The Struggle of a Young TS Yuki-Onna. Chapter 18

Author:

Character cheat sheet. This is mainly for me, and people who took a break from the novel.

Yukiya Kitahara(北原雪哉) now (雪耶): The protagonist. A junior high student, 14, and  now a Snow girl. Short black hair, beautiful pale skin.

Syuuji Kitahara(北原修司): Yukiya's father, and owner of the Snow House.(雪乃亭) Which is located in Hyousei Village(氷清村)

Yukino(雪乃): Yukiya's mother, and is a snow woman/ Yuki Onna.

Hazuki Natsumi(夏美) and Saeki Tomonori(智則): Yukiya's friends and classmates.

TN: Mamuni

Tomorrow came, and a new day of work.

"Yes, the miso ramen and the tonkatsu set meal."

Customers have been coming immediately since the store opened. Ten times as there usually is. It was non-stop moving.

It's honestly a miracle that our store somehow was rejuvenated.

"Um, Can I add something to our order?"

"Yes, coming." 

In the busy bustle of work, I went to answer the woman's voice.

"Um, Please add the ice cream dessert to our order."

She pointed to the ice cream poster on the wall.

Ah, women really love their sweets.

That's why it was my idea to put that dessert ice cream poster up there.

"Thank you very much. I'll be right back with your order."

It's important not only for the store to make money, but also that the satisfaction is high.

Lunchtime today was crazy. We had to actually refuse people because we were at max capacity. That has never happened before.

"I'm sorry, we are full right now."

I smiled and bowed to apologize to the young couple that came.

"Well, it can't be helped. We'll need to find another place."

The couple who sort of look like newly weds muttered.

I then had to see them leave. It hurts seeing them leave without being served, but it can't be helped.

At this point, open spots are becoming rarer. . .

Noon quickly passed by.

"Thank you. Please come again."

I said as I saw them off and took their money at the cash register.

I looked towards the clock and it's 3PM. And finally customers have started to stop coming.

"Well. . ."

I look out the windows.

Due to the temperature difference of the warm inside and cold outside, there was condensation on the window, but I could still see something glimmer as it fell outside.

"Huh. . .Snow?"

Although it wasn't falling violently, it was just simply flickering.

"Weird. . ."

I tilted my head. Of course it's not weird for it to snow, it's snowy country. But the weather forecast said it should be clear for some time.

Speaking of that, those college students from yesterday. . .They were going to the mountain today. . .

It should have been clear. But now it's starting to change.

We are at the foot of the mountain, and it's snowing onto us already. But what does that mean higher up in the mountain. I hope they'll be okay.

"Um, excuse me. We're ready to order."

I was snapped out of my train of thought by one of the customer's voices.

"Ah, yes. Coming."

I hurried over to the ordering customer. I am worried about them, but I'm a shopkeeper. I can't afford to be distracted.

After working until evening the store was finally approaching closure, and most people are gone. The store door opened with it's bell sound accompanying it.

"Yukiychan! Ojii-san, Hi."

It was Natsumi-chan!

She was alone today. Wearing her jersey after returning from the soft tennis club.

"What can I do for you?"

"The usual Zenzai please!"

With that she sat at the closest seat by the cash register.

She was ordering the classic Zenzai.

It's made with paste from the locally grown azuki beans, and with a large mochi in it and candied chestnut. It's a secret recommendation.

It's popular because it's delicious, and a decent price.

Of course it is also Natsumi-chan's favorite dish.

It's late enough where all of the other customers are gone. So it's just her and I.

"Yukiychan, are you looking forward to the opening ceremony?"

"Yeah, P-please treat me well."

I can't help but feel uneasy about this.

"You'll be fine. Our class has no bullies, you'll be fine."

Her smile was there trying to get rid of any doubt. But I am Yukiya. . .The one she has always known.

"Have you prepared your uniform yet?"

"Yeah, my mom and dad prepared it."

"Is that so. . ? Don't you think it's primitive? It's weird to have a sailor uniform in this day and age."

"I-I don't know about that."

I shook my head. If I'm honest, I think the outfit is pretty cute. Of course it doesn't mean I wanted to wear it, I didn't think I had to.

"Are you nervous? About going to an unknown school?"

"U-Uh, Yeah. . ."

I'm actually transferring to a school I already know well, but my anxiety is about going to school as a girl.

"I've never transferred to another school. But I'd be pretty stressed not knowing anybody."

She is really worried. I'm so sorry about deceiving you.

"Don't worry though. Because I'll guide you."

"Thank you Natsumi-chan."

After that I brought over her order.

"Itadakimasu."

She broke her chopsticks and dug into her food.

"Mhh. . . As always, It's the best Zenzai."

Her worried expression turned into a bright smile.

Seeing that makes my heart soften. Expressions changing like that makes working here worthwhile.

She suddenly stopped eating, and pointed at my hand.

"Ah, It's the same! Yukiychan does it too- – -"

"Hmm?"

I don't know what she means so I simply tilted my head.

"It's the same. The same habit that Yukiya(♂) has. He often folded his arms while standing and waiting for customers. Always having his fist closed but his pinky out."

I looked down and yeah, that was true. 

. . .Wait. Was Natsumi-chan always looking at me!?

I never even knew that!?

She was staring at me. I could only stand frozen with anticipation.

"You guys really are cousins."

She then laughed in a carefree tone, but I could feel a cold sweat drip down my forehead.

"T-That's right. People often say Yukiya(♂) and I are very similar."

"Is that so? I agree. You are very similar."

She does have a good intuition.

After happily eating she stood up.

"Well, I should probably get home. Oh here."

After that she handed me a 1,000-yen bill.

I took it and gave her, her change.

At that moment, she grabbed my hand and shook it.

"Because I'm going to pick you up for school! Can you do me a favor, and tell Yukiya(♂) to contact me." 

(TN: this may be her also telling Yukiya to tell the male Yukiya to give her her best regards. My translation might be wrong, so take it with a grain of salt.)

She then asked me for a favor.

"Yeah, will do."

Natsumi-chan used to be pretty harsh and sarcastic towards me when I was a boy, but she is very kind to me when now that I'm a girl. 

From the girls point of view, she looks pretty dependable. . . To the extent, she also seems really perceptive and has a good intuition.

Can I really keep up this lie?

I contemplated that as I walked Natsumi-chan's back, as she walked out of the store.

Whether or not I like it. The first day of school is fast approaching.

New chapter, and it's here now. We are getting cool interaction between friends. I really enjoy these types of interactions. I hope we see more of these. And her discovering the truths. I feel like she is already suspicious.

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Chapter end