257: Visiting His Workplace

The street was painted with a thick twilight by the setting sun. On her way from the station to Starry, Kazusa curiously glanced at the shops lining both sides of the street.

Unlike the modern and fashionable downtown areas like Ginza or Shibuya, this part of Shimokitazawa lacked a contemporary vibe.

Most of the surrounding establishments were cafes and bars, with many long-established Japanese pubs and popular restaurants, creating a unique atmosphere on the street.

As she imagined Chisato passing through this scene every day, she couldn't help but picture it in her mind, feeling as though she knew a little more about him.

"The eel and beef rice served in that restaurant is really good," he said.

Noticing Kazusa looking around, Chisato mistakenly assumed she was hungry and searching for a place to eat.

"Are you hungry?" Kazusa asked in response.

"I usually eat some biscuits around this time, then have something more substantial after finishing my part-time job," he replied.

"Then I'm just like you; there's no need to accommodate me."

"I'm not accommodating you. It doesn't matter if I don't go to work early. There's hardly anyone in the store now."

Kazusa shook her head.

"Still no."

She truly wasn't hungry; her main concern was learning more about her lover. What he usually ate after finishing his part-time job was also part of her investigation.

Although she had no immediate plans, from a long-term perspective, knowing his eating habits would help her cook for him in the future.

Well... perhaps she was being a bit far-sighted, but it's always better to be prepared.

As they rounded the corner, Chisato pointed at the shop with an unlit sign and informed Kazusa that this was where he worked.

Kazusa nodded thoughtfully. Coming from a wealthy family, she had never experienced any financial worries, and therefore had no working experience. 

She could only assess the store's exterior and couldn't imagine what it was like inside.

Fortunately, the answer was revealed soon enough.

What felt familiar was that the "Starry" exhibition hall resembled the practice room at her home; both were located on the underground floor and required descending stairs.

Following Chisato, as she took out the key, unlocked the door, and pushed it open, Kazusa got her first glimpse of the store.

Her first impression was one of clutter; the irregular arrangement of tables and chairs and the graffiti-covered walls were far from Kazusa's aesthetic.

However, as she adjusted to the sight, she began to accept it and even developed a feeling that this kind of place was somewhat appealing.

It was a dilemma for her to know how genuine this feeling was, and whether it stemmed from the fact that someone she liked worked here—only she could tell.

When Chisato followed her into the store, he deliberately left the door slightly ajar.

Dark Wing would sneak in later and find a spot to rest on the ceiling of the store.

"It's still early. It will get dark in about an hour, and those customers who enjoy a good time will start arriving," Chisato said, walking toward the bar as he picked up a fallen chair.

"Business must have been good last night; otherwise, it wouldn't be such a mess... Come here, and I'll show you my working environment."

Kazusa curiously examined the bar's facilities and followed Chisato's instructions to take off her backpack and hang it in the storage area.

"I haven't asked you about the specific duties of your job before. Are you responsible for the cash register here?" she inquired.

"That's just part of it. I also make drinks. When I'm not busy, I have to clean the counter," Chisato replied.

Kazusa frowned in displeasure.

"That sounds like too much work."

Chisato chuckled.

"This is already an easy job, Miss Kazusa."

"Don't call me that weird name," she replied.

Chisato didn't mind when she received a light kick to the calf; this was a normal interaction between lovers.

Turning around, he rolled up his sleeves and opened the refrigerator.

"What would you like to drink?" he asked.

"Anything will do."

"As long as it's sweet, that works," she said.

Kazusa crossed her arms and smiled proudly.

"It's good that you know."

"Why don't you find a place to sit outside for a while? I'll clean up the bar and make you a drink."

"That's kind of you."

Kazusa obediently walked out of the bar but didn't sit down as Chisato had suggested.

Recalling her lover's earlier comments about work, she took the initiative to handle some of his responsibilities, arranging the tables and chairs with only a little clumsiness.

If Youko saw her daughter—who was usually very lazy at home—displaying such a considerate, virtuous, and intelligent demeanor, she would likely shake her head in disbelief, exclaiming that she was a bad girl.

Meanwhile, Chisato took advantage of this moment to grab her mobile phone and send a message to the store manager.

[Sister Seika, I have arrived at the store. There are no customers yet. I'll clean up and prepare; you can take your time before coming back.]

This could be considered a little scheming.

Chisato wanted Seola to arrive as late as possible. With more customers around, Kazusa would not stand out as much. 

While Chisato was busy, Seika would definitely be distracted enough to focus on other things.

After sending the message, Chisato set her phone aside, washed her hands, and made a strawberry milkshake for Kazusa, who sat at an empty table to enjoy it while Chisato cleaned the bottles and jars on the table and floor, chatting with her casually.

To be honest, Chisato found her job quite boring, but it seemed Kazusa felt otherwise.

It is said that men who work hard are the most handsome, and she felt he had reached that point.

As Chisato worked hard in front of her, the confidence and steady demeanor she exuded made her feel at ease.

Moreover, given Kazusa's lack of familial affection since childhood and the absence of a father figure, this shortcoming had transformed into other desires after their relationship became official.

Although she didn't demand kisses and hugs at every opportunity, whenever she had free time, the obvious admiration in her gaze directed at her lover was unmistakable—reflecting both admiration and deep happiness.

The mobile phone on the bar rang, prompting Chisato to put down the broom and hurry over.

It was a call from Seika.

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(20/22)

50+ advanced chapters on p@t re on (.) com/SenatusTheta

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