Determination

The shift sheet was still there, waiting for my name. Fortunately, I didn't need to do one, since I was already with the club. This cafe looks too embarrassing to be a part of. I peek inside the classroom to see Saya having a blast though, as she ran up and down from the kitchen and back to serve the customers at an insane pace. The smile that she gives to the customers looked a bit fabricated, but it was still unique.

I took a glance at my watch. It was around time. But I didn't want to disturb her, while she was enjoying the cafe this much.

"Hey Saya, great job out there." A classmate of ours came up to her, possibly letting her the chance to tap out. Nice.

"Uhh, it might be too much to ask for, but can you help around for an hour or more? The traffic is getting kind of hard to keep up with."

Hey hey, now what's this about? This isn't some black company now, why are you trying to get some overtime from her? I notice Saya's conflicted face as she tried to come up with a response. I instinctively knew it might be hard for her to say no, so I stood up and was about to walk into the classroom to help her out.

"Actually, I have some place to be. Can you find a replacement?"

Huh? I was completely stun locked for a second, as I notice the straight face that looked forward and answered with authority. This felt a bit weird for Saya, as usually she is a bit shy in answering under pressure. What is motivating her so much, that she is willing to rise up and face what scares her?

"Oh ho. I get it, Saya. Go and enjoy that date. I'll try to manage." She said with a greasy smile and a light push to the shoulder. Saya responded with a flushed face which gave me second embarrassment as well.

"It's nothing like that. I'm just going to enjoy the festival with Natsuki."

"Oh, I see. What a bummer."

The fact she did not say it was a date kind of irked me, but it was factually correct. Has she gotten tired of the idea of dating me? Though it made sense with the way I have been treating her, it was bound to happen someday.

But still, I wanted to stay close to her. That has not changed. Not then. And definitely not now.

I creep out from the shadows and go to greet Saya.

"Hey, hope your shift is over."

"URK! Yeah.... it's over. Let's go." Saya quickly changed back into her regular uniform, though I enjoyed the maid dress a lot more. Time to enjoy this festival, I guess.