chapter 14

Short-term part-time. It’s my first time experiencing thi―― no that’s not right, if it’s just a 1 week part-time job, then I had plenty of those experiences.

Though all of it was manual labor work. If we compare both of the job in term of harshness, then I can say for sure that the part-time this time is like a heaven.

But, I can still say confidently that.

A job this intense, it’s the first time for me.

“That shelf is the last one. Don’t cut corners.

“I understand that already.”

Today, I’m going to graduate from this part-time. When I think about it that this’s going to be the last time I’ll ever hear Tenchou’s deep voice…… Well, how do I say it. Time sure flies I guess.

“Alright, you passed. Well done not running away first.”

“Well if I run I’ll be killed.”

“Oh, so you’ve come to understand that too huh.”

Tenchou said that while hitting my shoulder when he’s done with his closing procedures. I replied back with my bad honorifics-using words that I picked up a bit in this one week, then I sit down at the counter seat.

Thinking back about it, in this one week I really did my best to be patience. Well I did meet a lot of customers, the one that made me clenched my fist so hard my nails pierce into the skin and starts bleeding, and the one that attacked me with no reason at all…… Really, I think I’ve done well enduring those times…

“Alright, as I promised today is your last day.”

“Time sure flies.”

“Your bad choice of words has already come back you damn kid.”

“Oops, It was pretty quick isn’t it.” 1

Tenchou nods when I corrected my wording.

So today’s the last day I can see this disgusting smile huh. Thinking about that made me a bit lonely. It’s just a bit, really just a bit alright.

“So I guessed that you’ve already looked for a new job yeah?”

……Looking, for a, new job?

“Your face says that you didn’t think of anything at all.”

“…………Well, I’ll just play it by ear.”

“The reality isn’t that sweet you know?”

“I already understand that, it’s harsh I know.”

23 years old junior high graduated and unemployed. A scumbag who up until now did nothing at all would be rewarded for his small efforts. Such a sweet story, doesn’t exist. and would not exist. Or otherwise――

“You’re just a kid that said something cocky just now but, sometimes I sense a strange persuasiveness from you and it make me feels creepy. Did something happened it your past?” 2

“Well there’s one or two epic tales of mine for sure. I didn’t become an unemployed person just for show.”

“Hah, As I thought you’ll always be a goddamn cocky kid.”

I tried to talk about it as vague as possible, and Tenchou only laugh at it a bit, he didn’t pry into it any futher.

“Well, our relationship is an unhealthy one but it’s still a good one. If you’re troubled then come here with some money. I’ll serve you something.

“When that time comes I’ll be sure to ask you to put it on a tab. Then I’ll eat without paying.”

“Really you’re not a cute kid at all huh.”

“Since I’m not a kid after all.”

I am,

“From now on I’m a parent now.”

I said that on a whim, and instantly regrets it when I noticed that Tenchou is looking at me with his eyes widen. That line made even a tall man like me a bit embarrassed. If I’m laughed at then I won’t even be angry for that.

“…… Bring her here someday. Your daughter I mean.”

Tenchou didn’t laugh at me.

For a moment I’m so subservient and made a carefree face such that I might be embarrassed later, I quietly said the words of encouragement. 3

“Who would even bring her to this dangerous shop.”

“Hey hey, your mouth is all foul again.”

I speak impolitely to hide my embarrassment.

Doing something like this, I feels like as if I’m an actual kid now.

“Geez, I want you to take after me.”

Seeing him spreading his hands wide in a funny way, made me laughed. Maybe the reason I can continue working despite having to serve such shitty customers, might be that because his personalities play a big part here.

I honestly think.

That I, respected this old man here.

Dirty shop. Have few customers. And also the people’s culture level here is the lowest of the low.

This place, I’m sure that this is where I belong.

Tenchou has, made a place for a scumbag like me to relax. I’m sure he’s operation at a loss. There’s no way he’d profit from a shop like this.

And even with that, he still opens the shop everyday. Working at the hours that normal people would be asleep.

“Those epic tales of yours, I think they’re interesting one for sure.”

“What’s with you suddenly. That’s creepy.”

“Brush it aside. It just flashed in my mind. Just that.”

I want to ask him the reason for that.

But this, it’s as if an elementary school kid want to ask for an answer. Facing a knotty problem, and cannot do anything except waiting for his answer to be given easily. 4

I have to overcome this with my own power.

“……I’ll come again.”

“Oh, is that so.”

I give him a short goodbye, and stood up.

It’s a very narrow corridor as only one adult can pass through at a time. I walk along it, and opened the door with noisy giー giー sound.

The sun just started rising.

I squinted my eyes at the dazzling sunlight. But even so, no matter how hard I squinted my eyes, the light is still too bright, so I can’t help but turn my back to the sun.

“……Thank you very muchfor taking care of me.”

And so, I’ve graduated from this short-term part-time job.

I’ve not decided what I’d do next. However, the time I’ve been with Tenchou, even though it’s a short time, but I think I’ve grown up a lot.

Thay guy, why did he pick me up I wonder.

Hiring people just for one week is a very short time, just what did he think he can achieved with that.

And the answer for that, I’m sure, than me in the future would know it. With such a feeling in my heart, I head back to my room where Misaki’s waiting.

And when I get back, It’s unusual but Misaki’s still sleeping.

The little Misaki is, hugging my pillow that’s as big as her body tightly, and is sleeping with such an angelic sleeping face. No, that’s wrong. She’s the angel is Misaki herself. Misaki’s charm is about the highest in this universe.

Beside Misaki are a kanji practice book, a notebook and a paperbook. I’m sure she’s studying hard until she’s fallen asleep.

……Paperbook? I don’t think I remember buying it?

I picked it up, and slowly turning it over.

Yui.

There’s a big, cute handwriting on it.

“…………”

I placed the book back without making a sound, then look at Misaki’s sleeping face.

Since I’ve decided to raise Misaki, I’ve changed a lot. But I’m not taking pride in it. Changing myself just this much, it’s a matter of course that I can do it. The various stuff that I’ve been doing this past few days, if a normal person try to do it then they’ll cleared it as if they’re just breathing normally.

I myself, still, hasn’t even reached the start line yet.

“……Misaki is really incredible.”

Misaki’s growth is very remarkable. She didn’t know a lot of stuff, she’s a clumsy kid who always blunder at her first time, but she always remember the things she has been taught. When she has remembered something once, she’ll never forget it.

She immediately made a friend at nursery school. And the nursery teacher-san also thinks highly of her.

Misaki isn’t just any ordinary person.

Since the one who’s always beside her like me said it, then it can’t be wrong. She’ll surely, grow up and not become an adult like me.

No no, that’s wrong isn’t it.

I’m the one who raises Misaki.

I’m going to become a good parent to raise her to become a good adult. I’m going to make her thinks she’s glad to be born.

……I had to give it my all.

I shrug my shoulder at my self-deprecation feelings, and lie my body down.

I close my eyes, and the sleepiness has bested me.