Chapter 210: Suddenly, a Cooking Story 2 #2
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 210: Suddenly, a Cooking Story 2 #2
“Small Uncle! Two ebiten udon!”
My voice rang out from between the bustling tables, and Small Uncle, who was busy frying tempura and boiling noodles, answered.
“Two ebiten udon, got it!”
“Big Uncle, two plates of otoro, on the double!”
“You got it!”
I raised my voice, adding a touch of playfulness without being obnoxiously loud.
A lively place befitting a tourist spot is better than a quiet restaurant, after all.
For the staff and the customers alike.
Of course, some customers preferred a quiet meal, so we made sure to inform them beforehand and seat them in a corner or at an outdoor table a little ways from the main entrance.
“Excuse me... can we sit at an outdoor table? There are four of us...”
As the four female customers, who looked to be around my age, spoke, Renka replied with a bright expression.
“Of course. I'll show you to your table.”
They were the ones I'd given a flyer to.
Back when I gave it to them, they were giggling and whispering amongst themselves. I had a feeling they'd show up.
After kindly guiding them to their table, Renka returned, and I asked her.
“Did you get their order?”
“No. They said they want to look at the menu for a bit before ordering.”
“Got it.”
“Want to rest a bit if you're tired? Once we get the order from the outdoor table, we should be full, so you'll have a moment to catch your breath.”
“I'm fine. We have a break time later, why would I rest now?”
“Well, if you say so...”
Renka mumbled evasively with a prim look and glanced outside.
Spotting the customers at the outdoor table raising their hands, she quickly went back out.
For someone just taking an order, Renka stayed at the outdoor table for quite a while.
One of the girls pointed a finger at me as I was relaying another customer's request to the kitchen, saying something.
Then there was Renka, saying something back with a troubled look on her face...
As they talked, they kept sneaking glances in my direction. I had a hunch.
A hunch that one of them wanted my number.
I continued working nonchalantly. After Renka relayed the customers' order to my uncles, she called me over, and I walked up to her.
“What is it? Is there a problem?”
“Not a problem, but... I'll handle all the serving for that outdoor table.”
“Why, though?”
“I think one of them is interested in you. If you go, you'll just get held up, so it's better if I go.”
Just as I expected.
It wouldn't be a romantic comedy without the classic cliché of using a "can I have your number" event to provoke jealousy.
The problem was, Renka and I weren't in that pre-dating "something" phase, so there was no jealousy to be had... but I decided to see how this would play out.
“Oh, really?”
“Yeah. She even asked if we were siblings.”
“Siblings?”
“She must have heard us calling them 'Uncle' in the dining hall.”
“I see. I guess it could be confusing for others. So, what did you say?”
“I said we were.”
“Huh? Why?”
“If I said no, it would've taken too long to explain. So I just said yes.”
Classic Renka, always cool and efficient.
I had to admit, it was definitely the easier way out.
“Really? I thought you'd hate that, but you're surprisingly calm about it.”
“Hate what? What are you talking about?”
“The two of us being siblings.”
“It's not true, so what does it matter?”
“I guess you're right.”
“Happy to get some attention? Wipe that smirk off your face.”
Mhmm... I liked that line.
It felt like something a slightly jealous girlfriend would say.
Of course, she probably wasn't actually jealous, just annoyed at seeing me so pleased, but hey, I'd take what I could get.
“Hey kids! The assorted sushi box is all packed!”
While Renka and I were quietly bickering, Small Uncle's booming voice announced as he placed a beautifully wrapped box on the counter.
I grinned at Renka, pointed at the box, and said.
“Sis, the takeout's ready. Go give it to the customer.”
“W-What...?”
Renka's eyes widened to twice their size.
She seemed flustered by the title 'sis' and my casual tone.
I let out a small chuckle at her reaction before correcting myself.
“Just kidding. Please take the packed order to the customer.”
I had to be careful not to overdo the teasing with Renka.
If I'd cluelessly kept up the roleplay, I risked her affection level taking a nosedive.
Just tossing it out there once to surprise her, like now, was the perfect amount.
“You scared me... You're ridiculous... I can't believe you...”
Renka unconsciously placed a hand on her chest and sighed, muttering under her breath before carefully placing the packed sushi into a plastic bag.
* * *
The restaurant, which had been doing moderately well in the morning, became so busy after our short break time that we couldn't even catch our breath.
It was partly because the tourist spot was getting more crowded, but the table turnover rate was insane, as if everyone wanted to eat quickly and get back to sightseeing.
Handing out flyers during the break must have helped.
The fact that it was the New Year's holiday and the lively atmosphere spilling out from the restaurant must have also played a part in drawing customers in.
In any case, thanks to the flood of customers, Renka and I worked without a moment's rest for idle chat.
“Ken! Need clean bowls, quick!”
“Coming!”
Even the kitchen was short-handed, so I left all the serving to Renka and helped with the dishes whenever I could.
And when Renka got too busy to take orders by herself, I washed my hands thoroughly and came out to help her.
Since it was an open kitchen, the customers could more or less see what I was doing.
Acting this cleanly helps build the customers' trust in our hygiene.
When taking orders, I made a conscious effort not to speak too quickly and to maintain a relaxed demeanor.
If I seemed rushed, they might worry that their food would be made in a hurry, too.
It might have been an over-the-top concern, but it was better than being careless and inviting complaints.
“We'll have four plates of akami, one tendon, and one tsukemen. For drinks... four draft beers, please.”
“That's four plates of akami, one tendon, one tsukemen, and four draft beers. Is that correct?”
“Yes, that's right.”
Double-checking to make sure there were no mistakes in the order was basic stuff.
At this rate, I wasn't sure if I'd become a rising star in the kendo world or the world of waiting tables.
“Order confirmed. Please wait a moment. Sis! Pour four draft beers!”
After taking the order, I casually called out to Renka and asked for the beers.
This time, it wasn't to tease her.
It was to give off the feeling of a family-run business, like in the old days.
“Got it!”
Was she too busy to think about the title?
Or did she figure out my intention?
Unlike before, Renka simply nodded without a word and took out some frosted beer mugs from the freezer.
“Ken! I need some sushi plates!”
“Yes! Coming! But are the four plates of akami not ready yet?”
“Huh? We just got that order!”
“Start making it the second you get it! Don't just stand there! The orders are getting backed up!”
“Sorry! Ask the customers if they'd prefer beer or a soft drink and give it to them on the house!”
At those words, a small cheer and a round of applause erupted in the restaurant.
The place wasn't that big, so a little service like this was hardly a loss.
I could see my uncles' business sense improving as time went on.
If things kept up like this, we'd be fine.
With that thought, I helped Renka serve the complimentary drinks to the customers, then put on a pair of rubber gloves and dove back into washing dishes.
* * *
After the evening peak time passed, the restaurant quieted down.
Taking advantage of the lull, I suggested to my uncles and Renka that we tone down the atmosphere.
I reasoned that it was better to give the families and couples who'd had their fill of sightseeing a quiet space to wrap up their day, and that it was about time for local residents to start coming in instead of tourists. The uncles readily accepted my proposal.
And so, the restaurant became much quieter than it had been at lunchtime.
Renka and I took orders in a much more relaxed state.
“You really worked hard today.”
It was heartfelt praise from Renka, who was sitting on a simple chair in front of the changing room.
After getting permission from my uncles, I grabbed a drink and chugged it down, then offered a can to Renka.
“It's not over yet.”
“It's almost over. We're nearly out of ingredients, so we can finally catch our breath, right?”
“You can say that again. Can I sit next to you?”
“No.”
I plopped down right next to Renka as she slowly shook her head no.
As if she'd expected it, she let out a small laugh.
Her gaze seemed to have softened a little. Or was it just my imagination?
After wiping my face with a clean towel, I spoke.
“Are you heading back right after we close?”
“I don't know... I'm definitely going back today, but I'm not sure when. When are you leaving?”
“I was planning on leaving when you do, Captain. We have to go back together, don't we?”
“I can go by myself.”
“There you go again. Is riding in the car with me that uncomfortable for you?”
“No, that's not it... I meant that since you worked hard all day, you should go home whenever you want without worrying about me. Would you let a person finish their sentence?”
“Is that what you meant? You should have said so earlier...”
“....You're so annoying, really.”
A strong blueberry scent wafted from the grumbling Renka.
Why do pretty people smell so good?
I suddenly felt the urge to bury my face in Renka's sweat-dampened body.
“By the way, your voice is hoarse. Did you know?”
Just as Renka said, a faint, raspy sound was mixed in with my voice.
My voice wasn't naturally loud to begin with, and I'd been shouting since this morning, so my throat must have been strained.
I cleared my throat and answered.
“You're right.”
“Should I buy you a throat lozenge?”
“I'm fine. It doesn't hurt.”
“Then I'll get you some warm water.”
“I can get it myself, so just rest. Want me to massage your legs?”
“A-Are you crazy? You wanna die?”
“Why are you getting so angry? I was asking out of pure goodwill.”
“No way. Your expression is way too sly.”
As we were talking, a sudden chill wind blew in through the slightly ajar back door.
I saw Renka shiver slightly, so I closed the door firmly and wrapped a thick towel around her neck.
At that, Renka glared at me, her eyes blazing.
“....What do you think you're doing...?”
I gave her a wide grin and said.
“So you won't be cold.”
“....You're unbelievable.”
Apparently deciding that I was just being considerate, Renka muttered something but didn't say anything more about me wrapping a towel around her without permission and quietly drank her drink.
Working together today, I feel like we've gotten a little closer.
I wonder if Renka feels the same way. Judging by her attitude toward me, I think she does.