I took this part-time job during summer vacation to earn some extra pocket money. Maybe it was because this was just a small, privately-owned secondhand bookstore, but I managed to learn the ropes within a single week. My experience from the secret part-time job I’d held back in middle school was clearly paying off. In that sense, I might actually have a knack for clerical work, but the idea that "therefore, I should join the Student Council" was a completely different story. I used to think of it as a bit of a strength, but now it just felt like an unnecessary burden… I needed to double down on being the "odd jobs" guy. That’s it. There was less responsibility involved in menial tasks. I realized I might actually prefer physical labor that didn't require much overthinking.
Switching gears, I arrived at the secondhand bookstore. While greeting the owner—the old man—I realized the soundscape was different than usual. Apparently, he’d decided to start playing music in the store to complement the pop-up signs I’d made. The place suddenly felt more like a rental CD shop, though I had my doubts about the shift… especially since the songs were surprisingly trendy.
Despite the sense of cognitive dissonance, I found myself getting into the rhythm of organizing the trade-ins. J-POP is a powerful thing. Maybe I’d dig out my earphones for the walk home for the first time in a while.
"Ah. Excuse me, Mr. Clerk. Where do you keep the CDs?"
"……"
The music was backfiring already. Customers were getting the wrong idea one after another. Man… I guess I’d have to make some new signs. I never thought the day would come when I’d use pop-up signs to ward off J-POP. What kind of place was this secondhand bookstore anyway? Oh right, a secondhand bookstore.
While the shop was empty, I sat at the desk behind the register, cutting up some colored cardstock, when someone suddenly tapped me on the shoulder from across the counter. A customer? Book lovers could be difficult because some of them didn't speak at all… I really wished they'd just talk to me normally.
"Yes, coming—wait, huh?"
"Hello, Sajou-san."
"Um……"
A graceful smile and an overflowing aura of a mature older sister. The "college student on her way to campus" vibes were off the charts. No matter how many times I looked, that priceless smile remained unchanged.
———The college student Sasaki-san had appeared!
Well, "appeared" wasn't quite the right word. Though I wouldn't have minded if she had. In fact, would it be okay if I jumped out at her? Sasaki-san looked like she’d be so soft and fluffy—ack, just thinking about it filled me with a sense of guilt.
Her outfit today was a departure from the frilly look she’d had last time; she was wearing a cool-looking pair of cropped trousers. I initially took it for a formal look, given her crisp, cream-colored jacket, but it was sleeveless, baring her shoulders in a way that pulled my gaze toward her pale, slender arms.
Seeing her in person, she really did have an incredible sex appeal… The gloss on her bare shoulders was so dazzling it felt like they were firing beams of light. A secondhand bookstore like this could easily be leveled by that radiance… Sorry, old man.
"It’s been a while, Sasaki-san. A week, hasn't it? Since you’re stopping by a bookstore, I take it you read quite a bit?"
"It has been a while—yes, reading is a hobby of mine… I always make sure to carry a book with me."
"I didn't expect to see you again… Do you live nearby?"
Wait, hang on, Wataru. Why was I suddenly asking a woman a question that sounded like I was prying for her address? There was no way a woman this beautiful had made it through life without being wary of men. That was an instant strikeout, you idiot. She probably hates me now.
"Yes, that's right!"
……Huh? What a cheerful response… Wait, what was with this smile? Wasn't it too pure? Could a person this beautiful really grow up to be this innocent after being exposed to the hungry stares of guys all through middle and high school? Wow, modern Japan isn't so bad after all! It’s the dawn of a new era!
"I heard the other day that you were working a part-time job, but I didn't realize it was at a bookstore! I'm so happy to see you again."
"I'm the one who's happy, Sasaki-san. You’re even more polished and mature than the last time we met. Are you on your way to campus today?"
"Oh, mature… You’re making me blush. Ah, but my school doesn't really have a 'campus' feel to it, you know?"
Sasaki-san looked bashful… I could probably put away several bowls of rice just watching her. When I thought about all the handsome guys who must have confessed to her and been shot down, it only made me want to dig in more. Heh-heh-heh.
"…Eh, really?"
"Yes, because it’s an all-girls school… It doesn't have that open, liberal atmosphere."
Wh…at? You're telling me Sasaki-san isn't just a "beautiful college student," but a "beautiful college student from a women's university"?! What kind of insane brand power was that… I felt like I’d be charged just for touching her shoulder! ……How much?
"I see… Is that why you possess both maturity and such purity, Sasaki-san? That explains a lot."
"Fufu, I’m used to that by now. You're very quick with the compliments, Sajou-san."
"Hngh."
An involuntary groan escaped me. Was I really that filthy…? Her radiance was so bright it felt like my entire body was tingling, as if I were being purified. So I was the one who was going to be blown away… Old man, your part-timer is disintegrating as of today. I'm sorry.
…Sigh, but man, Sasaki-san sure seemed relaxed. I knew it, but she clearly didn't see me as a man at all. At most, I was just a "younger high school boy." In its own way, that felt like a win since I could probably act spoiled around her… No, what am I thinking? I'm a clerk right now. Don't forget the minimum requirements of etiquette, Wataru.
I shook off my worldly desires and faced Sasaki-san. She suddenly took on a serious expression and bowed to me.
"Once again, thank you so much for helping Ko-kun—my younger brother—the other day. Thanks to you, Sajou-san, it didn't turn into anything serious. Just as you suggested, I checked his backpack and there wasn't a single scratch… I was so relieved."
O-Oh… eh? Younger brother… Ah, she meant Kota. My memories of our first meeting had been completely overwritten by Sasaki-san’s adult allure. Come to think of it, I actually did do something good, didn't I?
"Ah, that’s good to hear. …How has Kota been since then? Is he afraid to go outside or anything…?"
If he became a shut-in this early, it would ruin his upcoming middle school life. It would be terrible if things got awkward at school and people started whispering behind his back. Having your middle school life ruined while you're still in elementary school is just too harsh.
"I think your presence was very significant for him, Sajou-san. He’s out playing today, too. He said he’ll make sure to stay away from deserted places from now on."
"Well, I’m sure he learned that fear firsthand… so that’s a relief. Besides, it might be weird to put it this way, but maybe this incident will keep him from heading down a bad path in the future."
"Yes, I hope so too. Embarrassingly… I haven't talked to men very much myself, so it was a real learning experience for me, too."
"Eh."
She hasn't talked to men…? She’s quite the sheltered young lady… No, no, that makes sense. If I were her father, I’d definitely keep men away from her. I’m exactly the type who’d take "I’m going to marry Daddy when I grow up!" completely seriously. If anything, I’d make her sign a marriage registration and keep it in a safe forever (Insane).
"How should I put it… your parents really cherish you."
"T-That’s true, but… they're a bit overprotective."
She didn't seem particularly shy, though. Was it because she was a college student after all? I guess once you reach that level, it sets you apart from being just another student. Whether you’re an introvert or an extrovert, everyone becomes an adult eventually. I suppose college students are still students, but unlike high schoolers, they have to do all sorts of things for themselves… I guess she couldn't afford to be intimidated by a high school kid.
"And so—"
In this secondhand bookstore where the cuckoos usually sang to a deserted shop, I was able to chat with Sasaki-san despite the register between us. I couldn't really keep up with the book-related topics, but perhaps out of consideration for me, she kept the conversation going with harmless small talk. What was this sense of being embraced… I felt like I was enveloped in a sweet scent just by standing in front of her…
No, this is bad… When she stands right in front of me, those rather large things really enter my line of sight. Was this a sign? Was she hiding a message that said, "You can come to me anytime"…? The fact that she looked like she’d give me a hug with a troubled face if I seriously asked for one only added to the sense of guilt…
No, seriously, this older sister is dangerous. It felt like I was going to be swallowed up if I stayed like this. I felt incredibly reluctant to end this, but I should probably mention that I had work to do—
"Ah, Sajou-san. There’s some dust in your hair……"
"……! …………"
Could you please be my mother?
Ah.