.

"Hello."

"Oh, hello."

The one who greeted me was the owner of the bookstore, Shiraishi Yuki-san. She's kind, graceful, caring, and quite beautiful. But she’s still single because she has a very laid-back personality. Her only noticeable features are a beauty mark under her eye and her hair tied in a single ponytail.

"How are things today?"

"Same as always. The old books are all packed up, so now we're just waiting for the courier."

"Got it. I’ll start checking the online orders and the books we’ve received."

"Yes, please."

She keeps her eyes on her books even while chatting, but that's just like her. Well, time to start my own work. First, I need to confirm the online orders and make a sales report for yesterday.

"Sixty-eight orders today, huh? Feels like the usual."

It’s not many, but each book is expensive since they're rare. This store mainly makes money from online orders. We get about ten customers a day, and nine out of ten are here to sell their books, not buy.

I need to create a list of the ordered books. I enjoy working alone and focusing, so it's not a problem for me. Plus, for someone like me who’s a loner, this is the perfect environment. No classmates ever come here, no teachers either, and during breaks, I get to use a high-spec computer! It's amazing.

"Yuuki-san, it’s lunchtime. Care to join me?"

I was so absorbed in my work that I didn't realize it was already lunchtime.

"Sure, I’ll join you."

"Alright, please wait in the living room. I’ll get things ready."

"Thanks, I appreciate it."

The bookstore is also Yuki-san's home, so it's just separated by a door. When school ends early or on weekends, she sometimes makes lunch for me. Homemade meals from a beautiful woman are amazing, not to mention delicious.

I went to the living room, took my usual seat, and waited for her. I kind of like this waiting time, too.

"Sorry for the wait, Yuuki-san."

"No problem at all."

From the tray she brought over, she laid out rice, miso soup, pickles, tamagoyaki (Japanese rolled omelet), and grilled salmon.

"Japanese-style lunch today? It looks delicious."

"Thank you. Please enjoy, I worked hard on it."

"Thank you for the meal."

I took a bite of the grilled salmon.

"How is it?"

"The saltiness is perfect; it’s really tasty."

When I said that, she gave a bright smile. A beautiful smile like that never gets old.

"So, what did you do over the past three days?"

"Mostly lazing around at home. I finished my assignments, so I didn’t have much to do. I guess I made some chocolate chip cookies, though."

The bookstore was closed for three days, which meant I had time off as well. With nothing to do, I thought I'd go crazy. I ended up baking cookies on the second day. Even if I get a day off, I have no one to hang out with, so I never go out. Not that I feel lonely or anything!

"What kind of cookies did you make?"

"Just regular chocolate chip cookies."

"I’d like to try them."

When she says that with a smile like that, any normal guy might think she’s interested. But I'm a loner, so I’m not falling for it.

"Alright, I’ll bring some next time. You’re always making lunch for me, after all."

"I’m looking forward to it."

Since she said that, I’ll have to put in some effort when I make them. She does so much for me; I should at least repay her properly.

"Look forward to it. I’ll make sure they’re good."

"Alright, shall we get back to work?"

"Yes. I’ll get back to making the report."

"Thank you."

After our enjoyable lunch, I returned to my work. A little while later, a new order came in. It’s 2:59 PM, and we stop taking orders at 3:00 PM, so it’s just in time.

"Hm? That was close. Let's check the details."

I checked the order and was surprised by what I saw.

"The name is Tojo Sakura... Wait, Tojo Sakura? Isn’t she the student council president? What kind of book does a rich girl buys?"

Curious, I checked the title.

"A book on ‘Learning from Historical Figures about Same-Sex Love’?! What kind of book is that? Does this bookstore even have that?!"

I have no idea where to begin with this. The student council president is interested in same-sex topics? And is this book really a classic?

"Is something wrong, Yuuki-san?"

Apparently, I was so shocked I accidentally spoke out loud, and Yuki-san noticed.

"Oh, no, it's nothing. I was just a bit surprised."

"I see. Will you be finished with the report soon?"

"Almost, I should be able to hand over both the sales report and the order list."

"I’ll be waiting over there, take your time."

"Thank you."

Seems like she didn’t see the content. That’s a relief. Still, I feel like I’ve stumbled upon a hidden side of the student council president... though nothing is confirmed yet! Right... let’s just finish up my work quickly and take it easy.

Feeling a bit drained, I decided to finish up and bring the report to Yuki-san.

"Yuki-san, I’m done. Here’s the sales report and today’s order list."

"Thank you. That should be all for today."

"Yes. I think I’ll relax and read for a while, so I’ll sit next to you."

"Please, go ahead."

I sat down next to her and started reading.

"........."

Before long, I felt drowsiness take over, but I held on. I still had over an hour... No, I can’t... I’m falling asleep...

"Yuuki-san?"

"..."

"Fell asleep, huh. Maybe this will help him rest more comfortably."

"... Huh...? What...?"

When I opened my eyes, I was lying down. Confused, I looked around and found Yuki-san looking at me from above.

"Did you have a good rest, Yuuki-san?"

No way! I instantly understood—I’d been sleeping on her lap.

"Yuki-san, I’m so sorry!"

I quickly sat up and apologized. I can’t handle stuff like this as a loner; my heart’s about to jump out of my chest.

"Don’t worry about it. You must be tired. It’s almost closing time, so go home and relax. School starts again tomorrow."

She’s been so thoughtful. I really owe her. Guess I’ll have to give my all when I make those cookies.

"Thank you so much. I’ll head out now. See you tomorrow."

"Yes, rest well."

"Thank you. Have a good evening!"

I packed up my things and left the bookstore.

---

Author's Note:

Are there really people like Yuki-san—beautiful, caring, and kind? She seems too good to be true.

Comments and feedback are welcome. Thank you for the support!

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