The Loner's Connection

I managed to get through the chaos of the lunch break, finish school, and start my part-time job.

"Today, we have 75 orders. Well, it’s about the usual."

Yesterday was Monday, so I worked on last week’s sales report, but today there’s no such task. I just have to prepare the online order list, which will take about an hour or so.

"But tomorrow, there’s the spring assignment confirmation test... I studied properly, so it should be fine, but I’m worried about the desk. I wonder if they’ve replaced it."

I really don’t want to take the test on that desk. While grumbling about it, I ended up finishing the order list. My working time today was one hour and twenty minutes. Well, it’s fine to have an easy day like this once in a while.

"Yuki-san, the order list is done."

"Thank you. What will you do next?"

"I’ll study for tomorrow’s test."

"If you have any questions, feel free to ask me. I’m confident in Japanese."

As expected, Yuki-san is quite smart. I’ve heard she graduated from a national university.

"Then I’ll rely on you if I need help."

I reviewed the spring assignment questions, focusing on the ones I got wrong. I’m aiming to be in the top 20 in my grade. Back in my first year of high school, I made it to the top 15. Although entering a national university would be safe with a bit more effort, it seems impossible without consistent hard work.

"Excuse me for interrupting."

The person who entered the shop was Hinata-san, the school nurse I talked to this morning.

"Hinata-san? What brings you here?"

"I wanted to ask something. I didn’t expect to find you here as well, Yuuki."

"You know Yuuki-san?"

"Yes. He came to the nurse’s office today."

Hey! Don’t bring that up. I don’t want Yuki-san to worry unnecessarily; she’s the only one who genuinely cares about me.

"Yuuki-san, are you not feeling well?"

See? She’s looking at me with such concern. I don’t want to burden her with the graffiti issue either, so I’ll have to lie.

"It’s nothing. The homeroom teacher just asked me to run an errand to the nurse’s office."

"...I see."

"Well, if that’s all, let’s move on. The reason I came here is that I wanted you to introduce me to someone."

Introduce someone? Hardly anyone comes to this old bookstore. Hinata-san is actually the first customer today. Yuki-san mentioned earlier that no one had come in.

"Introduce someone? What kind of person are you looking for?"

Yuki-san’s curiosity is understandable. Let’s hear the details.

"Well, to start from the beginning, the student council is organizing a flea market in June. However, they’re struggling with how to proceed, so they’re looking for someone knowledgeable."

"I see. So, you’re asking for a connection with someone experienced in flea markets?"

"Exactly."

I get it now. This bookstore often deals with flea markets, especially to get rid of old books. Selling them at flea markets helps clear out inventory.

"Sorry, but I don’t know anyone like that."

"Actually, I do. There’s one person I can think of."

"Really? That would be a great help."

"Miyamoto-san, the owner of a vintage clothing shop. He used to organize flea markets in this area until about three years ago."

"Is that so?"

Yuki-san didn’t know? Even though we participated in those events together? Well, as the flea market grew larger, more people got involved, and it’s easy to lose track. Besides, Yuki-san doesn’t remember things she’s not interested in.

"I handled most of the flea market contacts. Yuki-san didn’t seem very interested."

"That sounds like Yuki. On the day of the flea market, I bet she left everything to you, Yuuki."

As expected from someone close to Yuki-san, that’s spot on. While I was handling customers, Yuki-san was calmly reading a book in the back. Not that I mind; just having her around is soothing.

"I did participate, though!"

Yuki-san is cute when she’s flustered, puffing out her cheeks in rare frustration. It’s a sight for sore eyes.

"Anyway, back to the main topic. Should we ask Miyamoto-san?"

"Yes. He knows the current flea market organizer as well."

"Thank you. This will make for a good report to the student council president."

"Glad to help."

"Then, I’ll help Yuuki study for his test."

Wait, the nurse too? Well, I suppose there’s no rule against it, so I might as well take advantage.

"Can I count on you?"

"Of course. Leave it to me."

"In that case, I’ll prepare dinner. Let’s all eat together, Yuuki-san and Hinata-san."

That’s a huge help. If I don’t have to cook, I can spend more time studying.

"Thanks, Yuki-san."

"Yes. I’ll help too."

And so, with Hinata-san’s assistance, I began preparing for tomorrow’s test.

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