Source
https://kakuyomu.jp/works/2912051598917319858
After my last class of the day ended, I stayed behind in the classroom alone to keep looking into things.
I’m searching for part-time job listings. There are so many that I can’t narrow it down at all, and I couldn’t focus on class at all today because of it.
My immediate goal is to set up a space in my room where I can play video games.
I thought a monitor would be the bare minimum, but as I’ve been looking into it, I’ve started wanting things like a proper desk chair and a computer…
Obviously, I can’t afford to buy everything all at once, but it’s always better to have some money saved up.
I should just go ahead and start a part-time job while I’m still motivated.
Also, to avoid another embarrassing situation like the one the other day…!
“Tutoring instructor… restaurant…”
I muttered under my breath as I scanned the job listings.
In terms of hourly pay, being a tutoring instructor isn’t bad. It’s a classic choice, and since shifts are mostly in the evenings, it’s easy to balance with college. My only concern is that when you factor in prep time, the effective hourly wage might end up being lower.
Part-time jobs at restaurants are also a classic choice, and since every place seems to be short-staffed, I should be able to get a steady schedule. The problem is that they look insanely busy.
Both are standard part-time jobs for college students—the most classic of the classics—and working at either one would be just like me.
I do think that, but there’s a reason I can’t quite make up my mind.
—Is that really okay?
That’s right—I’ve decided to shatter the definition of “normal” that I’ve arbitrarily created in my own mind.
When I revealed at college that I was Ellis’s childhood friend, I thought that would shatter my idea of “normal.”
But in reality, there was a bit of a stir, people asked a few questions, and then it gradually blended into my daily life in a new way.
So, wouldn’t it be the same with a part-time job?
It’s not that being a cram school instructor or working in a restaurant is bad.
It’s just that choosing one simply because it seems like what a “normal” college student would do felt a little off to me, and I couldn’t bring myself to make a decision.
“What are you up to?”
As I was racking my brain, a voice came from beside me.
I looked up to find Shino standing there—I hadn’t even noticed when she’d appeared.
“Looking for a part-time job.”
“Oh, really? Excuse me for a sec. Can I take a look too?”
Shino tucked her long hair behind her ear and peered unabashedly at my phone screen.
The moment I saw that gesture, an image of Shino from the other day at the aquarium—tossing her wet hair back—flew through my mind for just a second.
She’d been splashed by a dolphin, and her hair and shirt were soaked.
And yet, there was Shino’s profile, smiling without a care in the world.
“……Rintaro?”
“Oh, no. It’s nothing.”
“Hmm?”
Shino narrowed her eyes slightly, but didn’t press the issue; she simply lowered her gaze to the screen.
“A cram school instructor or someone in the food service industry… Yeah, that sounds just like you, Rintaro.”
“The old me would’ve settled on one of those two by now, but—”
“You’re still undecided, huh?”
Shino had a gentle smile on her face.
Like a parent bird watching over a fledgling.
“Hehe, that’s great of you, Rintaro. You’re really trying to change yourself.”
“Well, I guess so.”
“In that case, I’ve got a good idea.”
“—What’s the catch?”
“Oh, that’s mean. I’ll teach you this much for free.”
That actually sounds kind of scary.
Perhaps sensing my skepticism, Shino furrowed her brow as if sulking.
“You’re overcomplicating things to begin with. Rintaro, is there anything you want right now?”
“A gaming monitor, maybe, or some futsal shoes… and I’m thinking I’d like some money to get my driver’s license, too.”
“Then why not separate them? One part-time job to make money, and another to broaden your horizons, Rintaro. There’s no rule saying you can’t work two jobs at once.”
“…………!”
Shino was right. It seemed I’d been overcomplicating things.
Earning money and doing something that helps me grow.
I didn’t have to try to balance both in the same place from the start.
“Well, I’m not saying you should juggle both from the start. I’m just saying that if you just want money, you should pick the job that’s easiest to make money at, and look for something else to do the things Rintaro wants to try.”
Shino took her eyes off her phone screen and looked out the classroom window.
“College students really do have freedom, don’t they? Classes, socializing—everything. So I don’t think you have to try to hit the jackpot right from the start.”
“……I see.”
“I don’t plan on doing a regular part-time job either.”
“Oh, really? So what are you going to do, Shino?”
“I’m thinking of applying for some long-term internships that a senior in my club introduced me to. One’s at a publishing startup, and the other’s at an online advertising agency.”
“O-oh…”
Shino really is so responsible.
The phrase “long-term internship” hadn’t even crossed my mind from the start.
“That’s so totally Shino. And I honestly think it’s impressive.”
“Hehe, I knew it~! I’m aiming to be a high-flying career woman, you know~. And I’m going to enjoy a glamorous life.”
“You’re so full of ambition…”
That said, I guess I should take a cue from Shino.
Shino decides for herself exactly what she wants and the path she’ll take to get it.
She doesn’t sit around like me, staring at job listings and dithering over whether they seem “normal” or not.
“So? Was that helpful?”
“Yeah, it was super helpful. Thanks as always.”
“No need to thank me. If this helps Rintaro succeed, I’ll use it as one of the stories for my college achievements. Like, ‘Through helping others with their problems, I’ve developed the ability to figure out what’s best for them—’ or something like that.”
Shino laughed heartily, adding, “Just kidding, though,” before pointing at my phone.
“So, go ahead and apply for this part-time job right away. Then, use your free time and money to look for a part-time job you’d like to try out.”
“That’s actually a pretty good idea…”
It clicked more naturally than I’d expected.
Since becoming a college student, I’ve had more time and money to spend on all sorts of things.
It’s fine to use them for things like travel or going out…
—But what is it that I really want to do, having spent all this time just blending in with everyone else?
I began to think that spending time figuring that out might actually be quite meaningful and appealing.
“If there’s anywhere you’re hesitant to go alone, just let me know. I’ll go with you.”
“…I appreciate it, but why are you going out of your way to help me like this?”
When I asked that, Shino fell silent for just a moment.
If it were any other time, she would’ve teased me about a “consultation fee” or “owing me one.” But Shino didn’t laugh.
“It’s because I want to help you, Rintaro.”
Her voice was much more sincere than I’d expected, and I found myself at a loss for words, not knowing how to respond.
“…Does that not count as a reason?”
She tilted her head as if joking, but she didn’t look away.
I understand the reason—I really do—but what I want to know goes beyond that.
—Why do you want to help me?
The words that had risen to the back of my throat got stuck right at the last moment and wouldn’t come out.
Because I was afraid to hear the answer.
Seeing me frozen in shock, Shino flashed her usual boyish, cheerful smile and said,
“Well then, we’ve got one reservation for Rintaro-kun’s ‘Self-Discovery Tour’~”
She said it in her usual cheerful tone.
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