Shopping

Satoko, Mei and Watanabe had agreed to go to the library to study after school. It was Satoko’s day off, so she didn’t have to worry about the job.

The three girls were sitting at a table, Satoko and Watanabe listening closely to what Mei was explaining to them.

“Try this exercise and see if you understand.”

Mei pointed to an exercise in the book and the other two copied it diligently in their notebooks. Satoko stared blankly at the numbers she just wrote, completely lost.

I’m sorry, Mei, I’m trying my best, but I really don’t understand…

She fidgeted with her pen and shot a helpless glance at Mei, who sighed.

“Fine, I will explain it again step by step.”

Satoko’s eyes lit up with gratitude. Thank you, Mei, you’re the best!

At that moment, her phone vibrated and a notification appeared on the screen.

Oh, it’s Mr. Ikeda! What does he want today?

“Sorry, let me check my phone.”

Satoko opened the group chat of the job and read Mr. Ikeda’s message.

He needs someone to go shopping for the cafe because Mr. Takahashi can’t do it. She glanced at her friends. I can’t go now, I have to study.

While she was typing, she read the others’ replies and her face turned pale. Why is everyone saying no?!

Kenji was busy with the football club of his school, Akito simply said no and ghosted the rest of the messages, Hiroto was studying.

Does this mean that I’m the only one left?

Mr. Ikeda sent plenty of emojis with pleading eyes to beg her. Satoko sighed.

“I’m sorry, I have to go. My boss needs help with the job” she mumbled.

“What? But today is your day off, this is not fair!” Watanabe complained.

Her friends knew Satoko had a part-time job, but she had been very vague about it, so they didn’t know the details.

Satoko glanced at Mei, mortified. “I made you come here for nothing, I’m sorry, Mei. But I can’t abandon my boss like that…”

Mei nodded. “Don’t worry, we can always meet another day. Today I will help Watanabe.”

Satoko’s expression got sad. I feel so bad for Mei, I’m terrible. Mr. Ikeda, you’re a jerk!

She took her bag and got out of the library. She copied the shopping list on her phone’s note and walked towards the first shop.

I’ve never done something like this, I’ll probably mess up.

Suddenly, her phone vibrated again, taking her aback. She let go of it, startled, and it started falling towards the sidewalk.

No, my phone! She stretched her arms and tried to catch it, making it bounce from one hand to the other, until she finally succeeded in grabbing it.

“Phew~”

She looked at the screen and read the last message sent by Hiroto: ‘I’ll go, too. Where are you, Satoshi?’

Shouldn’t he be studying, right now? Why did he suddenly decide to come?

Even if confused, Satoko sent him the location of a nearby cafe and waited for him. Knowing that she wasn’t alone made her feel better.

Hiroto knows what to do, I’ll just help him with it. It’s impossible to mess up, this way.

After some time, a boy with black hair casually arranged, a white t-shirt and knee-length shorts crossed the road.

That guy looks familiar... Satoko thought, before realising he was walking towards her. Why is he coming in my direction— Uh?!! She rubbed her eyes. Wait, isn’t he Hiroto?

In her mind, she superimposed the image of the butler she was used to seeing with the guy who was in front of her and blinked twice, shocked.

I’ve never seen him dressed in casual clothes!

Hiroto reached her and raised an eyebrow.

“What’s wrong? Why are you staring at me like that?”

Satoko shook her head. “N-Nothing. Why are you here?”

“What do you mean? I came here to help you.” He sighed, annoyed. “I knew you would panic and mess up.”

“Oh… I’m sorry.” She looked away, mortified.

He came here only to make-up for my clumsiness.

“You don’t have anything to be sorry about, I decided to come here.” He pointed to his right with a nod of the head. “Let’s go.”

They started walking, but Satoko remained a little behind, her gaze fixed on her shoes.

If he could come, why did I even say yes? She looked up and pouted. He wasn’t the only one studying.

“Mr. Ikeda is such a hassle, today was our day off. This is not even the first time it happens” Hiroto grumbled.

Satoko ran a little and got closer to him.

“How long have you been working at The Nightingale?”

“Ever since my first year of high school. Back then, the boss had just opened the second floor.”

“Oh, so you’re the first part-time butler?”

Hiroto nodded.

Wow, that’s why he’s so experienced! But why did he decide to work as a butler, out of all things?

Satoko hesitated, then decided to ask him. “Why did you choose The Nightingale?”

“Because I don’t have to pay for the means of transport and the pay is quite high. I live on my own, so it’s very convenient.” He stopped in front of a shop. “Besides, I don’t like noisy places.”

Satoko shot him an admired glance. Hiroto is amazing: he lives alone, he’s good at school, perfect at his job and he’s the same age as me. A demoralized expression was depicted on her face. Sorry, mom, I’m such a failure…

Satoko followed him inside the shop. Hiroto was perfect even when shopping: he meticulously checked products and bought only the best ones.

Satoko pushed the cart to go after him, but accidentally crashed into a shelf full of snacks that fell inside their cart.

Why am I suddenly playing dodgems? I wanna leave! She cried to herself.

She was ready for a scolding, but Hiroto fixed everything in silence.

What happened? Is he sick or something? She brought her face closer to him, suspicious.

“Why are you looking at me as if I were a rare beast?”

She jolted and distanced herself. “Sorry, I thought you were going to scold me.”

“Oh, that.” He scoffed. “There’s no need, I know you’re already doing it on your own in your head.”

Satoko blinked, astonished. How does he know me so well?!

“Besides, I came here to tidy up your messes, I was mentally prepared.”

Satoko pouted. It’s not funny!

Hiroto grabbed a package of sugar from the shelves.

“What were you doing before coming here?” he asked, out of nowhere.

“I was studying with my friends…”

Hiroto raised his eyebrows. “Are you sure you can afford to skip study?”

Satoko stiffened and forced a laugh. “O-Of course, no problem!”

The boy sighed. “Famous last words.” He concentrated on reading something on the sugar’s package.

Satoko pursed her lips. Last time, he refused to include me in the study group, so why is he judging me now?

“Hey.” She snatched the sugar from his hand to gain his attention.

Hiroto turned to her, startled.

“Wha—”

“You don’t have the right to say anything, since you refused to help me!” Satoko narrowed her eyes, upset.

The boy glanced at her, unsettled. It was the first time Satoko saw Hiroto unsure about what to say. She looked away, nervous.

Why was I so aggressive? He must think that I’m childish, getting angry for something so stupid. She squinted her eyes. I’m sure he’s annoyed—

“You’re right.”

Uh?

“I should apologise.” He bowed ninety degrees.

Satoko shook her hands to stop him, astonished.

Please, stop! I’m the one at fault here!

Hiroto straightened up and looked directly in her eyes.

“I was just upset that those two were deciding everything on their own, without taking into account that I’m the one who does the most work.” He averted his gaze. “I… would appreciate it if you could join us.”

Satoko’s eyebrows slowly rose up, uncertain. “Really?”

Hiroto brought a hand to his neck, his cheeks slightly coloured. “Yes.”

So he wasn’t trying to distance me, I totally misunderstood him…

Behind her scarf, Satoko hinted at a smile. “Thank you, Hiroto.”

He nodded. “Now it’s better if we don’t waste anymore time.”

“Yes, boss!”

In the end, they spent the entire afternoon shopping, then Satoko could return home.

As soon as she got in her room, she threw herself on her bed.

This day was everything other than a day off. I ended up working all day! She complained.

At least I can participate in the study group tomorrow. She smiled determinedly. Hiroto is a top student at a prestigious high school, I can’t fail with his help!

She stared at the ceiling, lost in thoughts.

Let’s just hope everything goes smoothly. I don’t know why, but I have a bad feeling…

She shook her head.

No, stay positive! We just have to study, what can happen, after all?