Dumped by One, Chased by Another? My Ex's Sister Is a Gal and She's Coming for Me - Episode 40

Today, we’re volunteering at a children’s cafeteria.

Since they’re short on help, we were asked to lend a hand.

Our volunteer club exists for the sole purpose of volunteering, but the activities themselves are pretty laid-back.

As the club president, I post requests for volunteers on RINE and ask for participants.

Once I know how many people can join, I inform the organization.

Needless to say, everything we do in the volunteer club is completely optional—there’s no obligation or pressure whatsoever.

Basically, members just join the activities they want to do.

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“Thanks for coming today, big bro!”

“Yeah, thank you for being here too.”

“No worries! I’ve always wanted to try volunteering, you know?”

“Well, I’m glad to hear that.”

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Volunteering is something you do because you want to.

Sure, there’s an element of social contribution and doing good, but it should never be something you’re forced into.

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“By the way…”

“Yeah?”

“What is a children’s cafeteria, exactly?”

“Ah, right. Let’s start from there.”

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A children’s cafeteria is a place where kids can come and eat either for free or for a very low cost, even if they’re on their own.

Its purposes include providing meals for children who may be hungry and addressing the issue of kids eating alone, especially in dual-income households.

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“So basically, we’re cooking meals for kids, right?”

“Yeah, that’s one way to put it.”

“Sounds kind of tough, though.”

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“Wait, are Marco and Honoka also part of the volunteer club?”

“Oh? Surprised?”

“N-not exactly…”

“It’s okay, Haruki-chan, you can be honest. He doesn’t look like the volunteering type, right?”

“Hey, that’s harsh! She didn’t say that! You’re just being rude!”

“Well, I mean, it is true…”

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To be fair, he’s so jacked that sometimes he makes kids cry, so having him serve food might not be the best idea…

Still, we’re doing this regardless.

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“Anyway, let’s head inside the cafeteria.”

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Marco, Honoka, and I—there’s something we purposely didn’t mention just now.

Maybe Haruki’s already figured it out and just hasn’t said anything, but we’re not the only members of the volunteer club.

Fuyumi is also part of it.

But honestly, there’s no need to bring that up anymore.

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“Oh my, Akishima-kun! Welcome! I’m so glad you came!”

“Hello, Ms. Oe.”

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Ms. Oe, the representative of the children’s cafeteria, gives me a few hearty slaps on the shoulder. She’s always a bit… physically expressive, but I’m used to it.

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“Let’s see now… Akishima-kun and Marco, you two can help out in the kitchen. Honoka-chan and—oh, who’s this lovely young lady?”

“Nice to meet you, I’m Ayase Haruki. I’m here today thanks to my connection with Akishima-san. I look forward to helping out.”

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She bows politely.

Seeing Haruki—with her gyaru appearance—behaving so respectfully surprises everyone a little.

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“Oh my, oh my, what a sweetheart! I already adore you!”

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Ms. Oe chuckles warmly, her round figure shaking with laughter. It seems she’s taken a liking to Haruki too.

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“Once again, nice to meet you all. I’m Oe, the representative of this children’s cafeteria.”

“Yes, thank you for having us!”

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Before the kids arrive, we all help with the cooking—volunteers and staff alike.

Today’s menu is curry.

It’s a kid-friendly, sweet curry—more like hayashi rice in taste, really.

As always, it starts with chopping up the ingredients, which is one of the most important steps.

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“Curry, huh? That’s a pretty standard choice.”

“It’s also part of teaching kids about food.”

“True… Still, it’s a lot of work.”

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The size of children’s cafeterias varies, but this one can handle about fifty people.

So, we have to prepare meals for fifty.

You might assume kids eat less, but don’t be fooled.

They often eat more than the average adult.

Which means just peeling and chopping the onions, carrots, and potatoes is a serious chore.

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“Ughh, my eyes! They’re stinging!”

“You okay? Want me to take over?”

“No, no, I’m fine! I can do it!”

“If you say so… Is there anything else I can help with?”

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Even I’m holding back tears while cutting the onions.

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“Um, could you just… not look at me right now?”

“Huh?”

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What did I do? Did I upset her somehow?

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“It’s just, um… my makeup’s probably running from the tears, so… please don’t look too closely…”

“Oh… I see.”

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My face started to feel hot.

It wasn’t that she hated me—thank God.

But also… what is this adorable creature?

I was overwhelmed with too many feelings at once.

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“Hey, Kengorou, you crying over there? You sure you’re okay? Want me to switch?”

“No, I’m fine. Marco, just focus on peeling your own potatoes.”

“Man, harsh much?”

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Marco shouts while peeling potatoes.

Honoka, who was peeling carrots, bursts out laughing too.

The four of us end up cracking up together.