“Tatsuya-kun, good work today. Want to eat some staff meal?”
“Thank you!”
After finishing my part-time shift, Honoka-san called out to me. Today wasn’t a wedding day but a fully reserved French buffet, so we could enjoy the leftovers afterward. The chef always prepares extra to avoid running out of dishes, so there’s plenty left, and we can eat to our heart’s content. For a growing high school boy like me, this is nothing short of a blessing.
“Since we have the chance, why don’t we eat together?”
Honoka-san undid her ponytail, shook her head to tidy her hair, and spoke. Her chest swayed slightly. I forcibly tore my gaze away and focused on her beautiful, smiling face.
“Of course!”
I filled my pristine buffet plate with dishes and sat down at the table. Fried white fish, grilled lobster, asparagus and bacon pasta, chicken macaroni gratin, and a generous portion of roast beef. My plate, piled high with everything I wanted, looked messy and not particularly appetizing. In contrast, Honoka-san’s plate was modest, with more vegetables, yet it looked incredibly delicious.
“…Somehow, Honoka-san’s plate looks tastier.”
“Hehe. It’s not some stuffy high-end French restaurant, so just eat as much as you like.”
Honoka-san giggled as she looked at my piled-up plate. The contrast between the mature woman and the clueless boy made me even more embarrassed. I couldn’t bring myself to look at her face and lowered my gaze, only for my eyes to land on her ample chest. I quickly averted my eyes.
“Well then, though it’s nothing special, let’s toast to this unique day.”
Honoka-san raised her glass.
“What’s that? That’s so cool. Cheers!”
I also raised my glass and took a sip of apple juice. It was a flavor far superior to any ordinary juice. As I savored it, I started eating.
“Mmm, so good. Ah, I’m so glad I chose this place for my part-time job.”
“Hehe, Tatsuya-kun, you’re so dramatic.”
She laughed elegantly even while eating. As a bridal planner, her table manners were impeccable.
“Tatsuya-kun, you seemed a bit down lately, but if you can enjoy your meal, I guess you’re okay?”
“Eh, did I seem that way?”
“Yeah. You had this vibe like you’d lost something important.”
It’s true, ever since Suzuka-san left the room, I’ve been feeling a bit lonely. Her mother was discharged from the hospital, so Suzuka-san no longer needed to work part-time, and I couldn’t see her at the convenience store anymore.
“If you’ve done something and are worried about it, you can talk to me in the confession room over there.”
Honoka-san pointed to a wooden closet-like corner in the room. Apparently, that was the confession room.
“There’s a confession room here? Isn’t that a bit out of place for a wedding venue?”
“This place used to be an actual church. They thought it would be a shame to remove it, so they left it. No one uses it now, though.”
“Really? I did think this place had a lot of… character.”
“Hehe, this building is pretty old, isn’t it?”
Honoka-san laughed without seeming offended.
“Well, if you’re okay with me, I’m always here to listen if you need to talk, okay?”
It seems she was genuinely worried about me.
“Thank you, Honoka-san. But for me, it’s already resolved, or rather, there’s nothing I can do about it. Time will heal it eventually.”
“Is that so? Well, that’s good. I’d be in trouble if one of our main hall staff became unusable, so get better soon.”
Probably to cheer me up, Honoka-san tilted her head playfully.
Feeling a bit ticklish, I decided to change the subject.
“By the way, a big wedding venue opened nearby, right? Does it affect business here?”
“Probably not. Our place mainly handles small family weddings with up to about thirty people. Their main focus is large weddings with over a hundred guests.”
“I see, so there’s no competition.”
“Hehe. Tatsuya-kun, were you worried about us? Thank you.”
“No, I was just curious. …Wow, this roast beef is amazing! I’m going for seconds!”
“There’s plenty, so take your time~”
That day, I was thoroughly satisfied with the delicious French buffet. I thought to myself that if I ever have a wedding in the future, I’d like it to be a small one with delicious food like this.
