Stealing Spree

Unconvinced at our answer, Anzu followed us to the train station. However, instead of becoming someone intimidating, she was mistaken as Eimi’s little sister, seeing off her older sister.

That infuriated the girl, enough to forget her purpose in following us.

As the train doors closed, Eimi and I waved to the girl who was barking at the train conductor trying to remind her not to step out of the blue line.

“As always, your cousin is hilarious.”

“Right? She’s not always acting her age…” Eimi agreed and laughingly shook her head.

“Her concern was valid. But I guess she also experienced it. Now, I can’t help but see her as the type who’s unlucky in relationships.”

“Yes. That’s truly the case. I can’t remember how many times she comes to my room to rant about it. I was a little clueless back then. I only started becoming aware of being infatuated when you sat next to me. But she kept on going on and on about her romance mishaps. Now that I remember it… Anzu-nee might be a hopeless romantic.”

Eimi bitterly smiled as a hint of pity could be seen in her eyes towards her cousin.

Even though that girl could be initially grumpy and really cheerful by the second depending on how you flattered her, it’s truly rather tragic if that’s her history in relationships. But well, she’s not learning her lesson, or rather she’s not picking quite well.

Especially the recent one, he’s so spineless if he could be stolen by another girl… At least break up properly, no?

Anyway, after settling on a seat, Eimi and I enjoyed the ride just being next to each other.

Half an hour later, we arrived at our destination.

It’s not their school or a hotel. Rather, we’re in front of the restaurant her parents owned. It’s still closed at this moment so we went around the backdoor.

Although this was part of the reason why I went to pick her up – she sent me a message earlier – I was already thinking of coming to one of my girls and spending time with them this morning.

Her message allowed me to quickly decide.

As for why we’re here… It’s actually rather simple.

Their restaurant’s part-timers were absent so their prepping for the opening slowed down to a crawl. With no one else to contact, they called their daughter.

Anzu was also supposed to be here. According to Eimi, her cousin was already doing some prep work in their house’s kitchen and she’s going to come here once she’s done, bringing what she finished here. Also, she would be their part-timer for the day.

Now, why am I also here?

Well, it’s not really because Eimi asked me to come, I decided to help. Even though I’m not an expert, I know my way around the kitchen. If it’s only doing the prepping then having another pair of hands was better, right?

I’ll also get a few favorable points from her parents. It’s a win for me.

“Mom? We’re here.” As soon as we entered, Eimi announced our arrival. Not a second later, her mother wearing a white kitchen uniform emerged from inside. Although she looked rather exhausted, she still welcomed us with a big smile.

Her father was probably busy with something. Well, he’s not really needed to welcome us anyway.

“Oh, great! Change into some spare kitchen uniforms first and join us in the kitchen.” She said before her eyes landed on me, “Onoda-kun, thank you for coming as well, we’ll make sure to have you compensated.”

“Uh. No, that’s not necessary auntie. I’m doing this voluntarily. I just hope I don’t make a mess in your kitchen.” I immediately wave my hand in front, clarifying that. Though she might have said that as a common courtesy, it’s still better to show that my intention was only to help.

Upon hearing that, she gave an approving nod as both her lips and eyes drew an arc.

“I see… Thank you for your help, Onoda-kun. No worries, we’ll handle the complicated stuff, you two will only do the peeling, cutting, or boiling. Anyway, I have to go back. Don’t take your sweet time, alright?”

With that, she returned to whence she came, leaving us alone there.

Eimi giggled in satisfaction before saying, “You earned ten points from the Ruki.”

“That much?”

“Yeah. They’re already looking at you favorably, after all. This time you successfully earned more of their trust and confidence.” Looking really satisfied at what happened, Eimi then led me to the locker room where we were going to change.

Since we were hurried for time, the two of us quickly changed to it and went to the kitchen.

As expected, although there were no part-timers, there was at least three regular kitchen staff already swarmed by work.

Her father was on one corner. With a chef’s hat on, he was moving so fast that he appeared to be spinning from where he was standing. In front of him was a stove and behind, a counter. He had no time to even look at us. Compared to when I first met him, he’s really looking like a professional there.

Well, technically, he is a professional. But with that goofy first encounter, I couldn’t help but associate his image back then with now.

Anyway, when Eimi’s mother saw us entering, she pointed us to our corner where there’s almost a mountain of potatoes, carrots, cucumbers and cabbages.

Without further ado, we started doing what we ought to do.

Although there was a tense atmosphere due to the quick passage of time and the inevitable opening of the shop, Eimi and I harmoniously did what they told us to do.

It’s kind of, while the majority of the room was heated up, the two of us were relaxedly doing our job without even feeling the pressure.

Not that there’s none, just the company of each other was enough for us to forget about it.

Sometimes I would help her with something and vice versa.

Naturally, because of how dangerous the kitchen utensils we were using, I kept an eye out in case the girl gets injured.

Fortunately, nothing of the sort happened.

Thirty minutes later, a loud ring of a bell broke us out of the trance. The mountain of vegetables in front of us was almost gone. They’re either peeled, chopped or boiled.

Upon noticing her mother moving towards the dining area of the restaurant, dropping the knife and whatever she was doing, Eimi informed me of what was happening.

“Oh. It’s time for the opening. We better hurry, Ruki. We’ll also be late if we fail to finish this.”

Just like she said, her mother went to the entrance and opened it up.

Seconds later, customers swarmed inside. Looks like they’re a popular diner and every opening time, they’d always get a full house.

No wonder they’re this pressed at preparing everything right before the opening.

Once her mother returned to the kitchen and saw how we were close to finishing, she gently smiled at us, “Alright, you two. That’s enough. You two did a wonderful job. You still have school. Change back and leave the rest to us.”

“Also, Onoda-kun, not bad. I was a little skeptical when she said you’re also coming to help but you proved yourself more than an asset. You got a hundred points from me. And for sure, he is too.” She then pointed to her husband who was now looking at us.

I nodded to him which he returned before focusing back on his work.

Right at this moment, orders already started coming in. Eimi’s mother returned to her station while Eimi and I exited the kitchen.

It’s a pleasant experience and looking at Eimi happily humming as we changed back to our uniforms, the tiredness of my arm was instantly relieved.

On our way out of the restaurant, Anzu showed up carrying a large stainless pot that almost dwarfed her height.

It made me wonder how did she manage to carry that all the way here.

However, looking behind her, I saw a motorbike that wasn’t there earlier. It’s small and looks rather adorable from afar. That’s probably her ride…

“Oh, are the two of you finished?” She asked after spotting us.

“Yes, do you need help, Anzu-nee-san?” I asked the girl. Considering the pot wasn’t just tall but also filled with what she prepped for the restaurant, it’s kinda comical to see her walking one step at a time with her face turning red by the second.

However, instead of accepting my offer to help, she simply placed it down and waved before flexing her nonexistent muscles again, “Nah. I can carry this. Go on. You’ll be late. Leave this place to your older sister.”

Upon seeing that, Eimi giggled and pulled me to the side, opening the path for her older cousin.

I guess we’ll give it to her to look cool today.