One week after my workshop with Ms. Niko. I received a text with the quote 'Hey Kazuya, this is Ms. Niko. I'm glad to inform you that your papers are already processed and you are now an employee at Hinata cafe and resto. Welcome to the family, Kazuya, and enjoy your day as you work with us.'
"Y-Yeeees, let's gooo!"
Haha, I couldn't stop shaking after I received that message. It was a dream come true that I fell into tears.
All of those hard months made me realize how I should be grateful for everything, especially my life. Also, I should thank those who helped me, especially Ms. Kobayashi.
Today, I arrived at the restaurant. Ms. Niko and Sayuki welcomed me at the entrance.
"Congratulations Kazuya, welcome to the Hinata family." Said, Ms. Niko
"You can finally save money now Kazuya, me and mom are proud of you." Said Sayuki.
Aww… Please stop, you're making my heart melt.
"hehe, thank you very much," I said shyly.
What a morning it is. I got greetings from both Sayuki, and Ms. Niko, ooh which is a blessing indeed.
"Come on, let's go inside. You got guests waiting for you," said Ms. Niko.
"guest's?"
We went inside and were greeted by Sir. Haru and Sir. Tomoyuki along the way.
"Congratulations Kazuya. Your first day of work has finally arrived." Said Sir. Tomoyuki.
"Haha, with that. I can crush you every now and then Kazuya." Said Sir. Haru
Sir. Tomoyuki sighs as he bumped Sir. Haru with his elbow.
"Come on Haru, give the kid a break."
"haha, I'm sorry, it's just a joke. Anyways congratulations again Kazuya."
Both of my teachers… Are they praising me?? Oh, it's an honor to be praised by them.
"Thank you, Sir. Haru and Sir Tomoyuki, I'll do my best."
They reply with a nod and return to their seats. Sayuki on the other hand keeps looking at the background.
"Hmm, where are the others?" Sayuki asked.
"W-well, just let them be Sayuki. They must be busy." Said Ms. Niko awkwardly.
"Jeez, those guys… Never mind."
I also noticed that the employees are not here. The last time I checked they were like four of them in the kitchen.
Ms. Niko pats my shoulder and gives a smile.
"Well then Kazuya, I hope you enjoy your first day here. I'll go back to my office and finish my work."
"Thank you, ma'am."
Sayuki and I bow to Ms. Niko before she leaves. From a pouty look, Sayuki returns her composure and smiles at me gleefully.
"haha, let's have fun together on your first day of work Kazuya," she said.
"S-sure, I hope so."
And with that, my whole day of work starts.
A few moments later.
To be honest… I was immediately bored.
I was on cashier duty for a while, then I noticed how many people entered. If I remember correctly, I counted two and a half dozen customers.
Even though, The restaurant is in a great spot. that can be seen by people as they stroll along the city.
But only a few came, and most were middle-aged people.
I wonder what the problem is. So I went to Sayuki to ask questions.
I look to the kitchen and see her there. She was doing the dishes as she dances around cutely, she could be a good performer if she wants to.
Then, she tilts her head and sees me. Her face turned red as she starts to fluster.
"A… Kazuya, please d-don't do that again. It's embarrassing," she said.
"Hah hah, s-sorry, I won't."
She looks away for a moment and goes towards me.
"W-well Kazuya, what are you doing here?"
"Well, can I ask why the restaurant's performance seems weak?"
Sayuki becomes nasty and looks around before whispering to me.
"Don't tell this to anyone ok?"
"S-sure."
"After the head chef left, all the employees' morale changed. From enjoying every moment to being forced to work."
I see, no wonder the employees are so gloomy when I met them. I wonder what's Ms. Niko's take on this.
"I see, thanks sayuki."
She backs up and looks around again.
"Please don't tell this to others, please?"
I nod back and she leaves and starts to accommodate the incoming customers.
Hmm, with this state, this restaurant won't last. And even if we try to ask them to coordinate, I don't think that it will work.
That's too much headache for one day, so I should focus on doing my job on the first day.
"One order of tonkatsu… Where are they."
I was about to walk away, then look back at her and she's staring at me.
"U-um, maybe they're on a break."
The girl sighed at me, while she placed the paper slip on the orders.
"Can you cook a tonkatsu?" She asked.
Hehehe, tonkatsu was one of my specialties before I went broke.
"Yes, I can cook one."
"Cook this if you can. Also, I can't talk badly to my co-workers, so please help me."
I nod, and she points out where the apron and hair nets are.
"I'll call Sayuki so she can help you."
A few moments later while I'm wearing an apron and hairnet, Sayuki came to assist me.
"You're about to cook tonkatsu right? Then let me show you where the other ingredients are."
Her help is a lifesaver, and we finished cooking the meal after a few minutes.
"Well, I'll serve this now. I hope the customer likes it."
Sayuki went back to the customers' table and served the food. Meanwhile, I and the cashier watch them.
She looks tense while calling me. I move towards them, and as I progress. The pressure of the customer's glare gets stronger every step.
"Are you the one who cooked this?"
"Y-yes, is there a problem?"
The customer takes a bite before replying.
"This is good. I can tell between your cooking and his."
Haaa… Oh thank goodness, I-i thought I was dead. Haha, I still got it, even it's been a few months since I last cooked a tonkatsu
"Thank you, sir."
"No, thank you. This change of pace is what I need. After all, nothing beats a good rest without good food."
After bowing to the customers, the two of us return to the kitchen. She poked my shoulders and gives a thumbs up.
"You did good Kazuya, mom is right about you," said Sayuki.
"T-thank you haha."
Sayuki looks at my back, and I notice the aroma that fills the air. I also look and see the cashier girl with tonkatsu near her.
"Congratulations Akihito, or Kazuya. Whatever you're comfortable with."
"Kazuya is fine, also why is there another plate?"
She turned her head to the dining hall, and point at Sir Tomoyuki and Sir haru as they wave at me.
"Well, they paid another tonkatsu just for you. I more or less copied what you did. Hope you enjoy it."
Aaaaaah!! Damn my teachers, you're making me cry!
I couldn't stop smiling while Sayuki gives me a chair. With a spoon and fork in my hands, I indulge the tonkatsu with delight.
Hmmm, it's been a while since I last ate tonkatsu. The crispy exterior and a juicy interior, plus the sauce… Mwah, delicious.
I thank them both as I bow to them.
"Thank you so much for the both of you. I'm truly grateful."
"Your welcome Kazuya, oh and I almost forgot."
Sayuki went near the cashier girl and introduced her.
"She is Fujimori Mio, she's also a regular like me."
"Hello, you can call me Mio since I also call you by your first name. And again, thanks for saving me a while ago. The others… I don't want to talk about it."
She seems friendly and earnest when it comes to working.
"Sure, also your welcome."
"Also, can I ask what country you are from?"
My country, haha. Looks like somebody guessed that I'm not a fully-fledged Japanese.
"Philippines, is there a problem?"
"Oh, I see now. There is no problem actually, I was just curious as to why you prefer to use first names."
Haha, well that's true. I mostly called those I just met with their surnames. But as they say, old habits die hard, and it's a good thing that they allow it.
"Haha, did I offend you in some ways?"
"No actually, it's also nice to see new faces."
My first day is a wholesome experience that I will remember until the end. Looks like I have more things to look up to in the future.
The three of us continued to chat until the end of our work. We clean the whole restaurant, and the seniors get home first even if they didn't do anything.
After finishing cleaning. Ms. Niko waits for us at the entrance.
"Looks like you three are getting along together."
"Yes, we are Ms. Niko." Said Sayuki.
Ms. Niko shifts her gaze at me.
"Did you have a great day Kazuya?"
"Yes Ms. Niko, I did. Thank you very much to all of you.
"You're welcome." Said, Ms. Niko
After that, Mio raised her hand to Ms. Niko.
"What is it mio?"
"Ms. Niko, if you don't mind. Could I get the advance payment of Yu?"
"Oh, wait a moment. I'll get my wallet."
Yu, who is that? Then, in the corner of my eye, Sayuki looks at me and whispers even when I don't say anything.
"Well, Sato Yuu is a college student until now and is mastering a degree in architecture."
Architecture, that's an expensive course.
"Woah, that's some motivation. But how can he have plenty of money just to pay for a master's degree test?"
"Mostly from the money he earned from countless side jobs, and from his family."
Woah, that's what I call dedication. Because I'll pick Mascom rather than architecture even though I had experience with it.
"I see, thank you."
"Your welcome Kazuya."
The two's conversation continues.
"Good luck to you both Mio, I'm sure he's working hard for the future."
"He is. I helped him one time and the books that he needs to study are so many, so thank you Ms. Niko for supporting us."
"You're welcome."
The three of us bow to Ms. Niko.
"See you tomorrow Ms. Niko and have a safe trip."
"Thank you Three, have a safe trip to all of you."
We then left, and along the way, Mio went her way. As for me and Sayuki, we went home together.
"Was your first-day fun?"
"It is. And I'm very glad for it."
I managed to regain my cooking skills, I made a customer happy, and I had a good time with Mr. Tomoyuki And Mr. Haru during breaks.
"Then let's give our all tomorrow and have fun along the way."
"We will and I also look forward to it."
Haha, this day was the greatest. I'm excited as to what tomorrow holds for us, also I'm interested in knowing Yuu.
Also, I would like to consult with Ms. Niko for the problems of the restaurant is also concerning.
But that's a problem for tomorrow, for today a good rest can remove those headaches.
Chapter 3 ends.