255 Framed (1/2)
On Sunday morning, Seiji Went to work at the confectionery store for the first time in a long time.
He no longer needed money. He only worked for the sake of helping out the owner, Rika Amami.
After all, he had worked there for quite a while and still bore positive feelings for the place. Even if it was no longer necessary, Seiji felt that it would be fun to visit the store once in a while.
When Seiji explained his current financial situation and intentions to Rika, she smiled and said: ”I’m happy to hear that you think that way. We’ll always welcome you, regardless of whether you’re an employee or a guest.”
Seiji began working just like normal.
Hoshi was here this morning as well. Their combination was the legend of the Divine Taste confectionery store: a bright and sunny handsome boy paired with the weak-seeming beautiful boy. Many female customers received a happy surprise when they saw the duo back in action again.
These customers all called their friends, and they came promptly. In a matter of minutes, the store was overflowing with customers.
And so, Seiji, who hadn’t worked for so long, finally experienced the difficulties of working during a rush hour again.
After he finished his work shift.
”Senpai, here’s some water.”
”Thank you.”
Seiji gulped down the entire cup of water that his junior handed him in one go and released a huge contented sigh.
”You’ve worked hard, Senpai,” Hoshi praised, all smiles.
”Yep, you worked hard as well.”
”I don’t feel like I have. Senpai came today, and it's really nice working together with Senpai, since I feel like the time goes by so quickly.”
Seiji was rendered speechless. In a way, he felt that Hoshi Amami had already become strong... probably.
”It seems that you’re already completely used to the work here.”
”I suppose so. Now I’m at the point where I won’t get in everyone else’s way... but I still have a long way to go till I reach Senpai’s level.”
”No, I think you’re doing a fine job already. You’ve made so much progress since your first time on the job, so don’t belittle yourself.”
Hoshi’s smile grew even more dazzling as he received his idol’s praise.
”Oh, right,” Seiji said suddenly, ”there’s something I want to show you.”
Seiji took out his cell phone and opened up a saved image of the picture that Mayuzumi drew to show Hoshi.
”What’s this?” Hoshi asked.
”Peach-sensei drew it and gave it to me as a present for accompanying her during the school festival. I told her that she didn’t need to give me anything, but this present was right up my alley, so I found it impossible to refuse her,” Seiji replied with a chuckle.
”It really is an excellent drawing,” Hoshi exclaimed.
Seiji handed his cell phone over to Hoshi so that Hoshi could have a closer look.
”I can send you a copy of the picture—would you like one?”
”Of course!”
”Tell me your email address, then.”
After he learned Hoshi’s email address, Seiji sent him a copy of Mayuzumi’s drawing.
”Thank you, Senpai. I shall print it out and treasure it,” Hoshi said happily as he confirmed that he had received the picture.
”...You aren’t intending to have it framed, are you?”
”I am!”
”That’s not necessary! Just treasure it normally, normally!”
”Eh, but this is a very precious picture...”
”It is precious, but framing it is a little too much! Don’t you feel embarrassed!?”
”Not at all; it would seem like a pity to not use an excellent frame for such a beautiful picture.”
”It won’t be pitiful at all!”
Seiji really wanted to cover his face as he imagined the scene of the picture with him in the center. He cringed at the thought of a drawing of him wearing an extravagant angel costume while making an immature pose being framed and hung on a wall somewhere.
In order to prevent such a scene from becoming reality, for once he decided to be strict and use his authority as Hoshi’s Senpai to absolutely forbid Hoshi from doing so!
Hoshi could only reluctantly cancel his plan.
”I heard from Chiaki that you officially joined the drama club—how is it?” Seiji changed the topic.
Hoshi smiled thinly. ”It’s very nice, and the club’s atmosphere is even better than I thought. Wakaba-senpai and the others really take good care of me, and everyone is so close with each other.”