Yin Ze slipped off his white apron and took advantage of the post-lunch lull to sit on a stool in the back kitchen and rest his legs. He glanced over at Matsuoka, who had been pacing and muttering to himself like a caged animal.
"Matsuoka, are you about to become a dad or something? You look so down, like you're worrying about baby formula costs. You've been on patrol for ages now."
"Huh? Am I bothering your break?" Matsuoka Seichirou rubbed his hands nervously.
"Not really," Yin Ze replied, shaking his head. "Just curious."
"Well... I actually got my first voice acting job." Matsuoka hesitated.
"That's great news!" Yin Ze grinned. "What's the role? Got any lines yet? Come on, tell me."
"It's just a background character," Matsuoka said sheepishly. "A scene where a clone army breaks loose. My lines are basically just meaningless growls. Also, I heard from Kashiwai-san—you beat out eight other people for your role and even caught the sound director's attention. Not bad at all."
"It's not a big deal. You could've done the same." Yin Ze stayed humble.
"Still, I've got to give it my all." Matsuoka murmured. "Next to you, I always feel like I'm slacking... even the floor tiles you mop seem cleaner than mine. By the way, about that part-time job list we were talking about—any new leads on high-paying gigs?"
"For hourly wage, this place is already the best in the area. There's a bar I know that hires bartenders often. It's way less hectic than here, meals included, but you've got to know how to mix drinks." Matsuoka thought for a moment, then continued.
"Shinyama Bookstore needs someone to mind the place—just cleaning and organizing shelves. Super chill, and you can read in your downtime. Then there's a video store where you can literally watch movies all day. There's also a... unique nightclub, but I don't think it's your scene."
"Hey, what makes you think clubbing isn't my vibe? Am I really that wholesome in your eyes?" Yin Ze raised a brow.
"It's a male-only place... I worry the testosterone levels might overwhelm you."
"Wait—you worked there?"
"Uh, yeah. I'm not great with female customers. The girls in regular clubs are way too outgoing for me. I couldn't handle it."
"So you're saying you can handle the testosterone instead?" Yin Ze subtly took a step back.
"Actually, gay folks aren't scary at all. They don't randomly hit on people either—most have high standards: looks, personality, income. Honestly, the customers there were polite and easy to talk to. Aside from orientation, they were just regular people. We really shouldn't judge."
"Lesson learned. I always knew you were socially awkward, but turns out it's mostly with women."
"No, no—I'm socially awkward in general. Talking to women is just... the worst of the worst for me."
"And yet you're out here living alone in Tokyo, juggling jobs like a pro. Seriously, that takes guts. I admire that."
"Well, we only live once. I don't want to have regrets." Matsuoka gave a small smile.
"Still, you've got to deal with your social anxiety eventually. What say we hit up Shinjuku's night scene tonight? Face your fears head-on!"
"No, no, no, no! Please spare me!" Matsuoka shook his head so hard he nearly left an afterimage.
"And what happens when you want to get married?" Yin Ze sighed.
"Takizawa... you're still in high school, and yet you're already worrying about marriage? Isn't your college entrance exam coming up next month?"
"Yeah. I've been grinding practice tests every night. My back hurts, I'm sweating buckets—it's brutal. Feels like my brain's burning through calories I don't have."
"Got a school in mind?"
"Aiming for Tokyo University."
"Wha—Tokyo U? As in the Tokyo University?!"
"Yep."
"That's incredible." Matsuoka gave him a long, appraising look. "I'll be cheering you on."
"How was your entrance exam back then?" Yin Ze asked.
"Nowhere near your level. I came to Tokyo right after high school and enrolled at Yoyogi Animation Academy. They had voice acting courses."
This guy really had his life in a chokehold—driven by passion and throwing himself in headfirst. In a way, he was cool. Even cold and decisive.
"Anyway, I should get back to bussing tables. Don't stress too much." Yin Ze stretched his neck and shoulders, tied his apron back on, and headed back out to the dining floor.
Matsuoka nodded. Despite the pep talk, his heart was still pounding. His mind swirled with nerves over his upcoming debut. He kept drawing little 人 characters on his palm in an attempt to calm himself down.
Yin Ze weaved through tables, clearing forks, spoons, and dishes. Some customers even got the added service of a charming smile—just part of the premium dining experience.
This was no greasy spoon. Here, customers were summoned by the gentle ring of a bell, not by someone yelling "Hey handsome!" from a street stall.
A bell chimed. Responding like a trained butler, Yin Ze swiftly stepped to the customer's side and offered a 15-degree smile.
"One house special chicken gratin and an orange juice," the girl said without looking at the menu.
"Don't you study or do homework on weekends? Always shopping in Omotesando?" Yin Ze scowled, recognizing her. "You're squandering your youth on designer bags and overpriced lattes."
"I'm a loyal customer. Shouldn't you be thanking me?" the girl huffed, fingers idly tapping the table.
"Every bite of that Australian lobster you order is just paying off the manager's Mercedes. I'm just a part-timer—there's no commission in it for me." Yin Ze sighed dramatically. "Gratin, light oil, extra veggies. Orange juice, three ice cubes. Got it. I'll ask the new guy in the kitchen to prep it."
"Don't forget my free salad!" she called.
"Five meters to your right. Help yourself. Don't waste it, though—we'll dock your bill."
"What kind of service is this? You're making the customer work!"
"That's the charm of a buffet—you get to experience the joy of it. I wouldn't dare rob you of that."
"You're just lazy. I'm filing a complaint with the manager."
"Oh, my lady, why so cruel to a humble servant like me? All I did was sneak a piece of my experimental 'Dark Diamond Steak' onto your plate last time while you were in the restroom... and I even took you to the dentist after!"
"You dare bring that up?! I trusted you! When I got home teary-eyed, my dad thought I was being bullied at school and almost stormed over to confront my classmates! But it was you!" Sakura Ayane growled through gritted teeth.
"I've reflected deeply," Yin Ze said with a bow. "I shouldn't have played such a prank."
"So tell me—does it really sound so unreasonable to want proper service?!"
"Not at all. I shall craft you the most exquisite salad your taste buds have ever known!" Yin Ze saluted and bolted toward the salad bar.
Matsuoka, emerging from the back with a mop, caught sight of Takizawa groveling and fawning, and couldn't help feeling a twinge of sympathy.
...Yep. Women really are hard to deal with. Even someone as sharp and savvy as Takizawa was completely at their mercy.
He sighed inwardly.