After me and Mitsuki-san talked, we parted ways. She said she would call one of the managers of a convenience store renting inside her mall to lend me a hand.
She gave me the whereabouts of this convenience store before she left.
I hurried up and went back to the parfait shop where I left mom.
"Mom! Shall we go now?"
"Ara, you're done talking? You said we're going to buy parfait, right?"
Yeah, that's right. It would be too suspicious if I immediately wanted to go to my workplace right away.
We ordered a cup of mango cream parfait. Its vibrant yellow color topped with rainbow sprinkles and a bright red cherry made the parfait sparkle under the store lights.
Mom and I took a break and sat at a vacant table.
"Woooow, Akane! Can we really afford this?"
"Yeah, Mom! We can now eat whatever food we want!"
I thought Mom would be happy, but instead, she narrowed her eyes and started tapping her nails on the table.
"Akane... you're not doing a shady job, right?"
"I'm not! Promise!"
That's the truth. I'm just entertaining random women. Definitely wholesome.
"Well, we're heading out next to your workplace, so we can see if you're telling me the truth."
I hope Mitsuki-san really pulled through. I'm putting all my fate in her hands right now.
After we consumed the delicious parfait, we immediately headed out to the place Mitsuki-san mentioned.
"Hey Akane, aren't we leaving the mall? Your workplace is outside, right?"
"No, Mom. To be honest, my workplace is within this mall."
Mom gave me a curious look. "Ara? I thought you're working at a convenience store?"
"Yes, Mom. A convenience store inside this mall."
"Ohh, okay. I can't wait to see where you work~"
Is she excited or still suspicious? I can't tell. Mom's soft tone always hides a hundred thoughts.
"Anyways, Mom, my workplace is on the third floor. Are you fine climbing stairs?"
"What do you think I am? An old hag?"
We climbed up to the third floor. If I remember correctly, across the stairs, there should be a convenience store named Sawada Konbini.
According to Mitsuki-san's instructions, I should just introduce myself to the clerk—he's already in on it.
So Mom and I proceeded inside the store.
"Mom, we're here."
Mom looked around, scanning the store like a detective.
"Okay, now... introduce me to your manager."
Shit. I don't even know who the manager is.
I should just trust Mitsuki-san. Just introduce myself to the clerk...
"Follow me, Mom..."
"Okay."
We approached the guy behind the cashier.
"Hello, I'm Akane Kirisaki."
The clerk froze like someone had unplugged his brain.
He stared at me wide-eyed, then blurted—
"Akane... MANAGER KIRISAKI! WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?!"
Manager?!
WHAT THE HELL!
Mom suddenly hugged me from behind, her voice full of pride.
"Ara! What is this?! So you wanted to surprise me? I can't believe my son is the manager here!"
Wait, wait. Is this the help Mitsuki-san meant?!
I JUST ASKED TO BE A NORMAL EMPLOYEE, NOT A DAMN MANAGER!
Well, at least Mom doesn't seem suspicious anymore. That's a win, I guess.
"W-Well, Mom, are you surprised?"
My voice was shaky but slowly regaining composure.
"Yes! Who would've thought my son became a manager! And you're still a high school student!"
"Eh? Manager Akane? You're still a—"
"SHHHHHH!"
"What's that? Akane?"
"No! Nothing! I love you, Mom!" I quickly hugged her to divert the topic.
"I love you too, Akane! I'm so proud that my one and only son is a manager now!"
I'm safe. I'M SAFE. I'M SAFE! I'M SAFE!
Anyway, after that little drama, we immediately went shopping.
Mom's mood was super calm all throughout, at least until we finished. I knew then that her suspicions were really cleared.
As promised, we bought a new TV and some clothes for her.
"Mom, next time, let's buy a fridge! Then move out of that old apartment."
Mom smiled and patted my head, then replied sweetly, "Ara, a fridge is fine. But moving into a new apartment? I'm kind of against it."
"Eh? Why, Mom? Don't you want a more comfortable apartment?"
She gently ruffled my hair and then pinched my cheek.
"Anywhere is fine as long as we're together, Akane. Even our old apartment feels like a five-star hotel as long as you're with me. Don't you think?"
"Are you sure, Mom? Are you really okay sharing a room with me? Don't you want your own space?"
"Ohh, I get it. So you want to move into a two-room apartment... because you can't hide your ero manga if we're sharing one?"
"THAT'S NOT IT!"
"Hahaha, I'm just joking. Don't think too much about me, Akane. Our apartment's still fine. Instead, why don't you buy something for yourself next time? Maybe a computer? Or a PS5? Mom would be happy if you did that."
"Is that so? Okay, next time!"
And with that, we wrapped up the shopping arc full of twists and near-death moments.
We went home after that. I glanced at the clock. It was already 5 PM. Time to prepare for work.
I still have some debt to pay.
"Mom, I'm going now. To my work."
"Night shift again?"
"Well, managers are usually up at night for emergency meetings, so..."
"Okay, okay. Take care, Akane. I'll be waiting."
"Yes. Bye, Mom! See you later!"
Now it's time... to pay Mitsuki-san some favor.
[7 PM – CLUB OPENING]
Patiently, I waited inside the private lounge—the room where we met yesterday. Mitsuki-san said she'd come alone tonight.
After almost an hour of waiting...
Clack. Clack. Clack.
The sound of heels echoed through the hallway.
Then, the door creaked open.
And there she was—the goddess of the night.
Wearing a black, glossy dress that hugged the curves of her body, paired with tall heels that clicked with every step, Mitsuki-san walked like she owned not just the club—but the entire world.
Her long, dark purple hair swayed with grace, catching the warm lights of the lounge. I couldn't take my eyes off her.
I quickly stood up and bowed.
"Good evening, my lady."
"Ara, you're staring too much, Akane-kun."
"Well... it's because even the moon pales in comparison to how beautiful you are tonight."
She took one elegant step forward and placed her hand on my chest. Her fingers slowly traced up to my collar, then to my neck.
Her lips came close to my ear, and her scent—rich and sharp like blooming roses with a hint of mystery—flooded my nose.
My heart skipped.
Then she whispered in a teasing, sultry tone...
"Calm down, dear. The night is long~"