After everything that went down — the hellish holiday season, Keiko getting sick, Ruka’s whole “I know your history” drama, Junpei’s broken engagement saga, and his failed goukon attempt — a full week had finally passed. It was now January 14th, and I let out the longest sigh I’ve probably ever produced in my life.
“Phew… survived.”
Barely.
But things were starting to calm down now. After that heart-to-heart with Keiko about my dream to become a professional chef, I’d even started a private cooking class. It was a recommendation from Ruka. Even though she still acted a little awkward around me lately — which was understandable, considering she found out my baggage with Keiko — I appreciated the help.
Thanks, Ruka… even if you avoid eye contact half the time.
Anyway, I thought life was finally back to normal.
Or so I believed.
I was wiping down a freshly vacated table, feeling good for the first time in days, when suddenly — a whisper, inches from my ear.
“Psst… hey… what’s wrong with Ruka?”
I jumped. It was Aki, grinning like the nosy little gremlin she is.
“She’s super tense whenever you’re around.”
I sighed. Nope. Scratch that. We were not back to calm routines.
Trying to play dumb, I shrugged. “What are you talking about? She’s always like that.”
“Nu-uh,” Aki shook her head dramatically, her ponytail swishing. “It’s different. She gets all weird when you talk. Like she swallowed a bug or something.”
Clicking my tongue, I ignored her and kept wiping the table. Why is this girl so good at picking up weird signals?
Before she could keep running her mouth, Keiko appeared out of nowhere like a ninja boss. “Oi. We’re working, not gossiping. Get back to it.”
“I wasn’t!” I protested immediately. I mean, I really wasn’t.
“No excuses. Move.” Keiko scowled, giving me that strict manager stare.
I glanced at Aki, who cheekily stuck her tongue out before skipping away. Damn this girl.
I thought I’d dodged that bullet, managing to throw Aki off the scent and settle back into a normal shift. But just as I started to feel at ease…
Disaster number two arrived.
“Welcome, sir! How many guests?” I heard Aki chirp near the door.
I turned to see who it was — and immediately choked on thin air.
It was Junpei.
With two of his friends. And three woman.
What the heck?!
I literally crouched behind the nearest counter like some kind of war refugee avoiding a sniper. My brain screamed, NOPE. NOT TODAY.
Why is this idiot here?!
Didn’t his last goukon end with him crying into a napkin because every girl reminded him of his ex-fiancée? Did he not learn anything? Apparently not.
As I peeked over the counter like a cartoon character, I saw Junpei laughing with his friends, clearly already a few drinks in. He was even wearing that dumb fedora he thought made him look sophisticated. It didn’t.
And then, just as I feared — another ninja approached.
“What the heck are you doing?” Keiko asked, frowning down at me crouched like an idiot.
“Shhh!” I frantically waved at her. “Look! Junpei’s here!”
Keiko peeked over and blinked. “Ahh… I see.”
What? How could she be so calm? This was a walking disaster waiting to happen!
“Aren’t you worried? He’s got a big mouth. You know what he’s like. He’ll start yelling about everything and then boom — chaos.”
Keiko tilted her head, still flat-faced. “He’s just a guest. Chill.”
“No, you don’t get it, Keiko… he’s cursed.”
Keiko shrugged. “Well, good luck with your hiding then.”
Thanks, so helpful.
---
And so began my mission for the evening: Operation Avoid Junpei.
I ducked, dodged, and weaved through tables, timing my moves like I was playing some kind of restaurant-themed stealth game. Every time Junpei’s head turned, I’d sidestep behind a pillar or a tall customer. I was basically a kitchen ninja.
But of course, Aki couldn’t leave me alone.
“Hmm… are you on something, ninja girl?” she suddenly appeared at my side while I crouched behind the drink station.
“What?! No!” I flicked her forehead.
“Ouch! So mean, Ryuko.” she pouted, rubbing her head.
God, this girl was everywhere.
And it got worse.
I peeked over the counter just in time to see Keiko walk up to Junpei’s table like it was the most natural thing in the world. She smiled and greeted him casually.
“Junpei. Long time no see, huh?”
“Ahhh, Keiko! Hey! You look good, as always. Still bossing everyone around here?” Junpei laughed, reaching out for a high-five.
They looked way too comfortable with each other. Laughing, chatting like old friends at a reunion. Is it just my imagination?
And worst of all — it was happening right in front of Aki.
“Ohohoho… what’s this?” Aki grinned, leaning in toward me like a gossiping auntie. “Is someone getting jealous~?”
“Shut up.” I grumbled, ducking further behind the drink station.
“Awww… Ryuko’s pouting~” she teased in a singsong voice.
I wasn’t jealous. I wasn’t. It’s just… Keiko rarely laughed like that. Especially not with guys. And why the hell did Junpei get to act like they were best buddies?
For a moment, everything seemed fine. The goukon looked lively. Junpei was even flirting a bit with the woman at his table. Wow… maybe he’s finally moving on. Maybe the world wasn’t ending today.
But then — because of course it happened — disaster number three struck.
A sudden shriek from Junpei’s table.
“WHAT THE HELL?!”
I whipped my head over and saw the woman standing, holding an empty glass, while Junpei sat drenched in what looked like a cocktail. His precious fedora was soaked and clinging to his head like a drowned rat. His eyes wide in shock, mouth hanging open.
“You pig!” the woman shouted.
Oh god. Here we go.
Apparently, Junpei had said something dumb. Again.
“I was just joking!” I barely heard him defend himself as his friends either laughed awkwardly or pretended to check their phones.
The entire restaurant went dead silent for a moment.
Keiko, ever the unbothered queen, casually approached their table with a towel like it was just another Wednesday.
“Please don’t cause a disturbance. Here, sir.” She handed Junpei the towel with a blank expression.
I stayed perfectly hidden, praying to every known deity that he wouldn’t spot me.
Aki sidled up next to me again, grinning wider than ever.
“Still not jealous, huh?”
“Shut it.” I hissed.
“I dunno, you’re acting super weird for someone who ‘doesn’t care.’ Should I call Keiko over too?”
“Aki, I swear—”
Before I could finish threatening her, another shriek echoed.
“Uwaaah!!”
Junpei, in his frantic, soggy state, slipped on the wet floor as he tried to stand, his fedora flying off his head and landing perfectly on top of a passing server’s tray.
And naturally — without thinking — I darted out from my hiding spot and grabbed his arm before he hit the floor.
“Watch it, idiot!” I snapped, steadying him.
He blinked at me in surprise.
“Ryus—?!”
Before he could finish, I smacked my hand right over his big, stupid mouth.
“SHHHHH!!” I hissed through clenched teeth, my face inches from his.
His eyes widened even more, muffled sounds escaping from behind my palm. The whole restaurant was already staring thanks to his earlier accident, and now this idiot was about to call me by my old name in public?!
“If you value your life, Junpei, you’ll stay quiet,” I growled under my breath.
Aki practically doubled over with laughter nearby, gripping the edge of a table.
“Oh my god—this is the best thing I’ve seen all week!”
Keiko, wiping the table nearby, didn’t even look up. “Stop making a scene. Both of you.”
I quickly shoved the towel into Junpei’s hands. “Dry yourself off, drama king.”
He laughed sheepishly. “Thanks. Man… some girls just don’t get my humor, huh?”
Because you have none, you moron.
I stomped back toward the drink station, cheeks burning as Aki skipped beside me, humming a teasing tune.
Honestly, I was half tempted to quit my job on the spot.
God, give me a break.