×+×

---"Marisol, please take this job!"

Leo looks very determined, holding both of my hands now. His grip is like a crab's pincers. Although, it just confuses me really. I have to wonder,

---"Why? I don't have any talent as a waiter."

I don't have any talents whatsoever. But it's better to leave that part out. It might not necessarily make me look the best for a potential job saying that sort of thing out loud. Regardless, Leo looks unsatisfied with my answer.

---"Ahh you don't understand! You're so well behaved, you'd easily beat Aroha and Vera, maturity-wise, even if you combined them! They fight so much, someone to keep the peace would be just what we need!"

He shoots me possibly the most desperate puppy dog eyes I've seen in my life. It almost makes me feel bad for him. Almost. I still need a little more context though. It sounds ridiculous.

---"If they cause trouble, why haven't they been fired yet?"

---"Because the boss can't find a replacement! I mean, look, we've been hunting for a new waiter for about two weeks now, it's miserable! Firing either of them just isn't plausible, especially without a replacement planned but we can't find anyone who'll work for so little! The fightings gotten sooo annoying recently, but finding a better job is such a hassle…"

He waves his hands around dramatically with every word for exaggeration. Sounds rough. But, do I really want to get involved if that's the case? I'm sure if I just looked around a bit, I could easily find a less stressful job. Especially if this boss is greedy. I'm not too concerned with making a lot of money, but it's another thing if I have to deal with fighting for the whole time.

---"When does the boss come in?"

The words practically fall out of my mouth without a second thought. When put on the spot like this, it's difficult to fully refuse… Maybe I can just take a flier for the job and pretend like I'll be back? Then again, this place is pretty small. With two waiters, the work probably wouldn't be so unbearable. Besides, Vera works in the kitchen. How much fighting could possibly happen? Leo strikes me as the type to exaggerate every now and then.

---"Soon! Probably! Sometimes she just comes in at closing, but I have a good feeling about today!"

His eyes twinkle like stardust. I feel like he has too much faith in me. Besides, even if I agree to this job, I'm not sure I'd make a good waiter. Faking a smile for strangers is… weird. Besides, working after school and the weekends would be a lot.

---"Is there a form I have to fill out?"

He gives me a nod with a 'wait here' gesture, and I can see him grab something from a small counter next to the food display case, and he hands it to me proudly.

---"If you have any questions about it, ask me! Take all the time you need on it."

I nod and wander off to a comfortable window seat in the main part of the café. Leo is… strange. But it's not really a bad thing. He seems to mean well.

I take a pen from my school bag and begin. The form itself is pretty simple. Full name. Age. Birth date. Standard information to start out. Although the part for work history will have to stay blank.

But, I think taking this job might not be such a bad idea. Leo is clearly skilled enough, right? Someone like that could probably get any bakery-type job he wants. Maybe he likes this place more than he lets on? Besides, it sounds like most of my co-workers would end up being classmates too. If they're the same age as me, we might be able to get along better than Leo could? Although he looks to only be in his twenties…

I'm brought back into reality by a loud clink next to my form. I glance up and see the girl from before, Aroha, setting down a glass of what seems to be pink lemonade. She's not smiling, but I can assume this is her way of being kind regardless when she just says,

---"...Do your best."

,and walks off. Despite her back being turned, I only respond with a nod. An autopilot reaction. Talking to her seems difficult, so it's probably fine if I don't do it too much. I think.

If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

…Maybe I'm a bit unapproachable as well.

I don't talk enough for a job like this, do I? There's probably a lot of people that come to cafés that seem rough to talk to. But I wouldn't have any choice in the matter. It'd be my responsibility. Unless I want a messy firing playing with my future job possibilities…

Either way, I finished the application form. It's strange there's a form to begin with. With how Leo spoke earlier, I wonder if the boss is just too cheap to have a website to submit resumes to? Although surely she wouldn't be that… frugal.

I shake the thought from my mind as quickly as it entered. Thinking bad of her before I've met her isn't right. I'll let first impressions do the talking. Speaking of, I'd like to meet her soon. The afternoon is coming to a slow end as customers gently pour in, their chatter lighting up the atmosphere. It's calming. Being surrounded by so many people just getting free from their tedious shifts at work and school, finally wounding down. Although I feel bad for Aroha. I can see that in practice, she's definitely being stretched to her limits working this whole place alone at such a busy hour. Some customers seem visibly frustrated with it, too. As I watch her work, we briefly make eye contact for a few moments, before she gets absorbed back into the flow of things by another frustrated customer shouting for her. Her patience is visibly wearing down.

But, admittedly, mine is too. It's not a major inconvenience. I didn't exactly have any specific plans for what to do when I got home. It's why I took the scenic route to begin with. But I've been so conflicted since I got here. A job isn't something you usually take on a whim, right? All these mixed feelings leave me feeling exhausted. It's worrying. What if this is what my future job feels like, once I finish school? I'd love to ask Aroha how she ended up taking the job. Get her thoughts on these sorts of things. Since we're about the same age, anyway. But she's so busy, I'd probably have to wait ten minutes just for all the current customers to be dealt with. It seems the combination of foods only made when ordered, along with the snacks on display, leaves her running back and forth between the counter and the tables. She can't seem to strike a balance.

Eventually I get tired of watching it. Or, tired in general. The sun's kisses are really going to put me to sleep before the boss gets here like this… I stretch a little in my seat before pulling myself up, form in hand. It asked for my phone number as well, so there's no point in staying I think. Probably. I'll just give it to Leo. It'd be a good chance to ask what's so great about working here.

Weaving through the small crowd, I find my way back into the kitchen. Leo seems a bit busy himself. Both fronts are understaffed today it seems. And with their boss missing… I wonder what keeps both of them so motivated, despite it.

Leo takes a moment to take notice of my presence with his sea of work. Despite that, he still has it in him to greet me with a smile. As if everything is fine.

---"Sorry, the boss isn't here yet. Are you fine with waiting a bit longer, or do you plan on throwing in the towel?"

---"Could she just give me a call if she likes my application?"

---"She'll want to meet with you in person eventually, before you can start. I promise you, she's never been the punctual sort. Although it's fine if you'd rather leave that part for another day."

I give a silent apology and hand the form to him. He answers with unspoken sympathy, folding the form in half and sticking it in his pocket. I turn to leave, but before I can step out, I hear a high pitched crunch resound from the café, followed by an angry shout.

---"Just shut the fuck up already!"

Leo doesn't seem nearly as phased by it as me. He turns away a little and does an over exaggerated praying motion. I can practically see a single tear fall dramatically from his eye. I could tell the person shouting was Aroha… Did she finally snap on someone? Does this… happen a lot??

I don't even have time to question it further. A resounding slap echoes just loud enough that I can hear it, even so far away. I resolve myself to take a peek out, but Leo stops me dead in my tracks.

---"I don't usually like to get involved when those two fight. Let's just watch from here."

…So this is a normal thing. I stay in the kitchen and scan through the customers until I see that familiar green hair. Standing opposite to her is a girl with charcoal black hair, with olive green highlights. Arctic blue eyes focus on Aroha. I'm quick to realize- Aroha is the one who got slapped.

---"Don't order me around as if you're any better!"

Now that I think about it, she's wearing the Érable uniform too, right? Maybe she's Vera? But, wouldn't that mean she'd have just gotten in? How can they be so fast to fight?

It doesn't even last long enough to matter. Aroha marches off to the back, slamming the door behind herself, and Vera scoffs.

---"C'mon now! Too scared to defend yourself?!"

Leo ducks back deeper into the kitchen, motioning me to follow.

---"She'll be back here in a second. She doesn't usually start things with anyone else, I think Aroha just bothers her. Anyway, you'll probably be fine if she doesn't realize you were watching."

I nod, but I think I've changed my mind, now. I think I'll wait just a little bit longer after all. So long as Vera doesn't target me, it should be fine if I…

---"Oh, waiting after all? I'll come get you if the boss gets here!"

He shouts back at me as I walk out. Vera gives me a curious glance as we pass each other. Seems Leo was right, she's indifferent about me. Well, that's for the best. I'm not strong, and fighting seems like a hassle. Quietly, I stand in front of the room Aroha ran into. I don't know her too well, but she seems nice enough, right? Maybe I should check up on her…

I'm not too nervous. She was nice earlier, anyway. Hopefully she'll just appreciate the concern. Kindness for kindness, right? I gently push open the door, and…

+×+