Haa, the scent of fried egg. What a lovely morning it is.
*ring, ring*
Hmm, a phone call this early?? What is it now??
"Hello?"
"Hello my dear, are you doing fine there in Tokyo?"
This voice, it's grandma. She rarely calls me once or twice a year, but now this will be her third time calling me.
"Oh hello grandma, I'm doing fine here thank you. How about you guys?"
"Oh well, your father and I are busy with the company affairs. Hiring new talents and workers just to fill the vacant slots."
Yes, you heard it right. I am the adopted son of the Akihito family and a supposed heir to the Akihito entertainment co. But I declined the offer. I'm not a leader, for I am more of a subordinate myself. But, who knows what the future holds, maybe I'll be the chosen heir for the company.
"I see, how is mom doing?"
"She's busy right now. You know her, the mascot of the Akihito entertainment co."
Also, my mom is an artist. She has a huge fan base and sometimes I see perverts drooling over her either through tv, magazines, or any kind of media. It's a disgusting sight, but it is what it is.
"A-ah, ok then. I hope she's doing fine."
"You're still worried that you'll be scolded by her?"
Every time I hear my mom, my body starts to fidget in fear. I love her, but she's scary in her ways.
"Y-yes, I'm sorry grandma."
"Haha, no worries. I won't tell this to your mom."
"Thank you, grandma."
My grandma and dad on the other hand. I'm more open to them, and I get to share my thoughts with them. Also, they are the ones who let me live here independently, but things never seem to work as you wished for.
"Also, can I ask what's the name of the company you work for my dear?"
"Um, it's Hinata Cafe and resto if I said it right."
I do forget to look at the restaurant's logo so don't blame me for it.
"Oh, a restaurant, how lovely. I'll note that Kazuya, also I'll give you some of my money."
"You don't need to do that grandma."
"Oh come on my dear, let me continue to spoil you until I die."
Well, she's right. We don't know what the future holds so I guess I'll let it pass.
"alright grandma, you win."
"Haha, ok then Kazuya. I'll let you off now, bye-bye."
"Bye grandma, also please tell mom and dad that I say hi."
"Sure my dear Kazuya, bye."
Well, that went well. Also, it's strange for grandma to ask me that question. That's enough of that for now, cause I'll be late for work!
I quickly fix myself by changing my clothes, brushing my hair, and adding cologne, deodorant, and powder. After that, I left my apartment.
"ow"
As I close the door, I bump into sayuki.
"Oh, I'm sorry! I didn't mean to hurt you!"
"No no, it's fine Kazuya."
"Does it hurt somewhere?"
"No need to fuss over that Kazuya, besides I was about to invite you to join me to work
"Oh? Sure, I would love to."
But first, I re-check whether she's ok or not. I don't want to harm the daughter who saved me from my brokenness.
"Let's go then."
We descend to the apartment lobby via elevator and walk down the route to work. Along the way, Sayuki and I had a little chat.
"So Kazuya. As for being our temporary chef, can you blow us away with the new flavors of the current dish?"
"Well, it depends. I just followed the instructions of the dishes and added a flavor of my own."
Seriously, after that sudden overflow of customers last time. It almost exceeded the capacity of the restaurant, all for a tonkatsu.
"Haha, I'll look forward to it. Also, Ms. Niko may be hiring new employees to satisfy the customer needs."
"Well, that's good, because we need new co-workers to handle such overflow."
From that day on, I was assigned as the temporary chef. Maybe because my mom's somewhat grand taste makes me a great cook since she always forces… Trained me to cook. But Nah, I'm still doubting myself about cooking, since I only followed the recipe and just added extra flavor to it.
"The more workers the better, am I right Kazuya?"
"Yes, it is indeed."
"Also, I would love to perform with you again. It's been wonderful ever since we started entertaining the customers with their song requests."
"Sure, let's do it again."
Also, I managed to get to know Sayuki more. Thanks to our concert skit in the restaurant. She's Outgoing, kind, kinda mature, and can be doubtful of herself too.
And I get to know more about the couple. Mio is a silent, sympathetic, graceful, and noblewoman. While Yu is anxious, overthinking, outgoing, and a man of his words. All for 2 weeks which is impressive in my case.
I get to know more about my co-workers and the workplace I'm in. Also, I get to enjoy my work more every day because of the new skits we do. Like the jamming skit, or sometimes a dance skit, or like that one time an acting skit.
"Kazuya!! Prepare to face your doom, take this Falcon punch."
"Aaaaaaaaah, it's too powerful!!"
It didn't work too well, but we managed to make the audience laugh thanks to Yu's help. But yeah, I can expect more things to happen in the restaurant.
As we continued chatting, we arrived at the restaurant and what welcomed us is a line of customers even though the restaurant hasn't opened.
Ms. Niko is at the door, looking at the customers. When she notices us, she opens the door and welcomes us.
"Good morning Kazuya and Sayuki."
"Good morning ma'am."
"Good morning Ms. Niko."
We bow and continue listening to her.
"Well, I see familiar faces among the line of customers. It's nice that we are returning to what we used to, all thanks to you youngsters."
"No, no ma'am. We're just following orders, that's all." Said Sayuki.
"Hahaha, well whatever you call it, I shall look forward to your combined effort."
We both give Ms. Niko a bow again.
"We'll do our best ma'am."
"Continue it, and I might raise your paychecks even more. But enough of that, it's time for you two to change uniforms." she added.
"Thank you, ma'am."
The mood starts to brighten more, as the both of us head to the locker room with a smile on our faces.
-----------
"One order of Tonkatsu, Tempura, And Pizza."
The orders started to come as we opened the restaurant. Even though the restaurant's volume is full, we managed to serve them well thanks to their understanding.
While cooking, I see Ms. Niko at the corner. Seems like she's reminiscing about those old times she experienced and now it has returned before her eyes.
Most of the customers are former regulars here, why did I know? They always greet Ms. Niko even sitting very far from her.
Overall, the restaurant is climbing uphill steadily because of our combined efforts. I won't say that I'm the main reason as to the restaurant's return to glory.
But to be honest, I only followed Sayuki's orders since she helped me in cooking. Also, Mio told me that the original recipe that I used was Sayuki's recipe.
But while cooking, I noticed that the recipe Sayuki made is missing a little oomph, so I added more ingredients in the mix and it went well.
"Kazuya, more orders coming your way." Said Mio.
"Sure, hand them over."
With that said, I continue to work and along the way, I fell in love with my job.
----------
"Take a breather guys, you deserve it." Said Ms. Niko.
We gathered at the dining room and takes a rest before another rush hour of customers.
"It's tiring, but it's fun, am I right guys?" Sayuki asked.
"Yeah!" We respond in unison.
Ms. Niko giggles at our cheerful attitudes.
"I'm glad that you're still having fun while you work. With that, I'll add your bonuses on this week's salary."
"Yehey!!"
Phew, good thing Ms. Niko is a great boss. Otherwise, we could have suffered overtime even though the restaurant is having fewer customers.
"I'll leave you be, for now, just call me in the office when you need me."
"We'll do Ms. Niko" Sayuki replies.
Ms. Niko retreats to her office. While the rest of us take our time. Mr. Mori is reading a newsletter while we chat about the restaurant and other interesting things.
Then our conversation with the gang ended. Sayuki pulls the hem of my shirt and bows at me.
"Thank you, Kazuya."
"For what?"
"For helping me, like improving the recipe, entertaining the guests, and lots more."
"Your welcome, also this is not a solo effort so don't leave yourself out of the equation."
"Yes, I will remember that. Also, I think it's time."
"I'll start momentarily."
Since the customer volume has decreased, it's now time for us to perform on the stage. The audience claps their hands as I enter the stage. Tuning the piano and the speaker, I started to play.
The more I work here, the more I achieve those past dreams of mine. To be a performer and a chef. It's been a nice journey and I'm glad that Ms. Kobayashi suggested this work to me.
As I play, it feels like I'm in a cafe. If only I had coffee, it would have made the scene perfect.
"Hey Kazuya, you want a caramel macchiato?"
Huh, what a coincidence. Hahaha, I could only laugh at how my request was immediately given to me.
"Thank you Sayuki."
"Your welcome Kazuya."
I place the coffee on a nearby table, while Sayuki fixes the mic.
"What song do you want to sing?"
"How about fly me to the moon."
Hahaha, her musical taste never ceases to amaze me. With that, I start to play and her rough yet sweet voice surrounds the restaurant.
"Fly Me to the moon. Let me play among the stars. Let me. see what spring is like. On a-Jupiter and Mars"
Aaaah, what a time to be alive. To think this could happen regularly is such a bliss. We continue up until night, we also receive cash from the customer's which is a blessing indeed from the heavens.
"Waah, thank you so much for accompanying me Kazuya."
"You're welcome, Sayuki."
We continue to chat while we clean the area.
"Akihito Kazuya!"
Eeeek, oh my heart! That scared the heck out of me, but I took a quick check and… Oh no, that, that's my grandma?!!
End of chapter 5.