Just one cup of coffee had helped Togawa Sakiko relax. She was now in the ideal state for an interview.
As the temporary "interviewer," Kazami Haru decided to take the task seriously and try to act the part.
He casually grabbed the guest log, conveniently labeled "Death Note", and took a black pen from the counter.
Seeing his sudden professional demeanor, Sakiko immediately straightened her posture, sitting upright like a model candidate.
"Wait a second—aren't you Kaoru from that flashy band in Shinjuku?"
Haru nearly burst out laughing at Sakiko-sensei's deadpan lie.
But logic told him: if he laughed now, things would get way too complicated.
So he just laughed silently in his head.
She probably inflated her age to avoid rejection due to being too young. Had she considered he might ask for ID?
Well, the café didn't actually restrict high schoolers from working here anyway.
"Previous experience?"
"I've tried various jobs. I've also worked as customer Discover more novels on NovelHub - your gateway to endless stories."
...A customer Discover more novels on NovelHub - your gateway to endless stories. We mostly serve high-quality coffee, desserts, and light snacks. There are multiple roles, including baristas and servers. Do you have a preference?"
"I'd like to apply as a barista."
Sakiko answered without hesitation.
She'd done her homework, this was the most suitable position for her. Waiting tables, dealing with customers face-to-face? Absolutely not.
But working behind the scenes, out of sight? Perfect.
After all, if someone she knew saw her here, it'd be a nightmare.
Though she didn't have formal coffee experience, she had some knowledge, and the café's high salary was a powerful motivator.
Right now, she needed this job.
Haru scribbled "Togawa Sakiko" in the Death Note, then glanced up to properly assess the composed young woman in front of him.
He couldn't help but admit, Sakiko-sensei was breathtaking.
Her elegance was not of this world. Even with a cool, expressionless face that lacked warmth, her mystique alone could rival a succubus.
A living embodiment of the Greek goddess of allure.
If a middle-aged lady from Ace Crew Entertainment came to interview, she'd probably sign Sakiko as a star the moment she saw her dazzling charm!
"I'll teach you the basics of brewing later. If all goes well, you can start today or tomorrow. The manager shouldn't have any issues."
"Whew, thank you so much."
"I'd like to start today if possible. Also... may I ask how to address you?"
With the interview a success, Sakiko finally relaxed. A gentle, genuine smile curled on her lips.
The nervous energy that had been coiled inside her was finally released, revealing a glimpse of her youthful, sincere self.
That smile, so soft and beautiful, was like moonlight surrounded by stars.
"Kazami Haru. Just call me Kazami or Haru."
"Understood, Kazami-senpai!"
Yes, yes, say that again.
[New simulation target added — Togawa Sakiko]
"Please take care of me from now on!"
The blue-haired girl beamed brightly and extended her right hand in a graceful greeting.
Haru casually took her soft, delicate hand.
[Item acquired: Random Identity Card]
A sudden notification in his head left him frozen for a moment.
He hadn't received any item when Sakiko was added as a simulation target, but now, after shaking hands?
Could it be that physically interacting with a simulation target in real life... grants items?
This really wasn't just a romance simulator, was it?
Sakiko, unaware of Haru's inner crisis, quickly let go of his hand after the polite handshake.
But her sharp eyes had noticed something—his long, defined fingers. She studied them thoughtfully.
A suspicion formed in her mind.
"Kazami-senpai... have you played an instrument before?"
Sakiko, once a refined young lady from a prestigious family, had naturally received formal musical education. Because of this, she was especially perceptive toward those with a similar background.
Someone who had practiced piano for a long time would have hands that could easily reach many keys. Kazami Haru's fingers were long, and his nails rounded in shape.
At the same time, his fingertips lacked the characteristic calluses from playing guitar or bass, and his palms weren't rough from long hours of drumming.
Based on these observations, Sakiko concluded that if Haru had studied any instrument, it must be something like piano or keyboard, just like herself.
"I've just practiced a little piano, that's all. Really just a beginner."
Haru snapped back to reality at the sound of Sakiko's voice, pulling himself out of the simulator's immersive haze.
Something occurred to him. He pointed to a Yamaha piano not far away in the café and said, "That piano over there belongs to the café. If things are slow or if a customer requests it, staff are free to play."
A gleam lit up Sakiko's amber eyes. A well-paying job, good work environment, and a piano to play?
This was basically heaven as this kind of job is perfect for her!
She absolutely had to do her best at this job and keep it.
She had assumed the piano was just a fancy piece of décor, something off-limits to employees. Haru had likely sensed her thoughts and offered this bit of info on purpose.
That alone made her look at him with new appreciation.
"Okay, it's about time to reopen. You can get familiar with the place while I prep."