Chapter 598

At night.

Near the end of the shift.

Store manager Yamamoto Koji gathered all the part-time employees together and, with a rare smile on his face, announced a piece of good news.

"Due to our store's particularly outstanding sales performance recently, the headquarters decided to adjust our store's wages after learning about the situation, adjusting them to the same level as other top-tier hot stores."

"Therefore, starting this month, everyone's hourly wage will increase from the original 800 yen to 1200 yen."

"I hope everyone continues to work hard!"

The employees gathered around heard this and immediately let out a small cheer, their faces filled with joy.

Natsume Chikage listened, and his mood also lightened a bit.

Before the novel royalties were steadily credited, this part-time job at the coffee shop remained his most important source of income.

An increase in hourly wage was naturally something worth being happy about.

However, in this atmosphere of joy, Classmate Tengyuan Kui seemed to have no great reaction to the raise itself.

Her gaze almost didn't look at the store manager but fell almost entirely on the side profile of Natsume Chikage beside her.

Seeing the corners of his mouth lift slightly, her heart also followed with a hint of sweet joy.

The end of the shift had arrived.

Everyone quickly changed out of their uniforms, said goodbye to each other, and left one after another.

Not long after.

The streetlights of Shibuya had just come on.

Classmate Tengyuan Kui and Natsume Chikage, who had just finished work, walked side by side on the sidewalk, heading home.

Classmate Tengyuan Kui turned her head, with a blush of excitement that hadn't faded, and asked:

"Natsume-kun, have you played tabletop games like 'Dungeons & Dragons' before?"

"You felt so proficient today; even though the three of us made so many bizarre moves, you were actually able to round out the story and guide it forward."

Natsume Chikage looked at the flashing neon lights ahead and smiled:

"I have indeed played in groups online with others before, so I have some experience."

Classmate Tengyuan Kui realized, her pace lightening a bit:

"No wonder!"

"Then... for tomorrow's club activity, shall we continue playing?"

Natsume Chikage nodded, his tone gentle:

"I'm fine with anything."

The two chatted while walking.

The night grew thicker, and the evening breeze blew across the street.

At this time.

Classmate Tengyuan Kui seemed to have remembered something, and a faint, imperceptible blush appeared on her healthy wheat-colored skin.

She scratched her cheek with her finger, her voice lowering slightly, and muttered:

"Natsume-kun... did you tell me yesterday that Ruri-chan and Reisa-chan are trying to draw girls' manga?"