‹Gin›

November 4.

Gone are the days of the happy moments from the Open Event. The second semester has finally brought out the true colors of what being a senior really means to be. We are graduating students, and so we have a lot of duties to do that we can't avoid.

On the other hand, it really is something to see how much the road is reflecting the sky. Last time I checked, this time of Orio should have 25° of minimum temperature years ago, but now we have icy roads and winter soles fighting against the slip. Anyway, I am quite glad that Rin and Anna hasn't fell down while we're walking the street to school. They are both kinda ditsy.

"It's cold again as always…"

"It is winter right now, young miss."

"I just want to sleep all day and cook my own meals…!"

"Nii, I'm not sure anymore if Nee-chan is just a lazy bum or an enthusiastic housewife."

I whispered, "She is a lazy bum that has a great potential to become someone's enthusiastic housewife."

"Ah, I always forgot that no human can just say those things in one breath. Yeah, I now remember that you're not human, Nii. Rather, I remember that my brother is not human," uttered in her blankest tone.

"You're also going to be busy this time, right, Anna?"

"Yep… I heard from the seniors that this semester will make you crunch numbers in your mouth and I'll be coming to elective classes held in BM. But what you said back in my graduation really made sense in our school, Nii."

"Did I say something back then?"

"Yeah… How did you say it again… Something like being able to take a breather even when things can get very busy. I was still able to hang out with Naru and Ai-chan with our free time even outside school."

"Oh, that. Well, Tenth is concerned about his students' physical and mental health. He is a very caring principal, at least."

"Thinking back, that may be because of Kaizo's past."

"Potato~ Want something hot to drink? I'll stop by the vending machine."

"Aight. I'll let you choose. And there she goes.

Ah, please have red bean soup."

"You should have said sooner, Nii."

"I was a little spacey. I was focused when you were talking to me."

"Yeah. I guess I'll go on ahead, Nii."

"Alright."

"Gin~! I got the drinks."

"Yeah? What did you get?"

"Red bean soup for both of us."

"I love you, Rin-san."

"Eh?!"

~ ~ ~

The start of the new semester does not mean a morning assembly, especially for us second years. The two of us went straight to the VA room in which quite a long homeroom will happen with apparently a lot of orientation. And in that regard, irregular students will have one copy of printout of the orientation from their minor department, and it's on us as to how we will produce copies of it.

With Mato finally finished with today's chapter of S*y x Family, he started the orientation.

"So yeah, bad morning to you, students. Second semester has started, and so is your work training."

A good homeroom that started by teasing his own students, and declared without further elaboration. That's Mato for you.

So work training—a requirement in our second year for us to graduate. Basically, it is somewhat synonymous to on-the-job training, but literally smaller.

"I know that you lots already have some kind of knowledge on this, so as usual, your work training's duration will be 100 hours. All of your schedules should follow a four-hour duration in a day starting from 1pm to 5pm. With that out of the way, you are all here in VA so I'm expecting that you will be placed on the companies that we partnered with regarding this department.

But well, NED gave us exclusive terms in which irregular students can choose where will they be placed, or they can either do both which will encompass 150 hours with a 1:0.5 ratio. As early as later, please make up your minds since you four at the back are the only irregs here.

This day will be strictly intended to starting your portfolios and obtaining prior requirements, like the practice of getting legal forms that are needed for employment. If you have any time to complain about that, then make a company that won't require those. You students are still on the starting line; no one has said the go signal yet. In your first year, you have been taught about how to make your own resume and I hope that you still have your copies of it so that you can just update them.

Later this day, we will be moving to the AV Room for further orientation and a seminar. You will be doing your portfolios there too.

And at some point in this week or the next, we will have a mock interview, but that will happen after the closed-door conference with me, you, and your guardian. They have been informed about it so please make sure that they will be present tomorrow. Also, I might give the criteria of the interview tomorrow."

"Sir, your reminders are all over the place," Anzu teased.

"Give me a break, literally. I'm tired, you know."

~ ~ ~

Thankfully, Rin and I didn't sleep on the seminar since we were honestly getting a little bored. We were allowed to bring blankets in the AV Room, so it didn't help to make us alive to listen. Things got a little rowdy when it was time for us to do our forms since most of them do not have many ideas on the legal and government documents yet. But just so you know, I went through all those fill-ups when I was 17, and was applying for Giotto's. Although it felt like an eternity for me to legalize my employment since I had to wait until I turn 18. They were surprised when I instantly handed out a resume to Mato, especially Ryota who snatched it from me before passing it.

"What, are you going to write that you were a man who wore a black mask with a white teardrop on it?"

"Heck, no…!

Is this actually your active resume…?"

"Well, that was the one that I submitted to Giotto's. I can't apply to any job with a 'junior high school graduate' there, you know. Besides, I don't plan on applying elsewhere. I'm plenty happy with my work right now."

"Good for you, then.

Oh, yeah. Nice hair you have there."

"Potato~ are you done with your forms?"

"Yeah. My initial portfolio is complete. You?"

"Need help."

"Thought as much."

Because of all the second years had to go through today, we cancelled club activities for today, or at least for us only. By the time of dismissal, Nagi prompted us to stay for a while and made our way to the still open rooftop of the new building. We however were not the first ones up there as we immediately saw Jean and Akira tending to the flowers.

Afternoons like this are best spent with hot green tea while sinking your face to your own muffler. Though I believe that I have an idea as to why we are waiting for the autumn couple.

And so, they are here.

In my unusual fashion, I actually did not notice something for the whole day. Something has changed, although it might be a minute detail. I finally realize what it was upon seeing Shiro from behind Nagi. Most of the time, Shiro is seen with a ponytail on her hair, while on winter she only ties her hair with a scrunchie and bring it to her front shoulder. I am not seeing either of those right now as her hair is graceful and free without her ties. This might be my first time noticing that her hair actually extends to her upper back.

"T-Thank you…!"

In the awkward time in the cold, Shiro suddenly let her throat loose and shouted to her loudest while bowing in front of us. For a while now, she is stuck on that pose.

I then gestured Nagi by pulling my white handkerchief back and forth from the pocket of my layer coat. He understood what I meant and lent his own handkerchief to Shiro, who has begun crying, anew.

Rin then stopped the awkward silence, "Even I was extremely frustrated when I first heard about it back in the inn. I already know to myself how much you're enjoying your time here, and I hated the thought that your anxiety will most likely come back again if you actually moved out.

I respected how much you understand what your father is trying to say, but I can't help but be against it. Thanks to Nacchi, he realized that Uncle Junpei really hasn't seen us much, as your friends. So Gin realized that it was time for him to let loose and reveal that he is an Exile that can be trusted."

I added, "Well, we have the free reigns to do that, just like your Hiro-nii. I wouldn't have done that if it wasn't for him. And I'm glad that it yielded something good out of it."

"I really can't thank you guys enough…" Shiro had finally spoken. "I was really scared of what Dad will say to me if I fight back… but even I have had enough of keeping quiet. I may have never told my feelings to him if not for a dream I saw…

I saw myself with all of you guys… it was like the future where we are all having fun even after many years have passed… I yearned for it, and I don't want to lose it. I really hated how it might not come true… but then you suddenly showed up and defended for me. All my father wanted is my safety and security… it's just that he never realized how safe I am in this place.

It's all thanks to you… that I can stay here."

And right in front of us, Nagi tightly embraced the weeping. Seriousness aside, I think Rin and I have done this in the past, and we're now realizing how embarrassing that moment was.

But then, Rin decided to join in and also gave Shiro a hug, in which she was followed by Akira and Jean who also spread their arms. Needless to say, I was left standing alone; at least I appreciated how Jean and Akira lumped on Nagi.

"I'm too old for this kind of high school moments, huh… Oh, well."

I followed their trend anyway.

"You are welcome!"

▪ ▪ ▪

By the time it was 10 in the next day, I was found chatting with the guard just by the school gates. Following the schedule given my Mato, I am of course waiting for Mom as Dad is obviously at work.

"Gin. Have you been waiting long?"

"Not really. The guardhouse's heater is quite warm. Well, the conference is in alphabetical order so we still have time."

"Is Ringo done with hers, then?"

"Ah, yeah… Right now she's watching Uncle Shuu and his former classmate roaring at each other. Apparently his friend was a delinquent in high school."

"Has she told you what happened with hers?"

"Yeah. It was closed doors but nothing really is confidential."

And we transition to Rin's experiences in her conference.

Rin and Shuu entered the conference room, meeting with Martin and CA's head teacher—Dean Taiyou.

"Good morning, Mr. Akanami, please have a seat. Is really is quite cold today."

"It always is, Sir Martin. It's nice to meet you, Sir Dean."

"Likewise."

"So we would assume that your daughter, Ringo, had discussed prior to this day what her potential career choice will be."

"Yes. She had always shared that even if her Visual Arts is her major department, she really is getting inclined more on her minor department."

"The purpose of this system is indeed applied. We are glad to hear that."

"So with that in mind, her career choices mostly centers on culinary. She is also aspiring to get admitted to Cotona Culinary Institute."

"So we have heard. It is a vocational school found nearby."

"So Ringo, we would assume that you will be deciding to be placed on an institution with regards to the CA department."

"Yes…! I actually have an experience with working in a restaurant although not yet extensive. I worked as a trainee in Giotto's Japan branch for a week, and I have learned about the pressure of working inside the kitchen. The Open Event also served as an experience as I was doing waiting work and being a cook at the same time."

"That's the first time I'm hearing that. By the way, our communication with Giotto's South is being done through their sous chef. Potentially, they might accept a few for work training. Based on your experiences, we might place you in that restaurant if you wish to, now knowing that you're familiar with the basics and the establishment."

"If that is the case, then I will gladly accept."

"Then following with the summary, your daughter's forms and portfolio is successfully completed, so that is everything for this meeting. We appreciate your time amidst of your busy schedule, Mr. Akanami. Thank you very much."

"It is also my pleasure. We will take our leave, then."

…

"Ringo."

"Hmm?"

"My word, you've really grown so much…"

"Ehehehe."

~ ~ ~

"Good morning, Mrs. Senna. Please have a seat."

"It's quite new for me to see you as a teacher, Martin."

"Ahahaha… Is that so…

Also, this is CA department's head educator beside me."

"I'm Dean Taiyou. I'm pleased to meet you."

"Likewise."

"So regarding your son, Gin has accomplished his portfolio and mock employment forms with flying colors. If he passed the practice interviews, then he will be ready for displacement."

"I suppose you wouldn't really call it 'mock' anymore," Mom jested.

"Apparently, yes," Taiyou-sen affirmed. "But that poses a very minute problem for him among all the second years. Word is that he is currently working as a full time sous chef in Giotto's South and that his employment is still effective. We honestly did not anticipate such a situation.

But instead of tackling it directly, the school chose to coordinate with the restaurant through him as the sous chef with the possibility of placing students to their establishment. If I may please talk to the sous chef now?"

I took Taiyou-sen's words as switching my position as I am sitting as a student in front of them. Therefore, I acted to be one of Giotto's.

"Chef Hiroomi had agreed to accept a maximum of five students in our restaurant. In accordance to that both I and Chef Yuzuri who is also working there will be excluded to that count. As far as I have heard, a condition has been set for us prior to this."

"Yes, chef. Your work training will then be declared accomplished in the condition that you two will be instructing the number of students to their training. You will be granted with the 100 hours of work as long as they are present in work while the students are there. Is that fine with Mrs. Sakato?"

"There is no problem with that. Regarding his circumstances, his work in Giotto's is his main occupation. Meaning that he is responsible for his living expenses."

"Wait, is that true, Gin?!" Taiyou-sen stood.

"Yes, my current address in the school registry is my owned house."

"I've never heard of that, Sir Martin…"

"I though you already know by now.

But in any case, things should process as it is moving forward. His only requirement is the mock interview, and we will then hand to him who will be the five students that we will enlist.

Thank you very much for your time, Mrs. Sakato. That is all."

"Expected as much that you will not be in VA, Gin."

"That's pretty much given at this point, Mato-sen. You've already known for quite some time about my work.

Oh, by the way, Taiyou-sen. Did Yuzuri-san had a meeting too?"

"Ah, she won't. But please pass on to her what we have discussed."

"Will do. We will be going then."

…

"Sir Martin, do you think Gin has a higher salary than us?"

"Even if he does, it all goes to his tuition and bills."

"That guy's outrageous…"

"In many ways, Sir Dean."

~ ~ ~

"I'll be back home then, Gin. Take care."

"You too, Mom."

"Giiiiiinnnnnn~~~" Rin was already shouting from afar.

"Hi. Is Uncle still here?"

"Yep. He's still fighting with Uncle Junpei like cats."

"Just wow."

"Anone, anone. Taiyou-sen told me that there might be a possibility for me to be enlisted to Giotto's if Hiro-nii agreed."

"Platelet-chan, your brother already agreed for five students, you know. Most likely, Jean will also be placed in Giotto's soon enough.

We've had an agreement so I won't be doing the work training anymore. But Yuzuri-san might be in charge of the students most of the time."

"Well, you can't leave the kitchen just like that."

"And then surprise, you might actually be assigned on the accounts."

"Eh… I sure hope that Sis won't do something stupid."

▪ ▪ ▪

Thursday.

A lot of overthinking has happened early in this morning. Rin and I were hanging out on the CA room since our batches will be per department that we chose to enter. I have been hearing a lot of mumbling for the past thirty minutes inside the room since so much of my classmates has been attacked by nerves and the fear of failing the interview.

Everything that passes in my ears are answers to the possible questions that may come out in the interview itself. The room is currently a wreck.

"You know, it's better if your response is impromptu. We will be evaluated if our answers sound memorized and artificial, right?" is what I have been advising a handful of my classmates that went to me. But as much as the others need an advice for our upcoming interview, they still think that either I'm not here or they can't find me. Thus, the anxiety still goes on.

I don't know if it's a written rule or not, but it is actually suggested that we wear work attire for the interview. But since our winter uniform is quite low profile, our only requirement is to wear our ties and blazers properly apart from the girls that needed to change skirts as even I haven't seen anyone who applied for a job wearing a skirt with frills. But don't quote me on that.

The other guys changed their shirts for a change, though.

But on my perspective as the one that will be keeping watch of them, I really hope that they will already display work ethics in the interviews and moving forward. I have already kicked out Jean from the kitchen twice.

▪ ▪ ▪

"That's a wrap for the day! Thanks for the hard work!" Hiro clapped twice and announced in the center of the diner.

"Otsukare, bossman."

"Ah, Gin. We have dumplings with us. Mind if we eat dinner with you at your house?"

"Pork?"

"Yep. Lend me your steamer later."

"Sure, then call your missus so we can head out."

~ ~ ~

My first bite on the dumpling was extremely nice.

"The seasoning's great, did you make this, Hiro?"

"Just so you know, I made them, lil bro."

"She made the filling while working on her desk."

"Wow. Look at you, making your office your home kitchen."

"I overslept so I was late earlier. I didn't get to make them early."

"Yep. You never change, Sis."

"Anyway, how's communication with Blue Ink?"

"Since there will only be five students, the schedule will be Monday to Thursday. I still don't know who they will be but they will start on the 13th."

"1-5pm?"

"Right. I've talked with Yuzuri-san and we will be teaching them the waiting job properly for their first five days. We can't have them damaging the utensils. We really have to tire them out so they will learn."

"That's good to hear. I'll be counting on you."

"Are we going to do rotations?" asked Sis. "Y'know, there's the kitchen, the dining, and the office. I think that it might be a good idea."

"Ohh. I guess that will work. Thanks for the suggestion, Yu."

"I'm worried though, Hiro."

"About what, Gin?"

"Knowing my experience both here and in the North, I think my classmates are underestimating the work environment of Giotto's."

"That will be bad… If that's the case, I'll be ordering you to instill how hard the work will be once they are in."

"Sí."

"Hahahaha. We don't use that now, you know."