What she didn’t say

The shop was full of chatter and the air was saturated with the smell of oil and noodles. It was the afternoon and time for the lunch rush. I was cooking in the kitchen, Tomori-san was taking orders and Akemi was handing customers their food.

I looked at her from the kitchen, she seemed to prim and proper everytime she spoke formally and politely bowed when she gave someone their food.

I made me a bit happy knowing only I know the careless sensitive side of her. Still, I can't read her mind.

***

"Please enjoy, sir"

"Thank you"

I wiped some sweat off my forehead as I went back to the counter to receive the new orders. The constant bustling of people and the fumes from the kitchen made me feel rather hot and stuffy but oh well I'm use to this, it's always like this at lunch time.

Although I carried out my duties with a Gracious smile My mind was elsewhere. I coudnlt help but think back to what Amane said about his ideal partner.

support? I can do that, I'm already nice aren't I? And of course I care about how you feel… I can cook too. With a slight pang I remember the words I muttered. Thankfully I was speaking too quietly for him to hear.

I wanted to say that I could do all those things, I wanted to say I could satisfy him But I know if I did, it would imply that I wanted him to pick me as a partner…and I don't have the courage for that.