It had been over one week since I started working at Manna’s Kitchen, and somehow, everything was beginning to fall into pce. I’d learned the rhythm of the job, and my once-frequent mistakes were now reduced to small errors, the kind you could easily brush off with a quick apology. But even though I felt more comfortable in my role, one thing still weighed heavily on my heart: Keiko.

  Keiko, the woman I admired. Keiko, who had always been just out of reach.

  Despite how hard I worked, despite the smiles I gave and the effort I put into everything, there was no progress between us. She was still the same — distant, professional, and focused entirely on work. Sure, she was kind when she needed to be, but it felt like every time I tried to get closer, she kept me at arm's length.

  I couldn’t help but wonder if she’d ever see me as more than just a junior worker. Would she ever see me as the person I wanted to be in her life?

  ---

  It was near closing time when the restaurant was finally empty. The few remaining customers had left, and we began our usual end-of-the-day routine: wiping down tables, stacking chairs, and organizing supplies for the next day. But as I moved about, I couldn’t help but gnce at Keiko, still moving briskly around the kitchen, tidying up the counters. She looked tired, her movements efficient but mechanical. I had seen this side of her before — the one who never let her guard down, the one who buried her emotions.

  But tonight, I was determined. I couldn’t stand it anymore.

  I had to make a move.

  I had to talk to her.

  “Keiko…” I called out hesitantly, my heart racing in my chest.

  She turned, a little surprised to hear her name. “Yes? You need any help, Ryuko?” Her voice was calm, almost too calm. She was still focused on her work, but I could see the curiosity flicker in her eyes.

  I swallowed hard, suddenly feeling the weight of the moment. My hands trembled slightly as I fumbled for the right words. “Erm… Do you have time after work?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

  Keiko paused, her brow furrowing just a little as she processed my question. For a brief moment, I thought I had messed up. But then, after a second of silence, she gave a small nod. “I think I have 30 minutes of spare time. If that’s enough for you?” Her tone was neutral, but there was something in her eyes — something I couldn’t quite pce.

  I almost wanted to jump up and shout in excitement. She was giving me a chance!

  “Oh, sure. That’s enough.” I smiled at her, trying to appear calm even though my heart was hammering in my chest.

  ---

  I had only 30 minutes. I had to make the most of it.

  I grabbed my jacket, and before I could even think about it, I found myself taking her hand — unconsciously, without thinking. She looked a little surprised, but she didn’t pull away as I led her out of the restaurant. My mind raced as we walked together, the cool evening air swirling around us. We didn’t say much, but the silence didn’t feel uncomfortable. It felt... natural.

  I took her to a nearby café I’d noticed earlier that week. It wasn’t too far from the restaurant, and the cozy interior with soft lighting gave the perfect vibe for a quiet conversation. We sat down at a small table by the window, and I could feel the weight of the moment, the anticipation hanging between us.

  “So, what do you want to ask, Ryuko?” Keiko asked after the waitress had taken our drink orders. Her voice was calm, almost as if she didn’t realize how much this moment meant to me.

  I wanted to ask so many things — things about her life, her thoughts, her feelings — but I had to tread carefully. I couldn’t cross the line. I couldn’t overwhelm her. I was a nobody but her junior now.

  “Erm… I was wondering, since when did you start at Manna’s Kitchen? If I may know?” I asked, trying to keep the question simple. It was a safe start, something that wouldn’t push her too hard.

  Keiko thought for a moment before answering, her fingers idly tracing the rim of her cup. “I think… 11 years? More or less.” She paused. “Why do you ask?”

  I gulped, trying to act casual as I quickly came up with an excuse. “Ah, I was just curious. You’re really good at it, and I admire how you manage everything. Heh.” I fshed her my sweetest smile, hoping I wasn’t making things weird.

  Keiko didn’t buy it. Her sharp eyes narrowed slightly, and she gave a small sigh. “Are you having trouble at work, Ryuko?” she asked, her tone softer now, but still filled with a quiet concern.

  I felt the heat rise to my cheeks. She saw right through me. “No, no. It’s just… you’re always so composed and efficient. I just wanted to know how you do it, you know?” I stammered, then quickly changed the topic, asking about something I already knew, just to keep the conversation flowing.

  Keiko was patient with me. She answered every question, her tone kind but professional, and I could see the effort she put into her work. There was something about her, something so gentle yet so distant at the same time. It was like she was giving me just enough, but not too much.

  I couldn’t help but feel like I was failing her. Junpei was right. She was a saint.

  ---

  After a few moments of silence, I gathered my courage and tried to lead the conversation to something more personal. I had to know more about her thoughts... about us.

  “Keiko…” I began, trying to keep my voice steady. “Are you… married?”

  She looked at me, a brief fsh of pain crossing her face before she masked it. It was like a shadow had passed through her eyes, but just as quickly, it was gone.

  “It’s complicated,” she said softly, her gaze lowering to her cup. “I have a daughter, but… I don’t know if I could say he was my husband. We never married formally. It’s just for administrative reasons. We're living together, but I guess that's all there is to it.”

  My heart sank. It wasn’t the answer I was expecting, but I could hear the underlying sadness in her voice. I wanted to ask more, to understand more, but I didn’t want to push her too far.

  Before I could speak again, a voice interrupted us.

  “Mom, why did you tell that much to a stranger?”

  I froze, my blood turning cold. Rin.

  I turned slowly to see the girl standing there, her arms crossed, an expression of annoyance on her face. She looked nothing like Keiko, but there was a sharpness in her eyes that reminded me of her mother.

  “Rin, she’s not a stranger. She’s my junior.” Keiko’s voice was calm, but there was a subtle edge to it.

  Rin raised an eyebrow but didn’t argue. “Oh, really? I’m sorry if I was rude before.” She directed the apology at me, her tone still cool but a little softer.

  I was completely stunned. Rin had never apologized to me before. “Ah, n-no problem,” I stuttered, doing my best to appear polite, though I was still taken aback.

  Keiko gnced at me, then at Rin, and smiled softly. “I asked my daughter to come here so we could have dinner together. I hope you don’t mind.”

  Honestly, I didn’t mind at all. This was perfect for me. I could finally get closer to both of them, even if it wasn’t exactly the way I’d envisioned it.

  “No, it’s fine. I don’t mind at all,” I said, smiling genuinely.

  For the rest of the evening, Rin remained mostly quiet, her cool demeanor making the atmosphere feel a little awkward at times. She wasn’t interested in engaging with me, which I didn’t mind too much. But I still tried.

  “Rin, right? How old are you?” I asked, hoping to break the ice.

  She gnced at me, her face impassive. “15.”

  I nodded, trying to smile warmly. “Really? We’re around the same age! Do you want to be friends with me?” I offered my hand, hoping to make a connection.

  But Rin didn’t take my hand. She just stared at it for a long moment before answering, her voice ft and indifferent. “Why should I?”

  I felt my stomach drop, but Keiko came to my rescue. “Rin, I think it’s a good idea. You can be friends with Ryuko.”

  Rin gred at me for a moment, then sighed. “Fine.”

  I couldn’t help but smile as we exchanged contact information. It wasn’t much, but it was a start.