It seems that the sales on that day set a new weekday record for Cyberia. Given the high spending per customer and the continuous waitlist until around 9 PM, it made sense. However, the manager’s reaction was surprisingly indifferent.

—Because that record was broken in just one day.

Thanks to the influx of Suzakura High School students coming daily for Tachibana Iori, Cyberia was experiencing unprecedented prosperity. Over the past week, the sales record had been broken three times.

…And as sales increased, so did the exhaustion of the staff.

◆

“Manager, this is seriously getting out of hand. We don’t have enough people to keep up.”

Speaking with a tired slump was Mishima, a college student. Usually, he sported neatly styled golden hair, looking effortlessly cool, but for the past two days, he had stopped bothering with it. Naturally, he was too exhausted.

“…You’re not the only one saying that.”

For once, the manager wore a troubled expression as she stared at the display showing the sales figures. It was now 9:30 PM, after the high school customers had left—the time when Tachibana Iori and I clocked out.

“I understand the night shift staff are struggling. I promise to hire more people as soon as possible… but that doesn’t mean the situation will improve overnight.”

Saying this, the manager turned her gaze toward Tachibana Iori, who stood next to me. She too had spent the entire day in the kitchen, her fatigue evident.

“……?”

In contrast, Tachibana Iori remained as composed as ever. Of course, she had to be tired as well.

“This crowd—it’s all because of Iori’s ‘Prince of Suzakura’ customer service. While the increased revenue is appreciated, the store won’t last like this. Sorry, but I need you to tone it down.”

The manager’s reasoning was irrefutable.

Most of the tables were filled with Suzakura High School students and women who had come after hearing rumors—all expecting to witness Tachibana Iori’s “prince-like” service. If she simply followed the standard customer service manual, the crowd would likely ease up.

“…I see. I don’t want to cause trouble for everyone. Alright, I’ll be more reserved from now on.”

But… I couldn’t accept that. Was this really the right thing to do?

I couldn’t even look at Tachibana Iori, standing beside me. Maybe she was still wearing her usual composed expression. But somehow, I couldn’t shake the feeling that wasn’t the case.

Because—these past few days, she had looked like she was having so much fun.

“…Wait, Manager.”

Before I realized it, I had spoken up.

“Hm? What is it, Natsuki?”

“I think Tachibana should continue as she is.”

“That’s easy to say, but—”

I had to push forward. Maybe I was being selfish, but I had no other choice.

“We’ve finally adjusted to this level of busyness. I’ll help out in the kitchen more, so please let her continue as she is. The customers will be happier that way, won’t they?”

“Hmm… That may be true, but… Are you sure, Natsuki? It’ll be a heavier burden on you.”

Bringing up customer satisfaction seemed to make the manager hesitate.

“I’ll be fine. Mishima-san, could you help out just a little longer?”

I started to bow my head in request, but Mishima stopped me with a hand.

“…If a high schooler’s giving it his all, a college student like me can’t be whining. Besides, a place packed with high school girls is good for the eyes. I’ll hold out a little longer.”

“Thank you!”

In the end, I bowed anyway. Seeing that, the manager let out an amused chuckle.

“Looks like hiring Iori was the right call. Didn’t think you’d get so fired up, Natsuki.”

“I’ve always been someone who gives his all for Cyberia.”

Since I was getting paid, I believed it was only natural to do my best.

“For Cyberia, huh? What do you think, Mishima?”

“Man, youth is great. Anyway, I should get back to the kitchen.”

“I’ll check on the register. You two, good work today.”

The two of them grinned and disappeared into the back. Suddenly, the break room fell silent, leaving just me and Tachibana. I quickly finished clocking out.

“Sorry for butting in.”

I apologized as I stepped into the locker room.

“…Why are you apologizing?”

Her voice came from the next locker. I couldn’t tell what emotion was behind it.

“Because I made a decision for you without asking how you felt. I thought it might’ve been a bother to you.”

Thinking that she had been enjoying herself was just my assumption. For all I knew, she might have been overwhelmed by the workload.

Honestly, I wanted to ask her how she truly felt right away. But she cut off the conversation there. The only sound in the break room was the rustling of clothes. My anxiety started creeping in—had I really just caused trouble for her?

Then, I heard the curtain of the next locker open. She changed fast. Maybe putting on a girls’ uniform was simple.

…If she left now, things would be awkward the next time we met.

“Natsuki, do you take the train home?”

Her voice came from beyond the curtain.

“Yeah, I do… Why?”

Since we usually parted ways at Cyberia, I didn’t even know whether she commuted by train. In fact, apart from her face, name, and personality, I knew nothing about her. Our relationship was still just that of “coworkers.”

“In that case—would you like to walk to the station together?”