Chapter 12: Misunderstood with Miyuki Sakurai

Clenching her tiny, delicate fists and biting her lower lip with adorable white teeth, Miyuki Sakurai stood in her sailor uniform and platform shoes with a resolute expression. A soft blush flushed across her cute face as she stepped in front of Quillan and Ai Oda, declaring in a loud voice, "I’ve made up my mind..."

"Eh?" Ai Oda was slightly taken aback, but she quickly caught on. Looking at Miyuki with a face full of anticipation, she asked, "Miyuki-chan, what have you decided?"

"I want to..."

Stealing a nervous glance at Quillan, Miyuki suddenly squeezed her eyes shut and blurted out a string of words: "I’ve decided to work at the Moe Jam Café! I hope the manager will accept me, and... and..."

"Wonderful!" Ai Oda cheered out loud. She had every reason to be thrilled; her little scheme had worked perfectly, and Miyuki had indeed chosen to stay and work at the Moe Jam Café all because of that comment!

Quillan rolled his eyes helplessly. By now, Miyuki had opened her eyes. Seeing Quillan’s expression, she grew even more flustered and asked softly, "Quillan, is that alright with you?"

Before Quillan could answer, Ai Oda jumped in to accept on her behalf: "Of course it is, absolutely! I’m the manager here, Miyuki-chan, so you don’t need to worry about Quillan’s opinion at all..."

Then, as if fearing Miyuki might change her mind and run off, Ai Oda pulled her over to the counter and brought out a student employment contract.

It seemed that students working part-time during their off-school hours was extremely common in Japan, so much so that shops along commercial streets near schools kept these employment contracts readily available.

While going over the contract, Ai Oda made a point to clarify: "Even though you’re a boy, Quillan, you’re Gavin’s friend, so I’ll definitely take good care of you. Your pay will be the same as theirs—1,200 yen an hour. Do either of you have any issues with that?"

1,200 yen an hour wasn’t particularly high in Tokyo, given the difference in living expenses.

According to regulations, student part-time work couldn’t exceed four hours a day. Quillan did a quick calculation in his head: at this rate, he could earn around 4,800 yen a day. Working seven days a week without rest would yield nearly 30,000 yen—not quite enough for rent, but not too far off either.

Over a month, he could make around 100,000 to 150,000 yen. After paying rent, he’d still have tens of thousands left, which, if spent thriftily, would easily keep him from starving!

The contract specified that wages were paid weekly, terms Quillan was more than happy to accept.

However... he gritted his teeth and brought up his own request: "Ai, I have no problem with the contract, but... could I get an advance on my wages? Because I... don’t have a place to stay yet!"

"Eh?" Miyuki was remarkably quick on the uptake this time. Hearing Quillan’s words, she immediately chimed in, "Quillan, you don’t have a place to live?"

"Yeah!" Quillan spread his hands out helplessly and explained, "Otherwise, why would my luggage still be in storage at the hotel?"

"So, Student Quillan, you’re in urgent need of money to rent an apartment?" Having known about his plight beforehand, Ai Oda didn’t look surprised at all. Instead, she pulled out a pre-prepared stack of cash from a drawer. But before handing it to Quillan, she paused, looking at him as she said, "Even though Gavin mentioned you prefer your freedom, I must ask a favor, Quillan: it’s best if you find a place nearby. Everyone at our café is female, so unexpected situations might crop up, and we might need you to pop over even after your shift ends!"

Pop over after my shift ends?

What would I even do coming over at that hour? Quillan thought to himself. By the time his shift ended, the café would likely be closed anyway. What could possibly happen at the shop that late?

Seeing the faint smirk playing on the corner of Ai Oda’s mouth, Quillan felt a strange, cold shiver run down his spine...

Taking the cash handed over by Ai Oda, Quillan counted it and found exactly 50,000 yen—roughly ten days’ worth of wages.

Ai Oda was certainly generous, undoubtedly thanks to Gavin’s connection. Thinking of this, Quillan felt a little less resentment toward his troublesome friend.

"Well then, please come in for work after school tomorrow..."

At the café entrance, Ai Oda bowed in farewell to Quillan and Miyuki, and the two politely returned the gesture.

With the part-time job settled, dusk was fast approaching. It was time for Miyuki to head home. Out of politeness, and under Miyuki’s expectant gaze, Quillan decided to walk her home.

Miyuki’s house was situated away from the bustling commercial district. Leaving the commercial street required passing through an alley and walking up a fairly steep slope before reaching the Sakurai residence. The building was a traditional Japanese structure, with the Sakurai family nameplate mounted at the entrance.

"I’m home!" Miyuki was overjoyed that Quillan had actually walked her all the way to her doorstep, leaving her with a warm, fluttering feeling inside.

Her face flushed bright red once again. Seeing how easily this girl blushed at every little thing, Quillan found it rather endearing.

Quillan was just about to say goodbye when the front door was suddenly pulled open, followed by the furious voice of a man: "What? What on earth does Mika think she’s doing?! Why drop out of a perfectly good university just to set up some agency? As a woman, doesn’t she know her place?!"

"Father..." Miyuki flinched in shock, then asked with concern, "What happened to Sister?"

"Oh, it’s nothing!"

The man who emerged was actually Miyuki’s father. Looking thoroughly enraged, he didn’t display a trace of a smile even upon seeing Miyuki return. However, Quillan, who was just about to take his leave, caught his attention.

"Hold it right there!"

Miyuki’s father called out to stop Quillan. With a stern face, he demanded of Miyuki, "Who is he? Why is he here? Did he walk you home?"

From the tone of Miyuki’s father, Quillan knew the man had misunderstood. He quickly shot Miyuki a wink, hoping she would play along and pass him off as just a passerby...

However, the delightfully spacey Miyuki completely missed Quillan’s hint. Instead, she blushed and gave a nod.

Immediately, the hostile gaze of Miyuki’s father locked onto Quillan, sizing him up...