Chapter 157: Welcome Back, Ruka
“Welcome back, Ruka!”
We all cheered like maniacs the moment Ruka stepped into the restaurant. She bowed her head politely, embarrassed, and mumbled a quick “thank you.”
But of course, she barely had two seconds of peace before the three idiots—Aki, Suzuka, and Miko—closed in like vultures smelling fresh prey.
At first, their questions were pretty normal.
“How’s the baby?” Miko asked brightly.
“Did you get enough sleep? I heard babies cry all night!” Suzuka leaned in, overly serious like she was a news anchor.
“What’s it like being a mom now?” Aki joined in, notebook in hand like she was running a full-on interview.
Ruka scratched her cheek, looking more and more flustered by the second. “Uh… it’s fine. I’m still adjusting, I guess. The baby is healthy.”
But then, of course, Aki had to ruin it.
She leaned in, eyes gleaming, and whispered in a voice that was somehow louder than normal speaking, “So… how was Junpei?”
Miko and Suzuka instantly nodded, like they’d been waiting for that exact question.
Ruka blinked. “What do you mean?”
Aki smirked like she was a detective who had cornered her suspect. “Eyy, you know what I mean… is he good in bed?”
Smack!
“W–WHAT?!” Ruka’s face turned scarlet as she smacked Aki’s head with full mom strength. “Not telling you guys that!”
Miko gasped dramatically. “Ohh, she didn’t deny it!”
Suzuka joined in, putting her hand to her chin. “Yes… the blush says it all.”
At this point, the three of them had transformed into a pack of perverts circling poor Ruka, who looked like she was about to burst into flames.
That’s when justice came in.
Smack! Smack! Smack!
Keiko’s hands of wrath landed on all three idiots in one clean combo hit. “Enough! Back to work, all of you! It’s opening time!”
The trio clutched their heads, whimpering like puppies. “Yes, ma’am…”
I swear, if someone saw this from outside, they’d think Keiko was a terrifying gang boss disciplining her underlings. Actually… now that I think about it, that description is pretty accurate.
Ruka exhaled a heavy sigh and leaned toward Keiko. “Thanks…” she whispered like Keiko had just saved her life.
Honestly, I agreed with her. If Keiko wasn’t around, Ruka might’ve quit again on the spot.
---
Work was smoother that day. With Ruka back, and Suzuka also helping, it felt like we had some proper balance against the chaos of Aki and Miko. For once, I wasn’t praying for divine intervention every five minutes.
But of course, peace never lasts with this crew.
At lunch break, while I was just about to enjoy my food, Aki leaned over with that scheming look. “So, Ryuko… tomorrow’s the big day. How’s the graduation party preparation going?”
Miko and Suzuka instantly perked up like synchronized dolphins. “Yeah! Tell us!”
Ruka tilted her head. “Graduation party? What’s that?”
Right… she didn’t know yet.
I set down my chopsticks and said calmly, “Tomorrow’s my last day here.”
Ruka’s eyes widened. “What? Really?!”
I nodded with a small smile. “Yeah. I got another job, so… I’ll be moving on.”
She blinked a few times, still shocked, then finally smiled. “Oh… well… congratulations.”
“Thanks,” I said, feeling a little warmth in my chest at her genuine smile.
And then Aki ruined the touching moment.
“HEY! Ryuko! Don’t pretend you didn’t hear my question!” she shouted.
I tilted my head innocently. “I heard you, Aki.”
Miko chimed in, “Then answer her!”
I stroked my chin like I was in deep thought. “Oh, which one do you mean? The ‘how was Junpei in bed’ question? Sorry, I don’t really have any interest in that one.”
The room went silent for one second.
Then—
“THAT’S NOT IT!” Aki, Miko, and Suzuka all screamed at me in unison. Their faces were priceless.
Meanwhile, Ruka and Keiko had already burst into laughter, nearly spilling their drinks.
“The party! Graduation party!” Suzuka clarified, looking like she wanted to strangle me.
“Ohhh, that one…” I pretended to snap my fingers like I’d just remembered. “Nice question.”
The three of them leaned forward, eyes sparkling, practically vibrating with excitement.
I let the silence stretch, like I was about to reveal the meaning of life itself.
Then I grinned. “Boom.”
Their smiles widened—until I said, “It’s a secret. Just wait for tomorrow.”
“Whaaaaat?!” Aki collapsed on the table.
Miko pouted, arms crossed. “You’re so stingy, Ryuko!”
Suzuka threw her arms up. “Cruel! Absolutely cruel!”
Their whining echoed through the whole staff room like a chorus of banshees.
Meanwhile, Ruka was quietly chuckling, shaking her head at the chaos, and Keiko was covering her mouth to hide her laughter.
What they didn’t know was that Keiko and I had already stayed up late last night making plans for tomorrow. Since time was short, the best option was to hold the party right here at the restaurant. I even got Manna-san’s permission, so everything was set.
I glanced at Keiko, and she gave me a tiny nod with that knowing smile. It was funny how she could look so smug without saying a word.
And as for me… I couldn’t help but think, Tomorrow’s gonna be fun.