What was I supposed to do? By the time I even thought to consider it, the decision was already made. It was far too late to say, "Actually, on second thought..."
Not that I really wanted to decline. In fact, I was actually quite happy about it. So why was I so conflicted? It all started with a certain conversation.
"Dear, it looks like Takanashi-san is heading straight to his next part-time job from here."
"Eh, right now? But what about his meal? He lives alone, doesn't he?"
"Oh, I'll just have something simple on the way..." I tried to interject.
"That won't do," Mayumi-san insisted. "Dear, while Takanashi-san is doing his part-time job here, why don't we have him eat his meals with us?"
"You're right. It wouldn't be right to make him work until this hour and then send him home on an empty stomach."
This entire flow of conversation was a perfectly orchestrated set piece on Mayumi-san’s part. I knew that if I tried to be polite and decline now, there was no telling what she might say. Besides, since Masaomi-san had personally asked me to stay and eat, I felt it would be rude to refuse.
And so, currently...
"All right, everything is ready! Dear, Takanashi-san, please take your seats."
"Thank you, Mayumi. Come on, Takanashi-kun, let's dig in."
"Y-Yes. Thank you for the meal..."
I took my seat. Masaomi-san sat to my right, Mayumi-san to my left, and then there was me. This felt strange. From the outside, didn't we look exactly like a family sharing a meal?
Technically, they were Sara-san's parents, not mine. I wondered if I was the only one feeling a sense of incongruity, sitting at this table while the most essential person—Sara-san herself—was missing. Was this really okay? I couldn't help but worry.
A substantial portion of food was spread out before me. To my delight, the main dish was Hamburg Steak. Was this a coincidence, or did they know?
"Here you go, Takanashi-san. Eat up! Don't be shy."
I accepted a rice bowl that was piled a bit high and waited for Masaomi-san and Mayumi-san to get settled.
"Th-thank you very much."
"You like Hamburg Steak, don't you, Takanashi-san? That's why Mother-in-law worked a little harder than usual today!"
She definitely knew. There was only one person she could have heard about my favorite food from: Sara-san.
"Oh, does Takanashi-kun like Hamburg Steak? You certainly knew your stuff, Mayumi."
"Eh? ...Ah, the topic just happened to come up when I was chatting with Takanashi-san. Right, Takanashi-san?"
"Eh!? Y-Yes. Um, I think we did mention it in passing..."
I silently pleaded for her to stop throwing the conversation to me so abruptly. Specifically, I wanted her to stop tossing in such dangerously loaded topics.
"Let's eat."
Since being overly reserved would be rude at this point, I decided to graciously accept their hospitality.
"How is it, Takanashi-san?"
"It's delicious!"
"I'm glad. Make sure you eat plenty."
"Don't hold back, Takanashi-kun."
It really was delicious. In fact, the seasoning was remarkably similar to Sara-san’s cooking, making it very easy to eat. Or rather, I suppose it was Sara-san’s cooking that took after her mother's.
I found myself eating faster without realizing it. I caught myself halfway through and tried to slow down, but Masaomi-san and Mayumi-san were just watching me with satisfied smiles. Even though they were my girlfriend's parents, it had been a long time since I'd shared a meal with anyone’s parents, and the warmth of the moment made me feel a little happy.
I finished my meal somewhat quickly, keeping in mind the start of my next job and the time Sara-san was supposed to call. When I announced I was leaving, Masaomi-san kindly offered to drive me home. It gave me a much-needed cushion of time.
"Thank you for everything today. I’m truly grateful for the work and the meal."
"It was nothing! I'll have something ready for you tomorrow, too! Good luck with the rest of your night."
"Takanashi-kun, good work today. I'll see you again tomorrow."
For some reason, Mayumi-san had tagged along for the ride to see me off. I felt like I’d narrowly navigated a minefield, but the first day of my document filing part-time job was officially over. I was more exhausted than I’d expected—mostly in a mental sense.
Right as I was thinking it was about time for her to call, my phone rang with the RAIN notification. The screen showed an incoming video call.
When Sara-san had called from Masaomi-san's family home before, the signal had been too weak for video, so we’d stuck to a voice call. Being able to see her face while we spoke made me incredibly happy.
"Hello?"
"Ah, we're connected! Good evening, Kazunari-san!"
Sara-san’s face appeared on the screen, her smile radiant. Her voice sounded higher and more energetic than usual.
"Good evening, Sara-san."
"Yes! ...Fufu, this feels a little strange. Is it because this is our first time talking over a screen?"
"Probably. We're usually together, so even talking on the phone has become a bit of a rarity lately."
Since we were practically inseparable every day, there was rarely a need to call.
"Kazunari-san, did you eat a proper dinner? Cup Ramen is a big no-no, okay?"
(Thump! Thud! Crash!)
I blinked. I thought I heard a loud commotion in the background on her end... but I decided to let it go.
"I'm fine. I had a very proper meal."
"That's a relief. I'm sorry, but please bear with it for just one week. When I get back, I'll cook all of your favorite things."
"I'm looking forward to it! By the way, how was your day today, Sara-san?"
I decided to pivot the conversation before she could ask for specifics about my dinner. I’d wanted to hear about her trip anyway.
"Let's see... Ah, the shrine we visited today is actually a shrine famous for success in love."
"Oh, really? You said your group was all girls, right? I bet that was a hit."
"Yes. Everyone was praying very earnestly. However, since my love has already reached its successful conclusion, I prayed that I could continue to be happy with my beloved Kazunari-san forever..."
That made me genuinely happy. I could easily picture her praying with that trademark sincerity of hers. It was a sweet thought.
"In a place like that, I assume everyone was buying amulets?"
"It had been a while since I'd looked at them, but there were so many cute amulets that I almost wanted to buy them all."
"Oh? Did you end up getting one?"
I’d only brought it up as a natural follow-up, but as soon as I asked, Sara-san’s face turned a brilliant shade of crimson.
"Well, um, I was planning on getting something for traffic safety or perfect health! But Natsumi just did whatever she wanted! So there’s no deep meaning behind it! Please don't think anything of it, Kazunari-san!"
She spoke in a panicked rush, looking deathly embarrassed. I was dying to know what kind of amulet she’d actually bought, but looking at her state, I knew she wouldn't tell me.
"I-I see. I'm really curious, but if you'd rather not say, I won't press you."
"Rather not say? Ah! No, that's a misunderstanding! It's not that I don't want to! It’s just... it might be a bit premature, considering the future, but it's also how I hope things turn out eventually... Hah! Oh, Kazunari-san, you're making me so embarrassed..."
Sara-san continued to fluster herself, eventually burying her red face in her hands. I stood there, not entirely sure what I’d said wrong. In the background, I thought I caught a faint voice squealing, "So cute!"
Regardless, I wasn't sure how to handle this.
"Um, Sara-san? So, it's not that you dislike the amulet, but you'd prefer not to show me yet?"
"Y-Yes. When the time comes that I can show you... I will."
I decided to settle for that. I didn't want to genuinely upset her, after all. We spent the next few minutes chatting about trivial things to help her calm down.
"Ah, I'm so sorry. It's almost time for the teachers' patrol, so I have to hang up for today..."
Sara-san checked the time and sounded genuinely dejected. It was already that late. Then again, I had to head out for my next shift soon. I’d adjusted my hours at the liquor store to accommodate her call, but I was pushing the limit.
"I understand. But I'm really glad I got to see your face."
"Me too. I've been so lonely, but seeing you gave me a second wind. Can we do a video call again tomorrow?"
"Of course. If I can see your face, I think I can handle being lonely, too."
I realized then that seeing each other made a world of difference compared to just hearing her voice.
"I feel the same way. It’s a shame I can't touch you, though... When I get back, I’m going to cuddle you enough to make up for all this lost time."
Usually, she just grabs me for a hug before saying anything like that, so hearing her state her intentions so clearly was a little bashful. And again, her background seemed strangely noisy.
"Well, I hate to say goodbye, but I guess this is it for tonight..."
"Yes! I'll be looking forward to your call tomorrow!"
"I will be too. Good night, Kazunari-san... I love you... mwah..."
The call ended with the sound of a blown kiss.
God, she was precious. Knowing I couldn't see her in person only made me miss her more. I wished the week would just hurry up and end.
But for now, it was time for work. I shook off my maudlin thoughts, grabbed my gear, and headed out.
"Good morning! Reporting for duty!"
"Morning. Glad to have you back today."
From here on out, it was time for physical labor. Since I was getting used to the rhythm, I felt like I was moving much more efficiently now. Besides, staying active kept me from overthinking things.
And with that, the first day of my grueling part-time job life came to a close.