“Ahhh~! What should I do!?”

It was Kobayashi’s third day at work.

I thought it might be okay to let her handle the register, but maybe it was still too soon. Not everyone can master it perfectly just by watching once, like Tachibana Iori.

“Calm down, Kobayashi. When processing electronic payments, just press this button.”

“Y-Yes…!”

“Ahaha, Ririmu, you’re super nervous.”

Today’s customer was a friend of Kobayashi’s. She laughed as she watched Kobayashi flustered. It seems that when someone starts a part-time job, their friends come by to visit them—it’s the same for girls.

“Miku, try using your phone.”

“Okay, okay… Oh, it worked.”

As her friend held up her smartphone, the payment completion sound rang out, and the receipt was automatically printed.

“Yay! My first successful register transaction!”

Kobayashi jumped up in excitement. Not exactly the behavior you’d expect while on the clock, but I’ll let it slide this time.

“Now, just hand over the receipt.”

“Here’s your receipt!”

“Ririmu, you need to do this properly with all customers, okay?”

“I know~♪”

I wasn’t entirely convinced. It might be best to wait a little longer before letting her handle non-Suzakura customers.

“Well then… um, Yamabuki-san, please take care of Ririmu. It seems she really trusts you.”

“Huh, really?”

I didn’t get that impression from her behavior at all…

“H-Hey!? Don’t say unnecessary things! Go home already!”

Kobayashi frantically waved her hands, shooing her friend away. They’ve only been in school for about two months, but they really seem close.

“Alright, see you tomorrow.”

Her friend waved lightly and left. Kobayashi watched her go through the window, staring at her back. Even though she had acted like that, she seemed a little lonely.

“Kobayashi, how was the register?”

“U-Um… I think it’s still a bit difficult…”

“I think so too. Let’s have you study a bit more next to me or Tachibana Iori first.”

“I want to be taught by Iori-sama!”

Kobayashi’s eyes sparkled immediately. Tachibana Iori, who was clearing tables, noticed our gaze and smiled as she waved. What kind of divine response was that?

“Hwaa… such a blessing…”

Kobayashi let out an awestruck sigh, completely forgetting she was on duty, as she clasped her hands in admiration for Tachibana Iori.

“Did you apply to work at Cyberia just for Tachibana Iori?”

“Of course! Yamabuki Natsuki! I’m the only one who can protect Iori-sama from Senpai!”

“Oh, so that’s the reason.”

In other words, she believed the rumors that started at the Aotaka Festival and took bold action because of them. Unlike the Suzakura students who visit Cyberia just to see Tachibana Iori in a suit, she seems to be a more proactive kind of fan.

“So that’s why you hate me.”

“Exactly! In the Secret Society for the Devoted Admirers of Lady Iori, Yamabuki Natsuki-senpai is listed as a high-priority threat!”

“Wow, that’s kind of unsettling.”

“Oh, but we’re strictly forbidden from directly doing anything, so you should be fine. The rules changed recently.”

“That’s a relief.”

If it had caused trouble for the store, that would’ve been a problem. If all they do is dislike me, it’s not really an issue… I think.

Well, I mean, it still stings a little.

“…By the way, earlier, your friend said you trust me.”

Before I could finish speaking, Kobayashi’s body stiffened. Her side ponytail bounced as she flinched.

“T-That was just Miku talking nonsense! It’s not like I rely on you because you’re kind or anything!”

She bolted. Running straight toward Tachibana Iori, she started circling her like an excited puppy.

◆

I watched as Natsuki and Ririmu chatted happily at the register.

“Mm… what is this feeling?”

Since I tend to get caught up with customers, Natsuki naturally became Ririmu’s trainer. I had no complaints about that. If the roles were reversed, I’d probably do the same.

I understood that in my head. But my heart felt different.

“…I never knew I was such a jealous person.”

I was surprised at the emotions bubbling up inside me. I had never liked someone before. I always thought of myself as someone who equally shared my brilliance with everyone.

“Iori-sama~! I worked the register!”

Ririmu came running over, happily circling me.

“Good job. You’re improving, Ririmu.”

“Yes! But I’m still nervous, so can I watch you work the register for a bit?”

“I don’t mind. Take your time learning.”

As I lifted my gaze from Ririmu, I saw Natsuki watching us from the register.

…Was he looking at me?

…Or was he looking at Ririmu?

That thought lingered in my mind, and I didn’t know what to do with it.