Ch.32 A Conversation with Colleagues. Mahiro, RomCom Protagonist (The Extremely Oblivious Type)

"Muu... Are you sure this does not look strange?"

"Ho ho! You're even better than I imagined, Mahiro-kun!"

"...I see. Well, as long as I do not look strange, all is fine."

I struggled to put on the women's uniform of this restaurant, but I finally managed to get it on. I then picked up the hem of the skirt and looked around my waist and sides to make sure there was nothing odd about it.

Since 'tis brand new, there are no stains or anything, 'tis shining white.

The uniform at this restaurant is a design that is a mix of an apron dress and a maid outfit, with the skirt length reaching just below the thighs.

The restaurant's name and a clover motif, which is the place's symbol, are embroidered on the left side of the chest.

By the way, the men's uniform is something like a waiter's uniform. I personally quite liked it, but it seems I will not be wearing it anymore, which is a little sad ja.

"So, is it alright if my work remains the same as before? As you can see, my appearance has changed. If you would like me to do a different job though, I am not opposed to it."

"It's fine to continue as before. Actually, you're too short to work in the kitchen. You need to be at least 150cm tall."

"Damn... Right now I am merely 136 centimeters tall ja... I cannot reach anything."

"Wow, you've really shrunk! Well, that's fine. Anyway, I'm counting on you to get the job done."

"Understood. Oh, and I should mention beforehand that my physical strength is low right now, so I get tired quite easily."

Before I go to work, I should let him know about my current physical condition.

This is important ja.

Up until now, my physical strength was only slightly below that of the average male high school student, but now it has deteriorated even further.

To be more specific, 'tis like a third-grade elementary schooler coming in last in a marathon race.

"Oh, I guessed as much. So? Knowing you, you probably tried to say you had no stamina so that your abilities wouldn't be revealed, right?"

"Guh."

"I knew it. It's common knowledge that people who develop 'TSF Syndrome' gain extraordinary abilities. So, that means you, who developed it, must have gained supernatural abilities, right? Come on, tell me, tell me. Otherwise, you're not allowed to go to work! And I'll pretend you never did any work for the amount of time I was interrupting you!"

"That is an abuse of power noja! Are you a demon?!"

"Hahaha! I'm a villain!"

"That is even worse!"

Damn, now that I think about it, this is the kind of guy he is!

If he cannot get the information out of me, he can and will force it out. And the method he uses is exactly what he had just said to me! 'Tis the so-called abuse of power!

As the name suggests, 'tis just what it sounds like!

However, this method is truly outrageous for someone who is only working part-time.

It could even be called cowardly.

"...Tch. I suppose there is no helping it. Well, you are the store manager. In other words, you are the president. If it's a presidential order, then I have no choice. Let us talk."

"That's fine, lo〇 waitress."

"...I am quitting this part-time job."

"Oh no, that won't do. Our big profit-boosting plan will be ruined."

"So that is what you were thinking... Well, never mind. I will explain it simply. My ability is—"

Since we also had work to do, I decided to keep the conversation brief.

However, I reconsidered and thought that I definitely needed to talk to the person in charge, so I gave a brief but clear explanation.

Thanks to my efforts, he nodded and said things like "Hmm hmm" and "I see," so I suppose he understood.

The store manager is surprisingly intelligent.

"So, that is how it is ja."

"Wow, that's quite an amazing ability. And you have 'growth regression,' too? I'd love to see 'beast transformation' as well, but this is a restaurant, after all. It wouldn't be good to have animal hair around."

"Well, of course. Even though pets are not prohibited here, I think it would be a bit strange to have staff with animal ears and tails."

"Yeah... So, if Mahiro-kun wanted to, you could go from a cute little girl to a beautiful girl, or even a beautiful woman."

"Well, yes. But it seems to burn off my calories. If I stay in that form for a while, it becomes permanent and the calorie consumption is significantly reduced, but it would be tough until it becomes permanent. After all, it makes me really hungry. That is why I rarely do it."

"What? I was hoping you could portray a pretty girl or a beautiful woman in the future... but I guess that's not possible."

"No way. 'Tis too much trouble ja."

"I guess it's no good after all."

The store manager replied in a way that suggested he hadn't expected anything in the first place.

I have known the store manager for a long time, you see. He understands my personality very well.

We knew each other even before I started working here. After all, this place was apparently quite indebted to me back in middle school.

Furthermore, you could say that my connection to this store is the reason I started working here part-time.

Well, you see, this restaurant has not actually been open for very long ja.

Let me see... roughly speaking, it was when I was in the sixth grade of elementary school.

The first time I came here was when I was in the first year of junior high school, but back then...it was not as bustling as it is now.

This very store manager was to blame.

The store manager looks like that bald guy in the green clothes from a certain urban hunter movie. He is so intimidating that no customers would came in noja.

I did not really care about what people looked like, so I just went in wherever I could.

I took the money that was left by my parents along with a note saying, "Please use this to get some food."

Back then, my parents were not home as often as they are now, so I did the housework by myself. But even that gets boring eventually. That is when I decided to explore some new places to eat, and I just happened to wander into this place.

At first, when the intimidating-looking big guy wearing a cute apron came out, time seemed to stop for a moment, but I got used to it not long after.

Actually, this store manager was surprisingly kind, contrary to appearances.

I also liked this place and started going here quite often.

I do not know if that had any influence, but after I started going to this store with my friends, before I knew it, it had become a store that everyone in the city knew about.

The food, drinks, and desserts were all delicious, so in a way, 'twas only the natural outcome.

So, last May, when I came here to eat,

『Mahiro-kun, would you like to work part-time at this store? Of course, the pay will be generous.』

That's what he told me, so I ended up working here.

And that is how I have known the store manager longer than the regulars or even the staff.

I mean, 'tis a miracle that this place has not gone out of business yet.

As a matter of fact, it was practically deserted.

I later heard that apparently no one had shown up until I arrived.

Given that background, the store manager thought of me as...

『The kid with the messy hair that brings good luck.』

That is what he used to call me.

What on earth was he talking about, I wonder?

"Well then, I will go to work."

"Okay, work hard!"

"Of course. I am the type of person who gets the job done properly noja."

"How reassuring. Oh, and if you feel like you're getting too tired, you can take a break."

"Umu, that would be helpful."

"But don't abuse that to skip work, okay?"

"I know. I do my job properly, too. It earns money, after all. ...Although, these days, I can manage to get by without this part-time job now."

"Wow, they offer you that much in compensation?" (TL: They as in the govt)

"...Ah, no. That was a slip of the tongue. Please forget what I just said."

"I see. OK."

Of course, just because I married the daughter of the Uishi Group does not mean I would let myself be a kept woman...

Besides, I have absolutely no intention of becoming one.

...Well, I suppose the dream of being a NEET is something I do kind of long for. (TL: Fun fact, NEET stands for Not in Education, Employment, or Training. I learned that pretty recently)

Okay, back to work. I have talked for far too long.

"Hey there, I have arrived!"

"Ouka-senpai, you're late!"

"Well, I was just talking to the manager for a bit... For now, is it okay to stay here until we get an order?"

"Yep! It's fine!"

"...Are you not being a little more formal than usual?"

I stepped out from the back to the front to get to work, and after a perfunctory greeting, Takahata responded, looking more formal than usual.

I was a little suspicious of Takahata's strange behavior.

I am a little worried because he seems a bit different than usual.

"Well, haha! It's just like always! Just like always! You know, I'm a bit of a joker, you know? My mood changes depending on the day and the time, you know?"

"...Well, fine. But, you know, I feel like I am being watched in a strange way."

"Ouka, I think that's only natural."

"Mu? What do you mean ja, senpai?"

"Ouka was already quite popular before, but people were worried because you had been off for two weeks. The manager had told us beforehand that you would be returning today."

"Oh? But how does that relate to the current situation?"

"...So your insensitivity is still intact, huh?"

Kuzui-senpai muttered in disbelief.

Muu, even Kuzui-senpai thinks I am insensitive?

Fuumu, am I really that insensitive?

"Well, to put it simply, it was like, 'Ouka-senpai is making a comeback today! Alright, let's go get something to eat!' But when we actually got there, it was like, 'Huh? Ouka-senpai isn't here? There's this beautiful little girl with cherry blossom-colored hair! What's going on!?'"

"So, the real me is not here, and there is this little girl they have never seen before, and that is why they are so curious, is that it?"

"That's it."

I see.

It seems that a little girl with cherry blossom-colored hair really does stand out.

Judging solely by appearances, I do look like an elementary school student.

"So, it seems that becoming one's ideal partner tend to stand out, does it not?"

"Well, you're pretty cute right now, Ouka-senpai."

"Yeah, that's true. To be honest, even we who knew the old Ouka are still doubting whether you're really Ouka or not."

"Mu, I am indeed the real Ouka Mahiro, you know? I am not impersonating anyone. How rude. We have known each other for quite a while, you know..."

'Twas 6 months with Takahata. And 8 months with Kuzui-senpai.

We have known each other for a while, yet you doubt me? Do I really have no credibility?

Thinking this, I said, puffing out my cheeks slightly to show my displeasure, and for some reason, both of them turned red.

"What is wrong noja? Your face is red."

"N-no, well, I mean, um... O-Ouka-senpai is cute, is what I thought."

"Y-yes. The gap from the you before, you know?"

"I see, so that is it. Well, this is my ideal woman, after all. I suppose I am bound to have some influence on other people too. Heh, quite the troublemaker, this me."

When I tried saying it with a mischievous smile, both of them blushed even more.

It seems I am somewhat attractive.

Moreover, the reaction of someone you had a certain level of acquaintance with is all the more telling.

"Hmm? So, if that's what Ouka-senpai's ideal partner looks like... does that mean Senpai is a lo〇con?"

"Do not be ridiculous. I am not a lo〇con ja. I just like these pink-haired lo〇 characters. I also like silver hair."

"Isn't that what you call lo〇con?"

"That is not true."

I am definitely not a lo〇con.

That is because Mizuki is one. Mizuki's father is a lo〇con too.

I feel like there were others too... but anyway, I am not a lo〇con.

"But, if it's your ideal..."

"I'm telling you that is not it. I just like short, pink-haired characters like this. Why do you think that makes me a lo〇con?"

"Liking small characters...no matter how you look at it, that seems like you're a lo〇con..."

"Yeah, I guess so. Well, I think it's fine. Everyone has different tastes, after all."

"... Kuzui-senpai, why are you looking at me with such a lukewarm gaze? 'Tis making me a little sad."

Those eyes, filled with such compassion, can really touch the heart...

I did not want to know.

"Mahiro-kun!"

Just as I was feeling a minor emotional blow, someone suddenly appeared and hugged me.

"Whoa, Tokino, do not just suddenly hug me like that. You remind me of someone I know."

Well, that someone I am thinking of is Mizuki.

However, if she suddenly hugged me in this state, it would be very similar to what Mizuki did, no matter how you look at it.

Occasionally, Miho joins in too.

"Huh? Is there someone Mahiro-kun knows who likes to hug people?"

"Well... More or less."

"Are they a boy or a girl?"

Mu? Why would you ask such a question?

Fuumu... well, I suppose 'tis fine. She is probably just curious.

"She is a girl. A classmate."

"A girl... Muu, I guess I do have a lot of rivals..."

"My? What kind of rival are you talking about?"

"Oh, don't worry about it! It's just a test, a test!"

"Really? But you were supposed to be at the top of your class, were you not? And you are good enough to attend Minazuki Academy without any problems."

"Haha. Well, studying is important, after all. You know, it might come in handy in the future! I actually wanted to go to Minazuki Academy, though."

"Is that so? Then why..."

"You know, private schools are expensive, right? That's the point."

"...I see, so that is what it is."

'Tis true that private schools have higher tuition fees compared to public high schools.

On the other hand, there is a lot more freedom, strong club activities, and well-equipped facilities. Though, even those can vary quite a bit.

"Besides, my family is pretty poor. Actually, my tuition fees come from this part-time job."

"Mu, is that so?"

"Yeah, that's right. I could have gotten a scholarship, but my parents told me, 'That'll be a pain later on, so don't do it. We'll manage somehow.' So, as a substitute, I took a part-time job."

"Hohou. You are indeed a very capable person."

"Right?! Praise me more, praise me!"

"Umu umu, you are amazing, Tokino."

"Hehehe."

Tokino was getting a little carried away, but 'twas actually something that deserved praise, so I praised her sincerely, and Tokino showed a shy expression befitting her age.

What is this thing? She is unnecessarily cute.

She was always cute, but... Wow. She looks even cuter than before.

What could that mean?

...But, poor, huh?

'Tis a little sad that she cannot enjoy her school life because of it...

I heard that public high schools are mostly just average schools, neither particularly good nor bad, and are quite boring.

A friend from middle school who went to a public school was complaining about that.

Apparently, schools with high academic rankings are quite fun, but the studies are so demanding that there is hardly any time for anything else. On the other hand, average schools are not very fun.

Fumu...

"If I had gone to the same school as Tokino, it would have been more fun..."

Those feelings unintentionally came out of my mouth in the form of words.

"Oh!"

"Hou."

"Huh? What is it ja, Takahata and Kuzui-senpai? You're making that 'Does this guy perhaps have feelings for her?' kind of face."

"Wow, I didn't realize even Ouka-senpai would say things like that."

"Yeah, I thought you weren't very interested in romance."

"I am somewhat interested in it myself, but... why would you connect it to romance?"

"Well, Senpai, you say things like, 'If I were in the same school as Tokino, it would have been more fun...' Is that like, 'If only she's here...' It's like when the dense rom-com protagonist starts to realize that he might actually be in love with her."

"I do not think that is what on my mind..."

I certainly get along well with Tokino, and we are good friends, but if you ask me if our relationship is like that... Mu? It does not feel particularly strange.

Fumu. This does seems to follow a similar pattern to Miho and Mizuki.

"U-m, Mahiro-kun?"

"Mu? What is it ja, Tokino?"

"E-erm, well, I have a question for you, is that okay?"

"I do not know what you want to ask, but I will answer anything I can."

I am a little concerned about the redness of her face.

But I have never seen Tokino's face this red before.

Does she have a cold?

"E-erm, well, you see? I'd like to know the true meaning behind what you said earlier."

"The one from earlier? I meant exactly what I said?"

"Th-that means, perhaps... you like m—"

"Excuse me!"

"Oh, a customer is calling. Sorry, I will go. It has been a while since I have worked, so I have to take the lead ja! See you later!"

Work comes first! That is important.

...Now that I think about it, what was Tokino about to say?

I will ask about it later.

◇◆◇

"...Uh, senpai, that's not good."

"...I can't believe it, but could it be that he has the romcom protagonist level of insensitivity?"

"...Is it okay for me to cry?"

""It's okay to cry after that.""

Rumor has it that behind the scenes, Aristia was shedding a few tears.

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