14. At the restaurant with the devil

"Fujita, take this plate to table six!"

"Roger that!"

"Fujita, is there still a free table for 6 people?"

"Table 18 is available!"

"Fujita, do you have some time to spare?"

"I'm coming right..."

The female voice that was calling me while I working at my evening job as a waiter belonged to a familiar face with an unmistakable hair color.

Wearing less formal clothes, the atmosphere she exuded seemed more mature.

"... Shibata, what are you doing here...?"

"To eat together, of course~"

Wasn't that an invitation for lunch?!?

"... Dearest customer, I must decline the offer since I'm still on duty"

"But you're about to finish your shift, right?"

I forgot she's a stalker....

"Fujita, what are you doing?"

"Ah, manager..."

A young woman was calling me since I was standing still for too long.

"The customer here..."

"Hmm?"

The manager approached Shibata.

"Oh, you're finally here without the usual wig!"

"... Huh?"

Ignoring my reaction, Shibata and the manager were talking to each other.

"Was I too obvious?"

"The wig was well made, but with a close look you could tell the difference from real hair."

Without having the opportunity to interrupt the conversation, I was about to slip away....

"Fujita, don't run away~"

"...!"

Caught in the act, I interrupted my steps and resigned myself to going back to Shibata.

"You two know each other?"

"Fujita and I go to the same school."

Looking into my eyes, the manager sought visual confirmation.

Reluctantly, I could only confirm it with a weak nod.

"Oh, right! Listen to me, Shibata!"

Turning to Shibata, the manager looked like she wanted to ask her something.

"This jerk suddenly asked for his resignation and I don't know what to do! It's hard to find a serious and diligent person like Fujita! Help me change his mind!"

"..."

But instead of answering, Shibata's face had turned all red.

"Shibata...?"

Visibly flustered, Shibata decided to tell her the truth.

"Um... I asked him to... so that he could spend more time with me..."

"...Huh?"

Alternating her gaze between Shibata and I, I think she was trying to figure out which one of us was redder.

Finally, the manager gave me a strong pat on the back to the point where I faltered.

"Fine, you're fired as of now!"

"Manager, I...!"

But interrupting me even before I could protest, I saw her finger almost touching my nose.

"Knowing you, you still haven't taken her on a date! Be a man!"

"..."

There was nothing I could do in front of the manager's energy.

"So, on Saturday, bring her here before you walk her home, got it?"

Giving me a wink, I had an idea of what she was up to.

"Manager, you don't really want to...?"

"That's right! Finally, a chance to advertise our new menu!"

"...?"

Confused by the situation, Shibata was asking me with her gaze what we were talking about.

"It's about the manager's hobby and..."

"Stop it right there."

"?"

"Are you sure you want to reveal the surprise?"

With a serious tone, she was scolding my decision.

"... You'll find out on Saturday."

Overwhelmed by the manager's enthusiasm, it took a few minutes before we realized that our first date had already been scheduled.